Gazette vol46no7 dec11 issuu

December 11, 2013 Volume 46 Number 7

Publication Mail Registration No. 40062527

GAZETTE 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 A N D P U B L I C AT I O N

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ROLE MODEL Social work alumna named young humanitarian of the year by Red Cross.

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PHYSICAL LIMITS

FACULTY PROFILES A few of the newest faces who

Memorial researchers are guiding the development of the next generation of magnetic hard drives.

are bringing their talent and energy to Memorial.

All-around performance Science and music student province’s newest Rhodes Scholar

By Kelly Foss

ANTHONY PAYNE of Pasadena is Newfoundland and Labrador’s newest Rhodes Scholar.

Mr. Payne joins a distinguished list of past Newfoundland and Labrador Rhodes Scholars, including well-known personalities Bill Rowe, Rex Murphy, Robert Joy and Danny Williams.

Currently in his fifth year of study at Memorial, Mr. Payne completed a bachelor of music in April and will finish a bachelor of science this spring.

“I’ve been involved in music my whole life,” he said.

“I play piano and have done a lot of choral singing.

My parents both have math degrees from Memorial, so math has always been important in my life as well.

“It essentially came time to choose between math and music when I went to university, but I managed to CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO

arrange things so I could work on both degrees simultaneously. I did a bachelor of music with a minor in statistics and am finishing a bachelor of science in statistics with a minor in music history. So that allowed a bit of overlap.”

Anthony Payne will be studying at Oxford University next October.

See RHODES story on page 10

Extraordinary contributor John Lewis Paton Distinguished University Professorship awarded

By Meaghan Whelan

outstanding legacy

of teaching, research and public engagement has been recognized with Memorial University’s newest and most prestigious award for faculty.

students and he has helped improve health-care delivery throughout the province.”

In supporting Dr. Parfrey’s nomination, Dr. Johannes Mann, professor of medicine at Friedrich Alexander

The John Lewis Paton Distinguished University

University of Erlangen and chief of medicine at Munich

Professorship, named after the founding president of

General Hospitals in Germany, wrote: “Dr. Parfrey’s

Memorial University College, recognizes faculty mem-

original contributions to nephrology more often than

bers who over the course of their careers make extraor-

not led us to rewrite textbooks. In many aspects of

dinary contributions across the continuum of teaching

daily patient care, nephrologists worldwide refer to his

and learning, research and public engagement.

seminal papers. I do not exaggerate that I am using his

“Dr. Parfrey is an outstanding scholar and the

papers daily on my teaching rounds.”

ideal choice for the inaugural John Lewis Paton

Dr. Parfrey’s research has had a global impact on the

Distinguished University Professorship,” said President

management of cardiac disease in chronic kidney dis-

Gary Kachanoski. “He is an accomplished educator and

ease, treatment in end-stage kidney disease, hepatitis in

an outstanding community leader. His research has

end-stage kidney disease, contrast media induced acute

improved the lives of people worldwide. He has also mentored and inspired scores of medical and graduate

See PATON story on page 10

CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO

DR. PATRICK PARFREY’S

Dr. Pat Parfrey

AMY TUCKER PHOTO

YOUR NEXT PROJECT

By Amy Tucker Special to the Gazette Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its most significant jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial

A view of Harbour Breton, Coast of Bays, on Newfoundland’s south coast.

to ask for research help. With hundreds of community-suggested opportunities to choose from, your next project is just a click away.

experiences and opportunities to offer tourists as a des-

The project:

Here’s one …

tination,” he said. “However, it must see that potential

Building regional capacity is one of Mr. Hickey’s main

itself and be able to lean upon the appropriate sup-

concerns.

The opportunity:

ports of government in order to leverage growth and

The south coast of Newfoundland may be considered

development.”

“In rural areas where individual initiatives have merit, how can synergy be brought across governing bodies,

the last undiscovered region, and when it comes to

There are numerous valid and perceived barriers to

agencies, organizations and the private sector to build

tourism development, some very easily call it the

entry into the tourism industry in the region, including

regional capacity?” he asked. He is also interested in

“forgotten coast.” However, as Memorial representatives

a lack of regional co-ordination. Individual groups have

learning about what models of leadership are most con-

who attended the recent Harris Centre regional

great ideas and recognize local potential and develop

ducive to inspiring people to invest in tourism develop-

workshop in the Coast of Bays can attest, both the

plans, yet there seems to be an invisible wall which pre-

ment for their region.

landscape and the culture of the region are stunning.

vents tourism from being seen as a holistic opportunity

Mr. Hickey hopes the research would contribute to the

By witnessing the spectacular fjords and beautiful bays,

with implications for the entire region, says Mr. Hickey.

region seeing itself as a whole. The current absence of a

workshop participants were able to envision the tourism opportunities.

“While a single effort may be great in a community,

regional governance body is an impediment, he says.

it will have a much greater chance of success if it is

“Such a body is larger than information sharing, it is as much development focussed as it is support focussed.”

As chair of the St. Jacques Island Lighthouse

integrated into a larger plan where all other players are

Corporation, president of the St. Jacques Harbour

aware of it and can factor it into their efforts. The south

Authority, and founder of the South Coast Arts

coast must be seen as a total destination and experi-

Interested in learning more about this project? Amy Tucker, co-ordinator

Community, Alex Hickey also sees this potential.

ence, but right now, it isn’t.”

of knowledge mobilization at the Harris Centre, would love to tell you

“I firmly believe that the Coast of Bays has unique

more. Call her at 709 864 6115 or email her at amy.tucker@mun.ca.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

GAZETTE

Fifty years of geophysics at Memorial: A celebratory reunion

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 A N D P U B L I C AT I O N

By Jeremy Hall Special to the Gazette

SUBMITTED PHOTO

THIS FALL, the Department of Earth Sciences celebrated 50 years of geophysics at Memorial with a reunion event on Oct. 19.

Approximately 60 alumni, current students, staff, faculty, and friends got together to reminisce, while Michael Rochester, professor emeritus, alumna Susan Webb, University of Witwatersrand, and Richard Wright, Nalcor

Alumna Dr. Susan Webb at the geophysics 50-year reunion.

Energy Oil and Gas, presented technical talks. The event was sponsored by Nalcor Energy Oil and Gas, Hibernia Department of Earth Sciences.

group’s relationship with the development of plate tec-

OBITUARY

tonic theory, and after lunch, the group reviewed posters

Dr. Janet Steer Story

of archival material and current research, to link the past

Dr. Janet Steer Story, an honorary graduate of

to the present and future,” said Dr. Jeremy Hall, University

Memorial University, passed away Dec. 3, 2013.

Research Professor, Department of Earth Sciences.

She was 89.

the early days of geophysics at Memorial, highlighting the

who was hired by the university in 1963 and was the first geophysics faculty member. The department grew into the physics department over the next 20 years, and Department of Earth Sciences.

A physical merger occurred with the opening of the Alexander Murray (Earth Sciences) building in 1990.

“After the initial buildup in the 1960s and 1970s, the number of geophysics faculty at any one time has varied

CORRECTION

In the Nov. 21 edition of the Gazette, the story ‘The long road here’ on page 12 contained an error.

Machel Rayner is a student of biochemistry, not physiotherapy, as was stated.

around eight members, with only 16 geophysics faculty

Also in the Nov. 21 edition, the World Seafood

having been involved in those 50 years, a fact that speaks

Congress took place Sept. 28–Oct. 3, not Sept. 2–

to the longevity of service of many of them,” said Dr. Hall.

Oct. 3, as was stated on page 9.

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Laura Barron Rebecca Cohoe Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Paula Dyke Kelly Foss Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Janet Harron Jill Hunt Sharon King Jackey Locke Peter Morris

Cathy Newhook Naomi Osborne Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Melissa Watton Meaghan Whelan Susan White-MacPherson Laura Woodford Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey

Photography Chris Hammond

Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709 864 2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline Jan. 8, 2014, for Jan. 15 publication.

The Gazette is published 17 times annually by the Division of Marketing and Communications at Memorial Uni­versity.

Geophysics at Memorial began with Dr. Ernst Deutsch,

then merged administratively with geology in the new

Regular Contributors

Classified Advertising Kelly Hickey

Management and Development Company and the “Over lunch, professor emeritus Joe Hodych reviewed

EDITOR GRAPHICS Mandy Cook Molly Baker

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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 Telephone: 709 864 2142 Fax: 709 864 8699 Email: 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.

www.mun.ca/gazette

Passion for justice Social work alumna named Red Cross Young Humanitarian of the Year

By Laura Woodford and Jessica Tucker Special to the Gazette

BACHELOR OF social work graduate Ashley Gosse has

profile across the province and helped increase the partic-

been awarded the 2013 Red Cross Young Humanitarian of

ipation of individuals and communities.

the Year Award for Newfoundland and Labrador.

Ms. Gosse has demonstrated her passion for social justice and community improvement issues, particularly

about homelessness among both university students and community members.

with her involvement in Sleep Out 120, a campaign that

“Sleep Out 120 and the people who actively participate

raises awareness of the issue of youth homelessness. The

in the campaign provide me with hope,” she said. “Hope

award was presented to Ms. Gosse at the Canadian Red

that there will come a day when every person has a safe

Cross Humanitarian Awards dinner held at the St. John’s

and consistent place to call home and all their basic needs

Convention Centre on Nov. 21.

are being met. I believe there will come a day when that

“Volunteering is rewarding to me in many different ways on a personal level,” said Ms. Gosse. “In particular

MITCH RUMBOLDT PHOTO

Ms. Gosse’s efforts have also helped raise awareness

happens and I know that we as a society can make that happen.”

my involvement with Sleep Out 120 has provided me a

Ms. Gosse graduated from Memorial’s School of Social

new perspective on what it means to be privileged within

Work in 2013. In recognition of her commitment to social

our society. I now consider having a safe place to call

justice and leadership efforts while studying, she received

home a privilege. We do not always recognize those basic

the Jackie Brown Memorial Scholarship. She was also the

things as something we should be grateful for until we do

recipient of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association

not have it anymore.”

of Social Workers student award.

Ms. Gosse became involved with Sleep Out 120 in

As a student, Ms. Gosse was a dedicated volunteer with

2011. Since then, the project has helped raise more than

many women’s organizations on campus. She also fulfilled

$30,000 and expanded locations to Corner Brook, Happy

the role of lunch and learn co-ordinator for the School of

Valley-Goose Bay and Memorial University. As a member

Social Work and served as president of the class of 2013.

of the team, she has worked hard to raise the program’s

Ashley Gosse

Celebrate the season at Joy to the World party

By Marcia Porter

SPREAD A LITTLE joy with friends and colleagues at Memorial’s campus-wide Joy to the World party for faculty, staff and retirees Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Breezeway in the University Centre on the St. John's campus.

Festivities get underway at 3 p.m. For the price of admission (a food or monetary donation to the Campus Food Bank) you’ll enjoy great company, complimentary pizza, soda pop and water, a chance to win great prizes and music provided by DJ Andrew Bouzan. There will also be a cash bar.

Don’t miss the chance to mingle with friends and colleagues!

thing. In fact, it’s a perfect opportunity to figure out

Rite of passage

STUDENTVIEW Shannon Page

THERE ARE

a lot of things to dislike about the

holidays.

what this time of year means to me on a personal level.

If I can’t participate in family festivities or traditions, then I’m going to have to make my own.

It’s sort of like a rite of passage, and it’s something

who I spent most holidays with before I moved to

that everyone has to figure out at some point. Whether

There’s the music, to start with. The carols begin in

Newfoundland and Labrador, are in British Columbia.

it’s because you can’t be with your family, or because

mid-November and repeat endlessly for nearly eight

Sometimes I can scrape up the money to visit at least

your family has changed or because your partner or sig-

weeks until you almost begin to forget the creepy date-

some of them during the winter break — but most of the

nificant other’s family celebrates differently than yours,

rape undertones to Baby, It’s Cold Outside and find your-

time it’s just not possible.

or an infinite variety of other reasons — at some point

self singing along. There’s the mass consumerism. The

I’m not a religious person, so the main appeal of the

crowded shopping malls and department stores. The

holiday season has always been spending time with

commercials. The flyers piling up in the mailbox.

those I care about. In the past, I’ve more or less boy-

This year, I’m going to spend it with some good

in your adult life you’ll have to move a little bit beyond your family traditions.

And, for many university students struggling to make

cotted seasonal celebrations and festivities when faced

friends who are in the same boat and try to be a little

ends meet, there’s the realization that you won’t be

with the prospect of spending this time of year away

less cynical. I’m going to focus on the wonderful people

going home for the holidays. Whether it’s due to tight

from loved ones. I’ve sent the obligatory cards and

that I can be with, rather than agonize over the ones I

finances or other causes, students (particularly those

mailed presents for my cousin’s kids and then spent the

can’t. I’m going to make my own stocking and decorate

who attend school outside of their home province) often

rest of the holidays sulking and re-watching episodes of

my apartment with my own lights and make my own

find themselves away from their families. And it sucks.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, protesting my sorry situation.

traditions. That, and avoid the malls.

My family is scattered across North America: my Dad

But, not this year.

is in Mexico and my Mom’s side of the family live in

Because this year something new occurred to me:

Toronto. My high school friends and their families,

being alone during the holidays doesn’t have to be a bad

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

3

Shannon Page is a fourth-year double major in English and classics at Memorial. She can be reached at spep60@mun.ca.

www.mun.ca/gazette

Preparing for winter weather WHEN A WINTER

storm blows

And with a population of approximately

Information is also relayed to provincial

through, Memorial is ready with a

19,000 students and more than 5,000 fac-

media who are extremely co-operative in

detailed plan for informing people about

ulty and staff, news has to get out fast.

airing the news as soon as possible.

emergency cancellations and closures.

In St. John’s, when closures happen

Early closings during daytime will be

Safety drives the decision on closures.

midway through the day, a message is sent

announced at least one hour in advance.

When bad weather arrives, the decision to

around campus as quickly as possible. It is

Advisories for late openings and all-day clo-

cancel classes or close the St. John’s cam-

phoned or faxed to student unions, facul-

sures will be issued by 7 a.m. In addition to

pus rests ultimately with the university

ties, schools, departments and divisions

contacting the media and posting informa-

president (or his/her designate, should he/

and emailed to employees via the Newsline

tion to the university website, the Division

she be out of town). The president receives

email service. The closure message is also

of Marketing and Communications and, at

advice from a number of university units,

posted on Twitter, which you can follow at

the Marine Institute and Grenfell Campus,

particularly Facilities Management, which

@MemorialU, posted to the today.mun.ca

the communications co-ordinators, also

is in close contact with Environment

website and the main university website,

make early morning phone calls directly

Canada and the provincial Department

www.mun.ca. The same notice is posted

to the heads of key university units such

of Works, Services and Transportation as

to the cancellations site at www.mun.ca/

as the Childcare Centre and The Works in

weather systems develop.

main/cancellations.php, which is also

St. John’s and the Pepsi Centre and Ferriss

Similarly, in Corner Brook, the vice-pres-

accessible by visiting the main webpage,

Hodgett Library in Corner Brook.

ident (Grenfell Campus) (administration

and is posted to the university’s video

and finance) makes the decision in con-

screens (during daytime closures).

sultation

with

Facilities

Management

The Marine Institute notifies students,

CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO

(Grenfell Campus).

St. John’s campus

Changes to research support services

faculty and staff of closures and cancella-

Since Memorial is a residential institu-

tions on the main website www.mi.mun .

tion, it is a priority to maintain key opera-

ca, as well as Twitter (@marineinstitute)

tions and schedules to serve students who

and its several Facebook pages.

University emergency closing procedures: www.mun.ca/main/closures.php Office of Emergency Management’s severe weather procedures: www.mun.ca/emergency/know_ what_to_do/weather.php

live on campus, even when the univer-

Similar actions are taken at Grenfell

sity is experiencing emergencies such as

Campus via email, and information appears

poor weather. The university doesn’t close

on www.grenfell.mun.ca. Closures are also

except under unusual circumstances. In

posted on Twitter at Twitter:www.twitter.

the event of severe weather or other emer-

com/grenfellcampus or Facebook: www.

gencies, if Memorial has to cancel classes

facebook.com/grenfellcampus . In addition,

or close, information will be made avail-

Grenfell changes its main phone line mes-

able as quickly as possible through a vari-

sage to apprise students, faculty and staff of

ety of communications vehicles.

information as it becomes available.

service experience wherever possible.

the Canada Foundation for Innovation

consultations, the next step is to present

These recommendations will be imple-

(CFI) and the Canada Research Chairs

the Strategic Research Intensity Plan to

mented throughout the next 12 months.

Secretariat. Major Research Partnerships

the Board of Regents in March 2014,” said

will also fall within RGCS.

Dr. Marceau. “By April 2015, our target

The first recommendation to be implemented is the reorganization of research support services.

Personal emergency preparedness information: www.mun.ca/emergency/ prepareweek Parking information during winter weather: www.mun.ca/facman/parking_roads/ snow_ice.php

CREAIT, CRC and CFI Services (CCCS),

is to increase grant and contract success

led by Dr. Marlies Rise, will be the insti-

rate by 20 per cent and to expedite the

“During the review process, many

tutional point of contact for the Canada

opening of research accounts within one

stemming

researchers indicated that there was sig-

Research Chairs Program and CFI fund-

week.”

from the review of research grant and

nificant confusion related to the process

ing. CREAIT, Memorial’s pan-university

Consultations for the Strategic Research

support services have been approved by

of submitting grant applications or con-

network of major research equipment,

Intensity Plan will take place over com-

the Board of Regents as part of the effort

tract proposals,” explained Dr. Richard

will be a strategic part of this office.

ing months involving all faculties and

to build a Strategic Research Intensity

Marceau,

(research).

No positions were lost as a part of this

schools on the St. John’s campus, and the

Plan for Memorial University.

RECOMMENDATIONS

vice-president

“Based on the feedback we received

reorganization. In addition to the new

Grenfell and Marine Institute campuses

The plan calls for Memorial to identify

during the review and in consultation

units, the Office of the Vice-President

of Memorial University. The Labrador

and reduce the barriers to greater research

with stakeholders, we have prioritized

(Research) will be requesting a mod-

Institute will also be involved in this

intensity with the overall goal of attract-

making changes to research administra-

est investment in human resources and

consultation.

ing and retaining highly qualified faculty

tion to make it easier for researchers to

information technology software and

and students. The first barrier addressed

avail of our resources and to improve the

systems in 2014–15 in order to strengthen

in the course of this plan relates to the

customer service experience.”

the ability of the new units to provide

findings of the research support services

As of Dec. 5, 2013, the Office of

review and involves the need for superior

Collaborations and Partnerships and the

customer service and streamlined grant

Office of Research Services have been

A progressive transition to this new sys-

and contract processes.

dissolved and two new units have been

tem will begin on Dec. 16. While there

created to simplify the grant and contract

may be some slowdowns associated with

administration process.

the changeover, there will be no work

The board approved the 13 recommendations for improving research grant

superior customer services to all of their stakeholders.

and contract support services, including

Research Grant and Contract Services

streamlining and simplifying processes,

(RGCS), under the leadership of Dave

“The implementation of this reorga-

empowering academic units on all cam-

Miller, will be responsible for all grants

nization is the first priority and will be

puses and providing a superior customer

and contracts, except those offered by

complete by January 2014. Following

stoppages.

You can master today’s technology and software We provide one-on-one training tailored to your goals at your home or office. Your proficiency with your software, computer, iPad, etc will improve with our step-by-step personalized approach. Please visit our website to begin the process.

Tight deadline for that poster or website?

Our team loves a challenge. Let us finish the project for you. On time. Give us a call.

PCC

PersonalComputerConsultants.ca Your Learning Partner Ph. (709) 771-4736

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

4

More information will be available online, www.mun.ca/research .

NOTABLE Glenn Blackwood, vice-president (Marine Institute), Dr. Derek Wilton, professor, Department of Earth Sciences, Dr. TA Loeffler, professor, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, and Frank Fagan, official visitor of Memorial, have been named fellows of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. The Royal Canadian Geographical Society’s College of Fellows is comprised of nearly 600 individuals who act as the voting body of the society and elect its officers and governors.

Dr. James P. Feehan, a professor in the Department of Economics, has been appointed to the editorial board of Energy Studies Review. The Review is an applied energy policy journal published by the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University.

Dr. Linda Rohr was appointed associate dean (undergraduate studies) in the School of Human Kinetics and Recreation for a three-year term effective Sept. 1, 2013.

www.mun.ca/gazette

FRAMEWORKS AT WORK: Memorial’s frameworks in action The three overarching frameworks guiding Memorial’s future

direction — the

Research

Strategy

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

TEACHING AND LEARNING Project supports student and educator engagement

CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO

bringing them to life.

Dr. Geoff Rideout is participating in Project Engage in Teaching.

By Sandy Woolfrey-Fahey

A THREE-YEAR pilot project is supporting educators at Memorial to enhance their teaching skills.

Project Engage in Teaching supports participants by assisting with redesigning their courses. A rede-

Faculty members deliver the revised course in the fol-

discover I’m doing some things right and also that there

lowing semester and the level of engagement in their

are opportunities to improve the student experience in

classrooms is then re-assessed, using the same standard-

my classroom. I want them to learn more, and retain

ized assessment tool originally employed.

more.”

sign involves research-informed teaching strategies to

“There are over 20 years of pedagogical research

Dr. Rideout feels if students can receive additional

improve student engagement and learning. Many par-

supporting the benefits of active learning,” said Anna

benefit from lecture time, then managing their own

ticipating educators teach in lecture halls, which can

Hicks, teaching consultant with DELTS. “Through this

time outside of class should be easier.

make active student engagement a challenge.

project we are focusing on the learner as we encourage

This project continues ongoing work to support the

opportunities for educators to engage their students and

recommendations of Memorial’s Teaching and Learning

foster relationships with their students.”

Framework, which supports further development of

To begin, project participants identify a course they teach to a large class, as defined by their departments and faculties. A baseline assessment of student engagement

Geoff Rideout is one of the educators participating

within their course is then obtained through classroom

in Project Engage in Teaching. He teaches an under-

observation and assessment by graduate students using

graduate course to 165 students in a lecture theatre. He

At Memorial, organizers welcomed the first cohort

a standardized instrument. Faculty members receive

wants to stimulate discussion and connect with stu-

into the program during the 2013 fall semester. In total,

their assessment and are then assisted through work-

dents in the classroom even though he acknowledges

30 educators will participate in the project. The first

shops and input from instructional development staff

the challenges.

cohort will teach their newly redesigned courses in the

in DELTS (Distance Education, Learning and Teaching

“I am curious to learn about, and apply, pedagog-

Support) to redesign their course for maximum student

ical research to improve engagement in future offer-

engagement and learning.

ings,” said Dr. Rideout. “Through this project, I hope to

Rethinking the skill set

teaching expertise for educators teaching undergraduate and graduate students.

fall 2014 semester. To get involved or for more information, please contact anna.hicks@mun.ca .

can be applied to numerous other career choices.

Learning project to develop student resiliency in changing global economy

“What we have discovered is students tend to define themselves by their degree, instead of the competencies they develop throughout their university program. When students comment on the difficulty of

By Karen Youden-Walsh

finding work, we challenge them to consider the com-

Special to the Gazette

petencies gained as they earn their degree. With a little encouragement, the light bulb comes on as they begin

RECENT FUNDING

through a $569,400 grant

“It’s all about preparing students for the future,”

from the Counseling Foundation of Canada will allow

explained Dr. Shea. “The reality is we have no idea what

For instance, when students present in class, they

researchers at Memorial to develop a system which

careers will be available 10 years from now. Ten years

develop valuable communication and public speaking

aids students in identifying career competencies

ago social media didn’t exist, 15 years ago Blackberries

skills; while writing reports and essays, they develop

established through their university degrees.

didn’t exist and look at the new career opportunities

problem-solving skills — types of transferable com-

that those two inventions have created.”

petencies that are desirable in virtually any career.

Implementation of this initiative will make it the

to reflect on their broader skill set.”

first Canadian system of career-integrated learning

Memorial defined graduating student competencies

Memorial wants students to look at course syllabi and

in post-secondary education. The project is led by

in its 2011 Teaching and Learning Framework. This

be able to see not only the course content, but also the

Dr. Robert Shea, associate vice-president, academic

project will help make the articulation of these com-

potential career competencies that may be developed.

and student affairs, Marine Institute; Dr. Rhonda Joy,

petencies a reality for students and instructors.

The project leaders are working in consultation with

associate professor, Faculty of Education; and Karen

“The 21st-century workplace requires students to be

faculty and staff to introduce graduating student com-

Youden Walsh, project co-ordinator, career integrated

able to articulate their skills, abilities and talents in

petencies in several courses. Moving forward, they

learning, Student Affairs.

order to be resilient in the face of changing job mar-

hope to expand this concept across the university.

The team collaborates with faculty to identify key

kets and a global economy,” said Dr. Joy. “Students

Interested in participating? Looking for further infor-

competencies for the students in the course syllabus or

graduating with degrees or diplomas should under-

mation? Please contact rshea@mun.ca , rjoy@mun.ca or

in experiential learning opportunities.

stand the significant transferable competencies that

karen.youden@mun.ca .

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

5

www.mun.ca/gazette

The blistering pace of the time-to-market for these new technologies is therefore critical to staying competitive.

Keeping ahead in fundamental research is essential.”

The main problem with increasing AD is that it affects the stability of the stored information and limits the increases in AD. The stability problem arises because to form a bit, all the tiny nano-magnets must be aligned in the same direction.

“Unfortunately, the nano-magnets would rather align in opposite directions,” said Dr. Whitehead. “Just try holding two refrigerator magnets next to each other the wrong way. Fluctuations of the nano-magnets due to thermal agitation can cause random flips that degrade the bit pattern. Even at room temperature there is enough thermal energy to potentially flip a nano-magnet in a bit.

“Over time, more and more nano-magnets flip their direction and the stored information is non-recoverable. For higher AD, you need smaller bits and smaller nano-magnets, which are easier to flip — that’s called superparamagnetism. Ten years ago, hard drives had a typical warranty period of five years. Now you are lucky to get a commitment that your thesis — or photos, or music — stored on your hard drive will still be there three CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO

years later, and it’s all because of superparamagnetism.”

Drs. John Whitehead and Martin Plumer

The researchers’ computer simulations relate the stability of the nano-magnets in a bit pattern to the basic material properties of the thin magnetic films that make up a hard disc. Together with post-doctoral scholar, Dr. Tim Fal, part-time research assistant and PhD student Jason Mercer and Dr. Johannes van Ek, principal collaborator at Western Digital, the professors solve time-dependent equations for interacting nano-magnets or “micromag-

To the limit

netics” that include the effects of thermal fluctuations.

“This is not an easy problem and we need the full power of the hundreds of processors available from the Atlantic Computational Excellence Network to get mean-

Using computers to make better computers

ingful results,” said Dr. Plumer. “Both Western Digital and Seagate recognize the importance of fundamental research and of funding university collaborations. Our

By Kelly Foss

collaborative research agreement with Western Digital

ABOUT 500 GIGABYTES

of data are created

“The driver of all this cheap storage is called areal

supports the development of numerical models that can

around the world every second, with the total amount

density (AD), which is how many bits you can store on a

be used to guide targeted research in materials science

of data doubling every two years. Approximately 600

square inch of a disc,” said Dr. Plumer. “AD has increased

to sustain the continued increase in AD over the next

million hard drives were sold last year to contain this

100 million times over the past 50 years, and for a few

decade. It has also brought over US$180,000 into the

data, creating $32 billion in revenue for the industry,

years in the early 2000s, the annual growth rate in AD

local economy by providing salaries for post-doctoral

with all of that information stored on a disc smaller than

was 100 per cent. Today it is down to about 20 per cent.

scholars and students.”

a compact disc through the marvels of nano-magnets.

To sustain even a modest growth in AD over the next

Dr. Plumer adds the collaboration has been a lot of fun.

But don’t expect this to continue. The laws of phys-

decade, manufacturers will need to bring new technol-

“We get to do the type of research that we love with

ics are being pushed to their limit in the quest for ever

ogies to market in a relatively short time frame, and

the added benefit that industry is interested enough to

decreasing bit size. The industry is looking to fundamen-

cheaply.”

help pay for it,” he said. “It is also a way for our students

tal research to provide a roadmap to guide the development of the next generation of magnetic hard drives.

He explains that while the capacity of a typical disc

and post-docs to get exposure to real-world problems

drive has increased exponentially with time, its price has

and to see first-hand how fundamental science makes an

At the leading edge of this research are Drs. Martin

remained relatively constant because of the fierce com-

impact. They get to present their results at applied mag-

Plumer and John Whitehead in the Department of

petition between manufacturers. However, these price

netism conferences, interact with industry researchers,

Physics and Physical Oceanography, currently in their

wars have taken their toll.

and also visit the research and manufacturing sites of

fourth year of a collaborative research agreement with

“Fifteen years ago there were eight or so such com-

Western Digital. In fact, the training in our group has

Western Digital Corporation, near San Francisco, Calif.,

panies in the U.S.,” he said. “Today, only arch rivals

even led to one of our former post-docs landing a perma-

in a project that uses numerical simulations to study the

Western Digital and Seagate remain and neither com-

nent position at Seagate in Minneapolis.”

stability of data stored with ever-smaller bits.

pany can afford to let the other take the technology lead.

Hebron Diversity Research Fund recipients announced

By Kelly Foss and Jackey Locke

engineering, with the requirement that the research be

of teaching engineering courses such as digital signal

Moloney, a professor in the Faculty

led by a faculty member who is a woman, a member of

processing, which require students to integrate abstract

of Engineering and Applied Science, and Dr. Francesca

an Aboriginal group, a visible minority or an individual

mathematical theory with real-world application.

Kerton, an associate professor with the Department of

with an identified disability.

DR. CECILIA

Chemistry, are the recipients of the Hebron Diversity Research Fund Grants A and B, respectively.

Grant A is valued at $40,000 and is given to a

Dr.

Moloney

and

Dr. Kerton co-supervises the Green Chemistry and Cecile

Catalysis Group at Memorial University. The team of

Badenhorst, Faculty of Education, and Janna Rosales,

co-investigators

Drs.

researchers has recently discovered a way to make a new

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, are

molecule from sugars, which could be obtained from

researcher to study the participation of women and/or

interested

fishery waste, such as shrimp, lobster and crab shells.

designated groups in math, science and engineering.

pedagogies to advance the participation of women and

The goal of Grant B, also valued at $40,000, is to

other diversities in engineering.

conduct research in the broad areas of math, science or

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

in

pursuing

research

on

integrative

Dr. Moloney is interested in developing new methods

6

The Hebron Project co-venturers are ExxonMobil Canada Properties (operator), Chevron Canada, Suncor Energy Inc., Statoil Canada and Nalcor Energy.

www.mun.ca/gazette

Learning to balance Human Kinetics and Recreation offers community-based fall prevention program

By Michelle Osmond

SINCE MARY

Corbett had knee

their balance. During the program,

surgery nearly three years ago, she’s been

which wrapped up on Dec. 8, there was

terrified of falling.

also information on fall prevention,

“I was terribly off balance and I have

how to reduce the risk and what to do

a fear of ice, as I’m sure most seniors

after a fall. According to Ms. Corbett,

do,” she said.

simple advice such as proper footwear

Ms. Corbett also has fibromyalgia, which causes musculoskeletal pain.

But a few months back she noticed an advertisement in the Holyrood town flyer about a fall prevention program, so she signed up.

Fourth-year

kinesiology

student

Rebecca Lau helped run the program.

“We didn’t have trouble getting participants. A few weeks before our

“I didn’t really know what it was when

study began we hosted an information session at the Holyrood Community

can to stay active for my health and

Centre. Twenty-six seniors showed up

well-being.” What Ms. Corbett signed

to the information session and we had

up for was a fall prevention program;

22 participants.

balance-based

exercise

program

“Balance is very important as we age

for seniors run by School of Human

and our muscles get weaker,” added

Kinetics and Recreation professor Dr.

Ms. Lau. “Statistics show that as we

Jeanette Byrne and master’s student

age we are at greater risk for falling due

Megan Cummings. The program was

to a number of factors such as vision,

part of a research project Fall Prevention

hearing, medications, home-hazards,

in Community Dwelling Seniors: A

etc. Hopefully, the results of this

Quantitative and Qualitative Study.

study will show how important these

The researchers ran two groups: one

SUBMITTED PHOTO

mats was very useful.

I saw it advertised, but I do whatever I

a

which

received

balance-based

interventions are and how seniors can benefit from these programs.”

exercises and an information session

For Ms. Corbett, it means that when

and a second group which received

winter ice hits, she will have a lot more

only the information session. To make

confidence. “I feel safer and I’ve learned

recommendations for future programs,

a lot. I’m more relaxed now and not as

they wanted to know if the intervention

scared of falling.”

program affected how confident they

Holyrood resident Germaine Crawley participating in a fall prevention program headed up by Human Kinetics and Recreation.

around the house and getting rid of

Funding

for

the

program

came

felt and whether there were balance

from the Newfoundland and Labrador

improvements.

Healthy Aging Research Program, which

The exercise-based group met twice

is administered by the Newfoundland

a week for 10 weeks. They performed

and Labrador Centre for Applied Health

exercises and activities to challenge

Research.

@ ACCESS. ENGAGEMENT. LEARNING.

VISIT US ONLINE

“I LIKE BEING INVOLVED IN VARIOUS

ELEMENTS OF MEDIA PRODUCTION.

www.mun.ca/gazette

PEOPLE APPROACH US WITH THEIR IDEAS AND

WE MAKE THEM HAPPEN.” To assist in the development of learning materials, a team of producers and production technologists @DELTS work to create a collection of media resources.

Visit us at delts.mun.ca

Adrian Collins Production Technologist

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

7

www.mun.ca/gazette

PEOPLE OF MEMORIAL Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK integrative praxis, leadership and social Dr. Paul Banahene Adjei is assistant

as a part-time professor at Centennial

professor with the School of Social Work.

College between 2012 and 2013.

justice, spirituality and social work praxis.

He has two upcoming books: Emerging

Dr. Adjei received his undergrad-

His teaching and research interests are

Perspectives in African Development: Speaking

uate degree in social work from the

in the areas of critical race and anti-rac-

Differently, which he co-edited with George

University of Ghana and his PhD from

ism studies, anti-colonial and post-co-

Dei, and Indigenity, Violence and Character

the University of Toronto. Prior to taking

lonial studies, issues around Indigenity

Education: Reclaiming African Indigenous

his current position with Memorial, Dr.

and Indigenous knowledge, violent and

Knowledge for Youth Education, which he

Adjei was a lecturer at the University of

non-violent studies, HIV/AIDS and rural

is co-authoring with George Dei, Camille

Toronto for five years and he also taught

development,

Logan, and Jagjeet Gill.

social

work

skills

and

Michelle Kilborn SCHOOL OF HUMAN KINETICS AND RECREATION

University of Victoria, and spent several years as president of the B.C. Physical

Michelle Kilborn wants our children

teaching health and lifestyle-enhancing

to be healthy. Throughout her career

programs.”

Education Specialists’ Council.

Her research centres on curriculum

she’s helped schools and teachers guide

Before moving to Newfoundland and

and pedagogy in school-based physical

children and families to healthy lifestyles.

Labrador, Ms. Kilborn spent 12 years

and health education. She is a member

“I have always been an advocate for

teaching health and physical education

of the Canadian Society for the Study

physical and health education,” said Ms.

in British Columbia. She completed a

of Education, as well as a consultant for

Kilborn. “I chose to begin my new career at

master’s degree in physical education

Physical and Health Education Canada,

Memorial because I wanted to join a team

and a bachelor’s degree in physical edu-

a pan-Canadian environmental scan on

of scholars committed to researching and

cation and biological sciences from the

physical activity.

Dr. Adam Dubrowski FACULTY OF MEDICINE Dr. Dubrowski earned his PhD in kineDr. Adam Dubrowski is an associate

“Although my primary appointment is

siology from the University of Waterloo in

professor in the Discipline of Emergency

with the Faculty of Medicine, my vision

2001 and joined the Wilson Centre and

Medicine.

is to network throughout university units

Department of Surgery at the University of

He will provide leadership and build

such as the School of Nursing and the

Toronto. From 2007 he was director of the

scholarship and research capacity in

School of Human Kinetics and Recreation

Centre of Research in Nursing Education

the development and evaluation of sim-

as well as the Marine Institute, with geo-

at the Lawrence S. Bloomberg Faculty of

ulation programs in the new Clinical

graphical locations from St. John’s to

Nursing. In 2009 he joined the Sick Kids

Learning and Development Centre in

Corner Brook to Goose Bay, with scholar-

Learning and Research Institutes and the

the Faculty of Medicine.

ship in simulation.”

Department of Pediatrics.

Nicole Snow began her appointment at

primary interest are mental health-care

Snow is exploring the use of Community

Memorial’s School of Nursing in August

settings, ethical considerations inher-

Treatment Orders (mandatory community

2013.

ent in professional care, professionalism

treatment) for individuals with severe,

Nicole Snow SCHOOL OF NURSING

Her research is focused on exploring

and its praxis and interprofessional edu-

persistent mental illness in Newfoundland

the dimensions of professional nursing

cation and practice. In her doctoral the-

and Labrador.

interactions in a variety of contexts. Of

sis from the University of Alberta, Ms.

Dr. Allan Hall FACULTY OF ARTS

Dr. Alan Hall comes to Memorial

Dr. Hall specializes in the area of occu-

His current research involves injury

after several years in the University of

pational health and safety with broad

and hazard reporting by young workers

Windsor’s sociology department.

interests in labour, law and health and

and immigrants, worker health and safety

He was also the director of their labour

is currently teaching courses in unem-

representation and employment standards

studies program and is currently the pro-

ployment and policing in Memorial’s

violations.

gram co-ordinator of Memorial’s master

Department of Sociology.

in employment relations program.

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

8

www.mun.ca/gazette

FACULTY PROFILES Dr. Meghan Burchell FACULTY OF ARTS An assistant professor in the Department

interactions. Specifically, she studies

Bioarchaeology as well as Principles of

of Archaeology at Memorial, Dr. Meghan

the micro-structure and geochemistry

Archaeology and will be introducing a

Burchell spent several years in Hamilton,

of hard tissues such as shell, bone, teeth

new course, the Archaeology of Death,

Ont., as an undergraduate and graduate

and coral to derive information on past

in Winter 2014. This course will exam-

student at McMaster University.

climate, human settlement patterns and

ine the different methodological and

diet.

theoretical approaches to how we under-

Her research intersects archaeology, biology and geochemistry to under-

Dr.

stand long-term human-environmental

Burchell

is

currently

teach-

ing Introduction to Archaeology and

stand the history of human burials, and how we regard the deceased.

Dr. Ashrafee Hossain FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Dr. Ashrafee Hossain joined the Faculty

It was during his PhD that he received

with well-published researchers on joint

of Business Administration in July 2013

the 2013 Joe Kelly Graduate Award for the

research and publications. I am highly

as an assistant professor of finance.

best thesis produced by a student of the

motivated to further build my research

John Molson School of Business.

and publication output.”

He holds a bachelor of science in information technology and a master of

“My recently completed PhD has given

Dr. Hossain’s research focuses on var-

business administration in finance, both

me the tools and desire to develop a

ious areas of corporate finance including

from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.,

number of research streams on corporate

corporate governance, financial regula-

and a PhD in finance from Concordia

finance topics,” he said. “I have an existing

tions, mergers and acquisitions, corporate

University in Montreal, Que.

research pipeline and have already worked

social responsibility and sustainability.

Dr. Chansoo Park FACULTY OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Dr. Chansoo Park joins the Faculty of

South Korea and has extensive interna-

Business Administration as an assistant

tional business experience with multina-

professor in international business.

tional enterprises (MNEs). His research is

business

in the area of knowledge transfer, alliances

University in Seoul, a top business school

and MNEs strategy.

in South Korea. He was a post-doctoral

Dr. Park worked for the Centre for International Business Studies at the

and Learning Award in 2011.

He also holds a PhD in international and

strategy

from

Sogang

University of British Columbia as a research

Dr. Park holds a graduate certificate in

fellow at the Sauder School of Business at

associate prior to joining Memorial. He

executive coaching from Royal Roads

the University of British Columbia under

has taught courses in international busi-

University in Victoria, B.C., where he

the supervision of the eminent scholar in

ness and strategy in Canada, China and

received the Graham Dickson Leadership

international business, Dr. Ilan Vertinsky.

Dr. Erin McGowan SCHOOL OF HUMAN KINETICS AND RECREATION Dr. Erin McGowan is an alumnus of

and health psychology. She also has a

Dr. McGowan’s research focuses on

the School of Human Kinetics and

B.Sc.(Hons.) in human kinetics from the

promoting healthy lifestyle behaviours

Recreation with a master’s degree in

University of Ottawa. Most recently, Dr.

through theory-driven physical activity

kinesiology. Now, she’s back as an

McGowan was a Canadian Cancer Society

interventions, specifically the promo-

assistant professor of sport, exercise and

Research Institute funded post-doctoral

tion of physical activity to address three

health psychology.

research fellow at the University of Alberta

main issues: preventing cancer occur-

Dr. McGowan graduated from the

studying behavioural medicine in the

rence, mitigating the side effects of cancer

University of Western Ontario with a PhD

Department of Physical Education and

and its treatments and preventing cancer

in kinesiology specializing in exercise

Recreation.

recurrence.

Dr. Deanna Murphy FACULTY OF MEDICINE Dr. Deanna Murphy has been appointed

in 2010. She then completed a fellowship

post-secondary education with an inter-

assistant professor with the Discipline of

in reproductive endocrinology and infer-

est in using simulation in residency

Obstetrics and Gynecology, with a clinical

tility from the University of Ottawa in

training and is a member of the point of

cross-appointment to Eastern Health.

2012 at the Ottawa Fertility Clinic. She

care ultrasound faculty at Memorial. Dr.

Dr. Murphy graduated with her MD

has a clinical interest in infertility, fertil-

Murphy has completed research in the

from Memorial University in 2005 and

ity preservation, pediatric and adolescent

decline in antral follicle count with age,

went on to complete her residency in

gynecology and menopause.

and outcomes in teenage pregnancies on

She is commencing a master’s in

obstetrics and gynecology at Memorial

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

9

the Avalon Peninsula.

www.mun.ca/gazette

&

NEWS NOTES

Continued from RHODES story on page 1

Listed below is a selection of the funding opportunities for which information has recently

The recent announcement is so fresh,

and helped raise funds to endow a music

been received by the Office of Research Services. For links to further information on these items,

he says it’s really just starting to sink

scholarship for students in need. I know

visit Grant Funding Opportunities on the research website at www.mun.ca/research/overview/

in. His application was submitted in

he will make the most of the leadership

grant_opp.php .

October and he and three other local

and educational opportunities offered

students were invited to take part in a

by the Rhodes Scholarship.”

• Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation – Atlantic Region: 2014 Research Grants Competition

recent reception and dinner. After a for-

Being the next Rhodes Scholar means

• Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research Literature Review and Research

mal interview the next day, Mr. Payne

Mr. Payne will attend Oxford in October

Proposal Development on the Effectiveness of Psychiatric Service Dogs in Treating Posttrau-

was informed of his selection the same

to begin work on a one year, course-

afternoon.

matic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Veterans

based master of science degree in global

• CIHR Canadian Immunization Research Network

“No matter how much you prepare, or

health. It builds on the research in sta-

• CIHR Child and Youth Health Grant

how far along you get, it’s not ever some-

tistics he’s currently doing at Memorial

• CIHR Institute Community Support Grants and Awards

thing you actually expect,” he said. “The

focusing on obesity in Newfoundland

• CIHR Mental Health Network – Full Proposal

other students involved were wonderful

and Labrador.

• CIHR Open Operating Grant - Registration

leaders and talented researchers. They’re

“I’ve been working with a lot of data

all doing great things and I don’t believe

and modelling,” he said. “It’s very useful

• CIHR Science Policy Fellowships

I’m any better than they are.”

and practical research and this will give

• CIHR Science to Business

Rhodes

me a chance to take what I’m doing now

• CIHR SPOR Network in Primary and Integrated Care Innovations

Scholarships are postgraduate awards

and look at it from a worldwide scale

• CIHR Team Grant: Boys’ and Mens’ Health

supporting outstanding all-around stu-

… It’s basically a statistics-based public

• CIHR Team Grant: Circumpolar, wellness, resilience and suicide prevention

dents at the University of Oxford, pro-

health degree looking at trends and pat-

• Imperial Oil University Research Award

viding

terns of diseases and their prevention.”

• KRESCENT New Investigator Awards

Established

in

1903,

transformative

opportunities

for exceptional individuals. Dr. Ellen Waterman,

dean,

School

of

• CIHR Quantitative Imaging for Responses to Cancer Therapies Grant

“The Rhodes Scholarship is the world’s

• KRESCENT Post-Doctoral Fellowships

Music,

most prestigious scholarship,” said Dr.

• SSHRC Insight Development Grants Competition

believes the Rhodes Trust made a wise

Andy Foster, associate dean, Faculty of

• The Foundation Fighting Blindness New Investigator Award

decision in their choice.

Science. “In this instance, it’s wonderful

• The Foundation Fighting Blindness Operating Grant – Full Application

“Anthony is not only a fine musician

that it provides Anthony the opportu-

• U.S. Department of Defence Breast Cancer Breakthrough Award

and scholar, he is also a very generous

nity to further his statistical modelling

• U.S. Department of Defence Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine Neuromusculoskeletal Inju-

person,” she said. “During his time at

ideas with experts in the field to ulti-

the School of Music, he tutored students

mately make a difference in the world.”

ries Research Award • U.S. Department of Defence Clinical and Rehabilitative Medicine Research Program Regenerative Medicine Clinical Trial Award • U.S. Department of Defence Defense Medical Research and Development Program

Continued from PATON story on page 1

• U.S. Department of Defence Neurosensory Research Awards • U.S. Department of Defence Psychological Health/Traumatic Brain Injury Research Program

kidney disease and inherited cystic dis-

In public engagement, he has pro-

ease of the kidney. He played a lead role

vided evidence to the Government

in global randomized controlled trials of

of Newfoundland and Labrador that

therapies in chronic kidney disease. He

changed

has led or collaborated in national and

ery policies. His expertise and advice

Jan. 15

international interdisciplinary research

has influenced policy decisions for the

CNIB

teams that have determined the molec-

allocation of long-term care beds, acute

–– Baker Fellowship Fund

ular genetic bases of cystic diseases,

hospital sector restructuring, drug uti-

–– Baker New Researcher Fund

arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and

lization and other interventions to

–– Baker Applied Research Fund

colorectal cancer.

improve health-care delivery.

–– Barbara Tuck MacPhee Award

multiple

health-care

• U.S. Department of Defence Vision Research Program Translational Research Award

• IMMINENT DEADLINES

deliv-

Over the last 30 years, Dr. Parfrey

“Although this award validates the

has been an educator and mentor in

work that I have undertaken since

Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine in the

coming to Memorial in 1984, it was all

undergraduate and graduate programs.

predicated on the contributions of mul-

–– Conference/Seminars/Workshops Grants

He has trained more than 50 post-gradu-

tiple altruistic collaborators across mul-

–– Publication Subsidies

ate students in the clinical epidemiology

tiple disciplines who wanted to answer

program that he helped found, and past

research

students have credited him with help-

patients,” said Dr. Parfrey.

questions

of

relevance

International Union against Cancer –– Yamagiwa-Yoshida Memorial UICC International Study Grants Chiang Ching-Kuo Foundation for International Scholarly Exchange

Feb. 1

to

Royal Society of Canada

ing them develop critical thinking and

The John Lewis Paton Distinguished

communication skills. Geoff Warden,

University Professorship will be formally

PhD candidate and medical student, said

awarded to Dr. Parfrey at the president’s

The Harry Guggenheim Foundation

about his mentor: “Dr. Parfrey teaches

awards ceremony on Dec. 12. At that

–– Dissertation Fellowships

his students to develop a critical mind

time, awards will also be presented in

by pointing his students in the right

recognition of outstanding teaching,

direction, but allowing them to make

research and service. For a complete list

connections and draw their own conclu-

of recipients, please visit http://today.

Feb. 3

sions. His use of real-life examples in the

mun.ca/news.php?id=8657 .

Canadian Diabetes

–– McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science –– Konrad Adenauer Research Award (Germany)

Cystic Fibrosis Canada –– Summer Studentships

classroom leave indelible lessons.”

–– Operating Grants Competition –– Personnel Awards Competition National Kidney Foundation

Call for Nominations: Vice-President’s Grants Committee

–– Young Investigator Grants

Feb. 5 National Institutes of Health (U.S.)

The Vice-President’s Grants Committee is seeking to fill two vacancies: one in the area of humanities (Classics, English Language and Literature, Folklore, French and Spanish, German and Russian, History, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Music) and one from the Faculty of Education. This committee adjudicates applications to programs funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) institutional grant and the Vice-President Research Grant, which is administered through the Office of Research Services. If you are interested in serving on the committee, or if you would like to nominate a colleague, please contact Michelle Butt, internal grants co-ordinator, Office of Research Services (mbutt@mun.ca , 864-8368) by Friday, Dec. 20.

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

–– New Research Grants

Feb. 6 Memorial University, Office of Research Services –– SSHRC/Vice President’s Research Grant

10

www.mun.ca/gazette

OUTANDABOUT

AS OF JAN.1

For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit www.today.mun.ca

Wednesday, Dec. 11

MasterCard only credit card accepted

Wessex Society Christmas Program, 8-9:30 p.m.,

Hampton

Hall,

Marine

Institute,

Sponsor: Wessex Society

will be

Research Talks on Health Innovation, 7-9 p.m., IIC-2001, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: N.L. Centre for

the for student account payments through Self Service.

Applied Heath Research

Wednesday, Dec. 12 PhD Oral Defence of Rod Hobbs, 1-3 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies The Critical Thinking Approach for Better Problem Solving, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., BN-4019, Sponsor: Gardiner Centre

Monday, Dec. 16

For more information, please visit mun.ca/finance and click on the Cashier’s Office

Artificial Chemistry-Based Cell Replication Subjected to Evolution, 1-2 p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of Computer Science Collaborative Governance in Rural Regions: An Examination of Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., IIC-2014,

LORI LEE HOLLETT PHOTO

Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies

TREE TRIMMING

From left, Chelsea Noel, president of the Grenfell Campus Student Union, and Dr. Mary Bluechardt, vice-president (Grenfell Campus), kick off the holiday season.

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Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

11

www.mun.ca/gazette

CHRIS HAMMOND PHOTO

Engineering student Nathan Ash, Dr. Rodolphe Devillers and Dr. Arnaud Vandecasteele show off an open source remotely operated vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Drone potential

student Nathan Ash is assisting Dr. Devillers in assembling the open source remotely operated vehicles as part of his workterm.

“This

Crowd sourcing geographic data by sea and by sky

initiative

has

turned

into

an

exciting

collaboration between our group in geography and a group from engineering interested in underwater vehicles,” Dr. Devillers said.

By Janet Harron

The current plan is to launch the UAV for the first time

DR. RODOLPHE

Devillers and his team are like

kids with new toys at Christmas.

can contribute by adding or modifying geographic data.

in the spring of 2014. After subsequent testing, both the

“Our research group studies how geographic data can

UAV and the ROV will be shared with researchers across

The associate professor of geography and Dr. Arnaud

be crowd sourced and is now starting to explore how

campus and in collaboration with communities and

Vandecasteele, post-doctoral fellow on his team,

new types of geographic data, such as aerial photos, can

small organizations in the province of Newfoundland

recently received funding from the Natural Sciences

be collected by the crowd using inexpensive UAVs or

and Labrador.

and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

ROVs and shared to the general public,” he said. “Our

“We anticipate such technology to play a key role

for two new pieces of equipment.

vision is that such inexpensive systems will become

in supporting research and environmental sciences,”

The new unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and open

increasingly available to the general public and will

said Dr. Devillers. “For instance, a number of graduate

source remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV)

constitute a source of very interesting data for society.”

research projects from our geography department are

will allow Dr. Devillers and his team to test affordable

Although

satellites

and

airplanes

have

been

focused on Canadian Arctic communities’ vulnerability

technologies for crowd sourcing aerial photos and

historically used for collecting aerial photos, the recent

to impacts of climate change. Such research projects

underwater images.

development of drone technology opens up the potential

often require up-to-date topographic maps, accurate

According to Dr. Devillers, the collection of geographic

for citizens and communities to use UAVs in a number

digital elevation models and recent aerial photos, data

data by the general public has increased exponentially

of contexts, including mapping their communities and

that are often not available for most rural and remote

in past decades, but has been largely restricted

monitoring their environment.

places in Canada. A UAV could be used in this context

to traditional mapping, such as the increasingly

Memorial’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied

to both collect data for student projects and at the same

popular OpenStreetMap project. OpenStreetMap is a

Science has extensive experience with underwater

time test the potential benefit of using such equipment

collaborative mapping environment onto which anyone

vehicles.

for the community more generally.”

Mechanical

engineering

undergraduate

Bridging the gap

bridge between high school and post-secondary. Memorial

Partnership to provide technology-enhanced ocean education to high school students

University continually strives for excellence through its three frameworks: Teaching and Learning, Research Strategy and Public Engagement.

The MOU will see pilot and joint programming take place at the three partner sites using existing infrastruc-

By Kelly Foss

ture, including touch tanks, wet labs, aquaria and presen-

MEMORIAL announced a partnership on an initiative

Memorial’s marine facilities — the Ocean Sciences Centre

tation theatres. It will also include at-sea excursions on

to enhance its public education and outreach activities

in Logy Bay, the Bonne Bay Marine Station in Norris Point

in-shore tour/research vessels, providing hands-on, expe-

related to ocean education for secondary schools recently.

and the Holyrood Marine Base.

riential learning opportunities for students.

Led by Memorial’s Department of Ocean Sciences, the

OLP is a multi-stakeholder initiative that involves

The Digital Oceans Project, which expands the reach of

initiative will provide an expanded program of field trips

program partners from the provincial departments

the field program to schools all across the province through

and hands-on activities for high school students across

of Education and Fisheries and Aquaculture, the

a dedicated video streaming portal, was also announced.

the province.

Newfoundland and Labrador English School District,

It will deliver live, locally relevant content about the

the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association,

coastal and oceans environment of Newfoundland and

Fisheries and Oceans Canada and Parks Canada.

Labrador directly to the classrooms from vessels, underwa-

At an event at Holy Spirit High School in Conception Bay South, the university signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Oceans Learning Partnership

Together, they will work with Memorial to deliver the

ter equipment and partner shore facilities, and allow stu-

(OLP). It will see the development of new, technolo-

Ocean Education Initiative, which aims to address the gap

dents to directly interact with Memorial or Department of

gy-enhanced programming to be delivered at three of

in ocean studies in the schools and create a much-needed

Fisheries and Oceans scientists about what they are seeing.

Gazette | Wednesday, December 11, 2013

12

www.mun.ca/gazette