October 31, 2000
Centre for Agricultural Medicine Offers $1,000 Scholarship
Posted October 31, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 30, 2000 2000-10-20-AG
Centre for Agricultural Medicine Offering $1000 Scholarship
The Centre for Agricultural Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan is
offering one $1000 scholarship to the grade 12 student who writes the best
1000-word essay on farm safety. Participants must plan to enter
post-secondary education in a health or agricultural field of study.
Students have a choice of three topics for the essay:
- The Importance of Safety and Health in the Farm Workplace
- Safety and Health Hazards on My Farm, or
- Explain what the slogan: ?Sow Safety, Harvest Life? means to you and your
family
The scholarship was made possible by the Saskatchewan Association of Rural
Municipaliites (SARM), through sales of their history book "The Building of
a Province: Commemorating the 90th Anniversary of the Saskatchewan
Assocation of Rural Municipalities". The scholarship has been awarded
annually since 1995.
All grade 12 students in the province are invited to submit essays.
Applications must be postmarked on or before January 5, 2001. Students may
check with their local RM office for more information.
For more information please contact:
Dianne M. Johns
Centre for Agricultural Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6643
October 25, 2000
Commercial Greenhouse Operation Requires More Than Love of Plants
Posted October 25, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 24, 2000 2000-10-17-EXT
Commercial Greenhouse Operation Requires
More Than Love of Plants
Commercial greenhouses are sophisticated operations that rely on up-to-date
technological and market information. The Saskatchewan Greenhouse Growers
Association conference and trade show, held at the Saskatoon Inn on November
17-19, provides the latest information on successful greenhouse vegetable
and bedding plant production from local and international experts.
Local speakers include Fran Eldridge, owner of Fran?s House of Herbs.
Eldridge operates two greenhouses south of Saskatoon and specializes in
herbs for the culinary and bedding plant markets. Greenhouse specialists
from Alberta include Ken Fry, Jim Hole and Jim Calpas. International
experts include Brian Whipker, floriculture extension specialist from North
Carolina State University, who will lead a workshop on Pour-Thru Nutritional
Monitoring technology.
The conference and trade show is offered in association with Saskatchewan
Agriculture and Food and the University of Saskatchewan. For more
information or to register call the U of S Extension Division at (306)
966-5539.
For more information please contact:
Grant Wood
Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5586
Fax: (306) 966-5567
E-mail: grant.wood@usask.ca
October 24, 2000
U of S to Host Conference on Lifelong Learning
Posted October 24, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 23, 2000 2000-10-16-ED
University of Saskatchewan to Host Conference on Lifelong Learning
The College of Education, in partnership with The Saskatchewan Teacher?s
Federation, will hold a conference on "Lifelong Learning: Connecting
Schools, Community, and the Workplace", November 24-26.
Bringing together educators from schools, universities, the community,
business and industry, trade unions, the professions, and government, the
conference will focus on critical issues for continuing education in the new
century. Any member of the public with an interest in the meaning of
lifelong learning in today?s society is welcome to attend.
"This conference is very timely with the recent budget news that the federal
government intends to support lifelong learning," says Conference Chair, Dr.
Michael Collins. "What does this mean for public education at all levels,
and for making connections between schools, work, community, the
professions, and government?"
The conference sessions, led by key presenters from each of these sectors,
will deal with such vital topics as the community schools, teacher work, the
role of business corporations and unions in lifelong learning, the
indiginization of schools and post-secondary institutions, teacher training,
continuing education in the professions, the necessity for music and arts
education in learning for life, and education for community, citizenship and
democracy.
"There?s a lot of talk these days about critical thinking skills," says Dr.
Collins. "Conference delegates will engage in critical dialogue, as well as
educational strategies, on how to bring real substance to lifelong learning.
It is a starting point for designing creative options to the inevitable,
but still largely unimaginative, changes that are now taking place at all
levels of education and training."
The sessions will be enriched by poetry readings, creative video
productions, learning through narrative, and a Bach concert recital.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Michael Collins c/o Lois Dumbovic
Department of Educational Foundations
College of Education, University of Saskatchewan
28 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK S7N 0X1
Tel: (306) 966-7514
Fax: (306) 966-7549
E-mail: lois.dumbovic@usask.ca
October 23, 2000
U of S wins $484,000 from CFI for First-in-Canada Wind Tunnel Instrument and Innovative Computing Lab
Posted October 23, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? October 20, 2000 2000-10-15-OTHER
U of S Wins $484,000 from CFI for First-in-Canada Wind Tunnel Instrument and
Innovative Computing Lab
A total of almost $484,000 will be awarded to two University of Saskatchewan
scientists for new high-tech equipment and lab facilities in leading-edge
areas of engineering and computing science, the Canada Foundation for
Innovation (CFI) announced today.
The awards are among 41 announced today for 17 universities under the CFI
New Opportunities program. Total value of the investment nationally is $6.5
million.
"The fact that we got five per cent of the national awards and both our
applicants were funded is a testament to the calibre of these young
innovators and the quality of their projects," said Michael Corcoran, U of S
Vice-President Research.
Projects funded by the New Opportunities Program are selected on the basis
of their contribution to Canadian innovation. The CFI provides up to 40 per
cent of total project costs, with the remaining funds coming from the
universities and their funding partners in the public and private sectors.
Julita Vassileva and Ralph Deters, both of the department of computer
science, will receive $358,275 to help create a new type of computing
laboratory where they and several colleagues from the department will do
research related to the next generation of computing devices and
applications.
David Sumner, an assistant professor in the department of mechanical
engineering, will receive $125,292 towards the $313,230 cost of a powerful
new tool for investigating fluid mechanics problems. This research could
lead to advances such as new drag reduction mechanisms for aircraft and
automobiles, improved heat exchangers, and new ways to disperse
environmental contaminants in a moving stream.
Vassileva says that in future computing will be everywhere ? not just
something done on desktops and laptops, but on palmtops, cell phones and
other mobile devices. People will interact with computing devices in
vehicles, in meetings, on public transport, or while shopping, eating or
cooking, to cite a few examples. They?ll even interact with computing
devices in their eye glasses, watches and home appliances.
"Since in the future computing will be ubiquitous, all traditional
environments for working, learning, or entertainment will be distributed
geographically and interconnected," she says. "We hope our work will help to
create software for these environments that is reliable and meets best the
user needs."
She also thinks animated on-line helpers (like Microsoft?s paper-clip
wizard) will be a lot smarter, smaller and more helpful. These software
?agents? will be like personal butlers who can fetch and install software
applications, anticipating your every need. Your software ?agent? could go
out and get the right kind of help in cyberspace from other agents by
matching your user profile with that of other users on the Web who have
encountered a similar problem.
"A lot of research is needed to ensure that the behavior of software agents
is predictable and desirable, that systems work reliably and that the users'
needs are met," she said.
She thinks U of S could become an international leader in this emerging
field of "agent-based, mobile and ubiquitous computing." She expects that
the lab will attract many new graduate students to the U of S in this high
demand area of computing.
The new computing lab will be temporarily be housed in the Animal Science
Building but will be later moved to renovated space in the Thorvaldson
Building. Total cost of the project is $895,687.
Sumner says the new "stereoscopic particle image velocimetry" or S-PIV
instrument will help create a Western Canadian centre of excellence in fluid
mechanics research at the U of S.
The will be the first instrument of its kind in Canada and will place U of S
researchers at the leading edge of experimental fluid mechanics measurement
technology. It will also benefit researchers in government and industry.
Comprised of a high-power pulsed laser, a pair of digital cameras, a
dual-processor computer, and computer software, the S-PIV will transform the
U of S low-speed wind tunnel into a state-of-the art tool that can
simultaneously measure velocity, turbulence, pressure, temperature and
aerodynamic forces in a given flow.
The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit organization established by the
federal government in 1997 to address the infrastructure needs of Canada's
research community.
For more information, contact:
Prof. Julita Vassileva
Assistant Professor
Department of Computing Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2569
(306) 966-4884
jiv@cs.usask.ca
Prof. Ralph Deters
Department of Computing Science
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4886
(306) 966-4884
Prof. David Sumner
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5537
(306) 966-5427
David_Sumner@engr.usask.ca
U of S Confers 615 Degrees at Fall Convocation
Posted October 23, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 20, 2000 2000-10-04-OTHER
U of S to Confer 615 Degrees at Fall Convocation
The University of Saskatchewan will honour 615 graduates at the annual Fall
Convocation on Saturday, October 21, 2000. The ceremony will begin at 9:00
a.m. in Centennial Auditorium where Chancellor Peggy McKercher will confer
the various degrees, diplomas and certificates on the graduates. Following
the ceremony, there will be a reception in the Grand Circle lobby of the
Auditorium.
Among the graduates will be Dr. Thomas J. Courchene from Queen?s University,
who is receiving an honorary Doctor of Laws. The degree recognizes his
distinguished career and the outstanding contributions Dr. Courchene has
made in the fields of political science and economics.
Dr. Carey Williamson will receive the Master Teacher Award for his work in
the Department of Computer Science. The Master Teacher Award recognizes
faculty members who excel in teaching.
The Alumni Award of Achievement will be presented to Harold MacKay in
recognition of his contributions to his profession, the community and the
University. MacKay has been a U of S alumni for 40 years.
Dorothy Austen, an Administrative Assistant in the College of Arts and
Science, will receive the President?s Service Award. The President?s
Service Award honours exceptional contributions by non-academic staff
members.
The Distinguished Researcher Award will be presented to Dr. Roger Pierson, a
Professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive
Sciences. He is internationally known for his work in developing
computer-assisted imaging.
Dr. Roy Billinton, from the College of Electrical Engineering, will receive
the George Ivany Internationalization Award. The award recognizes
outstanding contributions by a member of the University of Saskatchewan in
furthering the process of internationalization.
University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon will deliver the
President?s Statement to the Graduands. Dr. Courchene will be presenting
the Convocation Address.
For more information please contact:
Jacquie Fraser
Director of Registration, Exams and Convocation
Office of the Registrar
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6728
Dorothy Austen Receives President's Service Award at Fall Convocation
Posted October 23, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 20, 2000 2000-10-05-OTHER
Dorothy Austen to Receive President?s Service Award
at Fall Convocation
Dorothy Austen, Administrative Assistant for the College of Arts & Science,
will receive the President?s Service Award on October 21 at 9:00 a.m. during
the Fall convocation ceremony.
The President?s Service Award recognizes exceptional contributions by
non-academic staff members. It honours those who, through dedication and
committment, have inspired others and enhanced the University community
through extraordinary service.
Austen has worked in the College for over 25 years. Not only does she serve
as the Administrative Assistant for all four Associate Deans in the
College, but she also handles the hiring of sessional lecturers and the
awarding of graduate teaching fellows. In addition, she is often the first
person students approach with problems or questions.
"For anyone who phones or comes into her office, Dorothy Austen is the
personable woman who reminds one that the University?s largest college is
not an impersonal place," says Claud Thompson, former acting dean.
Austen?s attitude and dedication have won the respect of colleagues and
students alike. She, however, does not feel she has done anything
spectacular, despite putting in overtime and regularly going beyond job
requirements. Her co-workers disagree.
"Dorothy has set the tone in this office for over 20 years," says Tom
Wishart, former Acting Dean. "She serves as a role model for us all."
For more information please contact:
Bev Dickinson
Chair of the President?s Service Award Selection Committee
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6282
Master Teacher Award to Dr. Carey Williamson
Posted October 23, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 20, 2000 2000-10-06-OTHER
Master Teacher Award Goes to
Computer Science Professor Dr. Carey Williamson
The University of Saskatchewan will honour excellence in teaching by
presenting Dr. Carey Williamson with the Master Teacher Award.
The Master Teaching Award was established to emphasize the importance of
teaching at the University of Saskatchewan by recognizing those faculty
members who excel in teaching. The award is presented at Convocation and
includes a $1000 prize.
Dr. Williamson received his B.Sc. with Honours from the University of
Saskatchewan. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford
University, one of the world?s top three universities in his field. He
joined the Department of Computer Science in 1991 and became a Full
Professor in 1998.
Dr. Williamson has consistently received outstanding evaluations from his
students. As one student remarked, "The great teacher inspires, and I have
received great inspiration from his classes." His students have been so
enthusiastic about the quality of his instruction that he has been
designated "Professor of the Year" four times.
Dr. Williamson?s collegues are equally impressed with his teaching skills.
In describing a distance learning experiment one professor said, " Professor
Williamson is like a maestro in front of a large orchestra, coordinating a
wide variety of electronic aids,interacting with local students and remote
students, while continuing to present the material in his usual
highly-organized style."
In addition to his teaching, Dr. Williamson is regarded as one of the
foremost experts in computer networking and Internet performance. He has
been published widely and is often invited to speak at universities and
industrial labs all over the world.
Dr. Williamson will receive the Master Teacher Award at the Fall Convocation
ceremony on Saturday, October 21 at 9:00 a.m.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Carey Williamson
Department of Computer Science
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8656
Distinguished Researcher Award to Reproductive Health Expert
Posted October 23, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ? October 20, 2000 2000-10-07-OTHER
Reproductive Health Expert to Receive Distinguished Researcher Award
A University of Saskatchewan health scientist who was the first in the world
to use ultrasound to directly visualize human ovulation will receive the
Distinguished Researcher Award at the Oct. 21 convocation.
Roger Pierson is a professor in the department of obstetrics, gynecology and
reproductive sciences and director of the U of S Reproductive Biology
Research Unit. The award, which carries a $1,000 prize, recognizes a U of S
faculty member who has made a major contribution to knowledge through
research and publication.
"Professor Pierson is a world leader in research into ovarian physiology,"
said Michael Corcoran, U of S Vice-President Research. "He is a leader in
multidisciplinary reproductive medicine on this campus and a very deserving
recipient of this award."
With his ground-breaking 1990 discovery, Pierson showed that ultrasonography
could be a powerful new tool for non-invasive study of the dramatic changes
that occur in the structures of the ovary just before and during the release
of the ovum (mature egg). His lab also developed the first vaginal probe for
making three-dimensional ultrasound pictures of embryos and fetuses.
These discoveries have made it possible to assess the ovulation potential of
individual follicles (fluid-filled pouches that contain a developing egg) in
infertile women, thereby paving the way for potentially safer and more
effective fertility treatments. His investigation of the growth and
development of ovarian follicles has also led to new and more effective
means of contraception.
Pierson showed that ultrasonography images of the follicular wall can be
used to predict whether the egg is likely to be released properly or be
fertilized if sperm is present. This was a "sensational" finding when it was
published in 1993, according to Pierson?s department head Olufemi
Olatunbosun.
Pierson has become internationally known for developing computer-assisted
imaging to analyze the high-resolution ultrasonographic images used to
investigate reproductive problems. The 24 computer software programs that he
has developed and copyrighted have proven useful not only to assess ovarian
function but also to assess the potential for cancer to develop in the
ovaries and the breast.
Pierson, an associate member of the department of herd medicine and
theriogenology at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine and a member of
the biomedical engineering section in the College of Engineering, is one of
22 faculty from a variety of disciplines involved in human and animal
reproductive medicine. The work also involves about 30 students.
"This is the only place in Canada where there?s collaborative work in
reproductive medicine between a vet college and a college of medicine," he
said, adding "Every mistake we make on cows is one we don?t make on humans."
He has brought millions of dollars in research funding to the U of S through
federal grants and pharmaceutical industry contracts. He has developed
specialist post-graduate research training for residents, contributes to
continuing professional development of physicians, and takes a keen interest
in the work of his many graduate students.
Pierson earned a Master of Science degree (1982) at Purdue University in
Indiana and a Ph.D. (1987) at the University of Wisconsin. In 1988, he moved
to Canada to accept a position at the U of S Reproductive Biology Research
Unit. He has served as the unit?s director since 1992.
He has received many honors and awards and has served on the executive of
several medical societies of reproductive medicine.
In 1999-2000, he served as president of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology
Society. He has contributed to specialist medical education as co-editor of
Imaging in Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility (1994), and is much in
demand as a speaker at national and international conferences.
Pierson "refuses to allow Saskatchewan to play second fiddle to bigger
provinces in the area of research," says department head Olatunbosun.
"Instead, his unrelenting pursuit of fundamental reproductive research has
earned him the respect and admiration of his peers."
For more information, contact:
Roger Pierson
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4458
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/
"Investing in Ideas: U of S Research"
Dr. Roy Billinton Honoured with J.W.George Ivany Internationalization Award
Posted October 23, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 20, 2000 2000-10-08-OTHER
Dr. Roy Billinton to be Honoured with J.W. George Ivany Internationalization
Award
Dr. Roy Billinton, a professor in the College of Engineering, will be
honoured with the J.W. George Ivany Internationalization Award.
The award was established by the University of Saskatchewan International in
order to recognize outstanding contributions by a member of the University
of Saskatchewan?s academic or administrative staff in furthering the process
of internationalization. The award is presented annually at the Fall
Convocation.
Dr. Billinton joined the University in 1964 and completed his Ph.D. in 1967,
then his D.Sc. in 1975. He has committed himself to international
activities, presenting papers and giving courses in over 32 countries. As
well, he has supervised 90 M.Sc. and Ph.D. students from around the world.
He has served on numerous committees, including a seven-year term as
Chairman of the Consortium Committee. Dr. Billinton was a University
representative on the Nepal Engineering Education Project and he was made
Honorary Professor of the Inner Mongolian Engineering College for his work
with the Inner Mongolian Engineering Program.
Collegues have high praise for his work in the international community.
Professor G. Wacker said, "Dr. Billinton?s international activities have
greatly assisted in broadening the university?s global perspectives by
sustained international teaching, research and academic service. "
Dr. Billinton will be presented with the award at the Fall Convocation
ceremony at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2000.
For more information please contact:
Dr. Roy Billinton
Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering
College of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5280
Author Thomas Courchene to Receive Honorary Degree at Fall Convocation
Posted October 23, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 20, 2000 2000-10-09-OTHER
Author Thomas Courchene to Receive Honorary Degree at Fall Convocation
Dr. Thomas Courchene of Queens University will be presented with an honorary
Doctor of Laws at the Fall 2000 Convocation ceremony. Dr. Courchene was
born in Wakaw, Saskatchewan and received his Honours B.A. from the
University of Saskatchewan in 1962. He went on to earn a Ph.D. from
Princeton University in 1967.
Courchene was Professor of Economics at the University of Western Ontario
for over 20 years. He was also a visiting Professor at Ecole Nationale
D?Administration Publique in Montreal, and he occupied the John P. Roberts
Chair in Canadian Studies at York University. In 1988 he accepted the
Directorship of Queen?s University?s new School of Policy Studies.
Courchene has been a prolific writer throughout his career, authoring some
250 books and articles on Canadian policy issues. He won the 1994 Doug
Purvis award for best Canadian economic policy contribution for his book,
"Social Canada in the Millenium". His most recent book, From Heartland to
North American Region State: The Social, Fiscal and Federal Evolution of
Ontario, won the Donner Prize for best book on Canadian Public Policy.
Courchene has won numerous awards and honours over the course of his
distinguished career. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada,
was invested as an Officer in the Order of Canada, and has won the Molson
Prize in the Social Sciences and Humanities. The Molson Prize recognized
him for his outstanding lifetime contributions to the cultural and
intellectual life of Canada.
Dr. Courchene is currently the Jarislowsky-Deutsch Professor of Economic and
Financial Policy, a member of the Departments of Economics, Policy Studies
and Law, and is Director of the John Deutsch Institute for the Study of
Economic Policy, at Queen?s University.
For more information please contact:
Jacquie Fraser
Director of Registration, Exams and Convocation
Office of the Registrar
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966 - 6728
Harold MacKay to Receive the 2000 Alumni Award of Achievement
Posted October 23, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 20, 2000 2000-10-10-OTHER
Harold MacKay to Receive the 2000 Alumni
Award of Achievement
University of Saskatchewan alumnus Harold MacKay, Q.C. will receive the 2000
Alumni Award of Achievement at the Fall Convocation ceremony.
The Alumni Award of Achievement is presented annually to a U of S graduate
in recognition of outstanding contributions to profession, community, and
the University.
MacKay received his B.A. (Great Distinction) from the University in 1960.
He continued his education on scholarship at Dalhousie University, earning
his Law degree in 1963. He went on to build a distinguished career in law,
both in public and private practice. He also served as a a consultant to
the Law Reform Commission of Saskatchewan and as governor of the Canadian
Tax Foundation.
In addition to his outstanding accomplishments in his field, MacKay has also
contributed to the community. He was past president of Ranch Ehrlo, a
non-profit organization serving emotionally disturbed children in
Saskatchewan. He is currently governor of the Council for Canadian Unity and
a director of the Saskatchewan Institute for Public Policy.
MacKay has been active in public policy development. He has served as Chair
of the Task Force on the Future of the Canadian Financial Services Sector.
The 1998 report is the basis for legislative reforms affecting financial
institutions, which are now before Parliament.
MacKay is currently the Chairman of MacPherson, Leslie & Tyerman,
Saskatchewan?s largest law firm. He will receive the Alumni Award of
Achievement at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2000.
For more information please contact:
Harold MacKay, Q.C.
(306) 347-8000
U of S Honours Achievements of Outstanding Graduates
Posted October 23, 2000
2000-10-11-OTHER
U of S Honours Achievements of Outstanding Graduates
The University of Saskatchewan will recognize its most outstanding graduates
with various awards and prizes at the Fall Convocation ceremony. The awards
to be presented are:
The President?s Medal- Nathan John Kolla of Saskatoon (B.A. Three-year with
Great Distincition)
Fall Convocation Three-year Degree Medal- Nathan John Kolla of Saskatoon
(B.A. Three-year with Great Distinction)
University Medal in Fine Arts- Erin Michelle Sarauer of Saskatoon (B.F.A.
with Great Distinction and Distinguished Presentation)
University Medal in Sciences- Trisha Lee Swift of Saskatoon (B.Sc. with High
Honours in Biology)
University Medal in Social Sciences- Jennifer Jean Nugent of Lanigan (B.A.
with High Honours in Psychology)
Rose Litman Medal in Humanities- Kirstin Borgerson of MacDowall (B.A.
Four-year with Great Distinction)
Dean?s Medal in Arts and Science- Trisha Lee Swift of Saskatoon (B.Sc. with
High Honours in Biology)
The Goodspeed Prize in Commerce- Duane Kevin Schellenberg of Regina (B.Comm.
with Distinction)
Saskatchewan Teacher?s Federation Prize- Cindy Gay Hunt of La Ronge (B.Ed.
with Distinction)
University Prize in Nursing- Pamela Gay Plewis of Swift Current (B.S.N. with
Great Distinction)
For more information please contact:
Jacquie Fraser
Director of Registration, Exams and Convocation
Office of the Registrar
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6728
October 20, 2000
Vetavision 2000
Posted October 20, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 19, 2000 2000-10-14-WCVM
Vetavision 2000 will take place October 19 - 22 at the Western College of
Veterinary Medicine on the University of Saskatchewan campus.
The four-day event will feature displays, seminars, self-guided tours and
hands-on activities. There will be demonstrations on various topics such as
ultrasound and the equine treadmill.
Presentations will be given by veterinarians on a variety of topics
including African wildlife, the changing role of the farm veterinarian and
pet care.
Vetavision is organized by students of the Veterinary College to increase
awareness about both the veterinary profession and the Western College of
Veterinary Medicine.
For more information please contact:
Denise Phipps
Western College of Vet. Med.
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: 653-4508
Pager: 931-0713
or
Tina Merrifield
Senior Communications Officer
Office of Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: 966-2213
October 19, 2000
U of S Geochemist Wins $20,000 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award
Posted October 19, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, October 18, 2000 2000-10-03-OTHER
U of S Geochemist Wins $20,000 Petro-Canada
Young Innovator Award
Finding oil could get easier for petroleum companies thanks to the promising
work of a University of Saskatchewan geologist who today was awarded a
$20,000 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award.
Professor Chris Holmden is researching a new way to trace crude oil
discoveries back to their original source rock, information that could
enable companies to explore more effectively for new oil deposits. He is
taking existing trace metal rock-dating techniques and applying them to the
dating of oil deposits, something that has not been done before.
"Professor Holmden is one of our finest young researchers whose innovative
work has already been recognized with two Canada Foundation for Innovation
grants," said U of S Vice-President Research Michael Corcoran. "He?s an
excellent example of the kind of researcher that Petro-Canada Young
Innovator Award program is designed to encourage."
Petro-Canada Terminal Manager Bruce Worton said, "Professor Holmden?s work
could provide a powerful new exploration tool. This award is a tribute to
the quality of his work and we are grateful for the contribution he?s making
both to this university and to our country."
The annual U of S award draws on a $100,000 donation Petro-Canada made to
the U of S in 1996 in response to the university?s First and Best National
Campaign. The program aims to assist young faculty (those within six years
of their initial appointment) with their innovative research programs.
Holmden?s research involves a technique known as "trace metal isotope
fingerprinting" that could provide new knowledge about the origin and
evolution of petroleum in sedimentary rock.
He explains that petroleum is formed from rocks which are rich in organic
matter. Heat converts the organic matter into liquid crude oil which is
forced upwards through pores in the source rock. When the crude oil
migrates, it can accumulate in underground reservoirs hundreds of kilometres
away.
Holmden?s work starts from the premise that crude oil expelled from source
rock will have the same composition of trace metal isotopes as the source
rock itself. The relative amounts of various isotopes of a given element
constitute an "isotopic fingerprint."
The idea is to try to match the isotopic fingerprint of oil samples from a
producing well with samples from rocks which have been identified as
potential petroleum sources, based on geological knowledge of the age
distribution of petroleum-bearing rocks on the Prairies. From this match,
inferences can be made about the oil migration pathways and potential areas
to drill for new oil discoveries.
"Once you know something about how the oil went along a pathway, finding
more oil sources is like joining dots and finding a likely pathway to more
oil," says Holmden.
Holmden thinks knowledge of how certain radioactive trace metal isotopes
(such as uranium) decay in petroleum to other "daughter" isotopes (such as
lead) can be used to date oil migration from the source rock and also to
pinpoint when the expulsed oil then became trapped in underground
reservoirs. Conventional petroleum tracing techniques cannot date the
entrapment age of the oil.
Holmden?s work will be done in a new multi-million-dollar U of S lab
facility which includes a state-of-the art trace metal "clean lab" that is
virtually free of airborne contaminants and three new mass spectrometers
which will be used to measure various trace elements and date the oil
samples. Before the clean lab was built this year, analyses of such low
concentrations of elements could not be done without risk of contamination
from airborne contaminants.
Holmden received his PhD from the University of Alberta in 1995. He has
published 21 refereed and non-refereed research papers and has received
grants from NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council), the
Canada Foundation for Innovation, and PotashCorp.
Candidates for the award are nominated by their departments. Selection of
the recipient is made by a committee chaired by the Vice-President of
Research. Criteria include overall research promise of the individual, the
degree of innovation of the work, and the quality of the proposal.
The awards program was set up in 1995 due to growing concern by universities
that some of Canada?s most prominent young scholars were leaving the country
to conduct their research elsewhere. Since then, Petro-Canada has invested
more than $4 million at 20 universities, colleges, research institutes and
major health institutes. There have been about 28 award recipients
nationally.
For more information, contact:
Professor Chris Holmden
Associate Professor, Geological Sciences
(306) 966-5697 Phone
(306) 966-8593 Fax
chris.holmden@usask.ca
or
Kathryn Warden
Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
(306) 966-2506 Phone
(306) 966-2411 Fax
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
ROAD CLOSURE - North Road
Posted October 19, 2000
ROAD CLOSURE
Please note that North Road between lot 4 and CLS service road will be
closed beginning Saturday, October 21 at 7:00 a.m The road will re-open by
midnight Sunday, October 22.
This area will be closed again on Saturday, October 28 at 7:00 a.m until
midnight Sunday, October 29, weather permitting. These closures are
necessary to construct a high voltage power supply.
For more information, please contact Karen Leedahl at 4577.
This news article is intended for on-campus audiences only.
Over 3500 expected to visit U of S Campus
Posted October 19, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 19, 2000 2000-10-13-OTHER
Over 3500 expected to visit U of S campus
SASKATOON, October 19, 2000 - The University of Saskatchewan is preparing
for the 4th Annual Experience US!, to be held October 26th and 27th, 2000.
The two-day event gives over 3500 grade 12 students, parents and guidance
counselors from across the province an opportunity to visit the campus while
in full session.
Prospective students will be able to meet and interact with professors,
speak to current U of S students about their experiences, tour the campus,
and learn more about education and career opportunities. In addition to
benefiting the students, it also provides parents and guidance counsellors
with a chance to ask questions and receive more information.
"A visit to the campus is one of the most effective ways to encourage
Saskatchewan students to enrol at the U of S. Our experience shows that
prospective students are more likely to enrol here when they have had direct
contact with faculty, staff and students," says Kelly Saretsky, Assistant
Registrar. "Attending Experience US! helps prospective students make
informed decisions on post-secondary education."
For more information about Experience US!:
Website: www.usask.ca/registrar/experience
E-mail: experience_us@usask.ca
Phone: 306-966-5788.
All media are invited to attend any part of Experience US! For any special
arrangements please contact the Communications Office at (306) 966-6607.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Saretsky
Assistant Registrar (Enrolment Management)
Office of the Registrar
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966 - 6721
Fax: (306) 966-6730
kelly.saretsky@usask.ca
October 04, 2000
Operations Forecast 2001-02
Posted October 04, 2000
The core themes of this year's Operations Forecast continue to be competitiveness and advancement. The University of Saskatchewan is determined to position itself in a manner that will permit us to compete for students, faculty and research funding. This means we must redirect our resources to areas in which we can aspire to a commanding presence and devote new resources to areas that enhance the student experience and reestablish our research profile.
To review the Operations Forecast, please visit our web site at http://www.usask.ca/vpacademic/events/2001-02final.shtml.
Product Recalls - Gaseous Cylinders
Posted October 04, 2000
PRODUCT RECALLS? GASEOUS CYLINDERS October 2, 2000
Please note the following recall notices:
-Worthington Acetylene Cylinders (145 cubic foot capacity)
c/o Haring Cylinder Co.
or
Praxair Products Inc.
-Sherwood Acetylene Cylinder Valves "B" size (40 cubic feet capacity)
Harsco Corporation
c/o Praxair Products Inc.
Please verify if your department is in possession of any of these cylinders
and/or pass this information on to other sections that might.
For further information, please contact:
Bob Holmann
Purchasing Services
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6712
This news article is intended for on-campus audiences only.
October 02, 2000
U of S Launches Video on Aboriginal Partnership Agreement
Posted October 02, 2000
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - September 29, 2000 2000-09-18-OTHER
University of Saskatchewan Launches Video on
Aboriginal Partnership Agreement
SASKATOON, September 29, 2000 - Today University of Saskatchewan President
Peter MacKinnon hosted the launch of a new educational video entitled, "You
Do The Math: The Aboriginal Partnership Agreement at the University of
Saskatchewan".
The video was produced to provide a better understanding of the 1999
Aboriginal Partnership Agreement between the U of S and Intergovernmental
and Aboriginal Affairs. It is primarily intended for faculty, students and
staff but will also be available as a resource for other educational
institutions and employment equity committees.
"The video explains the reasons for the Partnership Agreement, and discusses
the social and economic benefits. It?s important that everyone who is
involved feel a part of this and understand the process and the University?s
role," said MacKinnon. "In looking towards the future, we want the
University to be able to draw a diverse range of talents to fill
positions."
The 15-minute video was produced this summer by the U of S Division of Audio
Visual Services as a result of work done by the University?s Working
Committee on Employment Equity. It features President Peter MacKinnon and
Wayne McKenzie, a representative from Intergovernmental and Aboriginal
Affairs.
For more information please contact:
Shannon Cossette
Executive Producer
Division of Audio Visual Services
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6141
E-mail: shannon.cossette@sask.usask.ca
Kathy Gray, Director
Employee Services
Human Resources Division
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6325
E-mail: Kathy.Gray@usask.ca
