Prescience, Vol. 2 (2011)

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.

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