APRIL 2010
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VOLUME 9
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ISSUE EIGHT
Gambling on education
the
Greg Christie, left, has returned to the U of L to pursue his masters in neuroscience
UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
Ron and Joyce Sakamoto throw support behind DAA
Mike Babcock brings energy to Alumni & Friends Dinner
Bob Ellis primed to take over Faculty of Management
Alumnus a major player for 1st Choice Savings
The U of L Legend is published monthly during the academic year by the communications unit within University Advancement. Submissions, comments and story ideas are always welcome. The Legend reserves the right to refuse any submitted advertisement. The Legend can be found online at www.uleth.ca/unews/ legend. Next content deadline is Apr. 23, 2010. A DV E R T I S I N G For ad rates or other information, contact: legend@uleth.ca CREDITS Editor: Trevor Kenney Designer: Stephenie Karsten CO N T R I B U TO R S: Abby Allen, Amanda Berg, Diane Britton, Bob Cooney, Jane Edmundson, Nicole Eva, Jana McFarland, Suzanne McIntosh, Kali McKay, Stacy Seguin, Katherine Wasiak and Richard Westlund
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reg Christie (BFA ’05) knows his way around graphic design programs. It just so happens he also knows his away around neuroscience research labs. While on paper his polar interests seem like an unlikely pair, in practice Christie’s love of art and science melds perfectly in his research that uses neuroimaging to study addictive behaviours. After attending high school in Cochrane, Christie enrolled in the engineering program at the University of Calgary. It didn’t take him long to realize he didn’t want to be an engineer, so Christie transferred to the U of L to explore the artistic side of his science-inclined personality. “I really liked computers and computer graphics, so I thought I would combine the technical with the artistic and study computer arts,” Christie recalls. Christie graduated with a BFA in 2005, and worked as a professional graphic artist for two years before
the lure of the science lab drew him back. “I discovered that art is something I love to do as hobby, not a livelihood,” Christie says. “I’m a scientist at heart. I knew the neuroscience program at U of L was exceptional, and I loved my education here, so it was an easy decision to go back.” As a masters student in the neuroscience program at the U of L, Christie has been studying brain dynamics related to feedback processing for the last couple of years. He conducts tests on subjects to see how their brains react during gaming activity, watching the electrical responses to both positive and negative feedback – what happens when people win, and when they lose. So far, Christie’s research has focused on people that don’t have any issues with gaming. Now, with a good understanding of the brain dynamics of that group under his belt, Christie feels the time is right to turn his focus to a group of
people that epitomize the study – compulsive gamblers. Interestingly, compulsive gambling hasn’t been unanimously accepted as a form of addiction in the scientific community. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association) lists pathological gambling under the category of impulse control. While the manual alludes to the fact that compulsive gamblers have other addictive tendencies, it does not label gambling itself as an outright addiction. Christie isn’t comfortable with the sidestepping. He’s out to show, one way or the other, whether compulsive gamblers are afflicted with a problem beyond their control, and hopefully change public opinion about addiction in the process. CONTINUED ON PG. 3
Patio project a major undertaking BY BOB COONEY It’s a patio renovation unlike anything seen in Lethbridge for more than 40 years, and on a scale much larger than an average homeowner might attempt – but the end result will be worth it, according to University of Lethbridge Facilities spokesperson Brian Sullivan. Beginning in April, demolition and a complete reconstruction will begin on the east patio area of University Hall, as well as the stairs and planters that are located on the east side of University Hall at either end of the building. The project is expected to be complete in September. “This is a specially funded project through Alberta Infrastructure to address long-term safety issues,” says project manager Brian Sullivan.
“The patio, planters and stairs are not connected to the building and have settled over the years, leaving the impression that the University is somehow shifting. It is not. What we’re going to do is replace the 40year old material and create a very nice space that is in keeping with the original intent of Arthur Erickson’s design, but will be a lot safer to walk on, wheelchair accessible and have better outdoor seating, lighting and other features.” This is the first phase of rehabilitation for the popular area on campus, and is budgeted to cost approximately $3.6 million. “Subsequent phases will include the removal and replacement of sidewalks on the west side of the building and replacement of the patio area in the breezeway,” says Sullivan.
“These phases will be completed as funding is received from Alberta Infrastructure.” As with any renovation, it is not without some level of inconvenience. “The project will be noisy and dusty. There will be vibration as the construction and demolition teams jackhammer the concrete off the patio areas and other locations,” says Sullivan. “This will also require a lot of heavy equipment to complete, so there will be vehicle restrictions on the north entrance to University Hall, as well as a number of construction barricades on the north and south sides of the building. Pedestrian access will continue at the north end of University Hall for people who park in lot K.” CONTINUED ON PG. 4