Prescience, Vol. 5 (2015)

PrescienCE [pre • science] – noun – having foresight or foreknowledge

Faculty of Science Newsletter

WELL PRESERVED 6 RESEARCH 3 STUDENTS 11 SCIENCE 16 FUNDING 20 COMMUNITY 23 ALUMNI 25 DEVELOPMENT 27 FACULTY 29 LECTURES 31

VOL. 5

FROM THE DEAN As we near completion of the

national and international connections

design phase of the new core science

we are making through our participation

facility, the underlying philosophy

in networks studying the role of the

is to promote opportunities for

Labrador Sea in the Earth’s climate

interdisciplinary research. This is not

system and a developing research

news to most faculty, as they are already

project on the reproductive ecology of

engaged in interdisciplinary research

salmon between Memorial University and

on a range of problems. In part this is

scientists in Ireland.

because of the increasingly complex

Closer to home, we’re developing

problems we confront that require a

links to local communities in

resolution that does not reside within

Newfoundland and Labrador through

a single discipline. It is also because

a crowd-sourced data collection

applying interdisciplinary approaches

endeavour conducted and driven by the

affords a new insight that advances our

fishermen and women of Fogo Island

research.

and an investigation on behalf of Inuit

Over the past year, we’ve seen

elders into the potential of a small-scale

some great examples of this kind of interdisciplinary cooperation, and many are contained within this issue of Prescience magazine. In it’s pages, you’ll read about the linguistics software created by the Faculty of Arts in collaboration with the Department of Computer Science; the nano-sensors designed by the Department of Chemistry in partnership with the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science,

business enterprise based on a plant that

“The increasingly complex problems we confront ... require a resolution that does not reside within a single discipline. Applying interdisciplinary approaches afford a new insight that advances our research.”

grows in Northern Labrador.

We place considerable value on all of these ties and are working hard to develop even more. We look forward to sharing those stories of success with you in the near future.

and the uranium exploration and best practice strategies being developed by

Sciences and the Faculty of Medicine.

scientists in the Department of Earth

You’ll also find stories about the

PrescienCE Editor: Kelly Foss, communications co-ordinator

709 864 2019, kfoss@mun.ca

Prescience is a publication of Memorial University’s Faculty of Science.

We welcome all comments, submissions, story ideas and letters.

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Shane Mills Cover Photo: Chris Hammond

contributors: Janet Harron, Jeff Green, Krista Davison, Naomi Osborne and Pam Gill 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

RESEARCH

CELTIC

CONNECTIONS Dr. Craig Purchase in Connemara, Ireland. Submitted photo

When Dr. Craig Purchase’s new

Palm. She was also selected to receive a

scholars and academics, whose research

PhD student was given a chance to study

Fulbright award, which would allow her

contributes to the academic and cultural

in Ireland, he had no idea it would open

to spend a year conducting research in

links between the two countries.

the doors to an Irish research opportunity

Ireland.

of his own.

A volunteer with the Salmonid

After speaking with all parties, it

After a successful application, Dr. Purchase travelled to Ireland for the

was determined there was a window of

first two weeks of December to set up

Association of Eastern Newfoundland

opportunity that would allow Ms. Palm to

a research project for Ms. Palm to work

(SAEN), Dr. Purchase is an associate

travel to Ireland from December to May,

on at Ireland’s Marine Institute facilities

professor of biology and ocean sciences.

enabling her to be in Newfoundland and

in Newport, County Mayo, and with

Labrador for SAEN’s busy field work in

researchers in Galway City at the Galway-

November and June.

Mayo Institute of Technology.

Last year Dr. Purchase and SAEN were successful in jointly applying for a three-year Natural Sciences and

Soon after, Dr. Purchase saw a notice

The research will eventually become

Engineering Research Council of Canada

from the Ireland Canada University

part of Ms. Palm’s thesis, which focuses

Industrial Postgraduate Scholarship,

Foundation about their Dobbin

on reproductive ecology of salmon.

which allowed them to recruit Brittany

Scholarships for Irish and Canadian

Psychology holds annual research day

behavioural ecology, developmental and social psychology. This was followed by lunch and poster presentations from the

The Department of Psychology has

department’s 36 honours students.

held its fifth annual Psychology Research

Award winners included Dr. Ken

Day. The event showcased the research

Fowler, the Rennie Gaulton Teaching

conducted by master’s and honours

Award; Emily Philpott, Psychology

students in the department.

Society Award; Melissa Walsh, the Bill

Seven second-year master’s students

McKim Best Thesis Award; Sarah Oates,

gave presentations on a wide range

Best Talk Award and Josh Quinlan, Best

of subfields within the discipline of

Poster Award. In addition, the first Robert

psychology, encompassing many areas including behavioural neuroscience, clinical, cognitive, cognitive and

Dr. Ken Fowler (left) receives the Rennie Gaulton Teaching Award. Submitted photo

Adamec Award for Best Neuroscience Poster was presented to Isaac Hughes.

3

RESEARCH

Fishing for data

‘Phon’ call

There are few who know the waters around Fogo Island better than the men and

It might not cause as big a splash as a

women who turn to it every day for their livelihood.

new version of the iPhone, but a second

A new project at Memorial University is hoping to draw on that knowledge. It

iteration of the Phon software system

aims to help the fishing community develop research questions and data collection

is a major deal for researchers studying

protocols that are meaningful to their community. Over time, this can aid in testing and

phonetics and phonology, especially in

developing strategies that can help them effectively manage their resources.

the areas of language acquisition and

For hundreds of years, fishers have combined long-term knowledge of local fishing grounds with data collected daily, such as ocean temperature, depth and bottom

speech disorders.

A project managed over the last

substrate to determine where they will go for that day’s catch. Many use sophisticated

decade by Memorial linguist Dr. Yvan

onboard instruments to help make that decision. But once the day’s fishing is complete,

Rose, with programmer Gregory

this information is, in effect, just “cast overboard.”

Hedlund, Phon is a publicly funded,

A team at Memorial, including representatives from the Marine Institute, has

open-source software program for the

received funding to work with Fogo fishers to create a citizen science project that

analysis of speech sounds and language

will include a system to store this data. Citizen science, or crowd-sourced science, is

development.

scientific work undertaken by members of the general public, usually in collaboration with scientists.

Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, a landscape ecologist with the Department of Biology, is

In addition to other collaborators, key participants have been Jason Gedge, Philip O’Brien, and Keith Maddocks − all

one of the researchers and is hoping to come up with a project that is driven by the

Memorial computer science alumni and

fishermen and women that answers questions they need to help them

Phon programmers − and computer

in their work. The collected data will stay with the fishers, but be

science professors Dr. Rod Byrne and Dr.

shared with Memorial, and the university will help to come up

Todd Wareham.

with ways to communicate it effectively to the wider community.

Phon 2 improves on the functions offered in previous versions of the application and brings different research methods together within a unified framework, opening up new areas of investigation.

These new methods will yield faster results at a significantly lower cost and eventually allow for more efficient methods for the diagnosis and treatment of speech disorders.

From left are Gregory Hedlund and Dr. Yvan Rose with the Phon 2 software. Chris Hammond photo.

4

From left are Rennie Sullivan, fisheries technologist, Marine Institute, and Rod Budden, fish harvester, Fogo Island.

Submitted photo

RESEARCH

Caribbean coral reef inhabitants critical in determining future of reefs

Environmental protection on a nano-scale

Geographer Dr. Evan Edinger is

They can detect contaminants through a

involved in a research project out of

widely occurred.

This new research shows that this

Even a small amount of oil spilled in a marine environment can have a devastating impact. So small, in fact, Memorial researchers are working at the nano-level to create sensors for use in harsh environments.

The solid state sensors being created by the nanofabricated sensor technology project have little or no moving parts. specialized material that the molecules

the University of Exeter that has found

is because bioerosion rates have also

can land on, sending signals to a reader

species that live in and erode coral reefs

been reduced in recent years due to

which would make a spectroscopic

will play a major role in determining the

disease and overfishing and has acted

measurement and determine which

future of reefs.

to partially offset the lower rates of coral

molecules are present, based on their

carbonate production.

particular vibration, and how much.

His research, published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society

Major management efforts are

B, highlights the delicate balance

directed at protecting at least one

Merschrod and Christina Bottaro, Faculty

that exists between bioerosion and

major group of bioeroders, the

of Science, and Dr. Kelly Hawboldt,

carbonate production on coral reefs.

Chief investigators include Drs. Erika

parrotfish. Although parrotfish erode

Faculty of Engineering and Applied

Coral eroders, termed bioeroders,

reef substrate, the advantages they

Science.

include species of sea urchins, sponges,

offer through the removal of fleshy

parrotfish and micro-organisms, known

macroalgal cover and promoting coral

materials to get stronger, more specific

as microendoliths. Erosion occurs as a

recruitment outweigh the negative

signals, and have already created three

result of feeding and during the creation

effects of substrate erosion.

new classes of materials that promote the

of living spaces and is a natural process on all coral reefs.

The study shows that the future

Dr. Edinger says understanding the ‘negative’ side of the reef

The researchers are inventing new

binding of molecules and amplification of signals from these sensors.

budget balance sheet is crucial to

The sensors could function on a

health and growth potential of coral

understanding the future growth

buoy or be attached to an autonomous

reefs is in part dependent on rates of

capacity of coral reefs.

underwater vehicle during surveys around

coral carbonate production, and on the

an oil platform. They could also function

species that live in and on them, and

on the platform itself, testing water as it

which act to erode carbonate.

comes off a platform and goes back into

If bioeroding species increase in

the ocean, as part of the platform’s own

number, and erosion rates increase

monitoring practices.

relative to carbonate production, this could spell trouble for many Caribbean coral reefs.

On healthy reefs, bioerosion rates can be high, but more carbonate is typically produced than is lost. However, rates of carbonate production have slowed on many reefs and coral cover has declined dramatically since the early 1980s. Despite this, marked shifts to states of net coral reef erosion have not

A boring sponge, Cliona, inside a dead coral skeleton.

Scott Smith photo.

Graduate student Liam Whelan is part of a team at Memorial working towards the development of nano sensors to detect contaminants in marine environments.

Chris Hammond photo.

5

RESEARCH

WELL PRESERVED A fossil discovered in

agreed it was an early stauromedusan

Newfoundland and Labrador may

cnidarian, and that the bundles represent

contain one of the first animals on Earth

muscle tissue.

and, quite possibly, the oldest evidence of muscle tissue ever recorded.

The finding is an important one.

Historically, it was believed that the

Dr. Alex Liu holds a PhD from

origin, evolution and spread of animals

the Department of Earth Sciences at

began during the Cambrian period, 541

Oxford University, and was lead author

million years ago. But the Bonavista

on a paper published in the journal

fossil dates back to the earlier Ediacaran

Proceedings of the Royal Society B. He

period, approximately 560 million years

discovered the fossil on the Bonavista

ago.

Peninsula.

Named Haootia quadriformis, the

Professor Duncan McIlroy of Memorial’s Department of Earth

fossil is made up of bundles of fibres

Sciences co-supervised Dr. Liu along

in a four-fold symmetrical arrangement

with Professor Martin Brasier, an adjunct

similar to modern animals from the

professor at Memorial based out of the

cnidarian group, which includes corals,

University of Oxford. Both co-authored

sea anemones and jellyfish. The

the paper with Dr. Liu, and two other

Memorial and Oxford teams eventually

co-supervised graduate students.

Background Image: A photograph of Haootia quadriformis, a fossil discovered on the Bonavista Peninsula. Submitted photo 6

An artist’s reconstruction of Haootia quadriformis.

Submitted photo

RESEARCH

From left are biochemistry professor Dr. Sukhinder Kaur Cheema with PhD graduate student Kayode Balogun. Chris Hammond photo

Maternal consumption of omega-3 may prevent neurological disorders in offspring Formed during late pregnancy and

pregnancy and lactation so offspring

involved in the maintenance of brain

early postnatal periods, the brain relies

would be exposed to it in utero and

function during development and brain

on docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a classic

during breastfeeding. Interestingly, they

plasticity as we grow older. Memorial was

omega-3 fatty acid, which plays an

found that mothers fed high omega-3

the first to show that brains with a high

important role in development, neuronal

diets had high amounts in their breast

expression of omega-3 also had a high

signalling and neural function.

milk.

expression of neurotrophins.

However, the body cannot make it.

When offspring were weaned they

When mice were exposed to omega-3

So offspring require an external supply

found there was an increased accretion

for longer periods, neurotrophin gene

through the mother’s diet or breast milk.

of DHA compared to offspring fed a

expression was maintained as mice aged.

Decreasing the amount of omega-3 in

low omega-3 diet. DHA also increased

But neurotrophins in those fed a low

the brain at this critical period can lead to

in offspring fed a high omega-3 diet

omega-3 diet went down significantly,

improper brain function and neurological

post-weaning.

which may explain why mental disorders

disorders.

Biochemistry professor Dr. Sukhinder

The duo has also analyzed genes and proteins responsible for brain function

Kaur Cheema and her PhD student

and brain development to determine the

Kayode Balougun fed pregnant mice with

effects of the omega-3 diets.

high or low omega-3 diets throughout

increase as humans age.

Neurotrophins are a family of proteins

7

RESEARCH

Can blueberry extract prevent Parkinson’s?

Can blueberry extract prevent

families that have more of the gene, or

effects with antioxidants. Blueberries

or reduce the effects of Parkinson’s? A

an unusual form of it. Dr. Staveley and

are an excellent source of dietary

paper by David Lipsett and Dr. Brian

his group have taken that gene and put

antioxidants and studies in fruit flies

Staveley of the Department of Biology

it in fruit flies, discovering that it causes

suggest that plant extracts may be

does indeed suggest that a diet

defects, including decreased lifespan

beneficial to individuals suffering from

supplemented with blueberry extract

and retinal degeneration.

neurodegenerative diseases.

may positively impact a fruit fly model of Parkinson’s disease.

Initially believed to be a random

Evidence also suggests those with

During the study, Dr. Staveley noted

an accumulation of the gene are more

that flies with the gene fed blueberry

susceptible to oxidative stress, an

extract had up to an eight-day, or 15 per

disease, studies have identified alpha-

imbalance between the production

cent, greater median lifespan than those

synuclein as the first gene related to

of free radicals, which can cause cell

fed a standard control diet. In addition,

Parkinson’s. This gene is proven to cause

damage or death, and the ability of

the extract improved the eye defects

inherited Parkinson’s disease in human

the body to counteract their harmful

caused by the gene.

Blueberries are an excellent source of dietary antioxidants and may help prevent neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Todd Boland photo

Unique workshop prepares mosquito researchers to ID species posing risk

through mosquito-borne diseases, such

focusing on the mosquito and are

as equine and human encephalitis and

building a permanent reference library of

the West Nile virus.

preserved specimens.

To broaden their taxonomic understanding, Dr. Tom Chapman and entomology graduate students Andrew Chaulk and Kate Bassett participated in a

In Newfoundland and Labrador

Mosquito Identification and Certification

the mosquito is considered a nuisance

workshop offered by the Florida Medical

– an itchy annoyance to be squished, if

Entomology Laboratory in Vero Beach –

caught in close quarters, but otherwise

the only such program of its kind in the

ignored.

world.

Researchers at Memorial, however,

8

Being able to identify mosquitos,

are educating themselves so they can

and discover their local habitats, is vital

identify the large variety of species of

to understanding the potential risks that

mosquito in the province. The goal is

can arise from their presence. Having

to be better prepared to recognize the

completed the course, the trio is now

potential health risks they can pose

considering new areas of research

Andrew Chalk, a graduate student in the Department of Biology, collects mosquito larvae as part of a workshop offered by the University of Florida. Submitted photo

RESEARCH

Researchers work with Inuit to develop plantbased business

Projects to study Labrador Sea’s role in Earth’s climate system

Researchers at Memorial and the Montreal Botanical Garden are working with Inuit elders from communities in Northern Labrador to develop a smallscale business enterprise based on a plant that grows in Northern coastal regions of the world.

Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.) is considered by some alternative medicine supporters to be a treatment for fatigue, memory and mild

Memorial University is at the centre

of Physics and Physical Oceanography,

of two international, multimillion dollar

during the numerical modelling phase.

projects to get a better understanding

Dr. de Young is also the only

depression/anxiety.

Dr. Luise Hermanutz, a biology professor at Memorial; Dr. Alain Cuerrier,

of the role of the Labrador Sea in the

Memorial researcher involved in

an ethnobotanist at the Montreal

Earth’s climate system.

the international Overturning in the

Botanical Garden; and PhD graduate

Ventilation, Interactions and

Subpolar North Atlantic Program, which

student Vanessa Mardones have been

Transports Across the Labrador Sea,

is also partly occurring in the Labrador

studying the ethnobotany and biology of

or VITALs, is a pan-Canadian initiative,

Sea.

this globally important medicinal plant.

which includes scientists from 11

This program is designed to provide

Most Canadian roseroot is grown

Canadian universities, multiple federal

a continuous record of the full-water

in Alberta and originates from Russian

government laboratories, and industrial

column circulation, which sees surface

populations, which differs from the

and foreign partners.

currents taking warm water in one

Labrador populations. The researchers

direction while the deeper colder water

are now investigating the Labrador

to understand and model the

circulates in another. Understanding

plant’s active medicinal ingredients,

functioning and vulnerability of the

these currents and their impacts on

chemical profiles and robustness to see

Labrador Sea, including its uptake of

weather and climate in the North

if it can be grown in community gardens,

oxygen, carbon and heat exchange with

Atlantic will begin with the deployment

providing a business opportunity that

the atmosphere.

of an array of sensors and floats, which

would also use sustainable fair trade

will collect data over the next several

production practices.

The research network is attempting

Memorial’s role is focused on the deployment of instruments and

years.

numerical modelling. This summer, Dr. Brad de Young, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, led a team, including Dr. Ralf Bachmayer, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and Dr. Evan Edinger, Department of Geography, to deploy moorings along the shelf and into the deep ocean. They also flew ocean gliders across the shelf break, collecting real-time data, which will help other teams, including Dr. Entcho Demirov, also of the Department

Deployment of glider from CSS Hudson. Submitted photo

Roseroot (Rhodiola rosea L.), a variety of which grows in Labrador, is considered by some alternative medicine supporters to be a treatment for fatigue, memory and mild depression/anxiety. Submitted photo

9

RESEARCH

UNCOVERING THE MYSTERIES OF THE EARTH Tens of thousands of years ago,

picked up and find hidden deposits

analyzed by the machine. It can analyze

the Northern Hemisphere was covered by

of diamond, gold, platinum and base

up to 20,000 particles and give a full

continental glaciers. These glaciers acted

metals.

range of minerals present and in what

like bulldozers, pushing dirt and rocks

laborious work, beginning with 40

them kilometres away from their original

kilograms of till, sifted down to a few

location.

hundred grams, and then separated

Since then, trees and other vegetation

amounts, opening the door to new discoveries.

using heavy liquids to sort out the dense

have grown on top of the till, leaving

minerals. Those are viewed under a

mineral deposits buried metres below.

microscope so individual grains can

In searching for these hidden deposits

be picked out from the thousands that

of economic minerals, Dr. Derek Wilton

remain.

of the Department of Earth Sciences has

Recently, Dr. Wilton has begun

turned to other, more common, minerals

working to automate that process with

associated with ore minerals.

a mineral liberation analyzer scanning

By identifying these “indicator”

electron microscope. With it he’s been

minerals in the till, and determining the

able to take a much smaller 10-kilogram

Pictured is a zircon crystal magnified by a mineral liberation analyzer scanning electron microscope.

direction the glacier travelled, he hopes

sample, sieve it down and mount the

Submitted photo

to track back to where the minerals were

remainder in an epoxy puck to be

Proposed uranium mine creates unique research collaboration Ordinarily a professor of earth

environmental health risks of uranium

and researchers at the University of

exploration and possible mining in

Saskatchewan.

Central Labrador. They are, in part,

members of a community can co-operate

an old development at the Kitt’s uranium

on such a project, the trip was an

deposit near Makkovik.

opportunity to encourage a unique

The two researchers have been collecting information on best practices

much in common with a public health

to help all parties work together

physician. But a potential uranium

to develop a proper strategy of

mine in Labrador is bringing together

environmental protection in Labrador

these two very different researchers at

before any actual uranium mining

Memorial.

begins. To that end, they travelled

collaboration at the institutional level.

to the McArthur River in Northern

physician and an assistant professor

Saskatchewan to the site of the world’s

with the Faculty of Medicine’s Division

largest high-grade uranium mine.

of Community Health and Humanities.

In addition to seeing how various

examining the environmental effects of

sciences might not be expected to have

Dr. Atanu Sarkar is a public health

10

But finding indicator minerals is

(called till) across the land and dumping

During the trip, the pair toured

He’s currently involved in a project

the mine site, almost 500 metres

with Dr. Derek Wilton, a professor with

underground, and dialogued with

the Faculty of Science’s Department

company executives, Aboriginal leaders,

of Earth Sciences, to assess potential

physicians, government members

From left are Dr. Atanu Sarkar and Dr. Derek Wilton at the MacArthur uranium mine in northern Saskatchewan. Submitted photo

STUDENTS

OFF TO OXFORD Devin Grant is Newfoundland and

Grant has been heavily involved with

Labrador’s 2015 Rhodes Scholar.

Memorial’s student union and United

Each year, 11 outstanding Canadian

Nations Society, is a member of the

students are chosen on the basis

award-winning Newman’s Sound Men’s

of exceptional intellect, character,

Choir and a founding member of The

leadership and commitment to services

Night Caps, an all-male vocal quartet

to study at the University of Oxford.

specializing in holiday performances. He

The St. John’s resident is currently in his fifth year of studies at Memorial University and is nearing completion of

has also been involved in several musical productions.

Mr. Grant will begin his master’s in

an honours degree in applied math with

mathematical modelling and scientific

a minor in computer science.

computing at Oxford in the fall of 2015.

A regular on the Dean’s List, Mr.

Devin Grant has always enjoyed seeking answers to his questions. That drive will serve him well as Newfoundland and Labrador’s 2015 Rhodes Scholar. Chris Hammond photo

MEASURING SUCCESS When the Women in Resource

project with Nicole Shea and Nicole

and show accountability, and made

Development Corporation (WRDC)

Power, who took on the project as part of

it possible for them to evaluate the

needed professional, but inexpensive,

their course requirement.

program as they move forward.

consultants to assist them in evaluating

After collecting the information and

one of their long-running programs, the

evaluating it, the students determined

not-for-profit group turned to Memorial

the program was indeed successful, with

University.

the majority of participants indicating

Developed in 1999, the Orientation

the program was helpful to them. A

to Trades and Technology (OTT) program

significant number went on to further

is one of WRDC’s key programs, a

their education and of those, most went

16-week career exploration program

on to pursue education in the trades and

for women, which provides hands-on

technology field. Half of the participants

learning in a variety of trades and

in the sample were employed, with

technology fields.

nearly 20 per cent working in a non-

Dr. Cathryn Button brought the request to her students in a graduate

traditional occupation.

Jenna Hawkins, WRDC’s research

class in program evaluation for the

and evaluation co-ordinator, says their

master’s in applied social psychology. As

findings have given the organization

a result, WRDC began a semester-long

an ability to confirm past successes

The OTT program is one of WRDC’s key programs.

Memorial University provided WRDC assistance with evaluating the long-running program.

Image copyright © WRDC, all rights reserved.

11

STUDENTS

National honours for Memorial University researcher A Faculty of Science researcher has received a national research award from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Kirk Luther, a PhD candidate in the Department of Psychology, was awarded the 2014 Talent Award at the SSHRC Impact Awards ceremony in Ottawa, Ont., for his research on human behaviour within the criminal justice system. The award is valued at $50,000. The Talent Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual holding a SSHRC doctoral or post-doctoral fellowship or scholarship and who has a talent for research, knowledge mobilization and a clear potential to be a future leader within and/or outside the academic sector.

Mr. Luther is an emerging talent in the academic community with proven skills in social justice and knowledge mobilization. His work focuses on improving policing practices and protecting the human rights of vulnerable youth in Canada.

It’s been a particularly successful year for Mr. Luther. He received the People’s Choice Award in the national 2013 Three-Minute Thesis competition, first place in the Eastern Kirk Luther. David Howells photo.

12

Regional Three-Minute Thesis competition and the 2013 SSHRC Storytellers Award.

STUDENTS

New university medals recognize the dichotomy of math/stats The Department of Mathematics and Statistics saw three new convocation awards handed out to students this year.

The Senate Committee on Undergraduate Scholarships, Bursaries and Awards approved

Science student, alumnus participate in Fulbright Canada Fulbright Canada announced this year’s cohort of participants in the

new University Medals for Academic Excellence in the areas of pure math, applied math and

foundation’s educational and cultural

statistics. Previously, students vied for a single top medal for the whole department. The new

exchange programs, and the Faculty of

medals highlight the diversity of students in Mathematics and Statistics.

Science is well represented. An alumnus

Anthony Payne, statistics medal winner and the province’s 2014 Rhodes Scholar, has

and a current student will each travel to

begun a doctor of philosophy degree in the clinical medicine program at Oxford University

the United States to conduct research or

in the area of diabetes research. Jason LeGrow, pure math medal recipient and winner of the

pursue their studies.

Governor General’s Silver Medal for highest academic standing upon graduation, is studying

Dr. Joel Heath of the Arctic Elder

at the University of Waterloo, one of the top destinations for math studies in the world.

Society has received a Canadian

Michael Grudich, who took home the applied math medal, is continuing his theoretical

Fulbright Scholar Award and will become

astrophysics research at the California Institute of Technology, working towards solving the

the Fulbright Visiting Research Chair

mathematical problems surrounding the more extreme predictions of Einstein’s theory of

in Arctic Studies at the University of

gravitation, particularly as they relate to black holes and neutron stars.

Washington. An accomplished Canadian academic and filmmaker, Dr. Heath holds a joint B.Sc.(Hons.) in biology and

Physics department rewards student success

psychology and a master’s in cognitive and behavioural ecology from Memorial.

Fulbright Scholars are emerging and established scholars, post-

The Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography had the pleasure of

doctoral researchers and experienced

recognizing student achievement at their annual awards ceremony. This year, the

professionals who conduct research,

department offered two new awards.

teach or undertake a combination of

The Graduate Teaching Award was developed in recognition of the outstanding contributions of graduate students to their teaching program. Kolawole Akintola and

activities for one semester or the full academic year.

Swomitra Pailt each received the award, which included a book prize and a certificate.

Sean Leonard, an undergraduate

The Hugh J. Anderson Senior and Junior Scholarships in Physics are the result of

student pursuing a major in biochemistry

a bequest from Dr. Hugh J. Anderson, a long-term member of the Department of

with a minor in French, has received the

Chemistry, who generously endowed the scholarship for students majoring in physics.

coveted Canadian Killam Fellow award.

The department awarded one $4,000 Senior Award to Michael Grudich and five

A proud volunteer with Let’s Talk Science,

$2,000 Junior Awards to Riley Brooks, Nathaniel Drover, Anna O’Grady, Mark Holden

and part-time actor, Mr. Leonard will

and Haruki Hirasawa.

attend Arizona State University.

Also awarded was the $500 T.C. Noel Scholarship to Cole Walsh, the $1,000 Harry

Killam Fellows are undergraduate

Kiefte scholarship to Colin Knight and the $1,000 S.W. Breckon scholarship to Catherine

students from Canada and the United

Woodford.

States who participate in a program of bi-national residential exchange.

The 2014 Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography award winners. Justin Pittman photo.

Sean Leonard Submitted photo.

13

STUDENTS

GALACTIC REACH A third-year joint physics and applied mathematics student spent the summer researching astronomy at Yale.

Anna O’Grady, a resident of Kilbride, was chosen to receive the Hoffleit Undergraduate Astronomy Research Scholarship, which allowed her to work as an intern for six weeks at the institution during the summer of 2014. Of the 70 international applicants for the scholarship, Ms. O’Grady was astonished to find out she had ranked first.

She believes the scholarship opportunity has given her a better understanding of the practical research aspect of a career in astronomy.

Anna O’Grady Chris Hammond photo

Marine biologist honoured with mentor-student scholarship Master of science biology

Dr. Deanne Renouf, who died of

candidate Victoria Howse was honoured

cancer. The family of Dr. Renouf

as the 2013-14 recipient of the Dr. Jon

added her scholarship money

Lien Memorial Scholarship during a

as a contribution to Dr. Lien’s

presentation with the family of Dr. Jon

Memorial Scholarship.

Lien.

The scholarship is awarded to a

Ms. Howse is pursuing a master of science with the

graduate student undertaking studies

Marine Institute’s Centre for

in marine animal behaviour, marine

Fisheries Ecosystems Research.

conservation, coastal community revitalization or a current fishery challenge. It was established in the spirit of collaboration that Dr. Lien held dear between professors and students.

The scholarship recognizes the work of both Dr. Lien and his former student 14

Victoria Howse Submitted photo

STUDENTS

Memorial University student wins prestigious Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award for Let’s Talk Science outreach Cody O’Brien with Prime Minister Stephen Harper at the Prime Minister’s Volunteer Awards Ceremony in Toronto.

Office of the Prime Minister Photo

Cody O’Brien, a Memorial University

outreach was a natural fit when it came to

of Newfoundland biochemistry major

volunteering. I understand the importance

and avid Let’s Talk Science volunteer, has

of reaching our province’s youth with

of the dedicated students we have at

been named Community Leader (Atlantic)

educational methods that really spark

Memorial, who are committed to sharing

in the 2015 Prime Minister’s Volunteer

their interest. Using science outreach as a

the knowledge they have gained with

Awards.

platform to do this is incredibly rewarding.

the wider community,” said Dr. Gary

The Happy Valley-Goose Bay student

“As a Labradorian, I also take great

Science Outreach team.”

“Mr. O’Brien is a wonderful example

Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor,

is one of just 17 successful award

pride in promoting science learning in my

Memorial University. “Programs like

recipients chosen from 385 nominees.

own community and in bringing STEM

Let’s Talk Science provide invaluable

These prestigious awards recognize the

learning activities to rural and remote

opportunities for students like Mr. O’Brien

tremendous contributions of Canadians

areas that otherwise wouldn’t have this

to take on leadership roles throughout

whose volunteer efforts improve the

kind of access or opportunity,” he added.

the province, as well as to inspire the next

well-being of their communities. Mr.

Glenda Casimir, manager, volunteer

O’Brien was presented with his award this

engagement and community partnerships,

afternoon at an official awards ceremony

Let’s Talk Science, nominated Mr. O’Brien

in Toronto, Ont.

and was thrilled with the outcome.

An honours student with plans to study

“Cody is a superstar outreach

generation of highly skilled thinkers and doers.”

The Prime Minister’s Volunteer Award recipients will receive a medal, pin and certificate from the prime minister and

medicine, Mr. O’Brien credits his love of

volunteer, having contributed over 250

participate in a session in which they

science as the catalyst for his intensive

hours leading hands-on STEM activities in

share their achievements and exemplary

volunteer efforts. It spurred him to join

both French and English at urban and rural

practices in community leadership. As part

Let’s Talk Science, a national, charitable

schools across the province,” she said.

of his award, Mr. O’Brien is also eligible

organization that delivers science,

“Last year, in just one week, he engaged

to identify a not-for-profit organization to

technology, engineering and math (STEM)

1,100 kindergarten to Grade 10 students

receive a $5,000 grant.

learning programs to engage children,

by leading 29 workshops in three schools

youth and educators.

in Labrador. It’s mind-blowing to see the

Talk Science is generously supported

kind of impact that volunteers like Cody

by Hibernia Management Development

this award,” said Mr. O’Brien. “Science

can have. We’re so proud to count him

Company Ltd.

is a major part of my life, so science

as a member of our national Let’s Talk

“It’s a tremendous honour to receive

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Let’s

15

SCIENCE

New co-operative program for biology A small group of students are the first participants in a new biology co-operative education program at Memorial.

Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, an associate professor with the department, is one of the co-ordinators and helped choose Jaime Wilson, Jessica Hackett, Phillip Hillier and April Hall, the third-year students who make up the first cohort.

Upon completion of their initial work terms last summer, Dr. Wiersma found that the opportunity made the students more aware of the types of jobs available for those with a biology degree. The students have also enrolled in courses they would not have previous to the experience.

Julie Downey is an academic staff member with the Division of Co-operative Education.

She worked with the students to provide them with the professional training given to all co-operative participants at Memorial, including interviewing and resumĂŠ writing skills, information on how to apply themselves on the job, ethics and more.

She also met with the students and employers mid-way through the summer to give feedback and as a means of ensuring all parties were happy.

16

April Hall is one of four biology students chosen as the first cohort of the department’s new co-operative program.

Dave Howells photo

SCIENCE

Academics, research and service lauded at annual awards ceremony

REMEMBERING HISTORY: 50th anniversary of Grand Banks sea adventure In June of 1964 a small group from Memorial University approached Premier Joey Smallwood for funding for a diving expedition to conduct geological research on the Grand Banks.

For 400 years, the Banks had contributed to the economy

It was standing-room only at the annual Dean’s Awards

of Newfoundland but no scientist had ever “set foot” on them.

Ceremony as parents, employees and friends joined the

The hope was to use scuba divers to explore the more shallow

Faculty of Science to celebrate student, faculty and staff

parts, collecting samples and data about the Banks’ terrain, rock

achievement.

type and bottom flora and fauna.

During the event, Dr. Mark Abrahams, dean of Science,

Now deceased, Hugh Lilly was then a professor at Memorial

named 259 students to the Dean’s List, a group comprised of

and led the expedition. His son, Chris Lilly, has compiled a

the top 10 per cent of students in the Faculty of Science.

historical record of the event from photos and dive journals

Dr. Noreen Golfman, provost and vice-president (academic), pro tempore, attended the ceremony and

written in his father’s own hand.

It tells of how, on that first trip, a storm drove the tiny ship

presented the Lou Visentin Award. Named for a former dean

back to the shore, at which point the majority of seasick and

of Science, the award recognizes students who have remained

exhausted participants left the ship and returned to St. John’s.

on the Dean’s List for four consecutive years.

But Prof. Lilly, along with diver John Snow, biology student

She also presented the Dean of Science Book Prize,

and deckhand Ron Scaplen, and captain Mat Whalen (a former

awarded annually to a student in each department offering

member of the House of Assembly under Premier Smallwood),

a B.Sc. program on the basis of demonstrated academic

persevered and went back out to become the first man to stand

excellence in the declared major.

on the Grand Banks. A large bronze plaque the team placed in

Dr. Abrahams also presented the Distinguished Service Award to Craig Skinner of the Department of Biochemistry, and the Distinguished Scholar Award to Dr. John Hanchar, head of the Department of Earth Sciences.

a rock trench 11 fathoms below sea level commemorates the event.

The true value of the expedition, however, can be measured in the scientific evidence collected during that trip and others that followed over the next two years before Hugh Lilly died in 1966.

Subsequent trips became part of a much larger effort on both sides of the Atlantic to consolidate evidence for continental drift/plate tectonics on land as well as underwater.

Memorial would go on to play a key role in determining that the Appalachian Mountains in the United States, the Long Range Mountains in Newfoundland and the mountains of Wales and Scotland were once part of a single range prior to the opening of the Atlantic rift.

Dr. Mark Abrahams named 259 students to the 2014 Dean’s List. Chris Hammond photo

The commemorative plaque affixed to the bottom of the sea by Hugh Lilly’s dive team.

Submitted photo

17

SCIENCE

WHERE MUSIC AND SCIENCE

MEET Grenfell alumnus Kyle Bustin has

of six-hour days to complete the massive

made his mark on the St. John’s campus.

mural, which flows along the entire

The bachelor of fine arts graduate

length of the corridor and measures

painted a graffiti-style mural in the

approximately 12 feet at it’s highest point

tunnel connecting the Science and Music

and roughly 150 feet long.

buildings that was commissioned by the two academic units.

Originally from Nova Scotia, Mr.

He started with a light base of house paint, filling in the sections with a foam roller and brush, before finishing it off

Bustin graduated from Memorial in 2011.

with vividly coloured spray paint. Mr.

The artist met with students from both

Bustin says what he liked best about

Science and Music to brainstorm, the

using a graffiti-style for the project

result of which he worked into a design

was that the technique creates long

that met the approval of all.

continuous lines, which helped link the

It took the artist just over two weeks

Kyle Bustin paints a vivid mural along the tunnel wall connecting the Science and Music buildings.

Chris Hammond photo

whole piece together.

Successful launch of climate change exhibit at Bonne Bay Marine Station Representatives of Memorial

Change and Memorial University’s Office

University and the provincial government

of Public Engagement. The project is a

officially launched a new exhibit about

component of the government’s Climate

climate change and the ocean at the

Change Action Plan through the Turn

Bonne Bay Marine Station (BBMS) in

Back the Tide campaign.

Norris Point. The event also highlighted

downloadable digital application to show

exhibit.

how climate change is impacting the

The project is an interactive

marine environment, with information

climate change awareness exhibit

and examples that are specific to

titled Newfoundland and Labrador: A

Newfoundland and Labrador. An

Sea of Change, and is the product of

interactive application is also available

Dr. Robert Scott, Bonne Bay Marine Station director, and the iPad installations hosting the new application.

collaboration between the Office of

for download on smartphones.

Submitted photo.

Climate Change and Energy Efficiency

18

The exhibit uses a custom-built

a new app that will accompany the

This project will provide enriched

and the BBMS, with financial support

learning experiences for students and

from the Department of Fisheries and

the 11,000 tourists and local visitors

Aquaculture, the Office of Climate

welcomed by the facility each year.

SCIENCE

Science post-doc receives Memorial’s first Banting fellowship Dr. Trevor VandenBoer is the recipient of Memorial University’s first Banting Post-doctoral Fellowship.

The program provides funding to “the very best post-doctoral applicants, both nationally and internationally, who will positively contribute to the country’s economic, social and research-based growth.” The objective of the Banting program is to attract and retain top-tier post-doctoral talent, develop their leadership potential and position them for success as research leaders of tomorrow. Only 70 of these are awarded annually at a value of $70,000 a year for two years.

Originally from Ontario, Dr. VandenBoer holds an undergraduate degree in forensic science and analytical chemistry from Laurentian University. He completed a M.Sc. and PhD in environmental chemistry, specializing in atmospheric chemistry, at the University of Toronto before beginning a post-doc at Memorial University in 2012 with Dr. Christina Bottaro, Department of Chemistry, and Dr. Sue Ziegler, Department of Earth Sciences.

For the next two years, this funding will allow Dr. VandenBoer to work with Dr. Ziegler and her partners from the Canadian Forest Service and the provincial Centre for Forest Science and Innovation

Dr. Trevor VandenBoer

to build upon their studies of how boreal ecosystems are impacted by

Submitted photo

climate change.

Memorial and Royal Ontario Museum partner to keep blue whale carcass in province Memorial University and the Royal

opportunity and having the remains of a

Ontario Museum (ROM) have reached

blue whale displayed at the university is a

an agreement that will see the remains

great teaching and learning opportunity

of a blue whale that washed ashore on

for students, staff and visitors.

the province’s west coast come to the university.

Memorial doesn’t have the expertise

Properly treating a blue whale so it can be displayed can take as long as four years. Details about where and when it

to dismantle and treat the whale carcass,

will be accessible to the public have yet

so a partnership with the ROM will

to be determined.

allow for the appropriate treatment of

The ROM will disarticulate and clean

the animal’s remains and ensure the

the whale carcass, while Memorial will

educational and cultural artefact remains

look to the ROM’s experts to advise on

in the province.

next steps.

Dr. Mark Abrahams, dean of the Faculty of Science, says it is a rare

The remains of this blue whale will eventually be on display at Memorial University.

Pam Gill photo

19

FUNDING

ACOA announces support for Ocean Sciences Centre The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency announced an investment of $110,000, through its Innovative Communities Fund, to allow Memorial University’s Ocean Sciences Centre (OSC) to enhance its capacity to respond to the needs of the provincial aquaculture industry.

The OSC will engage in Atlantic salmon aquaculture and climatechange research to improve its ability to work with private sector partners and other industry stakeholders to collaborate and share research.

Memorial has long been an active proponent of marine and aquaculture research and development activity within Newfoundland and Labrador. The OSC and its staff are recognized internationally for their ability to study cold-ocean organisms and for their contribution towards the development of various species that have the potential to become important to the province’s aquaculture industry.

The funding will allow Memorial to purchase heat exchangers, sand filters, sterilization units and monitoring systems, which will enhance the research capacity at the OSC. This will allow the facility to focus its research on challenges facing the salmon aquaculture industry, such as fish health, broodstock development and environmental and production management, and explore how climate change may impact species currently cultured in the province.

20

FUNDING

$2.3 million

to overcome challenges in oil and gas sector

Memorial to receive funding to enhance aquaculture industry Memorial University is among 12 industry-academic partnerships that

The Research & Development

and Tracking of Oil in Marine Waters

received funding through Genome

Corporation (RDC) announced

in Harsh Climates by Dr. Christina

Canada’s Genomic Applications

a $2.3-million investment in 17

Bottaro and Dr. Erika Merschrod,

Partnership Program, announced by Ed

Memorial-led R&D projects to address

Department of Chemistry, with Dr.

Holder, minister of State (Science and

opportunities and challenges related to

Kelly Hawboldt, Faculty of Engineering

Technology).

harsh and Arctic environments.

and Applied Science; Infrastructure

RDC is investing in academic-led

Genomics is the powerful

for the Characterization of Particulate

combination of biology, genetics and

R&D projects that help overcome

Matter and Dissolved Chemical

computer science and can provide

technical challenges in the oil and gas

Species in Water, Soil and Groundwater

innovative solutions to important industry

sector, particularly in harsh offshore

Environments by Dr. Tao Cheng,

challenges.

environments. These projects aim

Department of Earth Sciences, with Dr.

to improve safety, environmental

Bing Chen and Dr. Baiyu (Helen) Zhang,

Commercial Aquaculture Feed

protection, efficiency and asset integrity

Faculty of Engineering and Applied

Development project is a $3.8-million

in Newfoundland and Labrador and

Science; and Compositional and

partnership co-led by Dr. Richard Taylor,

around the world.

Isotopic Characterization of Complex

senior research scientist at EWOS

Organic Samples for the Study of Origin

Innovation, the R&D arm of EWOS, the

an additional $4.4 million from other

and Preservation of Hydrocarbons and

world-leading fish feed producer, and Dr.

funding sources, for a total project value

Biological Tissues by Dr. Penny Morrill

Matthew Rise, associate professor and

of $6.7 million.

and Dr. James MacQuaker, Department

Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Marine

of Earth Sciences, with Dr. Vaughan

Biotechnology in the Department of

Leverage R&D projects were funded,

Grimes, Department of Archaeology,

Ocean Sciences.

including Sensing System for Detection

Faculty of Arts.

RDC’s investment will leverage

In the Faculty of Science, three

The Biomarker Platform for

The team will use genomics technologies to assess the effects of various diets on fish health at the molecular level. The information will help EWOS Innovation fine-tune feed formulas that include non-marine products, such as land-based plants to maximize fish performance and to develop clinical feeds that will combat disease.

Genome Canada contributed $1,093,988 to the EWOS Innovation project, which was matched by the company in the amount of $2,710,468.

Attendees of the $2.3-million funding announcement from RDC. Chris Hammond photo

FUNDING

Science and Engineering researchers take home Discovery Grants Memorial researchers collected a combined total of $976,000 to further discoveries in fields related to science, engineering and mathematics.

RDC Ocean Industries Student Research Award winners.

Chris Hammond photo

Of the 35 Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grants received by the university, 25 went to the Faculty of Science. Four of the five students receiving scholarships from NSERC were also from the

RDC announces $1 million for students in ocean industries research

faculty.

The awards comprise the 2014 competition results for NSERC’s Discovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships, Postgraduate Scholarships and Post-doctoral Scholarships.

The federal investment will support scientists, engineers, post-doctoral fellows and students at Memorial as they drive innovation and ultimately economic prosperity.

Discovery Grants •D r. Janet Brunton, Dr. Amy Hurford, Dr. Dawn Marshall, Dr. Julissa Roncal and Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, Department of Biology •D r. Travis Fridgen, Dr. Francesca Kerton and Dr. Erika Merschrod, Department of Chemistry •D r. Luke Beranek, Dr. John Hanchar and Dr. Aphrodite Indares, Earth Sciences •D r. Evan Edinger, Department of Geography •D r. Jahrul Alam, Dr. Yuri Bahturin, Dr. Zhaozhi Fan, Dr. Scott MacLachlan, Dr. Yildiz Yilmaz, and Dr. Xiaoqiang Zhao, Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor,

•D r. Iakov Afanassiev, Dr. Stephanie Curnoe, Dr. Brad de

Memorial University, hosted an announcement recognizing

Young, Dr. Jolanta Lagowski and Dr. Michael Morrow,

a $1-million investment in the ocean industries, including

Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography.

offshore petroleum, aquaculture and fisheries.

Sixteen Memorial students were recognized as part of

NSERC Post-graduate Scholarships – Doctoral

the Research & Development Corporation’s Ocean Industries

• Jason Robert Laurich, Department of Biology

Student Research Awards.

• Anne Provencher St-Pierre, Department of Biology

Award winners from the Faculty of Science include Luis Valencia, M.Sc. (Geology); Hilary Rockwood, M.Sc. (Biology);

NSERC Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate

Brent Way, PhD (Biology); Brynn Devine, PhD (Biology);

Scholarships-Doctoral

Jennifer Murphy, PhD (Chemistry); Catherine Woodford, B.Sc.

• Sarah Adcock, Department of Psychology

(Physics and Math) Honours; Colin Ash, B.Sc. (Earth Sciences

• Katherine Gale, Department of Biology

and Physics)(Hons.); and Stephen Pearcey, B.Sc. (Earth Sciences)(Hons.).

22

COMMUNITY

Touch tank visit helps child overcome sensory issues Seven-year-old Jayden Druggett has something in common with his favourite

“I tell you, I had tears in my eyes I was so ecstatic. I asked him if he needed to wash his hands and he said, ‘No mommy, I’m okay.’ And I just couldn’t believe it.”

Since his visit with the touch tank, Ms. Purcell says Jayden has gone from a child

Ocean Sciences wraps up field trip program for high schools

who would almost always keep his hands in his sleeves so he wouldn’t come into

The Department of Ocean Sciences

contact with anything, to a child who now

wrapped up a two-month long

touches everything.

joint collaboration with the Oceans

“I don’t know what it was, but he had

Learning Partnership that offered high

a real connection with Tyler. Whatever it

school students and their teachers an

was, he really trusted him.”

opportunity to discover the diverse and

The Botanical Garden visit had

fascinating world of ocean sciences.

animal, the moon snail. Both need a little

such an impact that Jayden insisted

extra coaxing to come out of their shells.

his seventh birthday party have a snail

Biology 2201 students and their teachers

theme and it was not complete without

a fantastic field trip that provided many

Purcell, says he is completely obsessed

a surprise visit from the OSC touch tank,

of the learning outcomes associated with

with snails, one thing she never thought

including Jayden’s new friend Tyler and

the biodiversity unit of the course.

he would be able to do is to hold one.

the moon snail.

And even though his mother, Jenny

The biodiversity lab program gave

When it concluded, the hands-on

“Jayden was born with heart

His mom says the wonderful

learning program had been delivered to

problems that led to developmental

memories helped sustain the family

more than 370 students over a six-week

issues due to a lack of oxygen,” she

during their trip to Halifax soon after,

period at Memorial’s Ocean Sciences

explained. “For the past two years he’s

where Jayden underwent his fourth and

Centre. Thirteen schools from St.

been working with an occupational

fifth heart surgeries.

John’s, Torbay, Mount Pearl, Avondale,

therapist to help him get past his sensory

Bonavista, Conception Bay South and

issues with anything sticky. She’s tried

Bell Island participated.

everything to help him get over it, but

Students rotated through learning

nothing worked.”

stations while experienced lab

So when the family visited Memorial

technicians and graduate students

University’s Botanical Garden last

guided them as they discovered the

summer they expected Jayden to be

ocean, learned hands-on lab skills and

interested in the visiting touch tank from

were exposed to a variety of career

the Ocean Sciences Centre (OSC) but

possibilities in marine research.

have little to do with it.

“There was a young male summer student with the tank and he spent an hour with Jayden,” said Ms. Purcell. “The student showed him the moon snail and asked if Jayden would like to hold it and he said, ‘No, no, no, no,’ and backed away about five feet.”

But the student, Tyler Engert, gently persisted and convinced Jayden to first put one finger on the snail. Then he put one finger on the sea cucumber.

“He immediately washed his hands.

Jayden Druggett holds a moon snail for the first time.

Submitted photo

But then the next thing you know Jayden is saying, ‘Look mom, I’m holding it! I’m holding it!’ and I turn around to see he was actually holding the moon snail.

Students were given the opportunity to assist with many ongoing research projects at the Ocean Sciences Centre.

David Howells photo.

23

COMMUNITY

From left are Dr. Andy Foster, associate dean of Science (undergraduate and administration), Mark Hewitt, and Dr. Mark Abrahams, dean of Science. Chris Hammond photo

First science fair scholarship winner announced The Faculty of Science announced the first recipient of its new Eastern

24

Exacerbate Cancer?

This endowed scholarship has been

program in the Faculty of Science. It will be offered annually to the winner

Newfoundland Science and Technology

made possible through the combined

of the senior project in the Eastern

Fair scholarship.

gifts of alumni and friends of the

Newfoundland Science and Technology

Mark Hewitt, a Grade 12 student

Faculty of Science. Valued at a portion

Fair and will be awarded upon

from Bishops College in St. John’s, was

of the income on the endowment, the

registration at Memorial.

selected on the basis of his project,

scholarship will provide full-time tuition

Can Popular Acne Treatments Initiate or

for two semesters in an academic

ALUMNI degree. I found a lot of people just didn’t have the same level of baseline experience I had.

Q: Are you still in touch with anyone at Memorial?

A: I have a strong family connection with Memorial. My grandfather, Harry Renouf, was the registrar from 1959-76.

My mother and her four sisters worked as faculty there. Today my mother, brother and aunt all work at Memorial (Dr. Mary Courage, a University Research Professor, Department of Psychology, and former associate dean, Faculty of Science; Adam Courage, Marine Institute, and Tia Renouf, Faculty of Medicine).

I probably resisted psychology as long as I did because I really wanted to do my own thing. But I realized that that’s where my true interest was.

Other than that, I haven’t stayed in close contact with anybody and I would

ALUMNI PROFILE Catherine Courage

Senior vice-president of customer experience at Citrix

say that’s unfortunate. When I was back in February I ran into a whole fleet of people and I hope to catch up with them again the next time I go home.

Q: What path did you take after Memorial?

A: After I left Memorial I went to the

Catherine CouraGE has been named

allowed me to pursue a variety of courses

University of Toronto. To be quite honest

one of the 50 Most Powerful Women in

without having to lock into a major

I still didn’t know what I wanted to do or

Technology by the California Diversity

immediately.

what paths were available to me. One

Council and one of 10 Rising Stars at the

But I found the classes I took in

thing I always enjoyed was the people

World’s Most Innovative Companies by

psychology, in particular, to be really

side of psychology, understanding

Forbes.

fascinating; I loved understanding more

behaviour. So I went to the career centre

about people.

and started looking through options.

She grew up in St. John’s and holds a B.Sc. (honours) degree in psychology

I tell people all the time that

from Memorial University and a master’s

psychology has been an incredibly

human factors, which to me was the

in applied science, specializing in human

valuable base degree, in large part

perfect pairing of understanding people

factors, from the University of Toronto.

because of the labs I took and having to

and being able to influence how things

do my undergrad honours thesis – which

are designed to meet their needs. It felt

Q: Can you tell me a bit about your

entailed understanding how to conduct

like a perfect match.

educational background at Memorial?

an experiment from end-to-end, doing the research and analysis, writing it up

A: When I went to Memorial I really had no idea what I wanted to study. I found general studies beneficial because it

That’s where I came across the field of

Q: What did you do after graduation?

and having it reviewed by peers.

I think it set a good foundation for me when I went off to do my master’s

A: When I graduated I was really hungry to get out into industry and it was the

25

ALUMNI wild, wild, West in San Francisco at

they really believed in this initiative, that

that time with the tech boom and the

it was critical and they were going to be

NASDAQ at an all-time high. I just had to

there to help me succeed. Five years

check that out. So I accepted a job with

later I’m still at Citrix and while we’ve

Oracle and moved to San Francisco in

done a lot of great work we still have

January 2000.

more exciting things to do.

Christine Fontaine, an alumna of the

I had done a variety of courses in human-computer interaction and

Science alum wins Vanier scholarship

Q: What do you do there?

Department of Psychology, has received a Vanier scholarship worth $150,000

honestly it was the last place I thought I would end up, but Oracle had a large,

A: Our charter is to create an exceptional

to continue her studies in behavioural

established design team and user

customer experience across the entire

neuroscience at the University of Victoria.

experience group, and early in my career

journey of Citrix touch points, whether

I wanted to absorb and learn. Being in a

it’s going to a website for the first time,

applications for the Canadian

big department with a variety of people

using product day in and day out or

government award, which recognizes

having different expertise I knew I would

seeking support.

leadership skills and a high standard

get the mentorship I wanted and I knew

We use a lot of analytics to see what

Ms. Fontaine was one of 150

of scholarly achievement in graduate

there would be a lot of infrastructure

our customers are doing on our website,

studies. She ranked 16th in the country

in place to help me learn, develop and

what kind of support they are utilizing,

out of the 56 awards granted.

grow.

but we also spend a lot of time out in

Ms. Fontaine’s first experience with

After five years I felt I had become

the field with them, watching them use

Memorial was during Grade 11 when

the best individual contributor I possibly

our products. We look at the customer

she applied for, and was chosen to

could be. There were still a lot of start-

journey holistically and see those areas

participate in, the Women in Science and

ups happening, and I really felt ready to

where we are doing really well and the

Engineering Newfoundland and Labrador

build a team from the ground up. So I

areas where we need to improve and

Summer Student Employment Program.

joined Salesforce.com for the opportunity

succeed. We use this data to inform

That summer she became hooked on

to be the first person in a growing

and innovate the product and process

research, eventually coming back to

company to build a user experience

designs we evolve and create for our

Memorial to work on her own degree.

team. They were growing rapidly and

customers.

me. I spent the next five years there.

Now in the process of completing a PhD at the University of Victoria, she is

and it felt like the next big challenge for Q: What’s next?

studying how prenatal alcohol exposure changes antioxidant levels in the brain

Q: Tell me about your current company,

A: At some point in my career, and I

and how this, in turn, affects essential

Citrix.

don’t know when that is, I do want to go

memory processes.

off and create my own thing. Ever since A: I think when you look at your career

I was young I’ve wanted to own my own

what’s really important is that you are

business. I just haven’t quite figured out

not only in a job where you are giving

exactly what that is yet. It’s hard when

everything to your employer, but you’re

you’re really engaged and having a good

also getting something back that’s more

time in what you currently do, because

than a paycheque. You want to learn and

you have less time to think about what

grow and challenge yourself.

that next thing will be. But when I do

With Citrix I saw that opportunity. It

decide to move on, sometime within

was different from anything I had done

the next 10 years or so, I can see myself

before. They had just turned 20 and had

starting something completely different,

not previously invested in design or user

and not necessarily a software company.

experience. They wanted me to come

We’ll just have wait to see.

on board and build a team from the ground up within an established software

You can connect with Catherine Courage on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter @ccourage.

engineering culture. It was terrifying and exciting at the same time, but I was also 26

really inspired by the leadership. I felt

Christine Fontaine Submitted photo.

DEVELOPMENT

From left are Dr. Richard Marceau, Dr. Chuck Hurich, Jamie Long, Dr. Mark Abrahams and Dr. John Hanchar.

Chris Hammond photo

Hibernia support to bolster geophysics program at Memorial Memorial University’s Department

equipment for geophysical exploration

of Earth Sciences is using a $1.98-million

used for research and undergraduate and

contribution from Hibernia Management

graduate teaching.

and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC)

HMDC’s funding supports the renewal

servers and a large format colour plotter.

In addition to supporting the purchase of new equipment and the hiring of additional personnel, the

to create the Hibernia Project Geophysics

of the undergraduate geophysics

funding supports the establishment of a

Support Fund to enhance geophysics

laboratory, with 12 new dual-monitor

guest-speaker series, which will host up

education and research.

workstations and associated geophysical

to three geophysical experts annually for

software licences. The department has

the next three years.

The funding supports geophysics field-based studies for undergraduate

also updated its geophysics research

and graduate courses, as well as student

computing laboratory with eight new

to support the university’s development

and faculty research projects. It also

dual-monitor workstations, along with

of a new environmental geology and

enables the purchase of specialized

applications software, data storage

geophysics field school.

HMDC previously provided $420,000

27

DEVELOPMENT Second-year chemistry student Jason Sylvester, who was born in Australia and now lives in Portugal Cove-St. Philip’s, another of the cohort of Dr. Anderson scholarship recipients, says he was thrilled to be honoured for excelling academically.

“Sure, the money is great,” he said.

“But for me, it’s more the accolade of seeing all my hard work paid off.”

Dr. Anderson would have been proud of that sentiment and to see this year’s students honoured with their awards, says The first cohort of recipients of Dr. Hugh Anderson’s scholarships in chemistry include, from left (front row): Christopher Cooze; Cayla Pinheiro; Amy Barrett; and Olivia Griffiths. From left (back row): Dr. Peter Pickup, head, Department of Chemistry; Blake Power; Garrett McDougall; Jason Sylvester; Brandon Eastman; and Melanie Snow. Chris Hammond photo

A generous gift Dr. Hugh Anderson creates a legacy for science students

old Memorial alumna.

She says Memorial was extremely important to Dr. Anderson and that his favourite place was in the classroom.

“When he came here, he didn’t want to be anywhere else,” she said with a wide smile during a recent interview at her home in St. John’s. “Teaching was at the heart of what he did. He was offered jobs elsewhere in Canada and the United

Although he never met Dr. Hugh

physics have been established because

States but he loved Memorial and he loved

Anderson, second-year science student

of his gift. Alumnus Dr. Darryl Fry, who is

Newfoundland. He once said to me ‘I am

Brandon Eastman says he is grateful for the

also an honorary degree recipient from

lucky. Here I am getting paid for what I love

legacy the late professor emeritus has left at

Memorial and a former student of Dr.

to do and living where I want to be!’”

Memorial.

Anderson, has also established a chemistry

Mr. Eastman is one of 13 recipients of a new endowed scholarship for chemistry

scholarship in his honour.

“Dr. Anderson had a formative influence

Mrs. Whiteway and her late husband, Evan, spent much of their leisure time with Dr. Anderson, including weekly lunch dates

students set up in Dr. Anderson’s name.

on teaching and research, particularly in

Each student received $1,000. The awards

the teaching of organic chemistry and the

are the latest in a string of scholarships

development of graduate studies,” said

noted. “He often gave anonymously to a lot

made possible by a bequest Dr. Anderson

Dr. Peter Pickup, head of chemistry. “All

of things near and dear to his heart. I think

left to Memorial totalling more than $1

of these scholarships provide students

he would be delighted to see students

million.

with recognition of their success and it

benefit from his gifts – but he never sought

will enhance their university experience.

praise.”

“I had no idea I would receive it,” said Mr. Eastman, a native of Corner Brook. “I

Chemistry is a very challenging subject that

was very pleased. This scholarship helps a

requires many hours of laboratory work to

lot because I don’t come from a wealthy

become proficient. The financial support

family. I think these scholarships are a

provided by these scholarships will help

testament to Dr. Anderson’s commitment to

students balance their workload.”

chemistry.”

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his close friend Helen Whiteway, a 102-year-

at the former Battery Hotel in St. John’s.

“He was a very generous man,” she

Born in Winnipeg, Man., on March

A long time professor and former

17, 1926, Dr. Anderson was educated at

department head, Dr. Anderson passed

the University of Manitoba, Northwestern

away in 2012 at the age of 86 after a life

University in Illinois and overseas at Oxford.

dedicated to teaching. Many members

He joined the chemistry department in

of the university community still fondly

September 1953 and stayed for 38 years.

remember the quiet, unassuming man,

After his retirement in 1991, he remained

who strongly believed in the power of

active at Memorial and continued to

education. Scholarships in chemistry and

support students.

Helen Whiteway, a 102-year-old Memorial alumna, holds a photo of her and Dr. Hugh Anderson taken in St. John’s. The two were close personal friends. Jeff Green photo.

FACULTY

Researcher honoured for outstanding dissertation paper Dr. Amy Hurford has won the R.A. Fisher Prize from the Society for the Study of Evolution.

The award is presented annually for an outstanding PhD dissertation paper published in the journal Evolution during a given calendar year and comes with a $1,000 honorarium. Her paper, co-written with Dr. Troy Day, her former supervisor at Queen’s University, is titled, Immune Evasion and the Evolution of Molecular Mimicry in Parasites.

In the paper, Dr. Hurford explores a variety of hypotheses about the co-evolution of vertebrate immune systems and pathogens using mathematical models. One of her primary goals was to understand the evolutionary origins of infectioninduced autoimmune disorders.

Dr. Hurford developed mathematical models using techniques from dynamical systems and game theory to better understand the conditions under which we might expect pathogens to evolve molecular mimicry. She and her co-author analyzed the patterns of molecular mimicry that are expected under two hypotheses regarding molecular mimicry by parasites. One of their findings was that the highest risk of autoimmunity comes from parasites that display intermediate levels of mimicry. They also explored the consequences of different medical interventions on the evolution of mimicry and the incidence of autoimmunity.

Amy Hurford Chris Hammond photo

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FACULTY

Biochemistry welcomes new department head The Department of Biochemistry

such as schizophrenia, mood disorders

so-called neuroprotectants, in cell

has welcomed Dr. Mark Berry as its new

and drug addictions.

death. Specifically, he is interested in

head. He succeeds Dr. Phil Davis, who served as acting head for three years.

Born in England, Dr. Berry received

He has shown that, while trace amines

the different effects such molecules

are not traditional neurotransmitters,

have on normal cells compared with

they do serve to maintain basal neuronal

cancer cells. He has identified a

a B.Sc. (Hons.) in pharmacology

activity within defined limits. Having

compound that increases the toxicity of

from Sunderland University. He then

shown that trace amines can cross

chemotherapeutics towards cancer cells

obtained a PhD in neuropsychiatry

membranes by diffusion, he and his

while simultaneously protecting normal

from the University of Saskatchewan.

collaborators are carrying out molecular

cells from the chemotherapeutic drug.

Thereafter, he completed post-doctoral

dynamic computer simulations of the

positions at Ohio State University

process.

and the University of Saskatchewan

Following the discovery of trace

and was a senior scientific officer with

amine receptors in the pancreas, Dr.

ALviva Biopharmaceuticals Inc. before

Berry has also been investigating

becoming a faculty member at Brandon

whether trace amines play a role

University in 2004, serving as chair of the

in regulating insulin secretion and

Department of Chemistry from 2010-13.

glucose homeostasis, and the onset of

Dr. Berry’s research interests lie in the

diabetes. This novel angle intersects with

area of neurobiochemistry. He worked

ongoing studies of lipid- and amino-

for many years on a group of naturally

acid metabolism in diabetes by several

occurring compounds called trace

members of the department.

amines to investigate and understand

More recently, Dr. Berry has been

the role they may play in human diseases

investigating the role of small molecules,

Ocean Sciences researcher receives guest professorship ‘by the hand of the King’

states: “Professor Fleming will be able

The Royal Swedish Academy of

University of Gothenburg (UGot) where

Agriculture and Forestry (KSLA) has

he will bring new skills to strengthen

appointed Dr. Ian Fleming the first holder

activities within fisheries and aquaculture.

of its Wallenberg Professorship.

The university nominated Dr. Fleming for

Mark Berry Submitted photo

Dr. Fleming was invited to KLSA’s

to contribute to a more integrated

202nd commemorative meeting

perspective, from evolutionary ecology

in Stockholm to recognize the

to fisheries and aquaculture sciences and

announcement, which was followed by a

conservation biology. The professorship

banquet in the presence of King Carl XVI

will further broaden ongoing and

Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden, both

planned European collaboration by

keen environmentalists.

adding a North American perspective.”

Dr. Fleming will be attached to the

The purpose of the Wallenberg

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the award and its Department of Biology

professorships is to establish ties with

and Environmental Sciences will play

universities, academic institutions

host to him during his time as a guest

and prominent foreign scientists who

professor in Sweden. He will also take

can contribute toward the renewal of

shorter visits to the UGot’s Sven Lovén

Swedish science in the green sector.

Centre for Marine Sciences at Tjärnö on

The academy’s press release

Sweden’s West Coast.

Ian Fleming Submitted Photo

LECTURES

Creator of glycemic index gives inaugural nutrition lecture

Chronic diseases, such as heart

recognized as creating an effective

disease and diabetes, have enormous

dietary alternative to drug therapy for

impacts on the health and well-being

many people.

of Canadians. The causes of these

Dr. Jenkins gave a free public lecture

diseases are not completely understood

titled Diet and Chronic Disease in the

but include behavioural, genetic and

21st Century in the Bruneau Centre for

environmental risk factors.

Research and Innovation. In his lecture,

Dr. David Jenkins is the Canadian

he discussed the effect of diet on

Research Chair in Nutrition and

modifying the progression and severity

Metabolism with the Department of

of chronic diseases.

Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Medicine,

The event was the inaugural Faith

at the University of Toronto. His team

Elizabeth Winifred (Rusted) Bayley

was the first to define and explore

Nutrition Lecture and was hosted by the

the concept of the glycemic index of

Department of Biochemistry. This lecture

foods and demonstrate the breadth of

series was established by a bequest

metabolic effects of viscous soluble fibre,

from Dr. Nigel Rusted in memory of his

including effects on blood glucose and

sister, a dietitian and high-ranking Royal

cholesterol lowering.

Canadian Air Force squadron leader in

His studies on combining cholesterollowering food components have been

the Eastern Air Command during the

Dr. David Jenkins

Submitted photo.

Second World War.

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