July 23, 2014 Volume 46 Number 17
Publication Mail Registration No. 40062527
GAZETTE A M E M O R I A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W F O U N D L A N D P U B L I C AT I O N
p4
Untold story An alumna reveals her connection to Memorial and the Newfoundland Regiment.
p6
p10
Real relief
School’s in The business faculty hosts a Chinese contingent for a summertime cultural exchange.
A recent investment will provide critical emergency preparedness training in N.L.
Writer in (permanent) residence By Janet Harron
FACEFORWARD CULTURE, HERITAGE, CREATIVE ARTS
Everyone has a story.
And those who
choose to study creative writing have a powerful desire to tell their own stories. So powerful, in fact, that desire creates its own energy. That’s according to Memorial’s new assistant professor of creative writing, Lisa Moore. And as one of Canada’s preeminent novelists, she ought to know. “That energy is exciting to be around. It’s mega-watts of power,” said the internationally celebrated novelist and short story writer. “A creative writing class is sort of like a hydroelectric plant — the Muskrat Falls of the imagination.” “I’m very excited about Lisa’s appointment,” said Dr. Larry Mathews, director of the creative writing program and considered by Ms. Moore to be the best writing teaching she has ever had. “She’ll be the standard-bearer for our graduate program in creative writing. This is an especially sweet moment for me, since Lisa was a member of the first creative writing class that I taught, back in the fall of 1985. “It’s been amazing to watch Lisa’s career develop over the last three decades, and I couldn’t be happier that dave Howells PHOTO
she has decided to accept this position,” continued Dr. Matthews. “Her charisma and reputation will make our program a magnet for talented creative writing students from across the country, and beyond. And of course, to fulfil the research component of her responsibilities,
Celebrated novelist Lisa Moore is now an assistant professor of creative writing at Memorial.
she’ll continue to write her own brilliant fiction.”
See WRITER on page 4
Multimillion dollar investment to overcome challenges in oil and gas sector By Krista Davidson
gas sector, particularly in harsh offshore environments.
“This is an important time in our history,” said Dr.
These Memorial University projects aim to improve
Gosine. “Opportunities for our province continue to
safety, environmental protection, efficiency and asset
grow in the offshore petroleum sector. There are still
of $2.3 million invest-
integrity associated with challenging oil and gas proj-
many challenges related to harsh and Arctic environ-
ment in 17 Memorial-led R&D projects was made on the
ects, both in Newfoundland and Labrador and around
ments, however, that must be addressed.
St. John’s campus July 8. The projects will address op-
the world.
An announcement
portunities and challenges related to harsh and Arctic environments.
“Memorial University’s researchers are positioned,
RDC’s investment in 17 projects is $2.3 million and
both geographically and academically, to undertake
will leverage an additional $4.4 million from other
research to address these opportunities and challenges and support the development of our natural resources
The news conference was hosted by Dr. Ray Gosine,
funding sources, for a total project value of $6.7 million.
associate vice-president (research). He was joined by
Twelve of the R&D projects are being carried out in
Susan Sullivan, minister, Innovation, Business and Ru-
collaboration with industry partners or other research-
Memorial’s Dr. Christina Bottaro is one of the re-
ral Development, minister responsible for the Research
ers. Five projects are aimed at attracting highly qualified
searchers benefitting from the funding who attended
& Development Corporation (RDC), and minister re-
researchers and building new R&D capacity in areas rel-
the event. She discussed her current project, which fo-
sponsible for Francophone Affairs, and Glenn Janes,
evant to the Newfoundland and Labrador economy.
cuses on the development of a sensor technology design
chief executive officer, RDC.
The investment also builds capacity at Memorial Uni-
The Research & Development Corporation is invest-
versity through the purchase of specialized equipment,
ing more than $2 million in academic-led R&D projects
the training of students and attraction and retention of
that help overcome technical challenges in the oil and
highly qualified researchers.
and our province.”
for rapid detection of contaminants in remote and harsh environments. For a list of projects and project descriptions, visit www.mun.ca/research .
‘Time of renewal’ By Michelle Osmond
Memorial University has appointed a new director
community. I look forward to working on campus and in
of varsity athletics.
the community to create an environment of excellence
A Memorial alumna, Dr. Karen Murphy is no stranger
where student-athletes can find success in their sports,
to varsity sport. From 1996-2000 Dr. Murphy was head coach of Memorial’s women’s volleyball team and still
Dr. Murphy’s qualifications also include graduation
serves as an assistant coach and a sport psychology
from the National Coaching Institute, level 4 National
consultant to the Sea-Hawks team.
Coaching Certification, head coach for Canada Games
Dr. Murphy graduated with a bachelor of arts from
and provincial team programs, serving as a sport
Memorial in 1995 before going on to the University of
psychology consultant for the Newfoundland and
North Carolina at Greensboro to complete a master of
Labrador Volleyball Association and she is a member
science (kinesiology) in 2003. She also has a doctoral
of the Newfoundland and Labrador Volleyball elite
degree in kinesiology with a specialization in sport
development committee.
psychology, including advanced courses in exercise
Dr. Murphy has received several coaching recognition
physiology, nutrition, strength and energy system
awards, including the Reg Soper Memorial Award from
training, and sport program development, also from the
the Newfoundland and Labrador Volleyball Association
University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
for dedication and outstanding work in the sport,
“Dr. Murphy has the perfect background for this job
Memorial University’s Dr. J.D. Eaton Coach of the
and her connections to Memorial and to our varsity
Year Award for the women’s volleyball coaching staff
athletics programs means she’s already invested,” said
in 2012-2013 and the 3M Atlantic University Athletic
Dr. Heather Carnahan, dean, School of Human Kinetics
Association Female Coach of the Year recognizing
and Recreation, the home of Memorial’s varsity athletics
excellence in coaching.
programs. “She understands the different aspects of
Since 2011 Dr. Murphy has been the manager of
sport and I think this kind of diverse knowledge will
the Janeway Pediatric Research Unit in the Faculty
bring the varsity program to a new level of success.”
of Medicine. Before that, she spent three years as a
“This is an exciting time of renewal for Sea-Hawks
research co-ordinator with the eHealth Research Unit
sport,” said Dr. Murphy. “Athletics makes an important
of the Faculty of Medicine. She starts her new position
contribution to Memorial and is a source of pride for the
on July 15.
chris hammond PHOTO
excel in the classroom and emerge as leaders.”
Dr. Karen Murphy
GAZETTE A M E M O R I A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W F O U N D L A N D P U B L I C AT I O N
your next project By Amy Tucker Special to the Gazette Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its most significant jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial
amy tucker photo
The Town of Nain’s power plant is pictured in the top right corner.
to ask for research help. With hundreds of community-suggested opportunities to choose from, your next project is just a click away. Here’s one …
“These other forms would need to be reliable and co-
The opportunity:
ordinated, and provide steady and affordable power for
Sustainable and renewal energy is top-of-mind for
Nain,” she added.
most communities, and that is particularly true for areas that depend on turbines fuelled by diesel oil as
The project:
their main energy source. Such is the case for Nain,
There are challenges to providing renewable energy for
the northernmost community in the province. With
Nain and other communities in Nunatsiavut, including
a steady population of around 1,200 people, diesel
its cold climate, the nearby ocean being frozen for most
turbines are an expensive source of energy, and not as
of the year and its isolated location, accessible only by
environmentally sustainable as other renewable options.
sea or air. These factors also make it challenging for
Nalcor has recently erected a wind turbine on the
communities on the coast to work together; however,
outskirts of the community.
residents are hoping there may be more ways to do so.
“The wind turbine started last fall,” said Dasi
The Town of Nain is looking for someone from
Ikkusek, Nain’s town manager. “While it isn’t currently
Memorial to study power generation options for the
generating any electricity, it is being monitored to see
community, and make recommendations on the best
if wind energy is an option for us. However, if it is
way forward to implement sustainably generated
an option, it is unlikely that wind alone will provide
electricity. Ultimately, the focus is to replace the current
sufficient power to replace the oil-fired turbine.”
non-renewable power plant.
Ms. Ikkusek would like to see the town, other levels of government and industry work together to develop
Interested in learning more about this project? The Harris Centre’s
more renewable and cost effective forms of energy for
co-ordinator of knowledge mobilization would be happy to tell you
the town.
more. Call Amy Tucker at 709-864-6115 or email amy.tucker@mun.ca .
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
2
Editor Graphics Mandy Cook Helen Houston Regular Contributors
Laura Barron Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Paula Dyke Kelly Foss Elizabeth Furey Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Jeff Green Janet Harron Jill Hunt Diane Keough Jackey Locke Virginia Middleton Classified Advertising Kelly Hickey
Cathy Newhook Naomi Osborne Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Melissa Watton Meaghan Whelan Susan White-MacPherson Heidi Wicks Laura Woodford Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey
Photography Chris Hammond
Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709 864 2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline Aug. 6 for Aug. 13 publication. The Gazette is published 17 times annually by the Division of Marketing and Communications at Memorial University. Material in the Gazette may be reprinted or broadcast without permission, excepting materials for which the Gazette does not hold exclusive copyright. Gazette, Room A-1024 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 Telephone: 709 864 2142 Fax: 709 864 8699 Email: mandyc@mun.ca ISSN 0228-88 77 With the exception of advertisements from Memorial University, ads carried in the Gazette do not imply recommendation by the university for the service or product.
www.mun.ca/gazette
‘Innovate, collaborate and achieve’ New CIO focused on transforming information practices By Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey
Evolution of the Reid Theatre By Janet Harron
When Memorial
Memorial
commenced recruitment
University
is
poised
to
make
for its first chief information officer (CIO), the search
recommendations on the future of the Reid Theatre
committee had a clear vision.
and is asking for community feedback.
Committee members were looking for someone who
“The Reid has always been a gathering place for the
could significantly impact the culture of information,
Memorial and St. John’s community,” said Dr. Jamie
security, privacy and technological advancement within
Skidmore, a faculty member in the Department of
the university. They were also looking for someone to
English and a key member of the committee.
lead information strategy to enable academic, research,
“Through our consultations, we want to figure out
teaching and administrative functions.
how we can continue to strengthen our links to both our students and our town. We’re all in agreement that we want the Reid to be the crown jewel of
the vision, strategy and long-term implementation
Memorial, where we can go to learn, to create art and
approach to transform information practices across the
to engage with one another. We want to make sure
university. “Universities are stewards of large amounts of personal,
confidential
and
sensitive
data — both
academic and administrative,” explained Ms. Smith. “In such an environment, I see my role as a collaborator and a broker across all disciplines and mandates. I want to bring people and technologies together in ways that
chris hammond PHOTO
On June 24 Shelley Smith became Memorial University’s first CIO. She is tasked with setting
that the Reid continues to be a wonderful classroom and performance space, and we’d like the advice of our community in deciding how best to make this happen.” The Reid Theatre opened in 1961 in the Arts and Administration building on the St. John’s campus.
Shelley Smith
Over the course of its history, the theatre has
enable them to innovate, collaborate and achieve their
hosted a diverse range of performances and events,
mandates, and to do so through an efficient, effective
personal and professional data, and creating liabilities
including local theatre, music and drama festivals,
and integrated use of resources.”
for individuals and organizations.
film screenings, artistic celebrations and awards
Ms. Smith is a Memorial alumna of sociology/
Although still in the early days of the role, Ms. Smith’s
presentations, orchestra and opera workshops, and
anthropology and history and she has had a career
immediate goals are guided by Memorial’s frameworks
cultural galas. It was closed in 2012 due to health and
spanning nearly three decades in the public sector.
and the community of students, faculty and staff across
safety concerns.
Immediately prior to coming to Memorial, she was
the institution.
Following the consultations the committee will
executive director of corporate and information
“I am excited to be part of Memorial’s renewed and
report on the design, budget and specifications of a
management services at the Office of the Chief
strong commitment to teaching and learning, research,
new and improved Reid Theatre which will become,
Information
of
public engagement and to growing enrolment, especially
once again, a valuable cultural resource for the people
Newfoundland and Labrador. She brings a wealth
Officer
with
the
Government
in graduate studies. I want to ensure that through the
of St. John’s and the province of Newfoundland and
of knowledge and experience and a particular focus
mandate of the office of Memorial’s CIO, I can promote
Labrador.
on information management policy, practice and
and support an environment that enables students and
The first consultation took place Tuesday, July 22, at
awareness to improve efficiency across organizations.
faculty to generate knowledge and contribute to it in
The Rocket Room, 272 Water St.; the second will take
Ms. Smith recognizes one of the greatest challenges
ways that benefit the university, and the community
place Wednesday, July 23, at 3 p.m. in room 1046 of
ahead undoubtedly is the pace of technology change,
as a whole. I also want to ensure that administrative
the Arts and Administration building.
combined with what she referred to as the “nexus of
systems and processes which support the university
Please visit www.mun.ca/reidtheatre for further
forces” created by mobility, the Cloud and the explosion
are maximized through the use of technology and
details and to complete a survey on the future of the
of information in all forms and in all places, blurring
information management best practice.”
Reid Theatre.
The flip side of the coin Taking summer
courses is not a fun thing
Another benefit that is often overlooked is that of
to do. I have gone through the experience for two of
establishing and maintaining a rhythm by not taking
my three years at Memorial and can confirm that the
STUDENTVIEW
above statement is largely true. There are a thousand
Darlington Mandondo
summer off. The “hangover” effect from a long summer sabbatical becomes apparent when students ease
things you would probably rather be doing instead of
themselves back into the school cycle come September.
attending classes in the summer. Spending time with
Unfortunately, in the 15-week semester, you are thrown
family and friends, working a summer job to ensure you are financially comfortable for the upcoming school year or relaxing and enjoying the sun while it lasts.
into the deep end from the word go. Sluggish perforIt is probably wise to take on “easier” courses, possibly
mance for the initial two or three weeks will put you on
electives, in the summer semester. This allows you to
the back foot and you will be engaging your prof in a
However, amid all these disadvantages there are com-
devote more time to more demanding core courses in
game of catchup for the rest of the semester. More often
pelling reasons to taking summer school courses that
the subsequent fall and winter semesters, as well as even
than not the student is an overwhelming underdog in
most students are not immediately aware of. After all,
out the amount of work you have to handle throughout
this game.
it is human nature to be risk averse; hence, not many
the academic year. I feel that distribution of workload
This piece concentrates on the possible benefits of
people find it worthwhile to give up their long awaited
for students is particularly paramount. Likewise, other
summer school with the intention of highlighting
summer break in order to venture into an endeavor, the
people may find it worthwhile to get that one difficult
a different perspective as so much has been said to
benefits of which are anything but guaranteed. It is not a
course out of the way without the distraction of other
ridicule the idea of even contemplating setting foot on a
secret that a lot of students are keen to go through their
courses during the summer. Whichever way you look at
university campus during your break. Food for thought,
programs of study quickly and leave behind the has-
it, the underlying principle of distributing the workload
perhaps?
sles that accompany a university lifestyle. Taking a few
still prevails. If I had to pick out a single factor that I
classes in the summer effectively cuts down the duration
could change to enhance my performance, I would cer-
Darlington Mandondo is a third-year student in the
of most academic programs. This allows students to grad-
tainly spread out my annual course load (unfortunately,
bachelor of commerce program at Memorial. He can be
uate earlier and take on new challenges in life.
my program is heavily structured).
reached at dnm355@mun.ca.
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
3
www.mun.ca/gazette
A life inspired by sacrifice he and my mother were committed to public service and charitable causes. I’ve designated a gift to Memorial
By David Penney
in memory of my parents, to support a scholarship for
FACEFORWARD CULTURE, HERITAGE, CREATIVE ARTS
a student of Innu or Inuit heritage, which reflects my father’s interest in Labrador and my own interest in
Dr. Margot
Duley’s story with Memorial
indigenous cultures.”
University begins in the trenches and on the battlefields
Each year a Legacy Tea event is held at Memorial to
of the First World War.
celebrate and thank those individuals like Dr. Duley
On Jan. 22, 1915, Cyril Duley, the man who would
who have made a planned gift to Memorial.
become her father, answered the call to serve in the
Earlier this year, Bert Riggs, head, Archives and
Newfoundland Regiment.
Special Collections, Queen Elizabeth II Library, gave
A chance administrative assignment as a newly
a special presentation at the event about some of the
minted second lieutenant kept him away from the
untold stories of the Newfoundland Regiment. In doing
front line on that fateful morning of July 1, 1916, at
so, he told the story of Cyril Duley.
Beaumont Hamel, but he had the grim task of burying
“Margot Duley’s connection to this university is
the dead, friends and comrades, the next day. Later that
quite remarkable,” said Mr. Riggs. “This institution is
fall, he sustained multiple wounds in fighting at the
a living Memorial to both her father and uncle, one a
French village of Les Boeufs — one just a half-inch from
survivor of the war and the other killed in action. Her
his heart. Those injuries ended his active service on the
aunt Margaret is one of Newfoundland’s first great nov-
Front but he continued in uniform in support roles; he
elists and a Parks Canada historic plaque to her mem-
was promoted to captain and was named a member of
ory is attached right outside the entrance of the QEII
the Order of the British Empire.
library. The university has also been a great resource
Following a return to civilian and business life, Cyril
for her research, in particular for the book she pub-
Duley married Florence Pitcher of St. John’s in 1941. A
lished in the ’90s on the history of women’s suffrage in
few years later they welcomed a daughter, Margot Iris Duley, to their lives.
Newfoundland and also her more recent work. And she
Dr. Margot Duley
is also engaged as an alumna and a donor to Memorial.”
Although she was always aware of her father’s service
In telling Mr. Duley’s story, Mr. Riggs referenced a let-
in the regiment, Dr. Duley recalls a particular moment
ter sent from a French hospital in 1916 while Mr. Duley
as a student at Memorial when the weight of her family history stood out for her.
After a successful academic career, Dr. Duley retired
recovered from his wounds. To his friend Captain Hugh
in 2009 as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and
Anderson, Mr. Duley ends his correspondence by say-
“My freshman year coincided with the opening of the
Sciences and professor of history at the University of
ing, “I had a pretty narrow squeak another ½ inch &
campus on Elizabeth Avenue,” she said. “Around that
Illinois at Springfield. A theme that emerges from a dis-
one piece [of shrapnel] would have gone thru the heart
same time I recall seeing the name of my uncle Lionel
cussion of Dr. Duley’s life is the influence of her family’s
instead of stopping between my chest bones — However,
in the Book of Remembrance that sits in the foyer of
history of public service.
a miss is as good as a mile.”
the Arts building. He was my father’s youngest brother
“My father carried on his life after the war in a spirit
“Those are prophetic words,” said Mr. Riggs,
and was killed just weeks before the end of the war. Of
of idealism,” she said. “He never let the pain of his inju-
“from a man recognized for his outstanding abil-
course I knew about him and his story, but that made it
ries slow him down, and believed very strongly in an
ity and resourcefulness, and one who had served his
very personal.”
obligation to improve the country he fought for. Both
country well.”
Cont’d from writer on page 1 Dr. Lynne Phillips, dean, Faculty of Arts, says she couldn’t agree more.
NOTABLE writers — everybody talks about what they are reading, who are the wildest writers out there, who is funny,
New appointments to the board of the Research &
“We are so fortunate to have Lisa Moore join us this
who is forging the new, who is writing the surprising,
Development Corporation were announced July 17.
year as a permanent member of the Faculty of Arts. Lisa’s
exhilarating, soul-quaking stuff. And of course we talk
Dr. Terry-Lynn Young, professor, Faculty of Medicine,
international reputation, combined with her ability to
about how we can write that sort of stuff ourselves. I
has been re-appointed chair of the board; Fred Cahill,
translate — in such a compelling way — the realities of
love being in that environment.”
Genesis Centre, has been appointed director of the
Newfoundland and Labrador, will surely help raise the
And students love being in that environment with
board (effective Oct. 31, 2014); and Dr. Brian Veitch,
visibility of the program. Students taking this stream
her. Writer Lynette Adams (BA ’11) completed a creative
professor, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science,
now have a rich array of faculty with whom to hone
writing fiction course with Ms. Moore in 2007. As a
will return as a board member.
their writing skills.”
student in Ms. Moore’s class, Ms. Adams says she was
Despite a heavy schedule of writing and promoting her books, Ms. Moore has amassed considerable teaching
impressed with the respect Ms. Moore treated each person’s work.
obituarIES
experience during her career. For the past three years
“Her critical process was one more of curiosity than
she taught online writing courses for the University of
of correction. Rather than saying, ‘You shouldn’t do
British Columbia, while supervising 12 master’s theses.
that,’ it was her style to say, ‘Why do you choose to do it
Norman John Peppin Brown
She also taught at the University of Guelph, the Banff
that way?’ As writers, this approach liberated us to take
Norman John Peppin Brown, founder of Memorial’s
Centre and was Memorial’s writer-in-residence in 2004.
chances, while at the same time challenging us to think
Department of Philosophy, passed away April 19,
critically about our choices.”
2014. He was 91.
When it comes to teaching writing techniques, Ms. Moore says the rules are different for each writer and
Ms. Moore credits creative writing programs for the
for each piece of writing. However, she maintains that
“explosion” of writing across Canada and believes that
Tom Perks
creative writing can be taught and that every writer can
strong communities of writers encourage writing. She
Tom Perks, a retired staff member with Technical
benefit by mastering certain key devices.
says writing is a craft as much as it is an art, and it
Services, passed away July 3, 2014. He was 66.
“There are tools – the infinite number of ways a writer
helps to have a community, especially if it is generous,
can employ point-of-view, for example. Examining
and close-knit, as she says the artistic community in
how point-of-view works in a variety of texts, how it
Newfoundland is, to talk about the secrets of craft, as
can create an emotional distance that the writer can
well as art.
manipulate to her own end, those sorts of conversations can bring a writer closer to articulating her own story. Whatever it is she is burning to tell.”
CORRECTION
“The act of storytelling begets storytelling begets storytelling.”
The Marine Institute as a whole has achieved ISO
For further information on the creative writing
9001:2008 registration, not just MI’s Centre for
Teaching, she says, is inspiring.
program, please visit www.mun.ca/english/Creative
Fisheries Ecosystems Research, as was incorrectly
“It provides the chance to talk about writing with
Writing.php .
stated in the July 2 issue of the Gazette.
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
4
www.mun.ca/gazette
Frameworks at work: Memorial’s frameworks in action The three overarching frameworks guiding Memorial’s future direction — the Research Framework, the Teaching and Learning Framework and the Public Engagement Framework — are the result of several years of consultations with the university community and the people and organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador. This regular feature will help showcase the frameworks in action by sharing projects and highlighting the successes that are bringing them to life.
public engagement QEII Library shines as cultural and community hub By Cathy Newhook and Kristine Power
Picture
a library — hushed, still and filled with
studious minds exploring and absorbing all the information
their
post-secondary
education
has
bestowed upon them. Now imagine the captivating sounds of spoken word, poetry, a dozen giggling preschoolers and dazzling dancers performing the This past spring, the Queen Elizabeth II Library’s (QEII) innovative Check It Out! Celebrating Culture series brought the library to life by bringing together an interdisciplinary mashup of spoken word, dance, poetry and storytelling all in the pursuit of inventive teaching and learning strategies and community collaboration. Check It Out! at the QEII began as a pilot project backed
submitted PHOTO
ABCs.
The Idealicious dancers, Andrea Tucker (in front) and Calla Lachance, entertain and educate a captivated crowd at the QEII Library.
by a group of librarians and library administrators who wanted to challenge the preconceived notion of what a
professor of education and students training to become
“Usually libraries are where researchers begin their
modern academic library is and what it does, as well as
teachers. In total, there were more than 60 people in
work,” she said. “We wanted to host a celebration in the
remind people about its relevant and timeless resources.
attendance.
library, which is an ideal location to showcase the prod-
“Check It Out! was conceived as a way to highlight
“Thanks to the Quick Start Fund we were able
ucts of those research efforts. As well, by including
our unique materials and expertise,” said Jeannie Bail,
to publicize our event to the wider community, as
different partners, we were able to highlight in a very
information services librarian, QEII Library, and a
well as pay honorariums to the local dance artists
tangible and exciting way, the different perspectives
member of the Check It Out! organizing team.
who contributed their time and vision to the event,”
and expertise each partner brings to the process.”
“Keeping in mind Memorial’s Engagement Framework,
said Colleen Quigley, librarian responsible for the
Ms. Quigley says Check It Out! is about exploring
the element of performance is important, as we want to
Performing Arts Collection, Archives and Special
interdisciplinary expertise, drawing on participants’
expose our users to the notion that libraries aren’t just
Collections. “For most people the library is a place for
strengths
repositories for books, they also function as cultural
study, dialogue and contemplation. It is also where
connect the libraries’ collections, archival materials
and community hubs in society.”
unexpected intersections happen and we wanted to
and resources with the communities they are about and
highlight that particular magic.”
for which they exist to serve.
With a little help from Memorial’s Quick Start Fund for Public Engagement, the most recent installment of
university
relationships
that
librarian,
“We hope the result will be new and inspired ways of thinking about culture, history, art, research and
ABCs of Learning — included the Idealicious dancers,
initiatives within Memorial’s libraries, says working
learning.”
a group of attentive preschoolers from Memorial’s
with academic and community partners was a primary
Childcare Centre, a poet, an education librarian, a
goal of the program.
A faculty
associate
lasting
Grenfell Campus, and lead on library public engagement
By Naomi Osborne
McGillis,
making
the Check It Out! series — Poetry and Performance: The
Aquaculture enthusiast claims prestigious award
Louise
and
Association of Canada (AAC) Lifetime Achievement
to receive the award.
Award at the organization’s annual conference last
“The support and collaboration I have experienced
month. He was honoured with the award for recogni-
at the Marine Institute and Memorial over the past
tion of his contributions in education, training, research
20 years has been instrumental, and in great measure
and development for the Canadian aquaculture sector.
responsible for me being considered for this award,” Mr.
Mr. Couturier was nominated by industry members
Couturier said. “I am extremely appreciative of the ded-
member within the Marine Institute’s
across the country as well as by senior government offi-
ication from the MI employees I’ve had the honour to
(MI) School of Fisheries was recently recognized for
cials and academics. In past years, the AAC Lifetime
work with. My greatest satisfaction in my career so far
his significant accomplishments to the Canadian
Achievement Award has been bestowed to recipients
has been to see students from all segments — junior high
aquaculture sector.
from industry or government development branches,
to PhD — of the sector engaged in rewarding careers in
making Mr. Couturier the first educator and researcher
aquaculture.”
Cyr
Couturier
was
awarded
the
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Aquaculture
5
www.mun.ca/gazette
‘A great decision’ Rural teaching site engages medical students and trainees By Sharon Gray
Twillingate, N.L.,
is
well-
known for its scenic beauty, especially the icebergs that crowd the harbour this time of year and draw tourists. What is not so well-known is that the community’s Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre is a model rural teaching site for Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine. Medical students and postgraduate HSIMS photo
trainees (residents) move to Twillingate to learn about rural medicine; some residents spend up to a year in the community as part of their training. (See related story on page 8.)
Dr. Mohamed Ravalia in Twillingate, N.L.
Under senior physician Dr. Mohamed Ravalia, the four doctors on staff are all
coverage is all part of Dr. Keough’s life.
earned their MD at Memorial in 2009
Memorial graduates. Dr. Rav, as he is
He is also a teacher for medical students
and settled in Twillingate after their
new
known around the hospital, is engaging
and residents. He says he loves the
family medicine residency.
Twillingate, we still need to find a
and fully committed to Twillingate and
teaching and that the students get to do
“After three decades, our hospital is
way to attract doctors to more isolated
to rural medical education.
a lot of procedures that they wouldn’t
now fully staffed with doctors trained
communities like Fogo Island, which
get to do in an urban setting.
at Memorial,” said Dr. Ravalia, who is
depend heavily on international medical
also assistant dean for the Faculty of
graduates who do not stay long in the
Medicine’s
community.”
Originally
from
Zimbabwe,
Dr.
Ravalia moved to Newfoundland following postgraduate training in the United
“After four years here, I know I’ve made a great decision.”
Rural
Medical
Education
“While we’ve succeeded in attracting graduates
from
Memorial
to
Kingdom and settled in the small rural
Dr. Colin Newman, who grew up in
Network. “This is a great example of the
Mr. Shea says Dr. Ravalia has worked
community 30 years ago. He’s created a
Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L., is another
success of the medical school’s program,
tirelessly for 30 years to bring Memorial’s
warm and inviting educational environ-
Memorial graduate who has settled in
which encourages medical students and
medical
ment, and Twillingate is a favourite place
Twillingate. He finished his family med-
family medicine residents to do much
Twillingate and to give them a positive
for rural electives.
icine residency in 2012 and has worked
of their training in rural communi-
experience.
at the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health
ties and then set up practice in rural
Centre ever since.
Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Dr. Mike Keough, who earned his MD at Memorial in 2008 and finished his family medicine residency in 2010, has been working in Twillingate ever since. “I was here as a resident and loved the community — Dr. Ravalia is a great preceptor and creates a comfortable, sup-
students
and
residents
to
“He understands the challenges of rural health — right now we have the
“The work is challenging, but we all
Victor Shea, director of health services,
oldest demographic in a province that
feel like we are using all our skills. It can
Central Health, for the Isles of Notre
has the highest aging population and
be daunting at times, but it is a huge
Dame, says one of the reasons he enjoys
the highest rate of diabetes. People
learning experience,” he said.
his job is that Twillingate is a teaching
need consistency in their health-care
As well as Drs. Keough and Newman,
centre. He notes that Central Health and
providers — we’ve been able to do that
the other two physicians on staff are also
Memorial University work together to
at the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health
includes
graduates of Memorial — Drs. Andrew
provide accommodations and facilities
Centre and now it’s time to extend that
outpatient clinics and emergency room
Hunt and Jason Mackey, who both
for medical students and residents.
success to other rural communities.”
portive environment,” he said. A
diverse
practice
that
MI receives funding for mobile burn unit announcement. The unit will be based
By Naomi Osborne
at MI’s Safety and Emergency Response
With the help
of a recent
Training (SERT) Centre in Stephenville,
Memorial’s
N.L., and will provide training to work-
Marine Institute (MI) is on the leading
ers in industrial sectors for situations
edge of industry training and research
that reflect real-life emergency scenarios.
announcement,
technology.
This investment will also support the
More than $463,000 through the
design of a new command and helideck
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s
simulator at MI’s Offshore Safety and
(ACOA) Business Development Program
Survival Centre (OSSC) in Foxtrap,
will support two MI initiatives for emer-
N.L. This technology will increase the
gency response training.
institute’s ability to provide critical
The announcement was made by Rob
Moore,
regional
minister
for
Newfoundland and Labrador and minister of state (ACOA), at MI’s Ridge Road campus on July 10.
ACOA photo
funding
From left are Rob Moore, Craig Harnum and Glenn Blackwood in front of the Mobile Live Fire Training Unit.
emergency preparedness training to industry that is not currently offered in the province. The funding will enable MI to continue
oil and gas, energy and mining.
to provide industry required training to
“The
Marine
Institute
funding assistance to provide unique appreci-
and
innovative
fire
safety
training
Participants and spectators watched
companies and employees operating in
ates the ongoing commitment of the
equipment,” said Glenn Blackwood,
the live demonstration of a new Mobile
Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine-
Government of Canada to ensure safety
vice-president,
Live Fire Training Unit as part of the
and land-based resource sectors, such as
in resource industries through this
(Marine Institute).
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
6
Memorial
University
www.mun.ca/gazette
Don Ricker photo
Passion for cycling pays off
Jordan Baird is pictured competing in the Memramcook Road Race in New Brunswick. By Michelle Osmond
A School
time of 2:47:01, as well as an overall event win by 13
dedication, passion and all the hard work both my par-
seconds.
ents have put into my training and racing. My dad is
of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Mr. Baird has been biking for eight years but didn’t
student has won a major cycling event for the third year
begin cycling competitively until 2009. He started out
This summer, Mr. Baird plans to concentrate on
in a row.
in the sport while preparing for that year’s triathlon
his studies but he is still planning on competing in
event in the Canada Summer Games in Prince Edward
provincial races, including a return to Atlantic and
Island.
national racing in the under 23 category next season
Jordan Baird placed first in the 2014 Impact Cycling race — a two-day event that took place in the Humber Valley region on Newfoundland’s west coast at the end of May. On day one, the second-year student in Memorial’s
not only my father but also my coach.”
After that, he became more focused on cycling and
during the semester break. Also, although he won’t be
attended the 2013 Canada Summer Games in Sherbrook,
eligible to compete at the next Canada Games in three
Que.
years, Mr. Baird is currently completing his cycling
bachelor of physical education program won the 15
“Being a full-time student and competing at the
kilometre time trial stage in Steady Brook with a time
national level in the sport of cycling can be very chal-
of 22:48, giving him a 23-second lead over the other 50
lenging,” said Mr. Baird. “As a physical education stu-
registered riders. Day two was an 80 kilometre road race
dent, I’ve learned that managing my time effectively is
in Pasadena, where he finished in the sprint pack with
very important for success in both academics and racing.
a time of 2:24:13. That gave him a combined two-day
“Also I wouldn’t be where I am today without the
coaching certification in the hopes of coaching the team. Mr. Baird’s studies consume a lot of his time, but he still trains five to six days a week, averaging 20 hours. “I have a true passion for cycling and my studies, which makes it all that much easier to pursue.”
Proposed uranium mine creates unique research collaboration River in Northern Saskatchewan to the site of the world’s
By Kelly Foss
Ordinarily
a professor of earth sciences might
“We wanted to learn how Cameco, the multinational
not be expected to have much in common with a
company that operates this mine, manages their explo-
public health physician. But a potential uranium mine
ration in an environmentally-friendly and sustain-
in Labrador is bringing together two very different
able way, while, at the same time, engaging the local
researchers at Memorial.
Aboriginal communities,” said Dr. Sarkar.
Dr. Atanu Sarkar is a public health physician and
During the trip, the pair toured the mine site, located
an assistant professor with the Faculty of Medicine’s
almost 500 metres underground, and dialogued with
Division of Community Health and Humanities. He’s
company executives, Aboriginal leaders, physicians,
currently involved in a project with Dr. Derek Wilton,
government members and researchers at the University
a professor with the Faculty of Science’s Department
of Saskatchewan.
submitted photo
largest high-grade uranium mine.
The MacArthur mine in Northern Saskatchewan. these experiences with the community in Labrador so
of Earth Sciences, to assess potential environmental
“Many mining sites are in Aboriginal areas, includ-
health risks of uranium exploration and possible min-
ing this one in Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Sarkar. “Cameco
In addition to seeing how various members of a com-
ing in central Labrador. They are, in part, examining
has had a positive working relationship with their
munity can co-operate on such a project, Dr. Sarkar says
the environmental effects of an old development at the
local community for a long time. In fact, some of their
the trip was an opportunity to encourage a unique col-
Kitt’s uranium deposit near Makkovik.
Aboriginal employees are second- and third-generation
laboration at the institutional level.
Dr. Sarkar says the two researchers have been col-
workers.
hopefully they can learn from this example.”
“Often researchers at Memorial work in silos with
lecting information on best practices to help all parties
“This facility is a great example of how all of these
members of their own disciplines or faculties only,” he
work together to develop a proper strategy of environ-
parties can come together to manage day-to-day affairs,
said. “The collaborative research of public health and
mental protection in Labrador before any actual ura-
such as regulating mining activities, and addressing legal
earth sciences in the field of environmental health is a
nium mining begins.
issues and employment and training, while protecting
rare example of how two very different disciplines can
human health and the environment. We will be sharing
come together and do excellent work.”
To that end, they recently travelled to the McArthur
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
7
www.mun.ca/gazette
‘Current, evidence-based and inspirational’ chris hammond photo
National pharmacy conference coming to St. John’s showcasing the array of research being done at the
By Heidi Wicks
school.
A number
of faculty members and alumni from
Dr. Carlo Marra, dean, School of Pharmacy will
the School of Pharmacy are involved in planning the
present on the topic Pharmacotherapy of Rheumatoid
2014 Canadian Society of Hospital Pharmacists (CSHP)
Arthritis (RA).
Summer Educational Sessions, which will take place
“This disease was once a disabling, progressive dis-
Aug. 9-12 at the Delta Hotel and Convention Centre.
order for which there were no adequate treatments,”
The event hasn’t been held in St. John’s since 2003.
he said. “However, in recent years treatment strategies
Known in the pharmacy community for its high-qual-
have emerged which have drastically changed the out-
ity educational events, CSHP partners with one of its
come of RA. The goal of therapy is now remission and
branches each year to offer registrants across the coun-
not merely alleviation of symptoms.”
try the opportunity to participate in problem-based workshops. “Education provided by the speakers is always of high
From left are Drs. Jason Kielly, Tiffany Lee, Justin Peddle and Erin Davis. “The purpose of the session is to provide the hospital pharmacist with an overview and review of drug interac-
Dr. J.M. Gamble, assistant professor with the School
tions in oncology,” he said. “Cancer patients are at a high
of Pharmacy, will discuss Communicating Health
risk for drug-drug interactions, and are commonly pre-
Statistics to Patients and the Health-care Team.
scribed medications that can further increase the risk.”
quality: current, evidence-based and inspirational,”
“The discussion will appeal to those who wish to
The School of Pharmacy has sponsored an exhibit at
said School of Pharmacy faculty member Dr. Tiffany
better understand health statistics and which ones to
The Rooms, which will take place during the opening
Lee, who has attended several previous sessions.
use when speaking with patients and clinicians,” he
reception. The exhibit showcases Newfoundland and
“Summer Educational Sessions is a unique conference
said. “Using a case-based approach, we will review why
Labrador’s unique culture, history, and art, and will
in that it also offers delegates a series of social events,
statistical literacy is critical for pharmacists and other
provide delegates with the opportunity to learn more
providing delegates from across the country with an
health-care professionals in order to understand and
about the province.
opportunity to network and collaborate. I think all
communicate risks in health care.”
pharmacists can benefit from attending the sessions,
Dr. Scott Edwards, who is cross-appointed with
not just hospital pharmacists.” A number of faculty members from the School of Pharmacy are also presenting at the conference,
For more information on the CSHP’s SES 2014, visit www.cshp.ca/events/ses/2014/index_e.asp .
Eastern Health and the Faculty of Medicine, will dis-
For frequent updates and to join the conversation
cuss Drug Interactions in Oncology for Non-Oncology
online, follow them on Twitter @SES2014 or Facebook
Pharmacists.
(www.facebook.com/SES2014NL).
‘Trained here, for here’
some experience in a variety of practices and emergency room coverage, plus get a better idea of what she wants her future practice to look like.
By Sharon Gray
“I have loved my journey through the Family
Upon the recent
completion of a two-year
Medicine Residency Program at Memorial,” she said.
family medicine residency at Memorial University, 31
“The two years have given me so much exposure
newly qualified doctors have begun planning their
through rotations both in the city as well as rural and
future practices — many of them in rural Newfoundland
remote parts of the province and beyond — including
and Labrador. (See related story on page 6.)
Nunavut for maternal health and obstetrics.” In addition to providing vacation coverage and
Residency Program provided her with the opportunity
putting down initial roots in rural Newfoundland and
to complete her second year of family medicine training
Labrador communities, Dr. MacLean says that seven
in her hometown of Lawn on Newfoundland’s Burin
members of the newly graduated class will be taking
Peninsula. “It was an amazing and very rewarding experience to work at home in both the clinic and emergency room settings,” she said. “The experience enabled me
HSIMS photo
Dr. Laura Edwards says the Family Medicine
additional training in palliative care, care of the elderly and developmental disabilities to better serve particular
Drs. Laura Edwards and Cathy MacLean
to follow patients over time and develop strong and trusting doctor-patient relationships.”
areas. Another piece to the family physician retention puzzle is encouraging the province’s health-care regions to
Medical Home (PMH).
start recruiting for primary care within the community
Because of her positive experience in Lawn, Dr.
The PMH is a vision presented by the College of Family
itself — not just in regional, health authority-run,
Edwards has chosen to start practice, for at least a year,
Physicians of Canada for the future of family practice in
primary-care clinics. Dr. MacLean says retention rates
as a fee-for-service family practitioner based out of the
Canada. The goal of the initiative is for every family
are growing in Canadian rural communities where
community hospital in St. Lawrence, located just 10
practice in each community across Canada to be able
family doctors have been recruited in groups — cohorts
minutes from Lawn. The practice will include clinic
to offer comprehensive, co-ordinated and continuing
of two to four residents at a time for a specific location.
and emergency room coverage, as well as long-term care
care to their populations through a family physician
Looking forward, the next step in encouraging new
responsibilities.
working with health-care teams. Dr. MacLean says
graduates to build practices in Newfoundland and
Dr. Cathy MacLean, chair, Discipline of Family
Newfoundland and Labrador needs a model like the
Labrador is to change the program’s training model from
Medicine at Memorial, says the Family Medicine
PMH to facilitate the integration of family doctors with
a “nomad” model to streams. The change will allow
Residency Program is succeeding in its mission to
family practice nurses, pharmacists, social workers and
more residents to train in one region of the province for
prepare more doctors for practice in Newfoundland and
psychologists.
the full two years of their residencies, says Dr. MacLean.
Labrador, especially in rural areas.
Medical graduates are also attracted to group practices
Some have already been focusing on a particular area of
“A study last year showed there were 300 of our
that have an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system in
the province — such as the Northern Family Medicine
graduates practising in the province,” she said. “That’s a
place, says Dr. MacLean. EMRs allow authorized health
Education program in Happy Valley-Goose Bay or at the
lot of family doctors, all trained here, for here. This year
professionals to access patient information electronically
Notre Dame Bay Health Centre in Twillingate.
we have added 16 more well-trained family physicians
rather than through a traditional paper chart.
who are going to places all over the province, including Happy Valley-Goose Bay in Labrador.”
“Once Newfoundland and Labrador puts this model in place, we will retain more of our trainees.”
Many family doctors in regions across the province are coming on board with the idea, and some have already submitted proposals for streams in their particular
Dr. MacLean says Memorial’s medical school can
Dr. Raie Lene Kirby spent the last 10 months of her
region. Dr. MacLean says the Family Medicine Residency
train residents, but it also has to create the conditions
family medicine residency in Botwood, N.L. She is
Program is in the process of reviewing the proposals;
the graduates want in order to stay and practise in
currently scheduled to remain in the community for
program administrators hope to have changes made
Newfoundland and Labrador. She says one of those
the summer to provide locum coverage — holiday relief
to some locations as early as 2015 so that students can
conditions is a primary care model, such as the Patients
for local physicians. The locums will allow her to get
begin to select their preferred locations.
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
8
www.mun.ca/gazette
Signature presence Concept design for core sciences facility approved By Kelly Foss
The Board
of Regents has approved the concept
design for the future core sciences facility. The design was one of three put forward by the building’s
internal
steering
committee
following
months of discussions with HOK Canada, the prime consultant on the project. The three proposed options were presented to the Memorial University community at a town hall session June 25, when the firm’s science and technology planners, senior designers and architects discussed the design elements and functional program requirements that led to these concept designs. The selected three-pavilion option is comprised of three interlinked learning/research “neighbourhoods”, featuring back-to-back research labs, with shared support in the middle, which are then connected to
An artist’s rendering of Memorial’s new core sciences facility.
teaching labs and surrounded by collaboration spaces and faculty offices.
I would like to thank the provincial government for
While building materials and colour schemes have
This compact and efficient design will encourage
their support of the project and also to the members of
yet to be determined, the designers say they intend to
interdisciplinary collaboration and student crossover
the steering committee who have worked so hard to get
stay true to the natural character of both the university
from teaching to research spaces, forming a vibrant,
us to this juncture.”
and the province with a building that incorporates a
collaborative academic community where people can come into contact with each other and share ideas.
A gateway site for the university, the building, which will be located in what is now lot 16, will be
dynamic shape and colour that reacts to the natural elements such as light, fog and wind.
The neighbourhoods will rest above highly active
highly visible to anyone driving or walking along the
HOK is expected to deliver a detailed concept report to
lower floors devoted to undergraduate-focused functions,
Prince Philip Parkway. As such, the designers felt it was
the university by July 22 and following that, Memorial
some of the Core Research Equipment and Instrument
important to make the facility a signature presence that
will make a submission to government for approval to
Training (CREAIT) Network’s dynamic facilities, partner
would showcase sustainability and put the excellence of
proceed to the next design stages.
spaces and gathering places with convenient connection
the units housed inside on display to the world.
into the broader campus.
The first tenders on the project will be called in March
The building will also be connected to the University
of 2015 and continuing throughout that year with
“The dynamic and aesthetic design of the new facility
Centre via a walkway, and allow for future connections
construction ongoing through to the summer of 2019.
is inspired by Memorial’s spirit of progressive innovation
to the Education building and the new parking structure,
Occupation of the new facility is expected for the fall
and Newfoundland and Labrador’s distinctive natural
with a goal of eventually connecting that facility to the
of that year.
heritage,” said President Gary Kachanoski. “In particular
Health Sciences Centre.
‘Visceral and dynamic’ Developing tomorrow’s leaders through song By Kristine Power
FACEFORWARD CULTURE, HERITAGE, CREATIVE ARTS
When Drs. Angus
and Jean Bruneau gave
recording or do a tour, that’s what most of the youth
“We are very thankful for the generosity of Drs.
choirs in Canada do. This is an opportunity designed to
Angus and Jean Bruneau, especially for their vision of
be a whole life-learning experience built around a choral
choral music as a positive force for social transforma-
experience. Singing is what gets us together but every-
tion,” said Dr. Ellen Waterman, dean, School of Music.
thing else that we are planning radiates from that.”
“In a culture with deep musical roots and traditions,
a $1-million gift to create the Bruneau Centre for
The Pan Labrador and Newfoundland Youth Choir
we are fostering new ways of thinking about choral
Excellence in Choral Music (BCECM) at Memorial, they
will bring groups of youth and their mentors or choir
music and its impact on our lives, our province and the
hoped the donation would help people “make ripples
leaders from around the province to Labrador to partic-
world around us.”
within their communities.”
ipate in a four-day event that will involve collaborating
Nowhere will this impact be more obvious, though,
Since then, the BCECM has been hard at work
and networking with some of the best minds the prov-
than on the young people who will come together to sing.
cultivating leading-edge choral research and community
ince has to offer. There will be industry leaders, political
“It’s a confidence booster for our students and will
projects that build on the idea that the power of choral
leaders and Aboriginal leaders, all of whom will share
provide them with a chance to perform, share throat
music is life-changing. A series of public consultations
wisdom and skills for youth to take back to their respec-
singing and drumming traditions, and bring back
were held across the province about the centre’s
tive communities for lasting impact.
those songs, those performances, and build on them in
mandate and a process was established to distribute
It is as much about young people realizing their future
their schools,” said Janet Wiseman, a Pan Labrador and
up to $100,000 a year to fund projects from both the
possibilities in the province and the world, as it is about
Newfoundland Youth Choir project co-ordinator based
university and the wider choral community.
the music they will sing, explained Dr. Dunsmore.
in Labrador. “Students begin to realize through song, ‘I
Dr. Doug Dunsmore, director of the BCECM and
“The Labrador choir has existed for six years. We
retired professor of music at Memorial, is proud to reveal
decided what we wanted to do was join a successful event
The BCECM not only funds projects such as the Pan
the centre’s first major endeavour scheduled for this fall
and make it into an even bigger event…the concert,
Labrador and Newfoundland Youth Choir, it also has
— an innovative approach to the first ever provincial
much of it, will be like a traditional performance…
a mandate to hold an annual competition to provide
youth choir that will go well beyond the boundaries of
standing up on stage and singing…but the way we tell
funding for both community-based projects and uni-
a musical performance. The event will bring together
the stories that we sing, the words, the expressions, the
versity-based research on choral music. Applications
more than 100 young singers and choral teachers from
actions will be visually visceral and dramatic. If one
will be available online as of July 30, 2014, with a dead-
across Labrador and Newfoundland.
experiences an effective choir concert, one hears words
line of Oct. 1, 2014, for projects that begin as early as
but also the sights and sounds that contribute to making
December.
“The Pan Labrador and Newfoundland Youth Choir will be a choral experience like no other,” he said. “Provincial youth choirs are usually a gathering of the best singers who get together and perhaps make a
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
a meaningful and engaging experience. We want the students to engage themselves and engage with others
can become a leader. I can sing with the best of them.’”
For more, please visit www.mun.ca/music/research/ bcecm.php .
through choral music.”
9
www.mun.ca/gazette
Submitted photo
Memorial’s business faculty is hosting 27 students and teachers from China for its first Global Business Summer School.
Creating cultural connections Business faculty hosts students from top Chinese university for cultural exchange By Susan White-MacPherson
A
contingent
of
Chinese
dual-degree program in partnership with XJTCC since
participate in guest lectures on topics such as the music
2006. This program allows students to simultaneously
and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador, take in cul-
post-secondary
complete the program requirements for both institu-
tural and tourism activities such as visits to The Rooms
students and teachers is visiting Memorial over the next
tions and earn degrees from both Memorial and XJTCC.
and local businesses, and a boat tour from the harbour
four weeks as part of a summer school hosted by the
To date, 28 students have earned degrees through the
as well as experience some social events.
Faculty of Business Administration.
program and a further 60 students are currently com-
Twenty-three students and four teachers arrived from
pleting the Memorial portion.
Xi’an Jiaotong City College (XJTCC) in Xi’an, the capi-
This is the first time the business faculty has hosted
tal city of Shaanxi province in China, on July 15 to take
a summer school targeted at a two-plus-two partner
part in the Global Business Summer School.
school.
The teachers accompanying the group will also sit in on business classes and meet with some local professors to gain a better understanding of teaching techniques at Memorial. “Teaching techniques in China are very different
“The purpose of this summer school is to build a
“It’s not our expectation that these specific students
from here,” said Dr. Bauer. “There, it’s primarily lecture
stronger relationship with one of our most important
will come to Memorial as part of the two-plus-two pro-
based, whereas here it’s more participatory. They’d like
partners in China,” said Dr. Larry Bauer, associate dean
gram. It’s very much about cultural exchange,” said
to learn more about that style of teaching, and we’re
of academic programs at the business faculty. “The idea
Dr. Bauer. “Our hope is that the students and their
hoping to learn from them as well.”
is that it helps to strengthen the relationship between
teachers will come to Memorial, love Memorial, love
The business faculty currently has 11 partner schools
Memorial and City College and it also fosters cultural
Newfoundland, and go back to their college and help
in four countries across Asia and Europe offering two-
exchange.”
raise awareness about Memorial and our province.
plus-two programs. Dr. Bauer says he hopes to grow the
Xi’an Jiaotong University, one of China’s top
“It’s very much a relationship-building kind of expe-
universities, created XJTCC in 2006 as part of a system
rience. The better we understand them [and] the better
“We hope in future years to expand it to other insti-
of residential colleges that provide a greater student-
they understand us, the stronger our relationship will
tutions in different countries as well. It would improve
focused experience within the environment of a large
be.”
the multicultural aspect immensely.”
university.
The Chinese students will have the opportunity to
The business faculty has offered a two-plus-two
complete a non-credit course in international business,
summer school in the future.
The Global Business Summer School will be ongoing until Aug. 8.
New award recognizes research ethics By Krista Davidson
The Marilyn Harvey Award will be given annually
nominators. Nominations may come from alumni,
Harvey Award to Recognize the
to a student, staff or faculty member who has distin-
faculty, staff, students and other members of the uni-
Importance of Research Ethics was announced recently
guished themselves by their actions and contributions
versity community. The nominee’s manager, dean,
in support of the university’s commitment to excellence
to scholarly research and embodies the institution’s
director or supervisor must be included as either a nom-
in scholarly research activities and ethics.
commitment to excellence in research ethics. These
inator or a signatory on a letter of support. All letters
efforts may take the form of service to ethics commit-
should clearly indicate how the candidate has demon-
The Marilyn
The award is open for application to all students, staff and faculty. The deadline to apply is Aug. 15, 2014.
tees at Memorial University, mentorship of colleagues or
strated outstanding contributions to research ethics at
The award was named as such in honour of Marilyn
students on matters related to research ethics or other
Memorial. Examples of their service that has exceeded
Harvey, BN, a research nurse who brought forward her
demonstrated contributions or achievements associated
what is normally expected of someone in their position
concerns regarding research ethics to senior adminis-
with research ethics. The award will be based on evi-
would be beneficial. The nomination package is limited
trators at the university. It was created to recognize the
dence of continued distinction, in excess of expected
to the completion of the nomination form, a letter of
commitment to research ethics excellence as demon-
levels of performance.
nomination and three letters of support. The letters of
strated by students, staff and/or faculty members. “Memorial
University
recognizes
that
The recipient of this award will receive a personalized
support may be endorsed by numerous individuals.
research,
framed scroll, their name added to a permanent nota-
Nominations for the Marilyn Harvey Award to
although exciting and revolutionary, must rely upon the
tion on a university display which lists the names of
Recognize the Importance of Research Ethics should be
application of fundamental research ethics to ensure
those that have received this honour and a citation and
submitted to the Office of the Vice-President (Research).
that the highest standards are met,” said Dr. Richard
presentation at an awards reception.
For more information, visit www.mun.ca/honours or
Marceau, vice-president (research).
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Nominations must be supported and signed by three
10
contact Ellen Steinhauer at ellens@mun.ca or 864-2651.
www.mun.ca/gazette
chris hammond photo
OUTANDABOUT
Smashing the gender binary
Pride on Campus kicked off Tuesday, July 15, with the annual flag raising event in front of the Arts building on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. For the first time, the pink, blue and white flag representing transgendered people flew with the familiar LGBT rainbow flag. Pictured from left are Travis Perry, Canadian Federation of Students (N.L.); Tyler Drake, Memorial University LGBT Resource Centre; Kimberly Drisdelle, Memorial University Students’ Union; Rebecca Stuckey, Memorial University Graduate Students’ Union; and Dr. Susan Dyer Knight, chancellor, Memorial University.
For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit
Bird Watching at the Garden, 8-09:30 a.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd.,
Wednesday, Aug. 6
www.today.mun.ca.
Sponsor: Friends of MUN Botanical Garden
An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Wednesday, July 23
Monday, July 28
Public Consultation on the Evolution of the Reid Theatre,
Afternoon Guided Nature Hikes, 2:30-3:30 p.m., 306 Mount
Sunday, Aug. 10
3-4:30 p.m., A-1046, Sponsor: Faculty of Arts, School of
Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Sundays at the Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 306 Mount
Graduate Studies
Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden Summer Nature Program: Beyond the Backyard – Fun Beyond
Education Teacher Development Seminar Presentations, 12:40-
Your Fence, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor:
Bird Watching at the Garden, 8-09:30 a.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd.,
4:30 p.m., various classrooms in Education building and
MUN Botanical Garden
Sponsor: Friends of MUN Botanical Garden
Tuesday, July 29
Monday, Aug. 11
Inaugural Code N.L. Talk: Tara Jane Feener, 7-9 p.m., IIC-2001,
Afternoon Guided Nature Hikes, 2:30-3:30 p.m., 306 Mount
Sponsor: MUN Computer Science Society
Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Wednesday, July 30
Beyond the Backyard – Fun Beyond Your Fence, 10:30-11:30
Thursday, July 24
An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd.,
a.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
CCV and Research Portal Workshop, 12:30-2:30 p.m., SN-4030,
Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: Faculty of Education An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Wednesday, Aug. 13
Sponsor: Faculty of Arts Nominations Due Today for 33rd Alumni Tribute Awards,
Flapper Skate: Using Sparse Data to Understand the Dynamics
When Does a Slime Mould Compute?, 1-2 p.m., EN-2022,
9 a.m.-4 p.m., campus-wide, Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and
of an Endangered Species, 3:30-4:30 p.m., SN-2067, Sponsor:
Sponsor: Department of Computer Science
Development
Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research
2014 Shad Valley Open Day, 1-4 p.m., Bruneau Centre for
Thursday, July 31
An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd.,
Research and Innovation lobby and IIC-2001, Sponsor: Shad
Cancer Vaccines and Autoimmunity, 12-1 p.m., Health Sciences
Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Valley, Memorial University
Centre, Theatre D, Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Sciences Monday, Aug. 4
Building Emergent Ontology from Folksonomies, 11 a.m.-12 p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of Computer Science
Afternoon Guided Nature Hikes, 2:30-3:30 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Friday, July 25 Studies on the Immunoregulation of Autoimmune Thyroiditis,
Beyond the Backyard – Fun Beyond Your Fence, 10:30-11:30
1-3 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation,
a.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
CLASSIFIED For rent in CBS Kelligrews area beautiful
Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Tuesday, Aug. 5
2-bedroom bungalow house. Recently renovated.
Sunday, July 27
Analytical Approaches to Planning Intermodal Transportation
Ample parking and large garden. With f/s/w/d/
Sundays at the Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 306 Mount
System for Regular and Hazmat Freight, 1-3 p.m., IIC-2014,
dw. No smoking. No pets. Available now. $1200/
Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School
month POU. Phone 834-4635
of Graduate Studies
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
11
www.mun.ca/gazette
‘Valuable information’ By Janet Harron
significant hurdle in the race to secure FACEFORWARD CULTURE, HERITAGE, CREATIVE ARTS
the archives for the next generation of
By
browsing
through family
application to the Canadian Foundation
photo albums, we create our own
for Innovation (CFI) to support arts
personal memory banks — occasionally
archives.
from events that happened even before
“The president’s office made a signifi-
we were born. An archive provides the
cant commitment to our CFI application
same for an entire culture, enhancing a
and will provide about 76 per cent of the
collective memory and creating cultural
matching funds needed for this project,”
touchstones that bind us together.
said Dr. Carrie Dyck, associate dean of
And, unlike a library, the documents in an archive are usually one-of-a-kind. It’s an exciting time for the Faculty of Arts’ archives, which include the Maritime History Archive (MHA), the
Submitted photo
students and faculty by submitting an
research and graduate studies, who is
Ledgers, journals and day books from the James Ryan Ltd. Collection, housed in the Maritime History Archive.
excited about the possibility of a potential design lab that could incubate brainstorming around social problems. “The CFI minimum commitment for
to be able to use it to address social ques-
Death Notices from Newspapers, 1810–
Centre
matching funds is 40 per cent. If all goes
tions in Newfoundland and Labrador.
1890, contains more than 40,000 records
(ELRC) and the Memorial University of
well, this key funding will go towards a
There might very well be significant
documenting birth, marriage and death
Newfoundland Folklore and Language
new building and processing facilities.
commercial potential in the archives
notices listed in newspapers throughout
Archive (MUNFLA).
We’ve got a huge amount of valuable
that we could leverage.”
Newfoundland.
English
Language
Research
The faculty has recently jumped a
information in our archives — we want
An
example
potential
is
of
the
such
commercial
“These records represent a compre-
recent
partnership
hensive online collection of histor-
between the Maritime History Archive
ical information about the lives of
A sample of the one-of-a-kind documents in the Maritime History Archive:
and Ancestry.ca.
people from Newfoundland and the
Ancestry.ca, Canada’s leading family
other Atlantic provinces, and we are
• Cecil Mouland’s sealing card granting him a berth on the SS Newfoundland for
history website, offers members access to
thrilled to share them with Canadians,”
the 1914 sealing season, the year of the infamous disaster when 78 men died.
129 million searchable Canadian fam-
said Lesley Anderson, genealogist and
The card would have been in Mouland’s possession while he was at the hunt
ily history records. The website recently
content manager, Ancestry.ca. “These
and was stranded on the ice for three days and two nights.
purchased two large databases from the
records are unique, and the birth, mar-
MHA for an undisclosed lump sum.
riage and death records from newspapers
• Daily schedule for the maid employed by James Rorke of Carbonear, written in
The first database, Canada, Seafarers
in Newfoundland are helpful when iden-
the 1920s or 1930s. Includes hourly detailed instructions for household duties
of the Atlantic Provinces, 1860-1899,
tifying major events in the lives of one’s
and personal grooming.
contains almost 300,000 records and
ancestors.”
includes details from 10 major ports in
According
to
archivist
Heather
• A ledger from Lake & Lake Ltd. in Fortune for 1917 that records accounts for
Atlantic Canada and crew agreements
Wareham, the MHA will continue to
women who were employed curing fish. It lists all the goods they bought from
of vessels registered in Atlantic Canada.
sell the databases to their own networks,
the firm, the amounts they paid for them and the amounts they were paid for
The second database, Newfoundland,
which they have been doing since they
their work curing fish.
Canada, Index of Birth, Marriage &
were first created.
‘Special obligation’ MOU signed with Miawpukek First Nation dimension to the relationship between the
A
memorandum
of
under-
Faculty
of
Medicine
and
the
Miawpukek First Nation.
standing (MOU) was signed July 5
“During a recent meeting of the board
between the Miawpukek First Nation
of the AHI, interest was expressed from
and Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine,
other communities to establish an MOU
signifying
with us and we will be working on this
the
desire
for
future
collaboration in capacity building by
in the fall.”
providing opportunities for qualified
Under
the
Aboriginal
Admissions
members of Miawpukek to pursue a
Program, three seats per year are reserved
career in medicine.
for Aboriginal students. There are now
Dr. James Rourke, dean, Faculty of Medicine, and Chief Mi’sel Joe signed the MOU during a short ceremony in Conne River, N.L.
13 students of Aboriginal ancestry in medical school at Memorial. “This
MOU
recognizes
Memorial
University’s special obligation to the
Submitted photo
By Sharon Gray
From left are Chief Mi’sel Joe and Dr. James Rourke at the MOU signing.
“It was most touching when Chief
people of Newfoundland and Labrador
Mi’sel Joe commented that in 1985 he set
and the importance of engaging and
out to try to improve education opportu-
partnering with our communities to
to sit on any steering committees at
education program for Aboriginal stu-
nities for their Aboriginal people,” said
achieve common goals,” said Dr. Rourke.
the Faculty of Medicine related to the
dents, to provide a program such as the
Dr. Rourke. “And now there is a member of his own band in medical school.”
The community of Miawpukek serves
recruitment of potential medical candi-
Aboriginal Health Initiative to support
847 on-reserve and 2,011 off-reserve
dates from the community, providing
prospective
candidates
in
preparing
John Jeddore, who recently finished
members. The MOU formalizes the part-
representation on either the admissions
their application for admission to med-
his first year of medical studies at
nership between the Faculty of Medicine
committee and/or the admission inter-
ical school, to seek the participation and
Memorial, is a member of Miawpukek
and the Miawpukek First Nation in set-
view panels and providing resources
advice from the Miawpukek community
First Nation. He attended the MOU sign-
ting up the conditions that will support
from the community for learning expe-
in the operation of support programs, to
ing in Conne River.
Miawpukek community member to suc-
riences for all medical students in areas
solicit and support current medical stu-
Dr. Carolyn Sturge Sparkes, co-or-
cessfully complete their studies towards
such as traditional medicine and culture.
dents to serve as mentors to prospective
dinator of the Faculty of Medicine’s
the degree of doctor of medicine. The
Among other activities, under the MOU
candidates and to create an environment
Aboriginal Health Initiative (AHI), says
terms
representa-
the Faculty of Medicine agrees to reserve
that is welcoming to medical students
the formal agreement will add another
tion from the Miawpukek community
three seats in the undergraduate medical
from Aboriginal communities.
Gazette | Wednesday, July 23, 2014
include
providing
12
www.mun.ca/gazette