July 2, 2015 Volume 47 | Number 16 Registration Mail No. 4006252
A m e m o r i a l u n i v e r s i t y o f n e w f o u n d l an d p u b l i c a t i o n
‘Truly a privilege’ Latest Rothermere Fellow announced By Jeff Green
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
It only took alumnus Sean Fleming about two seconds to rip open an envelope containing a letter naming him 2015’s Rothermere Fellow. The news, he says, is still sinking in. “I couldn’t contain myself when I read the letter. I was absolutely thrilled,” he said proudly during an interview on the St. John’s campus. “I knew the letter was important because I had to sign for it. It took me about two seconds to tear it open.” Established by Memorial’s first chancellor, Lord Rothermere, the fellowship is one of the most valued and lucrative scholarships offered at the university. See ROTHERMERE on page 5
Arts alumnus Sean Fleming is Memorial’s 2015 Rothermere Fellow.
Explore and advance $6 million to support innovative research related to natural sciences and engineering By Krista Davidson
Faculty members and graduate students from Memorial University are among the recipients of grants and scholarships awarded recently by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Memorial faculty members collected a combined total of $5,304,397 over five years, which will further the discoveries of research in fields related to natural sciences and engineering. Of the 45 awards announced, 24 Discovery Grants were awarded to the Faculty of Science; one each for the School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Arts and the Fisheries
and Marine Institute; 11 within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science; and two for the Faculty of Business Administration. Discovery Grants provide core funding and freedom so Canada’s best researchers can pursue their most promising ideas and breakthrough discoveries. Three Research Tools and Instruments Grants were awarded to the Faculty of Science to pay for new equipment, and one Discovery Accelerator Supplement was awarded to the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, which will provide substantial and timely resources to researchers who have a superior
research program that is highly rated in terms of originality and innovation. A combined total of $696,500 in scholarships over two- and threeyear instalments were awarded to students: two doctoral students from the faculties of Science and Engineering and Applied Science were awarded Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships to pursue doctoral studies. Six students from the Faculty of Science and the School of Pharmacy were awarded scholarships from NSERC’s Postgraduate Scholarships-Doctoral Program, which supports highcalibre students who are engaged
in doctoral programs in the natural sciences or engineering. “On behalf of Memorial University, I congratulate each of the recipients of the grants and scholarships announced today,” said President Gary Kachanoski. “Their hard work and dedication to the advancement of innovative research will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the prosperity and quality of life of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond.” “These grants afford Memorial’s researchers with unique opportunities to engage in novel, potentially groundbreaking research,” said Dr. Richard Marceau, vice-president (research).
See NSERC on page 5
features
3 G a m e c h a n ge r
A Faculty of Arts alumna reacts to being named a Trudeau Foundation scholar – one of Canada’s most lucrative scholarships.
6 Nat i o n a l A b o r i g i n a l Day
Memorial celebrates the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada.
7 V i r t ua l s c r a p b o o k
The First World War section of the newly redesigned N.L. Heritage Website has been enhanced thanks in part to the WW100 Commemoration Fund.
12 K i l l a m s c h o l a r
A science alumnus almost didn’t have the ‘experience of a lifetime’ during a Canadian-American exchange program.
Alumni spotlight or another, to his passion for the stories of the Regiment. In addition, his work with the Newfoundland Bronze Foundry and sculptor Morgan MacDonald has seen his direct involvement in many of N.L.’s largest war memorials. He spoke with Gazette contributor David Penney.
CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO
DP: Why the Royal Newfoundland
Frank Gogos
Frank Gogos (BA’94) has followed the path of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. His new book is a guide for everyone to take that journey. When not writing, his many hats include consultant, photographer and tour guide, all of which connect, in one way
Regiment? Why now? FG: It’s been years in the making. And I’ve always been connected to the Regiment. My work life aside, I’m also a member of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Advisory Council, and the legion. But on a very personal level, I go back to the picture of my greatgrandfather in his uniform, hung in the front room of my grandmother’s house. My grandmother was an incredibly strong woman and I never witnessed her being emotional or upset until I asked her about the picture and what happened during the war. It was the first time I ever saw her cry. That was a defining moment for me. I visited Beaumont Hamel for the first time about 10 years ago and I’ve been on the path of the Regiment — more or less full-time — ever since. DP: Tell me about your new book. FG: The title is A Guide to the Battlefields and Memorials of France, Belgium, and Gallipoli: The Royal
Newfoundland Regiment in the Great War. My intention was really to create a roadmap of sorts with this book and it’s a true visual guidebook with more than 450 photographs and maps. When you visit a site like Beaumont Hamel, along with many of the other battlefields and memorials, you really have no idea what you’re in for. It’s just incredibly moving and powerful. I wish every person from this province could experience that, but I know it’s not possible. So if this book can help place you there, or give some appreciation of the weight of that experience, I’ve achieved what I set out to do.
DP: What story about the Royal Newfoundland Regiment do most people not know – but should? FG: Without a doubt, the Battle of Cambrai. If you think about how we recognize what the Canadians did at Vimy Ridge, we should honour the Regiment’s accomplishments at Cambrai in the same way. The contribution that the Regiment made in taking back the town of Masnières in Northern France and then defending the position is the reason why King George V honoured them with the prefix “Royal.” The fact that no other British regiment
was recognized this way during the First World War is very significant. The Regiment is remembered for their sacrifice and the devastating losses at Beaumont Hamel, and of course it should be. But I think we can do a better job of also recognizing the Regiment as an elite fighting force that had a major impact.
DP: Memorial has established the WW100 program to mark the centenary of the First World War. Why are commemorations like these important? FG: I think these types of initiatives are extremely important, but a strong focus needs to be on young people. They have to be included and prioritized in this type of programming. If the younger generations lose sight of what happened, the human cost and what it all means, then the memories will fade away. We could be doing so much more in our schools in this province — especially learning opportunities about the Regiment. I’ve witnessed our young people and students visiting the memorials and battlefields of Europe many times. It’s profound.
EDITOR Mandy Cook GRAPHICS Mike Mouland REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its most significant jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial to ask for research help. With hundreds of communitysuggested opportunities to choose from, your next project is just a click away. Here’s one...
The opportunit y
Integrated community sustainability plans (ICSPs) are long-term strategic plans that provide direction for municipalities to reach sustainability objectives for their environment, culture, society, economy and governance. The completion of an ICSP is one of the requirements of the Gas Tax Agreement, signed by the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada, which shares gas tax funds with municipalities. The communities of Bauline, Flatrock and Pouch Cove decided to work together and take a regional approach to the creation of their ICSP. They struck an ICSP Committee with representation from the three communities, including councillors, town staff and citizens. The committee meets monthly to move forward the plan’s vision and goals, and is engaged with the local town councils and communities.
Barbara Tilley photo
By Amy Jones Special to the gazette
The ICSP Committee at the signing ceremony for the Bauline Wetlands Stewardship Agreement at Duck Pond, Bauline.
Courtenay Alcock Laura Barron Jennifer Batten Melanie Callahan Rebecca Cohoe Nora Daly Krista Davidson Kelly Foss Elizabeth Furey Leslie Earle Pamela Gill Jeff Green Janet Harron Jill Hunt
Jackey Locke Virginia Middleton Cathy Newhook Michelle Osmond Lisa Pendergast David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Melissa Watton Meaghan Whelan Susan White Heidi Wicks Laura Woodford Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey
CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Kelly Hickey PHOTOGRAPHY Chris Hammond
“A main goal of our plan is to maintain environmental sustainability for current residents and future generations, while preserving the area’s ecosystems and natural resources,” said Ken Pittman, citizen representative, Pouch Cove. “One of the actions to move this goal forward is to complete an inventory of natural assets and their present conditions, such as waterways, coastlines, woodlands, marshes, meadows and wildlife. We also want to identify how people use, value and perceive these assets, and the steps needed to maintain and enhance them. For example, where do people enjoy hunting, fishing, swimming, or other activities, and how do we ensure that they can continue to do so?” The projecT
Mr. Pittman and the ICSP Committee would like a Memorial researcher to work with them to create the natural
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asset inventory. They see this as being a community-engaged project, which would incorporate the visions and values of community members through community mapping and other exercises. “We have the connections and community knowledge to make this happen, while Memorial could help us with their research expertise,” said Mr. Pittman. “Our communities mostly consist of natural habitat that is not built up with development. The natural environment is, and has always been, an important part of our lives, and its protection needs our attention. With the onslaught of urban sprawl and rapid development, keeping our rural character is more important than ever.” Interested in learning more about this project? The Harris Centre’s co-ordinator of knowledge mobilization would be happy to tell you more. Call Amy Jones at 709-864-6115 or email at amy.tucker@mun.ca.
ADVERTISING Mandy Cook T. 709 864 2142 mandyc@mun.ca Next gazette deadline July 15 for July 22 publication. The gazette is published 17 times annually by the Division of Marketing and Communications at Memorial University. Material in the gazette may be reprinted or broadcast without permission, excepting materials for which the gazette does not hold exclusive copyright. gazette, Room A-1024 Memorial University of Newfoundland St. John’s, NL A1C 5S7 T. 709 864 2142 F. 709 864 8699 mandyc@mun.ca ISSN 0228-88 77 With the exception of advertisements from Memorial University, ads carried in the gazette do not imply recommendation by the university for the service or product.
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Alumna named Trudeau scholar Three-year doctoral scholarship includes $60,000 annual package For Erin Aylward, it’s a “game changer.” That’s the Faculty of Arts alumna’s reaction to being named a newly minted Trudeau Foundation Scholar. “I was elated when I got the call and could feel the adrenaline just coursing through my body,” she said. Ms. Aylward is one of 16 new scholars named by the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. The honour is one of Canada’s most lucrative scholarships. The three-year doctoral scholarship includes a $60,000 annual package, as well as a $20,000 travel and networking allowance. It all adds up to an opportunity of a lifetime, says Ms. Aylward, who grew up in Mount Pearl and graduated from Memorial in 2010 with a bachelor of arts honours degree with a double major in political science (honours) and Spanish. She is currently completing a PhD in political science and gender and women’s studies at the University of Toronto. “This scholarship is a game changer because of the possibilities it creates to do really good, rigorous research,” she said. “My research looks at lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and intersex (LGBTI) advocacy movements globally and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Over the past decade, we’ve seen inspiring gains as well as some frightening push-back against LGBTI rights in different contexts around the world and I’m interested in better understanding which factors influence local and global advocacy movements’ likelihood of successfully advancing LGBTI rights.
“My research will be focused in sub-Saharan Africa, and will probably involve drawing on a few country case studies,” she added. “I’ll be in Zimbabwe for July to do some preliminary work in collaboration with an LGBTI organization based in Bulawayo.” As a Trudeau Scholar, Ms. Aylward will collaborate with global mentors and activists as well as travel to Africa to complete extensive research. Ultimately, she says, she would like to better understand and influence policies close to her heart. “It’s incredible to have this kind of support to help ensure that my research does actually have impact outside of academia,” she said.
Solid Memorial education Profoundly proud of her Memorial roots, Ms. Aylward volunteered with the United Nations Populations Fund, Oxfam Canada and several Latin American women’s rights organizations while completing her undergraduate studies. She also founded a nongovernmental organization, the Global Citizenship Initiative. In 2012 she created, funded and filled the position of gender advisor to Engineers Without Borders Canada. Based in Ghana, Ms. Aylward supported the organization in developing gender-sensitive policies and programming across four programs. She has worked with Oxfam Canada hosting a global delegation of LGBTI activists from Cuba, Vietnam, Pakistan and Zimbabwe during WorldPride in Toronto, Ont. Ms. Aylward credits the Faculty of Arts to helping her succeed
Submitted PHOTO
By Jeff Green
Arts alumna Erin Aylward has been named a 2015 Trudeau Scholar. as a student and researcher. “Memorial University was absolutely critical to my success story in so many ways,” she said. “Memorial was also pivotal to my success because it provided me with so many opportunities to develop as a leader, a feminist and as a social justice advocate. The MUN Oxfam campus club helped build my understanding and analysis of social justice issues, and provided
me with so many leadership opportunities to take action.” Ms. Aylward says she is eager to continue her doctoral research in Africa. Named as a living memorial to Canada’s former prime minister, The Trudeau Foundation has awarded 187 scholarships since 2003. More information about the foundation and its scholars is can be found at www.trudeaufoundation.ca/en.
Director appointed in Student Life
Dr. Jennifer Massey is the new director of Student Life at Memorial. By Laura Barron
The search committee for director of Student Life has completed its work and has recommended Dr. Jennifer Massey for this position. President Gary Kachanoski has accepted the
recommendation and has approved the appointment. Dr. Jennifer Massey comes to Memorial from Baylor University in Texas, U.S. At Baylor, Dr. Massey served as assistant dean, Student Learning and Engagement, and
as an adjunct professor. Prior to her role at Baylor, Dr. Massey was director, research and assessment, Graduate Student Life and Career Services, at Queen’s University. Along with her studies in philosophy and urban political geography, Dr. Massey has worked in various academic and administrative roles in research, planning and student affairs, and in support of undergraduate and graduate students, including at the University of Windsor. She is originally from the U.K. and earned a BA (hons.) from Kings College London; a MA from the University of Illinois; and a PhD from Queen’s University. Dr. Massey will report to Dr. Cecilia Reynolds, deputy provost (students) and associate vice-president (academic) undergraduate studies. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Massey to this important role within the newly realigned portfolio of the Deputy Provost (Students),” said Dr. Reynolds. “She brings expertise and extensive experience working with both undergraduate and graduate students in a number of related
areas. In particular, in new student experiences/orientation, Aboriginal awareness programs, emergency preparedness, living/learning teams and student civic engagement.” The overarching goal of the portfolio realignment is to improve student success inside and outside the classroom. Administrative structures and functionalities in the Deputy Provost (Students) portfolio are being realigned in order to enhance student supports, optimize the use of existing resources and create synergies in the delivery of supports. Student Life integrates a number of areas, including Career Development and Experiential Learning, Answers and leadership programs, International Student Advising, the Aboriginal Resource Office, the Glenn Roy Blundon Centre for Students with Disabilities and the Student Support and Crisis Management unit. Dr. Massey will begin her appointment as director, Student Life as of Sept. 1, 2015. Karen Kennedy has been serving as interim director of Student Life since December 2014.
Future of nature
business awards
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Philosopher aims to ‘radically’ change way environmental issues conceived and discussed
Dr. Sean McGrath is convening The Future of Nature Sept. 10-13. By Janet Harron
FOR Dr. Sean McGrath, Pope Francis’s recent comments on climate change couldn’t have come at a better time. The philosophy professor is convening The Future of Nature, a transdisciplinary event to be held at Memorial’s Grenfell Campus and Bonne Bay Marine Station in Norris Point, Sept. 10-13. Delegates from science, industry and the arts, including Memorial graduate students and a contingent of local high school students, will discuss climate change, species extinction, the future of wilderness, resource development and the role of rural communities in sustainable living, with a focus on Newfoundland and Labrador but a view to the wider global ecological crisis. “Our goal is to bring together some of the best minds working in environmental research in the province with a select group of international researchers and representatives from government, industry and the creative arts to stage an ecological intervention on the west coast of Newfoundland,” Dr. McGrath said. Confirmed guests include Memorial ecologist Dr. Bill Montevecci, writer Lisa Moore, artist Gerry Squires, U.K. philosopher Dr. Iain Hamilton Grant, German environmental scientist Dr.
Jens Soentgen, actor Greg Malone and theology professor Dr. Heather Eaton of St. Paul University who will join the local community in exploring together the question of the future of nature. The future of wilderness and rural communities and the way resources are to be developed on the island of Newfoundland will occupy centre stage during the four-day event. The presence of international researchers will help show how the problems peculiar to Newfoundland and Labrador are also representative of global issues. According to Dr. McGrath, the delegates will become witnesses to the state of the environment on the island, hearing the testimony of the rural and urban communities and experiencing first-hand the unique human and natural landscape of the west coast of Newfoundland, including Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO heritage site which is under threat from potential fracking in the vicinity. Dr. McGrath maintains that addressing the global environmental crisis at the local level is of critical importance. “The typical presentation of the environmental crisis in the media creates apathy-inducing despair — the size of the problem exceeds the capacity of any ordinary human response. The resulting conundrum is a disincentive
to small-scale environmental action,” he said. “If, as many specialists have argued, only a shift in values can save us, reflection and action at the local level has never been more needed.” The event will be open to the public and will include several avenues for deliberative dialogue with a prominent role given to the performing and visual arts. A group exhibition of Newfoundland and Labrador artists is planned with works by Will Gill, Peter Wilkins, Gerry Squires and others. Dance artists Sarah Joy Stoker and Candice Pike will delve into the collective experience of ecological loss on Sept. 11 in the Grenfell Theatre. This will be followed by Duo Concertante’s performance of Dr. Andrew Staniland’s dramaticmusical piece, The Ocean is Full of its Own Collapse, based on the recounting of the sinking of the Ocean Ranger in Lisa Moore’s novel February. Dr. McGrath believes that art plays a crucial role in expressing the anxiety and hope associated with the ecological crisis and has the potential to speak to everyone. “We are aiming at nothing less than radically changing the way environmental issues are conceived and discussed in Newfoundland and Labrador, in Canada and in the world.” Information sessions will be held at the Grenfell Campus on July 8 and at the Bonne Bay Marine Station on July 9. All those interested should contact Dr. McGrath (sjosephmcgrath@gmail. com) or Ken Carter in the Grenfell Office of Engagement (709-637-6265). The Future of Nature is a pilot project of For a New Earth, which is an international research initiative funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. For a New Earth creates programs and interventions that inform, inspire and transform the way we think and act in our natural and built environments. The organization brings together intellectual, cultural and artistic leaders to promote a dialogue that envisions new alternatives for living together on a changing planet. Dr. McGrath hopes to partner with other hubs around the world such as the UN initiative, Future Earth. For more information, see www.isnaturedead.org.
Memorial’s business faculty handed out $200,000 in awards, bursaries and scholarships to undergraduate and graduate students at its annual Awards & Scholarships ceremony on June 5. This year 131 students received financial support from a variety of donors. The reception recognized both successful students as well as those who donate to or have established scholarships. Awards, bursaries and scholarships recognize deserving students for academic success and community involvement.
papers & presentations Dr. Sudhir B. Abhyankar, associate professor, chemistry and environmental science, Grenfell campus, presented two papers, titled Reducing and Eliminating Toxic Waste in Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Laboratories, and Student-designed Questions in General Chemistry: Enriching the Learning Experience, at the 42nd College Chemistry Canada (C3) conference held in Halifax, N.S., June 4-6.
notable David Pike, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, has been named to the executive committee for the Canadian Mathematical Society in the role of vicepresident (Atlantic).
obituaries DOUG CARTWRIGHT Doug Cartwright, a staff member at the Marine Institute, passed away June 12, 2015. He was 50.
Open call for feedback on Memorial University’s Innovation Strategy By Krista Davidson
Dr. Richard Marceau, vicepresident (research), has released a draft of Memorial’s new Innovation Strategy for feedback from all Memorial university campuses and external stakeholders. The deadline to provide feedback during the consultation phase is Wednesday, July 22, at 5 p.m. The Innovation Strategy is intended to guide Memorial in creating what it hopes to be one of the most progressive innovation environments in Canada. It is supported by Memorial’s vision to “be one of the most distinguished public universities in Canada and beyond, and … fulfill its special obligation to the
people of Newfoundland and Labrador.” The development of the Innovation Strategy began in September 2014, and was initiated by Dr. Marceau. Rick Meaney, director, Department of Technical Services, was appointed to manage the development of the plan in partnership with Dr. Ray Gosine, vice-president (research) pro tempore from October 2014 to March 2015. The process aimed to examine Memorial’s performance on innovation-related outcomes and to develop a supporting strategy. The first step in the development of the Innovation Strategy was to review best practices and policies from select Canadian universities.
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Following this, extensive consultations were undertaken with a wide range of stakeholders, including more than 100 industry associations, government agencies and industrial partners. Input was also requested from all faculties, schools and campuses of Memorial. During consultations, stakeholders clearly articulated a desire for Memorial to increase its contributions towards advancing the economy of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador. To accomplish this, a draft document has been prepared recommending that Memorial implement a detailed action plan aiming to foster a culture of innovation; revise and implement its policies in support of innovation;
establish responsive business structures and processes, and ensure adequate oversight and guidance of its innovation structures and processes. Launch of the consultation phase has begun. The document, presently in draft form, will be available at www.mun.ca/research/about/ Memorials_Innovation_Strategy.pdf for all comments and suggestions. Feedback will be accepted in confidence until Wednesday, July 22, via email vp.research@mun.ca, or internal mail, Office of the Vice-President (Research), A-2021, St. John’s campus.
Frameworks in action
Memorial’s frameworks in action
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Uncovering surprising community connections By Rebecca Cohoe
Sometimes it isn’t such a bad thing to eat your words. When the executive director of a local not-for-profit organization attended a recent networking event hosted by Memorial’s Career Development and Experiential Learning (CDEL), she was eager to find researchers to work with, but wasn’t particularly optimistic. “She said ‘I hope I don’t end up talking to a scientist, because I can’t see what we’d be able to work on together,’” recalled Lisa Russell, manager, experiential learning, CDEL, with a smile. “Little did she know that
Dennis Flynn photo
The three overarching frameworks guiding Memorial’s future direction — the Research Framework, the Teaching and Learning Framework and the Public Engagement Framework — are the result of several years of consultations with the university community and the people and organizations of Newfoundland and Labrador. This regular feature will help showcase the frameworks in action by sharing projects and highlighting the successes that are bringing them to life.
she’d meet Dr. Erika Merschrod from Chemistry. They realized there are actually a number of opportunities where they could collaborate.” It isn’t just community groups who sometimes find it difficult to connect with possible Memorial collaborators. One faculty member told Ms. Russell she was only interested in meeting one of the participating community groups, assuming her work wouldn’t be relevant to any of the others. To her amazement, however, the faculty member found solid, interesting potential linkages with three of the groups she met with and is currently working with them on possible communityengaged learning opportunities. The experience illustrates a common challenge in creating public engagement partnerships, especially those related to community-engaged learning.
Many connections were made between Memorial faculty and public partners at a recent CDEL-hosted event to encourage community-engaged learning. Community-engaged learning takes students out of the university to engage in service activities with a diversity of groups. The key element is reflection, the process of thinking and critically evaluating an experience. It’s about promoting transformative change on the inside by engaging in service with others. “Identifying a good partner, and imagining the benefits that the partnership could have for students and the public partners alike can be difficult,” said Ms. Russell. “We know that Memorial is a huge resource for this province, and there’s also this incredible wealth of expertise outside of the university; however, bringing them together isn’t always easy.” Despite the challenges, Ms. Russell believes the benefits to students,
community groups, and even faculty members are significant. “By providing students with the opportunity to connect with experienced and passionate public partners, their learning experience is made that much more tangible,” Ms. Russell said. “They get to see that what they are studying exists beyond the classroom, and has real and sometimes surprising connections to the “real world.” It really breaks down the barriers that can exist between educational institutions and the people and communities they serve.” Looking for information about funding sources for public engagement, such as the one that funded CDEL’s event? Please see www.mun.ca/publicengagement for current opportunities.
from St. John’s, N.L., graduated from the Faculty of Arts in 2012 with an honours degree in political science. He also holds a master’s degree from the University of Calgary. He will pursue a PhD in politics and international studies at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom. He’ll begin his doctoral research this fall and focus his research on international relations and the concept of state responsibility. “My thesis will examine why, and under which conditions, we ought to hold whole countries responsible for the actions of their officials,” he explained. “My primary interest is
in collective responsibility — the practice of holding groups responsible for the actions of individuals.” Mr. Fleming admits he’s still riding high after learning of his fellowship. He says his family and friends are thrilled but are “only slightly less excited,” than he is. “The Rothermere Fellowship is a great honour,” he said with a smile. “It is truly a privilege to have the opportunity to represent my home province and home university in the United Kingdom. It is also wonderful to be able to focus on my research without financial worries.” An avid hiker, amateur vegetable
gardener and aspiring international relations scholar, Mr. Fleming says he credits Memorial for helping prepare him for the next chapter of his academic career. “I’d especially like to thank Alex Marland and Luke Ashworth of the Department of Political Science,” he noted. “They did so much more than teach me; they inspired me, guided me, and gave me the best of opportunities. I certainly would not be in such a favourable position without them. “I will forever be grateful to Memorial,” Mr. Fleming added. “And I will use my education to give back, however I can.”
will go a long way in helping our students develop expertise in their chosen fields and in enhancing the research reputation of Memorial.” The announcement was made in Oshawa, Ont., at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology by Ed Holder, minister of State (Science and Technology). The program reflects a $340-million investment in more than 3,800 researchers
at more than 70 universities. The awards announced comprise the 2015 competition results for NSERC’s Discovery Grants, Discovery Accelerator Supplements, Discovery Development Grants, Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships, Postgraduate Scholarships, Post-doctoral Scholarships and Research Tools and Instruments Grants.
The Discovery Grants Program assists in promoting and maintaining a diversified base of high-quality research capability in the natural sciences and engineering in Canadian universities, fostering research excellence and providing a stimulating environment for research training. See today.mun.ca/news.php?id=9585 for a full list of recipients.
Cont’d from ROTHERMERE on page 1
Currently valued at roughly £16,000 (about $30,000), plus university fees and certain other expenses such as return air travel to the United Kingdom, the fellowship assists students who have completed a bachelor’s degree at Memorial, and have completed or are about to complete a master’s degree either at Memorial or another university in North America, who want to continue their studies at a university of their choice in the United Kingdom. One award is made each year by the Rothermere Fellowships Trust on the recommendation of the president of Memorial. Mr. Fleming, who is originally
Cont’d from NSERC on page 1
“They also recognize the wealth of research expertise present at Memorial and will contribute to exploring new avenues in support of industry and society as a whole in Newfoundland and Labrador.” “These scholarships recognize the future potential of our talented graduate students,” said Dr. Faye Murrin, dean pro tempore, School of Graduate Studies. “This support
Celebrating culture, sharing dark history
From left, Hayward and Nora Ford, both survivors of residential schools in Labrador. By Jennifer Batten
Faculty, staff and students gathered in the University Centre on Memorial’s St. John’s campus on June 19 to mark National Aboriginal Day, a special day to celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding achievements of Aboriginal Peoples in Canada. The official day happens nationally on June 21 – summer solstice, which this year fell on a Sunday. The day was chosen by the Government of Canada in co-operation with Aboriginal organizations because of its significance to many Aboriginal communities as the longest day of the year. Events at Memorial this year were
planned and led by staff and student volunteers of the Aboriginal Resource Office. Participants enjoyed a brunch of moose sausage and toutons, and had the opportunity to make traditional sealskin crafts. Later in the day, there was an overview and offering of the smudge, a symbolic ritual involving the burning of traditional medicines to rid the body of negative energy, cleansing the mind, body and spirit. The day’s events concluded with a moving talk by Nora Ford, a residential school survivor from Labrador, and a screening of the film We Were Children, which depicts the history of the residential school system in Canada. During her talk, Ms. Ford spoke of her
experiences as a child in a residential school and noted how critically important it is to share the stories of this “dark spot in Canadian history.” “What really happened in these institutions needs to be recognized, documented and included in the teachings in and about Aboriginal schooling in Labrador, in Canada’s history books and in all relevant educational facilities and faculties,” she said. “I have a story to tell,” she continued. “There was a loss of language, culture and a way of life, and also a loss of family values. Because of this, I feel I have to tell people what was done, what I lived through. When I was taken away at the age of six my mother was told by the authorities – the clergy and the doctors at the time – that she should let me go so that I would get a better education, so that I would learn more, see more… so this is what she did. She had no idea what was going on inside those walls.” Ms. Ford briefly touched on the recent release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) summary report, and closed by quoting the following verse from the Bible: “Let us love, not in words or speech, but in truth and action.” This year’s National Aboriginal Day events came on the heels of the report’s release. The significant role of education and post-secondary institutions in reconciliation was highlighted in several recommendations from the report, including a focus on increased access to post-secondary education for Aboriginal youth and the need for courses and programming on Aboriginal issues, culture and language. Catharyn Andersen, special advisor to the president on Aboriginal affairs, calls the focus on the role of education in in the summary report an opportunity for Memorial to play a
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Memorial celebrates heritage, cultures and achievements of Aboriginal Peoples
Louisa Shutts, a first-year linguistics student from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, making sealskin crafts. pivotal role in facilitating the dialogue of this important aspect of Canadian history. She noted that many of the issues named in the TRC report are also reflected in the recommendations in Memorial’s task force report. “The TRC report calls for dialogue between and among all Canadians, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal,” she said. “With our special obligation to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and as the only university in the province, I think we have a vital role to play and we are certainly in a position to facilitate that dialogue and much more.”
‘Compassionate and understanding’
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Love of international development leads to national humanitarian award for nursing professor
Dr. Donna Moralejo met with villagers in rural Burkina Faso to talk about preventing childhood deaths from diseases such as polio, measles and yellow fever. By Marcia Porter
Looking over her resumé from more than a decade of international development work, Dr. Donna Moralejo, associate dean (graduate programs), School of Nursing, says it was likely her interest in
travel to remote destinations that led to her first volunteer project. In 2002 she travelled to Haiti for three-and-a-half months with the World Health Organization’s Stop Transmission of Polio Project. Through networking and collaborations with other key partners,
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one project led naturally to another. Thirteen years later, Dr. Moralejo received, in front of a large and admiring group of her peers, the 2015 Moira Walker Memorial Award for International Service from Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Canada. “It’s an honour to receive it, especially as I had met Moira Walker at a number of conferences over the years,” she said. A nurse and past president of IPAC Canada, Moira Walker played a key role in international infection prevention through her involvement with the International Federation of Infection Control. Dr. Moralejo was nominated by her colleagues from the Newfoundland and Labrador chapter of IPAC and was named by IPAC Canada as this year’s award recipient for her many community-based projects in countries such as Haiti, Ethiopia, Indonesia and Burkina Faso. “It’s so interesting to see how other people live, work, and cope,” said Dr. Moralejo, who draws on her skills in nursing, epidemiology, and microbiology to help strengthen disease surveillance systems and improve
immunization by helping build capacity in health-care workers and programs. “It gives you such a different perspective on resilience. Many people don’t have basic necessities like soap and water and yet they are cheerful and work very hard at being able to move things forward.” Dr. Moralejo wishes that more people from developed counties could see how others live. “I think we would become more compassionate and understanding.” Her most memorable project was in Ethiopia in 2008-09, Dr. Moralejo says. She worked with health sciences students in nursing, medicine and pharmacy to help develop their knowledge and skills related to immunization programs, part of which included training of communitybased health extension workers. “You could really see the building of the health extension worker roles, and development of interpersonal skills among the students, who also ran clinics and immunized a lot of children,” she said. “It’s just amazing how a few people can help others to do good things.”
Courtesy of The Rooms Provincial Archives Division
Victory Parade, Job Street, St. John’s, 1919. Women and children on float dressed as angels. Commemorations gallery, N.L. Heritage website.
Virtual scrapbook
Royal Newfoundland Regiment handler of Sable Chief, Newfoundland dog and Regimental mascot. Sable Chief was killed in 1918. Portraits gallery, N.L. Heritage website. By Nora Daly
Archival film footage, original videos, hundreds of searchable, enlarged photos in eight image galleries, and extensively researched and re-written articles are just some of the features of the newly designed Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage website. Partially funded by Memorial’s WW100 Commemoration Fund, the Newfoundland and Labrador in the First World War section of the website has been enhanced with seven original videos. Among them is an 11-minute video on the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel. Posted in both French and English, the videos feature the Newfoundland Regiment before, during and after Beaumont-Hamel, Women on the Home Front, and Frances
Cluett, who joined the Voluntary Aid Division and for whom one of the halls of Memorial’s newest student residence is named. Work is underway to develop another eight videos. “Funding from Memorial’s Living Memorial Commemorative Fund played a pivotal role in the upgrading of the First World War section of the website,” said Prof. James Feehan. “Articles have been revised and expanded upon, and new images added. Partnering with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, we have produced 15 First World War videos. Those videos, which were researched and produced by Jenny Higgins, encompass both the military and home fronts. In addition to all this new and fascinating content,
various technical upgrades, overseen by Vince Walsh, have greatly improved accessibility. The site, for example, can now be viewed on all mobile devices.” The First World War pages include sections on the Royal Naval Reserve, the Women’s Patriotic Association, Commemorations, the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Voluntary Aid Division, the Forestry Corps, a virtual scrapbook and portraits — individual photos of members of the Newfoundland Regiment. “I am particularly pleased that the revamped Newfoundland and Labrador in the First World War section has been produced now,” Prof. Feehan said. “With the centenary of the First World War and many remembrance events taking place across the province, it is timely and its presentation style makes
it accessible to a wide audience.” The redeveloped site will be of interest to students, teachers, professors and anyone with a general interest in Newfoundland and Labrador’s role in the First World War. Other funding for the project was provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the provincial Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. It complements and expands on the province’s curriculum guide for Grade 8 social studies. All parts of the Memorial community are welcome to be part of First World War commemorations by undertaking relevant projects which may be eligible for support through the WW100 Commemoration Fund. For more information, please visit www.mun.ca/WW100.
Courtesy of Archives and Special Collections, QEII Library
Courtesy of The Rooms Provincial Archives Division
New First World War content released on Newfoundland and Labrador Heritage website
Bringing up the Dinners, 1916. Identified as Ruby (left) and Georgie (right). From the Ruby Ayre Album. Voluntary Aid Detachment gallery, N.L. Heritage website.
By Marcia Porter
Memorial University’s bachelor of nursing (BN) (collaborative) program has once again achieved the gold standard in nursing education, a full seven-year accreditation from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN). Memorial’s undergraduate nursing program, delivered at three sites in the province — Memorial University of Newfoundland’s School of Nursing, the Centre for Nursing Studies and the Western Regional School of Nursing — has earned top marks from CASN, the governing organization in Canada for nursing education. “I congratulate faculty, students and staff at each of the nursing sites,” said President Gary Kachanoski. “It’s a tremendous accomplishment to receive a full seven-year accreditation for the third consecutive time. Nursing students and alumni can feel very proud of their education and indeed their affiliation with Memorial University.” Each of the three sites that offer the BN (collaborative) program
was assessed separately in February 2015, with all three awarded the seven-year accreditation. Accreditation is a rigorous process that many professional schools undergo periodically to ensure they are delivering a relevant curriculum and have clear resources and processes in place to prepare students for their professional roles. “We are just so pleased that CASN recognized the high quality of nursing education we offer at Memorial’s School of Nursing,” said Dr. Alice Gaudine, dean, School of Nursing. “To receive a full seven-year accreditation, and with no recommendations, is exceptional. The credit goes to our knowledgeable and skilled faculty, and to our dedicated and committed staff, who have developed an intensive and outstanding program. Our program excellence is also because we have excellent students and dedicated preceptors who serve as their mentors.” Dr. Gaudine also commended the Department of Health and Community Services, health-care organizations across the province and the many
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School of Nursing achieves gold standard in nursing education
Nursing students receive instruction from a SON faculty member. nurses who recognize the importance of high-quality nursing education in Newfoundland and Labrador. Accreditors from CASN spent time observing students in class and clinical situations, and meeting with faculty, staff and students. The accreditors were also impressed with the high calibre of
the BN students they met at each site, commenting on the students’ involvement in community and their commitment to social justice. “They were amazed by the knowledge, skill, and compassion of our students,” said Dr. Gaudine.
By Leslie Earle
The advancement of fisheries and oceans-related education, training and research and development is the focus of a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) and Iceland-based Matís Ltd. The waters that separate the two form the basis of the five-year agreement, which will combine the expertise of both organizations to drive creative solutions for the issues facing the seafood industries. The MOU will also provide future industry leaders with education and training opportunities and make way for the sustainable economic development of the marine bioeconomy in the North Atlantic. “This partnership will add great value to the Marine Institute and Matís, as well as the collective industries and communities represented within Canada, and Iceland and beyond,” said Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute). “As two islands in the North Atlantic dependent on the ocean, we look forward to sharing our knowledge, experience and capability and to combining forces to further strengthen opportunities for our students, researchers and marine industries.” The MOU aims to increase opportunities for applied research related to the seafood value chain. It will make way for student and faculty exchanges and collaborative
training opportunities, foster closer relationships with marine bioeconomy industries and strengthen the voices of Matís and MI in addressing blue-growth economy issues. The agreement is also focused on identifying opportunities to leverage support and partnerships to advance the mutual objectives of both parties and the expansion of collaborative arrangements internationally. “The Atlantic is truly a shared resource for Newfoundland and Labrador and Iceland and in order to commercialize research on the marine resources we share, we need to collaborate,” said Dr. Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO, Matís Ltd. “Matís and the Marine Institute have had a fruitful collaboration for years, with a lot of impact on our seafood industries. Recent development, such as the signing of the Galway declaration, offers great opportunity for increased collaboration, and we look forward to working with MI to apply our scientific expertise to support both our nations when faced with environmental, economic and social challenges, such as industry and regional development.” Based in Iceland, Matís is a government-owned, independent research company whose vision is to increase the value in the food and biotech industry through innovative research, development, dissemination of knowledge and consultancy, as well as to ensure the safety and quality of food and feed products.
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MI, Iceland MOU creates ocean of opportunity
From left are Stewart Wheeler, Canada’s ambassador to Iceland; Dr. Sveinn Margeirsson, CEO, Matís Ltd.; Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute); and Carey Bonnell, head, School of Fisheries, MI.
National awards for technology used in online courses By Courtenay Alcock
Memorial University has been recognized with two national awards for its innovative use of educational technology in online courses. DELTS accepted two awards from the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education (CNIE) at the CNIE-RCIE and Canadian Association of University Continuing Education (CAUCE) 2015 Conference in Winnipeg, Man. Oceans 1000: Exploration of World Ocean, received the Award of Excellence and Innovation in the Integration of Technology in Instructional Design/ Teaching and Learning for the incorporation of Prezi as an exploration tool in an online environment. French 2300: French Phonetics, received an award of merit in the category of Excellence and Innovation in the Integration of Technology in Formal or Non-Formal Education Program for the creation of pronunciation modules using an ultrasound machine. “These awards are the direct result of DELTS’ successful collaborations with departments in the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Arts at Memorial,” said Ruth Hickey, manager, course design and maintenance, DELTS. “The creativity and ingenuity that went into these online courses is nothing short of impressive, so it is fitting they have been recognized on a national level by CNIE.” Oceans 1000 is the first online development for the Department of Ocean Sciences. It is an introductory course that has a flipped-classroom
design, combining face-to-face lectures and online interactive activities in the format of 11 virtual oceanographic expeditions to help engage the learner. Students are required to take on the role of a research scientist and complete an online expedition, log book, and online mini-quiz each week before they attend class, leaving class time available for discussion, and more facilitative and problem-solving approaches. “It took nearly two years to translate my original idea of virtual oceanographic expeditions into the blended course that has now been delivered to about 100 students, but it was worth every minute and I’m very proud of this award,” said Dr. Annie Mercier, content author and associate professor, Department of Ocean Sciences. “The team at DELTS worked so efficiently and gave me such valuable input. I am particularly glad the incorporation of Prezi worked out so well; I love this platform, which I use both online and in class, and the students seem to appreciate it as well.” The online offering of French 2300 was a collaborative development by Drs. Ann Thareau, Department of French and Spanish, and Maureen Scheidnes, departments of French and Spanish, and linguistics, with DELTS, and provides an interactive means for students to study the workings of speech organs. The course includes a French articulation tool that features an interactive phonetic animation, showing the positioning of the mouth, tongue and voice box in pronouncing a given sound. It also
Oceans 1000: Exploration of World Ocean is one of two online courses recognized with national awards recently. Pictured above is a screen capture of the course. includes ultrasound videos of words and phrases to show how the item is pronounced in three views: front on, side on and internally as captured through an ultrasound. This unique approach, which allows students to see positioning of speech organs when pronouncing sounds in French, was made possible thanks to the help of Dr. Yvan Rose, Department of Linguistics. “Our goal was to address pedagogical needs in the teaching of secondlanguage speech sound articulations. Following the motto that an image is worth a thousand words, we adapted methods developed for linguistic research based on ultrasound visualization,” said Dr. Thareau. “Mastering the sound system of a second language requires making fine
motor and perceptual adjustments, so by including videos and ultrasounds of French sounds we were able to provide students with visual cues to optimize their learning.” In developing a course for online delivery at Memorial, DELTS provides content authors with the instructional design and technical support needed to create courses that are high quality, interactive and media-rich. The ultimate goal in creating online courses is to provide students with access to engaging content that enhances the learning experience. For more information about developing an online course at Memorial, contact Ruth Hickey at 709-864-2836 or rbhickey@mun.ca, or visit www.delts.mun.ca.
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Memorial hosting international workshop on information theory
From left are committee members Lori Hogan, Dr. Weimin Huang, Dr. Octavia Dobre, Brian Kidney, Dr. Jonathan Anderson, Adrian Dobre and Geoff Holden. By Jackey Locke
The 14th Canadian Workshop on Information Technology (CWIT 2015) will be held in St. John’s from July 6-9. It will be the first time this biennial, research-oriented workshop will be held in Newfoundland and Labrador. The workshop covers areas related to information and communication technology (ICT), which are of
interest to academics, professionals and industries in this field. The workshop brings together experts in ICT and highly renowned international scholars. Plenary speaker Monique Morrow, the chief technology officer (CTO) of Evangelist New Frontiers Development and Engineering at Cisco Systems, will describe the key attributes, passion and self-confidence, that are needed to impart to a new generation
of engineers and computer scientists. Vahid Tarokh of Harvard University will present major new results in extreme value theory, along with its applications, along with Moe Win from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, who will provide an overview of his latest results in the fundamental limits of network localization and navigation. Conference chair Dr. Octavia Dobre, a professor of electrical engineering at Memorial, is expecting more than 100 attendees. She is excited to showcase the research being conducted at Memorial University, as well as the opportunity to advance ICT, which is becoming increasingly important in society. “With ICT being recognized by Memorial as a strategic research area, and being included in the Blueprint for Prosperity report and innovation strategy by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to promote business, collaborations and knowledge transfer at the local, national and international levels,” said Dr. Dobre. “ICT has become part of our everyday life, with wide
applications ranging from wireless cellular to local and personal area communications, from optical wireless for short distance to optical fibre for longhaul communications, from underwater acoustic to satellite communications.” For the first time, the workshop will include an industry-academia panel, a session where top experts from both business and research in the ICT field will discuss challenges and rewards of collaboration. The workshop will also include invited talks given by internationally renowned experts, along with oral and poster sessions selected from peer-reviewed papers. Dr. Greg Naterer is dean of Engineering and Applied Science at Memorial and commends Dr. Dobre on her initiative and enthusiasm to bring the workshop to St. John’s. “This conference provides a great opportunity to raise Memorial’s profile nationally and interact with leading researchers on the latest emerging technologies of ICT,” he said. “Special thanks to Dr. Dobre for her efforts and exceptional leadership of the workshop.” For more information on CWIT 2015, please visit http://cwitca/2015/index.html.
Student leaders recognized at Enactus nationals Two student leaders received national accolades at the Enactus Canada National Exposition in Toronto, Ont., last month. Jon King, then-president of Enactus Memorial, was recognized with the Student Leader of the Year Award. Courtney Clarke, co-project manager of Prince’s Operation Entrepreneur, won the Gwyn Morgan Bursary for Principled Leadership. Enactus Memorial finished in the semi-final round, losing to the University of Windsor by one point. The Student Leader of the Year Award recognizes a student who demonstrates leadership within their Enactus team and throughout their community and who exemplifies success and inspires their peers. Mr. King has been a member of Enactus Memorial for five years and president for the past two. A graduating commerce student, he founded two projects — Project Stitch and Project Bottlepreneur — and was a member of the World Cup presentation team that placed in the top eight in 2014. “Jon has been an incredible leader,” said Prof. Lynn Morrissey, faculty advisor for Enactus Memorial. “His commitment to our projects and people is unparalleled. He took our team to a new level though his vision and innovative approach.” The Gwyn Morgan Bursary goes to a student who exhibits superior commitment to being a principled leader by choosing paths where a positive attitude and
Sophie Harrington photo
By Susan White
Enactus Memorial’s presentation team, with faculty advisor Lynn Morrissey at far left, at the national exposition. strong ethical values are apparent through their leadership.
“Joining Enactus Memorial was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself.” — Courtney Clarke
Ms. Clarke is in her first year with Enactus Memorial. She was a member of the 2014 World Cup team and a presenter on the financial education team at the 2015 regional and national
competitions. She recently finished her third year of the bachelor of business administration program and also holds an arts degree in history and English and a postgraduate certificate in quality management. “Joining Enactus Memorial was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for myself,” she said. “Words cannot describe how grateful I am for the experiences and opportunities it has brought me. We get to apply concepts we learn in the classroom to real-life issues, creating a positive and direct impact on other people’s livelihoods. It has made me a better person in both my personal and professional life.”
Fifty-eight teams from around the country participated in the national exposition. From there, 16 teams advanced to four semi-final rounds. The University of Ottawa was named national champion. “I am very proud of the team,” said Emily Bland, then-vice-president, Enactus Memorial. “At the end of the day, our team is proud of the work that we have done. We are part of the next generation of emerging leaders and we are excited to continue to share our passion for Enactus with the world.”
International recognition for innovative learning spaces By Virginia Middleton
What do you do when you want to offer the best learning experience but the right software doesn’t exist? You build it yourself. The Faculty of Medicine at Memorial University has received an AMX Innovation Award for its creation of an original and unique interface design for the new learning spaces in the Medical Education Centre on the St. John’s campus. The award, which includes $25,000 in AMX hardware and software for Memorial, was received on Monday, June 15, at UBTech 2015 in Orlando, Fla. The annual AMX Innovation Awards at UBTech celebrate innovative higher education institutions and their use of audiovisual and information technology. There were more than 90 submissions worldwide. From those, 19 universities were selected for review; four winners were chosen in specific categories. Memorial University was one of four universities nominated in the nontraditional learning spaces category.
In October 2014 the Faculty of Medicine opened the Medical Education Centre on Memorial’s St. John’s campus. Along with the construction of the new teaching facilities, the faculty introduced a new curriculum in 2013. With this in mind, it was determined the new building would need two large lecture theatres and 13 small group learning spaces that would be designed to enhance collaboration. “We were given the challenge of designing new spaces for learners that contained advanced education technology,” explained Steve Pennell, lead designer for the new software and manager of the health education technology and learning team in the faculty’s Health Sciences Information and Media Service (HSIMS) unit. “After the decision was reached to use AMX equipment, we explored how the new spaces would be used and determined how the interfaces for the equipment should be designed. The systems had to be easy to navigate and enable an end user to use the in-room PCs or allow their own device to plug into the space and just work.”
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AMX touch panels allowed the education technology and learning team to design a user interface for the small group learning rooms with video conferencing. The interface permits users to switch easily between input devices to two different displays. When using video conferencing, they are able to share data on one screen and have video on the other, which allows offsite teachers and learners to be active participants. The core user interface was then replicated throughout all AMX touch panels in the remainder of the building. “Instead of having students lined up to look at a microscope to view a slide, they now use digital programs to explore this information in a team setting,” said Mr. Pennell. “During breakout sessions on the side wall displays, learners are able to share their onscreen content with any other display in the room. That means the medical students are discussing differential diagnoses and can share each of their team’s findings with any other team or the entire room.” Sean O’Neil, director, HSIMS, says the award will enable the Faculty
of Medicine to install the same type of touch panel controls in the remaining rooms with the same award-winning design principles applied in the new spaces. “In medical education, it’s essential to have the best teaching and learning environments available,” said Mr. O’Neill. “The health-education technology and learning team identified a need and have created spaces that provide maximum technical and collaborative flexibility that also support traditional teaching and learning.” Mr. O’Neill noted that like the final product’s purpose to encourage team work, the original vision of the end user experience became a reality thanks to collaboration among a number of teams across campus, including the health education technology and learning team and graphic design team in HSIMS; DELTS; the Memorial expansion team; Engineering Harmonics; Genesis Integration Inc; and faculty and staff in the Faculty of Medicine.
Courtesy of The Rooms Provincial Archives division
out & about
Dr. Michelle Kilborn
Gap between aims of Canadian physical education curriculum and expectations By Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey
A study of physical education Memorial Day Pictured above are Newfoundland soldiers in a support trench that was nicknamed St. John’s Road, an image captured of the men before the start of the attack near the French village Beaumont-Hamel on July 1, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme during the First World War. Of the 801 members of the 1st Newfoundland Regiment who fought valiantly that day, only 68 answered the roll call the next morning.
out & about
For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit www.today.mun.ca.
Thursday, July 2 Mouseion Colloquium: Moralising Strategies in Early Greek Lyric, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., A-5014, Sponsor: Department of Classics
Friday, July 3 Innate Immunity, Viruses and Cancer, Translation for All, 12-1 p.m., 1M101 New Medical Education Building, Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Sciences Muslim Student Association Fastathon, 9-10 p.m., UC-3018 & UC-2001, Sponsor: Muslim Student Association
and Narrative Entitlement, 1-3 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies 33rd Annual Alumni Golf Tournament, 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Terra Nova Resort Golf Resort, Port Blandford, N.L., Sponsor: Alumni Affairs and Development
Friday, July 10 Exploring the Influence of International Social Work Practicums on Career Choices and Practice Approaches, 1-3 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Sunday, July 12 Sunday Morning Nature Hike, 10-11 a.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Mouseion Colloquium: Moralising Strategies in Early Greek Lyric, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., A-5014, Sponsor: Department of Classics
Sunday Nature Programs, 2-4 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Sunday, July 5
Tuesday, July 14
Sunday Morning Nature Hike, 10-11 a.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Bitters Summer Barbecue, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Bitters Pub, Feild Hall, Sponsor: Graduate Student Union
Wednesday, July 15 Sunday Nature Programs, 2-4 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Wednesday, July 8 An Introduction to Graduate Studies at Memorial, 3-4 p.m., online webinar, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Application to Graduate School: Tips and Strategies, 3-4 p.m., online webinar, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Friday, July 17 An Afternoon in the Garden, 2-3 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
Thursday, July 9 Every Hurricane Leaves You With Different Priorities: Preparation, Cultural Response
An Introduction to Graduate Studies at Memorial, 3-4 p.m., A-1045, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies
Sunday, July 19 Sunday Morning Nature Hike, 10-11 a.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial
University Botanical Garden Sunday Nature Programs, 2-4 p.m., Memorial University Botanical Garden, 306 Mount Scio Rd., St. John’s, Sponsor: Memorial University Botanical Garden
classified Newly renovated, furnished apartment, one bedroom, on Allandale Road, six minutes walk to MUN. Internet access, four appliances, shared garden and storage area. Rent $600; POU. Contact: Christopher English (cenglish@mun.ca), or phone 754-4855 or 229-1686 and leave a message. FOR RENT NEAR MUN Bright, clean and pleasant third-floor unit at Summerville Condos, 386 Elizabeth Ave. Shining hardwood floors, two bedrooms, 1.5 baths. An easy walk to MUN and Health Sciences. Fitness room, library, social room. Quiet adult building, no pets and no smoking please. $1,475 POU. Available furnished $1,975. 753-0433. HOUSE SITTING: Worried about leaving your home unattended? Retired professional with excellent references and recent Criminal Record Check will be available for longterm house sitting beginning in September. Phone: 437-1396. FOR SALE East End two story 4BDRM family home 5 minutes from MUN, close to schools, supermarkets and Stavanger Dr. Separate LR and DR, family room off kitchen, hardwood and ceramic floors throughout, many upgrades, recently painted, developed basement. Appliances included. Extra large backyard with perennial beds and trees backing onto greenbelt. Steps from Grand Concourse trails and playgrounds, excellent family neighbourhood. $340,000. erosen@play.psych.mun.ca
curriculum across Canada has found that while the curriculum’s stated aims are focused on healthy active living through physical activity, the actual learning outcome statements focus primarily on movement skills, games and sport techniques. The research, published in the international academic journal European Physical Education Review, (found online at (http://goo.gl/2CGXzV) was led by Dr. Michelle Kilborn, assistant professor with the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation at Memorial; Jenna Lorusso, Western University; and Dr. Nancy Francis, Brock University. Beginning in January 2013, the study involved an in-depth analysis of Grades 1-9 physical education curriculum documents from all provinces and territories and sought to gain a deeper understanding of physical education across the country. “Our examination found a conflict between the curricular vision for physical education and learning expectations for students,” explained Dr. Kilborn. “Physical education vision statements are trying to point us toward more holistic ways of teaching children how to live healthy, active lifestyles, but the specific learning outcomes still largely focus on evaluating a student’s physical skills, such as running, jumping and throwing.” The researchers conducted the study, An Analysis of Canadian Physical Education Curricula, in order to help contribute a Canadian voice to the international discussion on physical education. They hope the findings become a catalyst for discussion and lead to a shift from performancedriven, competition-oriented delivery of physical education in Canada to a more participation-driven, lifestyle-oriented curriculum. Dr. Kilborn, who is a curriculum studies scholar, wants to remind people about the value of physical and health education in schools. “We know that healthy, active living goes beyond learning sport skills,” she said. “We are encouraging provinces and territories to consider what has, is, and should be influencing decisions about curriculum development and reconsider what it means to teach children to be healthy active citizens.” Their study focused on the island portion of Newfoundland and Labrador.
‘Best thing I’ve ever done’
By Kelly Foss
Sean Leonard almost threw the “most amazing” opportunity of his life away. In the fall of his third year at Memorial, the recent biochemistry B.Sc. graduate received a letter from the university telling him he was eligible to apply for a Killiam Fellowship. The program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada and the United States to spend either a semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the other country. Mr. Leonard dropped the letter in the trash almost immediately. “I thought it would be great, but at the same time, I believed there was no way I could do it,” he explained. “I assumed I wouldn’t be able to get the transfer credits, so I just threw it away.” But the letter played on his mind and two days later Mr. Leonard fished it out of the bin for another look. “When I was in Grade 12, I had a philosophy that since it was my last year of high school, I was going to take every opportunity offered to me,” he said. “Now that I was approaching my fourth year in university I wanted to do the same. So, doubtfully I got the letter and started doing research.” He applied in April; he was approved to study at Arizona State University in the winter of his final year at Memorial.
As part of the program, Mr. Leonard visited Ottawa, Ont., and Washington, D.C., with his fellow exchange participants. On top of the $5,000 per semester cash award, he received a grant that allowed him to take an educational field trip during spring break to broaden his understanding of the culture of the host country. “I had the experience of a lifetime in Arizona,” said Mr. Leonard. “The day-to-day experience of getting up and going to classes was pretty similar. But that’s where the similarities ended. “I’m an only child and I still live at home with my parents. So I’ve never had siblings or roommates and I’ve never studied abroad before. In Arizona I lived in a four-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment with three other guys. We quickly became fast friends, staying up late every night talking about differences between Canada and America. It was the best thing I’ve ever done in my entire life.” A former participant in Memorial’s ambassador program and an active volunteer with Let’s Talk Science, Mr. Leonard has always taken every opportunity to talk about his love for the university. As he prepares to enter medical school in the fall, he is hoping to continue in that role, with a special goal of making more students aware of the opportunities available through the Killiam Fellowship. “Before receiving the letter, I had never even heard of the program before, which is unfortunate,” he said. “But it’s something I plan on advocating for, a lot. I want to make sure other students know they can take advantage of this program, too.”
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Killam scholar’s American study exchange experience of a lifetime
At a height of 390 meters, the peak of Camelback Mountain provided Sean Leonard with an unmatched view of Phoenix, Ariz.
Prestigious thoracic surgery internship awarded By Rebecca Riverol Special to the gazette
A Memorial student is the first medical student from the institution to receive the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS) Summer Intern Scholarship. The prestigious scholarship is awarded to first- and second-year medical students in both the United States and Canada. Of the 30 scholarships awarded annually, only one to two Canadian students are selected each year, making John Hennessey’s selection a major achievement. Due to its competitive nature, Mr. Hennessey says he was surprised to receive the award, but says he is honoured to represent Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine, as well as Newfoundland and Labrador. “I think it is important that Newfoundland and Labrador is represented considering that our province has among the highest instance of cardiac disease in Canada,” he said.
John Hennessey will study at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto this summer. The scholarship funds an eight-week internship at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Ont., where Mr.
12 gazette | Thursday, July 2, 2015 | www.mun.ca/gazette
Hennessey will be participating in cardiothoracic surgery procedures under the direction of Dr. Glen Van Arsdell, as well as lab research under the supervision of Dr. Christopher Caldarone. Mr. Hennessey has been fostering his particular interest in cardiothoracic surgery by shadowing heart and lung surgeons at the Health Sciences Centre and St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s. The capital city does not have a congenital cardiac postgraduate program, so when given the opportunity to complete his internship at a hospital of his choice, he chose Sick Kids for its leadership in congenital cardiac surgery in Canada. “I wanted to be at the interface of research and clinical medicine during my internship to best fulfill the guidelines of my scholarship,” said Mr. Hennessey on his selection. He also chose Sick Kids for its geographical location. “I wanted to stay in Canada to become more familiar with
our health-care structure and to better prepare myself for clerkship starting later in 2015.” Clerkship takes place during a medical student’s final two years of the MD program when they receive extensive hands-on experience in clinics and hospitals. The AATS Summer Intern Scholarship offers a number of great opportunities for Mr. Hennessey’s future medical studies. One of his main goals going into the internship will be to familiarize himself with typical pediatric cardiac procedures. He also hopes that the experience of being a clerk and a researcher will help decide if he wants to pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery. “I want to have a reciprocal surgical learning experience by contributing my current vascular skills to Dr. Caldarone’s research project and learning basic human surgical techniques that I can put into practice during clerkship.”