Sept. 17, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Dr. Matthew Boyd and his research team are receiving $381,300 to uncover the most northern evidence of farming in the ancient Americas.

Dr. Boyd, associate professor in Anthropology at Lakehead University, and his team will spend five years tracing the origins of food production (agriculture) in the Boreal Forest by studying historic and ancient garden sites in Lake of the Woods, Ont.

Researchers will develop a deeper understanding of the function of these gardens and how they fit into First Nations societies through archival research, Elder interviews and map biographies.

Researchers will also reconstruct past food choices of early Indigenous populations in this region by analyzing organic residues preserved on artifacts. Dr. Boyd and his team will also trace subtle changes in precontact land use, including the onset of shifting cultivation, by analyzing lake sediment and conducting archaeological excavations.

“This project will significantly revise our understanding of the lives of subarctic peoples at the eve of European contact,” Dr. Boyd said.

 In total, Lakehead University researchers are receiving $637,800 from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

Dr. Michel Beaulieu, associate professor in History, will use $74,000 over two years to help Northern Ontario communities use lessons from the past in the forestry industry.

Dr. Beaulieu will conduct a historical analysis of resource-based communities in Northern Ontario and Uruguay, examining each in light of national and international trends in the region’s primary industries. Lakehead History professor Dr. Ronald Harpelle is a co-applicant on the project.

“We will look at both sides of the hemispheric coin to better understand how communities developed and adapted to global shifts in the forest industry,” Dr. Beaulieu said.

“Our researchers are some of the best in the world,” said Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation. “These projects will be of great benefit to Ontario and Canada,” Dr. Dean said.

“This exceptional research couldn’t happen without SSHRC funding,” said Dr. Moira McPherson, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

SSHRC Grants awarded in 2014-2015

Total value of awards:  $637,800

Faculty Member Grants

Insight Grant (five-year grant)

Dr. Matthew Boyd, Department of Anthropology, Garden islands and the emergence of food production in the Southern Boreal Forest of Canada, $381,300.

Co-applicant

• Dr.  Scott Hamilton, Department of Anthropology

Insight Development Grants (two-year grant)

Dr. Michel Beaulieu, Department of History, What's bred in the bone: developing a historical understanding of past resource and sustainable community development, $74,000.

Co-applicant

• Dr.  Ronald Harpelle, Department of History

Connection Grant (one-year grant)

Dr. Natalya Timoshkina, School of Social Work (Orillia campus), Summer Institute on HumanTrafficking, $25,000.

Graduate Student Awards

Canada Graduate Scholarships - Master’s Program (one-year grants worth $17,500 each)

• Jacqueline Barry, MES - Northern Environments & Cultures, Identifying garden locations at the Martin-Bird (DbJm-5) archaeological site: an example of early food production and a hunter-gatherer mixed economy in Northwestern Ontario.

• Tasha Hodgson, MES - Northern Environments & Cultures, Micro-analytical investigations of unifacial tool technologies at the Woodpecker II Site (DdJf-12): applications in the analysis of organic materials from the early pre-contact period.

• Kristy Kowatch, MA Clinical Psychology.           

• Devon Lee, Master of Education, Folk schools: slow education for fast times.

• Wendy Leppanen, MSc Psychological Science,  Individual antecedents of cyberbullying offenders and victims in an adult community population.

• Taylor Price, MA Sociology, Open-access publishing in Canada: social science and humanities.

• Evan Sills, MA English, Subverting Fantasy: Deconstructing binary representations of race and morality in popular fiction.

• Kayleigh Speirs, MES - Northern environments & cultures residue analysis of pre-contact pottery from the Northern Plains and Boreal Forest: a multi-proxy approach.
• Elisa Trovarello, MSc Psychological Science.    

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

 Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead University’s new Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

 August 11, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian J.R. Stevenson is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Andrew P. Dean as the University’s new Vice-President, Research and Innovation.

Dr. Dean has been interim vice-president since July 1, 2014. He is thrilled to accept this position and excited to grow the University’s research profile around the world.

“I’m proud to be a part of a five-year plan to help Lakehead achieve its strategic mandate. I will take an inclusive and comprehensive approach to research at the University,” Dr. Dean said.

“One of my goals is to develop undergraduate research as a niche for Lakehead, and increase community-based research to show how it can benefit economic development in Northwestern Ontario and Simcoe County,” he said.

Dr. Dean said more internships will be made available to students. He wants to highlight research opportunities from a student’s first year at university all the way to graduate studies, and increase innovation and entrepreneurship at both Lakehead campuses.

“We hope to grow our global profile, and the best way to do that is through our researchers,” he said. “Over the years, research at Lakehead has come a long way, but there is real potential to improve on this – especially internationally.”

Dr. Dean emphasized that Lakehead will pursue all research and commercial opportunities while taking a focused approach to research investment.

“In his years as a dean, and as acting vice-president over the past year, Dr. Dean has excelled at bringing people together, adapting to change, and achieving objectives,” said President & Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Brian Stevenson. “I congratulate him, and look forward to continuing to support his mandate.”

From 2008 until 2014, Dr. Dean was Lakehead’s Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies. He was the Dean of Arts and Science at Nipissing University from 2001 to 2005, and he was the Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Bishop’s University from 1997 to 2001.

Dr. Dean was the co-founder of the Research Group in Representation Theory of Algebras between the University of Sherbrooke and Bishop’s University. It is the leading research centre of its kind in Canada, consisting of faculty, students and research programs.

– 30 –

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Dr. Carney Matheson, chair of Lakehead's Department of Anthropology, and Savannah Bondy examine an artifact that Bondy found near the Lakehead University campus.

July 30, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON 

The First Nations Natural Resources Youth Employment Program (FNNRYEP) has more than 55 participants learning about archaeology, geography, dendrology, sustainable energy sources, entrepreneurship, aboriginal mentorship and more this week during a Science Camp at Lakehead University and Confederation College.

Since 2000, Outland Camps has partnered with Confederation College to offer the FNNRYEP to provide employment and learning opportunities for First Nations youth. To date, the partnership has resulted in over 355 participants being successfully trained, launching numerous careers in the Natural Resource sector.

“We are proud to have played a role in inspiring many First Nations youth to pursue post-secondary education and in some cases, natural resources career paths,” said Riley Burton, Chair of the School of Engineering Technology and Trades at Confederation College. “Not only does the program provide participants with meaningful employment throughout the summer, it also helps to further develop their skills and gives them a ‘real-world’ experience while they learn.”

Lakehead University and Outland Camps have formed a new partnership this year to expand the program. Called the Mink Lake First Nations Youth Employment Program (MLFNYEP), the experience mirrors that of the FNNRYEP.

“We are excited to be a part of this program,” said Dr. Todd Randall, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies. “This is an excellent way to introduce young Aboriginal people to their choices for postsecondary education in the region, and it makes this experience less daunting.”

Mark Kmill, Field Supervisor at Outland Camps, spoke to the partnerships with both institutions.

“We are thrilled to be working with both Confederation College and Lakehead University to empower Aboriginal youth through a focus on leadership development, social skills and work ethic,” he said. “Seeing participants’ self-esteem and skill-sets grow throughout the program solidifies the value it provides.”

On Thursday, July 30, participants from both programs learned about archaeology and had the opportunity to perform an authentic archaeological dig at Lakehead University on a 7,000 year-old site.

Throughout the week, each program follows its own schedule, but the two groups come together several times to maximize the learning experience and opportunities. The week has included field trips to local facilities and has welcomed guest speakers from Confederation College, Lakehead University and the natural resources industry.  Topics included dendrology, health and fitness, biomass energy, entrepreneurship, aboriginal mentorship and more. 

FNNRYEP participants will return to their home base at Sandbar Camp (near Ignace), while MLFNYEP participants will return to Mink Lake. Both programs will continue through mid-August, with closing ceremonies taking place at Quetico Provincial Park on August 20. 

Funding for both programs is provided by the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, Canadian Forest Services and industry partners. 

-30-

For more information, please contact:

Lakehead University:

Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer

Ph: (807) 343-8177, Email: mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca

Confederation College:

Ashleigh Quarrell, Media and Communications Officer

Ph: (807) 475-6565, Cell: (807) 632-5296,

Email: aquarrel@confederationc.on.ca 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967 meeting the educational needs of students in a catchment area of some 550,000 square kilometres. Along with its main campus in Thunder Bay, Confederation College has eight regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Geraldton, Kenora, Marathon, Sioux Lookout, Red Lake and Wawa. 

Confederation College delivers exceptional education and training to an average of 8,800 combined full and part-time students per year and currently has a total of 805 full and part-time employees. Confederation’s regional economic impact and contribution is valued at $411.2 million annually.

Approximately 65 high school students from across Canada are at Lakehead University to participate in SHAD.

July 6, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Sydney Van De Wiel has never been to Thunder Bay.

She lives in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, but this summer the 17-year-old will spend a month at Lakehead University.

Van De Wiel is one of 65 high school students participating in SHAD. This year’s group is coming from Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. “I hope to gain a strong network of passionate and creative youth to support me in future endeavours,” Van De Wiel said.

 Students will live in Lakehead University’s residence from July 5 to 31. They will attend lectures and participate in workshops given by Lakehead faculty on the Thunder Bay campus.

“SHAD is an exciting experience for students. It brings out the best in young people,” said Dr. Sultan Siddiqui, Mechanical Engineering Professor and Director of SHAD Lakehead.

“Centred on science, technology, engineering and math, SHAD empowers exceptional youth to make the world a better place,” said Barry Bisson, SHAD President.

“SHAD is where Canada’s top youth achievers are exposed to great ideas, inspired to look at things differently, and challenged to reach for the highest levels of excellence,” Bisson said.

“Students are encouraged to embrace their Uncommon Purpose – the pursuit of their own potential to change the world,” he said.

Van De Wiel hopes to see the sights that make Thunder Bay a great place to live. “I believe SHAD will help develop my leadership skills as well as my confidence,” she said.

The program is for students currently completing grade 10, 11 or 12, Quebec secondaire IV, V or CEGEP I, or the international equivalent. For more information, please visit www.shad.ca.

– 30 –

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

From left: Dr. Pete Hollings, Director of Lakehead's Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration; Dr. David Barnett, Dean of Engineering, Lakehead University; Dr. Kimberly Woodhouse, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Queen’s University; and  Dr. Takis Katsabanis, Head of the Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining, Queen’s University.

June 23, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Opportunities in the field of mining engineering have taken a step forward for students at Lakehead University and Queen’s University with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the institutions.

Dr. David Barnett, Lakehead’s Dean of Engineering, and Dr. Kimberly Woodhouse, Dean of Engineering and Applied Science at Queen’s University, signed an MOU at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay campus proclaiming a commitment by the two universities to work together on expanding opportunities for students studying in the field of mining engineering.

“Lakehead University’s Faculty of Engineering is very pleased to be working with Queen’s University to develop new pathways for students interested in mining engineering,” said Dr. David Barnett, Dean of Engineering at Lakehead University.

“The online courses available through Queen’s will allow our students to gain mining-focused skills that complement their Lakehead engineering degree,” he explained. “This is a great opportunity for our engineering students that are interested in careers within the Northwestern Ontario mining sector.”

“We are excited to collaborate with Lakehead to investigate new learning opportunities for our students,” says Kimberly Woodhouse, Dean, Queen’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. “By working together to create new and innovative pathways to education in this field, we will increase our capacity to meet the growing demand for highly skilled workers in the mining industry, a key driver of economic development in Ontario.

“The agreement will also help Queen’s students make valuable connections in the north and has the potential to open up further educational opportunities through the close relationships Lakehead has with colleges across Canada,” Dr. Woodhouse added.

The MOU’s areas of collaboration include opportunities for Lakehead engineering students to complete Queen’s University coursework in mining engineering through online, distance learning, and potential residency programs at Queen’s.

Lakehead University offers a comprehensive selection of engineering programs, including Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Software engineering. The University’s engineering faculty members contribute to its Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration by supporting research, education and outreach activities related to mineral resource exploration and extraction. The University has also developed close relationships with colleges across Canada through its unique post-diploma programs, and is a recognized leader in providing opportunities to college graduates seeking to upgrade their education.

Queen's University’s Robert M. Buchan Department of Mining is a recognized leader in mining engineering education dating back to 1893 and the origins of its current Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences. The Department is currently one of the largest mining schools in North America and the world. Its graduates are involved in all facets of the Canadian mineral industry and can also be found in most major mining operations throughout the world.

– 30 –

Media: For more information, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

June 25, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University’s Charter Day is Wednesday, July 1, and 2015 is our 50^th Anniversary. Come celebrate with us at Marina Park from 5:30 to 11:30 pm.

Look for Wolfie in the Canada Day procession.

Visit our tent next to the bandstand. Have a piece of cake while participating in hands-on activities by Superior Science, ActiveU and Lakehead University’s Student Union. There will be exciting exhibits and giveaways happening throughout the day.

To learn more about Lakehead University’s 50^th Anniversary, visit 50.lakeheadu.ca.

For more about our year long celebrations, contact Bianca Kelos, Lakehead’s 50^th Anniversary Assistant, at 50.anniversary@lakeheadu.ca, or (807) 346-7783.

– 30 –

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

June 24, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON                                                                                                              

Lakehead University researchers are receiving more than $2.6 million to examine the economic potential of minerals in Marathon, green technologies for wastewater treatment, and other potential breakthroughs.

This research is being funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Dr. Aicheng Chen, Canada Research Chair in Materials and Environmental Chemistry, is receiving the seventh largest Discovery Grant in Canada – $535,000 over five years. He will use electrochemistry to create new green technologies for sustainable energy development, wastewater treatment and water purification.

Dr. Chen is also using electrochemistry to design high-performance sensors for environmental and medical monitoring. His research could lead to electrochemical technologies that are more environmentally friendly and effective for water purification, renewable energy, mining, and pulp and paper.

Dr. Chen is a professor in Lakehead’s Department of Chemistry.

Dr. Shannon Zurevinski, an Assistant Professor in Geology, is receiving $100,000 over five years for work on a project that combines mineralogical and geochemical study of the Coldwell Alkaline Complex near Marathon, Ontario.

This is the largest alkaline complex in North America — best described as a great mass of igneous rocks rich in the alkali metals sodium and potassium. The complex is 1.1 billion years old and was formed by the partial break-up of the North American continent at that time.

This study will add to our knowledge of the geological events of the Proterozoic eon, and evaluate economic mineral potential in the region.

“The work that our researchers do often leads to exciting developments that bring a better future to humans and our planet,” said Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President (Research, Economic Development and Innovation).

“They couldn’t do this work without funding from organizations such as NSERC,” Dr. Dean said.

Lakehead University Provost & Vice-President (Academic) Dr. Moira McPherson congratulated the researchers on receiving this funding and thanked them for all of their hard work.

“Not only are our researchers changing the world, they also help inform people about the exceptional education that Lakehead University students receive,” she said.

NSERC Grants awarded in 2014-2015

Total value of awards:  $2,664,110

Faculty Member Grants

Collaborative Health Research Projects (three-year grant)

Dr. Ingeborg Zhebe, Adjunct Professor with Lakehead’s Department of Biology and Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI), High intensity focused ultrasound and newly engineered single domain antibodies for non-invasive treatment of human papillomavirus-related cervical cancer, $226,870 (matched by $226,870 from CIHR).

Co-applicants

• Dr. Laura Curiel, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Research Scientist, TBRRI.
• Dr. Naana Jumah, Faculty of Medicine, West Campus, and Clinician Researcher, TBRRI.
• Christopher Phenix, Adjunct Professor, Department of Chemistry and Research Scientist TBRRI.
• Dr. Jamshid Tanha, University of Ottawa.

Partner

• Philips Healthcare Canada

Collaborative Research & Development Grant (two - three year grants)

• Dr. Pedram, Fatehi, Canada Research Chair in Green Chemicals and Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Production of value-added products from hydrolysis lignin, $265,000 (with industrial partner FPInnovations).

• Dr. Pedram, Fatehi, Canada Research Chair in Green Chemicals and Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Development of a process to treat pulping/bleaching effluent with fly ash, $100,000 (with industrial partner Resolute Forest Products).

• Dr. Aicheng Chen, Canada Research Chair in Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Characterization and Modification of graphite to advanced value-added products, $178,500 (with industrial partner Zenyatta Ventures Ltd).

Discovery Grant - Individual Operating Grant (five-year grants)

• Dr. Marina Ulanova, Faculty of Medicine, West Campus, Role of NOD-like receptors and inflammasome activation in innate immunity to pathogenic bacteria, $150,000.

• Dr. Laura Curiel, Adjunct Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering and TBRRI, Enhancing high intensity focused ultrasound molecule delivery using molecular imaging, $95,000.

• Dr. Aicheng Chen, Canada Research Chair in Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Electrochemical and photocatalytic studies of functional nanomaterials, $535,000.

• Dr. Ingeborg Zhebe, Adjunct Professor in the Department of Biology and Research Scientists, TBRRI, Virus-host interactions in the context of natural human papillomavirus type 16 E6 gene variants, $170,000.

• Dr. Shannon Zurevinski, Department of Geology, Mineralogy, petrology and isotope systematics of Proterozoic continental rift-related alkaline magmatism, Northwestern Ontario, Canada, $100,000.

• Dr. Azar Ehsan, Rezazadeh, Department of Civil Engineering, Smart vision-based monitoring system for heavy construction and surface mining jobsites, $115,000.

• Dr.  Alla Reznik, Chair in the Physics of Molecular Imaging, Department of Physics, and TBRRI Polycrystalline Lead Oxide (PbO) photoconductor: physics and application in direct conversion x-ray medical imaging detectors, $140,000.

• Dr.  Leila Pakzad, Department of Chemical Engineering, Investigation of mixing in Multiphase (gas, solid, and liquid) flow through experimental and numerical (computational fluid dynamic) techniques, $125,000.

• Dr.  Ayan Sadhu, Department of Civil Engineering, Cost-effective Rehabilitation of Civil Infrastructure using Limited Sensors, $120,000.

Discovery Development Grants (2-year grants)

• Dr. Gautam Das, Department of Physics, Near-infrared and mid-infrared fiber lasers for applications in spectroscopy, medicine and biophotonics research, $20,ooo.
  

• Dr. Craig MacKinnon, Department of Chemistry, Chemical to solid modification in oligothiophene and related materials, $20,000.

• Dr. Sudip Rakshit, Canada Research Chair in Bioenergy and Biorefining Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Novel approach to high yielding value added products utilizing crude glycerol a major byproduct of the rapidly expanding biodiesel industry, $20,000.

Engage Grants (up to six months)

• Dr. Kefu Liu, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Computer simulation of static and dynamic behaviors of mechanical structures bonded by adhesive materials, $25,000 (in partnership with Bombardier Transportation).

• Dr. Han Chen, Lakehead University Research Chair in Global Climate Change and Boreal Forests, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, The influence of harvesting and climate on the hydrologic functions of boreal forest watersheds on the north shore of Lake Superior, $25,000 (in partnership with Lake Nipigon Forest Management Inc.).

• Dr. Jiang Zi-Hua, Department of Chemistry, Synthetic NOD-lie receptor ligands for modulating immune responses, $25,000 (in partnership with Alberta Research Chemicals Inc.).

• Dr. Wilson Wang, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Analysis and improvement of wire forming processes, $25,000 (in partnership with Techform Products Limited).

• Dr. Sudip Kamar Rakshit, Canada Research Chair in Bioenergy and Biorefining Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Development of agri-food waste biogas system as an alternative energy source for local farm product processing unit, $25,000 (in partnership with Belluz Farms).

• Dr. Pedram Fatehi, Canada Research Chair in Green Chemicals and Processes, Department of Chemical Engineering, Production of ion exchange resin via copolymerization of BioChoiceTM lignin and styrene, $25,000 (in partnership with Domtar Corporation).

• Dr. Baoqiang Liao, Department of Chemical Engineering, Hemicellulose Recovery and Purification from TMP Mill Wastewaters, $25,000 (in partnership with Resolute Forest Products Inc., Thunder Bay).

• Dr. Baoqiang Liao, Department of Chemical Engineering,       Malting wastewater biorefinery for energy recovery, solids reduction and water reuse, $24,950 (in partnership with Canada Malting Co Limited).

• Dr. Mathew Leitch, Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Updating field data collection with wood property metrics combined with spatial data using Gerema, $21,000 (in partnership with Green Forest Management Inc.).

Connection Grant (up to three months)

• Dr. Wensheng Qin, Department of Biology, Microbial degradation of lignin and characterization of lignin-degraded value-added, $3,290.
  

Graduate Student Awards

Master's Students - Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships (one-year awards worth $17,500)

• Kevin Gagnon, MSc Chemistry, Development of substituent parameters derived from the quantum theory of atoms in molecules.

PhD Students - NSERC Postgraduate Scholarship (PGS) Program

• Bal Ram Adhikari, PhD Biotechnology, Nanomaterials-Based electrochemical biosensors for medical and environmental applications, $42,000.

– 30 –

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

March 27, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University will honour four remarkable individuals at this year’s Convocation ceremonies being held at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium on May 29 and 30.

The University will confer honorary doctorate degrees to Margaret Phillips, Michael Rapino and Dr. Dominic Lam, three exceptional people being recognized for their achievements in social justice, entrepreneurship, and health, respectively.

“Honorary degree recipients are nominated not only because of the scope of what they have accomplished, but because of how much they have given back to our world, as well,” said Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor.

Lakehead will also recognize the hard work and dedication of Roy Piovesana, who will be named a Fellow of the University. Piovesana has been a pillar of the Thunder Bay community, a champion of Lakehead University, and a role model and inspiration for generations of students.

Lakehead Board of Governors Chair Murray Walberg said Piovesana’s significant contributions to Thunder Bay and the University are why he is so deserving of this honour. “Roy’s commitment and passion for Lakehead, teaching, and the arts and history of our region have profoundly benefitted and touched countless people since he graduated from our University 50 years ago,” he said.

Dr. Stevenson explained that Convocation is a time to celebrate achievements, and a time to inspire Lakehead’s graduates as they move on to the next phase of their lives. “The stories of our 50th Anniversary year’s honorary degree recipients and Fellow of the University are examples of our University’s Mission Statement — teaching students how to think, not what to think — and, thus, are the perfect individuals to speak to, and inspire, our graduates.”

Friday, May 29 at 2 pm

Margaret Phillips is co-founder of the Northern Woman’s Bookstore and was a member of the Advisory Committee that created the Women’s Studies Program at Lakehead University.

Phillips is an alumna of Lakehead, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies in 1980. During most of her adult life, she has worked for social justice, particularly with feminist issues and aboriginal rights. Her early work in the recreation field was, for a young woman at that time, pioneering.

Phillips has served as a Director on the Board of Inter Pares, an international development organization seeking change in the status of women worldwide, and as a Board member of the Canadian Council on Social Development. She was also the executive director of the Lakehead Social Planning Council from 1971 to 1981.

In 2008, the Northwestern Ontario Writers’ Workshop honoured Phillips by presenting her with the Kouhi Award for her outstanding contributions to the literature of Northwestern Ontario.

Margaret Phillips will receive an Honorary Doctor of Letters. 

Saturday, May 30 at 9:30 am

Michael Rapino is a Lakehead alumnus who became an icon within the music industry.

Rapino was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Live Nation Entertainment in 2005 and led its transformation into the number one live music brand in the world, with operations in more than 45 countries and annual revenue exceeding $6.5 billion.

Before his career reached such great heights, Rapino studied Business at Lakehead University, earning his Bachelor of Administration in 1989.  Since then, he has made significant contributions to the advancement of the world’s music industry through his strong business acumen and willingness to be innovative.

Comprised of four market-leading divisions – Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, Live Nation Media & Sponsorship and Artist Nation Management – Live Nation annually issues more than 450 million tickets, promotes 23,000 events, partners with over 750 sponsors, and manages the careers of 280+ artists. Its ecommerce sites average 37 million unique monthly users.  

Michael Rapino will receive an Honorary Doctor of Commerce.

Saturday, May 30 at 2 pm

Dr. Dominic Lam is a recognized and celebrated doctor, inventor, artist and philanthropist who is proud to be a Lakehead University alumnus.

This world-renowned eye specialist began his post-secondary education at Lakehead University. Dr. Lam was born in Swatow, China, and grew up in Hong Kong. He moved to the City of Fort William in 1965, received a city scholarship to Lakehead and became one of the University’s first international students.

Dr. Lam obtained his Bachelor of Science from Lakehead in 1967, followed by a Master’s degree from the University of British Columbia in 1968 and a PhD from the University of Toronto in 1970. He was a Postdoctoral Fellow in Neurobiology at Harvard Medical School, eventually joining the faculty in Neurobiology and Biochemistry.

Dr. Lam strongly believes in the need to use his research and wealth to benefit humankind. He was instrumental in bringing Project Orbis, an airplane with ophthalmic equipment and specialists, to China to provide free education, eye care and surgery to those in need.

Dr. Dominic Lam will receive an Honorary Doctor of Science.

Fellow of the University

Roy Piovesana’s life has been one of firsts.

Fifty years ago, Piovesana graduated from Lakehead as president of his class, making him, in many ways, the epitome of this University’s first group of students. Choosing to remain at Lakehead, he became one of the first students to enrol in one of our graduate programs. 

In 1969, he graduated with a Master of Arts in History, the first for that program and among the first Master of Arts graduates of our University. As a teacher, Piovesana inspired and educated generations of curious minds over the course of a career that provided countless Thunder Bay students the opportunity to pursue their post-secondary education dreams at home.

Piovesana became a fixture within Thunder Bay’s arts and heritage community. As a historian, he continues to distinguish himself regionally, nationally, and internationally. A leading expert on Italian-Canadian history and religious history, he is one of the driving forces behind the Institute of Italian Studies - Lakehead University (formerly the Chair in Italian Studies - Lakehead University), where he has served as president since 2011.

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Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

April 15, 2015 – Orillia, ON

Lakehead University will honour Orillia’s legendary artist, Gordon Lightfoot, at this year’s Convocation ceremonies being held at Rotary Place in Orillia on June 6.

The University will confer an honorary doctorate degree of music to Lightfoot – regarded as one of the most prolific and greatest Canadian singer-songwriters of all time – in recognition of his international success and outstanding contributions throughout Canada and in his hometown of Orillia.

“Honorary degree recipients are nominated not only because of the scope of what they have accomplished, but because of how much they have given back to our world, as well,” said Dr. Brian Stevenson, Lakehead President & Vice-Chancellor.

Lakehead will also recognize the hard work and dedication of Angelo Orsi, who will be named a Fellow of the University. Orsi has been a champion of Lakehead University — one of the principal drivers of Lakehead University’s campus expansion to 500 University Avenue. His exceptional commitment as Mayor of Orillia was also key to the campus’s success and growth.

Lakehead Board of Governors Chair Murray Walberg said Orsi’s significant contributions to the City of Orillia and Lakehead’s Orillia campus are why he is so deserving of this honour. “From businessman to public servant, Angelo’s commitment to our region and University has profoundly benefitted and touched countless people,” he said.

This year’s Civitas Award, given annually to a community member who has made a significant contribution to the University’s Orillia campus, will be awarded to Robert Lamb. As Manager of Economic Development at the City of Orillia, Lamb was instrumental in the establishment of the Lakehead Orillia campus. In his role as lead negotiator for the university project, Lamb worked closely with Mayor Ron Stevens, the Economic Development Committee and members of the Mayor’s University Task Force to ensure a successful outcome for the project.  

“It is very fitting to confer this award on someone whose years of commitment to our University predates, and is part of the reason for, Lakehead’s presence in Orillia,” said Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean & Vice-Provost (Orillia Campus).

Lakehead University will confer over 2,000 degrees at its Convocation ceremonies in Orillia and Thunder Bay between May 29 and June 6. 

Honorary Doctorate – Gordon Lightfoot

Gordon Lightfoot is an indelible part of the Canadian national spirit and regarded as perhaps the most prolific and greatest Canadian singer-songwriter of all time.

Born and raised in Orillia, Lightfoot made his performing debut at St. Paul’s United Church at the age of five. He went on to achieve international status as one of the most prolific and successful singer-songwriters of all time.

This year Lightfoot celebrates 50 years of hit song making and international recording success. He has recorded 20 albums, has five Grammy nominations and 17 Juno Awards. In 2012, he was honoured for his role in defining the folk-pop sound of the 1960s and ‘70s with his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.  The music of Gordon Lightfoot has had a powerful impact, with many of his songs recorded and performed by some of the world’s most renowned recording artists including Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley and Barbra Streisand.

In Canada, Lightfoot has been decorated with the Governor General’s Award and the Companion to the Order of Canada Honour of Merit. He is a member of Canada’s Walk of Fame, The Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame.

Described as a national treasure, Gordon Lightfoot is a cultural icon whose time-defying style and legendary hits have made him one of Canada’s most anticipated live performers. His classics, such as Canadian Railroad Trilogy and The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald have contributed to, and captured, the Canadian spirit.

Fellow of the University – Angelo Orsi

Angelo Orsi has been as passionate a supporter of Lakehead University as he has been for the City of Orillia.

Without Orsi’s support, there simply would not be a Lakehead University Orillia campus. As one of the principal drivers of Lakehead University's campus expansion to 500 University Avenue, his commitment was key to the campus’s early success. His ongoing advocacy as the Mayor of Orillia set the stage to have the County become an ongoing supporter of the University.

Outside of the Lakehead Orillia campus, Orsi is an exceptional, community minded individual who is extremely committed to the growth of a healthy, vibrant City of Orillia. Since making this area his home more than 20 years ago, Orsi has played a significant role in shaping Orillia’s future by providing jobs, housing, commerce, and support – both personally and financially – through various leadership roles within the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce, the Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital, and the Orillia District Construction Association.

Angelo Orsi’s ongoing dedication has assured the longevity and prosperity of Lakehead University and the citizens of Orillia. Goals have been achieved and futures made more promising thanks to his passion and hard work.  

Civitas Award – Robert Lamb

As the Manager of Economic Development for the City of Orillia from 2002 to 2009, Lamb was responsible for the development and implementation of projects to support economic development and quality of life in Orillia. The establishment of Lakehead University was one of his major projects.

In his role as lead negotiator for the university project, Lamb worked closely with Mayor Ron Stevens, the Economic Development Committee and members of the Mayor’s University Task Force to ensure a successful outcome for the project. The result was the opening of the downtown Orillia campus in just over 18 months from the time formal discussions began between the City of Orillia and the University.

Lamb went on to become the Manager of Economic Development at the County of Simcoe, where he continued to champion the development of Lakehead Orillia and ensured that it became a key part of the County’s economic development strategy.

Currently, Lamb is the Chief Administrative Officer/Deputy Clerk with the Township of Tay in Simcoe County and continues to be involved in the growth and development of Lakehead University. He is a member of the President’s Advisory Council on Economic Development (PACED) and a proud parent of a Lakehead student.

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MEDIA:  For more information, please contact Communications Officer, Kathy Hunt, at 705-330-4008 ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2^nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1^st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2^nd in Ontario and 3^rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

April 15, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead’s final In Conversation Speaker of the semester will describe the University’s  major milestones in its first 50 years, on Saturday, April 18 at the Mary JL Black Branch Library.

Lakehead’s motto “Achievement through Effort” is encapsulated in this discussion by Professor Peter Raffo as he leads the audience through the University’s history.

Attend this free talk to learn why the Lakehead Technical Institute was established in the 1940s, how it evolved into a university in 1965, and some of the challenges it has faced in becoming an innovative comprehensive university.

Celebrating 50 Years: The Development of Lakehead University - In Conversation Speaker Series

Presenter: Professor Peter Raffo, Department of History
Date: Saturday, April 18
Location: Mary JL Black Branch Library - 901 S. Edward St. 
Time: 2-4 pm

– 30 –

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.