June 26, 2013 Volume 45 Number 16
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
INTO THE DEEP
Memorial University of Newfoundland Research Report 2013
Launch forth By Meaghan Whelan
Memorial University has gone digital with
escape as would occur
the 2013 Research Report. The theme, Into the Deep, is
from
rooted in Memorial’s motto, Provehito in Altum (Launch
helicopter.
another
million dollars. The report features interactive charts
forth into the deep), which aptly captures the spirit of
story, the influence of
that allow users to examine trends in research funding
discovery inherent in research. The development of the
the Moravians on the
over the last decade.
report was led by Dr. Christopher Loomis, who served
musical heritage of the
The project involved extensive internal and external
as vice-president (research) from 2002 to May 31, 2013.
Labrador Inuit is captured
collaboration. The Office of the Vice-President (Research)
“In 2002, we began publishing a report separate from
in video documentary
worked closely with the Division of Marketing and
the annual President’s Report dedicated to research
footage and audio clips
Communications
showcasing this unique
Perfect Day. The Offices of Research Services and
musical culture.
Collaborations and Partnerships provided information
and scholarship,” he said. “Over time, our research reports became increasingly sophisticated, garnering
Dr. Christopher Loomis
an
overturned In
The report covers the 2012-13 fiscal year when external research funding at Memorial exceeded $100
and
local
marketing
company
many national and international awards. This year,
Dr. Richard Marceau began his term as vice-president
regarding the preliminary financial figures for 2012-13,
we continued that evolution, publishing the report
(research) on June 1. He said the report is a testament to
while the Division of Computing & Communications
online. By using photos, videos and text creatively,
the innovation and creativity of Memorial researchers.
provided technical support and site optimization for
we’re able to tell the story of research at Memorial in a whole new way.”
“Researchers at Memorial University are engaged
the launch.
in world-class research that has significant relevance
For example, in a story about the physiological effects
to our world,” he said. “Dr. Loomis and his team have
A selection of stories featured in the report can be
of inversion during an emergency situation, first-person
created a report that celebrates the highest standard of
viewed on pages six and seven. The entire report is
video captures the rush of water and the disorienting
research excellence and provides a unique window into
available online, www.mun.ca/intothedeep .
effect of being upside down during a simulated ocean
the university’s research enterprise.”
Anita O’Keefe photo
Industrial benefit planning is an important issue in the Town of Placentia, as it is situated in the vicinity of Long Harbour and other mega-projects.
GAZETTE
the priorities of the region, and there should be more dialogue on how to make priorities match up.” It was noted that many corporations that construct and operate large developments do great things in
your next project
communities throughout the province, and that some recognize that the creation of jobs in itself is not enough to support the communities where they operate. However,
By Amy Tucker Special to the Gazette
local views are not always heard. “Many benefit agreements only look at the high level benefits for the province, but community members
Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its most
should be part of the discussion to decide what tangible
significant jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial
benefits can be provided and where,” Mr. Murray said.
to ask for research help. With hundreds of community-suggested opportunities to choose from, your next project is just a click away.
The project:
Here’s one …
The discussion group would like someone at Memorial to help develop a research project investigating best
The opportunity:
practices and lessons learned from other communities
At a recent Harris Centre regional workshop held in
and their local regions that have been involved in
Placentia, Placentia Bay, regional participants agreed
industrial benefits negotiations. These examples could
there is a need for communities to more effectively
be provincial, national or international in scope, and
participate in industrial benefits planning.
would provide a better understanding of formal and
“The discussion revolved around the idea that benefit planning is often negotiated between the provincial
informal options that may be available in dealing with large developments.
government and the project proponent,” said Kerry
The potential project could examine how large industry
Murray, director of economic and social policy with
can contribute to public services in communities such
the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.
as health, education, training, municipal infrastructure
“Communities are not often part of these discussions;
and small business development, among others. It
however, they are likely the ones who will feel the most
could also examine what has already been done on the
impact from development.”
southwest Avalon Peninsula with respect to community
Mr. Murray says the impact is not only felt in the community where the project will be located, but by
and regional benefits from the existing and upcoming industrial developments.
those living in the surrounding region, as well. “Maybe developments could include the creation of
Interested in learning more about this project? The Harris Centre’s
a regional benefit agreement that can help interject a
co-ordinator of knowledge mobilization would be happy to tell you
community voice into the process,” he suggested. “What
more. Call Amy Tucker at 709-864-6115 or email at amy.tucker@
the company sees as being helpful may not align with
mun.ca.
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
Editor Graphics Mandy Cook Helen Houston
Regular Contributors
Courtenay Alcock Laura Barron Jennifer Batten Rebecca Cohoe Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Paula Dyke Kelly Foss Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Janet Harron Jill Hunt Jackey Locke
Peter Morris Cathy Newhook Shannon O’Dea Dawson Naomi Osborne Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Meaghan Whelan Susan White-MacPherson Laura Woodford
Classified Advertising Photography Kelly Hickey Chris Hammond Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709-864-2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline July 10 for July 17 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.
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
2
www.mun.ca/gazette
Photo by Tom Cochrane
David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, provided the opening keynote address at CU Expo 2013 in Corner Brook.
CU Expo 2013 engages community Close to 500
delegates from around the
world gathered in Corner Brook for CU Expo 2013,
the red carpet for us,’ and, ‘What a wonderful example
world need to be ready to be engaged,” said Craig Pollett,
of partnership and engagement.’
CEO, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador,
an opportunity to showcase the best practices in
“It was truly a team effort and, for me, one of the
community-university partnerships worldwide and
greatest highlights of the conference, as it demonstrated
CU Expo takes place every second year in different
to create opportunities for innovative and successful
once again that Grenfell Campus is a campus dedicated
Canadian locations and is organized jointly by
collaborations that strengthen communities.
to those it serves.”
communities, universities and colleges, government,
From June 12-15, participants chose from a variety of
Conference
attendee
Amy
Tucker,
knowledge
following the conference. “It’s a new world for us too.”
and non-profit organizations. The event facilitates
interactive sessions, from workshops to arts activities,
mobilization co-ordinator with the Harris Centre, said
working
deliberative dialogue to presentations, participatory
she was able to interact with people whose role is to
community groups to bring about positive change.
communications, mobile tours, service learning and
broker between those inside and outside a university.
more. As well, delegates kept busy with a variety of
“Sharing our experiences helped me see what I am
community events, including community dinners,
doing that works, while giving me ideas from the work
theatre, art shows and kitchen parties.
of others,” she said.
“I have heard from many delegates that it was the best expo to date,” said Louise McGillis, chair of the steering
universities
committee. “I heard comments like, ‘They rolled out
communities and that those of us in that “community”
A case for fracking?
in
their
thinking
on
engaging
STUDENTVIEW Joshua Duff
First take
between
academia
and
The opening keynote was provided by David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, who spoke about the important role universities play in the community. Throughout the conference, interviews and select
“I think the biggest revelation was how far along are
relationships
the U.S. Energy and Commerce
speakers were profiled on Bay of Islands Radio, a station devoted to all things CU Expo.
results of these operations cannot be pre-measured as they can only be calculated after the job has been done. Therefore, no promises for the safety of Gros Morne National Park and the surrounding communities can be
Committee’s list of the pollutant toxic chemicals
made.
(such as Benzene, which is linked to specific cancers,
Finally, we need to ignore the warning from UNESCO
according to the World Health Organization) that are
Pennsylvania’s Cross Creek because a pipeline
that Gros Morne may lose its status as a world heritage
mixed into fracking water, tear it up and then discard it.
transporting wastewater leaked 4,000 gallons of
site if shale gas exploration is permitted near its location.
Next we will set aside the evidence that points to
chemical water into their habitat
Only then will we be comfortable with fracking and
human error, drawbacks and false statements regarding
– Methane gas that found its way into peoples’ tapwater
the resulting disposal of chemical-rich flowback water –
previous fracking and shale gas extraction operations,
causing skin rashes and burns during showers and
that has also occasionally contained radioactive materials
including:
making it inconsumable because of its flammability
(such as decaying uranium), mercury and arsenic that
and
(one woman from Rosebud, Alta., was able to set fire
came from deep within the Earth – in designated sites
Lancashire, U.K., in 2011 as a result of the shale
to her tapwater) as a result of high pressure water
just outside of Gros Morne and its nearby communities.
rock breaking and the chemicals that are mixed
injections into the shale rock that caused wells to
– The
earthquakes
that
shook
Blackpool
into the water used to break the rock
crack or aquifers to become contaminated
We will come to realize that there is quick money to be made — but mostly for a company— and temporary
– The positive correlation between the increase of
– Previous statements by some that methane gas has
jobs to be created. The slow degradation of Gros Morne’s
dumping fracking wastewater into designated sites
low greenhouse gas emissions — it is actually 9,000
natural environment and the potential health risk to the
with the increase of earthquakes (that shook close
times higher than originally thought.
surrounding communities and citizens would only be a
to the wastewater dump sites) in areas of the mid-
We also need to accept that studies cannot be done
western U.S. that have gone up from 20 earthquakes
to determine the direct effects these chemicals have
in the 1970s to 134 earthquakes in 2011
on humans because they are too dangerous to test on
– The destruction of an ecosystem in West Virginia because of irresponsible wastewater dumping – The death of many fish and invertebrates in
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
small price to pay — right?
people. Also, comprehensive research on the before and
Joshua Duff is a fourth-year student majoring in political
after (long-term) effects of fracking on a community has
science and English language and literature at Memorial
not yet been conducted. Not to mention the fact that the
University. He can be reached at jrd218@mun.ca .
3
www.mun.ca/gazette
Paul Daly photo
The Kokopelli choir at Festival 500 in 2011.
Singing celebration Biennial international choral music festival returns to capital city to take in. We are inviting individuals who are not
By Mandy Cook
with the “sharing the voices” theme of the festival.
affiliated with a choir to “Come Solo” and perform as
Another highlight of Festival 500 is the massed choirs,
Festival 500: Sharing the Voices, one of the most
part of the Come Solo Festival Choir. Then there are
where participating choirs come together to rehearse
prestigious, non-competitive choral events in the world,
workshops and master classes with world-renowned
and sing in two huge choirs (youth and adult), and will
has embraced and hosted the international choral
artists, approximately 100 symposium presenters with 14
be presented at the cultural event of the year: the grand
community on this province’s shores by the thousands
countries represented, and a Choral Institute for music
finale concert, titled Vocal Fireworks!, before an audience
every other year since 1997. This year, from July 3-10,
and education students earning credit towards their
of thousands at Mile One Centre on Wednesday, July
performance halls and concert stages in St. John’s will
graduate degrees. All symposium sessions are open to
10. As an additional musical boost, the massed choirs
swell with the sound of the world’s best vocalists once
the public at per sessions or day rates. The festival and
will be accompanied by the Newfoundland Symphony
more.
symposium are truly interdisciplinary in every sense of
Orchestra under the direction of conductor Marc David.
Whether you are a performer or a music enthusiast,
the word.”
The grand finale concert will also see festival headliners
there is something for everyone. This year’s lineup
From the performance halls at Memorial’s School of
Witloof Bay, a Belgium-based, a cappella group, take to the
features 30 international choirs performing a suite of
Music to the stage at the Arts and Culture Centre to
stage, as well as a solo performance by Newfoundland’s
concerts at various local venues, as well as an academic
Gower Street, St. Andrew’s and Mary Queen of Peace
own internationally recognized tenor David Pomeroy
symposium — The Phenomenon of Singing — from July
churches, song will reverberate throughout the capital
singing favourites O Sole Mio, Nessun Dorma and Danny
7-10 on Memorial University’s St. John’s campus.
city for seven days. At the heart of the festival are the
Boy.
“There is so much happening during the festival and
World of Music concerts which feature three choirs in
Tickets for the grand finale concert at Mile One Centre
symposium, sometimes it’s hard to get your head around
each concert. This main concert series occurs over four
and all other Festival 500 concerts are now on sale.
it,” said Dr. Andrea Rose, artistic director, Festival 500,
nights of the festival in two or three venues each evening.
Please visit the festival’s website at www.festival500.com
and a professor in Memorial’s Faculty of Education.
Each concert sees three choirs perform their repertoire
for show times and for more details about how you can
“There are countless concerts and symposium sessions
for 20 minutes apiece and then sing together in keeping
participate in the festival and symposium.
Dr. Tom Gordon
&
PAPERS PRESENTATIONS
NOTABLE
Dr. Glenn Sheppard,
recently
Natasha BelangerWilloughby, a neuroscience
honoured at the annual meeting
graduate student in the Faculty
of the Canadian University Music
of
Society / Société de musique des
Presentation Prize at 2013 Canadian
Association held in Halifax, N.S, May 14-17.
universities canadiennes in Victoria,
NeuroMetabolic
meeting
Along with his colleague, Dr. Cristelle
Dr. Scott Johnston,
B.C., with an Honorary Lifetime
in Toronto, Ont., on May 20. Her
Audet, professor, University of Ottawa, he
of Education/Department of Philosophy;
Membership, a title bestowed by
presentation, titled Western Diet
made the following presentations: When
Dr.
Walter
the society on individuals who have
Impairs Thermosensing in Orexin
Are Counsellors and Psychotherapists Most
Faculty
of
rendered distinguished service to
Neurons, showed that the Western-
at Risk of Ethical Misconduct and Ethical
Philosophy; and
university music in Canada. Dr.
style, high fat, high sugar diet
Decision-Making: Getting Off The Horns
doctoral candidate, Faculty of Education,
Gordon served on the executive
attenuates the response of neurons
of An Ethical Dilemma Before It Hurts
presented papers for the session Chris
of the Canadian University Music
in the brain that signal satiety in a
You or Others and with his colleague, Dr.
Martin’s
Society for eight years, including
rat model. This finding may explain
Blythe Shepard, professor, University of
Education: Jurgen Habermas, Educational
two as its president. From 2000-10
how palatable the Western-style diet
Lethbridge, presented An Update on the
Rights to Discursive Autonomy and Public
he was director of Memorial’s School
induces overeating and subsequent
Statutory Regulation of Counselling and
Moral Justification at the annual conference
of Music. Dr. Gordon’s previous
weight gain.
Psychotherapy in Canada.
of the Canadian Philosophy of Education
School
of
Music
was
of the
Medicine,
won Club
the
Oral
professor
Research Society International conference
(retired), Faculty of Education, attended
in Philadelphia, Pa., in April where he
the national conference of the Canadian
made a presentation titled SMAD3 Gene Is
Counselling
Associated with Generalized Osteoarthritis.
and
Psychotherapy
administrative appointments include Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke,
Okshevsky,
Education/Department
of
Darron Kelly,
Post-metaphysical
Vision
of
Society, Canadian Society for Studies in
Erfan Aref,
a master’s student in
Education, Congress of the Humanities and
Dr. Guangju
Social Sciences 2013, University of Victoria,
Que., and OCAD University in
genetics supervised by
Toronto, Ont.
Zhai,
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Faculty
4
attended
the
Osteoarthritis
Victoria, B.C., June 2013.
www.mun.ca/gazette
Competitive advantage
Investment of more than $3 million for research facility By Jackey Locke
To support
research and identify new ways to
optimize oil recovery, the Research & Development chris hammond photo
Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) and the Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) are investing $1.635 and $1.7 million respectively for the creation of a state-of-theart enhanced oil recovery research facility at Memorial University’s St. John’s campus. “Investing in research to maximize the potential of resources in our offshore will have direct economic benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Keith
From left are Dr. Greg Naterer, Dr. Richard Marceau, Jamie Long, Dr. Lesley James, Keith Hutchings and Glenn Janes.
Hutchings, minister responsible for the Research & Development Corporation. “Our province’s academic
RDC. “Building new research labs and facilities is critical
“Our ultimate goal is to increase oil recovery offshore
community and oil and gas leaders are researching
to expanding our R&D capacity, and strengthening
Newfoundland and Labrador.”
new technologies to extract additional resources from
our long-term economic performance and global
current and future oil fields. Collaboration between
competitiveness.
government, industry and academia will continue to
research represents a strategic investment that is critical
support an environment that enhances the competitive
to sustaining economic prosperity in Newfoundland
advantage of our province.”
and Labrador.”
Applied
enhanced
oil
recovery
The investments will create a world-class research laboratory in Memorial’s Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation. “The support from RDC and HMDC will enable Memorial to build on our strengths in enhanced oil
Research efforts in the new laboratory will focus on
The investment from HMDC is in addition to their
recovery,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and
enhanced oil recovery, which is utilized to increase
investment of more than $11 million to fund the
vice-chancellor. “The support we receive from the
the amount of crude oil extracted from an oil field and
purchase of laboratory equipment and research into
offshore industry, in partnership with the provincial
extend the field life. Funding from RDC and HMDC
enhanced oil recovery announced in December 2012.
government, is enabling us to develop expertise and
will advance research and development (R&D) capacity at Memorial. “RDC continues to support collaborative R&D
RDC’s
infrastructure that will be unmatched in this country.
funding is designed to foster R&D partnerships between
Through
its
CollaborativeR&D
program,
I am confident that the research completed in the
academic researchers and industry.
enhanced oil recovery laboratory will have a positive
between academia and business by investing in the
“The new building, its equipment and staff will
highly qualified researchers, innovative research and
support research into enhanced oil recovery, which is
world-class infrastructure required to advance our
critical to the continued success of the province and
development opportunities,” said Glenn Janes, CEO,
the industry,” said Jamie Long, president, HMDC.
impact on enhanced oil recovery capacity and the province as a whole.”
Canada Foundation for Innovation invests in Memorial’s research infrastructure By Meaghan Whelan
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has
“Most commonly, chemists study the products of a
invested $436,566 in five research projects at Memorial.
reaction by terminating the process and seeing what
“Funding from the CFI is critical to attracting and
comes out of the flask. These instruments will allow us
retaining top researchers and building Memorial’s
to study the reaction of CO2 “on the fly”, as the reaction
research capacity,” said Dr. Richard Marceau, vice-
is occurring, giving us a lot more information as to how
president (research). “The support from CFI equips
to improve the process,” Dr. Kozak explained.
our researchers for solving some of the world’s
“Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of many industries,
greatest problems, such as transforming atmospheric
particularly the oil and gas industry, and it is
CO2 into value-added products. The competition for
accumulating in our atmosphere. It is essential for
research funding is increasingly intense, and I’d like to
Canada to develop new technologies to exploit this
congratulate the recipients for their vision and success.”
abundant molecule and transform it into more useful
The funding was awarded through the CFI’s Leaders
materials.”
Drs. Chris Kozak and Fran Kerton
Identification
and
Characterization
of
Organic
Opportunity Fund, a program designed to help
“The investments being announced for Memorial
universities attract and retain the very best researchers at
University of Newfoundland will further enhance
• Dr. Tao Cheng, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty
a time of intense international competition. Awards are
our country’s reputation as a destination of choice
of Science, Infrastructure for the Characterization of
made to researchers who are recognized leaders in their
for outstanding researchers,” said Dr. Gilles G. Patry,
Particulate Matter and Dissolved Chemical Species in
field, or those with a clear promise of becoming future
president and CEO, CFI. “They will make our universities
Water, Soil and Groundwater Environments
leaders and who require specialized infrastructure.
even more competitive when it comes to attracting the
Drs. Christopher Kozak and Fran Kerton, Department
best and brightest researchers from around the world.”
of Chemistry, are two researchers who received funding
Projects are eligible to receive up to 40 per cent
from CFI. Their research involves the use of abundant,
of the total project cost from CFI under the Leaders
renewable starting materials, such as carbon dioxide, to
Opportunity Fund. The total value of the funded
make more valuable materials such as plastics, solvents
projects is more than $1 million.
and possibly fuels. The funding will be used to purchase two instruments
Compounds
• Drs. Christopher Kozak and Fran Kerton, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Research Tools for Process Optimization and Characterization of Biodegradable and Renewable Polymers • Dr. Erika Merschrod, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ultra-high Resolution Chemical Mapping: Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS)
Funded projects:
System
that will change the way they study the formation of
• Dr. Graham Bodwell, Department of Chemistry,
• Dr. Yuri Muzychka, Faculty of Engineering and
plastics and other materials formed from carbon dioxide.
Faculty of Science, LC-MS Instrument for the
Applied Science, High-Speed Thermal Imaging System
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
5
www.mun.ca/gazette
Into the Deep Research Report 2013 A turn for the better
It’s the stuff of nightmares: you’re trapped in a vehicle. You’re underwater and you’re upside down. Dr. David Behm, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, became interested in researching the effects of instability, darkness and body tilt on the neuromuscular system after visiting the Marine Institute’s Offshore Safety and Survival Centre. The Centre is where offshore workers are trained to escape from overturned helicopters in the ocean. When an aircraft or any type of vehicle overturns, those inside have one to three seconds before their heart rate and blood pressure drop. “The human body is not accustomed to being inverted,” explained Dr. Behm. “The resulting effects can adversely affect health and performance in emergency situations as well as certain workplace scenarios.” To investigate these effects, participants were subjected to varying degrees of instability and tilt. The results demonstrated an extremely fast inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system, and a corresponding decrease in heart rate and blood pressure when positioned upside down. Inversion swiftly reduced cognitive abilities and strength, both of which are needed for survival. “No other lab has researched the effects of complete inversion on these physiological factors as far as we know,” said Dr. Behm. “It’s a new biomedical area and one with particular significance for many types of workers.” Ship operations, life boat evacuations and firefighting must be performed under unstable and body-tilted conditions. From military pilots performing combat manoeuvres, to oilrig workers travelling to and from work via helicopter, this work is helping to define how the body reacts under emergency, life-threatening conditions. The research also has important implications for job effectiveness, injury prevention and lifesaving manoeuvres in
Dr. David Behm, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation
marine environments.
Waste to want Waste not, want not:
the Fisheries and Marine
Institute’s Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (CASD) is turning waste from seafood and aquaculture processing into usable products at their Marine Bioprocessing Facility. “We’re looking at creating value from raw materials traditionally treated as waste by the processing industry,” explained Wade Murphy, CASD facility supervisor (not pictured). “Our ultimate goal is to use materials normally unutilized as a source of new additional revenue for the seafood sector.” The research team includes Mr. Murphy, marine biotechnologist Julia Pohling and environmental engineer and research scientist Dr. Deepika Dave. Under the leadership of CASD director Heather Manuel, they are developing environmentally sound, pilot-scale methods to extract biodiesel from marine oils and chitin from shellfish. Oils extracted from raw materials vary in quality. The most common type is low-grade, which has some industrial applications. The team’s goal, however, is to produce high-grade oils like biodiesel and neutraceuticals, and they have successfully produced high-grade biodiesel oils on a pilot-scale using salmon and cod liver oils. Efforts are also underway to develop an environmentally friendly method for extracting chitin from shrimp and crab processing waste. Once extracted, chitin can be converted into chitosan, which has various commercial and biomedical applications. Working with a local seafood processor and biomedical company in Quebec, the team has developed a lab-scale extraction process to produce high-grade medical chitosan. Like biodiesel, the predicted demand for biomedical chitosan is high. From waste to want, the opportunity to turn discards into high quality commercial products makes this research a great value for the seafood and aquaculture industries.
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Julia Pohling, Dr. Deepika Dave and Heather Manuel, Marine Institute (Missing from photo: Wade Murphy) 6
www.mun.ca/gazette
www.mun.ca/intothedeep An eye for research As mirrors of the soul and windows on the world, eyes are remarkable structures. From reading the words on this page, to the view as you gaze up, an open eye is continuously working. Like any well-used machine, the eye can begin to fail with age. As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that develops over time. In its first stage, known as dry AMD, central vision is slowly lost in patches around the focal point. In its second more severe stage, wet AMD, the blood vessels under the thinning macula — the oval-shaped yellow spot near the center of the retina — begin to grow irregularly and may leak blood and fluid. These changes result in rapid and severe central vision loss. Research by Drs. Robert Gendron and Hélène Paradis, professors in the Faculty of Medicine, is providing a clearer picture of macular degeneration. AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in industrialized nations. The wet form of AMD progresses very rapidly and causes most of the severe vision loss of AMD. They and their team have identified a novel protein labelled Tubedown. “We’ve found that the loss of Tubedown from retinal blood vessels is an important factor in the progression of neovascular retinopathy,” explained Dr. Gendron. “Through our research, we hope to better understand the mechanisms of Tubedown loss, and how that affects retinal blood vessels, particularly during aging. If we can define other proteins involved in Tubedown loss in wet AMD, we can then design new agents and strategies to delay its progression and improve treatment.” This research is especially relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador where the population is aging and there is a high rate of diabetes. The latter is a major contributing factor in the development of neovascular retinal disease.
Drs. Robert Gendron and Hélène Paradis, Faculty of Medicine
Memorial welcomes new vice-president (research) Dr. Richard Marceau
began his term
months. Some of these include the streamlining of
as vice-president (research) on June 1, 2013, and
institutional processes for supporting the submission
has already begun sharing his vision for research at
and
Memorial and actively engaging with Memorial’s
agreements; identifying metrics for tracking the
internal and external partners.
performance and effectiveness of Memorial’s research
“Memorial has a very strong record of research excellence, and I hope to bring my own active
management
of
grants
and
partnership
support activities; and preparing an implementation plan for the Research Strategy Framework.
contribution to this long tradition,” he said. “I
“All of these — and many other initiatives — will
especially plan to emulate my predecessor’s stellar
require considerable consultation, and I intend to
example of partnership with faculty members,
work closely and collegially with all of our colleagues
faculties, deans, other vice-presidents, and the
in order to ensure wide acceptance of these
provost with the objective of intensifying research
initiatives,” he said.
activities at Memorial University.
Dr. Marceau comes to Memorial from the University
“I also aim to build on — and if at all possible!
of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), where he
— improve on the strong tradition of service which
served as provost and vice-president (academic). In
already characterizes all units within the Office of the
that role he directed UOIT’s explosive growth since
Vice-President (Research). Service to the university’s
2005 from 1,800 to 9,200 students, from 60 to 170
research community — and beyond, if one considers
faculty members, a doubling of undergraduate and
that research is the first step on the journey of
graduate programs, a significant increase in research
innovation — is at the heart of the portfolio.”
and design chairs (from one to 14) and the graduation
In this regard, thanks to ongoing consultations
Dr. Richard Marceau
of UOIT’s first PhD candidates.
with the office’s numerous stakeholders, both within
An engineer by profession and a graduate of McGill
academic career, he spent 12 years in industry as a
the university and the larger community, Dr. Marceau
University (B.Eng., PhD) and École Polytechnique
practising engineer, researcher, and research and
has already identified priorities which he intends to
(M.Sc.A.), Dr. Marceau has worked in the university
development planner with MONECO Inc. and
address in partnership with his colleagues in coming
milieu since 1993. Before embarking upon an
Hydro Quebec.
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
7
www.mun.ca/gazette
One fishing nation to another By Naomi Osborne
Since
arriving in Newfoundland and
Labrador in May, Tomas Araya, a fisheries
modified beam trawl for the south coast of Newfoundland.
engineering master’s student from Chile,
Araya’s
thesis
also
happens
has been working alongside the Marine
to
Institute’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic
biodegradable twine. He is conducting
Resources (CSAR) for three months
laboratory degradation tests of natural
on a professional practice as part of
fibres to ideally be used in crab traps to
his degree.
reduce ghost fishing in Chile.
Mr.
Araya
Catholic
Fisheries engineering master’s student Tomas Araya
Mr.
coincide
with
CSAR’s
work
on
attends
the
Pontificial
Since fisheries engineering is not a
University’s
(the
Pontificia
program offered at MI or Memorial, the
Universidad Catolica) School of Marine
CSAR team has been learning as much
Sciences (Escuela de Ciencias del Mar)
from Mr. Araya as he has from them.
in Valparaiso, Chile. While professional
“As a fishing nation, Chile has a long
practices at his university are typically
and rich history in the sustainable
done locally, Mr. Araya obtained a
exploitation of marine resources,” said
government grant to cover travel costs
Dr. Paul Winger, director, CSAR. “We
so he could carry out his professional
are learning a lot from Mr. Araya and are
practice at MI.
pleased to have him join our team.”
“I chose to conduct my professional
With one month left, Mr. Araya says
practice at CSAR for the infrastructure
he will be participating in all he can and
— the flume tank — the professional
observing as much as possible from the
staff, and the opportunity to improve
CSAR team.
my English and discover new places,”
“Working
here
has
been
an
said Mr. Araya. “The constant support
unforgettable experience. Every day I
of my guide teacher in Chile, Dante
learn new things and I’ve been able to
Queirolo, also motivated me to pursue
put the knowledge I learned over the
this opportunity.”
past five years studying in Chile into
CSAR is providing Mr. Araya an
practice. One of my passions is fishing
immersive learning experience whereby
gear technology and here at CSAR you
he participates in and observes ongoing
face it every day. The staff is amazing and
projects, including the centre’s recent
they have a strong willingness to teach.
project
I am grateful for the good reception.”
on
the
development
of
a
Day of celebration a day to reflect on a sense of
committed to fulfilling our obligations
accomplishment as 17 students who
to the Inuit and other indigenous people.
completed the bachelor of social work
“It was a privilege for us to create
program took part in a graduation
this program with the insight of Inuit
celebration June 14 in Happy Valley-
elders and experts in the Nunatsiavut
Goose Bay.
community, and we hope this initiative
Offered through a partnership with the
will be followed by future partnerships
Nunatsiavut Government and Memorial
with the Nunatsiavut Government and
University, the unique, fully-accredited,
the Inuit.”
four-year program was designed to reflect
Dr. Keith Chaulk, director of the
Inuit culture and values, and to prepare
Labrador
graduates to practise in both Inuit and
ceremonies at the event, which included
non-Inuit settings. It was the first full
the lighting of a kudlik, a traditional
four-year degree program ever offered in
Inuit lamp, by Inuit elder Sarah Ponniuk,
Labrador.
followed by remarks from Nunatsiavut
Some
300
attended
was
master
of
the
President Sarah Leo, Dr. Kachanoski,
Nunatsiavut
Inuit elder Jean Crane and Dr. Donna
President Sarah Leo and Dr. Gary
Hardy Cox, dean of the School of Social
Kachanoski,
Work.
celebration,
people
Institute,
including Memorial
University’s
president and vice-chancellor, as well
Five students delivered a valedictory
as other members of the Nunatsiavut
speech, and Mary Sillett, clerk of the
Government,
Nunatsiavut Assembly, delivered the
the
Government
of
Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial’s
Bonnie Learning photo
It was
Krista Mogridge, left, is presented with her degree by Dr. Donna Hardy Cox, dean, School of Social Work.
keynote address.
special adviser to the president for
In 2009 the Nunatsiavut Government
Aboriginal affairs, faculty and staff of
contracted Memorial University’s School
instructors were involved in offering
and I am truly grateful for that. The
the School of Social Work, members
of Social Work to deliver the four-year
courses whenever possible.
opportunity to be part of a program
of the Labrador Institute, community
bachelor of social work degree program
elders, and families and friends of the
in
graduates.
emphasized
Labrador.
The the
program’s
standardized
Graduate Tracy Saunders is from
that was unique to Labrador Inuit and
design
Goose Bay, Labrador. Like many in her
was offered within Labrador was a huge
social
class, Ms. Saunders was inspired to take
influence on my decision to apply. I
“Memorial has a special obligation
work program of study with traditional
on this program to help her try to make
feel that the university and Labrador
to the people of this great province,
Inuit knowledge and cultural norms
changes in Labrador communities and,
Institute worked towards giving us the
including the indigenous people of
interwoven into the courses and teaching
like others, she balanced schoolwork
best university experience even though
Labrador
and
methods.
with family and other obligations.
we were not on campus.”
President
Kachanoski
Newfoundland,” in
said
The
Labrador
Institute,
addressing
Memorial’s presence in Labrador, was
“I am proud that I was able to complete
the gathering. “We are proud of that
closely involved with program planning
the program,” she said. “I had a huge
responsibility and proud that we are
and
amount of support from a lot of people,
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
delivery,
ensuring
that
local
8
www.mun.ca/gazette
A complete collection of recent awards for marketing and communications work at Memorial Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) (Representing excellence in advancement marketing and communications from across Canadian university institutions) • Gold: Best Use of Multi-Media, Grenfell Campus’s Find Your Corner video • Gold: Best Alumni Event, Wicked Memorial Variety Show Geoff Ash photo
• Gold:
Best
PR/Marketing/Communications
Initiative, League of Extraordinary Researchers: Research Strategy Framework • Gold: Best Institutional Annual Report for Dare or Truth – President’s Report Highlights 2012
From left are The Offord Group’s Nicholas Offord, Dr. Jean Bruneau, Dr. Angus Bruneau and CCAE President Melana Soroka, University of Saskatchewan.
• Silver: Best Student Recruitment Viewbook,
Rare impact
• Bronze: Best Institutional Branding, Grenfell Campus’s Find Your Corner campaign • Bronze: Best Photograph, Grenfell Campus’s
Angus and Jean Bruneau named Friends of Education 2013
“Changer” • Memorial
By Dave Sorensen
Prominent
St. John’s couple Drs. Angus and
Jean Bruneau have received the prestigious Friends of
Grenfell Campus
supporters
and
Jean
the
prestigious
donation to the university to establish the Bruneau
Award
Centre for Excellence in Choral Music.
at left.)
Bruneau
from
were
Friends
CCAE.
Drs.
Angus
also
presented
of
Education
(See
related
story
Education Award for 2013 from the Canadian Council
Both hold honorary doctorates from Memorial.
for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). The
Almost 300 delegates from across Canada were on
Council for the Advancement and Support of
award, sponsored by The Offord Group, was presented
hand to thank the Bruneaus for their contributions of
Education (CASE) (International recognition of
June 9 at a gala banquet in St. John’s that was part of
“time, talent and treasure” to higher education.
excellence in marketing and communications
the organization’s national conference hosted in the capital city. The Friends of Education Award has been presented annually by CCAE at its awards gala dinner, sponsored by
The Bruneaus were jointly nominated by Dr. Gary
among North American educational institutions)
Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial
• Gold: Research Publications (Print), League
University, and Ann Marie Vaughan, president of College
of Extraordinary Researchers: Research Strategy
of the North Atlantic.
Framework (CASE Circle of Excellence)
TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, for more than 20 years.
“Individually and as a couple, Angus and Jean Bruneau
The Bruneaus are the first recipients from Newfoundland
have made lifelong and transformative contributions
page,
and Labrador to receive the award.
to the advancement of higher education at both the
Research Strategy Framework (CASE District I)
• Silver: Special Purpose Publications – MultiLeague
of
Extraordinary
Researchers:
The award recognizes their outstanding service and
university and college level in Canada, and particularly
commitment to post-secondary education, as well as
in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dr.
International
Kachanoski in nominating the couple.
Communicators (IABC) (Gold Quill awards
their significant contributions in a leadership role to the cause of institutional advancement in Canada.
Association
of
Business
“Rarely would you find two people who have had such
are presented for world-wide communications
The founding dean of the Faculty of Engineering and
an impact on a province’s higher education system,”
excellence; Pinnacle awards are given by the N.L.
Applied Science, Dr. Angus Bruneau played a significant
added Ms. Vaughan in endorsing the nomination.
chapter of IABC)
role in launching the faculty’s co-operative education
“Newfoundland and Labrador has a unique public post-
• Gold Quill: Merit Award, Publication Design,
program. He was also responsible for creating C-CORE
secondary educational system with one college and one
League of Extraordinary Researchers: Research
in 1975.
university. The Bruneaus have been instrumental in the
Strategy Framework
A highly-regarded community volunteer, Jean Bruneau served as chairperson (from 1987-91) of the Cabot
successful advancement of both and are continuing to make a difference even in their retirement years.”
• Pinnacle Award of Excellence: Organizational Leader, Dr. Christopher Loomis
Institute of Applied Arts and Technology (now known
CCAE is a volunteer-led professional organization
• Pinnacle Award of Excellence: Publication
as the College of the North Atlantic), a board she served
that promotes excellence in educational advancement
Design, League of Extraordinary Researchers:
from 1977.
through networking and professional development. The
Research Strategy Framework
In 2007 the Bruneaus made a generous donation of $1
organization has more than 1,500 members who work
• Pinnacle Award of Excellence: Special Event-
million to fund the Angus Bruneau Student Leadership
at 140 Canadian universities, colleges, institutes, cégeps
External, Dare To: The Campaign for Memorial
and Innovation Fund in Engineering, which provides
and independent schools. Advancement encompasses
University
life-changing opportunities to students in Memorial’s
alumni relations, communications and marketing,
Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
fundraising
In January 2013 the Bruneaus made another $1-million
Memorial proud of success of course-based graduate programs in engineering By Jackey Locke
(development),
external
relations
and
student recruitment.
When Memorial University’s
Faculty
graduated and gone on to successful and exciting
of Engineering and Applied Science launched course-
engineering careers in Canada and abroad,” said Dr.
based master’s degree programs in 2004, the goal was to
Greg Naterer, dean, Engineering and Applied Science,
add diversity to existing graduate offerings for students
Memorial University. “The other three premium tuition
and to respond to market needs in specialized program
programs have met with equal success. Currently, there
areas.
are 108 students registered in these programs.”
While the master’s programs in computer engineering
Liang Zhang graduated from the MASCE program
(MASCE), environmental systems engineering and
and moved on to a successful career as a validation
management (MESEM), oil and gas engineering (MOGE)
engineer.
and engineering management (MEM) are challenging, they have been very successful. “Since the inception of the MASCE program in 2004, more than 80 per cent of the students registered have
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
9
“I found that the Memorial engineering instructors and student advisers in this program were friendly and
See ENGINEERING on page 10 www.mun.ca/gazette
Complementary expertise MIT alum appointed Chevron Chair in Reservoir Characterization By Kelly Foss
of the Massachusetts
Limited, the Research & Development Corporation
Institute of Technology has been appointed the
of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) and Memorial
inaugural Chevron Chair in Reservoir Characterization.
University.
Dr. Malcolm, who will assume the position in summer
“We
are
very
pleased
with
the
appointment
2014, will establish an applied research program relevant
of Dr. Malcolm as Chevron Chair in Reservoir
to petroleum geology and geophysics, with special
Characterization,” said Mark MacLeod, vice-president
emphasis on integrated reservoir characterization. This
(Atlantic Canada), Chevron Canada Limited. “Dr.
field covers a broad area of activities, involving the
Malcolm’s research and teaching focus will be of
determination of reservoir architecture, establishing
significant benefit to students at Memorial University,
geologic flow units, constructing reservoir models and
which is a key goal for Chevron Canada in funding this
identifying petroleum reserve growth potential.
chair position.”
As the Chevron Chair in Reservoir Characterization,
“This is an excellent opportunity to build further
Dr. Malcolm will work to help reduce reservoir
R&D capacity at Memorial University in a critical area
uncertainty in support of improving the predicted oil in
for this province,” said Glenn Janes, chief executive
place, static and dynamic reservoir models, production
officer, RDC. “Petroleum geoscience is critical to future
performance and ultimate recovery.
exploration and development offshore Newfoundland
“The offshore oil and gas fields of Newfoundland
and Labrador, and, as an industrial research chair, Dr.
and Labrador provide a natural laboratory for the
Malcolm will play a critical role in developing the next
study of petroleum geology,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski,
generation of expertise in this important area.”
president and vice-chancellor. “Dr. Malcolm, together
In 2008 Memorial University was selected for Chevron
with Dr. Lesley James, our Chevron Chair in Petroleum
Corporation’s University Partnership Program. Through
Engineering, will complement and expand existing
this program, support is provided to a global network
expertise at Memorial and enhance our strong ties with
of more than 95 colleges and universities to develop
the petroleum industry.”
talent in key academic disciplines, foster research
A five-year, $1-million partnership to provide funding for the position is being created by Chevron Canada
Submitted photo
Dr. Alison Malcolm
Dr. Alison Malcolm
capacity, increase community engagement and build relationships critical to the global workforce.
&
News notes
cont’d from ENGINEERING on page 9 eager to help,” he said. “They gave me a lot of assistance
cost of hiring additional professors and the need for
Listed below is a selection of the funding opportunities for
while I was in the MASCE program.”
additional computing resources, infrastructure and
which information has recently been received by the Office
Marat Gabdeyev is a graduate of the MOGE program
support staff to operate such programs, the students are
of Research Services. For links to further information on these
and is currently working as a field crew manager with
the ones who are benefiting the most by having access
items, visit Grant Funding Opportunities on the Research
one of the world’s leading international geophysical
to programs in specialized areas.”
website at www.mun.ca/research/overview/grant_opp.php .
companies.
For all students in these premium tuition programs, a
“Being a graduate student at Memorial was a great
portion of the premium tuition is non-refundable while
experience,” he said. “The quality of students is very
the remainder follows a payment schedule that is the
impressive. The university has strong links all around
same as any other graduate program at Memorial.
• CIHR Mental Health Network • CIHR Operating Grant – Canada-China Human Vaccines • CIHR Operating Grant Registration (Mandatory)
Canada. With a mixture of lectures, tutorials and
The specialized programs attract many international
labs, the teaching is excellent. The lecturers are very
students who want access to a high-quality education
• CIHR Proof of Principal Phase II
approachable if you need help with anything and lab
at Memorial University, while experiencing a new
• CIIRDF Call for Proposals for Canada-Israel S&T Fund
helpers are in the labs to help with course work. Overall,
culture. For many, studying abroad is a valuable life
• NSERC Discovery Grant – Notification of Intent to Apply
I would recommend Memorial’s MOGE program as it
experience. The graduate programs are not meant only
helped me a lot to achieve my life and career goals.”
for international students, as many domestic students
• NSERC Idea to Innovation (I2I) Grant
have also benefitted from the programs. The curriculum
• NSERC Ship Time
is the same for Canadian and international students.
• SSHRC Insight Grants Notice of Intent (Mandatory)
For
these
specialized,
course-based
graduate
programs, students pay premium tuition, which is
• CIHR Proof of Principal Phase I
(Mandatory)
higher than tuition fees for research-based graduate
“International students pay C$6,000 more than
programs because of a heavier course load and additional
Canadian students to enrol in these premium tuition
faculty hired to teach the curriculum. However, when
programs at Memorial. This is due to additional
compared to other premium tuition graduate programs
recruitment costs, English language skills development
Aug. 15
across Canada, Memorial’s tuition is among the lowest
and other extra support to help them succeed once they
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (U.S.)
in Canada.
arrive and during their program,” explained Dr. Naterer.
– Post-doctoral fellowships
Dr. Naterer is pleased with the success of these
– Senior Faculty Awards
“These premium tuition programs are cost-recovery programs,” said Dr. Naterer. “When one factors in the
premium tuition graduate programs. “Our graduates from these programs have gone on
CLASSIFIED House for sale next to Bowring Park with a Large beautiful garden. Visit us at www.6waterford. com.
IMMINENT DEADLINES
Aug. 29
to rewarding and successful careers after graduation, or
Human Frontier Science Program
they have successfully pursued PhD studies at Memorial
– Long-term Fellowships
and elsewhere. The programs provide a valuable master’s
– Cross-disciplinary Fellowships
degree education in a specialized field at a tuition level that is among the lowest in Canada for premium tuition
Aug. 31
programs.”
DAAD
To read this story in its entirety, please visit today.mun.ca/news.php?id=8510 .
– German Academic Exchange Service
– DAAD-AICGS Research fellowship
Sept. 1
Churchill Square ground floor apartment for rent. 1 bedroom plus smaller room, living room,
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
dining room, kitchen (fridge, stove, dishwasher),
– New Investigator Award
– Career Investigator Award
1 bath. Laundry facilities. Mature professional, non-smoker, no children, no pets. $1100/month. Heat included. Call 691-7383.
VISIT US ONLINE www.mun.ca/gazette
Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada
– Innovations in IBD Research
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
10
– Awards for Science Promotion (call for nominations)
www.mun.ca/gazette
chris hammond photo
OUTANDABOUT
Feeling Good About You
A $100,000 contribution from Bell Aliant to Memorial’s Counselling Centre will support a new project focusing on issues surrounding body image in students. The Feeling Good About You project will help students identify body image concerns and will develop strategies for resisting social pressures surrounding body image ideals. Pictured from left are Geoff Davis, Bell Aliant; Dr. Cecilia Reynolds, deputy provost (students) and associate vice-president (academic); and Dr. Michele Neary, project lead and assistant professor, Counselling Centre. For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit
Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of
Monday, July 8
www.today.mun.ca
Graduate Studies
The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium IX, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., School of Music, Sponsor: School of Music,
Wednesday, June 26
Sunday, June 30
Course and Teaching Evaluations: Preparing a Teaching
Canada Day Celebrations at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-4
Dossier, 3-4:30 p.m., ED-5021, Sponsor: DELTS, Professional
p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Faculty of Education, Festival 500 A Breath of Fresh Air: Measuring Oxygen in Diseased Kidneys, 10-11 a.m., Health Sciences Centre, 2J619, Sponsor: Division of
Development Experiences for Educators
Monday, July 1
BioMedical Sciences
Peer Leadership Training Webcast, 2:30- 4 p.m., A-1046,
Canada Day Celebrations at MUN Botanical Garden, 2-4 p.m.,
Sponsor: Answers, The Commons, Student Volunteer Bureau,
306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Portfolio Greedy Search and Simulation for Large-Scale Combat in StarCraft, 1-2 p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of
International Student Advising Office
Tuesday, July 2
Computer Science
NSERC Community Engagement Webinar, 2:30-5:30 p.m., EN-
Beyond the Backyard Nature Program, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 306
4002, Sponsor: Office of Research Services
Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Thursday, June 27
Afternoon Nature Hikes Program, 2:30-3:30 p.m., 306 Mount
a.m.-10 p.m., School of Music and various locations, Sponsor:
Meta-Algorithms: Links between Algorithm Design and Lower
Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
School of Music, Faculty of Education, Festival 500
The Meaning of Social Justice to Social Work Students, 1-3
Chemistry of Metal Complexes in the Gas Phase, 10 a.m.-12
p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation,
p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation,
Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Wednesday, July 3
Wednesday, July 10
Using Technology and Teaching Methodologies to Engage
The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium IX, 8:30
Memorial for Dorothy Inglis, 5-7 p.m., Junior Common Room,
Students in Large Classrooms, 12-1:30 p.m., ED-2030B, Sponsor:
a.m.-10 p.m., School of Music and various locations, Sponsor:
R. Gushue Hall
DELTS, Professional Development Experiences for Educators
School of Music, Faculty of Education, Festival 500
Achieving Academic Excellence, 1-2 p.m., auditorium, Health
Thursday, July 4
Floral Art Show, 12-5 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN
Sciences Centre
The Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Neural Markers of
Botanical Garden, Floral Design Group of the Newfoundland
Sensorimotor Integration, 12-1 p.m., PE-3007, Sponsor: School
Horticultural Society
Tuesday, July 9 The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium IX, 9
Bounds, 1-2 p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of Computer Science Second Annual Sea-Hawks Scholarship Golf Tournament, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., Bally Haly Country Club, Sponsor: Memorial Athletics
Saturday, July 13
NSERC Research Portal/CCV Webinar, 2:30-4 p.m., EN-4002,
of Human Kinetics and Recreation
Sunday, July 14
Sponsor: Office of Research Services
Sunday, July 7
Floral Art Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd.,
Immunotherapeutic Approaches for Allergic and Autoimmune
The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium IX, 9
Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden, Floral Design Group of the
Diseases, 10-11 a.m., Health Sciences Centre, Theatre B,
a.m.-5 p.m., School of Music, Sponsor: School of Music, Faculty
Newfoundland Horticultural Society
Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine
of Education,Festival 500 Nature Programs at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 306
Human Factor Risk Assessment of a Maintenance Operation
Nature Programs at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 306
in Offshore Process System, 1:30-3:30 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau
Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
11
Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden
www.mun.ca/gazette
Career path
Muse editor-in-chief new Gzowski intern at CBC By Janet Harron
After a few
years fighting it, John Michael
Bennett can’t avoid his destiny any longer. The recipient of the 2013 CBC Peter Gzowski internship, Mr. Bennett was thinking of applying to law school when then-undergraduate co-ordinator for political science, Dr. Alex Marland (now the Faculty of Arts’ associate dean of undergraduate studies), gently suggested that it might not be for him. “I didn’t realize the background I was building in journalism until it was built,” said Mr. Bennett, who is editor-in-chief of Memorial University’s student-run newspaper The Muse and, until recently, a MUCEP student working with CHMR radio. chris hammond photo
He spent his political science internship working at NTV. Mr. Bennett received a call from the selection committee while at the gym with his girlfriend, Laura. “I got the call from Peter Gullage (executive producer at CBC St. John’s) and got off the treadmill to take it outside. When I heard the news I came running back into the gym, jumping up and down and screaming,”
John Michael Bennett
he laughed. “Laura made me finish my workout though because she said we were always finding excuses not to
said. “Michael Enright has been with the CBC for so
with a younger audience,” said Mr. Bennett, who believes
go to the gym!”
many years. He’s very skilled and knows a lot about
that people will always respond to radio.
Mr. Bennett recently returned from a week-long training trip to CBC’s national broadcasting centre
journalism, which he calls reporting. Meeting him was really cool.”
in Toronto, Ont. While there, he and the other three
Mr. Bennett was in the Q studio on May 9 when
Gzowski interns from Trent University, McGill University
Jian Ghomeshi recorded his recent essay on the “so-called
and Simon Fraser University did some technical training
CBC crisis” (www.cbc.ca/q/blog/2013/05/10/jians-open-
and met with various CBC broadcasters, including
ing-essay-on-the-so-called-cbc-crisis/ ). He was so taken by
Michael Enright and Jian Ghomeshi.
the broadcaster’s words that he convinced Mr. Ghomeshi
“Toronto was awesome. It was great to work with
“People’s stories are super interesting. Radio is definitely still relevant — some places are having difficulty reaching
to put the essay online.
out to younger audiences but media will always find ways to adapt.” Mr. Bennett will spend the summer working at the CBC in St. John’s. “I’ll be going and doing whatever they need. I’ve been told by that they are going to throw me anywhere and
people who have been doing this for so many years —
“CBC is at its highest right now in terms of listenership
they have a lot to teach and I have a lot to learn,” he
and viewership and Jian is leading the way by connecting
Multimedia magic
support team at DELTS spends years of training to become
company that sells hardware and software solutions
proficient at programming, designing and installing
to simplify the way people interact with technology.
complex control systems that provide instructors with a
Memorial currently has AMX control systems in about 50
seamless, user-friendly experience.
of its more advanced multimedia rooms, plus additional
Simplifying users’ interaction with technology
“Our job is to keep the technology current, but
By Courtenay Alcock
accessible,” said Ed Hipditch, manager of classroom
When stepping
everywhere.”
systems that have been put in place at the Marine Institute.
into one of Memorial’s multi–
support at DELTS. “Classrooms and learning spaces are
At the end of the week, the staff members came away
media rooms — whether a lecture theatre, classroom or
continually becoming more complex to create a more
with certifications on the programming, design and
laboratory — one rarely thinks about how the equipment
visual way of teaching. The tools educators use are
installation of AMX control systems.
works. With the press of a button the room comes to life,
changing, and the technology has to change with it so
providing students with a quality digital, visual learning
that students are engaged as they learn.”
experience. Ever wonder how that magic happens? The classroom
DELTS’s
four
classroom
support
At the touch of a button, these systems control a variety of equipment including dual screen projectors, video
staff
recently
conferencing, cameras, speakers, lecture capture and
underwent a week of training by AMX, an international
internal computers as well as laptop connections. They can even be programmed to sense when a divisible room wall is closed or opened, changing the way it interacts with the equipment depending on if the room is one big room, or two smaller ones. “These control systems provide us with flexibility when it comes to upgrading the multimedia equipment in the rooms,” added Mr. Hipditch. “They just need to be recoded or reprogrammed by our team, which is why they attend training every year — to upgrade their knowledge and gain certification on the new technologies.” Beginning last year, Mr. Hipditch and his team have been working to upgrade all of Memorial’s multimedia from analog to digital.
Dave Howells photo
“People are used to high quality, high definition multimedia when they go to the movie theatre or when they buy a new smartphone or tablet. Students expect that same experience with their visuals in the classroom, so the quality of the technology we use has to be
Paul Martin checks equipment in one of Memorial’s multimedia classrooms.
Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013
12
comparable in order to effectively engage our learners.”
www.mun.ca/gazette