March 13, 2013 Volume 45 Number 11
Publication Mail Registration No. 40062527
GAZETTE A M E M O R I A L U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W F O U N D L A N D P U B L I C AT I O N
p3
p4
p6
Sea-Hawks review
Project green crab
Changing profession School of Pharmacy educating next generation of pharmacists to be more than medication experts.
MI’s fisheries lab welcomes high school students and aspiring scientists.
HSIMS photo
Memorial is examining the role competitive sports play in the life of the university.
The RDC March 11 funding announcement took place at the Janeway Children’s Hospital. From left, back row, are Dr. Saaed Sameet, Dr. Robert Gendron, Dr. Hélène Paradis, Dr. John McGuire, Melody Morton Ninomiya, Steve Kent and Glenn Janes. From left, front row, are Dr. Linda Hensman, Dr. Chris Loomis, Dr. Gary Kachanoski, Dr. Taraneh Abarin, Dr. Noriko Daneshtalab, Dr. Jackie Vanderluit and Dr. James Rourke.
Double shot
Two investments totalling $2.9 million by Research & Development Corporation By Meaghan Whelan
Two funding announcements in recent
One of the funded projects could lead to enhanced
weeks have given Memorial researchers a major boost.
treatment options for people suffering from eye diseases
Newfoundland and Labrador’s growing and robust
such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular
economy,” said Keith Hutchings, minister responsible
degeneration.
for the Research & Development Corporation. “The
On March 11, the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) announced
“Leading-edge
R&D
is
a
key
contributor
to
$1.3 million in 12 health-related research projects. That
Dr. Hélène Paradis, a professor in biomedical sci-
combination of our abundance of natural resources,
news came on the heels of a Feb. 28 announcement of
ences in the Faculty of Medicine, received, $189,773
world-class academic institutions and geographic posi-
$1.6 million for nine research projects led by Memorial
from RDC. This funding is leveraging $189,773 from
tion means this province has a competitive advantage
researchers.
the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Regional
when it comes to advancing research and development
Partnerships Program.
that industry needs.”
“The funding programs offered by RDC are essential to Memorial’s research landscape,” said Dr. Gary
“Vision loss in the elderly is a devastating problem
The RDC investment leverages more than $10
Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor, Memorial
that is increasing as Newfoundland and Labrador’s
million from other sources, including the Atlantic
University of Newfoundland. “RDC investments enable
population is aging and our provincial diabetes rates
Canada Opportunities Agency, the Natural Sciences and
our researchers to carry out projects that advance stra-
are higher than the national average,” said Dr. Paradis.
Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Social
tegic areas of research, contribute to our understanding
“Our team has discovered a retinal factor we’ve named
Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada
of our world and position Memorial as a university of
Tubedown, which keeps retinal blood vessels healthy.
and Statoil. The funded projects are expected to reduce
distinction.”
Our partnerships with RDC and CIHR are instrumental
the seabed impacts related to bottom trawls; increase
in our research since age-related diseases take an enor-
our understanding of the behaviour of ice while work-
mous toll on the people of this province.”
ing and operating in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions; and
The March 11 funding announcement focused specifically on health-related research. The projects, based in the Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and Faculty of
The projects funded in the Feb. 28 announcement,
Science, could prevent cardiovascular diseases, improve
led by researchers in the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of
the health of people living with diabetes, lower health-
Science, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science,
care costs and develop new protocols to protect patient
the Marine Institute and C-CORE, are focused on
confidentiality in electronic health records (EMR).
issues and opportunities relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador’s location and economy.
improve our understanding of the impact of extended commuting for the purpose of employment. A complete list of the funded projects and project descriptions is available online at today.mun.ca.
“But we do have a lot to offer, and the trailway can highlight our wildlife, scenery and community assets. There are many sections of our trail that can compete with the East Coast Trail!” There are certain remote locations along the pro-
your next project
posed trail route that have not been developed at all. The board is looking for someone to help them decide where the best location for the trail would be, based on terrain, topography, biology, geography and other
By Amy Tucker
factors.
Special to the Gazette
important areas, so we would use information gathered
“We want to preserve wetland and other biologically to avoid these in the development of the trail. We would Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its
also use the information to help highlight any natural
most significant jobs is to provide a way for people from
features of interest in the trail map.”
outside Memorial to ask for research help. With hundreds of community-suggested opportunities to choose from, your
The project:
next project is just a click away. Here’s one . . .
Mr. Grandy estimates that there are approximately 60–70 kilometres of isolated trail, most of which is in
The opportunity:
close proximity to Route 210, that need to be examined
Elroy Grandy has been an avid all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
before being developed and mapped.
user for 25 years and is secretary of the Burin Peninsula
The board is looking for someone who can use a
Trailway Board Inc. This board, along with the local trail
global positioning system to help them in the begin-
associations, is in the process of developing a multi-use
ning stages of mapping the trail. This will also be useful
trail network for use by ATV and snowmobile users, as
for the group when seeking approval through the envi-
well as cross-country skiers, snowshoers and hikers.
ronmental assessment process, as this information will
This network has been extensively developed and
be required. This project is not for the faint of heart, as
consists of approximately 160 kilometres of trail;
it would likely require some ground truthing in some
however, there is still much work left to do. The board
isolated (but beautiful) locations.
would like to complete at least two loop trails, which would include most communities on the peninsula, and eventually link with the Newfoundland T’Railway at Goobies.
Interested in learning more about this project? Bojan Fürst, manager of knowledge mobilization at the Harris Centre,
“The Newfoundland ad campaigns say come see our icebergs, whales and national parks, but the Burin
would love to tell you more. Call him at 709-864-2120 or
GAZETTE
email him at bfurst@mun.ca.
Peninsula doesn’t have either of these,” said Mr. Grandy.
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
Recognizing alumni excellence
Editor Graphics Mandy Cook Molly Baker
By Jennifer Batten
Memorial University’s
Office of Alumni
have given of themselves to improve the lives of peo-
nomination process for the 2013 Alumni Tribute Awards.
ple and their communities, while the J.D. Eaton Award
Since the program’s inception more than 30 years
recognizes leadership and outstanding contributions
ago, the university has honoured many distinguished
to Memorial University. The Horizon Award honours
Memorial graduates, including Kevin Major, William
young alumni who have realized extraordinary achieve-
Rompkey and the members of the renowned group
ments before the age of 35.
Great Big Sea, to name a few. Dr. Penny Blackwood, director of Alumni Affairs and Development, encourages alumni and friends from near and far to consider nominating a worthy individual.
Brian King, chair of the awards selection committee, notes the importance of celebrating the success of Memorial University’s graduates. “I have been involved with the Alumni Tribute Awards for several years and I continue to be impressed
“Every year at the Alumni Tribute Awards ceremony,
by the calibre of entries we receive,” said Mr. King.
I am humbled by the accomplishments and success of
“Alumni all over the world are doing incredible things,
our award recipients,” said Dr. Blackwood. “They are
contributing significantly to the communities in which
truly remarkable individuals and these awards give us
they reside, and I think it’s important that we take time
the opportunity to publicly acknowledge the outstand-
to celebrate their achievements and their impact on
ing contributions they are making on local, national
Memorial University.”
and international levels.”
Courtenay Alcock Laura Barron Jennifer Batten Rebecca Cohoe Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Paula Dyke Moira Finn Kelly Foss Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Janet Harron Jill Hunt Jackey Locke
Community Service Award acknowledges alumni who
Affairs and Development has officially opened the
Classified Advertising Kelly Hickey
Individuals can be nominated in four different award
made by anyone. To complete an online nomination form or for more information, visit www.munalum.ca
highest honour bestowed on a graduate and it recognizes
or call 1-877-700-4081. The deadline for receipt of nom-
exceptional individual achievements. The Outstanding
inations is May 29, 2013.
Virginia Middleton Peter Morris Shannon O’Dea Dawson Naomi Osborne Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Dave Sorensen Kimberley Thornhill Meaghan Whelan Susan White-MacPherson Heidi Wicks Laura Woodford Photography Chris Hammond
Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709-864-2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline March 27 for April 3 publication.
Nominations are now being accepted and can be
categories. Alumna or Alumnus of the Year Award is the
Regular Contributors
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.
HSIMS photos
Gazette, Room A-1024 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 Telephone: 709-864-2142 Fax: 709-864-8699 Email: mandyc@mun.ca ISSN 0228-88 77 With the exception of advertisements from Memorial University, ads carried in the Gazette do not imply recommendation by the university for the service or product.
Scenes from the 2012 Alumni Tribute Awards ceremony. Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
2
www.mun.ca/gazette
Darek Nakonieczny photo
The women’s Sea-Hawks volleyball team celebrates a victory.
Future goals
Memorial conducting review of competitive sports By David Sorensen
Memorial is reviewing the role competitive sports
vice-president (academic) undergraduate studies; Dr.
play in the life of the university. Dr. Gary Kachanoski,
Scott MacKinnon, interim dean, School of Human
president
Kinetics
and
vice-chancellor,
has
established
a
and
Recreation;
Michelle
Healey,
titled Now is the Time, occurred in 2005. Memorial has about 175 student athletes, with men’s
direc-
and women’s teams competing in soccer, cross-coun-
university task force to carry out a formal review of
tor, Athletics; Dr. Linda Hensman, dean, School of
try running, basketball, volleyball, swimming and
the current competitive inter-university (varsity) sports
Pharmacy; student-athlete Matthew Hamlyn; Mark
wrestling.
program at Memorial that will inform the development
MacKinnon, Graduate Students’ Union; Lisa Murphy,
The varsity sports supported by Memorial on the St.
of the varsity sports program from 2013 to 2020.
MUNSU; men’s basketball coach Peter Benoite; Bill
John’s campus (Sea-Hawks) have been fixed for more
“We will look at all aspects of athletics, including past
Chislett, director of MI International at the Marine
than 20 years, says Dr. Bluechardt. Since then, there has
activities and future goals and expectations,” said Dr.
Institute; and an external member, Mark Jones, assis-
been a number of changes with significant impact on
Kachanoski.
tant deputy minister, provincial Division of Sport and
varsity sports programs at Memorial and nationally.
The Task Force on Competitive Sports will be chaired
Recreation.
“Today in Canada, we are seeing progressively
by Dr. Mary Bluechardt, Memorial’s vice-president
The group’s initial meeting takes place March 13 at
increasing levels of competition in most sports and the
(Grenfell Campus) and a former director of the School
which point a timeline for further meetings and report-
introduction and availability of athletic scholarships at
of Human Kinetics and Recreation.
ing results will be discussed.
Canadian universities,” said Dr. Bluechardt. “It’s a good
Other members of the task force are Dr. Sandy
The last university-level review of the competitive
LeFort, acting deputy provost (students) and associate
inter-university (varsity) sports program at Memorial,
time to re-examine the role of competitive sport at this university.”
A note to my fellow mainlanders For those of us
from mainland Canada, the
to Merasheen Island in Placentia Bay, as everyone sang
many differences between there and here do not go unnoticed. For some of us, Newfoundland and Labrador
STUDENTVIEW
is not that much different than home. For others,
Joshua Duff
adjusting to life in this province can be somewhat of
Merasheen Farewell. It is a song about resettlement in the 1960s that left the homes on the island boarded up and abandoned. Other musical stories I heard that night were filled with memories of overcoming hardship,
a culture shock. But most of us who come from away
Newfoundland pride and unity. It provided me with a
are easily taken in by Newfoundland and Labrador’s
smell of the feast filled the house. The dinner table was
better sense of the province’s heritage (not to mention
culture.
too small to seat all roughly 25 of us, so we happily took
that I picked up on yet another dialect unique to this
turns eating.
province).
A few weeks back, a friend of mine invited me to my first Newfoundland kitchen party. Wanting a break
After we had our fill of food, drinks were drunk,
The next day I headed back to St. John’s still amazed
from the city and studies, I agreed to go. We arrived
stories were sung and dance was lively. A man was
from the night before. It felt like I had witnessed a tribal
during mid-afternoon and I was introduced to cousins,
playing an accordion in the background, while every-
experience. I saw how important and fun tradition can
aunts, uncles, a nan, great aunts, great uncles and a few
one laughed and carried on. Then one person began
be. Newfoundland society is unique. If you are ever
friends of the family. A jiggs dinner was nearing the end
to sing and everyone who knew the song joined in; it
invited to an event like this, pack your bag and go. For
of its daylong cooking cycle. Salt beef, carrots, turnip,
was reflexive. Everyone began to clap in time with the
many of us, our time here may be limited. So, while
cabbage and potatoes were all boiling in one large pot.
music. Eventually, a circle was formed and a grandson,
you’re immersed in the culture of the Rock, make sure
A turkey, stuffed with dressing (breadcrumbs, onions,
who was just 21 years old, pulled his nan to the cen-
you take part in some traditional Newfoundland and
Newfoundland savory and butter) was roasting in the
ter for a dance. They locked elbows, twirled around
Labrador fun.
oven. All served with a side of pease pudding and gravy.
and threw in some stomps and two-steps as everyone
I was told that this was not a traditional jiggs dinner as
watched, cheered and applauded.
moose soup that had been stewing for hours was being
Next, the upbeat music took a brief intermission. We
ladled out of a large pot and served as an appetizer. The
all joined hands, swayed side to side and paid tribute
Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
3
Joshua Duff is a fourth-year student majoring in political science and English language and literature at Memorial University. He can be reached at jrd218@mun.ca.
www.mun.ca/gazette
Naomi Osborne photo
High school students Kathryn Bowers, at left, and Joycelyn Moulton analyze green crab at the Marine Institute’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research.
Science fair stars
Marine Institute shares knowledge of green crab with budding female scientists By Naomi Osborne
Notorious
for its aggressive and territorial nature,
As the aquatic invasive species contact for the Marine
the green crab has been invading the waters of Placentia
Institute’s Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research
Bay for the last six years.
(CFER), Ms. Best has been working on her master of sci-
The infiltration of this species has grabbed the atten-
ence degree on green crab part time since 2008.
NOTABLE Dr. Jim Connor, John Clinch Professor of
tion of marine biologists and fish harvesters across
In February, the young women began analyzing sam-
Medical Humanities and History of Medicine in
Newfoundland and Labrador — as well as two high
ples in CFER’s lab under Ms. Best’s supervision. The girls
the Faculty of Medicine, has been elected a fellow
school students.
have been researching the anatomy, life cycle and trends
of the Royal Historical Society. The membership
in catch rates from different areas in Placentia Bay, as
draws together individuals from across the
well as the salinity in those areas.
world, engaged professionally in researching and
Kathryn Bowers and Joycelyn Moulton are Grade 11 students at Holy Spirit High School in Conception Bay South. Practically joined at the hip, Ms. Bowers and
“This experience will provide them with a good taste
presenting history. The Royal Historical Society
Ms. Moulton do just about everything together, includ-
of field and laboratory work, which will help them
aims to maintain professional standards within
ing a new science project they conducted this year on
decide what areas they want to pursue in the future,”
the discipline, and to represent the views of its
green crab for the Eastern School District Science Fair.
said Ms. Best.
membership to government bodies and to the
After hearing from family members in Placentia Bay
Following methods and safe areas suggested by
public at large. The society is based at University
about the problem of green crab in the area, the girls
Ms. Best, the young women are also conducting field
College, University of London, with activities
jumped at the opportunity.
work with their parents in Placentia Bay in an attempt
stretching out across the whole of the United
to collect their own live samples.
Kingdom, and a fellowship drawn from across
“We really wanted to do something kind of cool and something that would be different and challenge us,”
During the school science fair earlier this month,
the globe. Dr. Connor holds cross-appointments
Ms. Bowers and Ms. Moulton claimed a gold medal in
in the Faculty of Arts (history) and the Faculty
Through family friend Kelly Moret, who also happens
the Senior Life Science category as well as best in fair.
of Science (biology). Recently, he was awarded
to be the assistant director of the Marine Institute’s
The girls will be moving onto the regional science fair in
the inaugural President’s Award for Outstanding
Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Resources (CSAR), the
April at Bishops College High School in St. John’s.
Teaching (Faculty) at Memorial.
said Ms. Bowers.
girls were put in contact with Marine Institute employee Kiley Best.
Ms. Bowers and Ms. Moulton plan to continue their green crab research for the 2013 science fair.
Drs. Sean and Brosnan have received
Margaret the 2012 Danone
Institute of Canada Distinguished Nutrition
Spring Festival 10 days of great music, storytelling and hiking
MAY 17-26, 2013 Norris Point
in
Gros Morne
nutrition. This award has been conferred annually since 1998 to members of the nutrition community
Featuring:
in
Canada
who
have
made
outstanding contributions in our discipline.
Amelia Curran The Dardanelles Terry Kelly Kathleen Winter The Spinney Brothers The Benoit Family
Winners of the DNLA receive a legacy series
and many more!
Dr. S. Brosnan is a university research professor
statuette as well as a cheque for $5,000. The presentation is normally made at the annual Canadian Nutrition Society banquet which is taking place this year in Quebec City on June 1. and Dr. M. Brosnan is a professor, both with the
Detailed schedule at
www.trailstalestunes.ca Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Leadership Award (DNLA) for excellence in
gowestern.com
4
Department of Biochemistry.
www.mun.ca/gazette
Empirical forecast
Lecture by world weather expert part of special year on the Mathematics of Planet Earth By Kelly Foss
A public lecture on Newfoundland and Labrador’s favourite subject – the weather – is taking place on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Dr. Gilbert Brunet, head of weather science at the Met Office, the United Kingdom’s national weather
“These have propped up field and laboratory process studies, the development of observational techniques and coupled numerical weather and Earth-system models to produce weather and climate predictions.”
service, will deliver a lecture titled The Mathematical
Dr. Brunet, whose background includes a two-year
Challenges of Earth-System and Weather Prediction on
period working in solid state physics at the University
Tuesday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bruneau Centre
of Ottawa, obtained his PhD in meteorology at McGill
for Research and Innovation, room IIC-2001.
University in 1989. He is currently head of weather
During the lecture, Dr. Brunet will explore the signif-
science at the Met Office on a two-year secondment
icant applied challenges which remain to be met before
from Environment Canada where he was head of the
acceptable meteorological and Earth-system forecasts
Meteorological Research Division.
can be produced worldwide from urban to planetary
He is also chair of the Joint Scientific Committee
scale and all relevant time scales. The talk will present
of the World Weather Research Programme, World
a historical perspective and outline some of the future
Meteorological Organization, and has been recognized
challenges of this multi-scale and seamless prediction
as an expert in dynamical meteorology. His work covers
problem.
analytical and empirical studies of wave processes from
“Internationally, the increasing demand for accurate high-impact weather and Earth-system predictions is indisputable,” he said. “It has led to significant invest-
Dr. Gilbert Brunet
space- and aircraft-based measurement technologies.
regional to planetary scale, and numerical weather prediction from minutes to seasons. The
Atlantic
Association
for
Research
in
the
ment in sophisticated applied mathematical algorithms
Mathematical Society and the Canadian Mathematical
and studies, high performance computing, high-speed
Society are sponsoring the lecture as part of the special
telecommunication, remote sensing, and ground-,
year on the Mathematics of Planet Earth.
‘An outcome that really matters’
Medical school earns national recognition for excellence in producing rural doctors By Sharon Gray
The Faculty of Medicine at Memorial has
said Ms. Sullivan. “Of the 1,115 physicians currently
students in rural areas of Newfoundland and Labrador
been honoured by the Society of Rural Physicians of
practising in Newfoundland and Labrador, approxi-
and work with the Faculty of Medicine and the regional
Canada (SRPC) with the Keith Award, given annually to
mately 45 per cent are working outside of the Northeast
health authorities to meet present accommodation stan-
the Canadian postgraduate medical program which has
Avalon. I congratulate Dr. James Rourke, dean of med-
dards,” she said. “Students tell us that if they have a pos-
excelled in producing rural doctors.
icine, and the faculty at Memorial’s medical school for
itive experience during their rural placement, they are
their efforts in delivering exemplary training in the
more likely to practise in rural communities. Our medi-
preparation of our rural doctors.”
cal school’s success in this area can also be attributed to
This year’s Keith Award looked at the largest number of graduates practising in rural areas 10 years after graduation. Family medicine residents were identified
The minister said that the provincial government
the fact that approximately 40 per cent of students are
through the Canadian Post-MD Educational Registry
invests more than $2.1 million per year on bursaries to
from rural communities versus the Canadian average of
and the practice location was taken from the Canadian
attract medical students and residents to provide return
11 per cent. We will continue to build on the successes
Medical Association database 10 years later.
in service to the province.
acknowledged in this prestigious award.”
“On behalf of the people of rural Canada, I thank you
“We continue to provide accommodations for medical
for creating an excellent program which is producing much-needed rural doctors and sets a standard that I hope other programs will aspire to,” wrote Dr. John Wootton, chair of the SRPC nominations and awards committee, in a letter to Dr. James Rourke, dean of medicine at Memorial, informing him of the award. This is the fourth time Memorial University has received the society’s prestigious Keith Award since it was introduced in 2000. Memorial has also received the society’s Rural Education Award in 2009 in recognition for excellence in producing MD graduates headed to a career in rural medicine. “This is an outcome that really matters,” said Dr. Rourke, who received a Rural Leadership Award from the SRPC in 2009 in recognition of his outstanding leadership in rural medicine and education. “It reflects on our commitment to produce the kind of doctors we need in Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. This is the equivalent of a gold medal for medical schools from the SRPC.” Services, congratulated the Faculty of Medicine for receiving the Keith Award in a statement given in the House of Assembly on March 7. “Our government recognizes the importance of encouraging medical students to enter rural practice,”
Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
HSIMS photo
Susan Sullivan, minister, Health and Community
This is the fourth year the Faculty of Medicine has won the Keith Award. 5
www.mun.ca/gazette
Front lines
Memorial pharmacy students embrace a changing profession March
is Pharmacist Awareness Month and this
Throughout the month, pharmacy students are con-
year’s theme is Providing More Health Care Than You
ducting a number of presentations in high schools and
Know: Ask A Pharmacist.
elementary schools, as well as hosting research and
Memorial’s School of Pharmacy is helping deliver
information sessions on campus. On March 9, students
that message. The Canadian Pharmacists Association
from the school hosted a Public Pill Drop, an event
is working with national and provincial pharmacy
where members of the public could drop off expired
associations and schools across Canada to improve the
or unused medications for safe disposal. The events are
public’s understanding of the expanding role of phar-
intended to demonstrate the wide range of expertise
macists. Students at Memorial have enthusiastically
that reflects today’s pharmacist.
taken up the cause, knowing they will soon be on the front lines of a changing profession.
chris hammond photo
By David Penney
“It’s all about patient-centred care,” said Ms. Coleman. “As pharmacists, we want to involve patients in deci-
Janice Coleman is a second-year student at the school
sion-making, help them understand the important role
who also acts as one of Memorial’s representatives with
they play in their own treatment, and that we can do
the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and
more to help. Things like providing comprehensive
Interns. She is spearheading a number of the activities
medication reviews, for example. If we can get out in
that Memorial is undertaking to support Pharmacist
the community and make people realize there’s a lot
Awareness Month.
more to being a pharmacist than filling prescriptions,
“Ideally, by the time I graduate we’ll be able to use
that does a lot to change the way patients approach us
all the skills and knowledge we’ve acquired during our
as professionals.”
program. Pharmacists are making a real difference to
“The profession is changing and those changes are happening quickly,” said Ms. Coleman. “It’s important
Jasmine Elliott, at left, and Janice Coleman are celebrating Pharmacist Awareness Month.
for us to educate patients and other health professionals
Jasmine Elliott is a first-year pharmacy student who
improve patient’s health outcomes and I think there is
about all the things a pharmacist can do beyond being
is also involved in a variety of activities for Pharmacist
so much potential to do even more. I’m excited to be
medication experts. Pharmacist Awareness Month is all
Awareness Month. She is hopeful that upon graduation
part of that.”
about reaching different groups of people to support
in 2016, there will be an opportunity to use the full
that education process.”
complement of skills at her disposal.
For more information about Pharmacist Awareness Month, visit www.mun.ca/pharmacy .
Statistically significant
Student health survey will bring better health and wellness services By Moira Finn
Memorial students
have the opportunity
and the health experiences of Memorial students and
“The better the response rate, the more statistically
to improve future university health, wellness and
can be considered alongside those of post-secondary
significant the sample will be and the more powerful
counselling services, thanks to a new comprehensive
students elsewhere.
a planning tool we have for health promotion and pre-
international health survey.
“Health impacts most aspects of university life, includ-
vention services,” said Dr. Lee.
The National College Health Assessment (NCHA)
ing academic success,” said Dr. Norman Lee, chief phy-
This is the second time that Memorial has participated
Survey will capture student behaviours and attitudes on
sician with the health centre division of Memorial’s
in the NCHA survey, conducted annually since 2000.
a broad range of health issues, ranging from nutrition
Student Affairs and Services. “By participating in the sur-
When the 2008 survey results confirmed an increase
and exercise, drugs and alcohol, personal safety, sexual
vey, students are telling us what our priorities should be.”
demand for medical and counselling services, the uni-
A random sample of 5,000 Memorial students will be
versity allocated resources to meet this need, says Kelly
health, stress, depression and anxiety. Memorial is among 33 universities in Canada and
selected — notified via an email to their Memorial email
Neville, wellness co-ordinator with the Counselling
more than 100 universities in the United States partic-
accounts — to complete the online survey on Tuesday,
Centre, who along with Dr. Lee and staff nurse Missy
ipating in this year’s survey. In addition to providing
March 19. The survey is confidential and student iden-
Power, has co-ordinated Memorial’s participation in the
an objective picture of student health and identifying
tities cannot be linked with survey answers, a fact
NCHA surveys in 2008 and 2013.
emerging trends on Memorial’s campuses, this interna-
Dr. Lee hopes will motivate students invited to partici-
tional research effort will provide context for the results
pate to make every effort to complete the survey.
“Today there is a psychiatrist on staff and we implemented e-CheckUpToGo, an online alcohol assessment tool, to help students understand their drinking habits,” Ms. Neville explained. “Both these initiatives were promoted by the findings of the NCHA 2008 survey.” Up-to-date empirical data on student health and emerging needs will also mean campus counselling and health centres can apply for funding from government and other agencies to support new wellness programs and initiatives. Survey results are expected to be available by July and the health and counselling centres will present the findings to student groups, university administrators and other stakeholders. In addition to the immediate benefits of the NCHA survey, students, scholars and researchers at Memorial will also have access to the dataset to conduct novel research and analyses. Dr. Lee says he expects the 2013 survey will reveal that there have been positive gains in health education and awareness and that the behaviours and attitudes of chris hammond photo
Memorial students around health issues are in line with
Student Affairs and Services’ Dr. Norman Lee, chief physician, Missy Power, staff nurse, and Kelly Neville, wellness programs co-ordinator. Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
6
those of students on campuses across North America. “Getting an accurate picture is a matter of getting students to complete the survey,” he said. “I honestly feel that health and health services are priorities for our students, and I’m optimistic that we will see a very good response.” For more information about the National College Health Assessment, please visit www.achancha.org/ .
www.mun.ca/gazette
Regionals: Check!
Enactus tops Atlantic division, heads to nationals in May
Enactus Canada/Alice Xin Wen PHOTO
By Susan White-MacPherson
Enactus Memorial won all three categories at the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition in Halifax and will move on to the national competition in May. Nineteen Memorial University students took part
at the world championship each year.
Project Bottlepreneur, Be Green and Green Audit.
in the Enactus Canada Regional Exposition – Atlantic
Enactus Memorial has won the national champion-
The top two teams from each category move on to
Canada in Halifax, N.S., recently, which saw 12 post-
ship six times in seven years and was named the world
nationals. Along with Memorial, teams from Nova
secondary institutions take to the stage to showcase
champion in 2008.
Scotia’s Saint Mary’s University and Acadia University
projects that help to create sustainable communities. Enactus Memorial won all three of its categories during the competition Feb. 28–March 1.
“By getting a chance to see what other teams are doing, it gives our team at Memorial a chance to incorporate some best practices that maybe we didn’t
will represent Atlantic Canada at the national championship in Toronto, Ont., from May 6–8. Enactus Memorial will spend the next few months
“I’m thrilled with the team’s performance,” said
think of when developing a project,” said Mr. Skinner.
Shane Skinner, president of Enactus Memorial, in an
“By competing against teams in Atlantic Canada two
“We need to buckle down here now and re-focus for
email. “I knew we didn’t leave anything on the table,
months before the national event, we’re given the
nationals,” said Mr. Skinner. “Obviously, it’s an hon-
but nonetheless, you never know how the judges are
opportunity to see how we currently stack up against
our to be named regional champions in all three cate-
going to evaluate your projects and presentations. So
the competition, and that’s key.”
gories but that is in the past and we need to shift our
to place so well in all three topics was a great success.” Enactus is an international non-profit organization
Enactus Memorial presented the results of nine different community projects in three categories.
fine tuning its projects.
attention to continue building our project portfolio. We’ve got a lot of exciting things on the horizon, so
that mobilizes university students to develop outreach
In the TD Entrepreneurship Challenge, the fea-
projects that improve the quality of life and standard
tured projects were Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur,
“I have every confidence that we’ll have a great show-
of living for people in need. Teams from universities
Bright Futures and Passport to Success. In the Capital
ing at nationals this year and continue to showcase the
and colleges across the world compete in a variety of
One Financial Education Challenge, FLAGS, FYI and
great work that we’re doing in the community.”
regional and national competitions for the chance to
Change Matters were presented. In the Scotiabank
demonstrate the impact of their community projects
EcoLiving Green Challenge, the team spoke about
we need to make sure that we can achieve all of those.
Artificial advantage
Researchers in biomedical sciences, physics and chemistry working together to develop basis for artificial cornea By Sharon Gray
An interdisciplinary group from biomedical
Bioscience in a paper titled Controlled Cell Proliferation
transplant. The corneas available come from people’s
sciences, chemistry and physics are pooling their
on an Electrochemically Engineered Collagen Scaffold.
posthumous donation of their eye tissues. With an aging
expertise to engineer an artificial collagen scaffold that
The paper describes cell-culture studies showing that
population more corneas are needed, while at the same
could be used for corneal reconstruction in the human
electrochemically prepared collagen matrices display
time the increasing use of laser treatment on eyes means
eye.
high optical transparency, encourage cell attachment
that fewer corneas are available.
“Our goal is to move into constructing a multi-layered artificial cornea that is compatible with corneal cells
near the surface and appear to stimulate normal signaling pathways in cornea specific cells.
and remains clear,” explained Dr. Bob Gendron, pro-
“Overall, the evidence presented in this paper is an
fessor of cancer/cardiovascular biology in the Faculty of
important step towards better engineering of artifi-
Medicine. With his colleague Dr. Hélène Paradis, profes-
cial
sor of vascular molecular biology/pediatric cancers, they
Dr. Gendron.
tissues,”
With the funding
of experimental materials physics and chemistry, and
from the MRF, the
Dr. Erika Merschrod, associate professor of chemistry, to
group is working to
develop an artificial cornea.
construct a prototype cornea.
project titled A Novel Electrochemically Engineered
they hope to move
Collagen Scaffold for Corneal Reconstruction.
tion,” said Dr. Gendron.
into
Eventually commercial
application with the
advanced engineering, particularly in analyzing colla-
help of federal fund-
gen, which is one of the main components of connective
ing
tissue,” said Dr. Gendron. “They have figured out a way
partnerships.
and
industry
to marry concepts in physics and chemistry to quickly
Dr. Gendron noted
produce a collagen matrix which has all kinds of applica-
that there is a criti-
tions, especially in artificial tissues.”
cal shortage of corneas
available
for
HSIMS photo
a
“Kris and Erika are interested in materials and
Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
have immune issues and would not be prone to rejec-
multi-layered artificial
the Medical Research Endowment Fund (MRF) for the
This research was recently published in Macromolecular
and the advantage is that an artificial cornea would not
said
are working with Dr. Kris Poduska, associate professor
Their work recently received a $20,000 award from
“There is a real need to develop an artificial cornea,
From left are Drs. Hélène Paradis, Erika Merschrod, Kris Poduska and Bob Gendron. 7
www.mun.ca/gazette
Memorial to explore feasibility of law school
Taking a stand against racism By Janet Harron
To
mark
the International Day for the
Dr. Lisa Rankin of the Department of Archaeology
Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the Aboriginal
will introduce a screening of her film The People of
Memorial will again
Resource Office (ARO) is partnering with several on-
NunatuKavut; John Nick Jeddore will discuss the
explore the feasibility of a
and off-campus groups to present United We Stand
Mi’kmaq of Taqamkuk; Memorial students Kaif Khan
law school. The university
on Thursday, March 21.
and Farah Hamodat will speak about Islam and the
last
hijab; and Jack Penashue will speak on the Innu of
school option in 1987.
Designed to highlight cultural diversity and awareness, United We Stand will take place on the third
explored
Dr.
Nitassinan.
Lynne
the
law
Phillips,
floor of the University Centre on Memorial’s St. John’s
The event will also feature a performance by sing-
dean, Faculty of Arts,
campus from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and will feature a vari-
ing quartet the African Accord Singers, a demon-
will chair a committee
ety of presentations and activities from the Memorial
stration of Labrador Inuit games, international and
that includes additional
community and beyond.
Aboriginal country foods, craft vendors and a student
university membership, a
panel discussing international indigenous cultures.
representative of the pro-
“United We Stand is about learning from each
vincial legal community
other. It’s about mutual respect, working together and
Partnering on the project with the Aboriginal
enjoying food. Food is culture. Most of all, this event
Resource Office are Memorial University’s student
is about accepting and welcoming others of various
union (MUNSU), International Student Advising,
The
culturally diverse backgrounds and building friend-
the International Student Centre, the Go Abroad
restricted
ships,” said Valeri Pilgrim, Aboriginal liaison officer
Office, the Faculty of Arts and the St. John’s Native
ation of a faculty of law as a professional school, as opposed
with the ARO. “It’s guaranteed to be an eye-opening
Friendship Centre.
to a degree program or department of law. The review will
and enlightening experience for all.”
and an external voice. review to
will
be
consider-
Dr. Lynne Phillips
All are welcome to attend. More information can be
also examine the demographics of existing Canadian law
found at www.mun.ca/aro/about/UnitedWeStand.php .
schools, current and future needs for more lawyers, and benefits to Memorial, among other goals. There have been two previous considerations by the university of establishing a law school. The Harris Report, 1976, concluded that there was no demonstrated need for a law school at Memorial, and the Bruce Report, 1987, which endorsed a law school in principle, but not at that time. Last year, the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador and the provincial branch of the Canadian Bar Association supported a review of the concept of a faculty of law, a position later endorsed by the chief justice of Newfoundland and Labrador. “It’s an appropriate time to again examine the feasibility of establishing a law school at Memorial,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor. “It’s been 25 years since the university last reviewed this avenue, and the local legal community is supportive of another review.” In addition to Dr. Phillips, the committee includes Morgan Cooper, Memorial’s director of Faculty Relations and a lawyer; Bert Riggs, archivist at the Centre for Newfoundland Studies Archives, QEII Library; Heather Clarke, PhD student in the Faculty of Business; Justice A.E. (Fonse) Faour, Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador, Trial Division; and Dr. Peter MacKinnon, president emeritus and former dean of law, University of Saskatchewan. The committee is expected to present a report later this year.
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Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
8
www.mun.ca/gazette
Future entrepreneurs
Bringing the business world into the engineering classroom By Jackey Locke
When
you
combine
an
engineering professor who goes above and beyond in her teaching methods and a group of students interested in learning how to create their own business, the possibilities are endless. Dr. Amy Hsiao teaches Business Planning and
Strategy
in
an
Entrepreneurial
Environment to term eight engineering students. As the name suggests, the course introduces engineering and applied science students to the concepts, issues and themes related to business planning, strategy and entrepreneurship. What is not evident on the surface, however, is how Dr. Hsiao takes the course curriculum to the next level, treating her students — or as she refers to them, “future entrepreneurs” — to high-profile, guest speakers who have been where her students are and have gone on to become
Charles Adler, co-founder of New York City-based Kickstarter, was a recent guest speaker in an engineering class via Skype.
successful entrepreneurs. “Students can learn from lectures, text-
speakers such as Mr. Adler have on engi-
books, case studies, et cetera and that’s
neering students, who are hoping to start
great,” she said. “But the guest speakers
their own companies someday and make a
share experiences and knowledge that
difference in society? Quite a bit, it turns
can’t always be captured by explicit knowl-
out. Craig Lynch is a student in Dr. Hsiao’s
edge, and can only be shared through
class and took the course because he felt it
interaction and engagement, i.e. what
would be different and thought it would be
is not found in textbooks per se. That is
challenging to work outside of his element
why I bring in guest speakers — I believe
— in a business-focused environment.
that students learn from listening to, and
“The most important thing that I took
observing, what the guest speakers — who
away from Mr. Adler’s talk was to surround
are successful entrepreneurs in their own
yourself with good people who can help
right — are saying.”
you achieve your goals,” he said. “Your
Recently, Dr. Hsiao’s “future entre-
friends tend to be like-minded people, so
preneurs” were brought together via
… surround yourself with people from dif-
Skype with Charles Adler, co-founder of
ferent backgrounds and different ideas.
Kickstarter, a funding platform for cre-
“Dr. Hsiao does a great job keeping the
ative projects based in New York City.
material interesting and making the class
Since its launch in 2009, the Kickstarter
engaging. She shows videos and Dragon’s
community has funded everything from
Den episodes and encourages the class to
films, games and music to art, design and
ask lots of questions.” Other guest speakers, many of whom
technology. “Crowdfunding combines the current
were once students of Dr. Hsiao, include
trends of social networking, a do-it-your-
Stephen Reddin, co-founder of Cambrai
self mentality, e-commerce and what I
Solutions as part of the Wesley Clover
call software for society, and their idea
network; Alex Brown, co-founder of
has struck a big cord with the market. Mr.
Source Studio and became a Genesis
Adler, in his very down-to-earth man-
Centre client at Memorial; Dave Rhees,
ner, communicated to my students in a
co-founder
very engaging way why he co-founded
Randy Billard, co-founder of Virtual
Kickstarter and how it has been successful;
Marine
and, in general, he shared the intangibles
serial entrepreneur and founder of Root
of being an entrepreneur and pursuing
Four Imagination Inc; Leonard Lye,
your interests with passion, perseverance
serial inventor and entrepreneur of
and practicality,” said Dr. Hsiao.
FootWorker; The Genesis Centre and the
So, just how much impact do guest
of
Quidi
Technologies;
Vidi
Brewery;
Maurice
Tuff,
Research and Development Corporation.
Downtown campus Purchase of former Battery Hotel property complete By David Sorensen
“We are looking forward to having a more tangible
President
space, the endowment fund and revenue generated
Gary Kachanoski announced recently
and dynamic presence in downtown St. John’s,” said
that the purchase of the former Battery Hotel property
Dr. Kachanoski. “Not only does the property address
“Now that the sale is final, we can begin our detailed
on Signal Hill in St. John’s has been finalized.
some of our most pressing space needs, it will also allow
consideration of which units would be more appropri-
some university units that engage with the public regu-
ately located closer to the city’s downtown core, and we
larly to do so from a highly accessible location.”
will be consulting with key stakeholders throughout
The deal closed on Friday, March 1, following approval by the university’s Board of Regents and the provincial government in accordance with the Memorial
University
Act.
The
government
from university activities at the facility.
The university purchased the former hotel property
that process,” said Dr. Kachanoski. “We value the integ-
also
for $9.5 million. The building and operations will be
rity of the communities in which we live and work, and
approved the university’s expenditure of up to
cost-neutral to the university. Funding will be provided
to that end we are committed to ongoing, transparent
$16 million for renovations to the space.
from redirecting lease expenditures for off-campus
communication with our new neighbours.”
Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
9
www.mun.ca/gazette
A new ‘take’ on video instruction
French professor creates instructional videos with computer webcam
&
News notes Listed below is a selection of the funding opportunities for which information has recently been received by the Office
By Courtenay Alcock
of Research Services. For links to further information on these items, visit Grant Funding Opportunities on the research website at www.mun.ca/research/overview/grant_opp.php . • Brain Canada Multi-Investigator Research Initiative LOI • CIHR Master’s Award — Dr. James Rossiter MPH Practicum Awards Program • CIHR Other— China-Canada Joint Health Research Initiative (2013) • CIHR Operating Grant — HFSP – Research Grants • CIHR Operating Grant — Canada-China Human Vaccines • CIHR Other — Health Research Communications Award (2012–13) • CIHR Master’s Award — HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research (2013) • CIHR Operating Grant — Methodological Innovations for Neuroimaging Datasets • CIHR Knowledge Synthesis Grant — spring 2013 Competition • CIHR Catalyst Grant — Environments, Genes and Chronic Disease • CIHR Catalyst Grant — HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research (2013–14) • CIHR Other — Mental Health Network • CIHR Operating Grant — Discovery Frontiers
A still from one of Dr. Magessa O’Reilly’s teaching videos.
• Kanishka Project Contribution Program • NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience
Enhancing course instruction with videos is not
with written direction about what words or phrases to
a new concept at Memorial, but Dr. Magessa O’Reilly is
superimpose and when.
(CREATE) Program — Letter of Intent: Memorial Phase II – LOI Internal Review • NSERC Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CRE-
redefining that concept. Teaching French 3100 online
“Once we received the video files from Dr. O’Reilly,
this semester, Dr. O’Reilly, with the help of Distance
our team created the graphics then edited them into
• NSERC Discovery Frontiers – Letter of Intent
Education, Learning and Teaching Support (DELTS),
the lectures before preparing them for web distribu-
• NSERC Chairs in Design Engineering (CDE)
created instructional videos for the course simply by
tion,” said Kevin O’Leary, producer at DELTS. “This is
• NSERC Idea to Innovation (I2I) Grants
using the webcam in his office computer.
a great example of how changes and advancements in
The course explores the mechanics of the French sentence, and aims to teach students the overall orga-
technology can allow content authors to create meaningful objects for their students.”
ATE) Program — Letter of Intent
• NSERC Strategic Project Grants (SPG) • SSHRC Digging into Data Challenge • TRAM — Transformation Research in Adolescent Mental Health • The W. Garfield Weston Foundation — New Transformational
nization of a sentence. The videos provide exercises
Traditionally, video productions require elements
for students that assist them with learning concepts
such as scripts, narration, teleprompters, high defini-
presented in the course material. Depending on the
tion video cameras, proper lighting, sound checks and,
complexity and length of the exercises, the videos run
of course, scheduled time spent in a production stu-
from three to 15 minutes.
dio to create a high quality product. Rather than take
March 27
Request for Proposals
IMMINENT DEADLINES
“After reading the material for a given module, stu-
this route, Dr. O’Reilly preferred to work with DELTS
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
dents view the corresponding video in which I present
to develop a simpler way to enhance his teaching with
a sample exercise using the theoretical knowledge they
instructional video.
– The Tanaka Fund Program
April 1
acquired,” explained Dr. O’Reilly. “As I speak, the exer-
“Because I’m working independently with my office
cise is superimposed upon my image in the video, and
computer, preparation time is brief and I can make
Molly Towell Perinatal Research Foundation
students can see the parts of the sentence I’m talking
videos when the feeling moves me, without having to
– Operating Grants
about and observe the exercise being done.
co-ordinate with the production team.”
– Fellowships
Then,
using the model I provide, students go on to do their
“Through Dr. O’Reilly’s co-operation, we were able to bring the production quality of the videos to a satis-
April 15
To create the videos, Dr. O’Reilly worked with DELTS
factory level,” Mr. O’Leary added. “His detailed scripts
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada
to optimize the quality of what he recorded, making
made it very easy for us to complete the value-added
adjustments to the audio quality and room lighting
components to the video and I think they will greatly
The Canada Council for the Arts
as needed. He then filmed himself using his com-
assist his students grasp the course content.”
exercises.”
puter webcam and delivered the video to DELTS, along
– Gold Medal Award – Project Grants for Organizations in the Visual Arts
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
– Syergy Awards for Innovation (Nomination)
April 28
Department of Computer Science
Memorial University – Institute of Social and Economic Re-
Call for nominations and applications
search (ISER)
Memorial University
April 30
invites applications and nominations from within the university for
– Annual Student Essay Prize
the position of head of the Department of Computer Science. The appointment is expected to begin
Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation of Canada
on Sept. 1, 2013, is initially for a term of three years and is renewable. Candidates should have an
established record of research, teaching and administrative effectiveness and be committed to graduate
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
and undergraduate education. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are also required.
– Research Grant (Application) – Anneliese Maier Research Award (Nomination)
Applications and nominations will be treated in confidence. Nominations shouldincludea letter from the nominee agreeing to the nomination. Applications and nominations should include a vision statement of how the department would evolve under thecandidate’s leadership, a CV and the names and contact information of three references. At least one of thereferences must be from outside the Department of Computer Science. All material should be submitted by 15:00 p.m. on 1 April, 2013, although applicants are strongly encouraged to submit earlier, to: Dr. Valerie Booth, Chair, Search Committee for the Head of Computer Science, c/o Mary Wall,
obituary
Dean of Science Office, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Newfoundland, A1B 3X7,
John Daniel Mosher
Fax: 709 864 3316, email: maryw@mun.ca Memorial University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified
John Daniel Mosher, a faculty member at the
women and men, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples and persons with disabilities. All qualified candi-
Division of Social Science at Grenfell Campus,
dates are encouraged to apply. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
passed away March 5, 2013. He was 60.
Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
10
www.mun.ca/gazette
OUTANDABOUT For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit
Impact of Heat-moisture Treatment of Pulse Starches on their
MUN Cinema Series: Holy Motors, 7–9 p.m., Empire Theatres,
www.today.mun.ca
Thermal, Rheological and Digestibility Properties, 1–2 p.m.,
Avalon Mall, Sponsor: MUN Cinema
SN-4015, Sponsor: Department of Biochemistry
Wednesday, March 13
United We Stand: An Event to Celebrate the International Day
MUNSU 2013 General Election Voting Day, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.,
A New View of the Demographic Impacts of the Irish Fam-
for the Elimination of Racism, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., The Landing,
various locations across campus, Sponsor: MUNSU
ine Through Geographically Weighted Regression, 3–4 p.m.,
University Centre, Aboriginal Resource Office
SN-2025, Sponsor: Department of Geography Physical Limits of Computation and Emergence of Life,
Nursing Information Session, 1–2 p.m., SN-4068, Sponsor: Academic Advising Centre
Carbon Taxes and Financial Incentives for Greenhouse Gas
12–1 p.m., SN-2098, Sponsor: Wolfgang Banzhaf, Arthur Sulli-
Emissions Reductions in Alberta’s Oil Sands, 2:30–4 p.m.,
van, Roger White
Launch of Canadian Diabetes Association Subchapter, 12–2 p.m.,
IIC-2001, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Spon-
School of Nursing, Rm. 3454, Sponsor: School of Nursing
sor: Department of Economics
Friday, March 22 Ethical Issues in Cluster Randomized Trials in Health Research,
Undeclared Information Session, 1–2 p.m., SN-4078, Sponsor:
Saturday, March 16
12–1 p.m., main auditorium, Health Sciences Centre, Sponsor:
Academic Advising Centre, Career Development and Experien-
History Beyond the Documents: Material, Visual, and Oral
Faculty of Medicine
tial Learning
Approaches, 2–3 p.m., Rocket Room, 272 Water St., Sponsor:
Monday, March 25
Department of History Good Intentions Are Not Enough: Realizing High Quality
Caring in Community: The Doulas of Newfoundland and
Education for Aboriginal Children, 12:30–2 p.m., ED-5004/5,
Tuesday, March 19
Labrador, 12:30–1:30 p.m., SN-4087, Sponsor: Department of
Sponsor: Faculty of Education, Special Adviser to the President
Crossing the Divide: Hinduism and Islam in Sundanese Music,
Gender Studies Speakers’ Series
for Aboriginal Affairs
7:30–9 p.m., MMaP Gallery, second floor, St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre, Sponsor: MMaP, School of Music
Recent Developments at Memorial University of Newfoundland,
Tuesday, March 26 REEL Justice Film Festival: Face to Face, 7–9 p.m., The Landing,
8–9:30 p.m., Hampton Hall, Marine Institute, Sponsor: Wessex
Kinds of Reality, 2–3:20 p.m., C-4036, Sponsor: Department of
UC-3018, Sponsor: REEL Justice Newfoundland and Labrador,
Society
Philosophy
Faculty of Education
Faculty Bible Study, 12–12:50 p.m., HH-2005, Sponsor: Philip
Wednesday, March 20
Perfecting Your Communications Presence, 9 a.m.–4 p.m., loca-
Heath
Speaker Session with Brian Peckford in Edmonton, Alberta
tion TBA, Sponsor: Department of Human Resources
7–9 p.m., Characters Fine Dining, 10257 105 St. NW, Edmon-
Thursday, March 14
ton, Alta., Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development
C-4036, Sponsor: Department of Philosophy
MUN Cinema Series: Hyde Park on the Hudson, 7–9 p.m., Empire Theatres, Avalon Mall, Sponsor: MUN Cinema
Metaphysics and Intuition: Hegel and Jacobi, 2–3:20 p.m.,
Second Annual Soup Cook-off, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., UC-3013, Spon-
Wednesday, March 27
sor: Students Older Than Average Presentation by Candidate for Dean, School of Human Kinetics
Oil: Boom, Bust and Bull and Promoting Inequality: Recent Pro-
and Recreation, 2:10–3:10 p.m., PE-2001, Sponsor: Office of the
Public Lecture: How To Know About Oil – The Cultural Politics,
vincial Policies, 7:30–8:30 p.m., Rocket Room, 272 Water St.,
Provost
7:30–9 p.m., IIC-2001, Bruneau Centre for Research and Inno-
Sponsor: Department of History
vation, IIC-2001, Sponsor: Department of English Language
Friday, March 15
Thursday, March 28
and Literature
MUN Business Day 2013: Right Here, Right Now, 8 a.m.–1 p.m.,
MUN Cinema Series: Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel,
Sheraton Hotel, St. John’s, Sponsor: Faculty of Business Admin-
The Genetic Characterization of Mendelian Ocular Disorders
istration
in the Population of Newfoundland and Labrador, 10 a.m.–12
End of Life Care in Marginalized Communities: Lessons from
p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation,
Tuesday, April 2
Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
MUN Jazz Band, 8–9:30 p.m., D.F. Cook Recital Hall, School of
Research in Nova Scotia, 12–1 p.m., R. Gushue Hall, Sponsor:
Music, Sponsor: Music at Memorial
Thursday, March 21 Speaker Session with Brian Peckford in Calgary, Alberta,
Derrida’s Metaphysics, 2–3:20 p.m., C-4036, Sponsor: Depart-
7–9 p.m., The Belfry Gastro House, Suite 102–630 8 Ave. SW,
ment of Philosophy
Calgary, Alta., Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development
HSIMS Photo
School of Social Work
7–9 p.m., Empire Theatres, Avalon Mall, Sponsor: MUN Cinema
CLASSIFIED
BALD is BEAUTIFUL Jessica Holmes is sporting a bald head these days following Young Adult Cancer Canada’s Shave for the Brave on Feb. 25. By having her head shaved, the administrative staff specialist I with the Faculty of Medicine’s Expansion Office raised $2,646 for the charity. Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
3 bedroom, fully furnished home in Churchill Square, walking distance, to MUN and Confederation Building. Gourmet kitchen, home office, deck off master and 4-piece ensuite, 3100 square feet. 01 July, 2013–30 June, 2014. $2,400/month & P.O.U. gibbbj@gmail.com
11
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Biology students take in west coast scenery during the recent midterm break.
Snow ’n’ study
Biology students survive midterm trip — and record storm By Kelly Foss
The Bonne Bay Marine Station hosted
visited the Cow Head Community Trail, Burnt Hill,
power outages plagued the station,” said Ms. Eaton.
its third annual midterm break event in mid-February.
South East Brook Falls, Lobster Cove Head, The Arches
“As the night carried on, local residents clocked wind
Nineteen students trekked to the west coast’s Norris
and Western Brook Pond.
speeds in excess of 180 kilometres per hour. Students
Point with hopes of mixing a little skiing, snowshoeing and sliding with their studying.
“Many came to realize how gorgeous the Bonne Bay
stayed inside for fear of being blown into the ocean!”
region is during the winter after a fresh snowfall,” said
The power finally went out for the night at approxi-
Participants included graduate and undergraduate
Allison Eaton, manager of the station. “Caribou were
mately 9:30 p.m. and stayed out until 10 a.m. the next
students from Memorial’s Marine Institute and the
spotted along the coastal lowlands and unique ice for-
morning. The students’ spirits remained high, though,
Faculty of Science’s Department of Biology.
mations kept the photographers busy.”
as they played games and trivia by flashlight. Station
“The trip provided not only a unique opportunity to
During the last day of the midterm trip, a group of
director Bob Hooper and Ms. Eaton greeted the students
experience Gros Morne National Park in the height of
students drove out to Marble Mountain to go skiing and
in the morning and treated them to toast, tea and hot
winter, but also encouraged those in different phases
zip lining.
chocolate cooked on an old camp stove.
of the biology program to network and enlighten each
“The majority of the group had never been to the
“It was a great opportunity for students to discover
other about opportunities at Memorial,” said Victoria
mountain and truly had an eye-opening experience,”
the potential Bonne Bay Marine Station holds for the
Neville, a student organizer of the event. “The diversity
said participant Michelle Valliant. “They could not
student body,” said Ms. Eaton. “Many commented
of attendees allowed for informal constructive discus-
believe how gorgeous the mountains were, complete
that it was magnificent to experience the area during
sions and connections for those who wish to apply to
with a view overlooking the ocean.”
the winter, in comparison to the high paced summer
graduate school, summer internships and ways to get more involved on the St. John’s campus.” Snowshoeing was a major theme of the trip. Students
The group also experienced a record winter storm in all of its glory with brutal winds.
months. Bonne Bay continues to be a beautiful setting all year round and is definitely a fascinating place.”
“An aquarium tour was cut short as the first of several
Marketing and communications work at Memorial lauded internationally By Mandy Cook
Memorial University
has distinguished
itself again this year with compelling and creative marketing and communications work. The university was recognized recently with several awards bestowed by an international association of educational institutions. The Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recently honoured Memorial with three awards in its 2013 CASE District I Awards program. CASE is the Washington, D.C.-based organization that represents communications, alumni, fundraising and marketing professionals working at universities and colleges globally. CASE’s District I includes institutions and professionals in Atlantic Canada, Quebec and the New England states in the U.S. In the Annual Reports category, Memorial nabbed a silver award for Great Minds Think Differently: President’s Highlights 2011. The annual report, created in house by the Division of Marketing and Communications, took a thematic approach that reflected Memorial’s character and the many different developments that took place during the 2010–11 academic year. “Great Minds Think Differently,” like the other twists on well-known axioms found inside the brochure, acknowledges that
A page from the graphic novel The League of Extraordinary Researchers: Research Strategy Framework.
innovation — exploring the world, its people and their ideas from different perspectives — is a critical part of
support, academic excellence and physical infrastruc-
Research Strategy Framework rounded out the accolades with
what Memorial does as an institution of higher learn-
ture in order to enable the university to build a first-
a third silver award. A collaboration of the Office of the
ing. Find it online at www.mun.ca/2011report .
rate, world-class learning and research environment.
Vice-President (Research) and the Division of Marketing
In the Fundraising Materials category, Memorial’s
The Office of Alumni Affairs and Development’s
and Communications, the framework was creatively pre-
fundraising campaign booklet for Dare To: The
campaign team and the Division of Marketing and
sented as a graphic novel, complete with a number of
Campaign for Memorial University was also recognized
Communications partnered to produce the campaign’s
Memorial researchers transformed into illustrated charac-
with a silver award. In November 2011 the university
marketing and communications materials. View it
ters. The Research Strategy Framework sets the vision, mis-
launched a fundraising campaign as part of an
online at www.dareto.ca .
sion and guiding principles for research at Memorial and
overall redevelopment initiative totalling more than
In the Special-Purpose Publications – Multi-Page cate-
$250 million. Dare To focused on student financial
gory, Memorial’s The League of Extraordinary Researchers:
Gazette | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
12
identifies the goals and objectives necessary to achieve success. Explore it at www.mun.ca/research/framework .
www.mun.ca/gazette