PRESCIENCE [pre • science] – noun – having foresight or foreknowledge
UNIQUE PROJECT IMPROVES RESEARCH AT OSC 3 RESEARCH 3 STUDENTS 7 FACULTY 9 DEVELOPMENT 11 LECTURES 13
FACULTY OF SCIENCE NEWSLETTER
VOL. 2
FROM THE DEA
THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE at Memorial University is a large unit that is engaged in a wide array of teaching and research. This issue of Prescience magazine is intended to give you a sense of this diversity. These are exciting times at Memorial. We are in the early stages of new construction at the Ocean Sciences Centre including a deep-sea water intake system, critical for holding marine animals, and the building of a new Cold Ocean Deep Sea Research Facility (CDRF). This facility will allow us to study marine life within the security of a Level 3 containment facility, making it safe to work on marine pathogens and invasive species. Specialized tanks will also make it possible to work on animals at depths equivalent to 3,000 metres – all of which will improve and enhance our research capacity. Not surprisingly, the ocean plays a large role in what we do – including the development of new techniques for listening to the ocean to learn about snowfall accumulation, understanding how the behaviour of small animals living in marine sediment create the conditions necessary for future oil re-
“The Faculty of Science at Memorial University is proud of the active research our students and faculty engage in on both land and sea.”
serves, and tracking the movements of globe-trotting gannets to better understand how our local population was affected
energy, our science mentoring program that connects our
by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
students with alumni to explore career and educational
In this issue, you will also learn about the role our students and faculty play on land. Recent research includes the development of new techniques to identify the origins of ancient
opportunities, and new funding to encourage scholarship and research. The Faculty of Science at Memorial University is proud of
materials found in archaeology sites, the discovery of one of
the active research our students and faculty engage in on
the world’s oldest black spruce trees, developing mathemati-
both land and sea. I hope you enjoy their stories.
cal principles that naturally limit the number of musical scales, and reversing the impact of social isolation on children. We are also very pleased to report on new initiatives that are creating opportunities for our students, including attending summer workshops on green chemistry and sustainable
PRESCIENCE
Prescience is a publication of Memorial University’s Faculty of Science. We welcome all comments, submissions, story ideas and letters.
EDITOR: Kelly Foss, communications co-ordinator, 709 864 2019, kfoss@mun.ca SPECIAL CONTRIBUTOR: Nicholas Gardner
GRAPHIC DESIGN: John Andrews COVER PHOTO: Submitted by Andrew Trant
Faculty of Science, St. John’s, NL, A2B 3X7 • Tel: 709 864 8153 or 8154 • Fax: 709 864 3316
facebook.com/MUNScience
twitter.com/MUN_Science
WEBPAGE: www.mun.ca/science EMAIL: science@mun.ca
RESEARC Construction on a new deep-sea water source for the OSC began in 2010 and will continue through 2012.
$20 million project to improve research at OSC ONGOING CONSTRUCTION at the
for a Cold-ocean Deep-sea Research Facil-
ment for pathogen culture/isolation.
Ocean Sciences Centre (OSC) will result in
ity (CDRF) which will provide wet and dry
new leading edge facilities for research on
laboratory space for research on deep-sea
cold-water and deep-sea organisms and
organisms, invasive species, and aquatic
areas, a new utilities annex with larger elec-
ecosystems. The upgrades will cost ap-
infectious diseases of importance to fish-
tric back-up generators and new boilers
proximately $20 million, the first stage of
eries and aquaculture. New state-of-the-art
and improved water quality, and wet and
which began in 2010 for a new pump
equipment will support the research initia-
dry lab space for the Dr. Joe Brown
house and deep-sea water supply to pro-
tives to be undertaken at the CDRF – in-
Aquatic Research Building.
vide high quality, low temperature, sea
cluding flow cytometer, confocal
water on a year-round basis.
microscope, scanning electron micro-
In addition, construction is also underway
Other work includes renovation and expansion of the aquatic animal holding
Construction of all phases is expected to be complete by 2013.
scope, deep-sea chambers, and equip-
A symphony of snow IF A SNOWFLAKE falls in the ocean and no one is around to hear it, does it make a
to estimate snowfall amounts. It is well-known that rainfall rates can be
sound? Dr. Len Zedel has proof that it
estimated by analyzing the underwater
does ‌ most of the time anyway.
noise it generates. However, up until now,
A professor in the Department of Physics
equipped with sensors out of the loading bay door in the Chemistry-Physics building into the parking lot to collect data. They discovered that the sound level
there has not been a comprehensive
generated by snowflakes was proportional
and Physical Oceanography, Dr. Zedel has
analysis for the comparatively complex
to the snowfall rate. He hopes to use this
been collecting underwater sounds gener-
ambient music generated by snowfall.
information to allow for the collection of
ated by snowflakes as they pitch on water.
For one winter, whenever it was snow-
more accurate information about snowfall
He has hypothesized that the resulting
ing, Dr. Zedel and his research team would
amounts at sea, which can benefit ocean
noise may provide data that can be used
roll a tank filled with fresh water and
modelling and meteorology.
3
RESEARC
Uncovering ancient origins A NEW TECHNIQUE co-developed by a researcher at Memorial University is allowing archeologists to quickly identify whether the origins of ancient material samples are natural or formed by human activity. Working with team of researchers from Duke University and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, Dr. Kristin Poduska, an associate professor in the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, says they have de-
Dr. George Miminis has put his musical and mathematical skills together to determine exactly how many scales there are.
signed a simple diagnostic test using infrared spectroscopy to track the crystallinity changes in the material, which can then determine how that
Research of scale
material was formed. As different molecular units absorb
EVEN THE MOST musically uninitiated are
song made him wonder if there was a limit
light differently, they yield distinct spec-
familiar with the musical scales. Hobby mu-
on the number of scales and what were
tral peaks – well-ordered materials have
sician Dr. George Miminis, a professor in
the structural relations amongst them.
sharp peaks and poorly ordered materi-
the Department of Computer Science, has
Dr. Miminis decided to put his back-
founded two Greek bands in the city, The
ground to use and ultimately created a
Traditional methods of determining
Forgotten Bouzouki and Acousmata. While
mathematical model that could describe
the crystal structure of a material were
he isn’t a music theorist, over the years he
all the natural scales and how to group
time consuming and included the use
began to realize that traditional Greek
them in a way that could reveal their struc-
of highly specialized equipment that
music followed patterns or scales that were
tural relationships. This would also give an
was far from portable, which made
a lot more complicated than western
answer to how many there were. He found
them less than ideal for using onsite at
melodies or even contemporary Greek
that there were 38 families of natural scales
archeological digs. The new method
music. More specifically, most western
where each family consisted of seven dif-
is easily portable and can provide
melodies follow either the major scale or
ferent scales, giving a total of 266 natural
instant results.
one of three minor scales. In contrast, tradi-
scales.
als have wide peaks.
The findings have been published in the journal Advanced Materials and written about in Nature magazine.
tional Greek songs follow about 20 different scales. The existence of so many ways to write a
The research may not have helped him play music better, but it certainly did settle his curiosity.
Genetically-engineered salmon makes best inventions list A GENETICALLY-ENGINEERED salmon pro-
4
primarily at Memorial University, began as far
a fast growing fish. The thinking was that
duced at Memorial University has been
back as the 1980s when Garth Fletcher, now
rapidly growing salmon would have world-
named one of the 50 best inventions of
director of the Ocean Sciences Centre, and
wide appeal to the aquaculture industry.
2010 by Time magazine.
Choy Hew, formerly of the biochemistry de-
The pair jointly patented the research,
These controversial Atlantic salmon grow
partment, formulated the idea of using gene
twice as fast as wild fish, and made headlines
transfer to produce strains of Atlantic salmon
of getting approval from the FDA. In Sep-
as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
for aquaculture that could better tolerate the
tember 2010, the agency declared that
(FDA) worked towards approving it as
harsh winter conditions that prevail in New-
growth hormone transgenic salmon were
the first transgenic animal for human
foundland waters. The resulting research
safe to eat. Approval for the sale of the
consumption.
eventually led to transferring a growth hor-
product in the United States is anticipated in
mone gene into Atlantic salmon to develop
the near future.
However, research conducted in Canada,
and then later began the long, long process
THE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
culture, genetics, healthy aging, energy,
Corporation, the provincial Crown corpora-
earth sciences and engineering.
tion for improving Newfoundland and
The funding for 14 research and devel-
Recipients in the Faculty of Science include Dr. Christina Bottaro, Department of Chemistry; Dr. Kristin Poduska, Depart-
Labrador’s research and development ca-
opment projects is enabling researchers
ment of Physics and Physical Oceanogra-
pacity (R&D), has announced more than
to leverage more than $2.3 million from
phy; Dr. Christina Thorpe, Department of
$1.8 million in funding for research projects
other funding sources, including the
Psychology; Dr. Iain McGaw, Ocean Sci-
at Memorial University of Newfoundland.
Canada Foundation for Innovation, the
ences Centre/Biology; Dr. Suzanne Du-
The investment is being made through
Natural Sciences and Engineering Re-
four, Department of Biology; Dr. Stephen
the Industrial Research and Innovation
search Council of Canada, the Canadian
Piercey, Department of Earth Sciences
Fund in research areas relevant to New-
Institutes of Health Research and other in-
and Dr. Ronald Haynes, Department of
foundland and Labrador, including aqua-
dustry players.
Mathematics and Statistics.
Ocean in a lab COMBINE WATER, a rotating tank, a camera and a multicolor light source and
Voyage of discovery
what do you get? An incredible blend of
MEMORIAL FACULTY and students spent
art and science.
20 days aboard the Canadian scientific
Using this equipment, Dr. Iakov
vessel CCGS Hudson using the remotely
Afanassiev, a professor in the Department
operated vehicle (ROV) ROPOS to explore
of Physics and Physical Oceanography,
deep sea corals off Newfoundland.
has developed a new and highly visual
Individuals from the departments of ge-
method of measuring the properties of
ography, biology and physics and physical
fluids. Specifically, it has allowed him to
oceanography joined with colleagues from
create a model ocean in his lab.
the Université du Quebec à Montreal and
The idea comes from the use of optics in astronomy. Fluid in a rotating tank is used
RESEARC
RDC invests more than $1.8 million in Memorial research
scientists from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, to explore the geology and biol-
to imitate the rotation of the earth and, as
ogy of previously unvisited areas of the
it rotates, its surface becomes parabolic.
Flemish Cap and the Orphan Knoll, while
Memorial researchers used the ROV
From above, this parabolic surface reflects
sending a live satellite feed of the ROV’s
ROPOS to explore deep sea corals off New-
light and acts as a telescope. Optical
main camera to a public screen at The
foundland. Photo Credit: CSSF and ROPOS.
properties can then be used to measure
Rooms.
what’s going on inside the water by the perturbation of the surface. By illuminating the fluid with multicolour
A major emphasis of the expedition was
(DFO). The ROPOS was configured to dive
to explore the habitat of deep sea corals
to 3,000 metres without a cage and
and deep sea sponges — as both long-
equipped with two arms and associated
light, Dr. Afanassiev is able to see and
lived organisms are particularly vulnerable
tools, including those for sampling, two
measure ocean jets, vortices and eddies
to human disturbance. The goal was to
HD cameras and a digital still camera.
— things that show up on satellite images
identify the most important areas where
but are often difficult to measure. The tank
corals are and set those areas aside to
is basically a model of the hemisphere
protect them and continue to provide
ber of years run jointly between DFO and
and, using it, he can model large scale
habitat for fish species and invertebrates.
Memorial University. They’ve been map-
events that happen in the ocean with
Funding was provided for the mission by
Newfoundland and Labrador has had a successful coral research group for a num-
ping corals that have come up as bycatch,
bands of colour representing movements
the Natural Sciences and Engineering Re-
but this was the first time members were
that not only provide information, but cre-
search Council of Canada (NSERC) and
able to go out and actually see them in
ate a beautiful picture at the same time.
the Department of Fisheries and Oceans
their natural environment.
5
RESEARCH
Burrowing animals provide insight into Earth’s history WHAT CAN A WORM tell you about where to find oil? Quite a bit if you are a member of Memorial’s Ichnology Research Group (www.ichnology.ca). Working with Dr. Duncan McIlroy, a professor in the Department of Earth Sciences, as a post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Liam Herringshaw was able to study the burrowing habits of worms, shrimp, snails and clams and how their actions influence their environment. With a lab full of the oddest aquariums in the world, Dr. Herringshaw watched these animals to determine what similar creatures may have done millions of years ago. Burrows can have a large impact on the properties of sediments. By understanding burrow systems, researchers can start to get a better idea of where fluids will
The Ichnology Research Group studies the burrowing habits of shrimp and other
travel once that sediment has turned into
creatures to help figure out where to look for oil.
rock. If that knowledge is projected out on a reservoir scale, that information is
of burrows, both modern and ancient.
ing equipment and taking high resolution
quite important for oil companies who
They range from putting aquarium tanks
photographs of each layer so they can
want to know where hydrocarbons are
through a CT scanner to see what bur-
later reconstruct the burrow in 3-D. The
going to go.
rows living animals have made in the sed-
amazing details revealed has yielded im-
The group has two techniques to visualize the structures and sedimentary impact
iments, to serially destroying large blocks
pressive results, clearly showing the im-
of burrowed rock using high-tech grind-
pact burrows have had on the sediment.
Building a place to play for socially-isolated children CHILDREN WHO are isolated from their
place to bring socially isolated children
peers miss opportunities to learn and prac-
aged nine to 13 together to learn social
tise skills involved in making and keeping
skills, build self-esteem, form friendships
friends. Their attempts to interact with
and experience a sense of belonging.
peers may become increasingly awkward and inappropriate, and subsequent rejection leads to further avoidance. So how do
formal environment, supported by thera-
you reverse this cycle?
pists and university student volunteers.
That was the question for Dr. Christine Arlett, an associate professor with the De-
6
Dr. Christine Arlett
KidClub meets once a week, year round. Children come together and play in an in-
They learn how to resolve conflicts and manage the give-and-take of stable friend-
partment of Psychology. So she, Cathy Sin-
ships. Graduate and undergraduate psy-
clair (MSW) and other therapists at the
chology students also acquire skills and
Janeway Family Centre and Child Develop-
experience in working with this diverse
ment Program, created KidClub. It's a
group of children in an informal setting.
A SUMMER workshop has provided a pair of graduate students with a deeper understanding of the benefits of green chemistry, an understanding they have been sharing with fellow scientists. Hassan Kalviri and Samantha Payne were PhD candidates in the Department of Chemistry when they were awarded positions at the 2010 American Chemical Society (ACS) Summer School on Green Chemistry and Sustainable Energy held in Golden, Colo.
STUDENT
Workshop gives new ideas for sustainable science
The week-long annual workshop gives graduate students and post-doctoral scholars the opportunity to explore scientific solutions to global challenges, such as global warming, waste reduction and using sustainable energy. Every year, leading academic
Hassan Kalviri and Samantha Payne travelled to Golden,
and industrial researchers in green chemistry and sustainable en-
Colo. to participate in the Summer School on Green
ergy are invited to present the latest research and discoveries in
Chemistry and Sustainable Energy.
those areas to the next generation of scientists and engineers. In addition to learning new and greener techniques for the lab,
that chemists and chemical engineers need to begin thinking
the pair learned a lot about what industries are doing to make their
about ways to help this shift that will not only help the environment
products more sustainable. As future employees of companies who
and meet public demand, but that will also benefit a company’s
will be choosing or being forced to become greener, the pair says
bottom line.
Unusual discovery
Science mentoring program receives national recognition
AN EARTH SCIENCE field
SCIENCEM@TTERS, a mentoring program connecting science
school has made an unusual
students and alumni, has received national recognition.
discovery in the Carboniferous
The Student Affairs and Services Association (SASA)
rocks of Northwest Cove, near
announced the program as one of the 2010 recipients of its
St. Andrews in the Codroy
national Innovation Award. The award recognizes a new
Valley area.
program by a member university that has a positive impact
Earth sciences grad student
on students, staff and the campus.
Lina Stolze found a large fossil
ScienceM@tters is a collaboration between the Faculty of
bone, which, based on its
Did amphibians once
Science, Career Development and Experiential Learning and
large size, is thought to have
roam the Codroy Valley?
Alumni Affairs and Development at Memorial University.
come from an ancient am-
A discovery by an earth
phibian. Ms. Stolze was at-
sciences field school says
connects science students from Memorial with Memorial science
tending a field school run by
the answer may be yes.
alumni around the world and allows them to explore the career
Dr. Duncan McIlroy. The graduate and level three earth science students were in Western
It is a unique and innovative online mentoring program that
and educational opportunities available upon graduation. The program was initiated in 2009 and is targeted at under-
Newfoundland to study the architecture of the rocks in the
graduate science students beyond first year who are contem-
area and look for clues as to the different environments in
plating the value of a science degree, seeking career direction
which the rocks were formed.
and looking for guidance from experienced science alumni. It
Exceptional vertebrate fossils are known from the Joggins
includes career development sessions devoted to developing
World Heritage Site in Nova Scotia, but nothing like it has
resumĂŠs, interview skills and other job search necessities, includ-
ever been discovered in Newfoundland until now. The
ing ways for students to get involved on campus during their
rocks in the Codroy Valley area are essentially the same age
academic career. Students and alumni interested in finding out
and environment as those at the Joggins site and there has
more about ScienceM@tters can contact Stephanie Hartery,
been speculation they might have similar fossils. The bone
science career development co-ordinator at stephanieh@mun.ca
is approximately 10 centimetres long.
or 709 864 6236.
7
STUDENT
Labrador research uncovers oldest black spruce THE HIGHLANDS of Labrador have yielded a surprising find.
His work involved using a specialized hand-drill. The drill removes a thin core
While conducting research in the area,
from the trees so that he can measure
Andrew Trant, a PhD candidate with the
and count the growth rings to find out
Department of Biology, discovered the
how they have been growing and how
oldest black spruce recorded for Atlantic
old they are. It was back in the lab when
Canada. At approximately 370 years old,
he realized how many rings this particular
it’s also one of the oldest black spruce
tree had.
documented in the world.
Mr. Trant says that while trees in certain
The shrubby tree is about nine centime-
climates can live to be thousands of years
ters in diameter (about the width of a cof-
old, in most boreal forests naturally occur-
fee mug) and about head height. Mr.
ring fires and insect outbreaks occur often
Trant spent a number of summers in
enough to prevent trees from ever get-
Labrador doing fieldwork for his PhD dis-
ting that old. The mountains of Labrador
sertation with the Labrador Highlands Re-
however, offer a climate so wet that forest
search Group under the supervision of Dr.
fires are rare and insects do not seem to
This black spruce tree may be one of the
Luise Hermanutz.
be a significant factor.
oldest in the world.
Big boost for student researchers MORE THAN $1 million in funding is help-
versity are receiving $1,037,000 in support
relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador’s
ing Newfoundland and Labrador attract and
of their ocean research over a three-year
ocean industries including offshore petro-
retain 22 top student researchers, thanks to
period. The awards range in value from
leum, ocean engineering, marine safety,
funding recently announced by the Re-
$7,500 per year for undergraduate research
fisheries and aquaculture and marine
search & Development Corporation (RDC).
to $20,000-$30,000 per year at the gradu-
science. The students are enrolled in the
The students are the recipients of RDC’s
ate level. The students’ research supervisors
Faculty of Science, Faculty of Engineering
Ocean Industries Student Research Awards.
also receive a research allowance to support
and Applied Science and the School
In total, eight doctoral, 12 master’s and two
their supervisory work.
of Human Kinetics and Recreation at
undergraduate students at Memorial Uni-
The investment supports research in areas
Memorial University.
Post-doc receives grant to study invasive species THE NEW ZEALAND government has given a
they find it hard to see their food in these
post-doctoral fellow studying at Memorial one
murky ecosystems, and their numbers start
of two international grants valued at $200,000.
to drop.
Dr. Daniel Bassett, a native of Auckland,
By comparison, non-native invaders are
N.Z., works with Dr. Mark Abrahams, dean of
mostly non-visual species. When these fish
science and a researcher at the Ocean Sci-
get introduced into a murky environment,
ences Centre. His research involves a new
they tend to do well and displace the native
theory as to why invasive species take over
species.
in an area.
8
Dr. Bassett’s research will study this issue
He believes that as humans negatively im-
from a number of perspectives and he will be
pact waterways through erosion, contaminants
doing field work in Canada and New Zealand
Dr. Daniel Bassett thinks turbid
and pollution, freshwater rivers and lakes be-
while he develops his theory. He hopes that
waters are allowing invasive species
come turbid or murky. Since the majority of
his research might ultimately change the focus
to displace native species.
fish are visual in nature, Dr. Bassett believes
of conservation.
DR. GARY KACHANOSKI, Memorial
acquired a designation above the rank of
tistics, received the President’s Award for
University’s president and vice-chancellor,
professor. The title is the most prestigious
Outstanding Research. The President’s
has presented the president’s awards for
award the university gives for research,
Award for Outstanding Research recog-
teaching, research, exemplary service and
and goes to faculty who have demon-
nizes researchers who have made out-
exceptional community service for 2010.
strated a consistently high level of schol-
standing contributions to their scholarly
Three members of the Faculty of Science
arship and whose research is of a truly
disciplines. Each award includes a $5,000
were recognized at the event.
international stature. The designation car-
research grant.
Dr. Mary Courage, psychology, and Dr.
ries with it a $4,000 research grant (each
Wolfgang Banzhaf, computer science,
year for five years) and a reduced teach-
were named University Research Profes-
ing schedule.
sors. University Research Professors have
FACULTY
Memorial’s president recognizes outstanding employees
Memorial began its annual presentation of the University Research Professor designations and the awards for outstanding
Dr. Marco Merkli, mathematics and sta-
research in 1984.
Dr. Phil Davis returns as the head
Paul Mezey renewed as Canada Research Chair
of biochemistry.
FEDERAL INDUSTRY minister Tony Clement announced new funding for the Canada Research Chair (CRC) program during celebrations of the 10th anniversary of the program. Included in the $275.6 million announcement was a renewal of Dr. Paul Mezey’s Canada Research Chair in scientific modelling and simulation. Dr. Mezey was appointed as a tier one Canada Research Chair in 2003. His accomplishments in macromolecular computational quantum chemistry provide the basis for the development of a novel computational window to view, study and understand the molecular world, using powerful computer modelling and simulation methods.
Familiar face returns to lead Department of Biochemistry
In chemistry, biochemistry and nanotechnology, the molecular objects that are being studied are so extremely small
DR. PHIL DAVIS jokes that his arrival at Memorial University pre-
that direct observation is either impossible or cumbersome,
dates most of the buildings and plants on the St. John’s campus.
expensive and hindered by technical limitations. Conse-
With the exception of two brief stints away, the newest head of the
quently, in the molecular fields and related areas, computer
Department of Biochemistry has been here since 1968 – as an un-
modelling and simulation now play a vital role. The Canada Research Chair program helps universities
dergraduate student, technician, graduate student and finally a faculty member.
across Canada attract and retain highly qualified scholars to
Originally from Badger, he first became department head in
enhance depth of knowledge and expand research and de-
2001. He is currently holding the post for an interim period while
velopment in Canada. Memorial has 23 Canada Research
the unit begins the process of seeking a replacement for Dr. Martin
Chairs in a variety of fields.
Mulligan, who just finished seven years at the helm. Dr. Davis’ research has moved away from basic science toward applied science in recent years. Through it all, his favourite part of being at Memorial is his interactions with students through teaching and work as a high school liaison with the Academic Advising Centre. “Very few people can say they found their spot,” Dr. Davis said. “My brother and I arrived at Memorial University at the same time. I was 16, and he was 15. I was on campus less than one-half hour and I turned to him and said, 'I’m home.' He actually remembers this. I knew that this was the only place I could be.”
Dr. Paul Mezey
9
FACULT
Memorial appoints new vice-president (academic) MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY has named Dr. David M. Wardlaw as its new vicepresident (academic) and pro-vice chancellor. The Board of Regents approved Dr. Wardlaw’s appointment and he began a five-year term in the role in August 2011. He will also hold an academic appointment in the Department of Chemistry. Dr. Wardlaw is a professor of chemistry and was the dean of science at the University of Western Ontario. He has a B.Sc. and a PhD from the University of Toronto, and served as head of chemistry at Queen’s University from 20022006 before joining the University of Western Ontario. Kim Keating, engineering and technology team lead, Suncor Energy; Dr. Matt Rise, assis-
He brings tremendous experience in
tant professor, Ocean Sciences Centre/biology; Dr. Joerg Evermann, associate professor,
academic administration, a strong back-
Faculty of Business Administration; and Dr. Christopher Loomis, vice-president (research)
ground in science and science promo-
at the inaugural presentation of the Terra Nova Young Innovator Awards.
tion, together with a commitment to student learning initiatives and commu-
Researcher honoured with prestigious new award
nity engagement. Under his leadership, the Faculty of Science at Western was ranked first among large, research-intensive Canadian universities in the Octo-
A FACULTY of Science scholar has received
the Terra Nova Young Innovator Award, Dr.
ber 2010 Globe and Mail Report Card
one of two Terra Nova Young Innovator
Rise will develop and use genomics tools to
student survey.
Awards in recognition of his research in
investigate the Atlantic salmon macrophage
marine biotechnology.
response to Piscirickettsia salmonis, a bac-
Dr. Matt Rise, assistant professor and a
losses in salmon aquaculture production
biotechnology in the Faculty of Science,
each year. This study will reveal host molec-
received $50,000 as one of the first
ular pathways altered during P. salmonis in-
inaugural recipients.
fection, and may lead to the development
The Terra Nova Young Innovator Awards are meant to recognize, promote and support outstanding and emerging researchers
of new diagnostic techniques, vaccines, and therapeutics to combat the infection. Dr. Joerg Evermann, an associate profes-
whose innovative work has the potential to
sor in the Faculty of Business Administra-
significantly impact society. The prestigious
tion, also received the Terra Nova Young
award is funded by the Terra Nova develop-
Innovator Award for his work in the field of
ment, an offshore oil field operated by
information systems. His research funded
Suncor Energy.
by the Terra Nova Young Innovator Award
Dr. Rise uses genomic approaches to in10
terial pathogen that causes significant
tier two Canada Research Chair in marine
will examine why people make the judg-
vestigate the genetic basis of fish defence
ments and decisions they do when it comes
responses. With the support provided by
to integrating multiple databases. Dr. David Wardlaw is MUN’s new VP (academic).
DEVELOPMENT Dr. Bill Montevecchi and daughter, Marina, at sea looking for birds.
Coming home to roost A PROFESSOR who has spent his life studying the behavioural ecology of marine birds has mounted a considerable effort to track the migration of gannets from Newfoundland and the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Gulf of Mexico. Dr. Bill Montevecchi is a University Research Professor in the Department of Psychology. He was worried about the environment these particular Canadian birds would face as they completed their annual migration in light of the oil that was spilled in the area following the Deepwa-
Researchers at Memorial were able to track nearly 130 gannets as they left their colonies for the Gulf of Mexico. about seabird migration and to assess the
ter Horizon drilling rig explosion in April
Wildlife Service and the National Science
2010.
and Engineering Research Council of
risks these seabirds have been and will be
Canada supported their efforts. Media
exposed to in the Gulf of Mexico,” said
tors and his research group at Memorial
coverage regarding the researcher’s cry for
Dr. Montevecchi.
University, Dr. Montevecchi managed to
help in monitoring the birds also resulted
Together with his colleagues, collabora-
The support received allowed for imme-
attach more than 100 global location sen-
in a donation by Memorial alumnus,
diate and long-term studies of the migra-
sors on breeding adults and 26 satellite
Alex Dalziel of Ottawa. His contribution
tory patterns of Canadian seabirds,
tags on flightless juveniles before they left
has provided public access to the
beginning with a three-year research pro-
four of the six North American colonies of
satellite-tracked movements of the
gram to apply 150 satellite tags to north-
gannets – Funk Island, Baccalieu Island,
juvenile gannets.
ern gannets in Newfoundland and
Cape St. Mary’s and Bonaventure Island in Quebec. Environment Canada, the Canadian
“While there was little we could do to
Quebec and to herring gulls breeding in
prevent them from going back, we could
the Canadian Arctic, another species that
at least act to increase our knowledge
spends time in the Gulf of Mexico.
11
DEVELOPMENT
Hebron announces $1.5 million for scholarships and research THE HEBRON PROJECT, Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic announced a partnership that will provide support for scholarships and research. Endowments totalling $1.5 million will be split evenly between students from Memorial and the College of the North Atlantic. These funds will be used for scholarships that are specifically directed toward women, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities and members of
A partnership with Hebron will support scholarships and research at Memorial.
visible minorities. Of those groups, a preference will be
Within that broader initiative, Memor-
tion, Memorial will benefit from a one-
given for those enrolled in engineering,
ial’s portion will be designated as the He-
time research grant of $80,000. The re-
geoscience, environmental science,
bron Diversity Endowment Fund and the
search funding will also be committed to
chemistry and trades and technology
Hebron Women in Science and Engi-
diversity, both in subject matter and for
studies.
neering Scholarship Program. In addi-
those who will be directly involved.
Johnson Insurance announces $975,000 to support Memorial THANKS TO Johnson Insurance, a new program of support will provide a boost for scholarships, co-operative education and alumni programming at Memorial. The $975,000 program of support will designate $350,000, $375,000 and $250,000 to each of these respective areas. Johnson Insurance President Ken Bennett and Memorial President and Vice-Chancel-
12
Professional Engineers and Geo-
lor Dr. Gary Kachanoski were joined by
sciences of Newfoundland Labrador
Dr. Rob Shea, then dean of Student Affairs
(PEGNL) recently honoured Dr. Derek
and Services, along with other special
Wilton with the association’s highest
guests, representatives from Johnson, sen-
announces a new program to support
award, the 2010 Award of Merit, which
ior university officials, faculty and students.
students at Memorial.
Johnson Insurance President Ken Bennett
is given for outstanding contributions
Johnson has had a relationship with
to the geoscience profession. He pre-
Memorial University for more than 25
reputation as a leader in co-operative edu-
viously received PEGNL’s Teaching
years.
cation would be made stronger with John-
Award in 2004.
Dr. Kachanoski noted that Memorial’s
son’s support.
SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS from both industry and government totalling more than $2 million will support a new industrial research chair at Memorial University. Dr. Steve Piercey was formally appointed the NSERC-Altius Industrial Research Chair in the metallogeny of ores in volcanic and sedimentary basins during a reception on the St. John’s campus. Established by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Altius Minerals Corporation, additional funding for this chair is being provided by the Research & Development
Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president of Memorial University, joins Dr. Steve Piercey, Memorial
Corporation of Newfoundland and
University, Mr. Glenn Janes, RDC; Mr. Brian Dalton, Altius Minerals; and Mr. David Robbins,
Labrador (RDC) and Memorial University.
NSERC, for the official announcement.
DEVELOPMENT
Industry and government to support new research chair at Memorial
Together, these investments will Dr. Piercey’s work will ensure students
focus on understanding the formation of
exploration in the province.
copper, zinc, lead, gold, silver and ura-
are trained in field techniques and the
nium resources in these settings, to create
application and acquisition of analytical
knowledge and research tools that may
data, leading to an integrated, holistic
posits associated with ancient volcanoes
be transferable to industry and applied in
approach to understanding ore deposits.
and sedimentary environments, with a
the search for new resources.
Over the next five years, Dr. Piercey will concentrate on understanding ore de-
LECTURES
strengthen research capacity in mineral
Are cows more trustworthy than chemists? ARE COWS more trustworthy than
ferred butter or margarine, she replied: “I
chemists? That’s the intriguing question
would rather trust a cow than a chemist.”
answered by Dr. Joe Schwarcz, the 2011 Elizabeth R. Laird guest lecturer. A story in Time magazine about the rela-
“Unfortunately such negative comments
try and allay unreasonable fears.” Dr. Schwarcz is director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society,
about chemistry are not unusual these
a unique enterprise with a mandate of
days as the lay press often focuses on toxic
demystifying science for the public, the
tive merits of conventional and organic
chemicals in our air, water, food and even
media and students. Dr. Schwarcz has
produce featured a curious quote from a
in our blood,” explained Dr. Schwarcz. “It
received numerous awards for teaching
professor of nutrition education at Colum-
is incumbent on educators to put chemical
chemistry and for interpreting science for
bia University. When asked if she pre-
risks into perspective for the public and to
the public.
13
LECTURES
Global warming topic of public lecture GLOBAL WARMING caused by human activities presents a serious challenge to human societies. But in that challenge lies an opportunity to do things better, to unleash a new era of creativity, improve the stewardship of our natural environment, and revitalize our economy while generating new, cleaner industrial activity. That was the theme of a public lecture hosted by the Department of Physics and the Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society (CMOS). Dr. Thomas F. Pedersen, executive director of the Pacific Institute for Climate Solutions at the University of Victoria, was guest lecturer for the 2011 CMOS tour. “Taking such action demands concerted political leadership and policy
Dr. Thomas Pedersen
development informed by high-quality interdisciplinary research,” said Dr. Ped-
ously allow us to reduce carbon emis-
there will require recognition by the
sions — an imperative that climate sci-
Canadian public, and its mirror, our
“It is increasingly clear that Canada
ence tells us is a must — while yielding
politicians, of both need and opportu-
could take steps that would simultane-
significant new economic value. Getting
nity.”
ersen.
Dr. Kimberly Gray
Cities and sustainability focus of dialogue CAN WE EVER make the human enterprise sustainable? That's the provocative question posed by Dr. Kimberly Gray, the guest lecturer for the 2010 Dialogue on Advancing Global Sustainability in her lecture, Transforming our Cities: Sustainability and the PostFossil Fuel Future. Dr. Gray argues that we could certainly make great strides in the short term with our current technical knowledge in the ways we use energy and resources, and in the ways we design and operate our cities. Dr. Gray is a professor in the Departments of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chemical and Biological Engineering at Northwestern University. Her areas of expertise are environmental catalysis and physicochemical processes in natural and engineered environmental systems with particular focus on energy and sustainability applications. 14
Recipients of the 2009-10 Book Prize for academic excellence include (left to right) Jessica Baldwin, Earth sciences; Mark Callahan, computer science; Alexander Howse, mathematics and statistics; Victoria Linehan, psychology; Christina Price, chemistry; Michael Davis, biochemistry; Jennifer Daniels, geography; Catherine Leonard, physics and physical oceanography and Krista Oke, biology.
Recipients of the 2009-10 Lou Visentin Award, which is presented to students who make the Dean’s List four years running, include (back row, left to right) Omar Abdel-Razek, biochemistry; Mark Callahan, computer science; Alison Pittman, biochemistry; William Stokes, biochemistry/chemistry; Andre Le, biochemistry; (front row) Charlene Winsor, biochemistry/behavioural neuroscience; Megan Green, biochemistry; Erika Kelly, behavioural neuroscience; Elyse Jewer, chemistry; Allison Pridham, behavioural neuroscience/biology; Christina Whelan, pure mathematics and Colleen Connors, biology.
Moved?
Why we seek support from our alumni and friends
HAVE YOU changed cities? Changed email
THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE at Memorial University is trying to be prescient – that
address? Would like to get back in touch with Memorial? By updating your information we’ll be able to reach you from time to time and share with you our exciting news and have the opportunity to say thank you for being an alum of Memorial. But we can’t do it without you. If you are web savvy, simply go to www.munalum.ca and click on the link for Update Your Information. If you have any questions about the collection and use of your information, please contact the Office of Alumni Affairs and Development at 709 864 4354 or munalum@mun.ca.
is anticipating the future needs of the faculty and especially our students. From year to year, the priorities shift with ever increasing demands to make Memorial University the best it can be now and in the future. That is why, for the foreseeable future, the Faculty of Science is focusing on three key areas, which can only be made better with the support from our alumni and friends: • Program enrichment – Whether it is a pool of funds for students to attend conferences to explore and exchange ideas or a field study fund for students to explore the world outside the classroom, our main focus is on our students and how we can, with your help, make their education a rich and memorable experience. • Scholarships, bursaries and awards – So that we can keep up with the
Being green matters
increasing financial demands of attending Memorial University by giving
WE’D LOVE to be able to send Prescience to
our deserving students the financial boost they so richly deserve.
you via email and save the trees we use in printing.
• General endowment – The dean of science is committed to raising funds
To make it happen, we need your up-to-date email
to help support students and other specific initiatives in the Faculty of
address. The more email we can send the less
Science. The goal is to acquire $100,000 for the endowment fund this year.
paper we have to use. Go to www.munalum.ca and click on the link for Update Your Information to help us be greener.
If you have any questions regarding philanthropic support of the Faculty of Science, please contact our development officer at 709 864 2696.
15
003-229-09-11-250