Gazettevol45no16june26issuu

June 26, 2013 Volume 45 Number 16

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

INTO THE DEEP

Memorial University of Newfoundland Research Report 2013

Launch forth

By Meaghan Whelan

Memorial University has gone digital with

escape as would occur

the 2013 Research Report. The theme, Into the Deep, is

from

rooted in Memorial’s motto, Provehito in Altum (Launch

helicopter.

another

million dollars. The report features interactive charts

forth into the deep), which aptly captures the spirit of

story, the influence of

that allow users to examine trends in research funding

discovery inherent in research. The development of the

the Moravians on the

over the last decade.

report was led by Dr. Christopher Loomis, who served

musical heritage of the

The project involved extensive internal and external

as vice-president (research) from 2002 to May 31, 2013.

Labrador Inuit is captured

collaboration. The Office of the Vice-President (Research)

“In 2002, we began publishing a report separate from

in video documentary

worked closely with the Division of Marketing and

the annual President’s Report dedicated to research

footage and audio clips

Communications

showcasing this unique

Perfect Day. The Offices of Research Services and

musical culture.

Collaborations and Partnerships provided information

and scholarship,” he said. “Over time, our research reports became increasingly sophisticated, garnering

Dr. Christopher Loomis

an

overturned In

The report covers the 2012-13 fiscal year when external research funding at Memorial exceeded $100

and

local

marketing

company

many national and international awards. This year,

Dr. Richard Marceau began his term as vice-president

regarding the preliminary financial figures for 2012-13,

we continued that evolution, publishing the report

(research) on June 1. He said the report is a testament to

while the Division of Computing & Communications

online. By using photos, videos and text creatively,

the innovation and creativity of Memorial researchers.

provided technical support and site optimization for

we’re able to tell the story of research at Memorial in a whole new way.”

“Researchers at Memorial University are engaged

the launch.

in world-class research that has significant relevance

For example, in a story about the physiological effects

to our world,” he said. “Dr. Loomis and his team have

A selection of stories featured in the report can be

of inversion during an emergency situation, first-person

created a report that celebrates the highest standard of

viewed on pages six and seven. The entire report is

video captures the rush of water and the disorienting

research excellence and provides a unique window into

available online, www.mun.ca/intothedeep .

effect of being upside down during a simulated ocean

the university’s research enterprise.”

Anita O’Keefe photo

Industrial benefit planning is an important issue in the Town of Placentia, as it is situated in the vicinity of Long Harbour and other mega-projects.

GAZETTE

the priorities of the region, and there should be more dialogue on how to make priorities match up.”

It was noted that many corporations that construct and operate large developments do great things in

your next project

communities throughout the province, and that some recognize that the creation of jobs in itself is not enough to support the communities where they operate. However,

By Amy Tucker Special to the Gazette

local views are not always heard.

“Many benefit agreements only look at the high level benefits for the province, but community members

Yaffle.ca is Memorial’s online connecting tool. One of its most

should be part of the discussion to decide what tangible

significant jobs is to provide a way for people from outside Memorial

benefits can be provided and where,” Mr. Murray said.

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

The project:

Here’s one …

The discussion group would like someone at Memorial to help develop a research project investigating best

The opportunity:

practices and lessons learned from other communities

At a recent Harris Centre regional workshop held in

and their local regions that have been involved in

Placentia, Placentia Bay, regional participants agreed

industrial benefits negotiations. These examples could

there is a need for communities to more effectively

be provincial, national or international in scope, and

participate in industrial benefits planning.

would provide a better understanding of formal and

“The discussion revolved around the idea that benefit planning is often negotiated between the provincial

informal options that may be available in dealing with large developments.

government and the project proponent,” said Kerry

The potential project could examine how large industry

Murray, director of economic and social policy with

can contribute to public services in communities such

the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.

as health, education, training, municipal infrastructure

“Communities are not often part of these discussions;

and small business development, among others. It

however, they are likely the ones who will feel the most

could also examine what has already been done on the

impact from development.”

southwest Avalon Peninsula with respect to community

Mr. Murray says the impact is not only felt in the community where the project will be located, but by

and regional benefits from the existing and upcoming industrial developments.

those living in the surrounding region, as well.

“Maybe developments could include the creation of

Interested in learning more about this project? The Harris Centre’s

a regional benefit agreement that can help interject a

co-ordinator of knowledge mobilization would be happy to tell you

community voice into the process,” he suggested. “What

more. Call Amy Tucker at 709-864-6115 or email at amy.tucker@

the company sees as being helpful may not align with

mun.ca.

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

Editor Graphics Mandy Cook Helen Houston

Regular Contributors

Courtenay Alcock Laura Barron Jennifer Batten Rebecca Cohoe Melanie Callahan Nora Daly Paula Dyke Kelly Foss Pamela Gill Sharon Gray Janet Harron Jill Hunt Jackey Locke

Peter Morris Cathy Newhook Shannon O’Dea Dawson Naomi Osborne Michelle Osmond David Penney Marcia Porter Kristine Power Dave Sorensen Meaghan Whelan Susan White-MacPherson Laura Woodford

Classified Advertising Photography Kelly Hickey Chris Hammond

Advertising Mandy Cook Telephone: 709-864-2142 Email: mandyc@mun.ca Next Gazette deadline July 10 for July 17 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 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.

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

2

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Photo by Tom Cochrane

David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, provided the opening keynote address at CU Expo 2013 in Corner Brook.

CU Expo 2013 engages community Close to 500

delegates from around the

world gathered in Corner Brook for CU Expo 2013,

the red carpet for us,’ and, ‘What a wonderful example

world need to be ready to be engaged,” said Craig Pollett,

of partnership and engagement.’

CEO, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador,

an opportunity to showcase the best practices in

“It was truly a team effort and, for me, one of the

community-university partnerships worldwide and

greatest highlights of the conference, as it demonstrated

CU Expo takes place every second year in different

to create opportunities for innovative and successful

once again that Grenfell Campus is a campus dedicated

Canadian locations and is organized jointly by

collaborations that strengthen communities.

to those it serves.”

communities, universities and colleges, government,

From June 12-15, participants chose from a variety of

Conference

attendee

Amy

Tucker,

knowledge

following the conference. “It’s a new world for us too.”

and non-profit organizations. The event facilitates

interactive sessions, from workshops to arts activities,

mobilization co-ordinator with the Harris Centre, said

working

deliberative dialogue to presentations, participatory

she was able to interact with people whose role is to

community groups to bring about positive change.

communications, mobile tours, service learning and

broker between those inside and outside a university.

more. As well, delegates kept busy with a variety of

“Sharing our experiences helped me see what I am

community events, including community dinners,

doing that works, while giving me ideas from the work

theatre, art shows and kitchen parties.

of others,” she said.

“I have heard from many delegates that it was the best expo to date,” said Louise McGillis, chair of the steering

universities

committee. “I heard comments like, ‘They rolled out

communities and that those of us in that “community”

A case for fracking?

in

their

thinking

on

engaging

STUDENTVIEW Joshua Duff

First take

between

academia

and

The opening keynote was provided by David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, who spoke about the important role universities play in the community.

Throughout the conference, interviews and select

“I think the biggest revelation was how far along are

relationships

the U.S. Energy and Commerce

speakers were profiled on Bay of Islands Radio, a station devoted to all things CU Expo.

results of these operations cannot be pre-measured as they can only be calculated after the job has been done.

Therefore, no promises for the safety of Gros Morne National Park and the surrounding communities can be

Committee’s list of the pollutant toxic chemicals

made.

(such as Benzene, which is linked to specific cancers,

Finally, we need to ignore the warning from UNESCO

according to the World Health Organization) that are

Pennsylvania’s Cross Creek because a pipeline

that Gros Morne may lose its status as a world heritage

mixed into fracking water, tear it up and then discard it.

transporting wastewater leaked 4,000 gallons of

site if shale gas exploration is permitted near its location.

Next we will set aside the evidence that points to

chemical water into their habitat

Only then will we be comfortable with fracking and

human error, drawbacks and false statements regarding

– Methane gas that found its way into peoples’ tapwater

the resulting disposal of chemical-rich flowback water –

previous fracking and shale gas extraction operations,

causing skin rashes and burns during showers and

that has also occasionally contained radioactive materials

including:

making it inconsumable because of its flammability

(such as decaying uranium), mercury and arsenic that

and

(one woman from Rosebud, Alta., was able to set fire

came from deep within the Earth – in designated sites

Lancashire, U.K., in 2011 as a result of the shale

to her tapwater) as a result of high pressure water

just outside of Gros Morne and its nearby communities.

rock breaking and the chemicals that are mixed

injections into the shale rock that caused wells to

– The

earthquakes

that

shook

Blackpool

into the water used to break the rock

crack or aquifers to become contaminated

We will come to realize that there is quick money to be made — but mostly for a company— and temporary

– The positive correlation between the increase of

– Previous statements by some that methane gas has

jobs to be created. The slow degradation of Gros Morne’s

dumping fracking wastewater into designated sites

low greenhouse gas emissions — it is actually 9,000

natural environment and the potential health risk to the

with the increase of earthquakes (that shook close

times higher than originally thought.

surrounding communities and citizens would only be a

to the wastewater dump sites) in areas of the mid-

We also need to accept that studies cannot be done

western U.S. that have gone up from 20 earthquakes

to determine the direct effects these chemicals have

in the 1970s to 134 earthquakes in 2011

on humans because they are too dangerous to test on

– The destruction of an ecosystem in West Virginia because of irresponsible wastewater dumping – The death of many fish and invertebrates in

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

small price to pay — right?

people. Also, comprehensive research on the before and

Joshua Duff is a fourth-year student majoring in political

after (long-term) effects of fracking on a community has

science and English language and literature at Memorial

not yet been conducted. Not to mention the fact that the

University. He can be reached at jrd218@mun.ca .

3

www.mun.ca/gazette

Paul Daly photo

The Kokopelli choir at Festival 500 in 2011.

Singing celebration Biennial international choral music festival returns to capital city to take in. We are inviting individuals who are not

By Mandy Cook

with the “sharing the voices” theme of the festival.

affiliated with a choir to “Come Solo” and perform as

Another highlight of Festival 500 is the massed choirs,

Festival 500: Sharing the Voices, one of the most

part of the Come Solo Festival Choir. Then there are

where participating choirs come together to rehearse

prestigious, non-competitive choral events in the world,

workshops and master classes with world-renowned

and sing in two huge choirs (youth and adult), and will

has embraced and hosted the international choral

artists, approximately 100 symposium presenters with 14

be presented at the cultural event of the year: the grand

community on this province’s shores by the thousands

countries represented, and a Choral Institute for music

finale concert, titled Vocal Fireworks!, before an audience

every other year since 1997. This year, from July 3-10,

and education students earning credit towards their

of thousands at Mile One Centre on Wednesday, July

performance halls and concert stages in St. John’s will

graduate degrees. All symposium sessions are open to

10. As an additional musical boost, the massed choirs

swell with the sound of the world’s best vocalists once

the public at per sessions or day rates. The festival and

will be accompanied by the Newfoundland Symphony

more.

symposium are truly interdisciplinary in every sense of

Orchestra under the direction of conductor Marc David.

Whether you are a performer or a music enthusiast,

the word.”

The grand finale concert will also see festival headliners

there is something for everyone. This year’s lineup

From the performance halls at Memorial’s School of

Witloof Bay, a Belgium-based, a cappella group, take to the

features 30 international choirs performing a suite of

Music to the stage at the Arts and Culture Centre to

stage, as well as a solo performance by Newfoundland’s

concerts at various local venues, as well as an academic

Gower Street, St. Andrew’s and Mary Queen of Peace

own internationally recognized tenor David Pomeroy

symposium — The Phenomenon of Singing — from July

churches, song will reverberate throughout the capital

singing favourites O Sole Mio, Nessun Dorma and Danny

7-10 on Memorial University’s St. John’s campus.

city for seven days. At the heart of the festival are the

Boy.

“There is so much happening during the festival and

World of Music concerts which feature three choirs in

Tickets for the grand finale concert at Mile One Centre

symposium, sometimes it’s hard to get your head around

each concert. This main concert series occurs over four

and all other Festival 500 concerts are now on sale.

it,” said Dr. Andrea Rose, artistic director, Festival 500,

nights of the festival in two or three venues each evening.

Please visit the festival’s website at www.festival500.com

and a professor in Memorial’s Faculty of Education.

Each concert sees three choirs perform their repertoire

for show times and for more details about how you can

“There are countless concerts and symposium sessions

for 20 minutes apiece and then sing together in keeping

participate in the festival and symposium.

Dr. Tom Gordon

&

PAPERS PRESENTATIONS

NOTABLE

Dr. Glenn Sheppard,

recently

Natasha BelangerWilloughby, a neuroscience

honoured at the annual meeting

graduate student in the Faculty

of the Canadian University Music

of

Society / Société de musique des

Presentation Prize at 2013 Canadian

Association held in Halifax, N.S, May 14-17.

universities canadiennes in Victoria,

NeuroMetabolic

meeting

Along with his colleague, Dr. Cristelle

Dr. Scott Johnston,

B.C., with an Honorary Lifetime

in Toronto, Ont., on May 20. Her

Audet, professor, University of Ottawa, he

of Education/Department of Philosophy;

Membership, a title bestowed by

presentation, titled Western Diet

made the following presentations: When

Dr.

Walter

the society on individuals who have

Impairs Thermosensing in Orexin

Are Counsellors and Psychotherapists Most

Faculty

of

rendered distinguished service to

Neurons, showed that the Western-

at Risk of Ethical Misconduct and Ethical

Philosophy; and

university music in Canada. Dr.

style, high fat, high sugar diet

Decision-Making: Getting Off The Horns

doctoral candidate, Faculty of Education,

Gordon served on the executive

attenuates the response of neurons

of An Ethical Dilemma Before It Hurts

presented papers for the session Chris

of the Canadian University Music

in the brain that signal satiety in a

You or Others and with his colleague, Dr.

Martin’s

Society for eight years, including

rat model. This finding may explain

Blythe Shepard, professor, University of

Education: Jurgen Habermas, Educational

two as its president. From 2000-10

how palatable the Western-style diet

Lethbridge, presented An Update on the

Rights to Discursive Autonomy and Public

he was director of Memorial’s School

induces overeating and subsequent

Statutory Regulation of Counselling and

Moral Justification at the annual conference

of Music. Dr. Gordon’s previous

weight gain.

Psychotherapy in Canada.

of the Canadian Philosophy of Education

School

of

Music

was

of the

Medicine,

won Club

the

Oral

professor

Research Society International conference

(retired), Faculty of Education, attended

in Philadelphia, Pa., in April where he

the national conference of the Canadian

made a presentation titled SMAD3 Gene Is

Counselling

Associated with Generalized Osteoarthritis.

and

Psychotherapy

administrative appointments include Bishop’s University in Sherbrooke,

Okshevsky,

Education/Department

of

Darron Kelly,

Post-metaphysical

Vision

of

Society, Canadian Society for Studies in

Erfan Aref,

a master’s student in

Education, Congress of the Humanities and

Dr. Guangju

Social Sciences 2013, University of Victoria,

Que., and OCAD University in

genetics supervised by

Toronto, Ont.

Zhai,

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Faculty

4

attended

the

Osteoarthritis

Victoria, B.C., June 2013.

www.mun.ca/gazette

Competitive advantage

Investment of more than $3 million for research facility

By Jackey Locke

To support

research and identify new ways to

optimize oil recovery, the Research & Development chris hammond photo

Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) and the Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) are investing $1.635 and $1.7 million respectively for the creation of a state-of-theart enhanced oil recovery research facility at Memorial University’s St. John’s campus.

“Investing in research to maximize the potential of resources in our offshore will have direct economic benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Keith

From left are Dr. Greg Naterer, Dr. Richard Marceau, Jamie Long, Dr. Lesley James, Keith Hutchings and Glenn Janes.

Hutchings, minister responsible for the Research & Development Corporation. “Our province’s academic

RDC. “Building new research labs and facilities is critical

“Our ultimate goal is to increase oil recovery offshore

community and oil and gas leaders are researching

to expanding our R&D capacity, and strengthening

Newfoundland and Labrador.”

new technologies to extract additional resources from

our long-term economic performance and global

current and future oil fields. Collaboration between

competitiveness.

government, industry and academia will continue to

research represents a strategic investment that is critical

support an environment that enhances the competitive

to sustaining economic prosperity in Newfoundland

advantage of our province.”

and Labrador.”

Applied

enhanced

oil

recovery

The investments will create a world-class research laboratory in Memorial’s Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation.

“The support from RDC and HMDC will enable Memorial to build on our strengths in enhanced oil

Research efforts in the new laboratory will focus on

The investment from HMDC is in addition to their

recovery,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski, president and

enhanced oil recovery, which is utilized to increase

investment of more than $11 million to fund the

vice-chancellor. “The support we receive from the

the amount of crude oil extracted from an oil field and

purchase of laboratory equipment and research into

offshore industry, in partnership with the provincial

extend the field life. Funding from RDC and HMDC

enhanced oil recovery announced in December 2012.

government, is enabling us to develop expertise and

will advance research and development (R&D) capacity at Memorial.

“RDC continues to support collaborative R&D

RDC’s

infrastructure that will be unmatched in this country.

funding is designed to foster R&D partnerships between

Through

its

CollaborativeR&D

program,

I am confident that the research completed in the

academic researchers and industry.

enhanced oil recovery laboratory will have a positive

between academia and business by investing in the

“The new building, its equipment and staff will

highly qualified researchers, innovative research and

support research into enhanced oil recovery, which is

world-class infrastructure required to advance our

critical to the continued success of the province and

development opportunities,” said Glenn Janes, CEO,

the industry,” said Jamie Long, president, HMDC.

impact on enhanced oil recovery capacity and the province as a whole.”

Canada Foundation for Innovation invests in Memorial’s research infrastructure

By Meaghan Whelan

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has

“Most commonly, chemists study the products of a

invested $436,566 in five research projects at Memorial.

reaction by terminating the process and seeing what

“Funding from the CFI is critical to attracting and

comes out of the flask. These instruments will allow us

retaining top researchers and building Memorial’s

to study the reaction of CO2 “on the fly”, as the reaction

research capacity,” said Dr. Richard Marceau, vice-

is occurring, giving us a lot more information as to how

president (research). “The support from CFI equips

to improve the process,” Dr. Kozak explained.

our researchers for solving some of the world’s

“Carbon dioxide is a byproduct of many industries,

greatest problems, such as transforming atmospheric

particularly the oil and gas industry, and it is

CO2 into value-added products. The competition for

accumulating in our atmosphere. It is essential for

research funding is increasingly intense, and I’d like to

Canada to develop new technologies to exploit this

congratulate the recipients for their vision and success.”

abundant molecule and transform it into more useful

The funding was awarded through the CFI’s Leaders

materials.”

Drs. Chris Kozak and Fran Kerton

Identification

and

Characterization

of

Organic

Opportunity Fund, a program designed to help

“The investments being announced for Memorial

universities attract and retain the very best researchers at

University of Newfoundland will further enhance

• Dr. Tao Cheng, Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty

a time of intense international competition. Awards are

our country’s reputation as a destination of choice

of Science, Infrastructure for the Characterization of

made to researchers who are recognized leaders in their

for outstanding researchers,” said Dr. Gilles G. Patry,

Particulate Matter and Dissolved Chemical Species in

field, or those with a clear promise of becoming future

president and CEO, CFI. “They will make our universities

Water, Soil and Groundwater Environments

leaders and who require specialized infrastructure.

even more competitive when it comes to attracting the

Drs. Christopher Kozak and Fran Kerton, Department

best and brightest researchers from around the world.”

of Chemistry, are two researchers who received funding

Projects are eligible to receive up to 40 per cent

from CFI. Their research involves the use of abundant,

of the total project cost from CFI under the Leaders

renewable starting materials, such as carbon dioxide, to

Opportunity Fund. The total value of the funded

make more valuable materials such as plastics, solvents

projects is more than $1 million.

and possibly fuels.

The funding will be used to purchase two instruments

Compounds

• Drs. Christopher Kozak and Fran Kerton, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Research Tools for Process Optimization and Characterization of Biodegradable and Renewable Polymers • Dr. Erika Merschrod, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Ultra-high Resolution Chemical Mapping: Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS)

Funded projects:

System

that will change the way they study the formation of

• Dr. Graham Bodwell, Department of Chemistry,

• Dr. Yuri Muzychka, Faculty of Engineering and

plastics and other materials formed from carbon dioxide.

Faculty of Science, LC-MS Instrument for the

Applied Science, High-Speed Thermal Imaging System

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

5

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Into the Deep Research Report 2013 A turn for the better

It’s the stuff of nightmares: you’re trapped in a vehicle.

You’re underwater and you’re upside down.

Dr. David Behm, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, became interested in researching the effects of instability, darkness and body tilt on the neuromuscular system after visiting the Marine Institute’s Offshore Safety and Survival Centre. The Centre is where offshore workers are trained to escape from overturned helicopters in the ocean.

When an aircraft or any type of vehicle overturns, those inside have one to three seconds before their heart rate and blood pressure drop.

“The human body is not accustomed to being inverted,” explained Dr. Behm. “The resulting effects can adversely affect health and performance in emergency situations as well as certain workplace scenarios.”

To investigate these effects, participants were subjected to varying degrees of instability and tilt. The results demonstrated an extremely fast inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system, and a corresponding decrease in heart rate and blood pressure when positioned upside down. Inversion swiftly reduced cognitive abilities and strength, both of which are needed for survival.

“No other lab has researched the effects of complete inversion on these physiological factors as far as we know,” said Dr. Behm.

“It’s a new biomedical area and one with particular significance for many types of workers.”

Ship operations, life boat evacuations and firefighting must be performed under unstable and body-tilted conditions. From military pilots performing combat manoeuvres, to oilrig workers travelling to and from work via helicopter, this work is helping to define how the body reacts under emergency, life-threatening conditions. The research also has important implications for job effectiveness, injury prevention and lifesaving manoeuvres in

Dr. David Behm, School of Human Kinetics and Recreation

marine environments.

Waste to want Waste not, want not:

the Fisheries and Marine

Institute’s Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development (CASD) is turning waste from seafood and aquaculture processing into usable products at their Marine Bioprocessing Facility.

“We’re looking at creating value from raw materials traditionally treated as waste by the processing industry,” explained Wade Murphy, CASD facility supervisor (not pictured). “Our ultimate goal is to use materials normally unutilized as a source of new additional revenue for the seafood sector.”

The research team includes Mr. Murphy, marine biotechnologist Julia Pohling and environmental engineer and research scientist Dr. Deepika Dave. Under the leadership of CASD director Heather Manuel, they are developing environmentally sound, pilot-scale methods to extract biodiesel from marine oils and chitin from shellfish. Oils extracted from raw materials vary in quality. The most common type is low-grade, which has some industrial applications. The team’s goal, however, is to produce high-grade oils like biodiesel and neutraceuticals, and they have successfully produced high-grade biodiesel oils on a pilot-scale using salmon and cod liver oils.

Efforts are also underway to develop an environmentally friendly method for extracting chitin from shrimp and crab processing waste. Once extracted, chitin can be converted into chitosan, which has various commercial and biomedical applications. Working with a local seafood processor and biomedical company in Quebec, the team has developed a lab-scale extraction process to produce high-grade medical chitosan. Like biodiesel, the predicted demand for biomedical chitosan is high.

From waste to want, the opportunity to turn discards into high quality commercial products makes this research a great value for the seafood and aquaculture industries.

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Julia Pohling, Dr. Deepika Dave and Heather Manuel, Marine Institute (Missing from photo: Wade Murphy) 6

www.mun.ca/gazette

www.mun.ca/intothedeep An eye for research As mirrors of the soul and windows on the world, eyes are remarkable structures. From reading the words on this page, to the view as you gaze up, an open eye is continuously working.

Like any well-used machine, the eye can begin to fail with age.

As the name suggests, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye disease that develops over time. In its first stage, known as dry AMD, central vision is slowly lost in patches around the focal point. In its second more severe stage, wet AMD, the blood vessels under the thinning macula — the oval-shaped yellow spot near the center of the retina — begin to grow irregularly and may leak blood and fluid. These changes result in rapid and severe central vision loss.

Research by Drs. Robert Gendron and Hélène Paradis, professors in the Faculty of Medicine, is providing a clearer picture of macular degeneration. AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in industrialized nations. The wet form of AMD progresses very rapidly and causes most of the severe vision loss of AMD. They and their team have identified a novel protein labelled Tubedown.

“We’ve found that the loss of Tubedown from retinal blood vessels is an important factor in the progression of neovascular retinopathy,” explained Dr. Gendron. “Through our research, we hope to better understand the mechanisms of Tubedown loss, and how that affects retinal blood vessels, particularly during aging. If we can define other proteins involved in Tubedown loss in wet AMD, we can then design new agents and strategies to delay its progression and improve treatment.”

This research is especially relevant to Newfoundland and Labrador where the population is aging and there is a high rate of diabetes. The latter is a major contributing factor in the development of neovascular retinal disease.

Drs. Robert Gendron and Hélène Paradis, Faculty of Medicine

Memorial welcomes new vice-president (research) Dr. Richard Marceau

began his term

months. Some of these include the streamlining of

as vice-president (research) on June 1, 2013, and

institutional processes for supporting the submission

has already begun sharing his vision for research at

and

Memorial and actively engaging with Memorial’s

agreements; identifying metrics for tracking the

internal and external partners.

performance and effectiveness of Memorial’s research

“Memorial has a very strong record of research excellence, and I hope to bring my own active

management

of

grants

and

partnership

support activities; and preparing an implementation plan for the Research Strategy Framework.

contribution to this long tradition,” he said. “I

“All of these — and many other initiatives — will

especially plan to emulate my predecessor’s stellar

require considerable consultation, and I intend to

example of partnership with faculty members,

work closely and collegially with all of our colleagues

faculties, deans, other vice-presidents, and the

in order to ensure wide acceptance of these

provost with the objective of intensifying research

initiatives,” he said.

activities at Memorial University.

Dr. Marceau comes to Memorial from the University

“I also aim to build on — and if at all possible!

of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), where he

— improve on the strong tradition of service which

served as provost and vice-president (academic). In

already characterizes all units within the Office of the

that role he directed UOIT’s explosive growth since

Vice-President (Research). Service to the university’s

2005 from 1,800 to 9,200 students, from 60 to 170

research community — and beyond, if one considers

faculty members, a doubling of undergraduate and

that research is the first step on the journey of

graduate programs, a significant increase in research

innovation — is at the heart of the portfolio.”

and design chairs (from one to 14) and the graduation

In this regard, thanks to ongoing consultations

Dr. Richard Marceau

of UOIT’s first PhD candidates.

with the office’s numerous stakeholders, both within

An engineer by profession and a graduate of McGill

academic career, he spent 12 years in industry as a

the university and the larger community, Dr. Marceau

University (B.Eng., PhD) and École Polytechnique

practising engineer, researcher, and research and

has already identified priorities which he intends to

(M.Sc.A.), Dr. Marceau has worked in the university

development planner with MONECO Inc. and

address in partnership with his colleagues in coming

milieu since 1993. Before embarking upon an

Hydro Quebec.

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

7

www.mun.ca/gazette

One fishing nation to another

By Naomi Osborne

Since

arriving in Newfoundland and

Labrador in May, Tomas Araya, a fisheries

modified beam trawl for the south coast of Newfoundland.

engineering master’s student from Chile,

Araya’s

thesis

also

happens

has been working alongside the Marine

to

Institute’s Centre for Sustainable Aquatic

biodegradable twine. He is conducting

Resources (CSAR) for three months

laboratory degradation tests of natural

on a professional practice as part of

fibres to ideally be used in crab traps to

his degree.

reduce ghost fishing in Chile.

Mr.

Araya

Catholic

Fisheries engineering master’s student Tomas Araya

Mr.

coincide

with

CSAR’s

work

on

attends

the

Pontificial

Since fisheries engineering is not a

University’s

(the

Pontificia

program offered at MI or Memorial, the

Universidad Catolica) School of Marine

CSAR team has been learning as much

Sciences (Escuela de Ciencias del Mar)

from Mr. Araya as he has from them.

in Valparaiso, Chile. While professional

“As a fishing nation, Chile has a long

practices at his university are typically

and rich history in the sustainable

done locally, Mr. Araya obtained a

exploitation of marine resources,” said

government grant to cover travel costs

Dr. Paul Winger, director, CSAR. “We

so he could carry out his professional

are learning a lot from Mr. Araya and are

practice at MI.

pleased to have him join our team.”

“I chose to conduct my professional

With one month left, Mr. Araya says

practice at CSAR for the infrastructure

he will be participating in all he can and

— the flume tank — the professional

observing as much as possible from the

staff, and the opportunity to improve

CSAR team.

my English and discover new places,”

“Working

here

has

been

an

said Mr. Araya. “The constant support

unforgettable experience. Every day I

of my guide teacher in Chile, Dante

learn new things and I’ve been able to

Queirolo, also motivated me to pursue

put the knowledge I learned over the

this opportunity.”

past five years studying in Chile into

CSAR is providing Mr. Araya an

practice. One of my passions is fishing

immersive learning experience whereby

gear technology and here at CSAR you

he participates in and observes ongoing

face it every day. The staff is amazing and

projects, including the centre’s recent

they have a strong willingness to teach.

project

I am grateful for the good reception.”

on

the

development

of

a

Day of celebration a day to reflect on a sense of

committed to fulfilling our obligations

accomplishment as 17 students who

to the Inuit and other indigenous people.

completed the bachelor of social work

“It was a privilege for us to create

program took part in a graduation

this program with the insight of Inuit

celebration June 14 in Happy Valley-

elders and experts in the Nunatsiavut

Goose Bay.

community, and we hope this initiative

Offered through a partnership with the

will be followed by future partnerships

Nunatsiavut Government and Memorial

with the Nunatsiavut Government and

University, the unique, fully-accredited,

the Inuit.”

four-year program was designed to reflect

Dr. Keith Chaulk, director of the

Inuit culture and values, and to prepare

Labrador

graduates to practise in both Inuit and

ceremonies at the event, which included

non-Inuit settings. It was the first full

the lighting of a kudlik, a traditional

four-year degree program ever offered in

Inuit lamp, by Inuit elder Sarah Ponniuk,

Labrador.

followed by remarks from Nunatsiavut

Some

300

attended

was

master

of

the

President Sarah Leo, Dr. Kachanoski,

Nunatsiavut

Inuit elder Jean Crane and Dr. Donna

President Sarah Leo and Dr. Gary

Hardy Cox, dean of the School of Social

Kachanoski,

Work.

celebration,

people

Institute,

including Memorial

University’s

president and vice-chancellor, as well

Five students delivered a valedictory

as other members of the Nunatsiavut

speech, and Mary Sillett, clerk of the

Government,

Nunatsiavut Assembly, delivered the

the

Government

of

Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial’s

Bonnie Learning photo

It was

Krista Mogridge, left, is presented with her degree by Dr. Donna Hardy Cox, dean, School of Social Work.

keynote address.

special adviser to the president for

In 2009 the Nunatsiavut Government

Aboriginal affairs, faculty and staff of

contracted Memorial University’s School

instructors were involved in offering

and I am truly grateful for that. The

the School of Social Work, members

of Social Work to deliver the four-year

courses whenever possible.

opportunity to be part of a program

of the Labrador Institute, community

bachelor of social work degree program

elders, and families and friends of the

in

graduates.

emphasized

Labrador.

The the

program’s

standardized

Graduate Tracy Saunders is from

that was unique to Labrador Inuit and

design

Goose Bay, Labrador. Like many in her

was offered within Labrador was a huge

social

class, Ms. Saunders was inspired to take

influence on my decision to apply. I

“Memorial has a special obligation

work program of study with traditional

on this program to help her try to make

feel that the university and Labrador

to the people of this great province,

Inuit knowledge and cultural norms

changes in Labrador communities and,

Institute worked towards giving us the

including the indigenous people of

interwoven into the courses and teaching

like others, she balanced schoolwork

best university experience even though

Labrador

and

methods.

with family and other obligations.

we were not on campus.”

President

Kachanoski

Newfoundland,” in

said

The

Labrador

Institute,

addressing

Memorial’s presence in Labrador, was

“I am proud that I was able to complete

the gathering. “We are proud of that

closely involved with program planning

the program,” she said. “I had a huge

responsibility and proud that we are

and

amount of support from a lot of people,

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

delivery,

ensuring

that

local

8

www.mun.ca/gazette

A complete collection of recent awards for marketing and communications work at Memorial Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) (Representing excellence in advancement marketing and communications from across Canadian university institutions) • Gold: Best Use of Multi-Media, Grenfell Campus’s Find Your Corner video • Gold: Best Alumni Event, Wicked Memorial Variety Show Geoff Ash photo

• Gold:

Best

PR/Marketing/Communications

Initiative, League of Extraordinary Researchers: Research Strategy Framework • Gold: Best Institutional Annual Report for Dare or Truth – President’s Report Highlights 2012

From left are The Offord Group’s Nicholas Offord, Dr. Jean Bruneau, Dr. Angus Bruneau and CCAE President Melana Soroka, University of Saskatchewan.

• Silver: Best Student Recruitment Viewbook,

Rare impact

• Bronze: Best Institutional Branding, Grenfell Campus’s Find Your Corner campaign • Bronze: Best Photograph, Grenfell Campus’s

Angus and Jean Bruneau named Friends of Education 2013

“Changer” • Memorial

By Dave Sorensen

Prominent

St. John’s couple Drs. Angus and

Jean Bruneau have received the prestigious Friends of

Grenfell Campus

supporters

and

Jean

the

prestigious

donation to the university to establish the Bruneau

Award

Centre for Excellence in Choral Music.

at left.)

Bruneau

from

were

Friends

CCAE.

Drs.

Angus

also

presented

of

Education

(See

related

story

Education Award for 2013 from the Canadian Council

Both hold honorary doctorates from Memorial.

for the Advancement of Education (CCAE). The

Almost 300 delegates from across Canada were on

Council for the Advancement and Support of

award, sponsored by The Offord Group, was presented

hand to thank the Bruneaus for their contributions of

Education (CASE) (International recognition of

June 9 at a gala banquet in St. John’s that was part of

“time, talent and treasure” to higher education.

excellence in marketing and communications

the organization’s national conference hosted in the capital city.

The Friends of Education Award has been presented annually by CCAE at its awards gala dinner, sponsored by

The Bruneaus were jointly nominated by Dr. Gary

among North American educational institutions)

Kachanoski, president and vice-chancellor of Memorial

• Gold: Research Publications (Print), League

University, and Ann Marie Vaughan, president of College

of Extraordinary Researchers: Research Strategy

of the North Atlantic.

Framework (CASE Circle of Excellence)

TD Insurance Meloche Monnex, for more than 20 years.

“Individually and as a couple, Angus and Jean Bruneau

The Bruneaus are the first recipients from Newfoundland

have made lifelong and transformative contributions

page,

and Labrador to receive the award.

to the advancement of higher education at both the

Research Strategy Framework (CASE District I)

• Silver: Special Purpose Publications – MultiLeague

of

Extraordinary

Researchers:

The award recognizes their outstanding service and

university and college level in Canada, and particularly

commitment to post-secondary education, as well as

in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Dr.

International

Kachanoski in nominating the couple.

Communicators (IABC) (Gold Quill awards

their significant contributions in a leadership role to the cause of institutional advancement in Canada.

Association

of

Business

“Rarely would you find two people who have had such

are presented for world-wide communications

The founding dean of the Faculty of Engineering and

an impact on a province’s higher education system,”

excellence; Pinnacle awards are given by the N.L.

Applied Science, Dr. Angus Bruneau played a significant

added Ms. Vaughan in endorsing the nomination.

chapter of IABC)

role in launching the faculty’s co-operative education

“Newfoundland and Labrador has a unique public post-

• Gold Quill: Merit Award, Publication Design,

program. He was also responsible for creating C-CORE

secondary educational system with one college and one

League of Extraordinary Researchers: Research

in 1975.

university. The Bruneaus have been instrumental in the

Strategy Framework

A highly-regarded community volunteer, Jean Bruneau served as chairperson (from 1987-91) of the Cabot

successful advancement of both and are continuing to make a difference even in their retirement years.”

• Pinnacle Award of Excellence: Organizational Leader, Dr. Christopher Loomis

Institute of Applied Arts and Technology (now known

CCAE is a volunteer-led professional organization

• Pinnacle Award of Excellence: Publication

as the College of the North Atlantic), a board she served

that promotes excellence in educational advancement

Design, League of Extraordinary Researchers:

from 1977.

through networking and professional development. The

Research Strategy Framework

In 2007 the Bruneaus made a generous donation of $1

organization has more than 1,500 members who work

• Pinnacle Award of Excellence: Special Event-

million to fund the Angus Bruneau Student Leadership

at 140 Canadian universities, colleges, institutes, cégeps

External, Dare To: The Campaign for Memorial

and Innovation Fund in Engineering, which provides

and independent schools. Advancement encompasses

University

life-changing opportunities to students in Memorial’s

alumni relations, communications and marketing,

Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.

fundraising

In January 2013 the Bruneaus made another $1-million

Memorial proud of success of course-based graduate programs in engineering

By Jackey Locke

(development),

external

relations

and

student recruitment.

When Memorial University’s

Faculty

graduated and gone on to successful and exciting

of Engineering and Applied Science launched course-

engineering careers in Canada and abroad,” said Dr.

based master’s degree programs in 2004, the goal was to

Greg Naterer, dean, Engineering and Applied Science,

add diversity to existing graduate offerings for students

Memorial University. “The other three premium tuition

and to respond to market needs in specialized program

programs have met with equal success. Currently, there

areas.

are 108 students registered in these programs.”

While the master’s programs in computer engineering

Liang Zhang graduated from the MASCE program

(MASCE), environmental systems engineering and

and moved on to a successful career as a validation

management (MESEM), oil and gas engineering (MOGE)

engineer.

and engineering management (MEM) are challenging, they have been very successful.

“Since the inception of the MASCE program in 2004, more than 80 per cent of the students registered have

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

9

“I found that the Memorial engineering instructors and student advisers in this program were friendly and

See ENGINEERING on page 10 www.mun.ca/gazette

Complementary expertise MIT alum appointed Chevron Chair in Reservoir Characterization

By Kelly Foss

of the Massachusetts

Limited, the Research & Development Corporation

Institute of Technology has been appointed the

of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) and Memorial

inaugural Chevron Chair in Reservoir Characterization.

University.

Dr. Malcolm, who will assume the position in summer

“We

are

very

pleased

with

the

appointment

2014, will establish an applied research program relevant

of Dr. Malcolm as Chevron Chair in Reservoir

to petroleum geology and geophysics, with special

Characterization,” said Mark MacLeod, vice-president

emphasis on integrated reservoir characterization. This

(Atlantic Canada), Chevron Canada Limited. “Dr.

field covers a broad area of activities, involving the

Malcolm’s research and teaching focus will be of

determination of reservoir architecture, establishing

significant benefit to students at Memorial University,

geologic flow units, constructing reservoir models and

which is a key goal for Chevron Canada in funding this

identifying petroleum reserve growth potential.

chair position.”

As the Chevron Chair in Reservoir Characterization,

“This is an excellent opportunity to build further

Dr. Malcolm will work to help reduce reservoir

R&D capacity at Memorial University in a critical area

uncertainty in support of improving the predicted oil in

for this province,” said Glenn Janes, chief executive

place, static and dynamic reservoir models, production

officer, RDC. “Petroleum geoscience is critical to future

performance and ultimate recovery.

exploration and development offshore Newfoundland

“The offshore oil and gas fields of Newfoundland

and Labrador, and, as an industrial research chair, Dr.

and Labrador provide a natural laboratory for the

Malcolm will play a critical role in developing the next

study of petroleum geology,” said Dr. Gary Kachanoski,

generation of expertise in this important area.”

president and vice-chancellor. “Dr. Malcolm, together

In 2008 Memorial University was selected for Chevron

with Dr. Lesley James, our Chevron Chair in Petroleum

Corporation’s University Partnership Program. Through

Engineering, will complement and expand existing

this program, support is provided to a global network

expertise at Memorial and enhance our strong ties with

of more than 95 colleges and universities to develop

the petroleum industry.”

talent in key academic disciplines, foster research

A five-year, $1-million partnership to provide funding for the position is being created by Chevron Canada

Submitted photo

Dr. Alison Malcolm

Dr. Alison Malcolm

capacity, increase community engagement and build relationships critical to the global workforce.

&

News notes

cont’d from ENGINEERING on page 9 eager to help,” he said. “They gave me a lot of assistance

cost of hiring additional professors and the need for

Listed below is a selection of the funding opportunities for

while I was in the MASCE program.”

additional computing resources, infrastructure and

which information has recently been received by the Office

Marat Gabdeyev is a graduate of the MOGE program

support staff to operate such programs, the students are

of Research Services. For links to further information on these

and is currently working as a field crew manager with

the ones who are benefiting the most by having access

items, visit Grant Funding Opportunities on the Research

one of the world’s leading international geophysical

to programs in specialized areas.”

website at www.mun.ca/research/overview/grant_opp.php .

companies.

For all students in these premium tuition programs, a

“Being a graduate student at Memorial was a great

portion of the premium tuition is non-refundable while

experience,” he said. “The quality of students is very

the remainder follows a payment schedule that is the

impressive. The university has strong links all around

same as any other graduate program at Memorial.

• CIHR Mental Health Network • CIHR Operating Grant – Canada-China Human Vaccines • CIHR Operating Grant Registration (Mandatory)

Canada. With a mixture of lectures, tutorials and

The specialized programs attract many international

labs, the teaching is excellent. The lecturers are very

students who want access to a high-quality education

• CIHR Proof of Principal Phase II

approachable if you need help with anything and lab

at Memorial University, while experiencing a new

• CIIRDF Call for Proposals for Canada-Israel S&T Fund

helpers are in the labs to help with course work. Overall,

culture. For many, studying abroad is a valuable life

• NSERC Discovery Grant – Notification of Intent to Apply

I would recommend Memorial’s MOGE program as it

experience. The graduate programs are not meant only

helped me a lot to achieve my life and career goals.”

for international students, as many domestic students

• NSERC Idea to Innovation (I2I) Grant

have also benefitted from the programs. The curriculum

• NSERC Ship Time

is the same for Canadian and international students.

• SSHRC Insight Grants Notice of Intent (Mandatory)

For

these

specialized,

course-based

graduate

programs, students pay premium tuition, which is

• CIHR Proof of Principal Phase I

(Mandatory)

higher than tuition fees for research-based graduate

“International students pay C$6,000 more than

programs because of a heavier course load and additional

Canadian students to enrol in these premium tuition

faculty hired to teach the curriculum. However, when

programs at Memorial. This is due to additional

compared to other premium tuition graduate programs

recruitment costs, English language skills development

Aug. 15

across Canada, Memorial’s tuition is among the lowest

and other extra support to help them succeed once they

National Multiple Sclerosis Society (U.S.)

in Canada.

arrive and during their program,” explained Dr. Naterer.

– Post-doctoral fellowships

Dr. Naterer is pleased with the success of these

– Senior Faculty Awards

“These premium tuition programs are cost-recovery programs,” said Dr. Naterer. “When one factors in the

premium tuition graduate programs.

“Our graduates from these programs have gone on

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IMMINENT DEADLINES

Aug. 29

to rewarding and successful careers after graduation, or

Human Frontier Science Program

they have successfully pursued PhD studies at Memorial

– Long-term Fellowships

and elsewhere. The programs provide a valuable master’s

– Cross-disciplinary Fellowships

degree education in a specialized field at a tuition level that is among the lowest in Canada for premium tuition

Aug. 31

programs.”

DAAD

To read this story in its entirety, please visit today.mun.ca/news.php?id=8510 .

– German Academic Exchange Service

– DAAD-AICGS Research fellowship

Sept. 1

Churchill Square ground floor apartment for rent. 1 bedroom plus smaller room, living room,

Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

dining room, kitchen (fridge, stove, dishwasher),

– New Investigator Award

– Career Investigator Award

1 bath. Laundry facilities. Mature professional, non-smoker, no children, no pets. $1100/month.

Heat included. Call 691-7383.

VISIT US ONLINE www.mun.ca/gazette

Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada

– Innovations in IBD Research

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

10

– Awards for Science Promotion (call for nominations)

www.mun.ca/gazette

chris hammond photo

OUTANDABOUT

Feeling Good About You

A $100,000 contribution from Bell Aliant to Memorial’s Counselling Centre will support a new project focusing on issues surrounding body image in students. The Feeling Good About You project will help students identify body image concerns and will develop strategies for resisting social pressures surrounding body image ideals. Pictured from left are Geoff Davis, Bell Aliant; Dr. Cecilia Reynolds, deputy provost (students) and associate vice-president (academic); and Dr. Michele Neary, project lead and assistant professor, Counselling Centre.

For more on these events and other news at Memorial, please visit

Centre for Research and Innovation, Sponsor: School of

Monday, July 8

www.today.mun.ca

Graduate Studies

The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium IX, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., School of Music, Sponsor: School of Music,

Wednesday, June 26

Sunday, June 30

Course and Teaching Evaluations: Preparing a Teaching

Canada Day Celebrations at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-4

Dossier, 3-4:30 p.m., ED-5021, Sponsor: DELTS, Professional

p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Faculty of Education, Festival 500 A Breath of Fresh Air: Measuring Oxygen in Diseased Kidneys, 10-11 a.m., Health Sciences Centre, 2J619, Sponsor: Division of

Development Experiences for Educators

Monday, July 1

BioMedical Sciences

Peer Leadership Training Webcast, 2:30- 4 p.m., A-1046,

Canada Day Celebrations at MUN Botanical Garden, 2-4 p.m.,

Sponsor: Answers, The Commons, Student Volunteer Bureau,

306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Portfolio Greedy Search and Simulation for Large-Scale Combat in StarCraft, 1-2 p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of

International Student Advising Office

Tuesday, July 2

Computer Science

NSERC Community Engagement Webinar, 2:30-5:30 p.m., EN-

Beyond the Backyard Nature Program, 10:30-11:30 a.m., 306

4002, Sponsor: Office of Research Services

Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Thursday, June 27

Afternoon Nature Hikes Program, 2:30-3:30 p.m., 306 Mount

a.m.-10 p.m., School of Music and various locations, Sponsor:

Meta-Algorithms: Links between Algorithm Design and Lower

Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

School of Music, Faculty of Education, Festival 500

The Meaning of Social Justice to Social Work Students, 1-3

Chemistry of Metal Complexes in the Gas Phase, 10 a.m.-12

p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation,

p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation,

Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies

Sponsor: School of Graduate Studies

Wednesday, July 3

Wednesday, July 10

Using Technology and Teaching Methodologies to Engage

The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium IX, 8:30

Memorial for Dorothy Inglis, 5-7 p.m., Junior Common Room,

Students in Large Classrooms, 12-1:30 p.m., ED-2030B, Sponsor:

a.m.-10 p.m., School of Music and various locations, Sponsor:

R. Gushue Hall

DELTS, Professional Development Experiences for Educators

School of Music, Faculty of Education, Festival 500

Achieving Academic Excellence, 1-2 p.m., auditorium, Health

Thursday, July 4

Floral Art Show, 12-5 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN

Sciences Centre

The Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Neural Markers of

Botanical Garden, Floral Design Group of the Newfoundland

Sensorimotor Integration, 12-1 p.m., PE-3007, Sponsor: School

Horticultural Society

Tuesday, July 9 The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium IX, 9

Bounds, 1-2 p.m., EN-2022, Sponsor: Department of Computer Science Second Annual Sea-Hawks Scholarship Golf Tournament, 7 a.m.-12 p.m., Bally Haly Country Club, Sponsor: Memorial Athletics

Saturday, July 13

NSERC Research Portal/CCV Webinar, 2:30-4 p.m., EN-4002,

of Human Kinetics and Recreation

Sunday, July 14

Sponsor: Office of Research Services

Sunday, July 7

Floral Art Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 306 Mount Scio Rd.,

Immunotherapeutic Approaches for Allergic and Autoimmune

The Phenomenon of Singing International Symposium IX, 9

Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden, Floral Design Group of the

Diseases, 10-11 a.m., Health Sciences Centre, Theatre B,

a.m.-5 p.m., School of Music, Sponsor: School of Music, Faculty

Newfoundland Horticultural Society

Sponsor: Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine

of Education,Festival 500 Nature Programs at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 306

Human Factor Risk Assessment of a Maintenance Operation

Nature Programs at MUN Botanical Garden, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 306

in Offshore Process System, 1:30-3:30 p.m., IIC-2014, Bruneau

Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

11

Mount Scio Rd., Sponsor: MUN Botanical Garden

www.mun.ca/gazette

Career path

Muse editor-in-chief new Gzowski intern at CBC

By Janet Harron

After a few

years fighting it, John Michael

Bennett can’t avoid his destiny any longer.

The recipient of the 2013 CBC Peter Gzowski internship, Mr. Bennett was thinking of applying to law school when then-undergraduate co-ordinator for political science, Dr. Alex Marland (now the Faculty of Arts’ associate dean of undergraduate studies), gently suggested that it might not be for him.

“I didn’t realize the background I was building in journalism until it was built,” said Mr. Bennett, who is editor-in-chief of Memorial University’s student-run newspaper The Muse and, until recently, a MUCEP student working with CHMR radio. chris hammond photo

He spent his political science internship working at NTV. Mr. Bennett received a call from the selection committee while at the gym with his girlfriend, Laura.

“I got the call from Peter Gullage (executive producer at CBC St. John’s) and got off the treadmill to take it outside. When I heard the news I came running back into the gym, jumping up and down and screaming,”

John Michael Bennett

he laughed. “Laura made me finish my workout though because she said we were always finding excuses not to

said. “Michael Enright has been with the CBC for so

with a younger audience,” said Mr. Bennett, who believes

go to the gym!”

many years. He’s very skilled and knows a lot about

that people will always respond to radio.

Mr. Bennett recently returned from a week-long training trip to CBC’s national broadcasting centre

journalism, which he calls reporting. Meeting him was really cool.”

in Toronto, Ont. While there, he and the other three

Mr. Bennett was in the Q studio on May 9 when

Gzowski interns from Trent University, McGill University

Jian Ghomeshi recorded his recent essay on the “so-called

and Simon Fraser University did some technical training

CBC crisis” (www.cbc.ca/q/blog/2013/05/10/jians-open-

and met with various CBC broadcasters, including

ing-essay-on-the-so-called-cbc-crisis/ ). He was so taken by

Michael Enright and Jian Ghomeshi.

the broadcaster’s words that he convinced Mr. Ghomeshi

“Toronto was awesome. It was great to work with

“People’s stories are super interesting. Radio is definitely still relevant — some places are having difficulty reaching

to put the essay online.

out to younger audiences but media will always find ways to adapt.”

Mr. Bennett will spend the summer working at the CBC in St. John’s.

“I’ll be going and doing whatever they need. I’ve been told by that they are going to throw me anywhere and

people who have been doing this for so many years —

“CBC is at its highest right now in terms of listenership

they have a lot to teach and I have a lot to learn,” he

and viewership and Jian is leading the way by connecting

Multimedia magic

support team at DELTS spends years of training to become

company that sells hardware and software solutions

proficient at programming, designing and installing

to simplify the way people interact with technology.

complex control systems that provide instructors with a

Memorial currently has AMX control systems in about 50

seamless, user-friendly experience.

of its more advanced multimedia rooms, plus additional

Simplifying users’ interaction with technology

“Our job is to keep the technology current, but

By Courtenay Alcock

accessible,” said Ed Hipditch, manager of classroom

When stepping

everywhere.”

systems that have been put in place at the Marine Institute.

into one of Memorial’s multi–

support at DELTS. “Classrooms and learning spaces are

At the end of the week, the staff members came away

media rooms — whether a lecture theatre, classroom or

continually becoming more complex to create a more

with certifications on the programming, design and

laboratory — one rarely thinks about how the equipment

visual way of teaching. The tools educators use are

installation of AMX control systems.

works. With the press of a button the room comes to life,

changing, and the technology has to change with it so

providing students with a quality digital, visual learning

that students are engaged as they learn.”

experience.

Ever wonder how that magic happens? The classroom

DELTS’s

four

classroom

support

At the touch of a button, these systems control a variety of equipment including dual screen projectors, video

staff

recently

conferencing, cameras, speakers, lecture capture and

underwent a week of training by AMX, an international

internal computers as well as laptop connections. They can even be programmed to sense when a divisible room wall is closed or opened, changing the way it interacts with the equipment depending on if the room is one big room, or two smaller ones.

“These control systems provide us with flexibility when it comes to upgrading the multimedia equipment in the rooms,” added Mr. Hipditch. “They just need to be recoded or reprogrammed by our team, which is why they attend training every year — to upgrade their knowledge and gain certification on the new technologies.”

Beginning last year, Mr. Hipditch and his team have been working to upgrade all of Memorial’s multimedia from analog to digital.

Dave Howells photo

“People are used to high quality, high definition multimedia when they go to the movie theatre or when they buy a new smartphone or tablet. Students expect that same experience with their visuals in the classroom, so the quality of the technology we use has to be

Paul Martin checks equipment in one of Memorial’s multimedia classrooms.

Gazette | Wednesday, June 26, 2013

12

comparable in order to effectively engage our learners.”

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