April 29, 2003
U of S Awarded $900,000 for 11 Human Sciences Research Projects
Posted April 29, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 29, 2003 2003-04-15-OTHER
U of S Awarded $900,000 for 11 Human Sciences Research Projects
Today 11 University of Saskatchewan researchers were awarded grants totaling
$902,336 by the federal Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of
Canada (SSHRC).
The wide-ranging projects include studies of the social history of medieval
magic manuscripts, health impact assessments in Canada's mining and energy
resource sectors, parenting practices and beliefs of adolescent mothers, and
the economic integration of Canada's immigrants.
"Our success in this challenging national competition is a reflection of the
excellence of U of S researchers who are advancing new frontiers in the
social sciences and humanities that will benefit policy-making and quality
of life in Canada," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon.
"SSHRC-funded research is about improving the way we live, learn, and
interact with each other," said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Works and
Government Services. "This funding will allow researchers in Saskatchewan to
explore new ideas that will help us develop a better
understanding of the most pressing regional, national and global issues."
U of S recipients of "Initiative on the New Economy" research grants, which
support projects that focus on aspects of the new economy, including
management and entrepreneurship, education, and lifelong learning, are:
Keith Walker (educational administration) and co-investigator Lynn Bosetti
(University of Calgary) -- $147,305 over three years to study senior
educational executives in K-12 and post-secondary institutions as they
effectively respond to new economic and social realities.
Richard Long (commerce) -- $97,771 over three years to study the extent to
which Canadian firms are adopting innovative pay practices (such as
team-based and knowledge-based pay) and whether these practices are key to
the effective use of a new management style based on employee involvement in
decision-making.
U of S standard research grant recipients:
Murray Fulton (agricultural economics) -- $99,605 over three years to study
factors that led to financial difficulties and in some cases financial
failure of four major agricultural co-ops in Western Canada and the Western
United States.
Scott Bell and co-investigator Maureen Reed (geography) -- $98,390 over
three years to study the impact of environmental protection on communities
in Saskatchewan's Grasslands National Park region.
Charissa Cheah and co-investigator Valery Chirkov (psychology) -- $92,980
over three years to examine cultural and psychological factors that affect
Aboriginal and Euro-Canadian adolescent mothers' parenting practices and
beliefs. The social and emotional development of mothers and children will
also be examined.
Peter Li (sociology) -- $86,775 over three years to study how economics,
immigration policies, and the presence of family members affects the
economic integration of immigrants in Canada.
Keith Walker (educational administration) and co-investigator Brian Noonan
(educational psychology and special education) -- $76,368 over three years
to study the challenges of Canadian school principals as they broker trust
and act as moral agents within educational systems.
Keith Carlson (history) -- $66,990 over three years to examine the role and
function of historical memory among British Columbia's Coast Salish people
and determine effects of the transition from orality to literacy in the late
19th and early 20th century.
Bram Noble (geography) -- $59,472 over three years to study health impact
assessments in Canada's mining and energy resource sectors and develop a
framework for integrating health issues into environmental impact assessment
practices. Understanding the scope of health
impact assessment and how to effectively integrate health issues into
environmental impact assessment practices will help to manage the impacts of
large-scale development projects on the environment and human health.
Frank Klaassen (history) -- $54,142 over three years to study the
intellectual and social history of astrological, demonic, and angelic magic
manuscripts written in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. Klaassen will
also examine how scribes, authors and collectors understood the magical
practices these books contained.
Nola Buhr (accounting) -- $22,538 over three years to trace the changing
nature of accounting by studying the annual reports produced by the Canadian
Pacific Railway and the Union Pacific Railroad during their first decade of
operations when no formal accounting standards existed.
"The world we live in is very different from the one in which most of us
were born," said SSHRC President Marc Renaud. "To succeed in this
fast-forward world, we have no choice but to adapt to constant change. The
projects announced today will develop the strategies our schools, businesses
and communities need to keep pace with this change."
SSHRC (www.sshrc.ca) is an independent federal government agency that funds
university-based research and graduate training through national peer-review
competitions.
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications Officer
Phone: (306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca or visit:www.usask.ca/research
April 25, 2003
$2-M State-of-the-Art Greenhouse Officially Opens on Campus
Posted April 25, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2003 2003-04-12-AG
$2-M State-of-the-Art Greenhouse Officially Opens on Campus
Today a $2-million greenhouse expansion that will advance University of
Saskatchewan plant research and teaching plus help reduce the time and cost
involved in developing new crop varieties was officially opened.
"This new state-of-the-art facility will more than double the amount of
agricultural greenhouse space on campus, greatly benefitting our researchers
and students and building on our excellent national and international
reputation in agricultural research," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon.
The expansion was funded with more than $682,000 from the Canada Foundation
for Innovation and $1.28 million from the Agriculture Building Trust Fund
comprised of donations from alumni, students, industry and the public during
the 1980s.
The project was one component of a $15.24-million package of College of
Agriculture infrastructure upgrades announced in the fall of 2000.
"This research infrastructure will serve as a magnet for recruiting faculty
and students to the region, and help facilitate new collaborations with
numerous researchers at academic institutions, within and outside of
Saskatchewan," said CFI President David Strangway.
"The need for additional greenhouse facilities is a sign of the expanding
plant breeding, biotechnology and plant pathology programs both within our
College of Agriculture and in the surrounding research and commercial
community," said Ernie Barber, Dean of the College of Agriculture.
"Until now, our greenhouse facilities were not sufficient to meet the
teaching, research and service commitments of the College and there were
waiting lists for space."
Barber notes that the largest single use of U of S agricultural greenhouses
is for propagation of plant breeding material - an activity that can
substantially reduce the time and cost required to develop new crop
varieties. The greenhouses are used for more than 20 crop breeding programs.
Located across from the Canadian Light Source synchrotron on Perimeter Road,
the new complex will increase agricultural greenhouse space to more than
20,000 square feet (6,666 square metres), including a "glass house" with
extra-wide panes of tempered glass that result in a 10-per-cent increase in
light.
"This will mean it will take 10-per-cent less time to grow a crop," says
plant sciences professor Doug Waterer. "Consultants who work internationally
on greenhouses tell us that our new greenhouses have the most light of any
they've seen."
This glass house will also enable researchers to simulate the types of
problems encountered by Saskatchewan's commercial greenhouse growers. "For
instance, we have begun research comparing organic fertilizers versus
standard fertilizers," says Waterer. "This is research we wouldn't be
capable of doing if we didn't have this facility."
There will also be 4,800 square feet (1,600 square metres) of
polyethylene-covered greenhouse space equipped with lights, in-floor heat
and flood floors that will assist in teaching students about commercial
greenhouse management.
"Previously we didn't have enough space to effectively teach greenhouse
management to our students. Now we can devote half this greenhouse space to
student projects," says Waterer, adding "We're teaching Saskatchewan's
future greenhouse managers - a luxury we didn't have until now."
Greenhouse space is also critical to cutting-edge research into plant
stress, disease control, fertility and water management, work that is
important for crop development. The expansion will include a 400-square-feet
(133 square metres) laboratory for research into plant diseases.
Professors in a number of plant sciences courses use the greenhouses to
demonstrate principles of greenhouse crop production, as well as to grow
plant materials for their classes. There are also more than 20 master's and
doctoral projects carried out in the greenhouses.
The greenhouses are also used for Extension Division courses, the University
of Saskatchewan Horticulture Club, and College displays and educational
functions.
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, colleges, research hospitals, and other non-profit
institutions.
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For more information, contact:
Doug Waterer
Professor, U of S Department of Plant Sciences
(306) 966-5857
http://www.usask.ca/agriculture/plantsci/index.html
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications
Office of the Vice-President Research
(306) 966-2506
www.usask.ca/research
Douglas Lauriault
Canada Foundation for Innovation
(613) 996-3193
www.innovation.ca
U of S Diploma in Agriculture students graduate today
Posted April 25, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2003 2003-04-13-AG
U of S Diploma in Agriculture students graduate today
Today, the University of Saskatchewan will confer 34 diplomas at its annual
graduation ceremony for the three-year Diploma in Agriculture Program.
The graduation ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Place Riel Theatre in the
Arts Building.
College of Agriculture Associate Dean Bob Tyler will present the graduands
with University of Saskatchewan Chancellor Tom Molloy conferring the
diplomas. Following, University of Saskatchewan Vice-Provost Mark Everett
will present student prizes and awards.
Student awards include:
* James Epp from Langham, Saskatchewan will receive the University Gold
Medal as the top graduating student.
* Ryan Crichton from Minetonas, Manitoba will receive the Scott Prize for
leadership and academic performance.
* James Epp will also receive the Fred Fulton Prize for farm business
management.
* Chad Zavislak from Canora, Saskatchewan will receive the SAGA Public
Speaking Award from the Saskatchewan Agricultural Graduates' Association.
After the award presentations, guest speaker and U of S alumnus Al Scholz
will address the graduates. Scholz is an agricultural consultant and
Executive Director of Saskatchewan Agrivision Corporation. Ryan Baumann
from Wymark, Saskatchewan will give the valedictory address.
A reception for graduates and their guests will follow the ceremonies in the
Agriculture Atrium, beginning at about 2:45 p.m.
The Diploma in Agriculture program educates individuals to become
knowledgeable and skilled managers of agricultural operations and prepares
them for both careers in the Agri-business and value-added sectors, and also
to become effective community leaders.
Since 1915, the University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture has
conferred over 4000 diplomas in Agriculture. The 2003 graduating class is
the last to graduate from the three-year program which has been phased out
since the introduction of a revamped two year program in 2001.
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For further information contact:
Karen Hughes
Coordinator Student Services
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4062
Dr. Ernie Barber
Dean
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4050
Prairie Horticulture Certificate Students Graduate at the U of S
Posted April 25, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 25, 2003 2003-04-14-AG
Prairie Horticulture Certificate Students Graduate at the U of S
The University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture awarded certificates
to 15 graduates of the Prairie Horticulture Certificate (PHC) program at a
convocation ceremony held today on campus.
Modeled after the award winning Certificates in Agriculture Program, the PHC
program meets the demand from prairie residents for post-secondary education
in horticulture science. The developed program is specific to the prairie
climate and adaptable to the growing horticulture industry across the
Prairie Provinces.
"Demand for the program from gardeners and industry continues to be strong,"
said PHC Coordinator Patricia Hanbidge. "Participants in the program
appreciate the opportunity to study at a distance and continue with their
farm, business and family responsibilities all at the same time."
There are 110 participants at various stages of completion in the PHC
distance delivery program. Since the program's beginning in the fall of
1994, there have been 63 graduates.
PHC was developed and is delivered by a consortium including the University
of Manitoba, Assiniboine Community College, Olds College and the University
of Saskatchewan. This program is offered cooperatively by the College of
Agriculture and the Extension Division at the U of S.
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For more information please contact:
Patricia Hanbidge PAg
PHC Coordinator
Extension Division
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-5749
Dr. Ernie Barber
Dean
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-4050
April 24, 2003
U of S Geographer to Lead $300,000 Arctic Climate Change Study
Posted April 24, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 24th 2003-04-10-AR
U of S Geographer to Lead $300,000 Arctic Climate Change Study
A research team led by University of Saskatchewan geographer Alec Aitken
will participate in a $41-million international scientific mission in the
Canadian Arctic announced in Quebec City today.
Aitken will receive almost $300,000 over five years from NSERC to lead a
national team involved in a 13-university study of the ecosystem impacts of
melting ice in the Western Arctic.
Aitken's team, which involves researchers from the Canadian Museum of
Nature, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the United States and Norway will
undertake research aboard a refurbished icebreaker - the Franklin -- to help
determine whether the Arctic Ocean is a source or a 'sink' for greenhouse
gases that contribute to global warming.
Aitken is one of 45 Canadian Arctic researchers and 30 foreign Arctic
specialists who will participate in the mission which involves $30.7 million
from the Canada Foundation for Innovation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to
retrofit the icebreaker and $10 million from NSERC for the Canadian Artic
Shelf Exchange Study (CASES) based at l'Université Laval.
"We are thrilled that the U of S is a study leader in this huge and very
important international project that will lead to better understanding of
the impact of global warming on the Arctic and other Northern communities,"
said U of S President Peter MacKinnon. "Professor Aitken's research will
contribute to our growing U of S expertise in Northern research."
"Today's announcement recognizes the talent and dedication of researchers at
the University of Saskatchewan," said Ralph Goodale, Saskatchewan MP for
Wascana. "Giving our local institutions access to leading research
collaborations and facilities will allow them to make an important
contribution to international science."
"The CFI investment will enable Canadian researchers -- working side by side
with some of the best researchers in the world -- to look at complex
environmental, social, and economic issues that are the result of global
warming," said CFI President David Strangway. "It will also provide a
world-class facility to train young Canadians in areas that are critical for
Canada as well as other nations in the world."
The Franklin will be used by researchers in the summer months and by the
Canadian Coast Guard during the winter. It will give researchers
unprecedented access to the Arctic Ocean, and the presence of a Canadian
icebreaker and research team in the Arctic will be a strong confirmation of
Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.
Some scientists think that given current trends in climate change, by 2050
there will be no Arctic ice cover during the summer months. This would
affect the Arctic ecosystem and the climate of the entire northern
hemisphere.
Aitken, one of only a handful of researchers in Canada who study the animals
that live on the Arctic sea floor, will investigate how changes in the sea
ice cover affect the types and numbers of sea floor animal populations such
as clams, snails, sea urchins, marine worms and shrimp. Graduate students
will also be involved.
The work will be carried out in the Western Arctic's Mackenzie Shelf on the
shallow southeast margins of the Beaufort Sea, an area currently
experiencing the greatest rate of warming and where the marine food chain is
most vulnerable to change.
Aitken's group will also study how much carbon is stored in the sediments of
the ocean floor and in animal tissues, and how much is potentially released
to the ocean from the sea floor as carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that
contributes to global warming.
The aim is to understand the processes that influence the rate at which
carbon dioxide is stored in oceans and released into the atmosphere. "If
less carbon is stored in the Arctic Ocean than is released, then we have a
problem," says Aitken.
He says that the length of the ice-free period affects the populations of
sea ice algae and phytoplankton that nourish bottom-dwelling communities.
Annual variations in ice cover thickness also affect species composition
through ice scouring of the sea floor. These changes in diet and species
composition, in turn, influence the rate at which carbon is cycled through
these animal communities.
As part of the CASES project, 10 to 12 high school students will be selected
from across Canada to participate in research aboard the Franklin. The
Schools on Board program invites schools that are implementing an Arctic
science-related component in their curricula to nominate a student. For more
information, visit www.giroq.ulaval.ca/cases.
NSERC (http://www.nserc.ca) is Canada's largest federal scientific granting
agency. The CFI (www.innovation.ca) is an independent, not-for-profit
corporation established by the Government of Canada in 1997 to strengthen
the capacity for innovation in Canadian universities, colleges, research
hospitals, and other non-profit institutions.
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Dr. Alec Aitken
Associate Professor of Geography
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5672
aaitken@arts.usask.ca
Douglas Lauriault
Canada Foundation for Innovation
(613) 996-3193
Martine Perreault
Media Relations and Public Affairs
NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada)
(613) 995-8824 / (613) 371-0219
April 22, 2003
U of S Continues to Attract Bright Minds and Young Leaders
Posted April 22, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Tuesday, April 22, 2003 2003-04-09-OTHER
U OF S CONTINUES TO ATTRACT BRIGHT MINDS AND YOUNG LEADERS
The University of Saskatchewan honoured 20 of Saskatchewan's brightest
student leaders today at a lunchtime reception. The students, who will begin
classes on campus in the fall, were honoured with one of two awards - five
received the prestigious President's First and Best Scholarship and 15 were
awarded a Chancellors' Scholarship.
U of S President, Peter MacKinnon was joined by Canada's Deputy Prime
Minister and Minister of Finance John Manley to congratulate the students.
MacKinnon said, "This is a tremendously accomplished group of students.
Their outstanding achievements to date, and their potential for future
success, represent considerable promise for this province and our country."
"Saskatchewan has a remarkable history of innovative people; and, after
meeting these bright young scholarship winners, I am sure they will make a
significant contribution to that tradition," said Manley.
The President's First and Best Scholarships are valued at $24,000 ($6,000 is
available in the first year and may be renewed for three additional years,
provided an 80% average is maintained.) Five awards are given out each year
to students graduating from high school. To be eligible, students must have
a minimum 95% average and have demonstrated outstanding leadership.
The Chancellors' Scholarships are valued at $20,000 ($5,000 in the first
year, renewable for three additional years if an 80% average is maintained).
Fifteen are awarded annually. Selection is based entirely on academic
achievement and traditionally students have achieved grades of 97%.
"We are confident that our faculty will challenge you in new ways, that our
programs will be stimulating and that you will find our campus community
both warm and inviting," MacKinnon told the students. "Whether your choice
of program is in the arts and sciences, or in one of our wide range of
professional colleges, your time on our campus will prepare you for life in
the knowledge age."
The University of Saskatchewan's award program is very diverse. Awards are
open to students based on a number of factors including: academic
achievement, financial need, and contributions to school and community life.
There are also awards that recognize students from particular backgrounds,
acknowledge contributions to certain clubs, and reward outstanding
achievement in music and athletics.
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For more information, please contact:
Janelle Hutchinson
Awards Officer
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-6732
E-mail: janelle.hutchinson@usask.ca
www.usask.ca
April 17, 2003
U of S President to serve as AUCC chairman
Posted April 17, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 17th, 2003 2003-04-07-OTHER
U of S President to serve as AUCC chairman
University of Saskatchewan President Peter MacKinnon has been elected
chairman of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
effective immediately. His appointment is for a two-year term.
"The issues raised by AUCC have tremendous significance for the country as a
whole," said MacKinnon. "I am pleased to have an opportunity to work with my
colleagues across Canada on behalf of Canadian higher education "
President of the University of Saskatchewan since 1999, MacKinnon has served
as assistant dean of law (1979-1981) and dean of law (1988-1998) and acting
vice-president (academic) of the U of S. He served as president of the
Canadian Association of Law Teachers (1981-1982) and president of the
Council of Canadian Law Deans (1994-1995).
A lawyer and academic, MacKinnon is co-editor of three books, and the author
of 30 articles and commentaries in Canadian, American and Australian legal
publications. He was a bencher of the Law Society of Saskatchewan for 10
years and twice served on its executive committee. He was appointed Queen's
Counsel in 1990.
MacKinnon succeeds Robert Lacroix, President, Université de
Montréal who will now serve as past chairman.
AUCC is the national organization representing Canada's 93 public and
private not-for-profit university and university-degree level colleges.
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For more information, contact:
Peter MacKinnon
Chairman of the AUCC
President, University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-6612
peter.mackinnon@usask.ca
Trevor Lynn
Public Affairs Officer
Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada
(613) 563-3961 ext 288
tlynn@aucc.ca
April 16, 2003
2003 Innovation Award Finalists Announced
Posted April 16, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 16, 2003 2003-04-05-OTHER
2003 Innovation Award Finalists Announced
Four University of Saskatchewan researchers have been nominated for the
second annual Innovation Place/UST "Award of Innovation."
Bryan Harvey, University of Saskatchewan Acting Vice-President Research,
announced the nominees late Tuesday at the SABEX (Saskatoon Achievement in
Business Excellence) award nominations reception.
The $2,500 award honors U of S researchers who have brought new and
commercially viable technology to University of Saskatchewan Technologies
(UST) Inc. for development into marketable products.
The award will be presented May 13th at the Saskatoon Centennial Auditorium
at the "Celebrate Success! Gala", an event sponsored by the Saskatoon and
District Chamber of Commerce and Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan Inc.
"This year's nominees have carried out research that has the potential to
have a significant impact on both human health and the global economy," said
Harvey, who is also chair of the UST board.
"The U of S, which conducts about half of all research in the province, is
proud to play a leading role as a catalyst for innovation and is committed
to boosting technology transfer in co-operation with Innovation Place and
other partners."
The finalists are:
- John Gordon, veterinary microbiologist, and Fang Li, former veterinary
microbiologist and current head of immunology at Dalian Medical University
in China.
They have developed a treatment for inflammatory disorders such as acute
respiratory distress, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. This
treatment would also target transplant-associated inflammation. Preliminary
interest has been expressed by venture capitalists.
- Physiology professor Rui Wang, research assistant Yaoge Huang, and former
research assistant Weiman Zhao have discovered two plant extracts -- an
effective treatment for erectile dysfunction that is more potent and cheaper
than Viagra, and an edible mushroom extract that improves cardiovascular
health and lowers high blood pressure.
The development of these herbal treatments has led to the creation of
BioNatCom Technologies Inc., a firm focused on developing and marketing
these products in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Physiology professor Kailash Prasad has identified anti-oxidant activity
in a flaxseed-derived compound that reduces plaque buildup in the lining of
the arteries. In animal studies, the compound called SDG decreases
cholesterol and hardening of the arteries due to high cholesterol levels,
lowers blood pressure and may help prevent or significantly delay the
development of diabetes in adults.
Prasad's findings have enormous pharmaceutical and nutraceutical (health
food) potential. Archer Daniels Midland (ADM), the world's largest
processor of soybeans, corn, wheat, and cocoa, is moving ahead in the
commercialization of this technology.
- Bernhard Juurlink, head of anatomy and cell biology, and his team which
includes nutrition professor Phyllis Paterson, neurosurgeon Dr. Robert
Griebel, and obstetrics and gynecology resident Dr. Huse Kamencic, have
developed a new drug with the potential to reduce the devastating effects of
spinal cord and brain injury. In animal models, their research has shown
that the drug OTC can prevent paraplegia and associated long-term damage
following spinal cord injury.
A U.S. patent was obtained last July for the technology. UST has completed
negotiations with the Western Life Sciences Venture Fund to license the
technology to a new Innovation Place start-up company, Triage Therapeutics
Inc. If all goes well with further research, clinical trials involving
humans could begin within two years.
U of S employees and students are eligible to apply for the award.
Selection criteria include the novelty of the innovation and its potential
commercial impact. The selection committee includes a representative from
each of Innovation Place, UST, and the U of S.
In addition to the $2,500, the winner will be recognized with a photo on the
"Award of Innovation" wall in Kirk Hall and a personal trophy.
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For more information, contact:
Rachelle Girard
Technology Marketing Manager/Acting CEO
UST Inc.
(306) 966-7338
rachelle.girard@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/ust
Kathryn Warden
Research Communications Officer
U of S Office of the Vice-President Research
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
April 10, 2003
U of S Board Announces New Dean of Education
Posted April 10, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 10, 2003 2003-04-01-ED
U of S Board Announces New Dean of Education
After a national search, the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors
approved the appointment of Dr. Cecilia Reynolds as Dean, College of
Education, effective July 1, 2003. The appointment is for a five-year
renewable term.
Dr. Ken Coates, University Acting Provost and Chair of the search committee,
said: "Dr. Reynolds has a distinguished history in teaching and scholarship
as well as excellent leadership skills. She will be a great asset to the
College of Education and the University of Saskatchewan."
Reynolds is currently Associate Dean of Academic Program at the Ontario
Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto, (OISE/UT), a
position she has held since 1999, and where she is also Associate Professor
of Theory and Policy Studies.
Reynolds began her academic career at Brock University as a graduate
research assistant. In 1987, she became an assistant professor. She served
as the Director of Women's Studies in the Faculty of Social Science for two
years, and in 1989 was promoted to the associate professor rank and granted
tenure.
Before her time at Brock, Reynolds was a co-owner of and editor for Reynolds
Publishing Company. And for sixteen years prior, she taught in the
elementary and secondary school system.
She received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Toronto in 1981. In
1983, she was awarded her Master's in Educational Administration, followed
by her Ph.D. in 1987, both from OISE/UT.
Reynolds' research interests include equity, globalization and education;
and the role of women leaders in education. She is currently researching
patterns and practices of succession for leaders in elementary and secondary
publicly funded schools in Canada, the United States, Australia and Britain
through a $110,000 SSHRC research grant.
She will replace Ken Jacknicke who is retiring June 30, 2003, after having
served as Dean for seven years.
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For further information, contact:
Ken Coates
Acting Provost and Vice-President Academic
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8484
E-mail: ken.coates@usask.ca
Cecilia Reynolds
Associate Dean of Academic Program
Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
University of Toronto
Tel: (416) 923-6641 ext. 3218
E-mail: creynolds@oise.utoronto.ca
UST Inc. Licenses Potential Spinal Injury Drug Treatment
Posted April 10, 2003
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 10, 2003 2003-04-02- OTHER
UST Inc. Licenses Potential Spinal Injury Drug Treatment
A new drug treatment with potential to reduce the devastating effects of
spinal cord and brain injury has been licensed by the University of
Saskatchewan's technology transfer company to a new start-up firm at
Innovation Place on campus.
University of Saskatchewan Technologies (UST) Inc. has recently licensed the
pharmaceutical technology, developed in a U of S College of Medicine lab, to
Triage Therapeutics Inc.
Triage, managed by Winnipeg-based Lombard Life Sciences, will arrange for
further experimentation including possible human testing, with a view to
commercializing the technology. Lombard manages the $90-M Western Life
Sciences Venture Fund LP, which creates, acquires and develops emerging life
sciences companies. The Crown Investment Corporation (CIC) of Saskatchewan
is an investor.
"This is an example of how outstanding, curiosity-driven lab research
translates into new technology that can potentially benefit both human
health and the economy," said Bryan Harvey, UST Inc. board chair and Acting
Vice-President of Research. "UST and the University are committed to
ensuring that exciting discoveries by our researchers are translated into
commercial opportunities that will benefit society, the researchers, and the
University."
Harvey made the announcement today at the Saskatchewan Investment Futures
Forum hosted by CIC and Saskatchewan Industry and Resources.
"There is enormous energy and creativity in the research community in
Saskatchewan," said Lombard CEO and Triage President Kevin McGarry. "This
licensing agreement is a model of how the researchers, business and the
government sector can work together to bring truly beneficial products to
market."
In a published, peer-reviewed study, a U of S research team has shown that
the new drug treatment can prevent paraplegia and associated long-term
damage in rats with spinal cord injuries by limiting the secondary damage
from inflammation that follows such injuries. A U.S. patent was obtained
last July for the technology.
"If this treatment has the same impact on humans as we've shown that it has
on laboratory animals, then it could have a major impact in treating both
spinal cord injury and brain injury," said Bernhard Juurlink, lead
investigator and head of the U of S department of anatomy and cell biology.
He notes that more than 1,000 Canadians sustain spinal cord injuries per
year. It's estimated that 55,000 Canadians incur a traumatic brain injury,
mainly from vehicle crashes, firearm use, and falls, each year.
The treatment involves administering a compound known as
L-2-oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate or OTC soon after injury. With early OTC
treatment, animals with injuries that would normally cause paralysis can
walk, but the treatment has not yet been tested on humans.
"Preventing spinal cord damage from inflammation caused by oxidative stress
is more effective than trying to repair the damage after it has been done,"
Juurlink says.
Triage will now undertake further research to determine the appropriate
dosage of OTC and how soon after injury the drug needs to be given in order
to be effective. Clinical trials could begin within two years. Initial-stage
human testing has already been done elsewhere on OTC in relation to other
conditions such as ALS.
Juurlink's team includes neurosurgeon Robert Griebel, nutrition professor
Phyllis Paterson, post-doctoral fellow Huse Kamencic and clinical research
fellow Elisabeth Schultke. The lab is one of the few in Canada working on
prevention of secondary damage in the wake of neck or brain injury.
If further testing proves successful, regulatory approval is granted, and
Triage takes the drug treatment to market, royalties will be paid to UST and
shared with SGI as a result of its funding of this important research.
Juurlink notes that the new drug treatment is the result of a decade of
basic research supported by federal and provincial partners, Saskatchewan
Government Insurance, the Christopher Reeve Foundation, and the Heart and
Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan.
Over the past five years, UST has helped to set up seven new companies in
Saskatoon, ranging from small consulting companies to high-tech
nanotechnology and bio-pharmaceutical firms.
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Bernhard Juurlink
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4083
Kevin McGarry
President and CEO
Lombard Life Sciences
(204) 943-0066
