April 29, 2005
U of S Hosts National Medical Education Conference April 29-May 4
Posted April 29, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 29, 2005 2005-04-16-ME
U of S Hosts National Medical Education Conference April 29-May 4
The University of Saskatchewan is pleased to host the "Learning from Each
Other" medical education conference taking place in Saskatoon from April
28-May 4.
"The conference is the first of its kind because we are bringing together
five of the largest medical groups in Canada," said Dr. David Hawkins,
Executive Director, Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada. "Our
preliminary registration numbers show that there is tremendous interest in
what we are offering so we know it will be a huge success."
More than 600 people are expected to attend.
"This conference will allow us to discuss education issues at the national
level," said William Albritton, dean of the College of Medicine at the U of
S. "It allows medical schools the opportunity to compare their programs
with others across Canada."
The conference is being organized by: the Association of Faculties of
Medicine of Canada, Canadian Association for Medical Education, College of
Family Physicians of Canada, Medical Council of Canada and Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.
Media are invited to the following sessions:
* Sunday May 1, 4:00-5:45 p.m. J. Wendell MacLeod Memorial Symposium -
"Celebrating the Legacy of EFPO and the Saskatchewan Connection" (EFPO -
Educating Future Physicians for Ontario). The Saskatchewan Connection
section will be presented by David Popkin, former dean, College of Medicine,
U of S. It will be held at the Centennial Auditorium - Centennial Hall AB.
* Monday May 2, 8:30-11:45 a.m. "Generalization vs. Superspecialization: Can
one school support both?" featuring a debate with William Albritton, Dean,
College of Medicine, U of S, Danielle Saucier (Université Laval),
Ashley Waddington (Can. Federation of Medical Students), Joanna Bates (UBC),
James Clarke (Can. Association of Interns and Residents), David Walker
(Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences - Queen's University). Held at the
Centennial Auditorium - Centennial Hall AB.
* Tuesday May 3, 1:30-4:30 p.m. "Reflective Practice: Broadening our
Perspectives" featuring James (Sakej) Youngblood Henderson, Native Law
Centre, U of S and others. Held at Centennial Auditorium - Centennial Hall
B.
-30-
For more information, please contact:
Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6607
Email: communications@usask.ca
* More information is also available (including a copy of the program) at
http://www.afmc.ca/pages/annual_meetings_2005.html .
April 27, 2005
U of S Music Professor Emeritus to Lead National Youth Band of Canada
Posted April 27, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 27, 2005
2005-04-13-ED
U of S Music Professor Emeritus to Lead National Youth Band of Canada
Marvin Eckroth, University of Saskatchewan Professor Emeritus in music, has
been chosen to conduct the 2005 National Youth Band of Canada which will
meet, rehearse, and tour in Saskatchewan for the first time in the band's
history May 6th to 15th.
"Marvin Eckroth is a remarkable conductor, musician, and mentor," says U of
S music department head Dean McNeill. "The opportunity for the students in
the National Youth Band of Canada to work with this outstanding U of S
expert in wind ensemble music is a wonderful opportunity indeed."
The National Youth Band (NYB) is known in music circles as "the cream of the
crop" for wind, brass, and percussion players aged 16 to 21 from across
Canada. Its goal is to provide an opportunity for young musicians to work
with a professional conductor and guest soloist, as well as to demonstrate
their own musical creativity. Musicians must apply and audition to gain a
spot in the NYB which, since 1994, has run annually in different parts of
Canada.
This year, 11 students from the U of S music department garnered places in
the band. Ten Saskatchewan high school students also made the cut.
"Under Marvin's direction the University of Saskatchewan Wind Orchestra was
very well respected both in Canada and internationally," says McNeill.
"We're delighted to see Marvin continue to lend his musical knowledge and
expertise to some of Canada's most aspiring young musicians in the National
Youth Band."
Eckroth was named Professor Emeritus in 2002 and remains an active
conductor, adjudicator, and musician. Conducting this prestigious ensemble
of 55 young musicians from coast to coast is just part of a long series of
ongoing scholarly and artistic contributions made by the eminent U of S
professor.
At the U of S, Eckroth taught conducting and woodwind technique and
published various articles on wind instrument topics. He has presented
clinics and master classes in such far-flung locations as Rotterdam and has
conducted such orchestras as the Pacific Basin Honour Band in Honolulu,
Hawaii. He brought the U of S Wind Orchestra to such settings as The
Netherlands and Austria, as well as to some 60 communities in Western
Canada, in addition to leading the orchestra on CBC Radio on numerous
occasions.
An accomplished saxophonist, his performance background includes numerous
CBC broadcasts and performances in Germany, Washington, Montreal, and
Virginia. His saxophone activities were the subject of a 1995 cover story in
the Saxophone Journal which recently published his master class CD and
article dealing with saxophone tone production.
The National Youth Band will begin rehearsals in Regina on May 6th. They
will perform in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Yorkton, and Regina from May 12th
to 14th as follows:
- Thursday, May 12: 11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m., Circle Drive Alliance Church,
Saskatoon
- Thursday, May 12: 7:30 - 8:45 p.m., Carlton High School, Prince Albert
- Friday, May 13: 12:20 - 1:35 p.m., Anne Portnuff Theatre, Yorkton
- Saturday, May 14: 7:30 - 9 p.m., Education Auditorium, University of
Regina
- 30 -
For more information, contact:
Jennifer W. Webber
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1474
jennifer.webber@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Marvin Eckroth
U of S Professor Emeritus
mkeckroth@shaw.ca
National Youth Band of Canada
http://www.nyb.ca/
April 26, 2005
U of S Announces Honorary and Earned Degree Recipients
Posted April 26, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 26, 2005
2005-04-12-OTHER
U of S Announces Honorary and Earned Degree Recipients
Today, the University of Saskatchewan announced the latest recipients of
honorary and earned degrees. They will be presented at Spring Convocation
ceremonies May 25 and 26 in Saskatoon.
Honorary degrees will be awarded to acclaimed journalist Allan Fotheringham
and teacher and conservationist Frank Roy.
"Through his writing and humour, Mr. Fotheringham has awakened many
Canadians to political and democratic processes," said U of S Secretary,
Gordon Barnhart. "Mr. Roy is recognized as a master teacher and leader in
his profession dedicating many years to teaching and nurturing students."
Earned degrees will be presented to professor emeritus of political studies
John Courtney and professor of veterinary medicine Reuben Mapletoft.
"Dr. Mapletoft has set international standards and his work has led to new
developments in reproductive technologies in cattle on every continent."
said Barnhart. "Professor Courtney is a highly sought after public policy
advisor and scholar. These men truly embody the values of our University."
Allan Fotheringham is a native of Hearne, Saskatchewan and has been a
columnist for the better part of his nearly half a century in journalism.
His first job as a journalist was for the Vancouver Sun. After three years
he traveled to Europe where he worked for Reuters and Canada News. In 1959,
he returned to Canada and to the Vancouver Sun as a writer and columnist.
Soon after, his column was syndicated across the country. He later worked
for Southam News, The Financial Post, The Globe and Mail, and Sun Media.
Fotheringham also occupied the prestigious "back page" of Macleans for more
than 25 years. He is the author of eight books all following political
themes and was a panelist for 10 years on the nationally televised program,
Front Page Challenge.
Mr. Fotheringham will receive an honorary doctor of letters on May 25 at
9:00 a.m. All ceremonies will take place at the Centennial Auditorium,
Saskatoon.
J. Frank Roy was born near Tullis, Saskatchewan. He earned a BA in
Philosophy and History from the U of S in 1948, a BEd in 1953 and an MA in
1968. A high school teacher for more than 35 years he contributed
significantly to changes in the English curriculum. He also taught
internationally in Germany and West Africa. An active promoter of the
Outdoor Education program Roy is also a committed environmentalist and
conservationist having drafted provincial and national policies on ecology.
Also an author, he has written a regional bird guide - one of the most
comprehensive in Canada.
Mr. Roy will receive an honorary doctor of laws on May 26 at 2:00 p.m.
John Courtney served on faculty for 39 years at the U of S first with the
former department of economics and political science and more recently with
the department of political studies. He is a professor emeritus and in the
fall will serve as a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson Centre in
Washington D.C. His research and publications have been devoted to
questions of representation, party leadership and party conventions,
electoral reform, and electoral districting. He is the author of four books
and has received several research grants. Numerous awards have been bestowed
upon him and he has held visiting teaching appointments in Germany, the
United States and Jerusalem.
Prof. Courtney will receive an earned doctor of letters on May 25 at 2:00
p.m.
Dr. Reuben Mapletoft joined the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at
the U of S in 1977. His research in reproductive biology and the application
of assisted reproductive technologies in cattle spans more than 30 years. He
is world renowned for his work and his protocols have become the standard
for clinical use worldwide. Dr. Mapletoft has played a central role in
building the U of S Reproductive Science and Medicine program, the only one
in Canada, where there is close collaboration between a veterinary college
and a college of medicine. Reproductive research on animal models has paid
dividends in learning how to treat fertility disorders in people.
Dr. Mapletoft will receive an earned doctor of science on May 26 at 9:00
a.m.
-30-
For complete biographies and pictures, please contact Communications at
(306) 966-6919.
For more information, please contact:
Gordon Barnhart
University Secretary
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-4635
April 25, 2005
UBC-U of S Research Offers Hope for Treatment of Age-Related Blindness
Posted April 25, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monday, April 25, 2005 2005-04-11-ME
UBC-U of S Research Offers Hope for Treatment of Age-Related Blindness
Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with anti-inflammatory drugs are
one-tenth as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the
most common form of blindness in people over 55, researchers at the
University of British Columbia and University of Saskatchewan have found.
The study, recently published in the Neurobiology of Aging, is a joint
effort of neurologist Dr. Patrick McGeer of UBC and rheumatologist Dr. John
Sibley of the U of S.
The scientists found that that rheumatoid arthritis patients being treated
with anti-inflammatory drugs were one-tenth as likely to develop
AMD than unaffected individuals in the United States, Australia, the Netherlands
and the United Kingdom.
"Age-related macular degeneration is like Alzheimer's disease of the eye,
with retinal deposits called drusen acting like amyloid deposits in the
brain found in Alzheimer's," says McGeer, a UBC professor emeritus in the
Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research and expert in the use of
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS).
The scientists reviewed 993 rheumatoid arthritis patients in Saskatchewan
aged 65 years or older who, on average, had been living with the condition
since age 51. Only three had developed AMD, where about 30 cases could be
expected in a similarly-aged group from the general populace.
"It was natural for us to look at the rheumatoid arthritis population," says
Sibley, a U of S professor of medicine and head of the division of
rheumatology. "They have been followed closely for more than 40 years with
particular attention paid to retinal changes because medication widely used
for rheumatoid arthritis can create visual problems."
It is already accepted that NSAIDS reduce the incidence of bowel cancer.
Fifteen years ago, McGeer and Sibley found the first of a growing body of
evidence that NSAIDS may also help reduce the incidence of Alzheimer's.
However, Sibley says this is the first time a link has been identified
between anti-inflammatories and macular degeneration.
The researchers emphasize that further study is required to confirm their
findings, but if they are corroborated, anti-inflammatories would be the
first approach for this intractable disease. Related questions such as
optimum dosage and when to begin treatment need to be answered. Also, since
NSAIDS can have side effects such as stomach upset, ulcers and stress on
kidneys, they are not appropriate for everyone and criteria for high-risk
patients that would benefit from their use will need to be defined.
Macular degeneration is the most common cause of severe vision loss in
Canada, especially among the elderly, according to the Canadian National
Institute for the Blind. It causes one in three cases of reported vision
loss. The condition causes light-sensitive cells in the macula, or central
portion of the retina, to degenerate. The macula is responsible for
perceiving fine visual detail. Early signs of macular degeneration include
blurring of vision when performing detailed tasks like reading or sewing.
AMD is the most common form of the disease and causes permanent loss of
central vision. There are two forms of AMD - wet and dry - with more than 85
per cent of cases being the dry form, for which there is no effective
treatment.
McGeer and Sibley's work was supported through the Arthritis, Rheumatism,
and Aging Medical Information System (ARAMIS) consortium through grants from
the United States National Institutes of Health. Additional funding was
provided through the Jack Brown and Family Alzheimer's Disease Foundation
and the estate of George Hodgson.
Note: To view the paper, visit
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journals, click on Neurobiology of
Aging, Articles in Press. A PDF of the study is available upon request.
-30-
For more information, contact:
John Sibley, MD, PhD
Division of Rheumatology
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 655-1000
(Note: please ask that Dr. Sibley be paged)
sibleyj@duke.usask.ca
Michael Robin
U of S Research Communications
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
Patrick L. McGeer, MD, PhD
Kinsmen Laboratory of Neurological Research
University of British Columbia
(604) 822-7377
mcgeerpl@interchange.ubc.ca
Hilary Thomson
UBC Public Affairs
University of British Columbia
(604) 822-2644
hilaryt@exchange.ubc.ca
April 22, 2005
Queen to Visit Canadian Light Source, University of Saskatchewan
Posted April 22, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 22, 2005 2005-04-08-OTHER
Queen to Visit Canadian Light Source, University of Saskatchewan
SASKATOON - Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness the Duke
of Edinburgh will visit the University of Saskatchewan's Canadian Light
Source synchrotron on Thursday, May 19 as part of the Royal Visit
commemorating Saskatchewan's centennial.
"We are honoured to be included in the Royal Visit and to have the
opportunity to showcase our world-class research facilities and the cutting
edge science we are doing in human, animal and plant studies," says
University of Saskatchewan Secretary, Gordon Barnhart. "The Canadian Light
Source is a shining example of the University of Saskatchewan's leadership
in innovation and research."
Officially opened in October 2004, the national synchrotron facility at the
University of Saskatchewan is one of the country's largest science projects
in the last 30 years. It is funded through an unprecedented collaboration
among the university and all three levels of government: the federal
government; the provinces of Saskatchewan, Ontario and Alberta; and the City
of Saskatoon. Significant funds were also provided by industry partners in
the energy and pharmaceutical sectors. The synchrotron will be used by
researchers in academia, government and industry.
"Research at the Canadian Light Source will improve the quality of life of
people around the world," says CLS Executive Director William Thomlinson.
"Like the people of this province, we are thrilled that Her Majesty is
visiting this state-of-the-art facility that was designed and built in
Saskatchewan."
Synchrotron light is used to determine the chemical nature and the
molecular structure of materials, paving the way for new drugs, more
powerful computer chips, better engine lubricants, more effective medical
imaging, environmental monitoring and a host of other applications for
science and industry. There are currently six synchrotrons in the
Commonwealth: the CLS, the Daresbury Synchrotron Radiation Source in the UK
(soon to be replaced by the Diamond synchrotron in Oxfordshire), two in
India, one in Singapore and one under construction in Australia.
More information on the Canadian Light Source is available at:
www.lightsource.ca.
-30-
For more information contact:
Rob Norris
Coordinator, Global Relations
Office of the University Secretary
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 612-2428
Rob.Norris@usask.ca
U of S Awarded $1.94 M for Two New Research Chairs and Equipment
Posted April 22, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Friday, April 22, 2005
2005-04-09-OTHER
U of S Awarded $1.94 M for Two New Research Chairs and Equipment
Today the University of Saskatchewan was awarded $1.94 million over the next
five years for two new Canada Research Chairs and associated equipment that
will help monitor environmental damage in Canada's rivers and develop new
super-durable coatings for long-lasting artificial joints and machine parts.
The total includes $1 million for the Chairs and $940,000 for research
equipment funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the University and
other partners.
"Human health and the environment are consistently top priority issues for
Canadians," said U of S President Peter MacKinnon. "These latest research
chairs promise to help the University of Saskatchewan claim a lead role in
these critically important areas, while enriching the learning experience
for our students."
The new Chair holders, who will assume their positions from April 2005 to
September 2005, are:
- Monique Dubé - Canada Research Chair in Aquatic Ecosystem Health
Diagnosis
Canada's rivers are being degraded through urban and industrial development,
farming, hydroelectric development and other human activities. How much can
these crucial lifelines withstand before they cross a critical line, a point
of no return?
Monique Dubé will join the Western College of Veterinary Medicine
from the National Water Research Institute. She will create the Healthy
River Ecosystem Assessment System (THREATS) to help answer these questions.
Using specialized software and a mobile laboratory, the system can be
deployed at "hot spots" to measure river health, track changes over time,
and provide the information essential to forming policies to keep our waters
healthy.
- Qiaoqin Yang - Canada Research Chair in Nanoengineering Coating
Technologies
Moving parts, whether they be tools, machine parts or human joints,
eventually wear out. New wear-resistant coatings for these moving parts
would extend the life of these parts - good news for those Canadians who are
the recipients of more than 50,000 total and partial joint replacements
every year.
Qiaoquin Yang, in collaboration with fellow Canada Research Chair Akira
Hirose, has developed wear-resistant coatings based on diamond and its
related nanostructures. Recently, she developed a technology to synthesize
various kinds of nanostructured carbon thin films including nanotubes,
nanocone diamond and nanocrystalline diamond, and a way to control how these
billionth-of-a-metre structures are formed. The goal is super-hard
wear-resistant materials with high biocompatibility - ideal for long-lasting
artificial joints.
With the addition of the two new Canada Research Chairs, the U of S has now
been awarded nearly $26.6 million to support 28 Chairs, as well as nearly
$9.5 million in related CFI and partner infrastructure funding.
A team of academic peers chooses the most outstanding candidates from
nominations submitted to the Chairs program by universities. U of S research
priority areas for the Chairs are biotechnology, environmental sciences,
health sciences, identity and diversity, materials science, and technology
and change.
The $900-million Chairs Program was created to enhance universities as
centers of world-class research excellence by attracting and retaining
excellent researchers in Canadian universities. By the end of 2005, Canadian
universities will have 2,000 new Canada Research Chairs. For profiles of U
of S Chair holders, visit http://www.usask.ca/crc or the national website at
http://www.chairs.gc.ca
-30-
For more information, contact:
Michael Robin
Research Communications Officer
Office of the Vice-President Research
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/research/
Province Invests in Proposed Feed Processing Research Centre at U of S
Posted April 22, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 22, 2005
2005-04-10-AG
Province Invests in Proposed Feed Processing Research Centre at U of S
The University of Saskatchewan will receive $257,000 from the Saskatchewan
government to help advance a proposed world-class $7-million feed processing
plant that will research, develop and test new feed products.
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman made the
announcement on campus today. The money will be used by the U of S Prairie
Feed Resource Centre (PRFC) to develop business, operating and engineering
plans, recruit a project leader, and develop partnership opportunities for
the proposed facility -- the first of its kind in Canada.
"I am pleased we are able to make another investment in Saskatchewan
agriculture," Minister Wartman said. "We have the greatest variety and
abundance of crops suitable for making feed. Developing a RandD feed
processing facility has tremendous agricultural and economic potential, now
and into the future."
The facility, expected to be built on campus by 2006, would enhance
provincial livestock production, expand value-added processing, and
contribute to rural revitalization, while providing valuable training for
students and the industry. Funding is being sought from a variety of
sources including government, industry, and producer groups.
"This strategic investment by the Province will move the concept of an
international centre of excellence in feed research, commercialization and
education at U of S one step closer to reality," said Graham Scoles, U of S
College of Agriculture Acting Dean.
"This proposed facility will fill a critical gap in the internationally
recognized U of S cluster of livestock, crop and feed research
organizations, and will generate new partnerships worldwide with other
centres of excellence that will benefit Saskatchewan agriculture."
The new facility would enable the PFRC, which provides feed development
research and commercialization services to industry, to apply the latest
technology in the development of new animal feeds and would also serve the U
of S animal and poultry science department, Crop Development Centre, the
Prairie Swine Centre and other campus research groups. At present,
researchers have to use foreign high-tech processing facilities for testing
which is expensive and slows down research.
"We are delighted with this investment and in establishing this action plan
to fill existing gaps in research and development in the industry," PFRC
board chair Harold Yelland said.
Partnership opportunities are likely to involve key research institutes in
the U.S., the Netherlands, and China, as well as other Canadian universities
and other interested groups such as the Canadian International Grains
Institute, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, and various companies.
A recent study by Pearson and Associates Agri-Consulting Inc., commissioned
by the PFRC and sponsored by CARDS (Canadian Adaptation and Rural
Development in Saskatchewan), found that new animal feed development has the
potential to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in new economic
activity in the province. There is a high demand for this research in
industry.
The study identified the high economic potential for feed processing
facilities in aquaculture feed ingredients and pea-canola blends, as well as
the use of crop by-products and other value-added initiatives. This report
will be released today at a PFRC meeting with industry and potential
partners in Saskatoon.
Wartman noted Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food is also supporting increased
development capacity in the feed industry through the Saskatchewan Research
Chairs Program at the U of S, and by creating a provincial feed industry
development specialist position.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Bernard Laarveld
Department of Animal and Poultry Science
College of Agriculture
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4972 or 966-4128
U of S Prairie Feed Resource Centre
Harold Yelland, Chair of the Board
(306) 278-2526
Kathryn Warden
Director, Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
Scott Brown
Director, Communications
Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food
Regina
(306) 787-4031
April 21, 2005
U of S Western College of Veterinary Medicine partners in community-based wildlife health monitoring inthe north
Posted April 21, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 21, 2005 2005-04-07-WCVM
U of S Western College of Veterinary Medicine partners in community-based wildlife
health monitoring in the north
SASKATOON - Local youth and harvesters in the Sahtu are better-informed now
about local wildlife issues thanks to a community-based project for
monitoring wildlife populations and health in the Sahtu Settlement Area,
Northwest Territories. Founded in 2003 by a researcher at the Western
College of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM) and a wildlife biologist with the
Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT), the third annual community
tour has wrapped for another year.
"The health and sustainability of wildlife populations is important for
subsistence harvesters as well as the overall economy of the Northwest
Territories - wildlife health is a key area of research," said project
co-founder Dr. Susan Kutz, WCVM and Research Group for Arctic
Parasitology."Global warming, renewable and non-renewable resource
development, and a greater human footprint can alter the patterns of disease
occurrence in wildlife and have a direct impact on both wildlife and human
health."
"We travel to all five communities in the Sahtu, to increase awareness of
wildlife health issues and foster long-term community-based monitoring and
management of wildlife," Alasdair Veitch, project co-founder and supervisor,
Wildlife Management, Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) for the Sahtu
region said. "The project is a sharing of knowledge and information."
The team members in 2005 were: Dr. Susan Kutz, WCVM graduate students Dr.
Emily Jenkins and Dr. Aleksija Neimanis, Dr. Brett Elkin, Alasdair Veitch
and Richard Popko (ENR) and Glen Guthrie (Sahtu Renewable Resources Board).
"One of our goals was to bring scientists and the biology of local wildlife
species to every student (kindergarten to grade 12) in the area," Dr. Kutz
added. "We hope to encourage student involvement in wildlife monitoring and
promote careers in science, veterinary medicine, and renewable resource
management."
As well as Youth Education at schools about the basic biology, management,
and health of locally important species, the project focused on three other
key areas in 2005: A Wildlife Health Monitor Program to establish
partnerships and involvement with local harvesters; Focus Group Interviews
with Harvesters on the historical and current occurrence of wildlife
disease, and Graduate Student Education to provide northern community
experiences and exposure to future academic researchers, while strengthening
links between universities and communities.
The Sahtu Settlement Area consists of five small communities: Tulita,
Deline, Fort Good Hope, Colville Lake, and Norman Wells. Subsistence harvest
continues to be a mainstay of the region's economy. Feedback from
elders and local stakeholders clearly indicated that they wished to see
youth better educated about local wildlife issues, as well as local
harvesters involved in various aspects of ongoing research.
The project is now a growing partnership among the Research Group for Arctic
Parasitology (RGAP) - Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre (CCWHC,
WCVM, University of Saskatchewan), the Sahtu Renewable Resources Board,
Government of the Northwest Territories, the five Sahtu Renewable Resource
Councils (RRCs), the five Sahtu schools, and others. Funding for the program
is provided by the GNWT and NWT Cumulative Impacts Monitoring Program,
Department of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, the Sahtu Renewable
Resources Board, NSERC PromoScience, Enbridge Inc (NT), NWT Western
Biophysical Study, and the Climate Change Action Fund, Natural Resources
Canada.
Established in 1964, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine enrolls 392
undergraduates and graduates each year and has earned a reputation as one of
the top veterinary colleges in North America. The College's
accreditation was renewed in March 2004, receiving the highest level, a
seven-year award.
To obtain downloadable images of the community tour, visit www.wcvm.com,
click on News and Events, click on College News. You an also learn more
about the College's recent announcements, expansion project and donor
opportunities.
For more information contact:
Kathy M. Hollands, ABC
Communications Officer
Western College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 955-4571 or 966-7451
Cell: (306) 270-9631
April 15, 2005
Government invests in research at the U of S
Posted April 15, 2005
The following news release was issued by the Government of Saskatchewan.Government invests in research at the U of S
The Government of Saskatchewan is providing almost $4.5 million for ten
Canada Research Chairs and supporting infrastructure at the University of
Saskatchewan.
http://www.gov.sk.ca/newsrel/releases/2005/04/15-312.html
BACKGROUNDER
Tier I and II Research Chairs Receiving ISF Funds
University of Saskatchewan
April 15, 2005
Abonyi, Sylvia - $325,000 (U of S) for research and infrastructure costs for
the Tier II Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal Health. Partnering with
Aboriginal communities, the Chair is exploring the role of culture in the
health of Aboriginal Canadians in priority areas such as diabetes and
HIV/AIDS. An Aboriginal health research and training facility will be set
up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan to conduct research to improve
understanding of population health.
Achenbach, Sven - $325,000 (U of S) for research and infrastructure costs
for the Tier II Canada Research Chair in Micro and Nano Device Fabrication.
Nanotechnology is a rapidly expanding high-technology area, supporting
multi-billion dollar industries in various fields. Using the CLS, the Chair
is establishing X-ray lithography technology in Canada, and will also
establish a microfabrication laboratory known as the Canadian Synchrotron
Nanostructures Facility (CSNF) at the CLS. Using a new atomic force
microscope, work will be done to characterize the micro- and nano-scale
structures developed at the CLS, and work will also be done to develop and
optimize the lithography processes used to obtain these structures.
Brawley, Lawrence - $525,000 (U of S) for research and infrastructure costs
for the Tier I Canada Research Chair in Physical Activity for Health
Promotion and Disease Prevention. A physical activity and health promotion
laboratory will be developed to allow research on older adults and special
populations with chronic conditions (cardiovascular disease, mobility
disability, arthritis) and to investigate key issues related to physical
activity to inform health professionals and agencies about management of
physical activity in older adults. The Chair will also research methods
both to help people to change behaviour and to maintain desired new
behaviours.
Chapman, Dean - $525,000 (U of S) for research and infrastructure costs for
the Tier I Canada Research Chair in Multidisciplinary Health Research. A
novel synchrotron-based x-ray projection imaging and computer tomography
system is being built and tested at the CLS. The system allows tissues to
be visualized in unprecedented clarity and detail and involves the
translation of synchrotron methods to clinical systems. With this imaging
technique, cancers can be seen with better clarity while delivering x-ray
doses less than three percent (3%) of what is delivered by present
radiography.
Kalynchuk, Lisa - $325,000 (U of S) for research and infrastructure costs
for the Tier II Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neuroscience. A
behavioural neuroscience research laboratory will be established to support
research on the neurobiological underpinnings of pathological emotional
behaviour such as anxiety, depression and panic. This research is expected
to lead to the development of more targeted drug treatments for anxiety and
depression, and is expected to enable development of enriched early
childhood environments that are supportive of healthy responses to stress
later in life.
Partridge, Mark - $400,000 (U of S) for the Tier I Chair in the New Rural
Economy. This Chair is investigating the future of rural life in the
Prairies and Western Canada by examining linkages between technological
change and economic growth. Farming will remain important in the rural
economy, but will not be the engine of growth it once was. This research
will assess the factors that might inhibit Western Canadian farms and
businesses from adopting New Economy business practices, and examine the
degree to which choices made to live in certain areas are determined by job
opportunities as opposed to quality-of-life issues.
Pedras, Soledade - $540,000 (U of S) for research and infrastructure costs
for the Tier I Canada Research Chair in Bioorganic and Agricultural
Chemistry. Research will be conducted on the natural reactions of plants to
pathogenic microbes to discover natural defence processes that can be
applied to protecting plants. New equipment for metabolic profiling and
enzyme purification will be used to develop strategies to protect crops
against diseases such as blackleg, black spot, stem rot, root rot, and other
fungi. This research is expected to lead to selective disease control
methods to reduce crop yield losses and preserve the environment.
St. Maurice, Jean-Pierre - $540,000 (U of S) for research and infrastructure
costs for the Tier I Canada Research Chair in Environmental Sciences. A
high-frequency radar system will be installed at Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, that
will play a pivotal role in the study of magnetic storms, filling an
important gap in the present network of ground-based instrumentation. This
research will contribute to knowledge of global change issues, including
climate change.
Tse, John - $560,000 (U of S) for research and infrastructure costs for the
Tier I Canada Research Chair in Materials Science. A high- performance
computing facility will be established to allow research on atomic
structures and properties in conjunction with sophisticated experimental
methods at the CLS. New methods for large-scale computer simulations will
be developed to assist interpretation and prediction of material properties.
These predicted material properties will be examined using the CLS by
subjecting the actual materials to extreme pressure and temperature.
Chibbar, Ravindra - $400,000 (U of S) for research costs for the Tier I
Canada Research Chair in Molecular Biology for Crop Quality. The Chair has
studied the regulation of genes responsible for starch biosynthesis in
cereal grains, opening the way to biotechnological improvement of crops
through means other than "genetic modification." This research will be
expanded into pulse crops and will assist in designing molecular strategies
to develop pulse crops with desired quality components.
April 12, 2005
U of S admissions deadline approaching quickly
Posted April 12, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 12, 2005 2005-04-05-OTHERU of S admissions deadline approaching quickly
Each year more and more students choose the University of Saskatchewan for their post-secondary education because they realize the U of S has one of the most comprehensive academic programs in the country offering animal, plant, and human life studies on one beautiful campus.
Time is running out! The deadline to apply for admission for most direct-entry programs, is Sunday, May 1, 2005.
Students can apply online and pay by credit card at
http://explore.usask.ca/. For students who require assistance in completing
the Application for Admission, please contact Recruitment and Admissions at
(306) 966-6718 or admissions@usask.ca. Office hours are Monday to Friday,
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
April 07, 2005
Prairie Farmers Invest $9 Million in U of S Crop Research
Posted April 07, 2005
A Joint Western Grains Research Foundation and University of Saskatchewan
Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Thursday, April 7th, 2005 2005-04-03-AG
Prairie Farmers Invest $9 Million in U of S Crop Research
SASKATOON, SK. Prairie farmers will invest more than $9 million over 10
years in world-class research at the University of Saskatchewan aimed at
developing the next generation of superior quality wheat and barley
varieties to keep Prairie farmers competitive in global markets.
A renewed 10-year funding partnership was announced today by the Western
Grains Research Foundation (WGRF) and the U of S Crop Development Centre
(CDC) which houses the largest university-based plant breeding operation in
Canada. WGRF, a farmer funded and directed organization, will make the
investment through its producer-funded Wheat and Barley Check-off Funds.
The funding will be targeted at specific goals such as improvements to
yield, quality, disease and pest resistance, agronomic characteristics and
class diversification.
"This agreement is a renewal of our long-term partnership with CDC, which
ensures Western Canadian wheat and barley producers will continue to benefit
from breeding advances essential to meet changing production challenges and
market demands," says WGRF Chair Keith Degenhardt, a Hughenden, Alta.
producer. "This will help our industry remain competitive with Australia,
the U.S. and other countries where producers are investing heavily in
breeding research."
"This funding provides a strong anchor to our centre of excellence in crop
development," said CDC director Rick Holm. "The CDC has become a world
leader in wheat and barley genetics and variety development, and producer
support through the Check-off has played an important role in our success
over the past decade. The continuation of this partnership over the next 10
years will help sustain wheat and barley production as a major economic
force in Western Canada, delivering broad benefits to society as a whole."
The Crop Development Centre is a field crop research unit in the U of S
department of plant sciences which seeks to increase diversification of
crops and their products for farmers and Saskatchewan's agricultural
industry by improving existing crops, creating new uses for traditional
crops, and introducing new crops. Over the past 30 years, the CDC's plant
breeding programs have led to the release of more than 232 varieties in 22
crop kinds.
CDC research funded under the agreement includes breeding programs for
Canada Western Red Spring wheat, Canada Western Hard White wheat, Canada
Western Amber Durum wheat and
Canada Western Red Winter Wheat, along with breeding programs for two-row
malting barley and two-row feed and food barley, including hulless barley.
WGRF typically invests more than $4 million annually in wheat and barley
breeding research through the Check-off Funds. All funding decisions are
made by the WGRF Board, which is made up of representatives of 18 diverse
agricultural organizations representing the majority of producers across the
Prairies.
Under previous 10-year agreements that began in 1994, the Check-off has
supported breeding research at the CDC and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
It has also supported complementary germplasm development research at the
University of Manitoba, the University of Alberta and Alberta Agriculture,
Food and Rural Development in Lacombe.
"The CDC agreement is a reflection of the strong track record of the
institution and the value of this research to Prairie agriculture and farmer
research investors," says Lanette Kuchenski, WGRF executive-director. "The
development of new agreements has been an extensive effort based on broad
industry input, independent reviews, work by our advisory committees and
negotiations with research institutions."
Information on the CDC is available at
http://www.usask.ca/agriculture/plantsci/cdc.html. For information on the
Wheat and Barley Check-off Fund and resulting research progress, visit
www.westerngrains.com.
For more information contact:
Lanette Kuchenski, Executive Director
Keith Degenhardt, Chair
Western Grains Research Foundation
(306) 975-0060
Rick Holm
Director, Crop Development Centre
Department of Plant Sciences
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8195
April 06, 2005
New Appointees to U of S Board of Governors
Posted April 06, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - April 6, 2005 2005-04-03-OTHER
New appointees to U of S Board of Governors
Two new members have been appointed to the University of Saskatchewan
Board of Governors.
Professional artist and philanthropist Gail Appel and Lawyer Nancy E.
Hopkins Q.C., a partner in the firm of McDougall Gauley have both
accepted three-year appointments by the Government of Saskatchewan.
Ms. Appel will enhance the Board's expertise in programming for the
Humanities and Ms. Hopkins will bring a wealth of knowledge in the areas
of corporate governance and taxation law.
"I am delighted to welcome these new appointees. An institution of the
size and diversity of this university requires thoughtful and capable
people in positions of governance," said Peter MacKinnon, University of
Saskatchewan President. "We are delighted with the calibre of these new
appointees and look forward to their active participation in the affairs
of the board."
"It is a reflection of the esteem in which the University is held that we
were able to recruit such excellent candidates," said Minister of
Learning Andrew Thomson. "The people of the province can be confident in
the capable stewardship of the University of Saskatchewan."
For more information, please contact:
Peter MacKinnon
President
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6612
Gail Appel
Tel: (416) 944-1919
Nancy E. Hopkins
Tel: (306) 665-5440
April 04, 2005
U of S Engineering Students Tackle Whitewater and Synchrotron Controls in Innovation Awards
Posted April 04, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monday, April 4, 2005
2005-04-01-ENG
U of S Engineering Students Tackle Whitewater and Synchrotron Controls in
Innovation Awards
Designs for a Saskatoon whitewater sports facility and a synchrotron computer control
and monitoring system won the 2005 University of Saskatchewan Engineering Innovative Design
and Student Paper Presentation Competitions.
Students presented a concept for a water sports facility for Saskatoon's Victoria Park
that could serve as a competitive training facility, sporting venue and tourist
attraction. Their project was sponsored by the Saskatoon Centennial Lions Club,
which hopes to promote financing and development of the project.
The winning paper and presentation was developed for the Advanced Photon Source synchrotron
at Argonne National Labs, Chicago. It described a system to monitor temperature and control
power of instrument racks that works seamlessly with the existing control system. The same
system is used at the Canadian Light Source.
Fourteen projects involving 43 students were entered this year. The work, much of it sponsored
by Saskatchewan-based companies, pitted the teams against engineering design problems
supplied by researchers and industry partners across North America.
"Through this competition, our students demonstrated they are ready to tackle real-world
engineering challenges," says David Sumner, associate professor of mechanical engineering and
coordinator for the event. "Their example shows how the U of S engineering program produces
highly skilled, well trained professionals for a demanding industry."
Teams vie for a $1,000 prize in each category, sponsored by the Saskatoon Engineering Society,
the College of Engineering and the Vice-President Research of the U of S.
The Innovative Design competition looks for the most innovative design, process or technological
development that has potential for application in industry or contribution to society. The
"Saskatoon Engineered Whitewater Facility," by Dallas Ashton, Matthew Braun, Evan Manning and
Ryan Wanner of the department of civil and geological engineering took top spot this year.
"The project required them to investigate all aspects of engineered whitewater facilities and to
consider various locations, layouts and materials appropriate for Saskatoon," says civil and
geological engineering professor Gordon Putz, who advised the group. "They very successfully
applied their knowledge of civil engineering principles, environmental considerations and
economics to produce a solid conceptual design."
The Student Paper presentation focuses on the best oral presentation on an engineering topic,
such as fourth-year design work or a class-related engineering project. To win this year, Andrew
Donovan, John Koberinski and Stephen Norum explained how their Universal Serial Bus (USB)
Rack Monitor could monitor sensitive electronics in a large installation at their customer's site.
Their approach allows seamless integration with standard software.
Professor Ron Bolton of the department of electrical engineering supervised the team. He says
the challenge was to explain their solution in terms comprehensible by their peers from the
entire range of engineering disciplines.
"One of the over-riding concerns in a presentation of this type is to convey the design
considerations on a project that they have worked on for six months and are very knowledgeable
about to an audience of designers who may not be familiar with the topic they are presenting."
This annual competition is sponsored by the Saskatoon Engineering Society (SES), which
represents local professional engineers registered with the Association of Professional Engineers
and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS). Additional support is provided by the U of S College of
Engineering and the Office of the Vice-President Research.
Entries were judged by local industry professionals, including David Loken of Loken Engineering
Services, Robert MacLeod of ERCO Worldwide, Garry Mak of UMA Engineering, Terence Monteith
of VCom, Brendan Reding of Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, and Ben Voss of Clear-Green
Environmental.
-30-
For more information, contact:
David Sumner
Associate Professor
Dept. of Mechanical Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5537
david.sumner@usask.ca
Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
