PrescienCE [pre • science] – noun – having foresight or foreknowledge
Faculty of Science Newsletter
Chemistry researcher named Terra Nova Young Innovator 10 RESEARCH 3 STUDENTS 7 FACULTY 10 INVESTMENT 12 LECTURES 15 ALUMNI 17
VOL. 3
FROM THE DEAN WHEN Prescience was first introduced,
and development in key areas of inter-
we did so with the intention of using this
est. These commitments will increase our
publication to let readers see the future
expertise and knowledge in Newfoundland
through the contributions of our students,
and Labrador’s world-class industrial natu-
staff and faculty today.
ral resources projects in petroleum devel-
In this issue, I want to draw your atten-
opment, mineral development and mineral
tion to the recently released strategic plan
processing to the benefit of all parties.
for the Faculty of Science – where we want
We are also pleased to share our
to go in the future, and what we need to
discoveries that may increase the long-
do to get there. It’s not my intention to
term health of our population, such as the
repeat the details of the plan here; I
benefits of creatine supplementation in
suggest you read the plan itself at
preventing liver disease associated with a
www.mun.ca/science. It is important to
high fat diet, and how improved air quality
note that the goals of Newfoundland and
tests can prevent occupational allergy and
Labrador will in part be realized through
asthma in seafood processing workers.
the achievements of Memorial University.
As always, we are excited to tell our
Harvard President Drew Faust captured
stories of exploration – using a crater
this sentiment in her June 2010 address to the Royal Irish Academy in which she said, “Prevailing discourse, familiar since at least the 1990s, emphasizes the university’s place as a paramount player in a global system increasingly driven by knowledge, information and ideas. We live in a time when knowledge is ever more vital to our societies and economies, in a world of rapidly circulating capital and people and of revolutionary communication technologies.
in Labrador as a stand-in for the moon,
“As the Faculty of Science charts a course for its future, it is our hope and our expectation that the benefits derived from the plan will extend well beyond the university.”
searching previously inaccessible locations under the ice with an autonomous underwater vehicle, revealing the secrets of the forest as they relate to environmental change or delving into the memories of a child. The Faculty of Science engages in these areas not only because they raise questions for which we hope to find the answers. But because those answers will
Knowledge is replacing other resources as
improve the lives of Newfoundlanders and
the main driver of economic growth, and
Labradorians to which Memorial University
education has increasingly become the
from the plan will extend well beyond the
foundation for individual prosperity and
university.
social mobility.”
has pledged a special obligation.
Announcements of provincial and fed-
As the Faculty of Science charts a
eral government and industry support for
course for its future, it is our hope and
our work, as outlined in this issue, recog-
our expectation that the benefits derived
nize the important role we play in research
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: John Andrews COVER PHOTO: Duncan McIlroy
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
MAKING AN IMPACT ON SPACE EXPLORATION A crater in Labrador stands in for the moon during a rover test drive. Submitted photo THE DISCOVERY of ice in the
to test scenarios using rovers with and
the moon. Geologists like Dr. Sylvester
permanently shadowed craters of
without astronauts. Dr. Paul Sylvester is
help determine what rovers need to
the moon’s polar regions has led to
a professor with Memorial’s Department
be able to do and which tools they
an increased desire for research in
of Earth Sciences and has spent several
should carry.
that area. But with governmental
field seasons in Labrador exploring the
budget cuts calling for fiscally-prudent
site with the Canadian Space Agency and
scenarios using rovers to see how those
space exploration, a unique opportunity
with a number of American and Canadian
scenarios would work. Exploring the
has been created for a 35-million year
university researchers.
Mistastin Crater is expected to inform
old impact crater in central Labrador. The Mistastin Crater has played stand-in for one of the moon’s craters
With its similar rock formations and feeling of isolation, Dr. Sylvester says
In the field, they were able to test
scientists about how to best explore the moon’s craters.
exploring Mistastin is much like exploring
Creatine supplementation prevents accumulation of fat in the liver A PAPER published in the Journal of
intake or obesity. Non-alcoholic fatty
Nutrition suggests that creatine might
liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to Type 2
a high-fat diet and in three short weeks
help prevent the accumulation of excess
diabetes, fibrosis, cirrhosis and liver cancer.
their livers were already showing signs of
fat in the liver. The research was carried
Dr. Brosnan’s research group has reason
In testing the theory, rats were fed
NAFLD. However, that didn’t happen to
out in large part by professors and
to believe that creatine monohydrate
animals that were fed creatine along with
students at Memorial University.
might be effective in preventing the
the high fat diet.
Dr. Sean Brosnan, a professor of
fats from accumulating in the first place.
Dr. Brosnan now hopes to
biochemistry, co-authored the paper. He
Creatine is a naturally occurring substance
continue these studies and determine
says there are certain conditions in which
made in the body from amino acids. It
whether or not creatine, in addition to
the liver can fill up with fat. The principal
can also be obtained from eating meat
preventing NAFLD, might also reverse
ones are associated with excessive alcohol
and fish.
the condition.
3
RESEARCH Preventing occupational allergy and asthma in seafood processing workers RESEARCHERS at Memorial University have developed a novel technique to help prevent occupational allergy and asthma in seafood processing workers. Dr. Anas Abdel Rahman, a former doctoral student of chemistry at Memorial University, and his supervisor, Dr. Bob Helleur, a professor in the Department of Chemistry, developed the technique. It measures airborne, particulate materials using mass spectrometry and can accurately map the distribution of allergy-causing proteins in seafood workplaces.
Exploring the inaccessible
Occupational allergy and asthma to seafood is caused by exposure to proteins that are aerosolized during processing. Until recently, these proteins were unknown and there was no cost-effective way to accurately measure the levels of these proteins in different parts of the processing plants.
Researchers seeded the water in the Marine Institute flume tank with
Drs. Abdel Rahman and Helleur joined
micro-glass spheres coated in a reflective surface. When a laser is flashed
with Dr. John Robinson, a professor in the
in the water it can show the flow of water around the AUV. Submitted photo
Department of Biochemistry at Memorial, and researchers in South Africa, Australia and
MEMORIAL researchers, including
used with larger remotely operated
those in the Department of Physics and
underwater vehicles (ROVs), but those
Physical Oceanography, are working
vehicles must be tethered to a ship.
research were part of a larger research
to develop new technologies that
AUVs are untethered, unmanned
program on occupational allergy and asthma
will allow autonomous underwater
submarines capable of executing a pre-
to snow crab. That program measured
vehicles (AUVs) to be used for resource
programmed mission autonomously —
exposures in Newfoundland and Labrador
exploration in difficult areas.
the vehicle controls itself.
using methods originally developed in
A local underwater acoustic
The initial stages of Dr. Abdel Rahman’s
Quebec. Recently, the resulting mass
imaging technology development
designed a way to attach the SBI
spectrometry technique was transferred back
company, PanGeo Subsea, has
to the AUV and then conducted
to Quebec researchers, helping them do a
partnered with the university to
computational fluid dynamic
much better job of sampling in their own
determine if their instrument, a sub-
simulations to understand what would
facilities than they were previously able to do.
bottom imager (SBI), can be integrated
likely happen when put in water. The
onto Memorial’s Explorer AUV. When
team later put those theories to the
attached to a vehicle, the SBI is pulled
test in the flume tank at the Marine
along the bottom of the ocean just a
Institute.
few metres above the ground. It emits
4
The team of researchers carefully
Quebec to come up with the solution.
Analysis of those tests is still
sound pulses down into the earth
ongoing, but so far it seems to have
to generate a 3-D picture of what’s
confirmed the team’s predictions.
underneath — useful information
Researchers have also conducted field
for those interested in oil and gas
trials which saw the AUV, with its SBI
development.
attachment, deployed in the waters
Dr. Anas Abdel Rahman processing
off Holyrood.
crab and other seafood. Submitted photo
Previously, the SBI has been
RESEARCH
Chemistry-Physics building weathers every storm UP ON THE ROOF of the ChemistryPhysics building, a portable station quietly keeps track of this province’s favourite subject: the weather. Jack Foley is an oceanographic technician with the Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography. He put the first weather station up on the roof in 2004. Faculty members and students use similar equipment in the field as part of their research. Rather than having unused equipment left idle on a shelf, it was decided to try a station on the roof and one has been up there ever since. Every 10 seconds the station collects data from its sensors and that data is averaged over 10 minutes. It is then sent wirelessly to a receiver that passes it on to a computer which displays it graphically on a website. The current station is approximately two years old and is powered by a solar panel and a battery. It measures wind
Jack Foley, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, atop the
speed and direction, temperature,
Chemistry-Physics building at Memorial University. Chris Hammond photo
humidity, dew point, ambient light and rain rate. Graphs show the data from the
almanac also gives data on sun/moon
last five days and a barometer gives an
rise and set times as well as the current
www.physics.mun.ca/chemphysweather.
indication of what is yet to come. An
phase of the moon.
html.
Weather watchers can find the site at
Childhood memories lost in time DR. CAROLE PETERSON has always been
eyewitnesses in court. She realized it was
interested in children’s autobiographical
mainly because they were interviewing
memory skills — their ability to recall and
children about events they didn’t
seen as unreliable witnesses because they
tell stories about themselves.
care about.
couldn’t remember events and couldn’t
of their statements. Dr. Peterson says children had been
By interviewing children ages four to
She decided to test that theory by
differentiate fantasy from reality. But her
13 about their earliest memories, verifying
recruiting children and their parents based
research found that even after five years
them with parents and retesting those
on visits to the local children’s hospital
many children had excellent memories and
memories years later, the psychology
emergency room. By interviewing the
no confusion between fantasy and reality.
professor found that kids were able to
children and adult eyewitnesses to the
She documented that children as young
recall memories from when they were two
events leading to the hospital visit, she
as 2½ could be good witnesses, although
years old, but these memories were often
was able to document how accurate the
they were hard to interview and vulnerable
lost by the return visit.
kids’ stories were. She then followed
to suggestive questioning. Three- to
up with them five years later to see
five-year-olds were surprisingly good
what they recalled and the accuracy
witnesses, and older children
In 1991, Dr. Peterson read an article about how unreliable children were as
5
RESEARCH hydrologic regions and are situated along a vertical line running north to south. Comparison of linked forest ecosystems reveals similarities in terms of species, age of trees, soil types and slope aspect. However, as locations differ significantly in latitude — and therefore climate — a range of more than 5° C in mean annual temperature was recorded across the sites.
Finding answers in the forest
Information about temperature, moisture and other weather related data is continuously monitored and compared across the BELT by Dr. Ziegler and her colleagues. Conditions in the warmer southern sites provide indicators that Submitted photo
identified in the Newfoundland and
affect those areas located further north.
temperatures across the province’s boreal
Labrador Boreal Ecosystem Latitudinal
She is comparing that information against
forest, Dr. Sue Ziegler is hoping to forecast
Transect (NL-BELT). A part of the Canadian
experiments in the lab. By combining the
the future effects of climate change.
Forest Service’s National Network of
two, Dr. Ziegler hopes to identify chemical
Latitudinal Transects, the NL-BELT was
indicators based on the lab work that can
Department of Earth Sciences, and
established as a group of four study sites
be used to make predictions, and then see
the current Canada Research Chair in
in western Newfoundland and southern
if those hypotheses are confirmed in the
Environmental Science, is studying zones
Labrador. All are located within major river
field over time.
The associate professor in the
RSC expert panel releases final report THE ROYAL Society of Canada expert
the discretionary power in fisheries
panel looking into Canada’s marine
management decisions exercised by the
biodiversity has released their final report.
minister of Fisheries and Oceans, and
Dr. Ian Fleming of the Ocean Sciences
the Department of Fisheries and Ocean
Centre was one of 10 experts on the
(DFO) should rapidly increase its rate of
panel that drafted Sustaining Canada’s
statutory and policy implementation.
Marine Biodiversity: Responding to the
The members also recommended
Challenges Posed by Climate Change,
Canada implement statutory renewal
Fisheries, and Aquaculture.
to help fulfil national and international
Dr. Fleming says during their research,
commitments to sustain marine
the group discovered Canada is far
biodiversity; establish national
behind other developed countries in
operational objectives, indicators and
managing the country’s marine resources.
targets; and establish strategic research
Key recommendations for government include making oceans
initiatives to strengthen scientific advice in the area.
stewardship and biodiversity
6
will help predict how climate change will
BY COMPARING zones of varying
conservation a top priority, and to
Dr. Ian Fleming and the other members
resolve regulatory conflicts of interest
of the Royal Society of Canada expert
which prevent the country from fulfilling
panel on Canada’s marine biodiversity
sustainability obligations. The panel
have released their final report.
suggests government should reduce
Chris Hammond photo
STUDENTS
ARCTIC ADVENTURE A TWO-WEEK TRIP to the Arctic has changed Michael Gardiner’s Alanna Flynn
Submitted photo
view of this planet forever. The Torbay resident is in his first year of studies in the Faculty of Science and has yet to decide upon his
Killam Fellowship winner heading south
major. But one thing he does know for certain is that he hopes to focus on environmental issues. That topic interested him so much, he spent his final years of high school working towards being accepted for the Students on Ice program. This award-winning organization offers unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and Arctic. Their mandate is to provide
ALANNA FLYNN is Memorial University’s
students, educators and scientists from around the world with inspiring
latest recipient of a Killam Fellowship, a
educational opportunities at the ends of the Earth and in doing so,
prestigious study-abroad program that
help them foster a new understanding and respect for the planet.
offers Canadian students a chance to study in the United States. The St. John’s resident is currently
Mr. Gardiner, along with seven other Newfoundlanders, joined a group of approximately 120 students from across Canada and around the world, who met in Ottawa. Along with the students were
completing an honours degree in physics
approximately 60 researchers from areas like botany, geology and
with a minor in math.
oceanography, who designed daily workshops for the students.
The Killam Fellowships Program allows undergraduate students from Canada and the United States to participate in a program of bi-national residential exchange. Killam fellows spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the host country. The program, administered by Fulbright Canada, is an integral part of the foundation’s multi-dimensional strategy to foster mutual understanding between Canada and the United States, and is designed to encourage exceptional undergraduate students in the two countries by providing a unique opportunity for academic exchange. As part of her fellowship, Ms. Flynn will get to spend three months at Seattle University in Washington, receive a cash award of U.S. $5,000 and a $500 allowance to offset health insurance costs. She can
Science student
also apply for an $800 mobility grant, which
Michael Gardiner
would allow her to take an educational field
in Labrador.
trip while in the host country.
Submitted photo
7
STUDENTS
Stars in his eyes
Arts and sciences
SOMETIMES the path to graduation is a
specialty in astrophysics from a university
HE MAY HAVE started with finger paints, but
straight shot, but other times a student
with no astrophysics department?
today Ian Wilding’s art is a little more elegant.
meanders a little along the way. After all,
Dr. John Lewis says he was particularly
His preferred canvas is now a computer
it’s not always easy to decide what you
impressed with Mr. Sooley who had little
screen and his chosen medium is Photoshop.
want to do for the rest of your life.
knowledge of the subject, until he took
Though the physics student has always
a course from Dr. Lewis. The student
enjoyed art, he decided to concentrate on
completing a bachelor of science
learned astrophysics so thoroughly
science when it was time to attend university.
(honours) in physics was a little like that
that he ultimately did his thesis on
The creative process continued to be a draw
— by finding out what he didn’t want
modelling star formations and is now
for him however, and he couldn’t resist taking
to do, his true path became clear.
studying astrophysics at a graduate level
it up again after creating advertising posters
Originally, Mr. Sooley began working in
at McMaster University — proof that
for the volunteer organization Rotaract.
experimental physics with lasers, but later
although the path to graduation may
became interested in stellar astrophysics.
take a student down a few side roads,
his spare time on themes that interest him,
the journey is never wasted.
primarily video games and movies. His work
Kevin Sooley’s experience in
So how does one graduate with a
Self-taught, he mainly designs posters in
has even been noticed by Kotaku, a popular website about video games which features news stories, reviews and forums. That isn’t to say he’s giving up physics for Photoshop, but Mr. Wilding does see similarities between his interest in science and his interest in art. He says both come from a place of creative thinking, making it easy to switch between the two.
Below: Physics and Photoshop are all in a Dr. Lilly Walker cuts the ribbon at the opening of the Butterfly Learning Garden. Chris Hammond photo
Evolution of a butterfly garden A SMALL PATCH of land just east of
his Introduction to Entomology class
the Chemistry-Physics building has been
could get up close with nature. Together
trimmed, weeded, mulched, planted
they decided to make service-learning a
and fertilized into a beautiful Butterfly
part of his class requirements and gave
Learning Garden, thanks to a dedicated
students the option of giving their service
team of faculty, staff and students.
to reclaiming the overgrown garden.
The gardeners officially opened
Park, the MUN Botanical Garden, Project
Dr. Lilly Walker unveiled benches
Green, Student Affairs and Services,
dedicated in memory of her husband,
Facilities Management, MUN Students’
Dr. Jim Walker.
Union, the Biology Student Society and
Kim Kelly, formerly of Career
8
Partnering with MUNdays, Pippy
the site in a public ceremony and
with help from faculty, staff, students,
Development and Experiential Learning,
commercial nurseries and private
said the idea to transform the garden
citizens, the group behind the project
was inspired by a conversation with a
were able to hold a number of service
new faculty member in the Department
days involving more than a hundred
of Biology. Dr. Tom Chapman was
volunteers, transforming the little-used
looking for a place on campus where
area into a beautiful garden.
day’s work for Ian Wilding. Submitted photo
STUDENTS
Physics/math major Memorial’s newest Rhodes Scholar CATHERINE Danielle Leonard is Newfoundland and Labrador’s next
a bachelor of science at Memorial. Starting in fall 2012, she will have the
Cove-St. Philips, Ms. Leonard hopes to pursue a doctor of philosophy degree
Rhodes Scholar. The 20-year-old physics
opportunity to study at the University of
— Oxford’s equivalent of a PhD — in
and applied math student has completed
Oxford in England. A resident of Portugal
mathematics. Ms. Leonard has previously been the recipient of two Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Awards and has spent two terms doing research at the University of Waterloo. She has also received the 2011 Canadian Association of Physics Best Student Presentation Award in the Division of Theoretical Physics and the 2010 Dean’s Book Prize for Physics. The Rhodes scholarship is an international-postgraduate award for
Catherine Danielle Leonard Chris Hammond photo
study at the University of Oxford and is widely considered the world’s most prestigious scholarship.
New co-op option links students to industry MEMORIAL University’s graduate program
In co-ordinating this option, the program
wide range of undergraduate backgrounds
in environmental science is offering a new
is working with the Newfoundland and
including science, engineering and
co-operative education work-term option to
Labrador Environmental Industry Association,
environmental studies. The Faculty of
graduate students seeking work experience
a not-for-profit association of businesses that
Science, which administers the program,
in the environmental industry.
promotes growth and development of the
will co-ordinate with Memorial University’s
environmental industry in this province, for a
Division of Co-operative Education to
direct link to potential employers.
place students in work term positions with
Students choosing this option would complete a paid, 14- to 18-week work term relevant to their master of environmental
The School of Graduate Studies offers
industry, the provincial government, the
science degree during the spring semester,
the interdisciplinary environmental science
federal government and non-governmental
with the first students starting their
program, which students enter from a
organizations.
placements in 2012.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) and Memorial’s graduate program in environmental science are working together on a new co-operative education work term. Pictured are the director of co-operative education, Dr. Peter Rans; master of environmental science student, James Fraser; NEIA executive director, Linda Bartlett; and environmental science graduate program chair, Dr. Joe Wroblewski. Chris Hammond photo
9
FACULTY
OUTSTANDING FACULTY MEMBER CELEBRATED BY PRESIDENT AT SPECIAL CEREMONY DR. JIE XIAO of the Department
received the Faculty of Science
of Mathematics and Statistics
Distinguished Scholar Medal in
has been named University
recognition of his outstanding and
Research Professor.
sustained contributions to teaching
The recognition was given during the 2011 President’s Awards where
and research. University Research Professors
Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president
have acquired a designation
and vice-chancellor of Memorial
above the rank of professor. The
University, presented awards for
title is the most prestigious award
extraordinary teaching, research,
the university gives for research,
service and community service.
and goes to faculty who have
Dr. Xiao has been a professor in
demonstrated a consistently high
the Department of Mathematics and
level of scholarship and whose
Statistics at Memorial since 2002. As
research is of a truly international
a theoretical mathematician, he uses
stature. The designation carries
geometrical techniques to study
with it a $4,000 research grant each
the structure of partial differential
year for five years and a reduced
equations describing flows in space
teaching schedule.
and time. Previously, Dr. Xiao has
Dr. Jie Xiao Chris Hammond photo
Montevecchi receives lifetime award for natural history contributions
DR. CHRIS KOZAK, an associate professor with the Department of Chemistry, is the
NATURE Newfoundland
newest Terra Nova Young Innovator. The
and Labrador has honoured
award recognizes, promotes and supports
Dr. Bill Montevecchi for his
innovative new faculty researchers whose work
lifetime contributions to the
impacts positively on their department and has
well-being of the natural history
the potential to be of significance to society at
of this province.
large. For his research, Dr. Kozak will receive
The psychology professor
$50,000 from the Terra Nova development, an
received the Tuck-Walters Award,
offshore oil field operated by Suncor Energy.
the highest award bestowed by
The award will fund his work on developing a
the organization. It is presented
catalyst for making plastics from inexpensive,
to individuals who have made
renewable starting materials.
outstanding and enduring
10
Chemistry researcher named Terra Nova Young Innovator
In particular, he’s hoping to use carbon
Dr. Chris Kozak is the newest Terra Nova Young Innovator.
Submitted photo
Dr. Kozak and his students will work
contributions toward the
dioxide as a starting material for the
towards using renewable sources of starting
advancement of the appreciation
synthesis of biodegradable polycarbonates
material in the creation of polycarbonate
and protection of the natural
that don’t use bisphenol A (BPA) and are
plastic that may also help remove some
history of Newfoundland and
made up of non-toxic materials that also
of the carbon dioxide accumulating in our
Labrador.
degrade into non-toxic materials.
atmosphere.
FACULTY
Memorial professor named to Royal Society of Canada THE ROYAL Society of Canada (RSC)
his research on killer electrons, energetic
mathematical device used for analyzing
has honoured Dr. Danny Summers for his
elementary particles produced during
plasma waves, which are ubiquitous in space.
outstanding contributions to research and
magnetic storms in the Earth’s atmosphere
This device has wide applications in space,
education.
that have the power to shut down or critically
planetary and astrophysical plasmas, and is
damage satellites and spacecraft.
in popular use by scientists worldwide.
Dr. Summers was recently named a Fellow of the RSC’s Academy of Science
As lead investigator, he co-authored a
The RSC is the senior national body of
in recognition of his distinguished work to
paper describing a mechanism for creating
distinguished Canadian scholars, artists and
date. He is currently a University Research
these particles, which is widely cited as
scientists. It is composed of nearly 2,000
Professor with Memorial’s Department of
the leading candidate for explaining this
fellows; men and women who are selected
Mathematics and Statistics.
phenomenon — considered a holy grail of
by their peers for outstanding contributions
space physics.
to the natural and social
An internationally recognized space physicist, Dr. Summers is best known for
Dr. Summers also co-invented a
sciences, and in the arts and humanities.
New co-ordinator provides an introduction to science DR. OSCAR Meruvia Pastor has always had a passion for science. While growing up he might not have always had the materials to properly investigate scientific principles like those associated with electricity, but he didn’t let that stop him — often with exciting and hair-raising results. His primary area of research is computer graphics and interactive graphics systems. He continued that work when he joined the Department of Computer Science at Memorial University in the fall of 2010. Recently, Dr. Meruvia Pastor took on a new role with the Office of the Dean of Science. He is now the co-ordinator for Science 1000, an introduction to science course that provides a liberal science credit via a novel approach where faculty members from a number of science departments share the teaching duties. He is also the instructor of Science 1150/1151, a two-semester course that introduces nonscience students to concepts from the fields of biology, earth sciences,
Students get to engage their curiosity in Dr. Oscar
astronomy, physics and chemistry.
Meruvia Pastor’s science lab.
Chris Hammond photo
Memorial University professors receive high honour FORMER Dean of Science Dr. Robert
Dr. Lucas has served the university and
the Canadian Chemical Institute.
Lucas and Dr. Laurence Thompson,
the Department of Chemistry for more
both from the Department of Chemistry,
than 35 years as a researcher, scholar and
Chemistry in 1970. He has since published
have been accorded the designation
administrator. He was appointed head of
more than 220 papers, which have been
professor emeritus.
the Department of Chemistry in 1997 and
cited in excess of 6,000 times. He was
served as dean of the Faculty of Science
appointed University Research Professor in
have served at least 10 years as a regular
from 1999-2008, the longest tenure at this
1995 and won the prestigious Alcan Award
full-time faculty member at Memorial and
position in Memorial’s history. In 2009 he
from the Canadian Society for Chemistry
must have held the rank of professor upon
was named Honorary Research Professor.
in 2004 — the highest award for inorganic
retirement. The prime criteria for nomination
Dr. Lucas has served as president of the
chemistry awarded by the society. He
are sustained, outstanding scholarly work
National Council of Deans of Science. In
is also a Fellow of the Chemical Institute
and/or service to the university.
1984, he was elected to the Fellowship of
of Canada.
To be eligible for the title, a person must
Dr. Thompson joined the Department of
11
INVESTMENT
MEMORIAL STUDENTS NET $835,000 FOR OCEAN-RELATED RESEARCH Science and engineering students receive awards from RDC in support of their ocean-related research. TWENTY Memorial University students are receiving funding for research related to this
three-year period. The awards range in value from
RDC Photo
and development in areas relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean
province’s growing ocean industries sector,
$7,500 per year for undergraduate
industries including offshore petroleum
through the Research & Development
research to $20,000-$30,000 per year
engineering, ocean engineering,
Corporation (RDC) Ocean Industries
at the graduate level. The students’
fisheries, aquaculture and marine
Student Research Awards competition.
research supervisors are also receiving
science. The students are enrolled
a research allowance to support their
in Memorial’s Faculty of Science
students’ research activities.
and Faculty of Engineering and
In total, nine doctoral, nine master’s and two undergraduate students are receiving $835,000 in support of their research over a
The investment supports research
Applied Science.
$1.5 million federal investment in researchers at Memorial University THREE Faculty of Science researchers at
awards recognize exceptional researchers
Chair in Marine Biotechnology and
Memorial University have received a total
who have been acknowledged by their
Dr. Susan Ziegler, associate professor
of $1.5 million in funding from the federal
peers as having the potential to lead in
in the Department of Earth Sciences,
government’s Canada Research Chairs
their field.
has been renewed as the Canada
(CRC) Program. Drs. Valerie Booth, Matthew Rise and
12
Dr. Valerie Booth, associate professor in the Department of Biochemistry, has been
Research Chair in Environmental Science. Memorial is home to 21 Canada
Susan Ziegler were each renewed as Tier-2
renewed as the Canada Research Chair
Research Chairs in a variety of disciplines,
chairs. Memorial University will receive
in Proteomics. Dr. Matthew Rise, assistant
including archaeology, traditional music/
$100,000 annually for five years for a total
professor, Department of Ocean Sciences,
ethnomusicology, healthy aging and
of $500,000 for each chair. Tier-2 CRC
has been renewed as the Canada Research
ocean technology.
INVESTMENT
Million-dollar investment brings new equipment to bolster mineral research NEWFOUNDLAND and Labrador’s iron
With this new equipment, researchers can
ore industry is about to be seen in a whole
estimate and optimize the iron recovered
new light, thanks to a more than $1-million
in rock during the mining process for iron
infrastructure investment from the
ore, the province’s largest mineral export.
Research & Development Corporation of
Memorial has developed advanced methods
Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) and the
to distinguish between the different minerals
Iron Ore Company of Canada (IOC).
in test samples. The new equipment will
New state-of-the-art mineral analysis
employ these advanced methods to optimize
equipment, known as a field emission gun
iron recovery and feed throughput during
scanning electron microscope with automated
the concentrating process. Providing a
mineral liberation analyses (MLA) software,
better understanding of ore concentrate
will be purchased by Memorial University
characterization can lead to efficiencies in
of Newfoundland. The improved resolution
processing as well as increased product
and imaging capabilities of this instrument
quality and subsequent value of the province’s
will allow researchers to distinguish between
mineral assets. RDC’s $996,178 investment
intergrown minerals on a very fine scale.
leverages an IOC investment of $250,000.
Submitted photo
More than $1.3 million in federal research support NEW FUNDING from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Recipients of NSERC Discovery Grants
has pumped $1,318,771 into research projects at
( * denotes Accelerator Supplement recipient )
Memorial University for the current fiscal year.
• Dr. Ali Aksu, Department of Earth Sciences
The funding falls under NSERC’s 2011 Discovery
• Dr. Valerie Booth, Department of Biochemistry
Grant, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, and
• Dr. Robert Brown, Department of Biochemistry
Research Tools and Instruments programs. Discovery
• Dr. Hermann Brunner, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Grants support ongoing programs of research in
• Dr. Sukhinder Cheema, Department of Biochemistry
every scientific and engineering discipline.
• Dr. Sherri Christian, Department of Biochemistry
At Memorial, 35 researchers from earth sciences,
• Dr. Rodolphe Devillers*, Department of Geography
engineering and applied science, biochemistry,
• Dr. Kurt Gamperl*, Department of Ocean Sciences
mathematics and statistics, geography, ocean
• Dr. Robert Helleur, Department of Chemistry
sciences, medicine, biology, chemistry, computer
• Dr. Ratnajothi Hoover, Department of Biochemistry
science, physics and physical oceanography and
• Dr. Christopher Kozak, Department of Chemistry,
business administration received awards.
• Dr. Chun-Hua Ou, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Of the Faculty of Science researchers who
• Dr. Lourdes Peña Castillo, Department of Computer Science,
received Discovery Grants, two received a
• Dr. Stephen Piercey, Department of Earth Sciences
Discovery Accelerator Supplement. The Accelerator
• Dr. Martin Plumer, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography
Supplements are awarded to top-ranked researchers
• Dr. Danny Summers, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
who show strong potential for becoming
• Dr. Krishnamurthy Vidyasankar, Department of Computer Science
international leaders in their respective fields.
• Dr. Yuming Zhao, Department of Chemistry
Dr. Rodolphe Devillers, Department of Geography, will be designing methods for evaluating
Recipients of NSERC Research Tools and Instruments Grants
and communicating the quality of open-source maps
• Dr. Andrei Igamberdiev, Department of Biology
while Dr. Kurt Gamperl, Ocean Sciences Centre,
• Dr. Andrew Lang, Department of Biology
received support to study environmental influences
• Dr. Fereidoon Shahidi, Department of Biochemistry
on fish heart health.
• Dr. Susan Ziegler, Department of Earth Sciences
13
INVESTMENT
Support for R&D in mining and petroleum THIRTEEN projects in the Faculty of Science have been given a $960,000 boost by the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC). The GeoEXPLORE program is a new directed research program aimed at enhancing geoscience research and development (R&D) capacity, collaboration and innovation. The program targets five areas for R&D investment: research team awards; geoscience research tools and equipment; collaborative research opportunities; post-doctoral researchers; and industry-led R&D, technology development and demonstration. Directed research is an internationally recognized program framework for accelerating R&D in priority areas, and is often characterized as thematic, problem solving, capacity building and collaborative. The funding supports projects being led by researchers from the Department of Earth Sciences, Department of Chemistry and Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography. RDC is investing a total of $964,404.25 Dr. Christopher Loomis, vice-president (research); Minister Susan Sullivan; Glenn Janes,
in the 13 Newfoundland and Labrador-
chief executive officer, RDC; and Dr. Mark Abrahams, dean of science, announce the
based projects; the total project costs
establishment of a new research program aimed at enhancing geoscience R&D
add up to more than $1.7 million.
capacity, collaboration and innovation.
Chris Hammond photo
$1.6 million for health-related research THE RESEARCH & Development
and development (R&D) capacity and
Corporation of Newfoundland and
leverage funding from other sources. In
included Dr. Sherri Christian, Department
Labrador (RDC) invested more than
total, RDC’s contribution of $1,679,557 will
of Biochemistry, $100,000; Dr. Robert
$1.6 million to enhance research capacity
support 14 health-related R&D projects,
Brown, Department of Biochemistry,
at Memorial University’s Faculty of
enabling researchers to leverage an
$100,000; and Dr. Andrew Lang,
Medicine and Faculty of Science.
additional $3.5 million from the Canadian
Department of Biology, $105,000, with an
Institutes of Health Research, the Atlantic
additional $400,000 in leveraged funding.
The funding comes from RDC’s 14
academic programs, which strengthen
Canada Opportunities Agency, the Arthritis
Newfoundland and Labrador’s research
Society and Memorial University.
Recipients from the Faculty of Science
LECTURES
HOW SCIENCE AND ARCHAEOLOGY CAN UNRAVEL THE PAST HAVE YOU ever wondered how archaeologists piece together the puzzles of the past? Uncovering artifacts during an archaeological excavation is just the beginning of the story. Dr. Elisabetta Boaretto works in the field of archaeological science as the director of the Radiocarbon Dating and Cosmogenic Isotopes Lab
Dr. Elisabetta Boaretto’s research
at the Weizmann Institute of Science
allows scientists and archaeologists to
(Israel). She discussed this work at
work together to gain a better under-
a public talk at Memorial titled It’s
standing of ancient materials and the
All In The Timing: Understanding
people who used them.
Submitted photo
the Past Through Radiocarbon and Archaeology. It described
developed novel pre-screening
how scientists and archaeologists
techniques that can be used in
can work together to gain a better
the field during archaeological
understanding of ancient materials
excavations, and has introduced
and the people who used them.
methods to increase the precision
Dr. Boaretto has pioneered an integrative approach to radiocarbon
provide a deeper understanding of
dating in archaeology. Her projects
the archaeology as it relates to the
involve extensive fieldwork collecting
materials found.
the best possible samples for Dr. Elisabetta Boaretto
Submitted photo
and accuracy of radiocarbon dates to
Her methods are now used
radiocarbon dating based on their
in conjunction with archaeological
archaeological contexts. She has
excavations throughout the world.
Photonic crystal phenomena topic of Laird Lecture PHOTONICS today is at the stage that
new physics and reviewed some of the
semiconductor electronics was at the
practical applications including all-optical
time of the invention of the transistor. It
information processing, solar energy
is thought that photonics technology will
harvesting, efficient lighting and intense
lead to a revolution as profound as that
laser light delivery in clinical medicine.
due to microelectronics technology, such as computers and cell phones. At a public lecture at Memorial, Dr.
Dr. Sajeev John is a university professor at the University of Toronto and a Canada Research Chair. He originated the theory
Sajeev John, the 2011 Elizabeth R. Laird
of classical wave localization and in
guest lecturer, discussed the breakthrough
particular, the localization of light in three-
in solid-state classical physics, which led
dimensional strongly scattering dielectrics.
to photonic band gap materials and the
He co-invented the concept of photonic
surprising new phenomena that arise when
band gap materials, providing a systematic
light moves through matter.
route to his original conception of the
During his lecture, he explored the
localization of light.
Dr. Sajeev John Submitted photo
15
LECTURES
Drugs from natural sources topic of 2011 Job Lecture IS THE ERA of discovery of new drugs from natural sources ending? As the Department of Chemistry’s 2011 Job Visiting Professor, Dr. John Vederas examined some of the current problems faced by drug discovery efforts that employ natural sources in his public talk, Drugs from Bugs and Other Natural Sources. With approximately 80 per cent of drugs being either natural products or analogs inspired by them, he says it might be expected that the continued isolation of drugs from living organisms would be the core of pharmaceutical discovery efforts and widely supported by the public. But many large pharmaceutical firms have eliminated such research in the last decade and the public is turning to alternative
Dr. Rolf Heuer gave the Herzberg Memorial Public Lecture at Memorial as part
medicine including herbal therapies and
of the Canadian Association of Physicists 2011 Congress.
Submitted photo
natural mixtures of unknown efficacy. His presentation described exciting possibilities offered by emerging discoveries and new technologies. Dr. Vederas is the Canada Research
The search of a deeper understanding of our universe
Chair in Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry with the Department of
AS PART of the Canadian Association of
instruments, including the Large Hadron
Chemistry at the University of Alberta.
Physicists 2011 Congress, the director
Collider (LHC). Using the LHC, physicists
general of the European Organization
are able to recreate the conditions just
for Nuclear Research (CERN) gave the
after the Big Bang by colliding two beams
Herzberg Memorial Public Lecture at
of subatomic particles called hadrons
Memorial.
at very high energy. In a number of
The Search of a Deeper Understanding of Our Universe at the
around the world have been analyzing
Large Hadron Collider: The World’s
particles that have been created in
Largest Particle Accelerator, was
collisions and observed with special
presented by Dr. Rolf Heuer, who is
detectors.
widely recognized for his leadership in the
During the lecture, Dr. Heuer
development of experimental techniques,
explained some of the reasons for the
and the construction and running of large
excitement surrounding the LHC; it is
subatomic particle detector systems.
expected to yield insights into the origin
CERN, located in Geneva,
16
Dr. John Vederas
Submitted photo
experiments, teams of physicists from
of mass, the nature of dark matter and the
Switzerland, is one of the largest centres
existence of hidden dimensions. His talk
for scientific research and holds some
also explained the first results from early
of the world’s most complex scientific
experiments at the LHC.
ALUMNI
Alumni elect new members to the Board of Regents THE ELECTION of alumni representatives to Memorial’s Board of Regents saw Faculty of Science alumni taking three of the six available positions. Rex Gibbons [BA(Ed.)’67, B.Sc.’67, M.Sc.’69] returns for another term on the board, while Dr. James Hickey (B.Sc.’85, B.Med.Sci.’90, MD’92) and Luke Pike [B.Sc.(Hons.)’07], begin their first term. The election saw the highest voter response to date with 8,622 votes cast. The Board of Regents is responsible for the management, administration and control of the property, revenue, business and affairs of Memorial University. The entire board is composed of 30 members.
Two alumni named to the Order of Canada TWO OF the newest recipients of the Order of Canada have a direct connection to the Faculty
Krista Power (right) receives the Memorial University Horizon Award
of Science.
for exceptional achievement under the age of 35.
John Crowell photo
General Rick Hillier (Ret’d) served as chief of the defence staff, the highest-ranking position in the Canadian Forces, from 2005-2008 and is Memorial University’s sixth chancellor. He received the award of Officer of the Order of Canada,“…
Science alumna receives Horizon Award for extraordinary achievements
for his service to our nation, which has inspired
MORE THAN 250 alumni and friends
Agrifood Canada and adjunct
pride in our Canadian Forces,” as stated by the
gathered at the Sheraton Hotel in
professor at the University of Guelph
Governor General’s office. Mr. Hillier attended
St. John’s to celebrate Memorial
and University of Toronto.
Memorial University from 1972-1975, where he
University’s most accomplished
earned a bachelor of science degree.
alumni at the 30th Annual Alumni
in St. Mary’s Bay, Ms. Power holds
Tribute Awards.
a bachelor of science degree in
Dr. Nigel Rusted received the award of Member of the Order of Canada, “… for his
Among them, Krista Power
Originally from Mount Carmel
biochemistry. Her current research
contributions as a physician and surgeon in
accepted the Horizon Award for
has a strong focus on women’s
Newfoundland and Labrador over the course of
exceptional achievement under
health, in particular breast cancer
seven decades.” Dr. Rusted was in the inaugural
the age of 35 for her ongoing work
and osteoporosis. She’s also looking
class of Memorial University College in 1925 and
as a professor and researcher.
at colon cancer and how food and
received his diploma in arts and sciences
Ms. Power is currently a research
food components modulate colon
in 1927.
scientist with Agriculture and
cancer development.
17
NEWS
Faculty of Science releases strategic plan THE FACULTY of Science has approved
In the plan, the Faculty of Science predicts
a new strategic plan.
graduate student numbers will increase while
The purpose of the plan is to provide
likely occur within the next 10 years. A number of research and teaching
undergraduate numbers will remain stable
goals were outlined in the plan, as well as
guidance to the Faculty of Science for
but become more ethnically diverse. Distance
ways to better engage the faculty in making
the next decade and anticipate and plan
courses are also predicted to grow.
contributions to society and to the success
The faculty’s largest challenges
for research, teaching and service in the ever-changing environment within Memorial
are expected to stem from issues with
of the province. The strategic plan will be reviewed
University and the province
infrastructure, but the faculty is optimistic
annually and revised as necessary. It can be
of Newfoundland and Labrador, said
that with a revitalized provincial economy,
found at www.mun.ca/science/faculty_staff/
Dr. Mark Abrahams, dean of science.
significant new construction projects will
Strategic_Plan.pdf.
People and science meet for a Science Rendezvous
Hey Rosetta! records video at OSC THE MUSICAL group Hey Rosetta! used the seal visitor’s platform at the Ocean Sciences Centre in Logy Bay as a background for a portion of their music video for their song Bandages.
AN EVENT on the St. John’s
The band formed in St. John’s in 2005
campus of Memorial University
and is composed of six members, Tim Baker,
brought people and science
Adam Hogan, Josh Ward, Phil Maloney,
together for a Science
Kinley Dowling and Romesh Thavanathan.
Rendezvous.
Hey Rosetta! released their self-titled debut
The event was part of a
EP in 2005 followed by the full-length Plan
free, Canada-wide, grassroots
Your Escape in 2006, both of which received
festival targeted to people of
positive critical and commercial response. In
all ages. Initiated in Toronto in
The band Hey Rosetta! made the Ocean
2008 the band released Into Your Lungs and in
2008, Science Rendezvous has
Sciences Centre a backdrop for part of
February 2011 they released their latest album
grown to involve more than 2,000
their music video Bandages. Submitted photo
Seeds, which features the song Bandages.
volunteers and leaders in science and technology at 300 events across the country. Events held throughout the year celebrated 2011 as the International Year of Chemistry. During the event, participants
SCIENCE graduates have opportunities
seeking an economic benefit from the work. The pair also recognized the importance
of all ages were invited to do
available to them beyond lab work, teaching
safe and fun hands-on activities
or working for another company. That’s
of the option of students becoming scientific
including making slime, invisible
the message offered by an introduction to
entrepreneurs — choosing to set up their
ink and elephant’s toothpaste.
scientific entrepreneurship workshop held at
own businesses, commercializing their
Memorial University.
research results, staying in the province and
Science Rendezvous events are aimed at developing collaborative
18
Students, faculty encouraged to consider scientific entrepreneurship
The idea for the workshop was formed
growing the economy by doing meaningful work for which they were trained.
partnerships between educational
when Dr. Kris Poduska, physics associate
institutions, libraries, science-
professor, and Jan Hopkins, Faculty of
based associations and outreach
Science grants facilitation officer, identified
graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and
programs, and promoting science
the need for faculty and students to be able
faculty, attended the workshop along with
awareness as well as science
to pitch their science research knowledge
observers from Memorial’s Genesis Centre
culture and literacy.
and ideas to funding agencies and industries
and the provincial government.
Approximately 35 people, mostly science
NEWS
The Faculty of Science honoured students, staff and faculty at the annual Dean’s Awards ceremony. Chris Hammond photo
Science hands out recognition THE FACULTY of Science celebrated its best
University, presented the Lou Visentin Award
to a student in each department offering a
and brightest at the annual Dean’s Awards
and Dr. David Wardlaw, provost and vice-
bachelor of science program.
ceremony. Dr. Mark Abrahams, dean of
president (academic), handed out the Dean
science, presented certificates to those named
of Science Book Prize. The Visentin Award
Bodwell, Department of Chemistry, with
to the Faculty of Science Dean’s List, which
recognizes the outstanding achievements of
the 2011 Distinguished Scholar Medal and
recognizes the top 10 per cent of students in
students named to the Dean’s List for four
presented the 2011 Distinguished Service
the Faculty of Science. Dr. Gary Kachanoski,
consecutive years, while the Book Prize is
Award to Roberta (Robbie) Hicks of the
president and vice-chancellor of Memorial
awarded on the basis of academic excellence
Department of Earth Sciences.
Dr. Abrahams also honoured Dr. Graham
Moved?
Legacy Gifts
HAVE YOU changed cities? Changed email
EVERYBODY wants to make a difference during their life, to leave
address? Would like to get back in touch
behind a sign that they were here. Legacy giving offers us a way to
with Memorial? By updating your info we’ll
make that difference, far beyond the measure of a lifetime.
be able to reach you from time to time and
Legacy giving, often called planned giving, is a type of charitable
share with you our exciting news and have
giving that allows you to make a gift to Memorial in the future without
the opportunity to say thank you for being
substantially affecting your income today. Legacy gifts can include
an alum of Memorial. But we can’t do it
bequests in a will, gifts of life insurance, gifts of RRSP income, and more.
without you. If you are web savvy, simply go to
Legacy giving is an excellent way to thank an organization, such as the Faculty of Science, that has had a positive impact on your life.
www.munalum.ca and click on the link for
It could also honour someone you love, assist future students, or
Update Your Information. If you have any
support an area of learning or research that holds special significance
questions about the collection and use of
for you.
your info, please contact the Office
Many legacy gifts, such as scholarship funds, are of an enduring
of Alumni Affairs and Development at
nature and offer a permanent and meaningful way for you, or a loved
709 864 4354 or munalum@mun.ca.
one to be remembered and have a significant impact on future Science students year after year.
Being green matters WE’D LOVE to be able to send Prescience to
A legacy gift can also be a very practical addition to your financial or estate plan. In many cases, legacy gifts can relieve the tax burden your heirs.
you via email and save the trees we use in
Gifts of any size matter — legacy giving is not only for the wealthy.
printing. To make it happen, we need your
Whatever your specific situation might be, we will help you find a legacy
up-to-date email address. The more email we
giving option that works for you.
can send the less paper we have to use. Go
If you are interested in finding out more about legacy gifts, please
to www.munalum.ca and click on the link for
contact Vic MacNab, development officer, Faculty of Science at
Update Your Information to help us be greener.
709 864 2696 or vmacnab@mun.ca.
19
www.mun.ca/science
033-250-05-12-250