May 20, 2015 Volume 47 | Number 14
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
Registration Mail No. 4006252
‘New dimensions’ Genetics research centre officially open By Virginia Middleton
MEMORIAL University officially opened
HSIMS PHOTO
the Craig L. Dobbin Genetics Research Centre May 1. Newfoundland and Labrador’s original gene pool and relatively closed environment provides unique opportunities to study genetic patterns and certain diseases. This state-of-the-art genetics research centre builds significant capacity for Memorial researchers to continue their important work in this area. The Craig L. Dobbin Genetics Research Centre is housed in a new six-storey building adjacent to the Health Sciences Centre in St. John’s, N.L.
FROM LEFT ARE Dr. Darin King, Dr. James Rourke, Premier Paul Davis, Chancellor Susan Dyer Knight, Elaine Dobbin, President Gary Kachanoski, Dr. Jane Green, Dr. Pat Parfrey and Dr. Richard Marceau at the genetics centre opening.
See GENETICS on page 3
Working to find solutions to budget shortfalls CONSIDERABLE work has gone into analyzing the implications of a reduction in Memorial’s operating grant for students and the institution, while sharing the available information with members of the university community. The reduction was announced in the provincial budget on April 30. “While our year-over-year operating budget line item was reduced significantly in the provincial budget, there are broader implications for the university,” noted President Kachanoski. “We have the shortfall in our operating grant, an additional reduction in our deferred maintenance
allocation, as well as an issue with our special payment to the pension fund, all of which need to be addressed. “We are still weeks away from having a proposal for the Board of Regents,” President Kachanoski continued. “However, given the speculation around tuition fees recently, I want to say now that if our budget proposal to the Board of Regents includes fee increases, and if those are approved, the increases would be for implementation in the 2016 academic year, allowing time for students to plan for such a change.” Administrators have met with a number of groups to brief them on
the budget situation and discuss possible options for revenue generation and cost-containment to address the shortfalls. Meetings have been held with the student unions, deans, the Vice-Presidents Council, the university pension committee, the pensioners’ association, administrative and academic leaders and the university’s Senate. Next steps include continued discussion with the university pension committee, additional analysis of the possible solutions and the impact of each, and preparation of a recommendation by the vice-presidents to the president for presentation to the
Board of Regents at its July meeting. An implementation plan will follow the decision of the board in July. “In the coming weeks we will continue to explore potential solutions,” said Dr. Kachanoski. “But until that process is complete and the board approves a university budget for 2015-16, the exact impact is unknown. I understand and appreciate that the lack of certainty causes concern for students, faculty and staff so we will continue to share information as we have it.”
5 L E AV E A L E G AC Y
6-7 S T U D E N T S U CC E S S
12 C R I T I C A L ZO N E
features
2 YA F F L E O F E N E R G Y
Can Memorial’s experts help develop wind power production in Newfoundland and Labrador?
A story of generosity at Memorial underscores the impact a gift can have on a life.
The Gazette brings you individual stories of some happy spring 2015 graduates.
Understanding climate change at the interfaces between atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Alumni spotlight
SUBMITTED PHOTO
fall, the 2014 recipient of Memorial’s Alumni Horizon Award is juggling writing, acting and directing duties on multiple projects. He has a starring role in the film End of Days Inc., which recently screened at the USA Film Festival in Dallas, Texas, and in February he was cast as a new recurring character in the AMC drama Halt and Catch Fire. He spoke with contributor David Penney.
Mark O’Brien Mark O’Brien, BA’10, is burning up the screen. Since wrapping up the hit TV show Republic of Doyle this past
DP: How did you get started as an actor? MO: Well, I started by doing as much theatre as possible. I was really stretching my legs as much as I could when I got a gig hosting a show called Kids’ CBC. At that same time I got a part in the mini-series on CBC, Above and Beyond. That was huge for me. That’s where I wound up meeting a bunch of people I’d end up working with later on down the line. Allan Hawco, Mark Critch, Steve Cochrane, Pete Soucy. It was then I got an agent and things kind of progressed from there.
DP: What role did Memorial play in your career? MO: Right out of high school, I was focused on working at becoming an actor, but I also knew that I wanted to get a degree. I wound up doing English at Memorial, mainly because it’s all about the world of story and that’s where my passion was. I also did the diploma program in performance media and communications with Drs. Denise Lynde and then Jamie Skidmore — and I loved it. There was a lot of terminology, and other things that I learned in that program that were incredibly helpful to me as a new actor. I had a really wonderful time at Memorial and I think that’s why I’ve been so involved with the university ever since.
often that’s with no more experience or potential than anyone else. The difference is passion and the drive to work for what you want. The only person who can create that reality for you is you.
DP: How did it feel when you heard that you’d received the Alumni Horizon Award for achievement under the age of 35? MO: I thought they made a mistake. [Laughs]. Honestly, I was blown away and really proud. What’s really nice is that it kind of validates the work you’re doing. I’m very critical of my own work and in this business you face a lot of criticism and rejection, so it’s very affirming. And it’s really cool that it came from the university that was and still is an important part of my life. Especially when I think back to the time I started as a student at Memorial — having no idea how I was going to do any of this or what direction I’d take. It makes me feel very nostalgic and thankful.
DP: What would you tell a student who is interested in acting or filmmaking? MO: When you look at someone who is at the pinnacle of their career, doing something that you love and want to pursue, it’s important to recognize that they had to start somewhere. Very
EDITOR Mandy Cook GRAPHICS Jacqui Baggs REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
YOUR NEXT PROJECT
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
By Amy Jones Special to the gazette
PAUL GALLANT PHOTO
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
Wind is one of the fastest growing sources of electricity in Canada. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has recognized that wind is an excellent source of clean, renewable electric energy, and that the province is a potential wind energy powerhouse. In fact, the Canadian Wind Energy Atlas shows that our wind resources are among the best in North America, positioning us to become leaders in the development and use of wind power. “Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro has agreements to purchase power produced by two wind farms, one in St. Lawrence and the other in Fermeuse,” said Mel Dean, director of technology, Jet-Age Wind Inc. “They are owned and operated by private-sector independent power producers who responded to request for proposal processes led by Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. However, with so much potential for wind generation in the province, there could be more developments and more structured processes in place for the province to purchase wind energy.”
Testing the Horizontal Axis Airfoil Turbine, a technology developed by Jet-Age Wind Inc. in Bay St. George. THE PROJECT
Feed-in tariffs, policies that could allow independent power producers to supply energy to the provincial grid, are one way to promote private investment in wind energy projects. These policy mechanisms provide long-term contracts and price certainty to renewable energy producers who provide energy to the grid. “Nationally and internationally, there are many examples of feed-in tariff policies in place that include set standards, rates and other criteria,” said Mr. Dean. “I would like to see Newfoundland and Labrador develop a structured policy surrounding feed-in tariffs, which would make wind energy development more appealing to the private sector.”
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A researcher from Memorial could examine the use of feed-in tariffs throughout the country and elsewhere, focusing on whether mechanisms put in place in other jurisdictions would make sense to implement here. In addition, a researcher could study the current legislation and policy surrounding the promotion of wind and other renewable energy developments in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Interested in learning more about this project? The Harris Centre’s co-ordinator of knowledge mobilization would be happy to tell you more. Call Amy Jones at 709-864-6115 or email at amy.tucker@mun.ca.
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
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Kelly Hickey PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Hammond ADVERTISING Mandy Cook T. 709 864 2142 mandyc@mun.ca Next gazette deadline June 3 for June 10 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 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
Solution seeker Business professor named finalist for national mentoring award By Susan White
A MEMBER of the Faculty of Business Administration has been named one of seven finalists for the national 2015 BDC Mentorship Award, which recognizes outstanding mentors in the business community.
“One of the biggest benefits of being mentored by Dr. Cooper is credibility.”
“I spend a lot of time either formally or informally mentoring,” said Dr. Tom Cooper, associate professor of strategy, risk management and ethics. “Sometimes that’s just being available to talk to students but it’s nice that it’s being recognized externally as well in terms of the business community because I do spend a fair amount of time just sitting down and talking to people.” The BDC Mentorship Award honours a mentor in the Canadian business community who has helped their mentees and peers by providing valuable advice and support. Through their efforts, the award winner will have contributed to the creation and growth of Canadian companies by developing the professional skills of others in the business community. The winner will be announced later this month. Dr. Cooper was nominated by Scott Andrews, business development manager for the provincial arm of Futurpreneur Canada, a nonprofit organization that offers
DAVE HOWELLS PHOTO
— Scott Andrews
Dr. Tom Cooper is one of seven finalists for the 2015 BDC Mentorship Award which recognizes outstanding mentors in the business community. financing, mentoring and support to aspiring young entrepreneurs. “Tom is the ideal mentor,” said Mr. Andrews. “He is experienced and knowledgeable and encourages you to focus on the situation and uncover solutions from a variety of perspectives while providing support and feedback from a realistic angle. “One of the biggest benefits of being mentored by Dr. Cooper is credibility,” Mr. Andrews continued. “He is well-versed in a variety of areas and is extremely networked
in the business community, both locally and internationally, which will immediately broaden a young entrepreneur’s network. He is extremely supportive and positive; he wants others to excel and will support them with their decisions through encouragement and feedback while acting as a sounding board and voice of reason. I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t benefit from knowing Dr. Cooper.” Dr. Cooper has been a member of the Faculty of Business Administration
for the past seven years. During that time, he’s won the 2009 Dean’s Service Award for Faculty, the 2010 Dean’s Teaching Award and the 2013 President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching (Faculty). He is the current chair of StartupNL and is a co-founder of Common Ground Coworking. He’s served on the Institute of Chartered Accountants and numerous advisory boards for local businesses and is an instructor for various seminars at the Gardiner Centre.
from the new centre will have a profound impact on the people of the province as discoveries are found, treatments are determined and patients are able to directly benefit.
successful Newfoundland businessman and philanthropist. The naming is in recognition of a landmark gift from Elaine Dobbin that will support undergraduate student bursaries, graduate student scholarships, two post-doctoral fellowships and a research fund in the Faculty of Medicine. “The generosity shown by the provincial government, the Government of Canada through the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and Ms. Dobbin will create opportunities for students and researchers to conduct innovative research directly related to the needs of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said President Kachanoski. “Genetics research in the Faculty of Medicine has long been an area of expertise and our researchers have successfully identified genes associated with inheritable diseases and translated their discoveries into improved patient outcomes. This centre will significantly advance our capacity in this area and drive innovation.” The genetics research centre is expected to help the Faculty of Medicine attract world-class researchers looking to perform cutting-edge research with advanced technology. The genetics centre includes one of the
largest and fastest high-performance computing systems in Canada, which enables faster analysis of data related to critical health-care challenges. Dr. James Rourke, dean, Faculty of Medicine, says ongoing research is a key component of health care. “With the Craig L. Dobbin Genetics Research Centre’s new research tools and technologies, we have the capacity to go even further with our medical discoveries,” said Dr. Rourke. “This means we will have the ability to look at the needs of the province and turn those needs into opportunities to help heal communities. It’s a matter of taking what we learn at the research bench and having it brought to the bedside of a patient.” The genetics research centre is colocated with the Faculty of Medicine’s Medical Education Centre, which was officially opened in fall 2014. The provincial government invested $22 million in the facility, which includes the Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre, expanded and updated lecture theatres, small-group learning rooms and educational support units.
Cont’d from GENETICS on page 1
The centre is housed on levels three, four and five, with space on level six shelled-in for future research. The research areas include both wet lab and dry lab research space that is used by researchers and staff from Memorial University and Eastern Health. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador invested $17.9 million in the centre, while $11.2 million was provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) through the Research Hospital Fund. The centre, a collaboration between Memorial University and Eastern Health, was one of only eight projects nationwide to receive funding through this rigorous competition. “The exceptional facilities found at this remarkable centre will enable Memorial University’s researchers, along with their colleagues from other institutions, to conduct experiments that will reveal new dimensions of human genetics,” said Gilles Patry, president and chief executive officer, CFI. “Their discoveries and innovations will have the potential to improve the lives of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for generations to come.” Paul Davis, premier, Newfoundland and Labrador, says that research
“Their discoveries and innovations will have the potential to improve the lives of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador for generations to come.” — Gilles Patry “The work that will take place at this state-of-the-art research centre will directly benefit the people of the province,” said Premier Davis. “The research performed here will help to create a better understanding of the genetic causes of diseases and disorders, which we expect will lend to improved treatments and prevention methods and ultimately a cure.” The genetics research centre is named in honour of the late Craig L. Dobbin, a
‘Transforming our understanding’ Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research activities key to sustaining strong fishery By Leslie Earle
DR. GEORGE ROSE and the research team at the Marine Institute’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research (CFER) are at sea this month onboard the RV Celtic Explorer hoping to answer the question of what is happening with the future of cod stocks.
“The Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research has had an incredible impact since its creation.”
This is the fifth annual trip for the researchers on the RV Celtic Explorer, a vessel that the Marine Institute has chartered from the Irish Marine Institute with support from the provincial government. During the 27-day trip, scientists will complete an acoustic-trawl survey to map out the distribution and abundance of Northern cod off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. They’ll also study the distribution and abundance of capelin north of 50 degrees latitude in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans’ capelin survey. Each day, scientists are chronicling their work through the Scientists at Sea blog (scientistsatsea.blogspot.ca/?m=1), where readers can experience the work onboard and view photos of some of the various deep sea species that have been collected in trawl tows. CFER was established in July 2010 to focus on better understanding fish stocks and the productivity of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine ecosystem through fisheries research. To mark the start of this year’s survey and CFER’s upcoming fiveyear anniversary in July, a progress report highlighting the researchers, students and technologists and the innovative research that has been conducted by CFER since 2010 was presented to Paul Davis, premier,
KIM THORNHILL PHOTO
— Glenn Blackwood
From left are Glenn Blackwood, Dr. Gary Kachanoski, Dr. George Rose, Premier Paul Davis and Vaughn Granter on the bridge of the RV Celtic Explorer. Newfoundland and Labrador, and Vaughn Granter, minister, Fisheries and Aquaculture, who joined Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute) onboard the RV Celtic Explorer for a tour prior to its departure on May 5. The report is available at www.mi.mun.ca/cfer. Budget 2015 provides $2.6 million to support leading-edge fisheries science at CFER, bringing total funding provided to the centre to more than $15 million since 2010. “CFER has had an incredible impact since its creation and the research is transforming our understanding of the fisheries ecosystems in the waters surrounding Newfoundland and Labrador, benefitting scientists, fishers and industry,” said Mr. Blackwood. The report showcases the progressive fisheries research on a variety of species that has taken place around Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighting the researchers and technologists at CFER, their collaboration
Traffic study results released By Michelle Osmond
PRELIMINARY results have been released from a traffic study which was conducted by Memorial University, the City of St. John’s and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. Some recommendations from those who responded include more parking on campus, increased parking enforcement, improved traffic safety and enforcement, better public transit, improved access to sidewalks, better signage and road markings, safer campus crosswalks, reduced traffic on Prince Philip Drive and to examine the possibility of bike lanes on campus roads. During May and June of last year more than 400 people responded to a survey and more than 200 people responded to a website mapping tool. There were two public
information sessions, as well. Other stakeholders who were consulted include the Pippy Park Commission, Eastern Health, Metrobus, Memorial University’s student union, Facilities Management and the Department of Transportation and Works. The majority of respondents were Memorial faculty or staff (41 per cent) or full-time students (39 per cent). Other results include 73 per cent of respondents take their vehicles to Memorial, 18 per cent walk and 9 per cent carpool or take public transit. Many of them (80 per cent) identified ways that Metrobus could improve its services so they could leave their vehicles at home, including more frequent services. A summary of the report can be found at www.stjohns.ca/living-stjohns/streets-traffic-and-parking/ mun-area-traffic-study.
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with fish harvesters across the province and the impact that graduate students are having on fisheries science. Over the past five years, CFER has undertaken work in areas such
surveys, stock assessments and sustainable fisheries, ecosystems structure and change, climate and fisheries influences and species biology, ecology and behaviour.
notable
papers & presentations
Dr. Melvin Baker, archivist, Office of the President, has contributed a chapter titled Civilian and Military Power – Newfoundland to 1914-1918 Online: International Encyclopedia of the First World War. The website is an Englishlanguage virtual reference work on the First World War. The multi-perspective, open-access knowledge base is the result of an international collaborative project involving more than 1,000 authors, editors, and partners from more than 50 countries. Dr. Stephen Piercey, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, has received the Howard Street Robinson Medal (mineral deposits division) from the Geological Association of Canada. The award recognizes a respected and well-spoken geoscientist who will further the scientific study of Precambrian Geology and or Metal Mining through a presentation of a distinguished lecture across Canada. Dr. Jerome Delaney, associate professor in the Faculty of Education, was recently elected to the board of directors at the national conference of the Canadian Association for the Practical Study of Law in Education in Kelowna, B.C., April 26-28. Dr. Delaney presented a paper titled Teaching Education Law at the University Level. Cyr Couturier, aquaculture scientist, Marine Institute, was appointed for an unprecedented fourth term as president of the Aquaculture Association of Canada, effective June 2, 2015.
Dr. Olaf U. Janzen, Grenfell Campus, recently gave the annual George Story Lecture to the Newfoundland Historical Society at Hampton Hall, Marine Institute. Dr. Janzen spoke on the topic Eric Cobham: The Pirate Who Never Was? The Story lecture is by invitation of the society and is reserved for scholars who have made sustained contributions to the scholarship of Newfoundland and Labrador.
obituaries MARK JACKMAN Mark Jackman, an engineering student at Memorial University, passed away May 6, 2015. He was 18. RODNEY HARVEY COLLIER Rodney Harvey Collier, a staff member with Facilities Management, passed away May 12, 2015. He was 50.
Frameworks in action MEMORIAL’S FRAMEWORKS IN ACTION
The three overarching frameworks guiding Memorial’s future direction — the Research Framework, the Teaching and Learning Framework and the Public Engagement Framework — are the result of several years of consultations with the university community and the people and organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador. This regular feature will help showcase the frameworks in action by sharing projects and highlighting the successes that are bringing them to life.
TEACHING AND LEARNING
Chairs to build teaching and learning capacity By Jennifer Batten
THIRTEEN educators at Memorial University have been appointed as Chairs in Teaching and Learning. The chairs will support teaching and learning across the university,
collaborating with colleagues to advance the objectives of the Teaching and Learning Framework, promoting the scholarship of teaching and learning and developing strategies to address common challenges. The 13 chairs are Dr. Marie Croll, Grenfell Campus; Dr. Adam Dubrowski, Faculty of Medicine; Dr. Danny Dyer, Faculty of Science; Dr. Karen Goodnough, Faculty of Education; Janet Goosney, Memorial University Libraries; Dr. John Hawboldt, School of Pharmacy; Dr. Max Liboiron, Faculty of Arts; Dr. TA
Loeffler, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation; Dr. Delores Mullings, School of Social Work; Dr. Caroline Porr, School of Nursing; Dr. Janna Rosales, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science; Kevin Strowbridge, Marine Institute; and Lyle Wetsch, Faculty of Business Administration. “I congratulate these outstanding individuals who have the opportunity to both individually and collectively enhance the student learning experience and build upon teaching capacity and competence,” said Dr. Noreen Golfman, provost and vice-president (academic). “I am confident that with the support of the Memorial community, the chairs will develop and implement innovative initiatives and encourage excellence in teaching and learning.”
“I congratulate these outstanding individuals who have the opportunity to both individually and collectively enhance the student learning experience and build upon teaching capacity and competence.”
Allocations from the Teaching and Learning Framework (TLF) Fund supported the establishment of the cross-campus Chairs in Teaching and Learning program. The purpose of the fund is to support university activities which foster the development of the desired qualities in Memorial’s graduates; contribute to the enhancement of the teaching and learning community; and/or address one or more of the specific recommendations of the Teaching and Learning Framework. The Chairs in Teaching and Learning program embodies the values and principles of the Teaching and Learning Framework and was created in response to its two primary recommendations: (1) that Memorial University identify structures responsible for realizing the Teaching and Learning Framework and (2) that strategies be developed and implemented to address areas requiring immediate attention. The term of the chair appointments will be two years, from July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2017, renewable once for up to two years. For more information on the Chairs in Teaching and Learning program, please visit blog.delts. mun.ca/teachingandlearning/ chairs-in-teaching-and-learning.
— Dr. Noreen Golfman
Legacy of leadership By David Penney
ALEXANDER (Sandy) and Blanche Colbourne believed in the power of education. That passion is now being realized through the Colbourne Family Scholarship, a generous gift from the estate of the late couple. In 2014 the scholarship was awarded for the first time. Sean Kennedy, who graduates this month with a bachelor of science in cell and molecular biology, is the recipient of the scholarship. He is returning to Memorial in September to complete a second degree in French. Receiving the scholarship, he says, has been a significant boost to his academic career. “I feel very fortunate,” he said. “The French program that I’m continuing in the fall includes a study abroad opportunity in Nice, France. This really helps lessen the debt load that I’ll have to take on and allows me to focus on the program and get the most out of that experience.” Creating opportunities for success with young people strikes a personal chord with Sandy and Blanche’s children, Dr. Ann Colbourne and her brother Peter. The siblings see this as a legacy of student development and progress that reflects the values and spirit of their parents. Set up with an endowment of $200,000, the Colbourne Family Scholarship is established in perpetuity and will award a successful student
$5,000 per year with an opportunity of renewal for two additional years. Specifically, the criteria for awarding the scholarship recognizes academic achievement but gives equal consideration to leadership ability, participation in student organizations and committees and contributions to the wider community. Mr. Kennedy is a perfect fit as the inaugural recipient. Last year he held the executive position of director of advocacy with Memorial University’s students union (MUNSU) while balancing the demands of a full-time student. Before taking on the role, he was the Faculty of Science representative with MUNSU and he is also heavily involved with Memorial’s branch of Engineers Without Borders, recently serving as chapter president. In addition, Mr. Kennedy is an active volunteer with the group Radhoc Youth Leadership, a by-youth-foryouth leadership development organization based in St. John’s. “Our parents always emphasized getting a good education, but they also insisted on the importance of volunteerism and getting involved in the community, to look beyond ourselves,” said Ann Colbourne. “Sean is a young man who embodies those values. “Mom and Dad exhibited a quiet, encouraging, supportive and enabling style of leadership,” Peter Colbourne said. “Dad through scouting, Mom through collecting for charities and being a good neighbour.
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
Colbourne Family Scholarship making a difference
Sean Kennedy is the inaugural recipient of the Colbourne Family Scholarship. Leadership like that strengthens the fabric of our society. I know they’d be so pleased to see their gift promoting that in a tangible way.” Mr. Kennedy expressed his appreciation but also noted how the Colbourne Family Scholarship uniquely addresses a gap in student support at Memorial. “I’m very grateful to the Colbourne family for this opportunity,” he said. “This scholarship is different because it’s focused on students who are past their first year of university. There are far fewer of those and the need is just as great, if not more. What’s also really encouraging about this scholarship
is the main priority for awarding it, recognizing how students are contributing in ways other than just academics. I think that’s important.” May is Leave a Legacy month, a national public awareness program designed to encourage individuals to leave a gift through their will or any other gift planning instrument to a charity or non-profit organization of their choice. For information on leaving a legacy gift to Memorial University, please contact Catherine Barrett, development officer (planned giving and special projects), in confidence, by telephone at 709864-2157 or via email crbarrett@mun.ca.
CONVOCATION 2015 Taking a leading role By Lisa Pendergast
Ryan Murphy
Forging a new path By Kelly Foss
WHILE FORESIGHT is defined as the ability to predict what will happen or be needed in the future, Mr. Murphy is the first to admit he never would have guessed he would end up pursuing a master’s degree in strategic foresight and innovation at the Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCAD U). The former Torbay resident will graduate with a joint bachelor of science (honours) degree in psychology and computer science (software engineering) on Thursday, May 28, during spring convocation. It’s a unique pairing of programs for a unique student whose interests lie in the psychology of technology. Describing his seven-year academic record as “patchwork,” Mr. Murphy has rounded out his educational experience with a heavy involvement in such organizations as Engineers Without Borders, Memorial University’s student union and Radhoc, a social
justice youth leadership program. By doing so, he has not only gotten into the program of his dreams, he will also receive a $15,000 scholarship from OCAD U to do so. “Many people might think university success is getting their degree as quickly as possible and having the highest marks, but that’s rarely true,” he said. “Instead, many students should slow down and look around, seeking out ways to explore their world and their ability to interact with it until they find their niche.” He’s hoping his next degree will help him figure out how to teach others to do just that. “The well-worn pathways that were there for us to follow in the 20th century just aren’t there anymore, and yet we teach and learn as if they were. Success for many in the 21st century will mean learning to create new paths.”
JENNIFER HANLEY will receive her bachelor of music conjoint with bachelor of music education degree this month, a dream more than 10 years in the making. The Torbay native credits her music teachers for showing her how rewarding making music could be. Ms. Hanley began working towards her degrees in the late 1990s. She took a leave from her program and later had a child. She kept thinking about music and faced a decision: return to school as a single parent or keep working. After a 12-year hiatus, she decided that her family’s best future would be realized if she returned to Memorial. There were challenges. Ms. Hanley had to carefully budget her time, but she was determined and had a great support system.
“There were times when I simply could not meet a deadline,” she said. “But along with family and friends, I found in my professors another support system that I wasn’t anticipating.” Ms. Hanley’s hard work has paid off and her son will watch her cross the stage on Friday, May 29. After graduation, she hopes to find a teaching position where she can run a music program for intermediate and secondary students. She believes that band programs helps students build both music and life skills. “Band taught me much more than just music, it taught me the importance of standing up and taking a leading role,” said Ms. Hanley. “These lessons were taught in the context of music but they cross over into all areas of life.”
Jennifer Hanley and her son Jack
Achieving a work/life balance By Elizabeth Furey
FOR ANGELIQUE MYLES, becoming
Angelique Myles and her children
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a doctor and becoming a mother were two dreams she wanted to come true. Having started the MD program at the Faculty of Medicine in her late 20s, however, the Kingston, Ont., native wasn’t entirely sure either would happen. “In medical school, the timing of starting a family is discussed a lot between mature students and we encounter it a lot, especially in classes like women’s health,” said Ms. Myles. “It’s something that’s on your mind frequently.” With that in mind and through her discussions with doctors who went through their residencies with children, Ms. Myles and her husband decided to take the plunge and start the family they had long wanted. They are now proud parents of a three-year-old daughter and a 15-month-old son. And, Ms. Myles will collect her doctor of medicine degree at convocation in
St. John’s on Thursday, May 28. While she admits it’s not always easy to be a mother of young children and work long hours as a doctor, time management and a strong support circle have been a big help. “Having a supportive partner and reliable child care is so important. Managing family life and a busy career can be difficult, but with those supports, it definitely makes it easier.” Becoming a mother for the first time during her MD program didn’t affect her medical career in the least. In fact, she still managed to find time to contribute to extracurricular activities, such as Feb-U-Hairy, a unique fundraising campaign that raises awareness and funds about cervical cancer and the importance of regular screening, of which she is a co-founder. “I’ve learned that there’s no perfect time to start a family, but you figure out how to manage work and family and both become even more rewarding.”
STUDENT SUCCESS Future full of promise By Janet Harron
EVEN BEFORE crossing the stage
Kaetan Waghmare
Pharmacy graduate continuing global health initiative By Heidi Wicks
FOR KAETAN WAGHMARE, who will receive his bachelor of science (pharmacy) degree on Thursday, May 28, during spring convocation ceremonies at Memorial, the healthcare community spans far beyond the borders of Newfoundland and Labrador. Last summer, Mr. Waghmare spearheaded a Global Brigades trek with 29 other students and returned with a new perspective on pharmacy practice. “The facilities we built for the families would be considered rudimentary in our society, but for them it was life changing,” said Mr. Waghmare, who will return this summer, this time with 59 other students. Two separate brigades will be running this year — one medical/ dental with a public health portion
where the students will build hygiene stations, and the other a combination of water and public health. In September Mr. Waghmare will begin his first term in the Faculty of Medicine, and cites initiatives like Dr. Andrew Furey’s Team Broken Earth as inspirational to him. He is striving to use his background in pharmacy and medicine to do similar work throughout his career. “It’s hard to explain why I find myself drawn back to Honduras. The way the locals are so appreciative of everything we do is quite striking and you just kind of realize that this small moment in your own life — that period of 10 days — can mean a lifetime of change for the people of Honduras.”
WEST COAST MOMENTS
during convocation at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre on Tuesday, May 26, Faculty of Arts graduate Stephanie Tucker has already landed her first full-time job. Ms. Tucker is the new communications and marketing co-ordinator for the Newfoundland and Labrador Conservation Corps (CCNL). “I was on a grad trip with friends in Cuba after my last exam when I got the job offer,” said the double major in communications studies and English. Ms. Tucker says it was “definitely the hard work” she put in during her undergraduate years that had a direct result on nabbing that all-important first job. “With the competitive nature of today’s job market, you can’t just only do your degree and expect to
land your dream job, you have to make yourself stand out in your field,” she said. “I worked unpaid internships, volunteered, was very involved on campus, worked both MUCEP [on campus] and off-campus jobs and spent a lot of time studying to make sure I got straight As. It is incredibly rewarding to know that my efforts paid off and I am now working directly in my field at an amazing organization.” As a MUCEP assistant for Dr. Don Nichols and Mary Walsh during the 2014 Harlow Literary London program, Ms. Tucker created a compelling video of the group’s trip to Beaumont Hamel with each of her classmates reading a line from the poem Verse by John Oxenham. “Stephanie has a great career ahead of her as a videographer, diplomat or prime minister,” said Dr. Nichols.
Stephanie Tucker
WEST COAST MOMENTS Memorial University celebrated Grenfell Campus students during convocation ceremonies at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre on May 8. Pictured above is just a small sample of memorable moments immortalized on social media and displayed on a screen for all to enjoy. Congratulations, 2015 graduates!
‘Single most important tool’ Vice-president (research) proposes business model for universities’ sustainability FOR SOME, a job becomes a vocation. You wake up thinking about it. You go to sleep thinking about it. You are already sitting in your office, on your second cup of coffee, by the time most people clock in. Dr. Richard Marceau, Memorial’s vice-president (research), is one of those people. After 25 years in five different universities and three Canadian provinces, he is still excited about getting up and going to work each day. A holder of a PhD in electric energy transmission, Dr. Marceau explains his leap from pure academic to university administrator. “I have never stopped being an academic,” said Dr. Marceau. “I have begun to look at what I am doing from the perspective of improving what I do personally. So, for me, the university has evolved from being my workplace to being my research laboratory. Because it is my research laboratory, I get a little more excited every day to get back to the lab so I can learn something new that I can talk about and apply it and help other people use that knowledge.” His most recent book, The Canadian University Business Primer, published by Memorial University Libraries, is the culmination of Dr. Marceau’s career experience thus far. It proposes
a business model for sustainability that describes how universities can tackle the challenges that arise from their complex structure and still meet the needs of varied stakeholders with competing priorities.
“Universities are the single most important tool for nation building that governments have.” CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
By Kristine Power
— Dr. Richard Marceau “The book began as a personal journey, compiling ideas I could remember, that would help me make better decisions and use as a tool for mentoring,” he said. “And as time went on…I realized there was a huge gap in the greater public understanding of universities. Having a formal model and formal metrics allows you to tie the pieces together more effectively.” By all accounts, the modern university is an evolving entity, redefining itself alongside the society it serves, while balancing the expectations and aspirations of government, future employers and parents. But as Dr. Marceau points out, when
Dr. Richard Marceau with a copy of his book The Canadian University Business Primer. you look at the university from the students’ eyes, it “clarifies things.” “It grounds your thinking, it helps set priorities. I believe there are opportunities for improvement in the way universities can be sustainable. Not very many people have taken the time to describe what’s going on in a university, how it could be structured, what processes might be structured in a certain way, and how to manage risk in a model that is explainable
to people and that may provide guidance on how to make decisions. “Universities are the single most important tool for nation building that governments have,” Dr. Marceau continued. “If a government truly wants to build its country, looking far in the future, one of the very best tools is universities.”
Real-life application in environmental problem solving GRADUATE students enrolled in Grenfell Campus’s master of arts (environmental policy) program are benefitting from experiential learning that integrates traditional lectures and studies with real-world problems and issues. Dr. Michael van Zyll de Jong, director, Environmental Policy Institute, in partnership with Chris Smith and Seamus Breen of the provincial Policy Innovation and Accountability Office and the Department of Environment and Conservation, developed a new innovative approach to integrating case-based learning into the environmental policy program at Grenfell. “The use of case-based learning has been introduced into graduate education in many professional fields and appears to be of growing interest,” said Dr. van Zyll de Jong. “Its use of complex decision-making and policy development with respect to environmental issues is a perfect example of this application.” Dr. van Zyll de Jong and his colleagues developed a new approach to his course Environmental Problem Solving: A Case-Based Approach. Graduate student teams
were engaged by government to develop a real policy challenge. Graduate student teams were assigned a coach and an executive advisor from the provincial government. Working with their coaches and advisor, teams took their challenges through the policy development cycle to synthesize potential policy solutions. After developing an optimal solution to their challenge, student teams presented their findings to a panel of jurors composed of senior executives from government and academia at a live competition held in St. John’s earlier in the winter semester.
“This is an example of experiential learning that dissolves the boundaries between teaching, research, and service.” — Dr. van Zyll de Jong The cases examined included the development of a wetlands policy to ensure ecological integrity; a cumulative environmental effects framework; an innovative policy
8 gazette | Wednesday, May 20, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
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By Melanie Callahan
Environmental policy graduate students attend a session of the House of Assembly as part of a live competition in partnership with the provincial government. development model that embeds the principles of sustainable development; and a plan to reduce greenhouse gases in the St. John’s metropolitan area. “Solutions to some of the most important environmental challenges facing the province were addressed at the competition,” Dr. Van Zyll de Jong said. “The competition was a huge success and had a very positive
impact on our graduate students, our partners and the program of study. This is an example of experiential learning that dissolves the boundaries between teaching, research, and service. At the end of the day, the competition helps to build greater awareness and stimulates dialogue on critical environmental issues.”
Partners fetes award winners Investment banker, entrepreneur honoured by Memorial’s business faculty THE FACULTY of Business Administration handed out its top awards to leaders in investment banking and entrepreneurship at its annual Partners Celebration on May 5. Derek Murphy, former senior vice-president, head of private equity at PSP Investments in Montreal, Que., received the 2015 Alumni Honour Award. Jeff LeDrew, founder and chief executive officer of Jumping Bean Coffee Company-Eco2 Roast in St. John’s, N.L., won the P.J. Gardiner 2015 Newfoundland and Labrador Entrepreneur of the Year Award. “I am delighted and honoured to receive this award and the recognition,” said Mr. Murphy. “My education at Memorial’s business faculty was the cornerstone of my career.” Mr. Murphy earned a bachelor of commerce degree from Memorial in 1979 before completing a master of business administration from the University of Western Ontario in 1986. He began his investment banking career as vice-president of mergers and acquisitions with J.P. Morgan & Co. Inc. in New York, N.Y., and Toronto, Ont., from 1986-92. He also worked for the Swiss Bank
Corporation Warburg and Gordon Private Client Corporation/Gordon Capital Corporation, both in Toronto. In 1997 he founded Barnridge Inc., a private investment and advisory company, where he was president and chief executive officer. In 2004 he joined PSP Investments. He has been a member of the business faculty’s advisory board since 2011. Mr. LeDrew earned a bachelor of engineering degree from Memorial in 1997 and worked locally and internationally in the telecommunications industry before starting Jumping Bean Coffee Company in 2005.
“My education at Memorial’s business faculty was the cornerstone of my career.” — Derek Murphy Jumping Bean has created nearly 40 jobs in manufacturing and food service in each year of its existence. Wholesale offices have opened in
KAREN ROCHE PHOTO
By Susan White
From left are Dr. Richard Marceau, Jeff LeDrew, Derek Murphy and Dr. Wilfred Zerbe at the Partner’s Celebration. Ontario and Nova Scotia and Mr. LeDrew expects to franchise up to 20 locations across Atlantic Canada within the next two years. “I am honoured by this award and pleased to thank Memorial’s business faculty for thinking of me,” said Mr. LeDrew. “It is indeed a pleasure to be recognized as part of our province’s long tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship, and I look forward to more years of growth and peer
support in this community.” Partners is the Faculty of Business Administration’s annual celebration of the business community, bringing together members of the faculty and business community as well as students and alumni to pay tribute to those who have achieved excellence in business while using their skills and expertise to contribute to their peers and communities.
University-wide Weapons Policy introduced By Michelle Osmond
AT ITS DECEMBER 2014 meeting, the Vice-Presidents Council at Memorial University endorsed a Weapons Policy draft and released it to the university community for consultation. Consultation was also conducted with Memorial’s student unions, local and provincial law enforcement members and the university’s senior academic and administrator group. The Board of Regents gave its final approval of the Weapons Policy on May 7. The policy restricts the presence of weapons in areas such as the Frank Zahn Marksmanship Training Facility and for theatrical productions and research/academic purposes, etc., with written permission. The Office of the Chief Risk Officer will be responsible for maintaining the records for these approvals. All other weapons, prop weapons and ammunition are prohibited. The policy is in addition to the 2014 decision of Memorial’s Senate, which is to prohibit firearms in the classroom. This means uniformed police officers will not be permitted to bring their firearms to class as they have in the past while enrolled in courses at Memorial. The Weapons Policy includes more than firearms, however. A weapon, as defined in the policy, is “anything used, designed to be used or intended for use a) in causing death or injury to any person, or b) for the purpose of threatening or intimidating any person,” as per the Criminal Code
of Canada, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-46. There are some exemptions such as equipment carried by police services or Campus Enforcement and Patrol officers while acting in their course of official duties, and items used for religious or ceremonial purposes.
“The new policy reflects the university’s goal to provide a safe, secure and healthy environment that supports learning, teaching, living and working on campus,” said Kris Parsons, chief risk officer at Memorial. “We appreciate the support we’ve
ENGAGE MEMORIAL mun.ca/publicengagement/engagememorial
received so far from the university community and from our community partners for this important policy.” The full policy can be viewed at www.mun.ca/policy/ site/policy.php?id=286.
Share, learn & connect with Engage Memorial: a series of events to help build capacity for public engagement.
February-June 2015
Coming up: Wednesday, June 10: Notes from the Field: Working Together to Reveal Local Knowledge on Fogo and Change Islands Saturday, June 13: The Food in this Place: A Workshop & Neighbourhood Walk to Explore Healthy Food Environments
To register for these events or find out more: www.mun.ca/publicengagement/engagememorial
Class to community By Kelly Foss
FOUR PSYCHOLOGY students are preparing to represent Memorial University in round two of the Canadian Evaluation Society (CES) 2015 Student Evaluation Case Competition. On Feb. 7, 20 teams of students from universities and colleges across Canada participated in the first round, which saw Memorial’s team, made up of Sally Payne, Ashley Baker, Olivia Cleary and Sandra Parsons, chosen as one of three moving on to the final round. For phase one, the teams had five hours to research and respond to a request for proposals for the evaluation of a settlement and integration services program for immigrant women in Ottawa, Ont. “The ultimate question was, are the women who go through these programs more integrated into society, better able to communicate and find employment or childcare?” explained Ms. Baker. “Our work included doing background research, designing a logic model, coming up with evaluation questions and figuring out how we could answer those questions in a
scientifically valid way, then presenting all of this information in a report.” The four master’s of applied social psychology (MASP) students will travel to Montréal for the annual CES conference on May 25 to take part in the second round of the competition against teams from the universities of Saskatchewan and Waterloo. “The second phase is much more elaborate,” said Ms. Payne. “Instead of a report, we will have to do a presentation. So not only do we have to develop all of those components within a set timeframe, we will also have to put together a presentation and deliver it in front of the judges.” With only three teams left in the competition, the Memorial team has already won, according to Dr. Cathryn Button, professor and chair of the MASP program. “The accomplishment has already occurred, but that doesn’t mean they won’t go fiercely for the win,” she said. “Nonetheless, it’s an enormous achievement.” Ms. Payne and Ms. Baker are in their senior year of the program, while Ms. Cleary and Ms. Parsons are in their junior year of study.
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
Psychology students among Canada’s best in program evaluation
From left are Ashley Baker and Sally Payne. Missing from the photo are Olivia Cleary and Sandra Parsons. “The MASP program teaches students to take psychological theory and research and apply it in situations right across the spectrum — from government to private business,” said Dr. Button. “At the end of the day they are not only able to recognize and do good research, but they can also tell people who are spending lots of money
on social programs whether or not they will get some value at the end.” Monique Goguen Campbell, a former MASP student and member of the Canadian evaluation community, coaches the Memorial team.
‘A common purpose’ By Heidi Wicks
STUDENTS in the School of Pharmacy are taking the initiative to advocate for pharmacists’ expanding scope of practice, to build public awareness of the services pharmacists provide and to collaborate among their peers. The School of Pharmacy’s Pharmacist Awareness Month (PAM) activities for 2015 during the month of March included a vast array of Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI)-planned events that ranged from substance abuse presentations to primary, elementary, junior high and high school students to offering blood pressure testing at various community sites, including Steve Kent’s, minister, Health and Community Services, during the Pharmacists Association of Newfoundland and Labrador’s PAM opening reception. Sydney Saunders, lead organizer of the students’ initiatives, says the majority of the events they planned this year were meant to engage the public and educate them of the everexpanding role of pharmacists. “Our goal was to include events for all ages,” Ms. Saunders said. “We developed a Fun With Science program for pre-schoolers and reached out to over 1,500 school-age children to educate about the dangers of smoking, drug abuse and information about the School of Pharmacy.” Student initiatives also put skills being learned in the program into action, including teamwork, time management, communication
and professionalism, and leadership — all of which are equally as vital for a pharmacist as is their knowledge of medications. “PAM reminded me of why I want to become a pharmacist,” Ms. Saunders added. “Actually working and interacting with the public made me realize the positive impact we have on patients’ lives, but also that there is more work to be done as many people are still unaware of the expanding scope of pharmacy practice. So advocating for the profession is key.” Ms. Saunders feels that because of her positive experiences throughout the month of March, advocacy will be an important part of her future education and career. Each year, the pharmacy schools at Dalhousie University, in Halifax, N.S., and Memorial alternate hosting the Atlantic Pharmacy Advancement Conference (APAC). This year’s conference takes place at Memorial University in November. Jasmine Elliot (Class of 2016), is the APAC conference chair. She says she became involved in the planning process because professional development opportunities refresh students’ passion for their chosen profession and fosters a collaborative environment for “our current program as well as our future careers.” “Collaborating with each other enables us to share ideas regarding the future of pharmacy practice in Atlantic Canada,” she said. “Through APAC, we establish a network of eager students who share a common purpose — to advance the practice of pharmacy.
10 gazette | Wednesday, May 20, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
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Student-planned events teach pharmacy advocacy
Sydney Saunders was the lead organizer of this year’s student Pharmacist Awareness Month activities. Dalhousie and Memorial grads may work together throughout our careers, whether it’s in a community or hospital pharmacy, in a pharmacy organization, collaborating on research or more.” This year’s APAC conference theme emphasizes the reality that pharmacists can play a vital role in
improving patients’ health outcomes while decreasing overall health-care costs — demonstrating that students are in tune with current issues and are on track to establish a bright future for their profession and for health care.
out & about
For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit www.today.mun.ca.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 20 Truths Are Written on Their Skins: Tattoo Stories in St. John’s, 7-9 p.m., The Rocket Room, 272 Water St., Sponsor: Department of Gender Studies The Regulation of Bone Metabolism During Pregnancy and Lactation, Followed by Recovery Post-weaning, 5-6 p.m., 1M101, Medical Education Centre, Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Sciences D2L Gradebook Setup, 12-1:30 p.m., ED-2030B, Sponsor: DELTS The Hidden Power of Interactive Activities: Retention, Assessment, and Engagement, 2-3 p.m., SN-3060, Sponsor: Department of Psychology Atlantic Provinces Transportation Forum 2015: The Movement of People To, From and Within Atlantic Canada, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, St. John’s , Sponsor: Harris Centre An Afternoon in the Garden , 2-3 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s , Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
SUNDAY, MAY 24 Symposium on Embodiment, Gesture and Dance, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., MMaP Gallery, second floor, Arts and Culture Centre, St. John’s, Sponsor: MMaP Research Centre, School of Music Spring Flower Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden, Newfoundland Horticultural Society Signs of Spring Family Program, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
MONDAY, MAY 25
FRIDAY, MAY 29 Wellness Walk in Memory of Mary J. Clarke, 11:40 a.m.-2 p.m., Long Pond, St. John’s campus, Sponsor: Employee Wellness, Department of Human Resources
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
SATURDAY, MAY 30
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Nomination Deadline for 34th Annual Alumni Tribute Awards, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Office of Alumni Affairs and Development, 20 Lambe’s Lane, St. John’s, Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development Waking Up Your Spring Garden Bed Workshop, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Sunday Morning Nature Hike, 10-11 a.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Assessment of the Equivalent Level of Safety Requirements for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, 1:30-3:30 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
SUNDAY, MAY 31
TUESDAY, MAY 26
Sunday Nature Programs, 2-4 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
History Is A Verb – Teaching History by Doing History with the Franklin Mystery: Life and Death in the Arctic, 10:30-11:40 a.m., ED-3048, Sponsor: Department of History
Sunday Morning Nature Hike, 10-11 a.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
TUESDAY, JUNE 2 Lunch and Learn Session: Understanding Depressive Illness, 12-2 p.m., A-2071, Sponsor: Employee Wellness, Department of Human Resources PhD Oral Defence of Derek Checkak, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., IIC-20147, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Swing Dancing Classes, 7-11 p.m., UC-3018, The Landing, Sponsor: Lindy Hop on the Rock Lunch and Learn Session: Creating Balance in Your Life, 12-2 p.m., A-2071, Sponsor: Employee Wellness, Department of Human Resources
A Conversation with Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour, 7-8:30 p.m., EN-2006, Sponsor: WISE NL-Statoil Speaker Series
Growing Air Plants (Tillandsia) Workshop, 7-8:30 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Impact of Foraging Conditions on the Family Lives of Common Murres and Atlantic Puffins, 7:30-9:30 p.m., SN-2067, Sponsor: Nature Newfoundland and Labrador
WEDNESDAY, MAY 27
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3
An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Lunch and Learn Session: Stress Relaxation, 12-2 p.m., A-2071, Sponsor: Employee Wellness, Department of Human Resources
THURSDAY, MAY 28
Blood Donor Clinic, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., UC-3018, The Landing, Sponsor: Canadian Blood Services
THURSDAY, MAY 21
Application to Graduate School: Tips and Strategies, 3-4 p.m., online webinar, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies Improving Health: My Way, 1-3:30 p.m., UC-5002, Sponsor: Eastern Health, Student Wellness and Counselling Centre
FRIDAY, MAY 22 D2L Drop-in Clinic, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m., ED-2030B, Sponsor: DELTS
An Introduction to Graduate Studies at Memorial, 3-3:50 p.m., ED-3048, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Alumni Career Talk, 12-1 p.m., The Landing, UC3018, Sponsor: Science Matters
FRIDAY, JUNE 5 Differential Evolution for Solving the Optimal Well Placement Problem: A Preliminary Study, 1-2 p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of Computer Science
L’enfant et les sortileges (with English subtitles), 8-9 p.m., D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of Music, Sponsor: MARCO, Cox & Palmer
L’enfant et les sortileges (with English subtitles), 8-9 p.m., D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of Music, Sponsor: MARCO, Cox & Palmer
Sunday Nature Programs, 2-4 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
MONDAY, JUNE 8 Calgary Affinity Dinner with Alan Doyle, 5:30-9 p.m., Calgary Petroleum Club, 319 5 Ave., SW, Calgary, Alta., Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development
classified NEWLY RENOVATED, furnished apartment, one bedroom, on Allandale Road, six minutes walk to MUN. INTERNET ACCESS, four appliances, shared garden and storage area. Rent $600; POU. Contact: Christopher English (cenglish@ mun.ca), or phone 754-4855 or 229-1686 and leave a message. BEAUTIFUL HOUSE for Sale on 1 A. Gardening heaven! 20 minutes to Memorial University. $334,900. For detail see https://sites.google.com/site/ houseforsaleportugalcove/ FOR RENT: condo: large bedroom + den (or 2nd bedroom), 386 Elizabeth Avenue, easy walk to MUN. Quiet building with library, exercise room, common room, cleared parking. Condo has a stunning mahogany kitchen + open concept living/dining room; large and small bedroom, private laundry and jacuzzi. Furnished or unfurnished. Photos available. Rent $1200, utilities very reasonable. Non-smoking/ no pets; sharing with nonfamily members not permitted. Please reply to kgquinton@rogers.com, or 416-231-9247.
out & about
Catch a Rising Star, 8-9:30 p.m., D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of Music, Sponsor: MARCO, Cox & Palmer Alexander von Humboldt Fellowships and Research Support Information Session, 10-11:30 a.m., UC-3013, The Loft, Sponsor: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Career Development and Experiential Learning, International Centre Biodiversity Day, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
SATURDAY, MAY 23
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Alpine Trough Gardening Workshop, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden “We’ll Meet Again”: World War I Concert, 8-9:30 p.m., D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of Music, Sponsor: MARCO, Cox & Palmer Spring Flower Show, 12-5 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden, Newfoundland Horticultural Society
MOVERS AND SHAKERS To celebrate the completion of the DANCE SPACE, a community dance studio, Memorial’s MMaP Research Centre is hosting a symposium on the topic of Embodiment, Gesture and Dance on Sunday, May 24, from 9-2 p.m. in the MMaP Gallery, second floor, St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre. Visit www.mun.ca/mmap for more information.
Doctoral student wins Eastern Regional 3MT Competition A PHD STUDENT in Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine has won first place in the Eastern Regional Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition. Victoria Linehan’s doctoral work is in the area of neuroscience. Ms. Linehan’s thesis, titled Diet Induced Plasticity of the Lateral Hypothalamus, attempts to uncover new treatment targets for weight loss. Her research aims to discover changes that occur in the brain in response to a high-fat diet, which may contribute to or maintain weight gain. “More than half of the Canadian population is either overweight or obese, with a significant percentage of those affected suffering from weight-related disorders,” explained Ms. Linehan. “Moreover, diet and exercise seem ineffective to achieve long-term weight loss and as such, novel treatments are necessary to improve the quality of life of millions of Canadians.” The Eastern Regional 3MT Competition was hosted by Concordia University in Montreal, Que., on Thursday, May 7. Eight graduate students from various universities across Eastern Canada battled for the title. “I wish to congratulate all the
participants who earned a spot in the competitive Eastern Canada regional final, and in particular Victoria Linehan who impressed our judges and took home the competition’s top prize,” said Dr. Paula WoodAdams, dean, graduate studies at Concordia and emcee of the event. Ms. Linehan’s Eastern Regional 3MT Competition video will be submitted to the National 3MT Competition, hosted by the Canadian Association for Graduate Studies. “Memorial University is very proud to once again be so successful in this wonderful competition,” said Dr. Faye Murrin, dean, School of Graduate Studies, pro tempore. “Having our graduate students engage the broader community with their work is essential to the university’s goals, and is fun as well. We are very proud of Victoria and wish her well in the national competition.” “The Faculty of Medicine is very proud of Ms. Linehan’s accomplishments in this competition,” said Dr. James Rourke, dean, Faculty of Medicine. “Her research is an example of excellence in our doctoral students, and as a future educator, her research contributions to the Faculty of Medicine will impact the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.” Last year, Kirk Luther, a doctoral student in Memorial’s Department of Psychology, won the 2014 Eastern
Regional 3MT Competition and took home the 2014 People’s Choice Award. Both Ms. Linehan and Mr. Luther were coached by Dr. Peggy Coady, assistant professor and associate dean (course-based master’s), in Memorial’s Faculty of Business Administration. Finalists’ videos will be available on Canada’s 3MT webpage (www.cags.
ca/3mt.php) on Friday, May 15, and first and second place winners will be announced the first week of June. From May 15-28, the public can view and vote for the People’s Choice winner. For more information about the 3MT Competition, please visit the School of Graduate Studies’ website at www.mun.ca/sgs/3MT.
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
By Ashley Forristall Special to the gazette
PhD student Victoria Linehan is up for the National 3MT Competition title.
Land, sea and sky By Kelly Foss
ESTABLISHED in 2010, the Newfoundland and Labrador Boreal Ecosystem Latitudinal Transect (NLBELT) consists of four study regions in Western Newfoundland and Southern Labrador. Consisting of stream and terrestrial sites that are similar in terms of forest age and type, and soil type, the sites differ significantly in latitude and therefore climate. Measurements of the conditions and state of the southern sites can provide indicators that will help predict how climate change will affect areas further north. Dr. Sue Ziegler, a professor of earth sciences and the Canada Research Chair in Environmental Science, has been studying these sites along with her colleagues at the Canadian Forest Service, Newfoundland and Labrador Forestry and Agrifoods, and the universities of Kansas and South Carolina. More recently, Banting Post-doctoral Fellow Dr. Trevor VandenBoer, also with the Department of Earth Sciences, has joined the team, enabling a stronger link with atmospheric processes. The team has been working to understand the complexities of environmental change at the interfaces between the atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic environments. “We know from our work that the increased temperature and precipitation along this climate
gradient supports increased rates of losses of carbon from the soils in the forests into the atmosphere and aquatic environment,” said Dr. Ziegler. “Yet soil carbon reservoirs appear stable, indicating forest productivity keeps pace with the losses associated with climate warming.” “It’s only in the last five years or so that people have gotten the fact that the interfaces are major uncertainties,” added Dr. VandenBoer. “The exchanges across those interfaces are critical to understanding the processes that take place in the part of the atmosphere that we live in.” Dr. Ziegler references the most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, which now recognizes the global significance of carbon export from the terrestrial environment to inland waters. “People who model terrestrial carbon are realizing they do need to be concerned with that export, because they had always thought of it as a sink, as if that carbon was being stored in the terrestrial environment,” she said. “But there’s a much larger portion that’s being exported to the aquatic environment than previously recognized. “The fate of that carbon is what aquatic scientists have been studying in isolation, oftentimes, from the terrestrial scientists,” she added. “But there are now more people like us who are straddling the traditional boundaries of
12 gazette | Wednesday, May 20, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
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Carbon studies look at climate change impacts across Earth’s critical zone
Pictured is the collection of atmospheric reactive nitrogen entering the boreal forest in the Codroy Valley. environments and investigating what happens at that interface.” Dr. Ziegler says those interfaces represent critical zones and, as such, the NL-BELT has recently become one of two study sites in Canada to join the international Critical Zone Exploratory Network (CZEN). CZEN is a community of people and network of field sites investigating physical, chemical and biological processes within the critical zone — defined as the Earth’s outer layer from vegetation canopy to the soil and groundwater that sustains human life. It is spearheaded through the
Critical Zone Observatory program of the U.S. National Science Foundation. This summer three new undergraduate students and a PhD candidate will join the team. The expanding project will also include new infrastructure for increased atmospheric observations — a push that is being funded alongside Dr. VandenBoer’s recent Banting Fellowship, which has been supported by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Centre for Forestry Science and Innovation.