Research chair from Cancer Care Ontario gives public lecture at UPEI on August 22
Dr. Scott Leatherdale, Research Chair in the Department of Population Studies and Surveillance at Cancer Care Ontario, will give a public lecture about his work with youth and adult populations to help reduce the future cancer burden in Canada on Friday, August 22.
The lecture, entitled 'Population-level data collection and knowledge exchange systems for physical activity promotion and obesity prevention: Current systems and emerging opportunities,' will take place from 9 to 10 a.m. in the lecture theatre in the Regis and Joan Duffy Research Centre at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Leatherdale is an assistant professor in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto and Health Studies and Gerontology at the University of Waterloo, and an associate scientist with the Canadian Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute of Canada's (CCS/NCIC) Centre for Behavioural Research and Program Evaluation (CBRPE). He is also a board member of the Institute Advisory Board for the Institute of Cancer Research (IAB-ICR) of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and an advisory board member of the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC) Strategic Prevention Initiative.
For the last four years, he has conducted independent, original applied behavioural research. Primarily, he has played a prominent role as a principal investigator in the development of the School Health Action, Planning and Evaluation System (SHAPES) in conjunction with staff at the Centre for Behavioural Research and Program Evaluation of the Canadian Cancer Society/National Cancer Institute of Canada.
More recently, Leatherdale has taken a lead role in the development of the planning and infrastructure development for the Ontario Chronic Disease Cohort (OCDC). The OCDC is an emerging cohort platform which will allow etiologic studies that consider environmental, biochemical, and genetic risk factors for disease, early detection studies focused on blood-based biologic markers of early disease, and the evaluation of how policies and different environmental contexts influence health behaviours.
The lecture is presented by PEI HRI and CSHR at the University of Prince Edward Island.
UPEI salutes winners of 2008 NSERC undergraduate scholarships
Dr. Donna Giberson, NSERC scholarship liaison officer for UPEI, reported that this is the highest number of these awards the university has ever received from the council, which is the main government funding agency for basic science and engineering research in Canada.
“NSERC received more funding for student research projects this year, and UPEI was in a good position to take advantage of the increase, since we had a record number of high quality applicants,” says Giberson. “It is an incredible opportunity for the students, since they work on real research projects. When I asked the students what excited them most about their summer work, that was the main thing that they mentioned: the chance to work on real research equipment, and contribute to real research projects.”
During the event, the students’ projects were showcased in a virtual poster session. Projects cover a range of the sciences, including chemistry, biology, physics, pathology and microbiology, family and nutritional sciences, and mathematics.
Research topics include the effects of green crab sediment disturbance on eelgrass beds, the potential health benefits of cranberries and blueberries, the development of a new animal model of schizophrenia, the effects of nitrate pollution on development of fish eggs, investigation of new chemical compounds that could lead to more environmentally secure batteries, and testing a new form of medical imaging called optoacoustic imaging.
NSERC’s undergraduate summer research awards program provides funding for university undergraduate students to gain experience working on real research projects in NSERC-funded laboratories. These awards not only provide an exceptional opportunity to learn about research first hand, but are very valuable for the students in opening up future career or study opportunities.
For detailed information on all of the projects, visit www.upei.ca/studentresearch.
New building named for SDU alumni Don and Marion McDougall
The University of Prince Edward Island has recognized the leadership support of two distinguished alumni by naming its newest academic building in their honour. In acknowledgment of Donald and Marion McDougall's commitment to higher education, the University has named the building that houses the Centre for Life-long Learning, School of Business, and Co-op Education and Entrepreneurship programs as Don and Marion McDougall Hall.
Don and Marion McDougall are native Prince Edward Islanders who live in London, Ontario and Ebbsfleet, PEI. They are both alumni of St. Dunstan's University, one of UPEI's two founding institutions. Since they graduated 50 years ago they have generously supported their Alma Mater. In addition to their previous support, the McDougalls have just made a new $2 million gift to the UPEI Building a Legacy Campaign.
"We truly appreciate the generosity of Don and Marion McDougall in making this wonderful gift," said UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "The McDougalls have shown leadership in their national and local community, and now they are leading the way toward the long-term success of UPEI and our students."
"This donation is a gratitude gift for all the wonderful things which happened to us that can be traced directly back to our years here. It is also a vote of confidence in UPEI, its faculty and staff," said Don McDougall.
McDougall was born in 1937, the son of Frank and Patricia (Callaghan) MacDougall of Kinkora. After teaching high school in Summerside, he attended the University of Western Ontario and graduated with his Master's Degree in Business Administration in 1961. He spent the next 12 years in managerial positions with the Labatt Brewing Company. He was named President in 1973, a position he held for six years.
After working with Howard Webster of Montreal in the early 1980s, he acquired Novatronics Inc. of Stratford, Ontario in 1983. Over the next 20 years he expanded this aerospace company globally and sold it to Curtiss-Wright Inc. in 2003. He has been a director of a number of private and public companies including: Rambri Management Inc., Burlington Investments Inc., Systemhouse Inc., and Spectral Diagnostics, Inc.
He is a past chair of the Board of Governors of the University of Western Ontario and is currently a member of the Advisory Board of the Ivey Business School at UWO. He was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in recognition of the leadership role he played in bringing a major league baseball franchise to Toronto in 1976, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Locally, he served on the Board of the Holland College Foundation and as Chair of Slemon Park Corporation from its inception in1991 until his retirement in 2005. In 1978, UPEI awarded him an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Marion McDougall was born in Little Pond in 1938, the daughter of Henry and Anna (Quinn) MacDonald. After graduating from St. Dunstan's she taught at Morell High School before moving to London where she taught Grade 5. In 1961 she and Don were married and for 24 years she worked full-time raising their five children—Brian, Donna, Neil, Colin, and Anne, all of whom have earned an MBA degree.
Marion returned to university in the mid-eighties to complete the required courses for her Ontario teaching certificate and she worked as a part-time teacher until her retirement in 1993. Recently she has been studying at a retreat centre in Clearwater, Florida, where she enjoyed the exposure to what she considers a real treasure of the Church, the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
During the naming ceremony at UPEI, she looked back more than half a century to her years as a student at SDU with great pride and appreciation.
"We feel we were truly blessed to have attended St. Dunstan's University where the Catholic faith was alive and well," she said. "We made lasting friendships here and came to treasure the faith and values which our parents first taught us and which were nurtured by the wonderful priests and lay teachers we had here."
The naming ceremony was an opportunity to celebrate Don and Marion McDougall's extensive family connections on PEI. Marion's siblings are Bishop Faber MacDonald, Clare Doyle, Mary Rose Garon, and Sandy MacDonald. Don's siblings are Sister Frances MacDougall, Peggy Forbes, Patricia Mella, Phil MacDougall, and the late Peter MacDougall.
McDougall Hall is a 50,000-square-foot building of red brick and burnished copper that houses top-tier teaching and research facilities designed to spark an entrepreneurial drive in students and business executives and to promote a commitment to lifelong learning. The very first students to take advantage of the new facility will begin classes on Wednesday, September 3.
Pictured on the front page of this website are Dr. Roberta MacDonald, Dean of Business; Marion McDougall, SDU '58; President Wade MacLauchlan; Don McDougall, SDU '58; and Fred Hyndman, Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors.
Public seminar about cardiometabolic syndrome at UPEI on September 11
Khan will give the seminar as part of a three-day visit to the University of Prince Edward Island from September 10 to 13.
People with cardiometabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, says Khan. Cardiometabolic syndrome is a constellation of risk factors associated with obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. The incidence of this syndrome is increasing worldwide and is thought to involve 30 per cent of adults in the United States and Canada.
The primary mechanism for the cardiometabolic syndrome appears to be insulin resistance, a disorder in which the body uses insulin in an inefficient manner. In addition to risk factor modification, drug therapy may be indicated. This presentation will discuss current topics that are relevant in managing and treating patients with cardiometabolic syndrome.
Khan is the director of the Coronary Care Unit at Grady Memorial Hospital, and has been on the faculty in the Department of Medicine/Cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, since 1997. He is also director of the Cardiovascular Research Laboratory at Grady Memorial Hospital; his research focuses on preventive cardiology and therapeutics in cardiovascular disease. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, and has served as reviewer for several prestigious journals including Circulation, Journal of Clinical Investigation, Atherosclerosis, and JACC (Journal of the American College of Cardiology). He is an abstract reviewer for the scientific sessions of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association.
Refreshments will follow the lecture, which is sponsored by the Atlantic Veterinary College and PEI Health Research Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island. For information, please contact the PEI Health Research Institute at (902) 566-2812.
UPEI's Tourism Research Centre releases study on wind energy
“The inspiration for this research came forth after dialogue with Tourism PEI on how wind farms could be both an opportunity and a threat to PEI tourism,” stated Dr. Sean Hennessey, Faculty Director of the TRC. “Do our visitors consider wind turbines to be an eyesore that ruin our landscape, or do they welcome the sight of these green energy producers? Is it possible that wind farms can be a tourist attraction?” After the initial discussion, the TRC designed a survey for both visitors and Island residents.
Attitudes towards wind farms on PEI are quite consistent among visitors and Islanders. Consider that at least 82 per cent of visitors and 75 per cent of residents either agreed or strongly agreed that “There should be more wind farms on PEI,” “The PEI provincial government should encourage the development of wind farms by providing permits to developers,” “Wind farms put PEI on the forefront of the green energy movement”, and “The PEI provincial government should financially support the development of wind farms.”
In addition, while only 44 per cent of both residents and visitors either agreed or strongly agreed that a wind farm adds to the attractiveness of the area in which it is based, about 81 per cent of both residents and visitors either disagreed or strongly disagreed that wind farms are a poor use of PEI’s land base. Finally, 71 per cent of Island respondents either agreed or strongly agreed that wind farms are an attraction for visitors to PEI.
Overall, the results show support from both groups for the production of wind energy on PEI. Islanders wanted to see, on average, 68.5 per cent of their energy generated via wind turbines. Visitors were slightly more supportive at 72 per cent. In addition, many respondents are willing to make an indirect financial investment in renewable energy sources by paying more for electricity generated in this manner. When asked what words came to mind when thinking about wind turbines as a means to generate electricity, many respondents used positive words such as “clean,” “renewable,” “unlimited,” “safe” and “environmentally friendly.”
The survey also asked respondents if they thought the phrase “Canada’s Green Province”, as seen on the newest licence plates on PEI, is accurate. There was some disagreement, with over 83 per cent of visitors feeling that this statement was either accurate or very accurate, while only 30 per cent of Islanders felt the same way. In addition, 37 per cent of residents felt this statement is not accurate or not at all accurate.
In conclusion, there appears to be strong support for further development of wind energy production on PEI. Based on this research, it appears that wind farms “fit” with “The Gentle Island” brand for visitors, and support the attempt to label PEI as a “Green Province,” at least among visitors. However, there are local concerns regarding noise, health effects, land use and changes to bird migration which should be addressed.
The full report can be found on the TRC’s website at www.trc.upei.ca. More information about the report can be obtained from the Tourism Research Centre, School of Business, University of PEI, at (902) 566-6096 or trc@upei.ca.
P.E.I. photography book launched on September 18
A photography book created by University of Prince Edward Island researchers and international photojournalist Carlos Reyes-Manzo will be launched on Thursday, September 18, from 4 to 6 p.m., at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery.
Voice of the Community, which explores the strengths and challenges facing rural P.E.I. communities, came out of a three-year UPEI research project led by Dr. Vianne Timmons, former vice-president academic development at UPEI and now president of the University of Regina. The researchers worked with six Island communities to explore the issues and struggles faced by rural families regarding their children’s health.
This unique photography-research book highlights the voiced concerns and insights of rural communities in today’s ever-changing world. Reyes-Manzo captured the research themes through evocative images that are a powerful testament to the strengths and challenges facing rural PEI communities.
The voices of rural PEI parents, children, caregivers and service providers reveal community concerns that are shared across Canada. While the people in the communities recognize the challenges, they also identify and highlight their strengths. A strong will to survive and a desire to improve the quality of life for their children are evident in the voices.
“This book is not only stunning, but a social documentary that attempts to capture the emotion and passion that exists in rural PEI communities,” says Timmons. “Creating this book has provided us with an opportunity to share our findings with the public. We encourage readers to share with others their interpretation of the research themes, photographs and quotations.”
This research project was funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. For more information, contact Shelley Gordon at (902) 566-6009 or smgordon@upei.ca.
UPEI launches international women’s speaker series and photo exhibition on September 15
As part of its ongoing work to increase public awareness of international development issues such as gender equality, poverty and child mortality, the University of Prince Edward Island has organized an international women’s speaker series and a related photography exhibition, Resilience and Dreams: Women as Global Citizens, to be launched on September 15 at 3 p.m.
Social documentary photographer Carlos Reyes-Manzo, the artist behind the photographs, opens the lecture series and the photography exhibition with a speech in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre’s McMillan Hall starting at 3 p.m. The exhibition is on display at UPEI in the Student Centre’s concourse until October 10. This project is funded by the Canadian International Development Agency of Canada.
Over his 40-year career, Reyes-Manzo has traveled through Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, documenting people who are marginalized from society and who suffer human rights abuses. His exhibition will showcase the realities that women in developing countries face on a daily basis, their successes and their challenges. Each of the 35 images will have an accompanying story about the background and situation surrounding the photograph.
Reyes-Manzo’s exhibition will be set up in three other venues during the fall and early winter, with a different public presentation at each location. From October 14 to November 7, it will be in the Holland College cafeteria; Dr. Ann Marie Dalton, a professor of religious studies at Saint Mary’s University, will give a public talk on October 16 from 2 to 3 p.m. in the college’s lecture theatre.
From November 15 to 19, the exhibition will be at The Guild, with Corrie Melanson of OXFAM Canada speaking on November 15 from 7 to 8 p.m., and from January 6 to 26, it will be on display at the Eptek Art and Culture Centre in Summerside.
In a related event, Reyes-Manzo will launch a photography book called Voice of the Community at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery on September 18 at 4 p.m. The book, which explores the strengths and challenges facing rural P.E.I. communities, came out of a three-year UPEI research project led by Dr. Vianne Timmons, former vice-president academic development at UPEI and now president of the University of Regina.
The speaker series continues at UPEI in 2009, with a presentation by Frances Moore Lappe, founder of the Small Planet Institute Speaker, on January 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. A student symposium featuring Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chair of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, will be held on February 5 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. And Maude Barlow, national Chair of the Council of Canadians, will speak on March 5 at 2:30 p.m. The talks by Lappe and Barlowe will take place in the Don and Marion McDougall Hall, and the student symposium in the Student Centre.
The exhibitions and presentations are free, and everyone is welcome. For more details go to upei.ca/internationalization or contact Emily Gorman at exhibition@upei.ca or (902) 566-0576.
Senator from Ireland gives public lecture at UPEI September 11
The public is invited to attend a lecture entitled 'The Good Friday Agreement: Ten Years After' by Senator Pearse Doherty of Ireland on Thursday, September 11, at 4 p.m. in the Main Building Faculty Lounge at the University of Prince Edward Island.
Senator Doherty is visiting Prince Edward Island from September 11-12. Doherty is a prominent member of Sinn Féin and one of its exciting new leaders. He is a county councillor from Donegal and was elected Sinn Féin's first Senator in 2007. During his visit to UPEI on Thursday, he will also host a question and answer period for students in the political studies lounge in the Main Building from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
AVC Celebrates 20th Annual Open House on September 27
Where can you pet a goat, dress in surgery scrubs, see some really big turtles and have your favourite teddy bear checked out by a vet student? Join animal lovers and the curious at the Atlantic Veterinary College's 20th annual Open House to be held from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 27th.
The event is free to the public and features a behind-the-scenes glimpse of life in a veterinary medical school, including demonstrations, a petting zoo, junior surgery (learn how to cap and gown) and the ever-popular Teddy Bear Clinic. Kids: bring your favourite teddy bear or stuffed toy and have them checked out by one of our veterinary students!
Third-year vet student and Open House coordinator Mattie McMaster says, 'It is a wonderful opportunity for the public to visit the College and see first-hand how students, staff and faculty keep our pets, farm animals and wildlife healthy.'
AVC's annual Open House is one of the largest, most successful Open Houses in Atlantic Canada and is part of Homecoming Weekend activities at the University of Prince Edward Island. Everyone is welcome!
UPEI’s School of Business and Centre for Life-Long Learning celebrate move into new building on September 19
The official opening ceremony includes a speech by the Honourable Robert J.W. Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and a ribbon-cutting.
Other activities will include tours of the 50,000 square-foot building, which is featured on the cover of the August issue of Canadian Architect, and an all-day showcase of programs at the School of Business and the Centre of Life-Long Learning.
The facility houses high-end classrooms and research facilities equipped with modern technologies, a large lecture theatre and the Schurman Market Square, which serves as a venue as a comfortable meeting place for students and faculty, and for gala events.
The first students to use the new facility began their classes on Wednesday, September 3.
The School of Business offers a variety of degree and professional programs aimed at university students and also at business professionals who want to continue their formal education, including a Master of Business Administration that accepted its first class of students this fall.
The Centre for Life-Long Learning focuses on adult education activities, including professional development certificate programs and short courses, short courses for small businesses, specialization in conflict resolution training, summer institutes and language programs, online continuing education courses, and customized training for businesses.
For more information, please contact Tammie Rose at the School of Business at (902) 566-0564.
