February 28, 2003
U of S Engineering student wins prestigious national Aboriginal achievement award
Posted February 28, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 28, 2003 2003-02-13-ENG
U of S Engineering student wins prestigious national
Aboriginal achievement award
A University of Saskatchewan fourth-year engineering student, is the 2003
recipient of a prestigious National Aboriginal Achievement Award - the
Aboriginal community's highest honour.
Matthew Dunn, 21, will receive a $10,000 scholarship from the National
Aboriginal Achievements Foundation to further his education at a gala
ceremony at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa this evening. He will join 13
others who are receiving awards for career achievements.
The youth award is given to First Nations, Inuit or Métis achievers
between 15 and 24 who have clearly demonstrated leadership, discipline,
drive and determination to accomplish their goals.
Dunn, who is of Métis ancestry, is studying mechanical engineering
and aspires to be an astronaut. He has earned numerous scholarships,
received academic and citizenship awards and has proved himself to be an
accomplished actor, athlete and community volunteer. He is planning to
pursue a master's degree in aerospace engineering after graduation.
Spiro Yannacopoulos, head of mechanical engineering, said: "Dunn is a
top-notch student and a well-rounded individual. He truly deserves this
award."
"I am delighted to receive the award," said Dunn. "I hope my success
encourages others in the native community to strive for their goals too. I
have received a high-quality education at the University of Saskatchewan and
I encourage others to take advantage of the same opportunity."
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For further information, contact:
Matthew Dunn
Tel: (306) 227-3170 (cell)
Photo: http://www.naaf.ca/rec2003.html
Spiro Yannacopoulos
Head of Mechanical Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5449
www.engr.usask.ca/dept/mee/index.html
Judy Tobe
Director of Public Affairs
National Aboriginal Achievements Foundation
Tel: (416) 926-0775
February 24, 2003
Student Tax Credits at the U of S
Posted February 24, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 24, 2003 2003-02-10-OTHER
Student Tax Credits
The University of Saskatchewan is improving student service by providing
online services that are accessible at anytime and from anywhere in the
world.
Students, former students and graduates at the University of Saskatchewan
can now obtain their tax credit, Tuition and Education Amounts Certificate
(T2202A) on line at www.usask.ca/T2202A.
These forms will no longer be distributed by mail.
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For further information, contact:
Pam Larson
Student Accounts and Treasury
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-6688
Fax: (306) 966-8306
E-mail: pam.larson@usask.ca
February 21, 2003
U of S Receives Funds from Province
Posted February 21, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 21, 2003 2003-02-09-OTHER
U of S Receives Funds from Province
Provincial funding of $130,000 will help two new University of Saskatchewan
research projects by providing a new laboratory and custom-built equipment.
A plant biochemistry and biotechnology laboratory is being established to
develop technologies for regulating plant growth and structure, and an
ultrasonic biomicroscope will be built for use by the Reproductive Science
and Medicine Program.
"The government is committed to ensuring researchers in Saskatchewan reach
their full potential," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "By
doing this, we are also strengthening Saskatchewan's knowledge-based economy
in priority areas for research and training, which will lead to more jobs."
Provincial support comes from the Innovation and Science Fund (ISF) and
matches funding contributions from the Canada Foundation for Innovation
(CFI) under the New Opportunities Fund, a program to assist new faculty
members in their first, full-time academic position.
Funding of $70,000 is going to Jaswant Singh of the veterinary biomedical
sciences department to develop an ultrasound biomicroscope for safe and
repeated medical imaging of living tissues at a microscopic level using
nonsurgical samples. Initially, the results will be used in reproductive
medicine. However, the tool may also be used for cancer research, surgical
healing, cardiology, sport medicine, and during veterinary and human
surgery.
Another $60,000 is going to Hong Wang of the biochemistry department for
equipment to study plant cell cycle regulation. The research will attempt to
understand the differences in cell cycle regulation between plants and
animals and for the potential benefit of healthcare. This project has the
potential to increase crop performance and yield, and improve Saskatchewan's
agriculture industry.
"Besides helping attract new, high-calibre talent to Canada, the New
Opportunities Fund has enabled universities in Saskatchewan and across the
country to help preserve our intellectual capital," said David Strangway,
President and CEO of the CFI. "This would not be possible without the
collaboration of the provincial partners."
"This innovative equipment will advance new U of S research in unlocking the
function of plant and animal genes and allowing researchers to examine the
dynamics of live tissue," said Bryan Harvey, Acting U of S Vice-President of
Research. "Both projects will enhance collaborations and partnerships
across campus and across the country, with researchers working towards
developing new technologies and products that will improve human, animal,
and plant health."
The ISF provides support to Saskatchewan universities, colleges, and
research institutes on projects receiving approval and funding from the
Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Canada Research Chairs, the Canadian
Health Services Research Foundation, and the Canadian Institutes of Health
Research.
The CFI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation established by the
Government of Canada in 1997 to strengthen the capacity for innovation in
Canadian universities and research institutions.
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For more information, please contact:
Suzanne Quinn
Canada Foundation for Innovation
Ottawa
(613) 996-3160
www.innovation.ca
Kristina Bergen
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
(306) 966-2427
February 20, 2003
Indigenous Health Research Centre Receives Provincial Funding
Posted February 20, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Feb. 20, 2003
Prepared by Saskatchewan Health and University of Saskatchewan Research
Communications
INDIGENOUS HEALTH RESEARCH CENTRE RECEIVES PROVINCIAL FUNDING
The new Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre (IPHRC) received a funding
boost today of $2.725 million over six years.
The funding announced by Health Minister John Nilson will support research
projects in key areas of Aboriginal health, including chronic diseases,
Indigenous healing, health delivery, disease prevention and environmental
health. It will also increase opportunities for people of Aboriginal
ancestry to pursue health-related research and training.
The centre is led by the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College (SIFC), in
partnership with the University of Regina and the University of
Saskatchewan.
The province is providing $225,000 in the current fiscal year, followed by
annual payments of $500,000 from 2003-04 to 2007-08.
"Aboriginal peoples inside and outside Saskatchewan will benefit from
research that focuses directly on their unique health needs,'' Nilson said.
"We know that economic status, family supports, individual behaviour and
other factors outside the traditional health sector have a major effect on
our health.''
The centre will allow Aboriginal people to assume a greater role in finding
solutions to their own health needs, while enhancing community-generated
Indigenous research throughout Saskatchewan.
"The mission of the centre is to improve the health of Aboriginal people by
investing in capacity recognition and capacity building with Aboriginal
people, communities and institutions," SIFC President Dr. Eber Hampton said.
"We have the opportunity to ensure that traditional knowledge and
indigenous values are foundational to the vision and the future success of
this centre.''
The provincial funding will augment a $3-million grant over six years from
the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), through its Institute of
Aboriginal Peoples Health.
"The province's contribution is an essential component for establishing a
new research centre with the capacity to serve the whole province,"
University Co-ordinator of Health Research Bruce Waygood said. "This
investment almost doubles an award from CIHR, and should lead to a
significant increase in community-driven health research.''
The centre funded 19 undergraduate student research awards in 2002, along
with five year-long graduate student research fellowships. A minimum of 20
undergraduate research awards will be funded in the summer of 2003, along
with additional graduate student fellowships.
"The investments in trainee support have already demonstrated significant
success both in terms of volume of students supported and the quality of
their work,'' Acting Director of the Indigenous Peoples Health Research
Centre Ralph Nilson said. "The excitement in the community and in the
institutions for working together on Aboriginal Health research is growing
rapidly as the word gets out."
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For more information, contact:
Vanessa Gooliaff Beaupre
Health
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4083
Jody Burnett
IPHRC
Phone: (306) 337-2461
Kristina Bergen
University of Saskatchewan
Saskatoon
Phone: (306) 966-2427
Therese Stecyk
University of Regina
Regina
Phone: (306) 585-4683
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre (IPHRC)
The Centre
The centre is collaboration between the Saskatchewan Indian Federated
College, the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan. It
also has broad support from various Aboriginal health organizations and
boards, such as the Northern Inter-tribal Health Authority, northern health
authorities and other health authorities with significant Metis or
Indigenous clients.
The centre is designed to promote health research among Aboriginal people
through trainee support.
The Research
The centre was created to establish an environment that will encourage an
increase in health research focused on Indigenous health issues. Four key
areas of aboriginal health have been identified for further research. They
are:
- Chronic diseases, nutrition and lifestyle;
- Indigenous healing in areas of addiction, FAS, mental health and the
judicial system;
- Health delivery and control, including areas of ethics, community
development and governance; and
- Prevention and environmental health.
All research projects by IPHRC shall be done in co-operation with
communities. Currently, there have been five applications approved for
graduate study work and 20 for undergraduate student projects. (See attached
list.)
The People
- A/Director of IPHRC - Dr. Ralph Nilson
- President of SIFC - Dr. Eber Hampton
- Co-ordinator of Health Research for Saskatchewan Universities - Dr. Bruce
Waygood
The IPHRC Board will have a majority of indigenous nominees. The board also
intends to encourage the appointment of indigenous researchers and core
staff.
The Funding
The Saskatchewan government has committed approximately $2.725 million over
five years to IPHRC - $225,000 in 2002/03, and $500,000 in each of the next
five years.
In January 2002, the centre received a commitment of $3 million over six
years from the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples Health, a member of the
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
February 18, 2003
Aerial Farm Photography exhibit opens at Kenderdine Art Gallery
Posted February 18, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 18, 2003 2003-02-08-OTHER
Aerial Farm Photography exhibit opens at Kenderdine Art Gallery
Aerial Farm Photography samples aerial photographs shot by entrepreneurs,
researchers, cartographers and contemporary artists. It will be on display
at the Kenderdine Art Gallery from February 28 to April 13, 2003.
The exhibition has several parts, including the following:
- Aerial photographs by H.D. Howdy McPhail of North Battleford show the
farming communities of west central Saskatchewan during the early 1950s.
- Shelley Sopher's monumental art work, The Garden, is a detailed and
appreciative study of indigenous prairie flora.
- The well-known curator and archivist Brock V. Silversides explores the
unexpected beauty of vertical aerial photographs, a form typically
associated with cartography.
- Contemporary artists Joe Fafard, Michael Maranda, and Darlene Kalynka each
have different takes on aerial photography. Joe Fafard draws on the land
itself; Darlene Kalynka explores generational and gender dilemmas of the
family farm; and Michael Maranda's abstracted landscapes and prose together
present a historical riddle.
The exhibition opens on Friday, February 28 at 8:00 p.m. During the opening,
meet artist Shelley Sopher who will present an informal tour of The Garden.
Sopher's talk will begin at 8:15 p.m.
Aerial Farm Photography has been organized by Dunlop Art Gallery, and
supported by the Department of Canadian Heritage, the Regina Public Library,
the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the Museums Association of Saskatchewan, F:11
Photographic Design Ltd., Saskatoon, Age-Old Aerial Farm Photos, the
Saskatchewan Archives Board, and the Medicine Hat Museum and Art Gallery.
The Kenderdine Art Gallery is located on the second floor of the Agriculture
Building, University of Saskatchewan campus. Heated parking is available in
the lower level for $2 after 6:00 p.m.
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For more information, or to arrange an interview with Shelly Sopher, please
contact:
Helen Marzolf
Assistant Curator
Kenderdine Art Gallery
University of Saskatchewan
Phone (306) 966-6662
Fax (306) 978-8340
marzolf@skyway.usask.ca.
February 12, 2003
U of S Awarded More Than $2 Million for Agricultural Research
Posted February 12, 2003
NOTE: The following release was amended February 19, 2003. The headline and
first paragraph should read as follows:
U of S Awarded Close to $2 Million for Agricultural Research
Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded close to $2 million by the
Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) for new agricultural
research with potential to help revitalize the provincial rural economy.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE- 10:30 a.m. February 12, 2003
Prepared by Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization
U of S Awarded More Than $2 Million for Agricultural Research
Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded more than $2 million by the
Saskatchewan Agriculture Development Fund (ADF) for new agricultural
research with potential to help revitalize the provincial rural economy.
The 18 wide-ranging projects include developing an anti-pneumonia vaccine
for cattle, a mushroom-based product for hypertension relief, a flax product
as an alternative to plastic, more tender bison meat, and blight prevention
in chickpeas.
"These innovative projects will advance Saskatchewan agricultural research
in critical areas of food safety and animal and human health, leading to
very practical benefits for producers," said Pierre Hucl, U of S
Co-ordinator of Agricultural Research.
The new money is part of a $3.12-million investment for 35 projects across
the province announced today by Clay Serby, Saskatchewan's Deputy Premier
and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization.
"The Government of Saskatchewan has long recognized that funding new RandD
projects is one of the best ways to ensure that our provincial economy is
capable of efficiently expanding to meet new opportunities," said Serby.
"Today I am very pleased to demonstrate our continuing commitment to
agricultural research and development in Saskatchewan."
Projects at the U of S will include studies at the Crop Development Centre,
the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Veterinary Infectious
Disease Organization (VIDO).
Other projects will take place at the Prairie Swine Centre, the Prairie
Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) in Humboldt, and the Wheatland
Conservation Association near Swift Current.
ADF support for five of the projects is being matched by the Saskatchewan
Pulse Growers for research related to beans, chickpeas and lentils. Other
ADF-supported research includes the first project in Canada that will
analyze the potential of wheat-based by-products from ethanol production for
swine, and new product developments from flax straw.
Proposed projects are reviewed and selected by the ADF Board of Directors.
Deadlines for ADF project applications are May 15th and November 15th each
year. For details about ADF applications, contact the Agriculture Research
Branch in Regina at 787-6566 or in Saskatoon at 933-5094.
Download U of S Approved Projects List (MS Word)
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
Dr. Abdul Jalil
Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization, Regina
(306) 787-5960
February 04, 2003
Market Prospects 2003 on CTV FARMGATE
Posted February 04, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 4th, 2003 2003-02-04-AG
Market Prospects 2003 on CTV FARMGATE
Market Prospects 2003 has returned to CTV FARMGATE with annual market
analysis and forecasts for livestock, grains, oilseeds and specialty crops.
The programs air on Saturdays at 1:00 p.m. on CTV FARMGATE and on Bell
ExpressVu (Ch.229) and Star Choice (Ch. 315) and runs until April 19.
It will be rebroadcast on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. on CFQC in Saskatoon, CKCK
in Regina, CIPA in Prince Albert, Bell ExpressVu (Ch.229) and Star Choice
(Ch. 315).
The schedule of topics for the remainder of the 2003 season is:
February 8
U.S. perspective: wheat and oilseed outlook
February 15
Specialty crops: peas, lentils, chickpeas
February 22
Specialty crops: mustard, canary seed and spices
March 1
CWB Crops: Wheat and Durum Outlook
March 8
CWB Crops: Feed and Malt Barley Outlook
March 15
Beef: Feed and Market Situation and Outlook
March 22
Climate Change and Weather
March 29
Managing Crop and Livestock Inputs
April 5
World Oilseed Outlook
April 12
Canola and Flaxseed Outlook
April 19
Market Update Prior to Seeding
Market Prospects is co-ordinated by the Extension Service of Saskatchewan
Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization, and the Extension Division and
Department of Agricultural Economics of the University of Saskatchewan.
Funding is provided by the Agriculture Institute of Management in
Saskatchewan (AIMS); the Canadian Wheat Board; and the Agricultural
Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS).
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For more information contact:
Professor Robert Roy
Agricultural Economist
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4029
E-mail: roy@duke.usask.ca
Website: marketprospects.usask
Board of Governors Appoints New Vice-President Research
Posted February 04, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 4, 2003 2003-02-06-OTHER
Board of Governors Appoints New Vice-President Research
Following an extensive national search, Dr. Steven Franklin, an expert in
environmental remote sensing, has been appointed Vice-President Research at
the University of Saskatchewan, effective July 1.
The five-year renewable appointment was announced today by U of S President
Peter MacKinnon. Franklin succeeds Acting Vice-President Research Bryan
Harvey who will resume his position as Co-ordinator of Agricultural
Research.
Franklin is currently Special Assistant to the Provost and Vice-President
(Academic) at the University of Calgary where he has been a driving force
behind a new project that involves first-year students and other
undergraduates in research activity.
"We are delighted to recruit someone of Dr. Franklin's outstanding research
talent and managerial experience to our senior leadership team," said
MacKinnon. "His first-hand experience with strategic research planning and
with new approaches to integrating research into undergraduate learning will
help build success in all our research, scholarly and artistic work."
Franklin will also be appointed a full-time professor with tenure in the U
of S department of geography.
Franklin, who received the Best Paper Award in 2000 at the 22nd Canadian
Symposium on Remote Sensing, is a distinguished researcher in environmental
applications of satellite and aerial remote sensing, technology that can
map, survey and monitor the Earth. His areas of investigation have included
forest ecology and wildlife management.
He has published more than 90 journal articles on remote sensing and
environmental management issues in Canada, the United States, and South
America. In 2001, he published a book on remote sensing and a second volume
will be published this year.
Franklin studied geography and environmental management at the University of
Waterloo, receiving his Ph.D. in 1985. He was an NSERC Post-Doctoral Fellow
and taught classes in remote sensing at Memorial University of Newfoundland
from 1985 to 1988.
In 1988, he joined the University of Calgary. As head of the geography
department from 1995 to 1998, he led the team that established a strategic
marketing plan for the U of C. As associate dean of research in the Faculty
of Social Sciences, he led the faculty in providing input to an
institution-wide research strengths document, which became the basis of the
U of C Strategic Research Plan.
Franklin has been involved in the development of four new U of C
collaborative degree programs and was responsible for an initiative called
"Enhancing the Undergraduate Learners' Experience" which aims to increase
awareness and opportunities for undergraduate research across the
curriculum, especially in first year.
During his career, Franklin has overseen the work of 29 graduate students
and three post-doctoral fellows. In 2002, he was awarded the U of C's
Faculty Distinguished Research Award.
He has contributed nationally to the advancement of his discipline through
many committees, conferences and workshops. He served as chair of the
Canadian Remote Sensing Society from 1995 to 1997, and is an Associate
Fellow of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute.
"I am very pleased to be offered this opportunity to serve the U of S in
this capacity and am looking forward to coming to Saskatoon," said Franklin.
"The fundamental activities of scholarly research and the creative process
must be supported and nurtured within the extremely diverse environment that
a research university offers, and I hope to contribute to the continued
success of the wide range of research, scholarly and artistic enterprises in
this respected and dynamic university."
More information about the Office of the Vice-President Research is
available at: http://www.usask.ca/vpresearch/
Note to Editors: A photo (color or black and white) of Dr. Franklin can be
obtained from kathryn.warden@usask.ca
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For more information, contact:
Peter MacKinnon
President, University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6612
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2506
February 03, 2003
U of S Board Announces New Dean of Western College of Veterinary Medicine
Posted February 03, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February, 3rd, 2003 2003-02-01-WCVM
U of S Board Announces New Dean of
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
The University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors has approved the
appointment of Dr. Charles Rhodes as Dean, Western College of Veterinary
Medicine (WCVM) for a five-year renewable term.
Dr. Rhodes, a professor of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at the University
of Saskatchewan, holds B.Sc. and DVM degrees from the University of
Minnesota and an M.Sc. degree from Iowa State University. He has served on
faculty at the WCVM for over 30 years.
Dr. Mark Evered, the University's Vice-Provost and Chair of the Search
Committee, said: "We are very pleased to recruit someone of Dr. Rhodes'
ability and experience to this position. He is recognized by colleagues and
students for his integrity, professional skills, hard work and extraordinary
commitment to the Veterinary College and the University. He is a great
addition to our senior leadership team."
Dr. Rhodes' research has contributed to our understanding of the effects of
environments on intensive swine operations, swine production medicine, swine
diseases and anti-microbial use in swine production. His work has been
presented and published nationally and internationally.
He has also remained active in clinical practice and continues to provide
professional advice to veterinarians and livestock producers.
Dr. Rhodes brings to the position many years of administrative experience,
including eight years as Department Head (Herd Medicine and Theriogenology),
nine years as Associate Dean of Research and the past half year as Acting
Dean of the WCVM. He has been an active contributor to the College and the
University through service on a wide range of committees.
Evered notes that Dr. Rhodes was selected after an extensive, open search
for candidates, both nationally and internationally. Dr. Rhodes replaces
Dr. Alex Livingston who completed his second term as Dean last year.
"I am very honored by this appointment," says Dr. Rhodes. "The College has
a strong history of outstanding achievements and I look forward to helping
to build on that record of excellence. The College faces a number of
opportunities and challenges which will make the next five years very
exciting," he said.
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For further information, contact:
Mark Evered
Vice-Provost
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8487
Charles Rhodes
Dean of WCVM
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-7068
