Approximately 280 experts in animal behaviour and welfare from 27 countries will participate in the International Society for Applied Ethology (ISAE) 2018 Congress at the University of Prince Edward Island from July 30 to August 3.

The opening ceremony of the conference will take place on Tuesday, July 31, from 9:00–9:30 a.m. in the Duffy Science Centre Amphitheatre.

The Congress will bring together ethological and veterinary research under the theme, “Ethology for health and welfare,” with a specific session on veterinary aspects of ethology and welfare. The detailed program can be found at http://isae2018.com/

Of particular note are three presentations on Tuesday, July 31, in the Duffy Science Centre Amphitheatre. Immediately following the opening ceremony is the Wood-Gush Memorial Lecture by Stevan Harnad, professor of psychology at Université du Québec à Montréal. In his lecture entitled “The Other-Minds Problem in Other Species,” he will discuss the difficulty in studying the feelings of animals and the implications of animal sentience on the use of animals in society.

At 2:30 p.m., Temple Grandin, world-renowned animal scientist who has successfully applied research on animal behaviour to methods of handling and slaughter, will give a plenary talk on how to apply academic research on animal behaviour to commercial farms and slaughter plants.

And at 3:15 p.m., Jackie Wepruk, general manager of the National Farm Animal Care Council, will explain how research on animal behaviour is integrated into the national codes of practice written by livestock commodity groups.

During the conference, there will be 117 oral presentations and 89 poster presentations. Topics cover behaviour and welfare of many species, including horses, cattle, companion animals, laying hens, swine, sheep and goats, wildlife, and laboratory animals. A sampling of topics includes the ability of animals to evaluate technology such as virtual fencing; brain imaging to visualise neural activity associated with emotions in sheep; problems in using aversive dog training methods; the impairment of memory in dogs because of osteoarthritis; factors affecting fighting in pigs; different types of play behaviour in animals; and effects of zoo visitors on penguins.

About the ISAE:
The 700-member ISAE is the leading scientific society for the study of the behaviour and welfare of confined or domesticated animals, including companion, farm, zoo, and managed wild animals. This will be only the second time that the congress will be held in Canada and only the fifth time in North America. Over the last 50 plus years, the ISAE has facilitated a major expansion of diverse research on applied ethology and has contributed to an increased understanding of animal welfare. Members of the ISAE provide scientific expertise on committees and working groups, such as the National Farm Animal Care Council, that make recommendations on legislation, codes of practice, and guidelines designed to improve animal welfare.
 

The University of Prince Edward Island has lowered the flags in front of Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place to half-mast to honour the two Fredericton Police officers and two civilians who were killed during a shooting incident this morning in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, said, “On behalf of the UPEI community and along with other Maritimers, I offer our sincere condolences to the City of Fredericton and especially to the families and friends of the victims of today’s tragedy.”

“We also extend our thanks and support to all first responders, including our own UPEI Security Services team, as they grapple with the loss of their colleagues in New Brunswick. We are reminded, even more so today, that every time they begin a shift, women and men put themselves in harm’s way to protect and serve our communities.”

UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz joined members of the University community on Wednesday as they gathered at the Chaplaincy Centre to wish Saudi Arabian students well as they prepare to return home.

Earlier this month, the Saudi Arabian government issued an order to all of its citizens studying in Canada that they must return home. UPEI’s International Student Office, Student Affairs, Office of the Registrar, and Chaplaincy Centre along with the UPEI Student Union have been supporting students as they prepare to leave campus.

In the 2018 winter semester, there were 49 students from Saudi Arabia registered at UPEI.

Over 400 delegates from around the world will gather in Charlottetown from September 2–6 for the 8th International Symposium on Aquatic Animal Health (ISAAH).

The Atlantic Veterinary College and the Prince Edward Island (PEI) BioAlliance are partnering with the Fish Health Section (FHS) of the American Fisheries Society to host the symposium. This is only the second time that the symposium has been hosted in Canada since the inaugural conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1988.

During the symposium, the delegates will discuss current business and research developments, trends, and the future of the aquatic animal health industry during scientific workshops, business meetings, and keynote and research presentations. The theme of the symposium is “Integrating Biotechnology in the Advancement of Aquatic Animal Health.”

As part of the symposium, AVC is hosting several sold-out preconference workshops on Sunday, September 2, covering Diagnostic Test Evaluations, Publication of Scientific Papers, Phlebotomy & Blood Analysis for Fish and Shellfish, Shellfish Necropsy & Disease Detection, and Uses of Virtual Microscopy.

If you are interested in attending this international event, please visit https://isaah2018.com/. The conference schedule is now posted on this website, and the full program of scientific presentations will be made available there soon. If you have any questions regarding the ISAAH, feel free to contact the Local Organizing Chair, Dr. David Groman (groman@upei.ca).

UPEI Athletics and Recreation wants to fill the stands for every home game in the 2018—2019 season! And we have just the early bird deals to make it happen. Visit gopanthersgo.ca/tickets to catch the best deals of the year.

The Panther Package is on sale now for only $90. The Panther Package gets you into every home game for Women’s and Men’s Soccer, Women’s Rugby, Women’s and Men’s Basketball, and Women’s Hockey! This deal expires on September 14. Buy it now and receive a limited edition Panther ball cap.

Picture yourself at all 48 UPEI Men’s Hockey home games this season! The Panther All-Access Pass gives you everything in the Panther Pass, but adds in tickets to every Men’s Hockey home game. This amazing deal is just $250 and expires September 14.

Season passes are also available for individual sports:

Men’s and Women’s Soccer
Adult: $30
Senior: $25
Youth (Under 18): free

Women’s and Men’s Basketball
Adult: $90
Senior: $81
Youth (Under 18): free

Men's Hockey
Includes:  Reserved Seat, 15 home games, two exhibition games, two buddy passes, two ticket redemption nights, holding seat for playoffs
Adult: $196
Youth (U18): $70
Children (3 & Under): free

Women's Hockey Season Package
Includes: Reserved seat, 14 home games, five exhibition games, all AUS playoff home games, U SPORTS Championship Tournament Ticket Package

U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship Ticket Package - $50

Please note that all Men’s Hockey, Women’s Hockey, and U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship tickets will only be sold through the Eastlink Centre Box Office. Contact the box office at 46 Kensington Road, Charlottetown, or call 902-629-6625, Monday through Friday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Don’t forget, UPEI students get in free to all regular season home games by showing their  student ID card.

Visit gopanthersgo.ca/tickets to grab these early bird specials.

Go Panthers Go!

Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, co-holder of the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, has donated several of his latest publications to UPEI’s Robertson Library. The donation includes five books in the Rethinking the Island Series (Rowman & Littlefield), which he co-edited with Elizabeth McMahon and Elaine Stratford, as well as two books he edited: Solution Protocols to Festering Island Disputes: 'Win-Win' Solutions for the Diaoyu / Senkaku Islands (Routledge, 2017) and The Routledge International Handbook of Island Studies (Routledge, 2018).

“For the whole time Dr. Baldacchino has been involved with island studies at UPEI— and that’s going on 20 years now—he’s always been collegial and generous in helping us develop our island studies collections,” said Simon Lloyd, university archivist and liaison librarian for island studies.

Lloyd said this sort of partnership is especially important in the case of a scholar like Dr. Baldacchino, who writes and edits a large number of academic books, book chapters, and journal articles.

“Island studies as a multinational and interdisciplinary field of study has grown a lot, but Dr. Baldacchino remains one of the most active people in this field, especially in terms of published scholarship,” added Lloyd.

This prolific published output—reflected in more than 180 references islandscholar.ca, the Robertson Library’s database of UPEI research—translates into a lengthy list of books and articles, many of which the library would have to acquire through expensive purchases or subscriptions if not for Dr. Baldacchino’s generosity.

“A university professor’s publications don't just magically appear in the university library,” said Lloyd. “It’s important that faculty keep us informed of what they’re publishing, and, where possible, deposit copies with us.”

Lloyd recognized it is not always possible for faculty members to donate publications. The library will purchase faculty publications when necessary, but donations are always appreciated.

“When you consider the average list price of a scholarly social sciences book last year was nearly $170 Canadian, it’s easy to see why new book donations matter.”

Dr. Baldacchino has also been a leader in the open access movement, which encourages the sharing of published research without charge to readers.

“Dr. Baldacchino was the founding executive editor of Island Studies Journal, launched at UPEI in 2006—and hosted online by the Robertson Library—and that journal’s been fully open access from the first issue.”

Lloyd also noted Dr. Baldacchino is a scholar who makes regular contact with the library—both in-person and via e-mail—and who encourages his students and colleagues to do likewise.

Thank you, Dr. Baldacchino!

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The Atlantic Veterinary College's 2018 Summer Research and Leadership Program wrapped up on Wednesday, August 29, with the presentations of awards for poster presentations.

The three-month program introduces veterinary and science students to careers in veterinary and biomedical research. The participants work on a summer research project with a faculty mentor, attend weekly lectures, and present a scientific poster at the conclusion of the program.

Twenty-four students participated in this year’s program. Ten students attended the National Veterinary Scholars Symposium at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in early August, where they were among 511 students from all over North America presenting posters on various aspects of veterinary medicine.

“Getting experience in research is increasingly important for veterinary students,” says Dr. Larry Hammell, Interim Dean of UPEI’s Faculty of Graduate Studies and Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research for AVC. “AVC’s Summer Research and Leadership Program provides students with excellent hands-on experience in research across different disciplines and in a wide variety of species.”

At the awards ceremony at AVC on Wednesday, Erika Pugh, AVC Class of 2020, took first prize for her project, “Effect of cranberry extract on feline oral squamous cell carcinoma proliferation and migration in vitro.” She was supervised by Dr. Chelsea Martin, Department of Pathology and Microbiology.

George Munguia, AVC Class of 2020, received second prize for his project, “A Needs Assessment for Atlantic Canada Veterinarians,” supervised by Dr. Michelle Evason, Department of Companion Animals.

Austin Levi, Bachelor of Science, was awarded third prize for his project, “Molecular detection of Lyme pathogen Borrelia burgdorferi: A performance analysis of currently used PCR protocols. His supervisor was Dr. Sunny Hartwig, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

Three students received honourable mention for their projects:

• Patrick Belliveau, AVC Class of 2021, “Effect of benzoylphenylureas on the moulting process of copepod stage sea lice (Lepeophtheirus salmonis), supervised by Dr. Mark Fast, Department of Pathology and Microbiology;
• Natalie Tocco, AVC Class of 2020, “Total cell counts of equine bronchoalveolar lavage samples using ImageJ software,” supervised by Dr. Cora Gilroy and Dr. Shelley Burton, Department of Pathology and Microbiology;
• Jessica D’Amico, AVC Class of 2020, for her pilot study, “Pain Evaluation in Ball Pythons Receiving FSH Injections,” supervised by Dr. Jonathan Spears, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

UPEI Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce a new partnership with Amalgamated Dairies Limited (ADL), to ensure that current and future Panthers are fuelled by ADL milk and chocolate milk.

“I am very grateful for the support ADL has provided Panther Sport over the years,” said Chris Huggan, director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI. “For them to engage at an even greater level, focusing on the health, well-being, and performance of our student-athletes, is another big step forward in our pursuit of individual and team success.”

ADL milk is recognized nationally for its quality. It is an excellent source of 16 essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, and vitamin D. ADL milk offers multiple health and fitness benefits as part of an overall healthy diet—something many Panthers count on every day. For the 2018–2019 season, fridges of ADL milk products will greet Panther athletes after practice and tournament games. UPEI Panther athletes will be visiting schools, scrimmaging, and playing AUS games whilst selling the virtues of fitness.

 “We are proud to be building on our partnership with UPEI Athletics to improve the health and performance of Panther athletes. Dairy is important to a healthy and balanced diet,” said Jamie MacPhail, marketing manager for ADL. “ADL has a long history of providing support to the Island sport community and understands the importance of providing athletes with opportunities to succeed.”

UPEI Athletics and Recreation provides leadership in the promotion and delivery of athletic excellence and quality physical activity programs and services that enhance health, wellness, and a sense of community. UPEI is proud to host the U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championship in both 2019 and 2020.

ADL is a dairy cooperative that is owned by all of PEI’s 165 dairy producers. For 65 years, ADL has processed fresh quality milk from PEI farms to produce premium dairy products that Islanders and Canadians have come to love and enjoy.

Go Panthers Go!

The following message from President Abd-El-Aziz was issued to the University community on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

With the 2018–2019 academic year about to begin, I thank you for choosing to be a part of the University of Prince Edward Island community and welcome you to, or back to, our picturesque campus during what is one of the most beautiful times of year.

At UPEI, we are fortunate to study, work, and live in a safe, respectful campus environment that embraces and celebrates differences, and encourages creativity and innovation.

Preliminary indications are that this will be another banner year for UPEI, as it will mark UPEI’s largest incoming class, and yet another increase in our international student enrolment. And, given the tremendous response to the Welcome Day Fair and New Student Orientation (NSO) Week kick-off celebrations, UPEI is in store for excellent engagement and enthusiasm on the part of students, faculty, and staff. I am so excited that we had a record number of new students register for both International Student Orientation and NSO. These are key activities that support students and ensure they begin their time at UPEI “on the right foot.”

While I extend a big thank-you to members of our University community who are dedicating time to welcome and help students transition to the upcoming academic year, I must note that we strive every day to create a welcoming campus that offers safe, inclusive spaces where students can thrive academically, culturally, and socially. To achieve this objective, we are applying resources, both human and financial, to support our students’ success.

One example is the Student Experience Hub at Dalton Hall, which will open in October 2018, creating a functional hub for student-related services and programs. Another initiative to reinforce our tremendous growth in future-focussed programming has been the hiring of over 100 new faculty and staff members in the past two years, either into new positions or to fill vacancies.

With September’s arrival, we are eager to build on the momentum achieved over the past five years. UPEI is approaching the new academic year with a sharpened focus and sense of renewal. Thanks to the efforts of our UPEI Strategic Planning Committee, the process is well underway for the development of our UPEI Strategic Plan, 2018–2023. The draft plan, which will be shared with the University community in the near future, builds upon the success of our previous strategic plan for 2013–2018.

We are quickly approaching a major milestone: in 2019, the University of Prince Edward Island will celebrate 50 years serving as a leader in education and research. While we observe UPEI’s golden anniversary, we will also recognize our over-200-year history of delivering post-secondary education through our founding institutions, Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University. The 50th-Anniversary Working Group is busily planning a yearlong series of activities that will highlight the University’s significant contributions over the years as well as showcase how our great institution continues to be a catalyst for positive impact in our province and around the world. I look forward to keeping you updated in the weeks and months ahead as these events and commemorations unfold.

To our students, I encourage you to reach out to the many different networks we have created to support your university experience. Learn from our amazing faculty, and seek assistance from our wonderful staff—we are here to empower your curiosity and help you explore your options, now and for your future endeavours!

Whether this is your first or fourth year, take advantage of the many opportunities, activities, and celebrations that UPEI has to offer. Attending university is more than what happens in the classroom or laboratory. Participating in extra-curricular activities is a great way to have fun, make a difference, and build friendships that last a lifetime.

As classes begin today, take pride in our collective accomplishments and share your excitement for the future of our dynamic and vibrant learning community. We have much to celebrate and many opportunities before us. As we encourage and inspire students along their educational journeys, let us keep our mission and vision of developing our students to their full potential in both the classroom and the community always at the forefront.

I wish everyone a great start to our academic year and look forward to working together to achieve our shared priorities in support of student success.

Best wishes,

Alaa

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

Two Island writers, Steve McOrmond and Chris Bailey, will launch their new books of poetry on Monday, September 17, at 7:00 pm in the Carriage House at Beaconsfield Historic House on Charlottetown’s waterfront. McOrmond’s poetry has captivated readers across Canada since his first book, Lean Days, in 2004, while Bailey, from a North Lake fishing family, is a newcomer to the literary scene.

Bailey, a recent UPEI psychology graduate, has been living in Toronto and Hamilton, earning a master’s degree in creative writing. He comes home during the summers, working on the family boat. Many of the poems in What Your Hands Have Done (Nightwood Editions) focus on the lives, work, and relationships of fishing families. This is the first major poetry book by an Islander to honour, at length, the realities and lore of PEI’s fishing community.

Bailey’s interests also range beyond the traditional land/seascape and livelihoods of PEI. His influences vary from Elmore Leonard, Warren Zevon, and Charles Bukowski—the “laureate of American lowlife” wrote Time—to Neil Gaiman and Lorna Crozier. Just as the wider culture’s zeitgeist pervades the Island, Bailey’s poems take readers on lively trips beyond the decks, wharves, and fishers’ homes.

McOrmond’s imaginative takes on experience, and his satirical wit, are evident in his other book titles: Primer for the Hereafter and The Goods News About Armageddon. With ironic perceptions in “Come Play on the Island,” he contrasts touristic summers with our winters, and in “The Lobster” he reveals the sardonic “second thoughts” of a PEI restaurant cook. In a bittersweet voice, he evokes Maritime outmigration in “So This Is Goodbye”: “The story of the Island is the story of paradise: / we have always had to leave.”

A 1995 UPEI graduate, McOrmond has lived in Toronto for two decades, returning yearly to the Island. His metropolitan experiences and computer software business career ingeniously permeate his new book, Reckon (Brick Book): “And we felt fortunate to live in the afterglow of Steve Jobs” and though “the air smells like burning tires...I love it here, I really do”.

His new poems reflect and critique the growing domination of our lives and consciousness by digital platforms and realms: “Deep in an offshore data centre, my vagaries / are tracked, time-stamped, mined / for meaningful adjacencies.”

A special guest poet, Annick MacAskill from Halifax, will give a short reading, followed by McOrmond’s and Bailey’s featured readings, a book signing, and a reception. The evening is sponsored by the UPEI Dean of Arts and Department of English, with generous support from The Canada Council for the Arts.

All are welcome.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.