The University of Prince Edward Island announced today the launch of the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences. The new School, and its related suite of majors, offers the region’s most comprehensive undergraduate programming in mathematics, computer science, and statistics.

The UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences was created based on the growing need for university graduates to be educated in developing sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques aligned for market needs; managing and extracting knowledge from unprecedented volumes of data; and integrating mathematical and statistical methods with powerful analytical software and technology tools.

UPEI will begin accepting applications immediately to the new UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences for students who want to begin their studies in September 2016.

“Guided by our university’s Strategic Plan, UPEI is committed to developing transformative programming that provides our students with the knowledge, skills, and hands-on learning which will enable them to reach their full potential in both the classroom and the community,” said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

“After strong consultation with educational, industry, and government partners, UPEI has created the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences with a focus on applied areas of mathematics, computing, and statistics,” added Abd-El-Aziz. “This exciting development will prepare our graduates to readily contribute to solving complex problems in data-intensive sectors—such as insurance, pension, investment planning, banking and finance, government service delivery, and supply chain-based organizations— that require highly quantified and analyzed decision making. The performance of these sectors impacts each of us in our daily lives, and contributes to growth of our region.”

“UPEI believes the growth of students with expertise in mathematical and computational sciences creates tremendous opportunities to benefit our students’ personal and professional development, the growth of industry within our region, and PEI’s overall education system,” says Dr. Gordon MacDonald, Interim Associate Dean of the new school and 2015 Atlantic Association of Universities Distinguished Teacher recipient. “The absence of such expertise impedes growth at all levels—from an individual’s potential to that of our communities.”

“I am very proud to be working with such a forward thinking leader as our President and with colleagues who put great effort into making a dream a reality,” said Dr. Debbie MacLellan, UPEI Dean of Science. “I look forward to continuing to work with this team as we make the new UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences the best in the country.”

Students enrolled in the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences gain a strong foundation in mathematics, computer sciences, and statistics in their first two years of study before developing expertise through a major in mathematics, computer science (specialization option in video game programming), statistics, actuarial science, analytics (specialization options in business analytics or data analytics), or financial mathematics in the last two years of their degree.

“I congratulate UPEI as this initiative is another example of post-secondary programming that will help strengthen our university and provide us with a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce,” said Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning Richard Brown. “The explosion of data produced by the digital economy means that graduates will be in high demand and lead to countless and diverse career opportunities for them.”

More about the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences:

• Developed to address growing need for university graduates educated in: developing sophisticated mathematical and statistical techniques aligned with market needs; managing and extracting knowledge from unprecedented volumes of data; integrating mathematical and statistical methods with powerful analytical software and technology tools; and creating technology needed to enable our world.
• The role of technology and data is ever-changing and rapidly evolving at an unprecedented rate; as a result, society needs more professionals capable of analyzing and interpreting sophisticated data so effective, responsible decisions can be made.
• Majors offered include: mathematics, computer science (specialization option in video game programming), statistics, actuarial science, analytics (specialization options in business analytics or data analytics), and financial mathematics.
• Graduates will pursue strong careers with insurance, pension, investment planning, banking and finance, supply chain-based and ‘big data’-intensive organizations, as well as in government, NGOs, education, and research—virtually any organization that has complex problems and challenges!
• Four-year degree program (which falls under a Bachelor of Science) begins September 2016.
• UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences is accepting applications NOW!

Dr. Anne Muckle is fascinated by bugs, but not the kind that we see crawling on the ground or flying around our heads. She is interested in bacteria, those “tiny but mighty” bugs—good and bad—that live in our external and internal environments.

An associate professor at the Atlantic Veterinary College at UPEI, the quiet-spoken Muckle has guided hundreds of veterinary students through the intricacies of bacteriology. For her dedication to teaching and to her students, she has been awarded the Student American Veterinary Medical Association’s (SAVMA) 2016 Community Outreach and Education Award.

Through this award, students at veterinary colleges in Canada and the United States publicly acknowledge how faculty members, clinicians, and other people in the veterinary profession have gone above and beyond their professional responsibilities and duties to interact with, and make a difference in, the community—from local to global.

Muckle was nominated for the award by SAVMA member Veronique Savoie-Dufour, a student in AVC’s Class of 2018.

"Dr. Muckle is the sort of professor you dream of as a kid,” says Savoie-Dufour. “She is not only incredibly knowledgeable in bacteriology, but she has an ease of explaining key concepts and their importance. Her upbeat personality makes it a joy to attend each of her classes, and she encourages active learning, requesting students to participate and ask questions.”

Muckle’s presentations are concise and easy to understand, Savoie-Dufour says, and she adds an element of fun to her classes, using humour to help students learn and retain the material she is teaching. As well, Muckle expresses genuine concern for her students.

“Whether it is in class or in the lab, her openness is engaging, and every student feels very comfortable approaching her for help.”

Savoie-Dufour, who also works in Muckle’s lab, considers her professor to be a role model.

“I have learned so much from her, both in class and my time working in her lab.… I am forever grateful to her for not only imparting important information for my veterinary career but also inspiring me, giving me a glimpse of what I aspire to be one day … a veterinary professor.”

Muckle says her goal as a teacher is to optimise her students’ learning and to make a difference in their education—to give them a basic understanding of bacterial and fungal disease relevant to veterinary medicine. She credits three people with helping her to improve her presentations and teaching style: Dr. Mike Collins, University of Wisconsin’s School of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Alfonso Lopez, now professor emeritus at AVC; and Dr. Susan Dawson, AVC Dept. Biomedical Sciences. In particular, she is indebted to Sally Goddard, educational consultant, AVC Office of Academic and Student Affairs, for her advice and support in developing "The Bare Bones Lecture."

Muckle will accept her award at the 2016 SAVMA Symposium in March at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames, Iowa.

The UPEI Department of Music is proud to present the 2016 Dr. Frances Gray Performance Competition finals on Thursday, February 4 at 7:30 pm at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI. The concert will feature seven UPEI student finalists who were chosen by a panel of Music Department faculty members during the preliminary round of the competition held earlier in January. This year’s competition will feature Canadian repertoire.

Parker Clements

Parker Clements is a baritone in the studio of Stephen Bouey. During his Bachelor of Music degree at UPEI, Parker has had the opportunity to perform under the direction of Sung Ha Shin-Bouey in UPEI’s Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, Men's Ensemble, and Musical Theatre Ensemble. Parker is currently in his fifth year as choral scholar at the Kirk of St. James. He has also appeared with Indian River Chorus, New Brunswick Chamber Choir, Chœur Louisbourg, and is an alumnus of the National Youth Choir of Canada (2014). Parker has appeared frequently as a soloist. Upon graduating in May, Parker hopes to continue his vocal studies at the graduate level.

Marc DesRoches

Born in Summerside, PEI, Marc DesRoches is a second year oboe and composition major at the University of Prince Edward Island. He studies oboe under the direction of Dr. Karem Simon and Belinda Code of Mount Allison University. Marc is principal oboe of the UPEI Wind Symphony and the Strathgartney Chamber Orchestra. In addition, he plays baritone saxophone in the UPEI Jazz Ensemble and UPEI Saxophone Quartet.

Leah Jordan

Leah Jordan is from Montague, PEI, currently residing in Charlottetown. She is a second year clarinet major studying with Dr. Karem Simon. Leah has been playing with the UPEI Wind Symphony since 2013 and this summer made her symphonic debut with the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra. After completing a Bachelor of Music Education she wishes to teach music in the public school system and inspire young musicians.

Lindsay Gillis

Lindsay is a fourth-year voice major at the University of Prince Edward Island under the instruction of Professor Sung Ha Shin-Bouey. She has been a performer since her childhood, her musical beginnings dating back to her days in the Confederation Center Youth Chorus. Since then, Lindsay has been an avid performer of both classical music and musical theatre. Her musical theatre credits include Grace Farrel (Annie), Cinderella’s mother (Cinderella: A Fairly Tall Tale), and the Princess (When in Rome). As a classical vocalist, she has been a featured vocalist numerous times in the UPEI Concert Choir, including a solo in Handel’s Messiah (2015) and a solo in Mozart’s Coronation Mass (2014). She performed her junior recital in March of 2014 and has performed numerous times in the UPEI afternoon recital series. In addition, Lindsay was the 2013 Provincial Music Festival winner in the Advanced Vocal and Advanced Musical Theatre categories, as well as a Senior Rose Bowl Finalist. Lindsay is currently auditioning for graduate programs and plans to further her studies with a graduate degree in vocal performance in the fall.

Emily Proude

Emily Proude is a native of Charlottetown, PEI, and is currently a third-year music education major at UPEI. She is principal saxophonist in the UPEI Wind Symphony and lead alto in the UPEI Jazz Ensemble. At UPEI, she has studied with Dr. Karem Simon, Kevin MacLean, and Dr. Nicole Strum. In addition, Emily is a member of the UPEI Saxophone Quartet and Concert Choir.  

Alexandra Smith

Alexandra Smith was born and raised on PEI, and currently resides in Sherwood. She is in her second year of study in the Bachelor of Music program at the University of Prince Edward Island, as a voice major under the direction of Professor Sung Ha Shin Bouey. She has been featured in ensembles such as the UPEI Concert Choir, UPEI Jazz Ensemble, and Le Ragazze Girls Choir. She also performs as a soloist in various churches across the island. Alexandra performs in diverse styles ranging from musical theatre, to classical, to jazz.

Johanna Vessey

A student at the University of Prince Edward Island since 2013, and native to PEI, Johanna Vessey is in her third year of pursuing a Bachelor of Music alongside a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Computer Science. With clarinet being her primary instrument, she has been a student of Dr. Karem Simon for all of her years at UPEI. She has been a member of the UPEI Wind Symphony since 2012, and is presently involved in the ensemble as the librarian, president of the executive, and principle clarinetist. Before attending UPEI, Johanna was in school bands and provincial honours bands for years. As a member of the Cadet program, she was also involved in Cadet bands, and was provided the opportunity of performing in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in 2011 and 2012. This May, Johanna will be immersed in another musical experience as a member of the National Youth Band of Canada 2016.

The judges for the final competition, Alan Reesor, Kelsea McLean, Kirsten MacLaine, Natalie Williams-Calhoun and David MacDonald, are all well-known musicians and educators in the PEI music community.

Tickets are $15 Adults & $10 Seniors/Students and are available online or by contacting the Music department office at 902-566- 0507 or music@upei.ca.

The UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for the week of January 18-24 are Angenay Williams, Women’s Basketball and Tyler Scott, Men’s Basketball. On a weekly basis, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes these talented student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. UPEI Athletes of the Week are then nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Angenay Williams, Women’s Hockey, and Tyler Scott, Men’s Basketball

What: UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week

When: Week of January 18-24

Where: University of Prince Edward Island

Why: Williams, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student from Chicago, Illinois, led the Panthers in scoring and on the boards on the weekend. Williams collected 32 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists while making 5 steals in leading her team to a split of weekend games against UNB and Dalhousie. The Panthers beat UNB, 70-56, on Friday before losing to Dal, 73 to 68, on Saturday.

Scott, a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student from Halifax, NS, led the Panthers offensively on the weekend. In the Panthers 94-75 win over UNB and 79-78 loss to Dal, Scott scored 16 and 23 points while adding 16 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals. He went 7/7 from the free throw line.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation

• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place and UPEI Turf
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas
   

Euthanasia is one of the most difficult issues facing veterinarians and their clients. Starting on February 23, the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) will launch a new webinar series that will provide continuing education (CE) credits to veterinarians and animal health technicians.

Presenter Dr. Caroline Hewson will share practical and evidence-based training and resources that she has developed for end-of-life care for animals and for minimizing stress in animals when they are hospitalized.

After six years in mixed practice in the United Kingdom (UK), Hewson obtained her PhD from the University of Guelph in 1997. From 2000 to 2006, she served as the first Research Chair in Animal Welfare at AVC. During her tenure as chair, she initiated the animal welfare column in the Canadian Veterinary Journal, AVC’s annual Animal Welfare in Practice conference, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s practical posters on analgesia.

After returning to the UK, Hewson was nominated Pet Plan Vet of the Year in 2008. In 2013 she created “The Loss of Your Pet” client-care packs, which are designed to help veterinary practices to assist their clients in dealing with euthanasia. She delivers evidence-based webinars, in-person training, and resources to help veterinary practices bridge the support gap with bereaved clients and minimize the risk of vet-client disputes about patients’ end-of-life.

Participants will receive three hours of continuing education (CE) credits for the complete series, or one hour of CE for each webinar. There is a small registration fee for veterinarians and animal health technicians. Veterinary students can participate free of charge. For information and to register, please visit upei.ca/awc

Luke Gaudet (fourth-year BBA with accounting specialization) and Hannah Dawson (third-year BBA) have added to the growing list of successes for UPEI case students this season. The two students recently won third place in the final round of the Inter-Collegiate Business Competition (ICBC) at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, from January 14–16. ICBC is Canada's longest-running undergraduate business case competition, which features eight different events in which students can compete (accounting, strategy, ethics, debating, finance, human resources, marketing, and management of information systems).

In October 2015, UPEI competed in the preliminary round of ICBC in the marketing category against over 60 teams from business schools around the world. Students analyzed a case detailing real-world problems that a business was experiencing and provided a written case analysis. UPEI’s strong showing in the preliminary round earned them an invitation to the final round to compete against Okanagan College, Queen’s University, University of Regina, University of Toronto (St. George campus), and Trent University.

“The preliminary round competition is extremely fierce. With over 60 Canadian and international schools competing, securing a spot in the top six is already an amazing accomplishment,” said Case Competition Program Coordinator and Coach Mary Whitrow.

During the final round in Kingston, students were again tasked with assessing a case they had never seen before, analyzing available information, and crafting a strategic marketing solution in only 5.5 hours. They then had 15 minutes to present their solution to a judging panel of academic and industry professionals, and then an additional five minutes to answer the judges’ questions and defend their recommendations. This process is rigorous and forces students to think quickly and critically about their solutions. “ICBC was an incredible learning experience,” said Hannah Dawson.

Luke competed in ICBC last year in the strategy event, where he and his teammates received third place. “ICBC was a fantastic experience once again. It was a pleasure to work alongside such a great teammate, and I cannot thank our coach and advisors enough for their tremendous support.”

Juergen Krause, Dean of the UPEI School of Business, knows that the case team is an important program for not just the School of Business, but all of UPEI. “These students are representing UPEI and improving our reputation worldwide. We are proud of our students.”

The students appreciate all the support they have received from faculty and staff at the UPEI School of Business. “We are very thankful for this program and to have been given such an opportunity.” said Luke.

Congratulations team!

Dear Members of the University Community,

A New Year brings new, exciting challenges and opportunities, and 2016 is promising to be a year of monumental achievement in the history of both UPEI and the province of Prince Edward Island.

It is with great excitement that I write with the latest update on the construction of UPEI’s new School of Sustainable Design Engineering. I invited the UPEI Board of Governors to tour the facility yesterday prior to their regular meeting. Associate Dean of Engineering Nicholas Krouglicof and I donned our steel-toed boots to show off a point of pride and innovative development at UPEI. I know it is safe to say that our board members were duly impressed.

Click here to view photos from our tour, as well as a previous visit by the Honourable Richard Brown, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning.

It is easy to be awestruck with the pace of construction, and if you drive or walk by the site regularly, I am sure you have seen firsthand how quickly our state-of-the-art 76,000 square foot building has been progressing. The exterior is now complete and trades are well along on the interior. And, I am pleased to report that the building is on budget and on schedule to welcome students in September 2016.

This facility, and the progressive teaching and learning it houses, will be where innovation meets action. Once completed, there will be many fascinating features including a green roof, roof-mounted wind energy array, and photovoltaic (solar panel) array. The interior will include industry partner labs, ideation spaces, design studios, and a signature “learning stairwell.”

The project is also remarkable because approximately 96 per cent of the labour force tasked with design and construction is local. I would like to thank the PEI companies who have contributed to date:

• Island Coastal Services
• Southern Kings Construction
• MacDougall Steel
• Arsenault Brothers
• A49 Architecture
• MCM Bricklayers
• Ashe Roofing
• Bevan Brothers
• Hansen Electric
• Island Steel
• Tile Master
• Constable Painting
• MCA Consultants
• Richardson Associates

Please also join me in thanking and congratulating the hardworking teams who made this achievement possible: UPEI Faculty of Science and UPEI School of Sustainable Design Engineering faculty and staff, administrative staff from across campus, students, the industry advisory committee, and our government partners. So many have worked diligently to build this inspiring facility that will positively affect countless lives through the design of sustainable solutions for challenges in our local, regional, and global communities. The UPEI School of Sustainable Design Engineering will lead to immeasurable benefits in the fields of science and engineering for many years to come.

I am so excited and look forward to sharing more UPEI School of Sustainable Design Engineering success stories with you, the country, and the world.

Best wishes,

Alaa  

Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Prince Edward Island   

The UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for the week of January 25-31 are Tamara Tompkins, Women’s Basketball, and Matt Mahalak, Men’s Hockey. On a weekly basis, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes these talented student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. UPEI Athletes of the Week are then nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Tamara Tompkins, Women’s Basketball, and Matt Mahalak, Men’s Hockey

What: UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week

When: Week of January 25-31, 2016

Where: University of Prince Edward Island

Why: Tompkins, a fifth-year Bachelor of Science Kinesiology student from Centreville, New Brunswick, averaged 11 points on 41% field goal shooting during the Panthers 94-52 and 63-50 losses to Cape Breton on the weekend. Tompkins was 7 for 7 from the free throw line and averaged 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.

Mahalak, a second-year Bachelor of Business Administration student from Monroe, Michigan, is playing strong in goal for the Panthers.  During the weekend’s 2-1 loss to UNB and 6-3 win over STU, Mahalak recorded 83 saves. Mahalak’s save percentage is currently second in the league while his goals against average is sixth.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation

• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place and UPEI Turf
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

UPEI Director of Athletics and Recreation Chris Huggan welcomed Marc MacDonald last week as the new operator of Panther Sports Medicine. The entire UPEI community was rocked last year when the Panthers beloved chief physiotherapist Ralph Manning passed away suddenly.

"It has been a challenging few months for all of us (coaches, athletes and staff) as we have grieved Ralph's death and tried to carry on without his services. We are so pleased that Marc MacDonald acquired Ralph’s business in December and welcome him and his reactive health team to the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre,” said Huggan. “I know they are excited about the opportunity and are committed to providing high quality services at the clinic and for our student-athletes."

A Registered Physiotherapist with over 15 years of clinical experience across a wide scope of the rehabilitation profession, MacDonald and his wife Lana, also a Registered Physiotherapist, worked throughout Florida for many years with one of the largest healthcare companies in the United States, focusing primarily in sports orthopaedics and rehabilitation. Their tender with this company allowed them to work closely with many orthopaedic surgeons servicing NHL, NFL, PGA, university, and community athletes.

The couple and their two children returned to PEI in 2009 to be closer to family and opened their private practice, reactive health, shortly thereafter. Marcel MacDonald, a UPEI alumnus, joined them in 2012 as a partner. His first position as a Registered Physiotherapist was at the UPEI Sports Centre.

Trevor Dunphy, Resident Physiotherapist, is also a UPEI alumnus and former varsity athlete who will begin work at Panther Sports Medicine as part of the reactive health team. Dunphy is extremely excited to “give back” to the community that treated him so well when he was playing soccer for UPEI.

“On behalf of everyone at reactive health, we are extremely excited to represent Panther Sports Medicine and to continue to provide rehabilitative services to the University,” said Marc MacDonald. “We all have a deep respect for Ralph Manning and what he contributed to the scope of our profession as well as to the Panther community. We hope to build upon his legacy.”

To contact Marc or a member of the Panther Sports Medicine team, call (902) 620-5181.