Dec. 16, 2015 Volume 48 | Number 7 Registration Mail No. 4006252
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 nd l and p u b l i c a t i o n
Innu legend comes to life in Labrador Institute book
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
By Jeff Green
Rock the hijab From left, students Vadah Hartwig, Cassandra Clarke, Hiri Afridi and Mona Shannir pose for photos with their hijabs, courtesy of Ms. Shannir, at a recent Islam Awareness Week event. Please see the related story and photo essay on pages 6-7.
Exceptional faculty and staff honoured at special ceremony President Gary Kachanoski has announced Memorial University’s outstanding educators, researchers and staff members for 2015. The President’s Awards recognize excellence in public engagement, teaching, research, service and community service. The awards are announced annually and were formally presented at a ceremony Dec. 7. “The tradition of the President’s Awards goes back more than 30 years,” said Dr. Kachanoski. “And while they are called the President’s Awards, they are truly a reflection of the high esteem in which our
more students, staff and/or faculty members and an organization or group from outside Memorial. This year, awards have been presented to the Shea Heights Community Alliance and the NunatuKavut Research Ethics Project. Dr. David Behm, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, and Dr. Paul Snelgrove, Department of Ocean Sciences and the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, have been named University Research Professors.
A new children’s book published by the Labrador Institute (LI) brings a historic Innu legend to a new generation. The Man Who Married a Beaver was made possible by a donation from the Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC), originally received during Memorial’s successful Dare To fundraising campaign. It was officially released during a book launch Nov. 23 at the Sheshatshiu Innu School, where it was read in two languages. “Outreach and collaboration are part of our mandate,” said Dr. Martha MacDonald, acting director, LI. She’s one of the book’s editors along with Dr. Marguerite MacKenzie, professor emerita, Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Arts. Jolene Ashini, who is from Sheshatshiu, and Cynthia Colosimo of Forteau, completed illustrations for the book. Dr. Keith Chaulk, former LI director, also contributed to the project. “I think this book is important to the communities where the stories originate and I think its story will be informative to people outside Labrador,” added Dr. MacDonald. The book tells the story of a man and the several different animals that approach him for marriage. He agrees to each proposal but every time he finds something wrong with the prospective spouse. Finally he marries the beaver and they go on to have children. Eventually, the man’s family begin to look for him. They destroy the beaver lodge and take the man home with them. In the end he is able to rejoin his beaver family.
Memorial University community holds the recipients, because all of them have been nominated and recommended for these honours by their peers or their students. Our award winners serve as role models for the entire Memorial community.” For the first time, President’s Awards for Public Engagement Partnerships have been awarded. These awards celebrate exemplary community-university collaborations that are in keeping with the goals of Memorial’s Public Engagement Framework. Up to two awards are offered annually for partnerships between one or
See CEREMONY on page 3
See LEGEND on page 2
10 Wo rl dw i d e i m pac t
11 N o r t h s ta r
12 P u b l i c pl at f o r m
features
3 Studentview
This fall, Gazette student columnist Maria Browne exercised her right to vote both provincially and federally for the first time.
A leading-edge researcher in spine biomechanics has joined the research community at Memorial.
A member of the Internationalization Office has been recognized as an emerging leader by a national organization.
A lecture series addressing legal issues of public concern will launch at Memorial in January.
Cont’d from LEGEND on page 1
The Innu-aimun version of the story came from Jose Mailhot’s transcription of a 1960s recording capturing Ishpastien Nuna’s recounting of the legend. “We wanted to produce books for children in the Aboriginal languages of Labrador and to use stories from their own communities,” said Dr. MacDonald. The Labrador Institute published a book a couple of years ago based on an Inuit legend. “I think it’s important to present two ways of knowing the world and treating science and traditional knowledge as equally important points of view.” The book’s launch coincided with the Labrador Creative Arts Festival’s 40th anniversary celebrations. Ms. Ashini first took part in the festival as a student but returned as a visiting artist. Dr. MacDonald says HMDC’s contribution allowed the LI to produce a high-quality publication while also compensating the illustrators. “Without that funding, we would not have published the book, or future ones, because the costs are considerable,” she noted. “They have enlarged the possibility for students to read in their own language, which is great, as the spoken language (Innu-aimun) is still strong.” Copies of The Man Who Married A Beaver can be purchased through LI or local stores.
The cover image of The Man Who Married a Beaver.
EDITOR Mandy Cook LAYOUT Mike Mouland REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its most significant jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial to ask for research help. With hundreds of communitysuggested opportunities to choose from, your next project is just a click away. Here’s one...
The opportunit y
The conference room at the Hotel North Two in Happy Valley-Goose Bay was abuzz on Nov. 17 as more than 40 participants of a Harris Centre Regional Workshop imagined what Labrador will look like 30 years from now. They also discussed a multitude of potential projects addressing issues from better collaboration on the ground to understanding the impacts of the sealing industry on Labrador’s economy. Overall, there was a sense that Labrador is ready for a new and bolder vision of what it could be and a look back at the last decade is crucial for figuring out the best way forward. Patricia Kemuksigak, minister, Education and Economic Development, Nunatsiavut Government, is particularly interested in taking a good look at the Northern Strategic Plan. Announced in 2007, the plan was a cornerstone of the provincial government’s strategic policy and development initiatives in Labrador. While the government
Bojan Fürst photo
By Cathy Newhook Special to the gazette
Participants of the Central Labrador Regional Workshop in Happy ValleyGoose Bay discuss priorities for the region. has released annual reports from 2007 to 2009 on the implementation of the plan, Ms. Kemuksigak says she is interested in a detailed review of the initiative over its entire lifespan. “Did the Northern Strategic Plan address the root of the problems in Labrador? Was it effective? Did it go far enough? Does it need to be revised and does it need a new focus?” These are some of the question she would like answered. She points out that, given the political and economic changes in the Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada, the timing is good to take a close look at the foundational document for Labrador development. “Has there been a difference made in the lives of people of Labrador?” she asked. Labradorians, especially those living in northern communities, continue to work on a variety of social issues, economic development, education and food security. Ms. Kemuksigak points out that many of the issues Labradorians deal with are specific
2 gazette | Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
to them. For example, many Nunatsiavut children are still taken into foster care outside of the territory and despite federal and provincial food subsidy programs four litres of milk costs more than $13 in the northern communities. “A solid strategy developed with Labradorians, for Labradorians, could go a long way to address some of those issues,” she said. The projecT
The Northern Strategic Plan has been in place since 2007. The Nunatsiavut Government is interested in an independent review of the plan with detailed analysis of its implementation and impacts. Such research would be invaluable to Labradorians and the province as a whole in shaping a future direction for the social and economic development of Labrador. Interested in learning more project? The Harris Centre’s knowledge mobilization would tell you more. Call Bojan Fürst 2120 or email bfurst@mun.ca.
about this manager of be happy to at 709-864-
Courtenay Alcock Laura Barron Jennifer Batten Melanie Callahan Rebecca Cohoe Nora Daly Krista Davidson Kelly Foss Elizabeth Furey Leslie Earle Pamela Gill Jeff Green Janet Harron Jill Hunt
Jackey Locke Virginia Middleton Cathy Newhook Michelle Osmond Lisa Pendergast David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Melissa Watton Meaghan Whelan Susan White Heidi Wicks Laura Woodford Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Kelly Hickey PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Hammond ADVERTISING Mandy Cook T. 709 864 2142 mandyc@mun.ca Next gazette publication date: Jan. 20 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 T. 709 864 2142 F. 709 864 8699 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
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
The President’s Awards recipients and President Kachanoski (far right) during the Dec. 7 award ceremony. Cont’d from CEREMONY on page 1
The title University Research Professor is a designation above the rank of professor and goes to a faculty member who has demonstrated a consistently high level of scholarship and whose research is of a truly international stature. The President’s Award for Exceptional Community Service has been awarded to Dr. April Manuel, School of Nursing. This award is presented in recognition of employees (faculty or staff) who have demonstrated outstanding community service. The President’s Award for Outstanding Research has been awarded to Dr. Octavia Dobre, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Dr. Stephen Piercey, Department of Earth Sciences,
Faculty of Science, and Dr. Yvan Rose, Department of Linguistics, Faculty of Arts. The President’s Award for Outstanding Research recognizes young researchers who have made significant contributions to their scholarly disciplines. Dr. Alistair Bath, Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, has been awarded the President’s Award for Outstanding Graduate and Post-graduate Supervision. This award recognizes exemplary efforts to foster success in the research and scholarship of their graduate or post-graduate students and to advance their students’ success in their profession. The President’s Award for Distinguished Teaching, recognizing teaching excellence in the university community, was presented to Dr.
Ken Barter, School of Social Work. Other teaching awards—for outstanding teaching—recognize remarkable efforts in the classroom by faculty members with 5-10 years of service to the university, and lecturers and instructional staff with a minimum of five course sections taught. The President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching (Faculty) has been awarded to Dr. Delores Mullings, School of Social Work. The President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching (Lecturers and Instructional Staff) has been awarded to Dr. Matthew LeRiche, Department of Political Science, Faculty of Arts. The President’s Awards for Exemplary Service have been awarded to five remarkable
Memorial community members. They are Thomas Mallard, Facilities Management; Derrick Kelloway, Offshore Safety and Survival Centre, Marine Institute; Constance Fudge, Campus Enforcement and Patrol; Patricia Barker, Animal Care Services, Faculty of Medicine; and Dallas Collins, Information and Technology Services, Office of the Chief Information Officer. The President’s Award for Exemplary Service is presented to employees who have demonstrated outstanding service and/ or who have made significant contributions to the university community beyond that normally expected for their positions. The awards ceremony took place in the Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation on the St. John’s campus.
Youth participation in the political process Between late August up until Oct. 19, election signs were scattered all across the country. Right after that, these federal election candidate signs disappeared only to be replaced by provincial candidate signs in preparation for the provincial election. Both these elections saw heightened excitement in the province. There was also a huge push on social media to encourage youth to cast their ballots. At 21 years old, I was excited to exercise my right to vote in both elections for the first time. At Memorial, advanced polls allowed students easy access to vote. This encouraged the youth vote and saw hundreds of students cast ballots in both elections at their own convenience. I also observed a huge trend on my Facebook page of friends posting status updates stating they had just voted. Voting selfies were also prominently displayed on my newsfeed, further promoting casting the ballot. Our democracy allows the opportunity to be involved in the political process and we all play a role. Personally, I have been involved in both elections. Last spring I attended a meeting with Liberal MPs Dominic LeBlanc and Judy
Foote, and Seamus O’Regan. During the federal election, I heard Justin Trudeau speak at his rally in Mount Pearl. I also volunteered for Liberal candidate Jeff Marshall in the riding of Ferryland during the provincial election. For students affiliated with a political party, volunteering opportunities can range from door knocking to office work. Such experiences can open doors to employment down the road. A friend of mine, Charlie Byrne, is a good example of a volunteer with the Liberal Party of Canada who ended up with a job. Mr. Byrne has volunteered since 2013; during the federal election he went door-to-door most days with Mr. O’Regan in the riding of St. John’s South-Mount Pearl. This was a competitive riding against then-NDP incumbent Ryan Cleary. On Oct. 19 Mr. O’Regan won the riding and now serves as the new member of Parliament in Ottawa. Mr. Byrne
now holds a position as constituency assistant for Mr. O’Regan. Whatever your partisan stripe, volunteering for a political party can provide job opportunities, networking and resumé building. At Memorial there are societies for all political parties where students can further engage in the political process. Political parties on campus normally hold Facebook events where students can volunteer for candidates or help out for an event. The MUN Liberals, Conservatives, Progressive Conservatives, and NDP all have Facebook pages students can like to keep updated. Now that both elections have concluded, election signs have disappeared and the buzz is over. The newly elected provincial and federal Liberal governments both hold majority power, meaning there will not be elections for another four years. For now, I look forward to following politics and eagerly await my next opportunity to both volunteer and vote.
Maria Browne is a fourth-year English and communication studies student. She can be reached at mariakbrowne@gmail.com.
Memorial continues to consult on journal subscriptions Memorial continues to consult on the review of journal holdings in its library system. Despite a 25 per cent increase in funding for journal subscriptions over the past five years, from $6 million to $7.5 million, the rising cost of journal subscriptions and the impact of the strengthening U.S. dollar have presented significant challenges to the planning process for the library. About 85 per cent of journal purchases are in U.S. dollars. Memorial Libraries is continuing to analyze journal purchases to find cost savings where possible, while still maintaining journal subscriptions for those resources deemed essential by academic staff and students. The analysis includes a review of journal usage, and consultation with academic units that began in June 2015 and will continue into 2016.
Journal subscription has become increasingly profit driven and complex. Critical journals are often packaged with a group of less popular journals, forcing the university to pay for materials it doesn’t necessarily deem valuable. The current analysis includes examining journal packages and existing subscriptions to find cost savings where possible. This may include breaking bundles apart and buying back the significant journals. Memorial currently holds about 80,000 journal subscriptions and is analyzing about 2,500 of those in its current review. To view the library collections online, please visit www.library.mun.ca/ aboutus/aboutourlibraries/collections. At this point, no journals have been cancelled as a result of this review. “Journals are integral to the core business of the university and we
have no intention of undermining our teaching and research capacity,” said Dr. Noreen Golfman, provost and vice-president (academic). Aside from analyzing current journal costs, the university is also exploring ways to protect itself from the shock of currency fluctuations; those discussions are ongoing. Memorial continues to prioritize academic budgets over administrative spending. The university budget, passed by the Board of Regents in July, included a onetime budget reduction of $1.3 million and an ongoing base budget reduction of $2.6 million for administrative units. Direct academic expenditures were exempt from cuts in July. For more on university budget, please visit today.mun.ca/news.php?id=9610.
New research suggests benefits of eating during labour
notable Dr. Martha MacDonald has been appointed to serve as acting director of the Labrador Institute effective Nov. 23, 2015, until a permanent director is appointed. Dr. MacDonald has worked with the Labrador Institute for more than 15 years, and prior to accepting this position, she served in the role of associate director. Dr. MacDonald replaces Dr. Keith Chaulk who resigned from the position effective Nov. 20, 2015. Dr. Faye Murrin’s appointment as dean pro tempore of the School of Graduate Studies has been extended while the search for a permanent dean progresses. Dr. Murrin will serve in the role until April 30, 2016, or until a permanent candidate is recruited, whichever occurs first. Expressions of interest for the position will be received up to Friday, Jan. 8, 2016. Louise White has been appointed to the role of acting university librarian effective Jan. 1, 2016, until a permanent candidate is recruited. Ms. White is currently associate librarian at Memorial University with responsibility for the Queen Elizabeth II Library, the Dr. C.R. Barrett Library of the Marine Institute, the Music Resource Centre and the Education Library. She comes to the role with experience in varied professional practice in academic librarianship and progressively senior administrative roles with Memorial University Libraries. Ms. White replaces Lorraine Busby, who completes the extension to her term on Dec 31, 2015.
SUBMITTED PHOTO
obituaries DR. FRANK CRAMM Dr. Frank Cramm, a retired member of the Faculty of Education, passed away in November 2015. He was 78.
From left are Dr. Andrew Major, Chris Harty, Erin Sproul and Dr. Michael Bautista. By Elizabeth Furey
Researchers from the Faculty of Medicine recently presented findings at a conference that suggest most women can skip fasting and actually benefit from eating a light meal during labour. The team is comprised of Dr. Michael Bautista, associate professor of anesthesiology; Dr. Andrew Major, assistant professor of anesthesiology; medical students Erin Sproul and Chris Harty; and librarian Alison Farrell. They attended the recent 2015 American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting in San Diego, Calif., where their findings about eating during labour were met with significant interest. Traditionally, pregnant women have been instructed to avoid eating or drinking during labour as they can potentially inhale foods or liquids into their lungs during an emergency general aesthetic, which can cause pneumonia. Research conducted
by the team, however, states that the risk of this is greatly lowered. “Things have changed over the last number of years and, through improved anesthesia, we now believe that most healthy women are highly unlikely to have the problem of potential aspiration today, and in fact, the benefits of eating in labour would be better nutrition for the mother and baby,” Dr. Bautista said. According to the research, labour and delivery is like running a marathon. Receiving calories from intravenous fluids that contain dextrose can induce hypoglycemia in the newborn, so they are not used. Mothers develop the metabolic pattern of someone who is starving, yet running a marathon, so oral calories like high carbohydrate drinks are best when trying to preserve energy levels. Solid foods are also a potential option, says Dr. Bautista, one which provides more “variety and comfort.” “For women in the latent phase
4 gazette | Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
of labour who can remain that way for hours, or even days, fasting from solid food is extremely challenging, nutritionally and psychologically. Women do eventually lose their appetite in labour, and so it is natural for them to want to eat early in labour, but not when it is well established.” Dr. Bautista hopes this research will stimulate re-evaluation of the current Canadian practices when it comes to eating during labour. In the meantime, what sort of food could pregnant women potentially consume? “Our project goals didn’t specifically look at which foods could be eaten, but suggestions have been toast or bread, biscuits and yogurt. We haven’t reviewed the literature thoroughly enough to comment precisely on the exact type of food, but we don’t think pizza or fried chicken would make the list.”
JEAN ARMORAL BASTOW Jean Armoral Bastow, a retired employee of the Faculty of Medicine, passed away Nov. 21, 2015. She was 95. DR. MARY WILLIAMS Dr. Mary Williams, a former professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, passed away Nov. 25. GEORGE PARK George Park, a retired member of the Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Arts, passed away Nov. 28, 2015. MICHAEL JOHN SULLIVAN Michael John Sullivan, a retired staff member of the Faculty of Education, passed away Dec. 2, 2015. He was 67. RICK LAVALLEE Rick LaVallee, a retired staff member with Facilities Management, passed away Dec. 7, 2015. He was 63.
Frameworks in action
Memorial’s frameworks in action
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Building a community of practice By Jennifer Batten
The 13 educators appointed as Chairs in Teaching and Learning at Memorial University this year know a thing or two about the importance of collaboration and innovation in teaching and learning. For this new group, working together to champion, model and support a vibrant, progressive teaching and learning environment across Memorial’s campuses forms the basis of their plans for the coming months and years. “Each chair is working on their own initiatives within their units, but they know that to be successful, they must also focus on the common purpose of creating a university-wide community of practice for teaching and learning,” said Kim Myrick, manager, Teaching and Learning Framework. “Individually and as a collective, their priority is to help to further promote a learner-centred
university culture and foster the development of highly engaged, motivated and effective graduates.” The chairs have been meeting regularly this fall, sharing their project ideas and discussing how to best implement their plans to achieve their teaching and learning objectives. In October, the group collaborated on a presentation of the Chairs in Teaching and Learning program at the Atlantic Association of Universities’ Atlantic Universities Teaching Showcase, which took place on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. The chairs worked with DELTS’ video production staff and Ms. Myrick to create a video to showcase the role of the program and the work they are doing to promote excellence in teaching and learning. View the video at blog. delts.mun.ca/teachingandlearning. Away from the group setting, the chairs are moving forward with projects to address unitspecific goals with the support of Ms. Myrick, DELTS and other units, including the Centre for Institutional Analysis and Planning. Some projects involve student engagement in teaching and learning outcomes. For example, in her role as Chair in Teaching
HSIMS photo
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.
Back, from left, Kevin Strowbridge (Marine Institute), Lyle Wetsch (Business), Karen Goodnough (Education), Janet Goosney (Library) and Adam Dubrowski (Medicine). Front, from left, Delores Mullings (Social Work), Caroline Porr (Nursing), Janna Rosales (Engineering) and TA Loeffler (HKR). Missing are Marie Croll (Grenfell), Danny Dyer (Science), John Hawboldt (Pharmacy) and Max Liboiron (Arts). and Learning for the School of Social Work, Dr. Delores Mullings led a project this fall to identify factors in the teaching and learning environment that support social work students in becoming successful graduates. A unique focus group approach was designed to bring students together and brainstorm ideas on what supports their success, including staff, faculty, facilities/space and technology. The results were positive and will be used to enhance the learning experience in the School of Social Work. Other ongoing projects engage educators with a desire to expand their knowledge of best practices in teaching and learning. Experiential workshops, speaker presentations and discussion sessions organized by individual chairs are generating interest not only within their units but also across other units at Memorial. Topics include teaching technologies, evaluation methods, social justice and
diversity. For example, Dr. Karen Goodnough in the Faculty of Education recently offered an experiential workshop that involved participants working together in a talking circle to explore the nuances of dialogue education. These are just some examples of the new teaching and learning projects being led by this enthusiastic team of educators. Further details on all projects will be shared in the coming months. The unique Chairs in Teaching and Learning program is intended to enhance the student learning experience by promoting the development of innovative approaches, teaching capacity and competence across the university, within academic and support units, and at the level of individual faculty members. To learn more, visit blog.delts. mun.ca/teachingandlearning/ chairs-in-teaching-and-learning/ about-the-chairs.
Progressive strategy aims to bolster economic impact of research outcomes By Jeff Green
Memorial is moving ahead with its efforts to further support and foster research with social and economic potential. At its Dec. 3 meeting, the Board of Regents approved the university’s new Technology Transfer and Commercialization Strategy, an initiative led by the Office of the Vice-President (Research). “Memorial is seizing the opportunity to establish one of the most progressive technology transfer and commercialization environments in the country for all forms of intellectual property arising from knowledge creation and artistic creation,” said Dr. Richard Marceau, vice-president (research). “We’re aiming to unleash Memorial’s economic potential,”
he added. “This approach offers another opportunity for Memorial to fulfill its special obligation to the people of our province.”
“We’re aiming to unleash Memorial’s economic potential.” — Dr. Richard Marceau
The strategy’s detailed action plan focuses on four main areas: • Fostering a progressive culture of technology transfer and commercialization; • Revising and implementing policies in support of technology transfer and commercialization; • Establishing responsive business structures and processes; and
• Ensuring adequate oversight and guidance of its technology transfer and commercialization structures and processes. Last year, the technology transfer function performed by Genesis Research, a separately incorporated entity of the university, was repatriated to the Office of the Vice-President (Research). This move prompted an examination of Memorial’s readiness and support for technology transfer. In order to develop the new strategy, Memorial held broad consultations with key stakeholders, including industry associations, government and industry partners and pan-university representatives. A review of current literature and best practices was also conducted. The strategy was developed, endorsed by Senate and approved by the board.
“A clear message we heard from our conversations was that Memorial needed to increase its contributions towards advancing both social and economic benefits for the province,” said Dr. Marceau. Memorial’s Research Strategy Framework and the Strategic Research Intensity Plan already support faculty members in the pursuit of research excellence while encouraging all forms of scholarly dissemination. Dr. Marceau said the new strategy complements this work. “Our new strategy values these principles and builds on them to enhance dissemination paths for all forms of intellectual property to increase the economic impact of some research outcomes.”
‘Peace and unity’ Diversity fair promotes one message Walking into the Cultural Diversity Fair in The Landing on the St. John’s campus on Dec. 2 is like walking into a warm embrace. As Islamic hymns play and people gather around desserts and other snacks heaped high on a food table, visitors and exhibitors chat by display tables. A little girl in a headscarf takes advantage of the open space in the middle of the room, her sequined skirt swaying over her jeans and sneakers. “The fair is an opportunity to demonstrate the true colors of Muslims on Memorial’s campuses, being from various cultures and backgrounds and countries, but who are all united in one belief,” said Ahmed Khawer, vice-president of the Muslim Students Association and a third-year science major in biochemistry (nutrition). Mr. Khawer hails from Pakistan, but also calls Newfoundland and Labrador home, now that he has spent the last 10 years living here. “We want people to see the main aspects of Islam and experience it by none other than their own classmates and friends.”
All photos by Chris Hammond
“The word Islam means to “achieve peace.” — Ahmed Khawer
Memorial’s colourful community is not just evident in the number of national flags strung around the room. Traditional clothing, skin colour, home countries ranging from Bangladesh, Libya, Germany, Canada—many cultures and nationalities are represented here. No matter what part of the world a person of the Islamic faith hails from, says Mr. Khawer, “Muslims believe in peace and unity.” Mona Shannir echoes the sentiment. The third-year social work student and Lebanon native says she is participating in the fair to show the Memorial community that “Muslims are normal people just like them.” Ms. Shannir’s booth is equipped with colourful and patterned scarves and a mirror for female students who want to “rock the hijab.” She expertly affixes a shiny black one to student Vadah Hartwig’s hair with a couple of well-placed bobby pins. “I was just curious how they work and what they feel like,” said Ms. Hartwig, a second-year history major from British Columbia. “It’s soft and comfortable.” It’s exactly the kind of thing Mr. Khawer loves to hear. While he says Memorial and his adopted home of St. John’s is a safe and friendly place to study and live, recent world tragedies galvanized him and the association members to host the fair. Mr. Khawer says the actions of a few should not represent Muslims as a whole and “certainly not Islam as a religion.” “The word Islam means to “achieve peace” and that implies with everyone,” he said. “With the recent Paris attacks, and the Islamophobia that has been rising, it is our job to show everyone that this is not what Islam is and to educate people that these actions are against Islamic teachings. Looking around, all I’ve been seeing is happy faces and it makes us feel good.”
From left, German major Julie Sexton has a henna tattoo of Arabic design applied to her arm by Aditi Joshi, a first-year student from Tanzania.
From left, student Hiri Afridi and exhibitor Mona Shannir pose for photos with their hijabs.
6 gazette | Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
Ahmed Khawer, vice-president of the Muslim Students Association, speaks to the attendees of the Cultural Diversity Fair.
Ahmed Soliman, a master’s student in computer engineering from Egypt, writes the name “Mandy” in Arabic.
A sample of some of the sweets on hand at the fair. Clockwise from left, basbosa, mithai and gulab jamun.
From left, Younis Abdalla and Al-Abbass Al-Habashneh, both doctoral students in engineering, wear traditional clothing from Libya and Jordan, respectively.
A richly adorned miniature rickshaw was one example of home décor found at the fair.
Alumna Melanie Barnes is the current Miss Newfoundland and Labrador. By Jeff Green
A Memorial alumna is savouring the glory of being named Miss Newfoundland and Labrador, a role she hopes will bolster the profile of several volunteer groups and inspire young women to focus on educational goals. “I feel like I can provide some guidance to young women and show them a solid education can lead to opportunity,” said Melanie Barnes, who holds both a bachelor of science (honours) degree in earth sciences and a master of science from Memorial. She’s
also a fellow of the School of Graduate Studies. She’s currently working on the St. John’s campus as a research assistant in the Department of Earth Sciences and has secured a job with ExxonMobil next year as a geophysics intern. “I was really surprised,” she said of clinching the competition’s top spot. “Up until this year, I was always engulfed in university life so I could never enter.” The pageant, held each fall in Bay Roberts, emphasizes academics, volunteer leadership, fitness and health. “All things that are important to me,” said Ms. Barnes, 26. One of the groups she hopes to raise the profile of is the Central Avalon Ground Search and Rescue Team. It covers a massive chunk of the Avalon— everywhere west of St. John’s covering the Cape and Southern Shores, noted Ms. Barnes, who is a certified ice water rescue technician with the organization. Another group is Newfoundland Search Dogs Inc., which is working to become registered. It’s members and their dogs will be able to provide “essential help,” during active search and rescue missions. Ms. Barnes is the group’s vice-president and a board director. She’s currently training her Bernese Mountain dog, Ella, to take part in such operations. “These groups are very important to me,” she said. “If I can help elevate the important work they do,
SUBMITTED photo
Judi Stone Photography Studio
Alumna named Miss N.L. volunteers with search and rescue, search dogs
Melanie Barnes and her dog, Ella. then that’s a win-win situation. “No one realizes the importance of these search groups until they’ve been involved. Ideally, I’d like to leverage my position as Miss Newfoundland and Labrador to help promote organizations and small charities that I believe in and that are doing selfless acts of kindness throughout the province.” As the current titleholder, Ms. Barnes wants to also inspire young girls and women to see the possibilities that come with a science education. She’s credits the “amazing team of profs” in the Department of Earth Sciences— including Honorary Research Professor
Dr. Jeremy Hall and University Research Professor Dr. Ali Aksu—for instilling in her the possibilities that come with a strong educational background. “I find earth sciences very intriguing,” she noted. “I’ve been lucky, as part of my studies here at Memorial, to travel to Turkey twice—once in 2011 and again in 2014—where I’ve spent upwards of two months taking part in research cruises interpreting seismic data and images. You don’t get many opportunities like that. I firmly believe Memorial has set me up for a solid career.”
Starting the conversation By Marcia Porter
The topics were timely and the displays interactive and colourful. And, if you stopped to ask about a particular subject at the nursing student-run health fair, you could win a prize, enjoy a fruit kebab or even play a racecar video game. As part of the Community Health Nursing Practice program requirements, students at the School of Nursing must bring their knowledge of health and wellness issues to a larger audience. This year they set up displays in St. John’s at Memorial’s University Centre, the College of the North Atlantic and St. Paul’s Junior High School. “Health promotion is an important component for overall health,” said Prof. Judy Moody, the course leader. “Health education is a significant factor that empowers people to make lifestyle choices that increase their level of health.” “The health fair is valuable for many reasons,” said Prof. Norma Sherret, who instructs the course along with Prof. Moody, and faculty members Mary Bursey and Cindy Murray. “Students have an opportunity to
address identified health needs within the community that are relevant to a particular population. They engage in the role of the community health nurse, and the health fair allows them to demonstrate their developing understanding of the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to effect change within the context of the community.” Students appreciated the chance to talk one-on-one on the topics of the dangers of texting and driving, privacy and the use of social media, safe and healthy relationships, alcohol use and abuse, healthy eating on a budget and mental health issues, including stress and depression. “Most of the information we already knew,” said Brianna Scott, who worked with three other students to create the “Textication” display about the dangers of driving and texting. “But it was a real eye opener when we brought all of the information together, and we heard about so many tragedies.” As part of the Textication exhibit, the group even created a video game activity that tested driving skills and response time while texting. After the event, Prof. Sherret requested feedback from her students.
8 gazette | Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
SUBMITTED PHOTO
Health fairs take nursing students out of the classroom
Nursing students brought the dangers of texting and driving to health fair attendees’ attention recently. A sample of some of the comments include “I was able to practice being professional,” and “I’m a pretty shy person and this helped me see that as a nurse, I have to be the one to start the conversation.”
Prof. Moody says the student-run fairs are a great way for students to learn about the role of nurses in public health education and reflect the aim of Memorial’s Teaching and Learning Framework.
On the turnaround By Krista Davidson Special to the gazette
Commuting can be challenging and frustrating at the best of times. Add the pressure of family responsibilities, long and labour-intensive shifts and nasty weather and commuting can become risky, unhealthy and stressful for those who are trying to balance family and personal lives with work in another community. The scenario has become a frequent one in Canada and it is the basis of a seven-year national research partnership known as On the Move, led by Memorial University’s Dr. Barb Neis. The partnership aims to investigate the spectrum of employment-related geographical mobility and its consequences for workers, families, employers, communities and government. On the Move recently attracted the attention of an organization providing advice to a First Nations seafood-processing plant based in New Brunswick. The organization had identified issues with workers travelling or carpooling 1.25-1.5 hours to and from work on a daily basis. They sought insight from the On the Move team on how to best accommodate the commuting workers. In response, the group drew on its research in different contexts to assemble a written report for the organization. The team included Christine Knott, a trainee and
doctoral student at Memorial; Dr. Imelda Wong, an affiliate with On the Move; Drs. Sara Dorow and Lachlan Barber, co-investigators; and doctoral student Marcella Cassiano, as well as some researchers from outside the partnership. The report documents some of the issues commuting workers face, such as risky driving behaviour and the risk of sleepy driving and driving accidents, and other issues such as family life pressures and access to affordable/appropriate childcare that fits with the often long hours, seasonality and prolonged work weeks associated with seafood processing. It also explores some of the opportunities and potential issues with dormitories/work camps as a strategy for reducing the load of commuting. The organization reached out to Dr. Neis to express its appreciation for the original report, indicating the need to further engage in a more thorough process to understand the specific issues and challenges workers face. Ms. Knott was then hired as a consultant to provide further research and insight into issues and potential strategies appropriate for the client-processing company. Ms. Knott has a particular interest in the issues faced by workers in this industry, having focused her research on understanding changing labour forces and work-related challenges in the seafood processing industry in Atlantic Canada and British Columbia.
SUBMITTED photo
Doctoral student investigates challenges of commuting workers
Researcher Christine Knott gained valuable research experience working in the field at a New Brunswick-based seafood processing plant. “I was happy to work on a project that was relevant to my research but applicable in the real world,” she said. “The tricky balance was to make sure my recommendations were useful, taking into consideration not just the industry constraints, but the constraints of the First Nations group. We wanted to provide them with options of increasing workplace stability and productivity and decrease the likelihood of workers experiencing burnout.” The company’s preferred solution was to build a dormitory workers could use during the busy season rather than commuting back and forth. However, after consulting with workers, Ms. Knott realized that while this option worked well for young,
single men, it might not work as well for women or those with families. “My ideal scenario for the plant was for them to take a longer-term view, integrating both occupational health and safety recommendations as well as childcare and work/life balance into their dormitory design—offering more livable quarters with increased privacy, as well as childcare facilities.” On the Move is a project of the SafetyNet Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Research at Memorial University. The project is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Research and Development Corporation, the Canada Foundation for Innovation and numerous universities and partners.
in consultation with Facilities Management (Grenfell Campus). Since Memorial is a residential institution, it is our priority to continue key operations and schedules to serve students who live on campus, even during an emergency like poor weather. The university doesn’t close except under unusual circumstances. But in the event of severe weather or other emergencies and Memorial has to cancel classes or close, information will be available as quickly as possible through a variety of communications vehicles. With a community of more than 18,000 students and more than 5,000 faculty and staff, news has to get out fast. In St. John’s, when closures happen midway through the day, a message is phoned or faxed to student unions, faculties, schools, departments and divisions and emailed to employees via the Newsline email service. It’s also posted on Twitter, which you can follow @MemorialU, posted to the www. today.mun.ca online news website and the main university website, www. mun.ca. The same notice is posted to the cancellations site at www.mun. ca/main/cancellations.php, which is also accessible by visiting the main webpage and via the MUNmobile app. The Marine Institute notifies students, faculty and staff of closures and cancellations on the main website
www.mi.mun .ca, as well as Twitter @ marineinstitute and its Facebook pages. At Grenfell Campus notices are sent out via email, and information appears on www.grenfell.mun.ca. Closures are also posted on Twitter @grenfellcampus and on its Facebook page. In addition, Grenfell changes its main phone line message to inform students, faculty and staff of updates as they become available. Information is also communicated to the media who air the news as soon as possible. Early closings during daytime will be announced at least one hour in advance. Advisories for late openings and all-day closures will be issued by 7 a.m. In addition to contacting the media and posting information to the university website, early morning phone calls are made directly to the heads of key university units. University emergency closing procedures can be found here: www. mun.ca/main/closures.php. Office of Emergency Management’s severe weather procedures can be found here: www.mun.ca/emergency/ emergencyplans/weather.php. Personal emergency preparedness information can be found here: www. mun.ca/emergency/Preparedness. Parking information during winter weather can be found here: www. mun.ca/facman/snow_ice.php.
Chris Hammond photo
Winter is here
Campus snow clearing on the St. John’s campus during a 2006 storm.
By Michelle Osmond
When winter weather gets risky, we have a plan. Living in Newfoundland and Labrador during winter means cancellations and closures happen. At Memorial University, we have a plan for keeping you informed. When bad weather hits and safety is a concern, the decision to cancel classes or close the St. John’s campus
is made by the university president (or his designate). The president gets advice from a number of university units, particularly Facilities Management, which is in close contact with Environment Canada and the provincial Department of Works, Services and Transportation as weather systems develop. Similarly, in Corner Brook, the vice-president (Grenfell Campus) or her designate makes the decision
Sitting is the new smoking?
HSIMS photo
Spine biomechanic research arrives at Memorial
From left are Dr. Heather Carnahan, Dr. Drew Potter, Dr. Diana De Carvalho and Dr. James Rourke.
By Virginia Middleton
A leading-edge researcher in spine biomechanics has joined the Memorial University research community as the inaugural Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation Professor in Spine Biomechanics. Dr. Diana De Carvalho joins
the Faculty of Medicine as an assistant professor, with a crossappointment in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation. “It’s exciting to be joining the Memorial University research community,” said Dr. De Carvalho. “Through this professorship, we will be able to propel research in the area of the early diagnosis,
prevention and intervention strategies for low back pain.” The professorship was made possible by a generous donation of $500,000 from the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation (CCRF), originally received during Memorial’s successful Dare To fundraising campaign. The CCRF supports clinical research, biomedical research, health services research and population health studies. The new professorship will open more opportunities for collaborative research. “Dr. De Carvalho’s research in spine biomechanics will help to positively impact the health of all Canadians,” said Dr. Drew Potter, chair, CCRF. “Her work highlights the detrimental effects of our increasingly sedentary lifestyle and the need to support high-level research through the CCRF.” Dr. James Rourke, dean, Faculty of Medicine, says that while Memorial University is dedicated to creativity, innovation and excellence in research, scholarship and teaching, “we cannot do this alone.” “It is through partnerships with the CCRF that allows us to work with leading experts like Dr. De Carvalho so that
together we can help patientfocused research grow,” he said. Lab space for Dr. De Carvalho will be available in the Faculty of Medicine. She will also work closely with researchers in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation as they aim to answer questions related to low back pain and other spine-related issues. “Dr. De Carvalho’s research program on the topic of spine biomechanics while seated will influence the conversation she has already begun through her impactful papers and presentations,” said Dr. Heather Carnahan, dean, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation. “Prolonged sitting can now be added to the list of health risks such as smoking. I look forward to seeing her work shed a light on this new area of research for Memorial with the potential for widespread clinical application.” Dean Rourke added that personalized medicine is something that is more important than ever in our communities. Patients often have very specific needs related to back pain. Through research at Memorial, chiropractors and physicians will be able to help more patients in need.
Financial finesse
SUBMITTED photo
Commerce alumnus wins finance award from Singapore-based company
Michael Gremley is pictured with his award.
By Susan White
A recent graduate of Memorial University has won the Dawe Holdings Award in Finance. Michael Gremley, 23, who graduated with a bachelor of commerce (co-operative) degree from the Faculty of Business Administration in 2015, is the inaugural winner
of the award, which provides a business student with an allexpenses paid, two-week global finance experience at Dawe Holdings, a private investment firm based in Singapore. “I was interested in applying for the award as I saw it as a unique learning opportunity to better understand the financial
10 gazette | Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
markets, and felt my current efforts were in direct alignment with Dawe Holdings’ fundamental principles and overall philosophy of education,” said Mr. Gremley. “What an honour to be invited to the office in Singapore and learn from some of the best in business!” Mr. Gremley has, during and prior to his time at Memorial, demonstrated his passion for finance by successfully launching Edge Capital Memorial University Investment Club and growing it to a peak membership of 30 students. He worked as a student ambassador with the Montreal Exchange, for which he acted as a liaison to university students, teachers and administrators as well as organized the first options trading contest held at Memorial, and he held positions at the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation and Memorial. Mr. Gremley now works for Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group in his hometown of Halifax, N.S. He was recognized with the award in October when he finished work at Dawe Holdings. The Dawe Holdings Award in Finance embodies the underlying philosophy of Dawe Holdings, being that of financing business and enabling people to make a difference. Award-winners distinguish themselves through
initiative and character as well as a desire to help others. “This award is intended to help students who pursue their passion in finance, overcome challenges and achieve excellence,” said Oral Dawe, founder and chief executive officer, Dawe Holdings. “It provides students with a unique opportunity, to discover international finance and experience world-class networking in Singapore. We hope these experiences will play a small part in helping our award winners will go on to lead successful careers in finance wherever they choose in the world.” Mr. Gremley plans to continuing building on a career in finance, focusing on private banking in the future. He is also pursuing a designation as a chartered financial analyst. “The financial ‘machine’ is massive and intriguing as it impacts all aspects of life in varying degrees. I’m interested in the financial industry as it is fast paced and constantly changing,” he said. “I was always interested in the art of the deal growing up, whether it was through trading card games with friends or finding a great bargain when making a purchase. It wasn’t until my time at Memorial that I gained a strong interest and appreciation for finance and its vast opportunities.”
By Jennifer Batten
An international program coordinator with the Internationalization Office has been awarded the Canadian Bureau for International Education’s (CBIE) North Star Award for Emerging Leaders in International Education. The award is part of the CBIE Excellence Awards presented annually to innovators, leaders, connectors and emerging stars who have shown extraordinary promise in the field of international education. Teeba Alsafar received the international award for leading the development of the Memorial University Mentors Program which matches current students with new international students throughout
their first semester at Memorial. The program aims to ease the transition process for new international students while engaging current students in an intercultural volunteer initiative. In her role with the Internationalization Office, Ms. Alsafar is responsible for managing student mobility programs as well as facilitating research collaborations. Her research interest lies in assessing the impact of integration programming on international students’ settlement. She recently completed her M.Ed., which assessed domestic student intercultural development. She is also a leader in CBIE’s International Leaders of Tomorrow-Professional Learning community. This is the second CBIE awarded to
SUBMITTED photo
Emerging leader award for Internationalization Office
Teeba Alsafar Memorial University staff in recent years. In 2012 Sonja Knutson, director of the Internationalization Office, received the Internationalization Leadership
Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership in the internationalization of Canadian education and/or the international education profession.
Chris Hammond photo
out & about
MUNPA Tribute Awards The 2015 MUNPA (Memorial University of Newfoundland Pensioners Association) Tribute Awards took place Nov. 17 in R. Gushue Hall. From left are Dr. Grant Gardiner, president, MUNPA; award winners Henry Mann, Kay Matthews and Allan Stein; and Dr. Gary Kachanoski. The MUNPA Tribute Awards recognize excellence by retired members of the Memorial community.
out & about For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit www.today.mun.ca.
Wednesday, Dec. 16 Speaking of Engineering Public Lecture: Potential Offshore Oil Spill Accidents, 7:30-9 p.m., EN2006, Sponsor: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Professional Engineers and Geoscientists N.L. D2L Drop-In Clinics and Grades2Banner, 9:3011:30 a.m., ED-1001, Sponsor: DELTS (Instructional Development) The Best of Both Worlds: Part-Time Study at Memorial University, 3-4 p.m., online webinar, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Thursday, Dec. 17
Sunday, Dec. 20
Thursday, Jan. 14
Thesis Club: Best Practices in Digital Data Management for Research, 4-5:30 p.m., Health Sciences Centre, room 2860, Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Sciences
Enter the Mandala Winter Solstice Event, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., The Landing, UC-3018, Sponsor: Eventbrite
Learning from Speech Prompts in a Computerbased Tutorial on Electric Circuits, 1-4 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Tuesday, Dec. 22
Joy to the World Party, 3-7 p.m., The Breezeway, Sponsor: Human Resources
Environmental Controls on Bioturbation Processes in Marine Benthic Habitats, 1:30-3:30 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
D2L Drop-In Clinics and Grades2Banner, 9:3011:30 a.m., ED-1001, Sponsor: DELTS (Instructional Development)
Thursday, Dec. 24
Friday, Dec. 18 Meating the Social: Sharing Atiku-euiash in Sheshatshiu, Labrador, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies D2L Drop-In Clinics and Grades2Banner, 2-4 p.m., ED-1001, Sponsor: DELTS (Instructional Development)
Traditional Carol Sing, 10:30-11:30 a.m., D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of Music, Sponsor: Human Resources
Friday, Jan. 8 Deadline: Bike Locker Application, all day, online, Sponsor: Sustainability Office Vernacular Perceptions of Masculinity and Fatherhood among Newfoundland Offshore Workers and Their Families, 1-3 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Monday, Jan. 18 PhD Oral Defence of Yumiko Komatsu, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
classified Executive 4+1-bedroom unfurnished house; parking for two cars. 52 Lemarchant Road. $1875/moPOU. F/s/w/d; dishwasher, & propane fireplace. Internet in all rooms. Available immediately. Contact for pics. cathdan27@gmail.com
Public platform Lecture series on legal issues launched By Janet Harron
The inaugural lecture of a new series on the law in Newfoundland and Labrador will launch at Memorial on Jan. 25. Planned as an annual event, the lecture is dedicated to the memory of Sir Francis Forbes who served as the chief justice in the Supreme Court of Judicature in Newfoundland from 1816-22 and was instrumental in shaping the early face of constitutionalism and the rule of law in Newfoundland. The lecture series is co-sponsored by Memorial University, the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Law Society of Newfoundland and Labrador. The series was initiated to address legal issues of public concern and to unite Memorial University and the provincial legal community in a venture seeking
to examine the public interest. “This kind of venture—an annual, high-profile dedicated law lecture—is common for most major universities in North America, and it is time that Memorial became part of this worthwhile trend,” said Dr. Christopher Dunn, Department of Political Science and the series organizer. “Up to now, the university has not had a platform for involving the public in discussions of legal reform, and this will be one.” Derek J. Green, chief justice of Newfoundland and Labrador, will deliver the inaugural lecture on the topic of Re-Imagining Justice: Finding Local Solutions to the Access Crisis. He will participate in a question and answer session following the lecture. The Chief Justice Francis Forbes Annual Law Lecture takes place Monday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Dr. Richard Fagan
Sir Francis Forbes Lecture Theatre, room M1M101 in Memorial’s Medical Education
Centre. A reception will follow. The lecture is open to all and parking is available in lots 9 and 9L. Sir Francis Forbes was appointed Chief Justice in the Supreme Court of Judicature in Newfoundland in 1816 and was to serve in this position until 1822. Thereafter he served as an adviser in the colonial office in London, followed by a distinguished career as the chief justice of the Supreme Court in New South Wales. Forbes was powerfully influential in furthering constitutionalism and the rule of law in Newfoundland. His decisions were fearless in the face of strong executive opposition, challenging and checking the use of arbitrary power by the governor and his subordinates, recognizing the right of residents to own property, and strengthening the position of the Supreme Court as a general appeal court for the colony.
The seventh SPARKS Literary Festival will be held on Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Suncor Energy Hall in the School of Music.
SPARKS to light up January Literary festival lineup includes poets, novelists and playwrights By Janet Harron
Recently named St. John’s favourite literary festival/reading series by local media outlet The Overcast, the annual SPARKS Literary Festival will be held at the Suncor Energy Hall in Memorial’s School of Music on Sunday, Jan. 31. There are some changes afoot to the seven-year-old festival. In 2015 Mary Dalton stepped down from her duties as festival founder and director; the festival is now being organized by the Department of English. Department head Dr. Jennifer Lokash worked with the department’s caucus of creative writers to put together this year’s program of 16 authors. “I love how SPARKS brings together an incredibly talented community of writers and readers to turn up the heat on an often blustery January
day,” said Dr. Lokash. “We are so excited about the lineup and events at this year’s festival, which promises to crackle with the same kind of energy as it has in past years.” As in previous years, the lineup for SPARKS includes a wide range of writers from promising students to award-winning playwrights and novelists, translators and poets. This year poet Nuala ní Dhomhnaill, considered by many to be the greatest living writer in Irish, will visit St. John’s for the first time to attend the festival. The complete list of writers includes David Andrews, Sharon Bala, Robert Chafe, Joan Clark, Megan Gail Coles, Libby Creelman, Mary Dalton, Elisabeth de Mariaffi, Robert Finley, Jacqueline Hynes, George Murray, Nuala ní Dhomhnaill, Heather O’Neill, Andrew Peacock,
12 gazette | Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
Sara Tilley and Patrick Warner. The festival will continue to be organized into four sessions, each of which will feature readings in a variety of genres and voices. The event also features various displays reflecting the variety of ways literature is produced in Newfoundland and Labrador. ISER Books, the Newfoundland Quarterly and literary journals Riddle Fence and Paragon will be among those displaying work. The Memorial University Bookstore will be on hand to sell books by all participating writers. With the support of Brown Fitzgerald Morgan & Avis, SPARKS is once again sponsoring a poetry competition. This year submissions are welcome on any subject in any style or form. Cash awards for three poems will be awarded at the festival
and the deadline for submitting entries (sparkspoetry@mun.ca) is Jan. 22. The $4,000 Cox & Palmer SPARKS Creative Writing Award was established in 2012 and acknowledges outstanding achievement in any genre in the field of creative writing by a current or recent participant in Memorial’s creative writing courses. The winner will be announced during the festival’s closing events. The SPARKS Literary Festival will be held from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 31, at the Suncor Energy Hall in the School of Music. An evening reception will follow the daylong event. Admission is free and parking will be available in lot 15B. Further details on the festival, the poetry competition and a complete schedule can be found at www.arts.mun.ca/sparks.