Lakehead University Announces New Board of Governors Members

(Thunder Bay - October 6, 2005) Lakehead University is pleased to announce the new members of the Board of Governors for 2005/2006, as elected at the Annual Meeting on September 29. Joining the Board as new members are: Qinglai Dang, Russell Dudley, Angie Gollat, John K. Lagadin, Heather-Lea Peacock, and Kenneth Malcolm (Mac) Brown.

Qinglai Dang, Ph.D. (Senate Representative)
Qinglai was born and raised on a forestry farm in China. He received a Bachelor of Agriculture in Forestry degree from Jilin Forestry College in 1982. In 1988, Qinglai received his Master of Sciences in Forestry from the University of Alberta, and later his PhD in 1991.

Qinglai became part of the Lakehead University community in 1997 as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment. In 2000, Qinglai was promoted to Associate Professor, and to Full Professor in 2003. Within the University, Qinglai has served on the Senate Research Committee, the Senate Nominating Committee, and the Senate Academic Committee. Currently, Qinglai is Chair of the Senate Budget Committee, and is a member of the Senate Committee on Honorary Degrees, the Senate Academic Committee, and the Joint Senate Committee of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine.

Prior to joining Lakehead, Qinglai worked as an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Forestry at the University of British Columbia from 1992 through 1993, as a Research Associate in the Department of Forest Sciences at Laval University from 1994 through 1995, and as a visiting Research Scientist at NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre in Maryland in 1996.

Russell Dudley (LUSU Undergraduate Representative)
Russell is a third-year Honours Business Commerce student at Lakehead, majoring in Marketing. He comes to Lakehead University from a small town in rural mid-western Ontario. In addition to serving on the Board of Governors, Russell is an executive member of Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE) Lakehead, a new LUSU club.

Angie Gollat (LUSU Undergraduate Representative)
Angie began her studies at Lakehead University in 1998. Since that time, she has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Women's Studies and an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in History/ Major Concentration in Women's Studies. Angie is currently a Master's student in History/ Specialization in Women's Studies.

Angie is also a member of the LUSU Board of Directors and is a student representative on the Senate Graduate Studies Committee. In the past, she has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Thunder Bay Sexual Assault/Sexual Abuse Centre, and at Lakehead University Athletics. She was the Director of the Lakehead University presentation of "The Vagina Monologues," which raised funds for the women's crisis centers in Thunder Bay. Angie was also involved with bringing "LUNAFEST" to Thunder Bay last year, and again this year - the proceeds of which go to support breast cancer research.

John K. Lagadin (Elected)
John, a Lakehead University graduate (B. Admin '90), has held senior positions in the Energy Marketing and Trading industry for over 15 years in both the United States and in Canada. John's areas of responsibility over the years have included natural gas trading and marketing, natural gas and power business development, and commodity risk management. Currently, John is employed with Energy Trust Marketing Ltd. (ETML) as Director, Merchant Services, based in Calgary, Alberta. Energy Trust Marketing is partially owned by five of the larger Energy Trusts in Canada.

Prior to joining ETML in 2003, John was employed with Williams Inc. based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He spent six years with Williams Inc. in various roles from managing the Canadian natural gas trading desk to gas and power origination. Prior to joining Williams in 1997, John was employed at various times in the marketing department for Sceptre Resources, Canadian Natural Resources and Direct Energy Marketing.

Heather-Lea Peacock (LUSU Graduate Representative)
During Heather's attendance at Lakehead University over the past 4 years, she has been active in the community while pursuing studies in English, History, and Political Science. It is Heather's belief that "you get out of an experience what you put in," thus during her term of study she has held employment at Lakehead University, and volunteered with both the Lakehead community and Thunder Bay at large. Heather has received a quality education both inside and outside of the classroom. Smaller classroom sizes have aided in an enriched education that has aided her in her jobs (as a tour guide, working with conference services, and as a Residence Assistant for three years standing) and volunteer work (most actively with the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association).

Kenneth Malcolm (Mac) Brown, Ph.D. (Senate Representative)
Dr. Kenneth M. Brown, who is also known as Mac, is Professor of Forestry and the Forest Environment and Coordinator of the Graduate Studies Program in Forestry. Mac received his undergraduate education in Forestry at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, Michigan and his graduate education at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Mac came to Lakehead University in 1977 as an Associate Professor and was promoted to Professor in 1985. He served as Lakehead University's Instructional Development Advisor from 1990 to 1999. He teaches experimental design and data analysis at the undergraduate and graduate levels, research methods at the graduate level and conflict resolution at the undergraduate level. In 1999, Mac was awarded the Lakehead University Distinguished Instructor Award for his classroom teaching and his instructional development work

Mac's professional interests include university teaching, statistical consulting, and continuing professional education. He served as a Module Leader in the Ontario Advanced Forestry Program from 1991 to 1995. More recently, he has helped design and has facilitated several scientific and professional conferences on topics including woodland caribou management and research, forest management decision-support tools, and forest regeneration standards.

For more information, or to speak with a member of Lakehead University's Board of Governors, please call Patti Merriman, Secretary of the Board of Governors, at 343-8614.

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Media Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, Lakehead University, 343-8177

Experts in Experiential Education Named Editors of Professional Journal

(Thunder Bay - October 5, 2005) Four Lakehead University faculty members have been named editors of the Journal of Experiential Education by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).
Mary Breunig, Tim O'Connell, Brent Cuthbertson, and Tom Potter, all faculty members in the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Tourism, will be putting their expertise into the editing of this professional, peer- reviewed journal.
"We are extremely pleased that our faculty members have been recognized internationally as experts in this field," says Dr. Robert Payne, Director of the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism. "The diversity of interdisciplinary topics in the Journal of Experiential Education makes it of special interest to academicians, consultants, educators, practitioners, and students of experiential education. These four faculty members will bring their enthusiasm about experimentation education to this publication."
The AEE defines experiential education as "a philosophy and methodology in which educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, and clarify values." The Journal of Experiential Education presents scientific and conceptual inquiries into the study and practice of experiential education. Published since 1978 by the AEE, the Journal presents a range of articles in subject areas such as research, theoretical aspects of experiential education, outdoor adventure programming, service learning, environmental education, therapeutic applications, creative arts, and organizational training and development. It also ensures access to an advanced body of knowledge through the development, publication, and dissemination of new information, creative ideas and ethical professional standards.
Members of the Media: Mary Breunig and Tim O'Connell are available for interviews. Please call
Mary Breunig at (807) 343-8610 and Tim O'Connell at (807) 343-8876.

Researcher Shows Decline in Prostate Cancer Mortality Rates Due to Specific Testing

(Thunder Bay - October 5, 2005) A Lakehead University Economics professor's research into prostate cancer mortality rates is receiving international attention.
Dr. Livio Di Matteo's research article "Does Testing for Prostate-Specific Antigen Contribute to Declining Prostate Cancer Mortality?" has been published in The European Journal of Health Economics. The article deals with the assessment of variables associated with prostate cancer mortality, which were examined using Canadian province-level data from 1979 to 1999. Di Matteo's article shows that by 1999 there were 4.74 fewer deaths per 100,000 people due to the effect of time--a decrease of approximately 15%.
"The key variables driving the prostate cancer mortality rate are per capita income, per capita number of family physicians, rate of prostate cancer incidence, real per capita total health spending, and a time trend," says Dr. Di Matteo and co-author Rosanna Di Matteo. "Results show a positive and significant relationship between incidence and mortality, suggesting that the increased amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing may not have been responsible for mortality declines. However, there is also a downward trend in mortality from prostate cancer when all other factors are controlled that can be attributed partly to the onset of PSA testing, given that the benefits should emerge over time."
For more information on his research, Dr. Di Matteo can be reached at 343-8545.

Sociology Professor Wins Canadian Law and Society Association Award

Bring out Your Dead: Law, Human Remains, and Memory
(Thunder Bay - October 3, 2005) A Sociology professor has won an award for a research paper written on memory and the legal system.
Dr. Rachel Ariss, Assistant Professor in Sociology, won the Canadian Law and Society Association's Best English Language Article 2003/2004 from the, for her article entitled "'Bring out Your Dead': Law, Human Remains and Memory" (Canadian Journal of Law and Society, 2004, 19: 33-54).
"Memory is primarily valued in the Canadian and American legal systems as an evidence tool and object," Dr. Ariss says. "However, remembering is seen as a moral and cultural act among anthropologists. This article examines historical and contemporary cases and statutes involving the treatment of dead bodies in search of legal recognition of memory as a 'moral practice.' The contemporary cases analyzed found indignities committed to human bodies as affronts to their memory."
Dr. Ariss adds that the United States' Native American Graves and Repatriation Act has been interpreted so as to recognize connections between the worlds of the living and the dead.
"However, Ontario's Cemeteries Act, which sets procedures for managing all unmarked graves, has been interpreted so as to exclude Aboriginal views of connections between the living and the dead. Legal recognition of memory of the dead in these cases does open an avenue for justice claims, but it is a narrow one.
This article was also one of the articles discussed during a recent meeting of the Technologies of the Afterlife Working Group, hosted by Lakehead University's Technoculture Lab.
For more information, contact Dr. Ariss directly by calling 343-8792.

Lakehead U Honours Inaugural Member of the Board of Governors

(Thunder Bay - September 29, 2005) It's been 40 years since Lakehead University officially opened its doors as a Canadian university. The University has grown, seen many successes, and developed into the progressive post-secondary institution it is today. During this time, there have been many people instrumental in Lakehead U's success. Bernard Shaffer, an inaugural member of the Board of Governors, is one of those people.
To honour his memory and contributions to the University, Paul Shaffer, musician and son of Bernard, made a major contribution to ATAC. Today, the Bernard Shaffer Boardroom was unveiled by Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University, Jackie Dojack, Chair, Board of Governors, and Paul Shaffer.
"Bernard Shaffer was a leader in our community - both of Thunder Bay, and Lakehead U," says Dr. Gilbert. "It is through the action, involvement, and perseverance of individuals such as Bernard Shaffer that Lakehead University is where it is today. Over the past 40 years, we have seen many successes and we have become one of Canada's most innovative and progressive universities in many respects, particularly in research and teaching and learning technologies. Those individuals who helped Lakehead U rise from its early beginnings were instrumental in Lakehead's continued growth. And that is why it gives me great pleasure that the name of our new ATAC Boardroom honour Bernard Shaffer."
"My father felt strongly about education, and he was committed to the vision of Lakehead University," says Paul Shaffer, who was given an honorary degree in 1988 by Lakehead U. "The dedication of the ATAC Boardroom is a tribute to both his work to further post-secondary education in the North and his commitment to the community of Thunder Bay. The Shaffer family is greatly honoured."
Bernard Shaffer was a board member from 1965 to 1972. He was a highly regarded civil-litigation specialist, and was past president of the Thunder Bay District Law Association, former president of the Ontario division of the Canadian Bar Association. In 1994, he was awarded The Law Society of Upper Canada's Medal "for outstanding service within the profession, whether in the area of practice, in the academic sphere, or in some other professional capacity where the service is in accordance with the highest ideals of the legal profession." He is just one of two Thunder Bay lawyers to receive that honour.
He passed away in August 2004, and will be remembered at Lakehead University for his commitment to education in Thunder Bay.
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Media Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113

Career Day Connects Students with Potential Employers

(Thunder Bay - Monday, September 26, 2005) Lakehead University's Student Placement & Co-op Centre is giving students a head start on their career search by bringing national employers to campus.
Career Day 2005 takes place Thursday, September 29, in the Agora from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. This is a chance for students and graduates to talk one-on-one with potential employers, learn about various career choices, and find out about hiring processes. There will be 40 employers at the fair this year who have full-time, part-time, and future opportunities for students and graduates.
"Career Day is a popular event for students - it's a great chance for them to meet employers and see what opportunities are out there for them," says John DeGiacomo, Manager, Student Placement and Co-op Centre. Students have been encouraged to come with resumes in hand to this exciting yearly event.
What: Career Day 2005
Where: Lakehead University Agora
When: Thursday, September 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
This year, an additional method for career opportunities exists for students in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources Management, and Management Information Systems. IBM will be hosting a videoconference job fair in ATAC 5036 targeting future graduates from these disciplines. On site, Courtney Shaw, a former co-op student with IBM, will be speaking about working life at IBM and his co-op experience. He was chosen by IBM based on his co-operative experience as an ambassador for IBM at Lakehead U.
MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA are invited to drop by the Agora to see what career options students are looking into with the variety of visiting employers. There will be a Student Placement and Co-op Centre booth at the fair. Please check in there to speak to a Lakehead U rep about Career Day, or call Rosanna Scaffeo at 807-343-8264.
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Office of Communications, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113.

Lakehead U Hosts Elementary School Students as part of Biotechnology Week

BioBus students gain hands-on Biotech experience on campus
(Thunder Bay - September 28, 2005) Tomorrow, Thursday, September 29, Lakehead University will be giving elementary school students hands-on experience with biotechnology research during the Biotechnology Week BioBus Tour.
During the Tour, students will be visiting several locations across the city where biotechnology research takes place. At Lakehead University, the students will be divided up into four groups, and will learn about:
Toxicity Early Warning System (TEW) - (The Fish Group)
Toxicity Identification Evaluation (TIE) - (The Water Flea Group)
Investigating Protein Folding with Computer Models - (The Protein Folding Group)
Nutrient Cycling in the Boreal Forest - (The Nutrient Cycling Group)
Biofilm Imaging Using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) - (The Biofilm Group)
The classes which are taking part in this tour were winners in the Biotechnology Week poster competition. The Schedule is as follows
9 a.m. to 10 a.m. - Agnew Johnson School (Mrs. Lavoie's class)
10:20 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. - Agnew Johnson School (Mrs. Corbett's class)
11:40 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. - Vance Chapman School
1:10 p.m. to 2:10 p.m. - Crestview School
In addition to these activities, the classes will be stopping at the NOTC to do activities with Genesis Genomics and the Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory. The Paleo-DNA Laboratory is going to educate the students on the science of forensics DNA and ancient DNA projects.

For location of the demonstrations, contact Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177.
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113

Trial of Strength and Stamina in Lakehead U’s Agora Circle

26th Annual Lakehead U Engineering Student Society Charity Bus Pull
(Thunder Bay - Wednesday, September 28, 2005) A trial of strength and stamina will be taking place in Lakehead University's Agora Circle this Friday. The Lakehead University Engineering Student Society (ESS) will be holding the 26th Annual Charity Bus Pull on Friday, September 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Teams of community groups as well as Lakehead U students will be pitting their strength against one another in this fun, exciting event.
What: 26th Annual ESS Charity Bus Pull
When: Friday, September 30 starting at 9 a.m.
Where: Lakehead University Agora Circle
This fun event brings together members of the University and Thunder Bay community to help raise funds for the United Way of Thunder Bay Campaign, with all proceeds designated to the Thunder Bay Big Brother/Big Sister Association.
It will take place throughout the day with each team pulling a school bus around a timed course. There will also be a BBQ and music provided by Lakehead University students to add to this lively event.
Members of the Media are asked to call the Engineering Student Society at 343-8804 or email esswww@lakeheadu.ca to find out what times teams are scheduled to pull.
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177

Biotechnology Research Symposium and Workshop

Lakehead U bringing together research community to share ideas
(Thunder Bay - September 21, 2005) As part of National Biotechnology Week, Lakehead University's Research Program in Biotechnology is hosting a Research Symposium and Workshop on Tuesday, September 27 at 11 a.m. in the Faculty Lounge.
"When people think of Biotechnology, they think DNA and genetic engineering. However, biotechnology encompasses much more than that," says Dr. Heidi Schraft, coordinator of the Symposium, faculty member in the Department of Biology, and Canada Research Chair. "Biotechnology uses living organisms, or cellular and bio-molecular processes, to make new products, solve problems, and provide new methods of production."
The speakers at the Symposium are: Dr. Johanshir Golchin, Director, Goltec Inc.: "An Idea That Has Always Been At Work: The Application of Biotechnology for the Remediation of Contaminated Soils and Groundwater"; Dr. David Layzell, CEO and Research Director, BIOCAP Canada Foundation, "Biosphere Solutions for Climate Change and Clean Energy: Opportunities and Challenges in the Forestry Sector": and Mike Paice, Environmental Scientist, PAPRICAN, "Biotechnology Applications in Pulp and Paper Manufacturing."
The Symposium and Workshop are designed to bring together Thunder Bay's research community to showcase what biotechnology can be, and to broaden the vision of biotechnology in the community. During the workshop, ideas and possible opportunities for biotechnology will be discussed. As well, the main ideas brought forth at the Symposium will help guide research and curriculum in the Research Program in Biotechnology at Lakehead U.
MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA: Dr. Schraft is available for interview on the Symposium day from 10:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. only. Interviews before this date are available as well. Please call Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177 to set up an interview or if you plan on attending the Symposium.
Research Program in Biotechnology at Lakehead U
The program aims to effectively combine the focus and expertise of faculty in both science and engineering into two interdisciplinary areas of biotechnology: Environmental Biotechnology and Molecular Biotechnology. A symposium will be held during National Biotechnology Week to showcase the breadth and depth of opportunities that the new Biotechnology Program presents for Northwestern Ontario. Networking at the symposium will both broaden and strengthen Lakehead University's future involvement in regional biotechnology initiatives and pave the way to new partnerships with industry and the community.
Biotechnology at Lakehead U
There are over twenty faculty members actively involved in Biotechnology research at Lakehead University. These faculty members also employ graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, giving them hands-on training in this developing field. The faculties involved in Biotechnology research include Science and Environmental Studies, Engineering, and Forestry, with partnerships between the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the Cancer Centre. Research on environmental issues in Northern resource sectors, primarily pulp and paper processing and mining. Biotechnology is a target area for a new research building at Lakehead University.
National Biotechnology Week is a celebration of the imagination and innovation of Canadian scientists from Vancouver to St. John's. Biotechnology is improving the quality of life for Canadians through healthier foods, a cleaner environment and treatments for a great many debilitating illnesses.
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177 or 472-9113

Lakehead U Board of Governors Approve Orillia Satellite Campus

Administration set to move ahead with September 2006 start date
(Thunder Bay - September 21, 2005) Lakehead University's Board of Governors has unanimously approved the Orillia Campus Business Plan and has given the go-ahead to administration to initiate an Orillia Campus for September 2006.
"I'm enormously pleased that the Board of Governors at Lakehead supported this initiative unanimously. This commitment and enthusiasm for establishing a satellite campus in Orillia is critical to its success," says Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University. "Our Faculties and Deans are creating a first year for fall 2006 that will extend the strengths of undergraduate education at Lakehead University to Orillia. In the first year we will provide an interdisciplinary foundation that will allow students to become familiar with a variety of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science disciplines, and, if they choose, to register concurrently in an education program. An expanding range of majors will become available at the Orillia campus as the program evolves."
The partnership with the City of Orillia will bring the capacity of Lakehead University to the community of Orillia in a way that will be mutually beneficial to the City and the University, and would tap the potential of Lakehead University in a progressive and innovative way.
"The City of Orillia is absolutely geared up to be home to a satellite campus of Lakehead U," says Ron Stevens, Mayor of the City of Orillia. "Progress on this initiative has ramped up over the past few months through the development of the Implementation Task Force, visits to each city, and continuous dialogue. There is a pent-up need for the delivery of quality higher education in Orillia, and we know the campus will be an enormous success."
The Lakehead University Board of Governors made this landmark decision on September 14.
"The Board has shown a great deal of excitement about the development of a satellite campus in Orillia," says Jackie Dojack, Chair, Lakehead U Board of Governors. "The Business Plan clearly illustrates the viability of an Orillia Campus, and the Board fully supports this initiative."
Members of Media:
To interview Dr. Frederick Gilbert or Jackie Dojack, contact Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, at 807-343-8177. To interview Ron Stevens, contact Robert Lamb, Manager of Economic Development, City of Orillia, at 705-325-4900
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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Lakehead University, 807-343-8177 or 807-472-9113

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