March 28, 2007
Ernie Walker awarded 3M Teaching Fellowship
Posted March 28, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, March 28, 2007
The Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and 3M Canada have awarded 3M Teaching Fellowships to 10 faculty members in Canadian universities. Dr. Ernie Walker, Department of Archaeology, University of Saskatchewan, was recently honoured with this prestigious award.
The 3M Teaching Fellowships recognize exemplary contributions to educational and teaching excellence. STLHE and 3M Canada will post the official news release on the 3M Teaching Fellowships Program website.
For more information, visit:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/3Mteachingfellowships/index2.html
To view Dr. Walker's profile, visit:
http://www.mcmaster.ca/3Mteachingfellowships/2007/ernie.walker.html
Janice MacKinnon appointed to Canada West Foundation Board
Posted March 28, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Dr. Roger Gibbins, President and CEO of the Canada West Foundation, recently announced the appointment of Dr. Janice MacKinnon, professor of public policy at the University of Saskatchewan, to the Foundation's Board.
"We are very proud to have one of our faculty involved in such a prestigious appointment," said Michael Atkinson, Provost and Vice-President Academic, University of Saskatchewan. "Janice's advice, perspective and insights have been greatly appreciated at the University of Saskatchewan and will no doubt be of great benefit to the Canada West Foundation," Atkinson added.
Dr. MacKinnon is also chair of the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP) and Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
The Canada West Foundation will post the official news release on its website. For more information, visit http://www.cwf.ca/V2/cnt/release_200703291657.php.
Horsburgh Named to Senior Health Research Position at U of S and Saskatoon Health Region
Posted March 28, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, March 28, 2007
2007-03-10-OTHER
Beth Horsburgh has been named to a new senior position in charge of health research: Associate Vice-President Research (Health) at the University of Saskatchewan and Vice-President Research and Innovation with the Saskatoon Health Region (SHR). The joint position was filled after a nation-wide search.
Steven Franklin, U of S Vice-President Research and Maura Davies, President and CEO of the Saskatoon Health Region, welcome Horsburgh back to Saskatoon from Alberta to lead the new initiative.
"Her professional credentials and experience with our community make her an ideal fit as we address key areas of health research," Franklin says. "This includes areas such as Aboriginal and community health, infectious diseases, reproductive health, and development of new medicines."
"Beth Horsburgh's appointment demonstrates our collective commitment to building a stronger research partnership and enhancing opportunities for research excellence that will positively affect the health status of the people we serve and the communities they live in," says Maura Davies, President and CEO, Saskatoon Health Region.
"This new role will also foster an environment where our care is continuously informed and improved by new knowledge. I look forward to welcoming Dr. Horsburgh as a member of our senior leadership team."
Horsburgh was Dean of Nursing at the U of S from 2000 to 2005, before becoming Dean of the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Alberta. She takes up her new duties in Saskatoon in July.
The new joint position is intended to better integrate SHR - U of S research efforts, with the goal of increasing overall health research performance. She will be tasked with developing and implementing strategies and programs with community stakeholders. She will also lead efforts to translate the knowledge borne of an ambitious research agenda into clinical innovation, evidence-based policies, practices, and decision making.
The joint position is also supported by base and operating funds from the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF).
"Dr. Horsburgh's talent for bringing together and building a shared vision makes her an excellent choice for this unique position," says SHRF CEO June Bold. "With one foot in the health system and the other in the university, she will advance innovative research partnerships that attract new funding opportunities and foster outstanding health research."
Horsburgh's new position replaces that of the University Coordinator of Health Research, held for the past seven years by Bruce Waygood. Over the next few months, Waygood will maintain his responsibilities for major initiatives in health research, with the transition to Horsburgh to be completed by the end of June.
"This new position serves as a catalyst to bring together strong partners to create an even stronger 'whole,'" Horsburgh says. "It represents an opportunity for the Saskatoon Health Region and the University of Saskatchewan - but most importantly, it is an opportunity for the individuals, families and communities of the region and province. Together, we can do more, and better health research, the results of which will guide delivery of the most effective health services for the people of Saskatchewan, Canada and the world. I am both delighted and honoured to be entrusted to lead this visionary initiative."
Horsburgh's past teaching has focused upon the health challenges of adults. Her own research focuses on supporting the self-care efforts of adults with chronic illness, while also supporting their family caregivers. She is also actively involved in investigating primary health care reform and its effects on patients, families, and the health care team. She is active within the Canadian Association of University Schools of Nursing (CASN), serving at various times as vice-president research, a board member, and chair of its education sub-committee.
A native of Ontario, Horsburgh is experienced as a clinical nurse manager, instructor, and staff nurse. She served as Director of the School of Nursing at the University of Windsor before coming to the U of S in 2000. She received her masters degree and PhD in nursing at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and her Master of Education from the University of Windsor.
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For more information, contact:
M.E. (Beth) Horsburgh
c/o Faculty of Nursing
University of Alberta
(780) 492-3029
Michele Bossaer
Corporate and Public Affairs
Saskatoon Health Region
(306) 655-3328
www.saskatoonhealthregion.ca
Michael Robin
Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2427
michael.robin@usask.ca
www.usask.ca/research
James Winkel
Communications Officer
Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation
(306) 975-1687
www.shrf.ca
March 19, 2007
University of Saskatchewan Receives Innovation and Science Funds from Government of Saskatchewan
Posted March 19, 2007
March 16, 2007
The Government of Saskatchewan has committed $24.7 million to the University of Saskatchewan's International Vaccine Centre (InterVac).
For more information: http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=1c96d215-fd56-43a5-a79f-921c2eb00c54
March 15, 2007
Clinical Learning Resource Center Opens in the Health Sciences Building at the U of S
Posted March 15, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 15, 2007
2007-03-04-ME
The Inter-Professional Health Science Office is pleased to announce the opening of the Clinical Learning Resource Center (CLRC). This newly renovated space is located on the 4th floor of the Health Sciences Building at the University of Saskatchewan.
"The University is unique in that it has a broad array of health science programs located in relatively close proximity on campus" states Liz Harrison, Associate Dean of Physical Therapy and Inter-professional Health Sciences Education Programs. "The space will contribute to an environment that supports high quality under-graduate and graduate programming for health professional students. The flexible design of this space will accommodate a variety of teaching needs including clinical labs as well as large and small classrooms."
The Clinical Learning Resource Center is a simulated clinic that provides students from all health disciplines the opportunity to learn together in an inter-professional environment.
"The Clinical Learning Resource Center will provide an opportunity for nursing faculty and students to come together in a collaborative learning environment" states Joan Sawatzky, Acting Dean of the College of Nursing. "In addition we will be able to build on our relationships with other health disciplines."
The Clinical Learning Resource Center opened to students and faculty in the fall of 2006. The newly constructed space integrates well with the Simulated Clinical Care Area located in Ellis Hall of the Royal University Hospital and provides students with a state of the art learning facility. The anticipated demand for interim clinical space will come from a number of health science programs, as well as from a new and increasing spectrum of inter-professional clinical learning opportunities.
"Health care needs to have a team approach," states Dennis Gorecki, Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition. "To provide the best care for patients, pharmacists, nurses, physical therapists, physicians and dietitians need to know how to work together. The Clinical Learning Resource Center gives students the opportunity to learn this collaborative approach to health care."
"The faculty and students making use of the clinic have found it an excellent space to work in," says Debbie Briere, Manager of the Clinical Learning Resource Center. "Students are able to learn in a setting that is exactly like a regular practicing clinic. This builds on their confidence and will prepare them for the real world."
At the completion of the future Academic Health Science Building in 2010, the Interim Clinical Learning Resource Center space facilities will be replaced by permanent clinical learning facilities.
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For more information, please contact:
Peter Krebs
Administrative Officer
Inter-Professional Health Sciences Office
Office of the Provost & Vice President Academic
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2637
e-mail: peter.krebs@usask.ca
or
Annette Horvath
Alumni/Communications Officer
College of Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-8864
e-mail: annette.horvath@usask.ca
March 12, 2007
Upcoming Events during the University of Saskatchewan's Centennial Year
Posted March 12, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - March 12, 2007
2007-03-03-OTHER
During the University of Saskatchewan's Centennial Year, a number of events and celebrations are planned.
Over the next two weeks, highlights include:
* Aboriginal Achievement Week: From March 12 to 16, the U of S celebrates Aboriginal achievement with a series of events and lectures. For details, visit http://students.usask.ca/aboriginal/events/week or call Lori Delorme at (306) 966-2871.
* Discover Engineering: This annual weekend conference for Grade eight girls focuses on engineering and science with U of S campus tours, speakers, and social events. For more information, look online at http://engrwww.usask.ca/affiliation/societies/discover/index.php or call (306) 966-7755.
* Vetavision: From March 22 to 25, the Western College of Veterinary Medicine holds a public showcase of the latest innovations in veterinary science. See the horse treadmill, attend seminars on police dog work or find out how we get large animals to the operating table. For further details, see http://www.usask.ca/wcvm/news/vetavision/general.php or call (306) 966-1967.
* Gardenscape: From March 23 to 25 at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, this year's Western Canadian showcase for the horticulture industry and outdoor lifestyle will feature the limited edition public sale of "Lilium University of Saskatchewan," an Asiatic lily bred for the University's Centennial. The U of S feature garden, showcasing this lily, will be available for public viewing. For additional details on the U of S at Gardenscape, contact Kathy Evans at (306) 966-6204
* Super Saturday: On March 24, this educational program, committed to providing Aboriginal youth with hands-on experience in science, math, and medicine, provides opportunities for students to get "real-life" experience in careers. Through activities combining western and traditional First Nations knowledge, students gain an understanding of their post-secondary opportunities. For more information, contact Nicole St Germain at (306) 956-6110.
Details on Centennial celebrations are available at http://www.usask.ca/100/.
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For additional information, contact:
Patty Martin, Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Telephone: (306) 966-6919
March 05, 2007
Crystal Meth Expert Kicks Off U of S Brain Awareness Week March 19
Posted March 05, 2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Monday March 5, 2007
2007-03-02-ME
University of Toronto professor Peter Wells will kick off this year's Brain Awareness Week on March 19 with a free public lecture about how unborn children are damaged when their mothers take crystal meth.
Wells, a professor of pharmacy and pharmacology at the U of T, is an expert on the biological effects of methamphetamine. His work with mice has shown that even a single dose of the highly addictive drug results in long-term developmental problems such as reduced coordination. His lecture, sponsored by the ABI Partnership Project and SGI, will begin 7 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn in Saskatoon.
Brain Awareness Week is a world wide event organized to increase public awareness of the importance of a healthy brain in a healthy life. Hosted locally by the Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network at the U of S College of Medicine, this year's offering - the 11th annual - is themed "Buff up Your Brain."
This year's program is the most interactive and wide-ranging program yet, featuring nightly public lectures at the Frances Morrison Library. A new attraction is the Kids Judge Science Fair, where kids get to judge science fair projects presented by high school students. The culmination of Brain Awareness Week is the Brain Blast, a full day of fun for children and adults.
The Library lectures on March 20, 21, and 22 at 6:30 p.m. will feature neuropsychologist Margaret Crossley, "A Memory Clinic for Rural and Northern Residents;" neuroscientist Valerie Verge, "MS - The Challenges and the Hope;" and disability advocate and brain injury survivor Larry Carlson with "The Road Not Chosen: Our Journeys with Acquired Brain Injury." Presentations from the U of S College of Kinesiology and the Schizophrenia Society will also be included.
Brain Blast is billed as the "public's passport into the brain," transforming the City Hospital atrium into a maze of brain areas and functions. A Virtual Brain Maze has been designed with activities for all ages.
A community speaker series will also run over the course of the day. This series focuses on the impact of neurological conditions in daily life, with first-hand accounts from members of the community on their struggles, successes and hope for the future.
From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., students from Evan Hardy Collegiate, Holy Cross High School, St. Joseph's High School, and Walter Murray Collegiate will compete in the "Kids Judge" Science Fair. Their projects, focusing on the mechanisms of the brain, will vie for prizes including scholarships to Canadian universities provided by sponsors Pfizer Pharmaceutical Co., Eli Lilly and Co., and the
U of S.
Brain Awareness Week 2007 aims to strengthen the bond between the community and U of S and inspire young people to explore careers in health and neuroscience.
First held in 1997, the event aims to bridge the gap between the work of the U of S neuroscience researchers and the application of their findings for the public. This work continues with the energy and creativity led by the Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network and strong support from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, the ABI program, Saskatchewan Health, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, SGI, the University of Saskatchewan, the College of Medicine, Magic 98FM, and the Rawlco Radio Network.
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For more information, contact:
Ann Lam
Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network
Ph: 966-4193
ann.lam@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/snn/baw.html
Sarah Rigley MacDonald
Saskatchewan Neuroscience Network
Ph: 241-5192
sarah.rigley@usask.ca
http://www.usask.ca/snn/baw.html
New Agreement with Medical Residents at the U of S
Posted March 05, 2007
March 2, 2007
SK Health issued a release last week regarding the new agreement with Medical Residents.
The University of Saskatchewan and the Professional Association of Internes and Residents of Saskatchewan (PAIRS) have a new agreement.
The agreement, which covers the period from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2008, was ratified this past week by the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors and the PAIRS membership.
For further information: http://www.gov.sk.ca/news?newsId=3011e225-d8cf-4265-9f0a-5bc8cef5e1f2
