November 24, 2008
Morris Industries Provides Support for U of S Crop Research
Posted November 24, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 24, 2008
2008-11-06-AG
University of Saskatchewan plant breeding research received a major boost today thanks to a combined $100,000 cash and in-kind donation from Saskatoon-based implement manufacturer Morris Industries Ltd.
The donation provides the U of S Crop Development Centre with the use for three years of innovative seeding equipment, as well as a significant cash donation toward the CDC’s new Grains Innovation Laboratory (GIL) now under construction and slated for completion in the fall of 2009.
“This generous sponsorship from Morris Industries will enable the CDC to gain new efficiencies in managing its farmlands and breeding programs and will contribute to the successful completion of the new lab,” said CDC managing director Dorothy Murrell.
The GIL will provide expanded space for CDC scientists to screen cultivated varieties of plants—such as malting barley, wheat, pulses, flax, and oats—for quality characteristics that will lead to improved commercial products such as beer, bread, pasta, pea soup, flaxseed oil, and breakfast cereals.
She noted the use of the new Morris air drill and air cart will help the CDC seed its lands in a more accurate and efficient way. The CDC manages 3,000 acres of land east of Saskatoon, seeding 75 per cent to commercial crops and 25 per cent for breeding programs each year.
“Morris is proud to continue its long-standing commitment of providing seeding equipment to the CDC and to contribute to the new Grains Innovation Laboratory,” said Morris Industries president Casey Davis.
“The CDC has greatly benefited our grower base and made significant contributions to the well-being of agriculture here in Saskatchewan and across Western Canada. We look forward to maintaining and building our relationship with the Crop Development Centre.”
The new lab’s core funding is being provided by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
About the U of S Crop Development Centre: Located within the College of Agriculture and Bioresources, the Crop Development Centre is Saskatchewan’s plant breeding institute. The CDC develops varieties of spring wheat, durum, canary seed, barley, oat, flax, pea, lentil, chickpea, and dry bean for the economic benefit of farmers and Saskatchewan’s agricultural industry. Since its inception, the CDC has released over 300 new plant varieties.
About the University of Saskatchewan (www.usask.ca): The University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the university is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award-winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For more information, contact:
Dorothy Murrell
Managing Director
Crop Development Centre
College of Agriculture and Bioresources
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-5855
Graham Gardner
Communications Manager
Morris Industries Ltd.
(306) 933-8585
Cameron Zimmer
Research Communications Specialist
University of Saskatchewan Research Communications
(306) 966-2427
cam.zimmer@usask.ca
November 12, 2008
New Managing Director Named to Head U of S Industry Liaison Office
Posted November 12, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008
2008-11-05-OTHER
A business school executive with more than 20 years of experience in the international oil and gas industry has been chosen to lead the University of Saskatchewan’s Industry Liaison Office (ILO).
Effective December 1st, Glen Schuler will become Managing Director of ILO, Karen Chad, U of S Acting Vice-President of Research, announced today.
Schuler succeeds Doug Gill who will remain in the position until December 31st to allow a period of transition.
“With his extensive experience in both the academic and business worlds, Dr. Schuler brings a wealth of knowledge and proven leadership skills that will enhance our efforts to transfer innovations to the marketplace and commercialize new research ideas and discoveries,” she said.
She noted that the U of S, through its latest integrated plan, is committed to greater research and commercialization activities, which directly benefit the Saskatchewan and Canadian economies.
Schuler said he sees the job as “an outstanding opportunity, given the rich innovation environment at the U of S and its strong commitment to grow the opportunities for innovation.”
“I look forward to leading the Industry Liaison Office efforts in helping the university’s innovators translate their research and new knowledge into new commercial products that will benefit the local, regional, national and global economies, society, the innovators, and, of course, the U of S.”
An economist by training, Schuler has spent the last seven years in business administration academic appointments, most recently as Director of the MBA Program at the University of Tennessee’s College of Business Administration. In that capacity, he developed a relationship with the local incubator whereby teams of MBA students helped scientists commercialize new technologies. More than 20 new companies were assisted in the last four years.
Schuler earned his undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin in 1971, followed by a master’s and PhD in economics, both from the University of Houston. He taught economics and did energy-related research at universities in Houston and Tennessee until joining Tenneco Energy in 1981.
While at Tenneco, Schuler served in various senior-level positions such as chief economist; manager of a pipeline-operating division employing more than 200 people; and manager of a commercial group generating $250 million in annual revenue. His significant experience in private industry also included work with NiSource Gas Transmission and Storage (West Virginia) where he served in several senior positions including Vice-President, Industry Research.
The ILO office has recently moved to Innovation Place but continues to have satellite offices located in or close to colleges in which there are a large number of clients. For more information about the ILO, visit: www.usask.ca/research/ilo
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education. www.usask.ca
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Note to Editors: A photograph of Glen Schuler is available upon request.
For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
University Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
November 10, 2008
Sylvia Fedoruk Named to Canadian Medical Hall of Fame
Posted November 10, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 10, 2008
London ON – The Canadian Medical Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the 2009 Inductees.
These individuals will join the ranks of the 71 laureates who have gone before them in bringing distinction to Canada through their outstanding contributions to medical science and the improved health and well-being of people everywhere.
For more information: http://cdnmedhall.org/lib/pdf/nws/120.pdf
David Sutherland named to University of Saskatchewan Board
Posted November 10, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 10, 2008
2008-11-04-OTHER
David Sutherland, a commerce graduate from the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) and retired president and chief executive officer of IPSCO, has been named to the university’s Board of Governors.
“It is a privilege for the university to have David Sutherland, a man with a distinguished reputation in the North American iron and steel industry, on its Board of Governors,” said President Peter MacKinnon. “His expertise in business and his ongoing commitment to this institution will be welcome assets in his role as a board member.”
Born and raised in Moose Jaw, Sutherland earned his commerce degree at the U of S in 1973 and went on to a distinguished career with IPSCO. He joined that company in 1977, moving into manufacturing management roles in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary and Regina. In 1988, Sutherland moved to the United States to take responsibility for IPSCO’s pipe mills in Nebraska and Iowa.
In 1992, Sutherland returned to Canada and was soon appointed corporate vice-president. He returned to the U.S. in 2000 to set up IPSCO’s operational headquarters in Illinois. His appointment as chief operating officer and executive vice-president came in 2001. Sutherland retired from his position as President and CEO in July 2007 and currently resides in Waterloo, Ontario.
Nancy Hopkins, a commerce and law graduate of the U of S and partner in the Saskatoon law firm McDougall Gauley LLP, has been appointed to another three-year term on the board. Hopkins serves as vice-chair.
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For more information, contact:
Patty Martin, Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: patty.martin@usask.ca
November 07, 2008
University of Saskatchewan Investigates Student Housing with Local Developer
Posted November 07, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 7, 2008
2008-11-03-OTHER
The University of Saskatchewan and Saskatoon-based Meridian Development Corp. have teamed up to explore business models for up to 200 four-bedroom new student housing units at the university. The project would be located near the Williams Building on Cumberland Avenue.
“We know on-campus housing is an important part of the student experience,” said Richard Florizone, U of S vice-president of finance and resources. “As an institution, we are determined to provide the kinds of housing options students want, need and can afford.”
The U of S invited proposals for the residence project from private-sector developers in mid-August in order to explore potential development models that would address the financial challenges associated with a student housing development, said Florizone. A number of companies came forward with proposals but Meridian’s demonstrated the strongest understanding of the particular needs related to student housing, he said.
“We’re excited to be working with the University of Saskatchewan,” said Colleen Wilson, a partner in Meridian Development Corp. “We understand the pressures on students to find affordable housing in Saskatoon, and the university’s desire to create an enriching environment and to finance and build projects like this on its own.”
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For more information, contact:
Patty Martin, Community and Media Relations Specialist
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6919
Email: patty.martin@usask.ca
November 03, 2008
Physical Activity and Health: Finding the Right Prescription
Posted November 03, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – November 3, 2008
2008-11-01-OTHER
We all know physical activity is good for you. But why exactly is it good for you? What effect does exercise have on the cells and tissues of the body? What do we need to know so that we can use physical activity more effectively to combat chronic diseases such as arthritis, diabetes and heart disease? And what social and psychological factors prevent people from exercising or playing sports?
These are just some of the questions that the Canadian Institute of Health Research’s Institute of Musculoskeletal and Arthritis (IMHA) will tackle over the next five years through its strategic plan unveiled today at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S).
“As Canada’s population ages and grows, the burden of arthritis, osteoporosis, and other musculoskeletal, oral and skin conditions on our health care system will increase,” said Dr. Jane E. Aubin, IMHA’s Scientific Director. “We want to reduce this burden and improve the health and quality of life of Canadians of all ages by supporting research that increases our understanding of the relationship between physical activity, mobility and health.”
Over the next five years, the Institute will work with its partners to fund peer-reviewed research and training projects in the area of physical activity and health. This research may range from the cellular behaviour of joint tissues to the psychosocial aspects of exercise, activity and sports on populations. Specific activities may include:
- Investigating the prevention or reversal of disease through physical activity and mobility.
- Applying physical medicine and rehabilitative strategies to tissue injuries in order to restore maximal function.
- Investigating issues related to access and delivery of health services and treatments that enhance physical activity, mobility and health.
- Examining the personal and environmental factors that influence the uptake and maintenance of a healthy lifestyle.
- Evaluating mechanisms for translating evidence into sustainable public policy.
The Institute will also promote the application of the research results into new physical activity policies and programs in collaboration with partners and communities.
“I commend IMHA for choosing physical activity as a strategic research priority,” said Dr. Karen Chad, Acting Vice-President Research at the U of S. “As a physical activity researcher, I know first hand the positive effect of regular exercise on health and quality of life. We have had tremendous success in getting people in Saskatchewan moving through our award-winning Saskatoon in motion project.”
With a team of researchers drawn from the U of S, the Saskatoon Health Region, the City of Saskatoon and ParticiPACTION, Dr. Chad led a CIHR-funded project that became the research arm for the in motion health promotion strategy aimed at encouraging all citizens to make regular physical exercise part of their daily lives. The impact of in motion stretches far beyond Saskatchewan. The program has become a model for communities across Canada. The in motion team has won local, national and international awards for their achievements.
While putting its focus on physical activity and mobility, IMHA will continue to support researchers working in the six areas that comprise its research community: arthritis, musculoskeletal rehabilitation, bone, skeletal muscle, skin and oral health, working not only in physical activity and mobility, but also in pain, disability and chronic disease, and tissue injury, repair and replacement. By funding excellent research in these areas, IMHA hopes to create knowledge that will help Canadians lead healthier and more active lives.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada’s agency for health research. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health-care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to nearly 12,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca
sc.gc.ca
Located in the heart of Saskatoon, the University of Saskatchewan is one of the leading medical doctoral universities in Canada. With 58 degrees, diplomas and certificates in over 100 areas of study, the University is uniquely positioned in the areas of human, animal and plant studies. World-class research facilities, renowned faculty and award winning students make the U of S a leader in post-secondary education.
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For more information, contact:
David Coulombe
CIHR Media Relations
(613) 941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Kathryn Warden
University Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
