Dr. Daphne Esquivel-Sada, a candidate for the Sociology position at UPEI, is currently a Lecturer in Sociology at the Université du Québec à Montréal. Her research focuses on the sociology of science and technology, biotechnology, and the environmental humanities. She has published in Technology in Society, Healthcare Policy, Journal of Community Genetics, Journal International de Bioéthique, among others. 

The title of Dr. Esquivel-Sada’s talk is: "BioTechdiversity : Conserving Colonialism in the Climate Change Era.” 

Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11:00 am, SDU Main Building, Room 211. 

Kevin Ryan, a clinical nursing instructor and graduate student in the UPEI Faculty of Nursing, will present “Nursing Stories and Songs” in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, Steel Building, UPEI, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

A tribute to the nursing profession, the show includes personal stories and original songs written and performed by Ryan. It includes themes familiar to nurses such as death, suicidal ideation, horizontal violence, and judgment, as well as reflections on the causes of compassion fatigue and burnout in nurses.

The show is intended for nurses, but anyone is welcome to attend. There is no charge for tickets. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Nurses in attendance will be offered an opportunity to participate in a research study as part of Ryan’s thesis for his Master of Nursing program. This involves completing an anonymous online questionnaire following the event. Participation is voluntary, and audience members do not have to be part of the study to attend the show.

In the case of inclement weather, the two performances will be rescheduled to Thursday, April 24, at 4:00 pm and 8:00 pm.

To learn more about Ryan, visit his website.

Convocation exercises are being held from May 13 to 16, at 10:00 am each day at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Each ceremony is preceded by a procession of graduates across campus. 

• May 13—Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Nursing
• May 14—McDougall Faculty of Business and Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering 
• May 15—Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, and Faculty of Graduate Studies 
• May 16—Faculty of Science 

Faculty members who have regalia and wish to participate in the Academic Procession are asked to line up with the graduates in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building concourse 45 minutes before each ceremony.  

For those faculty members who would like to order regalia online through UPEI’s official gown supplier, GradCo, they are encouraged to do so ASAP at https://www.gradco.ca/upei/

The deadline for ordering is Wednesday, April 23, at 11:59 pm.  

Any faculty members who wish to purchase their regalia may contact GradCo at info@gradco.ca for information.  

In order to accommodate UPEI computer classroom and lab software adds, drops, or modifications for the 2025 fall semester, we have set a firm deadline of June 1, 2025.

It is critical that you email requests to smahar@upei.ca by the date above indicating the following.

• New Software Requirements (Licensed or Freeware).  Provide both Software name and Vendor
• Version Upgrades to existing software. Are multiple versions required? If yes, please provide specifics
• Software that can be decommissioned

NOTE:

• Software must be Windows 11 compatible
• Software must be licensed as network installation. Single workstation installations cannot be accommodated

Please begin to obtain and prepare any installation media (CD’s, DVD’s, thumb drives etc.) and related licensing information such as serial numbers. I will contact you after reviewing your email requests to coordinate a time to drop off media if file size permits, upload the installation file(s), zip them, if necessary, to Google drive and share for download.

Please do not drop off any media to the ITSS Help Desk.

The June 1, 2025 deadline is necessary to allow sufficient time to plan and implement the installation of new and upgraded software. This ensures our students will have the software resources they need. Any requests received after the deadline will be applied in the next round of software updates.

Click on the link below for a list of the currently installed software and their versions installed in the student labs and classrooms on campus.

UPEI LAB AND CLASSROOM SOFTWARE

Ms. Yasmin Koop-Monteiro is a candidate for the Sociology position at UPEI and a PhD candidate (ABD) in Sociology at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on social movements, climate change, environmental sociology, social network analysis, discourse analysis, and animal studies.

She has published in Energy Research & Social Science, Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Environmental Sociology, among others.

The title of Ms. Koop-Monteiro’s talk is: "The Influence of Human & Nonhuman Network Ties on High-Risk/Cost Animal Advocacy."

Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:00 am, in SDU Main Building, Room 211.

PhD in Environmental Sciences

Presenter: Ryan Guild

Title of the Thesis: "Nesting in a Changing Climate: Investigating Climate-Driven Risks, Habitat Change, and Management Strategies for Piping Plovers"

"Coastal nesting birds face intensifying threats from climate and human-induced stressors that transform habitats and nesting conditions far beyond historical precedents. One such species is the Atlantic Coast piping plover (PIPL; Charadrius melodus melodus), among North America’s most endangered shorebird, which nests in dynamic, exposed shoreline environments where multiple stressors can severely undermine productivity and survival. In this thesis, I investigate how climate-related stressors, habitat change, and management strategies shape nesting outcomes for a key sub-unit of the Eastern Canadian PIPL population on Prince Edward Island (PEI). Through a comprehensive review of climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, I first demonstrate how factors such as sea-level rise, storms, warming temperatures, and changes in freshwater availability are reshaping habitat conditions for coastal biota. With this knowledge, I develop a spatiotemporal model to identify key environmental correlates of PIPL nesting success on PEI, including positive effects of maximum temperature (to date), diminished success with later nesting, and lower hatchability near high-recreation areas. A case study of habitat changes following a record-setting fall hurricane – informed by satellite imagery and geospatial analyses – revealed that although the storm created new nesting habitat, PIPL largely returned to their pre-existing nesting areas in the first post-storm season. Consequently, nest failures from flooding increased, yet overall productivity remained high – largely thanks to a single, remote nesting site that continues to subsidise otherwise low productivity rates on the island. A systematic review of management strategies across the Atlantic Coast is then undertaken, which reveals few targeted measures to address threats from nest flooding or severe weather events, despite their growing significance. Finally, I evaluate the roles of tidal, lunar, and wind dynamics in nest flooding and propose a proof-of-concept forecasting tool that integrates nest coordinates, topographical data, and tidal information to alert managers to imminent flood risks. Overall, this research advances knowledge of both environmental and anthropogenic influences on PIPL breeding dynamics and highlights key management interventions that may be necessary to support productivity and population recovery on PEI amid a rapidly changing coastal environment."

April 22, 2025, 1:00 pm via web conferencing

If you wish to attend the public presentation, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca to receive the link.

Everyone is welcome.

Classes are over; you just have to make it through exams. The library is here to help, and not just with books and research advice. April 10-22, in the Robertson Library Lobby, we've scheduled 10 surprises, featuring a treat, craft, or activity to give your brain a break. Follow @RobertsonLibrary on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a Pop-Up Surprise. (Here's a freebie: we're co-hosting a coffee break with Dana Hospitality, Thurs April 17 at 1:00 pm!)  

We have transformed the lobby lounge into the Stress-Free Zone for the duration of exams. Relax with colouring pages, yarn, origami, and so much more!   

Good luck on your finals! 

The University of Prince Edward Island’s Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) will showcase the best in sustainable design engineering by its students at the annual Student Design Expo on Tuesday, April 22 starting at 1 pm. Projects can be viewed through the afternoon until 3:30 pm. Student projects will be presented in person. Each project is the result of collaboration between FSDE students and an industry or community partner. Students were tasked with designing and creating solutions to their partners’ unique challenges. 

We look forward to seeing everyone.

This 2-day workshop is designed to immerse participants in the world of AI. It is aimed at students and professionals interested in discovering and applying Machine Learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques. Day 1 dives into the fundamentals of ML. In Day 2, we explore advanced DL techniques. Understand the key concepts and algorithms of ML, participate in practical sessions to strengthen your skills, and obtain a globally recognized NVIDIA certification for Fundamentals of Deep Learning. Prerequisites: Basic computer skills, statistics, basic programming in Python.

This two-day virtual workshop will be held on April 23 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm and April 24, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. To register, go to https://www.acenet.training/courses

The call for Three Minute Thesis (3MT) participants is now open. To check eligibility and register, complete the 2025 UPEI Three Minute Thesis participant registration form. Deadline to register is Monday, April 21, 2025 at 4:00 pm.

What is Three Minute Thesis?
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) challenges thesis-based master's and doctoral students to explain their research project to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.

Prizes for the top three presenters, and the winner of the UPEI 3MT progresses to represent UPEI at the regional competition. 

Participants will develop presentation and communication skills and share their research with a broad audience.

Participants will be supported by three optional workshops, including: 

• Planning your 3MT
• Designing your visuals
• Presentation skills and practice

The Faculty of Graduate Studies will be hosting the 3MT competition on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Fox & Crow, W.A. Murphy Student Centre. 

Check eligibility and register by completing the 2025 UPEI Three Minute Thesis participant registration form.

Convocation exercises are being held from May 13 to 16, at 10:00 am each day at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Each ceremony is preceded by a procession of graduates across campus. 

• May 13—Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Faculty of Nursing
• May 14—McDougall Faculty of Business and Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering 
• May 15—Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, and Faculty of Graduate Studies 
• May 16—Faculty of Science 

Faculty members who have regalia and wish to participate in the Academic Procession are asked to line up with the graduates in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building concourse 45 minutes before each ceremony.  

For those faculty members who would like to order regalia online through UPEI’s official gown supplier, GradCo, they are encouraged to do so ASAP at https://www.gradco.ca/upei/

The deadline for ordering is Wednesday, April 23, at 11:59 pm.  

Any faculty members who wish to purchase their regalia may contact GradCo at info@gradco.ca for information.  

With the recent measles outbreaks in Canada and the United States, Islanders are wondering if they need to be vaccinated. Anyone without immunity to measles is at risk when traveling by air or to areas with active cases, including parts of Canada. Current outbreaks are driven by unvaccinated and under-vaccinated groups. Two doses of the safe, effective, and free measles vaccine provide 99% protection.

Immunization Recommendations

Born before 1970? You’re considered immune due to natural exposure and high herd immunity. Individuals born before 1970 may receive one lifetime dose of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine especially if travelling.

Born after 1970? You should have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine if you have no evidence of having had the disease(s) or documentation of 2 doses of measles vaccine. 

Student entering post-secondary education or healthcare workers or military personnel? You should have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine if you have no evidence of having had the disease(s) or documentation of 2 doses of measles vaccine. 

In PEI, the MMRV vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella) is part of childhood immunization: 

• 1st dose at 12 months 
• Booster at 18 months 

How to Get Vaccinated 

Older children and adults who haven’t been vaccinated should complete their two-dose MMR series. 

If you have a PEI Health Card, book an appointment to get vaccinated. 

If you don’t have a PEI Health Card, you can get your measles vaccine at a Public Health Nursing 

Book an appointment with a registered nurse at the UPEI Health & Wellness Centre to discuss measles and other vaccines. 

Learn More: 

• Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccine Info: Click here 
• Check if You’re Due for a Vaccine: Click here 
• MMR Vaccine Explained (Video): Watch here

Ms. Yasmin Koop-Monteiro is a candidate for the Sociology position at UPEI and a PhD candidate (ABD) in Sociology at the University of British Columbia. Her research focuses on social movements, climate change, environmental sociology, social network analysis, discourse analysis, and animal studies.

She has published in Energy Research & Social Science, Canadian Journal of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Environmental Sociology, among others.

The title of Ms. Koop-Monteiro’s talk is: "The Influence of Human & Nonhuman Network Ties on High-Risk/Cost Animal Advocacy."

Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11:00 am, in SDU Main Building, Room 211.

PhD in Environmental Sciences

Presenter: Ryan Guild

Title of the Thesis: "Nesting in a Changing Climate: Investigating Climate-Driven Risks, Habitat Change, and Management Strategies for Piping Plovers"

"Coastal nesting birds face intensifying threats from climate and human-induced stressors that transform habitats and nesting conditions far beyond historical precedents. One such species is the Atlantic Coast piping plover (PIPL; Charadrius melodus melodus), among North America’s most endangered shorebird, which nests in dynamic, exposed shoreline environments where multiple stressors can severely undermine productivity and survival. In this thesis, I investigate how climate-related stressors, habitat change, and management strategies shape nesting outcomes for a key sub-unit of the Eastern Canadian PIPL population on Prince Edward Island (PEI). Through a comprehensive review of climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, I first demonstrate how factors such as sea-level rise, storms, warming temperatures, and changes in freshwater availability are reshaping habitat conditions for coastal biota. With this knowledge, I develop a spatiotemporal model to identify key environmental correlates of PIPL nesting success on PEI, including positive effects of maximum temperature (to date), diminished success with later nesting, and lower hatchability near high-recreation areas. A case study of habitat changes following a record-setting fall hurricane – informed by satellite imagery and geospatial analyses – revealed that although the storm created new nesting habitat, PIPL largely returned to their pre-existing nesting areas in the first post-storm season. Consequently, nest failures from flooding increased, yet overall productivity remained high – largely thanks to a single, remote nesting site that continues to subsidise otherwise low productivity rates on the island. A systematic review of management strategies across the Atlantic Coast is then undertaken, which reveals few targeted measures to address threats from nest flooding or severe weather events, despite their growing significance. Finally, I evaluate the roles of tidal, lunar, and wind dynamics in nest flooding and propose a proof-of-concept forecasting tool that integrates nest coordinates, topographical data, and tidal information to alert managers to imminent flood risks. Overall, this research advances knowledge of both environmental and anthropogenic influences on PIPL breeding dynamics and highlights key management interventions that may be necessary to support productivity and population recovery on PEI amid a rapidly changing coastal environment."

April 22, 2025, 1:00 pm via web conferencing

If you wish to attend the public presentation, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca to receive the link.

Everyone is welcome.

Members of the UPEI campus community who are eligible to vote in the upcoming federal election may cast their vote by special ballot from April 13 to 16 in the Student Day Lounge, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.  

The Vote on Campus hours of operation at UPEI are 

• Sunday, April 13, 12:00 to 4:00 pm
• Monday, April 14, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 15, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
• Wednesday, April 16, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm

Voters will need to bring ID in order to vote. Go to ID to vote for more information. Voters will vote for a candidate in the riding where their place of ordinary residence is located.

For more information about voting by special ballot, go to Find out what to expect when you vote by special ballot. 

MSc in Human Biology

Presenter:  Lauren Reid

Title of the Thesis:  “Inflammatory Bowel Disease: An Evaluation of Mechanisms and Treatments”

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation and a breakdown of the mucous membrane of the intestinal tract. Its pathology is not fully known, but influencing factors include genetics, microbiome diversity, immune system alterations and environmental factors. An increase in the prevalence of IBD, especially in adolescents, is being observed. This project aimed to gather more information on a common IBD therapeutic, Remicade® (infliximab) as a treatment strategy for adolescents with IBD. An in vitro model was developed to further study this drug, and a systematic review was conducted to evaluate the optimal dosing strategy of Remicade® for adolescents living with IBD. Overall, findings from this thesis provide insight into potential disease models and treatments for IBD. It is an expansion to the already existing body of knowledge surrounding this disease.

April 17, 2025 9:00 am, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 329

Everyone is welcome. 

Master of Arts in Island Studies student Mark Carr-Rollitt will defend his thesis entitled "The Pulse of the Islands: Deconstructing rhythm as expression and agency in Cuba, Jamaica, and Quisqueya" on Wednesday, April 16, at 7:00 pm in SDU Main Building, Room 211. Supervisor is Dr. Laurie Brinklow (Island Studies), with committee members Dr. James Moran (History) and Dr. Kate Bevan-Baker (McGill University). External Examiner is Dr. Waldo Girrado (Western Sydney University, Australia). Chairing the defence is Dr. Lisa Chilton (History). 

Everyone is invited! If you'd like to join online please email Laurie at brinklow@upei.ca for the link.

As part of our ongoing efforts to support students in need, the UPEI Campus Food Bank is seeking your generous donations of non-perishable food items. Every month, we provide essential items to students who may be struggling, and with your help, we can continue to make a positive impact!

We are especially in need of the following items:

• Canned Tuna
• Canned Sardines
• Canned Mushrooms
• Canned Corn (Niblett)
• Canned Baked Beans
• Canned Soup
• Canned Pasta
• Canned Pasta Sauces
• Canned Diced Tomatoes
• Snack Bars

These items are quick, nutritious, and can make a world of difference for a student who is facing a tough time. Your donations will go directly into helping someone in need!

How You Can Help:

1. Drop off your donations at W.A Murphy Student Centre on the second floor during office hours.
2. Organize a donation drive in your department or student group.
3. Spread the word and encourage your friends and classmates to contribute!

Every can counts, and together, we can help make sure no student goes hungry. Your kindness and generosity are truly appreciated.

Thank you for your ongoing support! If you have any larger donations to make, please email foodbank@upei.ca

The University of Prince Edward Island’s Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) will showcase the best in sustainable design engineering by its students at the annual Student Design Expo on Tuesday, April 22 starting at 1 pm. Projects can be viewed through the afternoon until 3:30 pm. Student projects will be presented in person. Each project is the result of collaboration between FSDE students and an industry or community partner. Students were tasked with designing and creating solutions to their partners’ unique challenges. 

We look forward to seeing everyone.

The Faculty of Education would like to invite all to attend Nafiz Haider's public presentation of his MEd research titled: "Inquiry-based Learning: Perceptions and Impact on Learning"

Please join us on April 17, at 1:00 pm, in person at Memorial Hall, Room 417 or through the Zoom link below 

https://upei.zoom.us/j/61554724224?pwd=zxZRxzL6JAzrFXRcFsnwyAjKcMTs4U.1

Meeting ID

615 5472 4224

Passcode

500173