June 29, 2010
U of S Faculty Appointed to Federal Economic Advisory Council
Posted June 29, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 29, 2010
2010-06-17-OTHER
On June 29, Janice MacKinnon, professor in the School of Public Health and adjunct professor of history at the University of Saskatchewan, was appointed as chair of the Economic Advisory Council by the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance.
“While Canada’s economy is showing encouraging growth, the global economic recovery remains fragile,” said Flaherty. “During this crucial period, we are bringing together some of Canada’s most talented business and economic innovators to help us continue to make economic progress and return to budget balance.”
It is a position MacKinnon is highly qualified and well-suited for as she was the Minister of Finance for the Province of Saskatchewan from 1993-97.
“It is a tremendous honour to be appointed to the Economic Advisory Council and be given the opportunity to provide my advice on economic issues at this level,” said MacKinnon. “I am looking forward to the opportunity to collaborate on the national scale.”
The council was established in December 2008 to provide economic advice to the government following the global financial crisis. They will meet periodically in the future to provide advice to the government as required. Flaherty said the council members have agreed to a salary of $1, with their expenses being reimbursed by the government.
“I would like to thank these outstanding Canadians for agreeing to share their expertise,” said Flaherty. “I am looking forward to hearing the ideas proposed by such a distinguished group.”
“This appointment is another example of how members of the U of S community make contributions, not just in Saskatchewan, but across Canada,” said MacKinnon. “Being involved in this council is the chance to make a very real contribution to the economic health of our country.”
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For more information, contact:
Kris Foster, University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1806
Email: kris.foster@usask.ca
U of S Food Researchers Honoured with New Governor-General's Award
Posted June 29, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 29, 2010
2010-06-16-OTHER
Two University of Saskatchewan researchers have been recognized with the Governor-General’s Award in Celebration of the Nation’s Table for their efforts to improve the quality, variety and sustainability of food ingredients.
The new award, presented last week at a Rideau Hall ceremony, is intended to inspire Canadians to think differently about what they buy, eat and drink. The U of S received two of the 11 2010 awards which highlight the connection in food research and production from farm to table.
“The U of S is very proud of these two outstanding agricultural researchers whose work underscores why food and bioproducts for a sustainable future is one of our distinguishing signature areas of research,” says U of S Vice-President Research Karen Chad.
Alfred Slinkard was cited for his innovative research over several decades at the U of S Crop Development Centre, work that has paved the way for Canada to become a major exporter of peas and lentils and has helped make Saskatchewan a world centre of excellence for research, production, value added-processing and marketing of pulse crops. As professor emeritus, Slinkard continues his food research into developing spice crops.
Ricky Sze Ho Lam, a U of S master’s student, is cited as “one of the new generation of outstanding food researchers in Canada.” He has published two peer-reviewed articles on his research and is currently working with supervisor Michael Rogers on the food applications of edible oils and fats using the Canadian Light Source synchrotron.
The award celebrates those who contribute original, imaginative and forward-thinking ideas, products, and techniques that will improve quality of life in Canada. The award was developed after consultation with researchers and people working in all aspects of food service and production, ranging from farmers, fishers and hunters, to chefs, cheese makers, and winemakers. The nomination and adjudication process is overseen by an advisory committee of experts from across the country.
Each award recipient receives a lapel pin and a framed certificate bearing the heraldic shield of the Governor General’s Award in Celebration of the Nation’s Table.
For further information on this award, visit: http://www.gg.ca/document.aspx?id=13710 For more information about the world-renowned U of S Crop Development Centre, visit: http://agbio.usask.ca/index.php?page=crop-development-centre
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For more information, contact:
Kathryn Warden
Director, Research Communications
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-2506
kathryn.warden@usask.ca
June 23, 2010
Graham Huskie Clubhouse gets $3M expansion after significant donations
Posted June 23, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 23, 2010
2010-06-13-OTHER
Long-time supporters of the Huskie football program, Ron and Jane Graham, are contributing nearly $3 million for the design and construction of a two-storey expansion to the Graham Huskie Clubhouse at Griffiths Stadium. The expanded clubhouse will include a training centre, additional meeting space, a film room and office space for the coaching staff.
“We have seen the impact that the original clubhouse facility has had on the players and the program, and we know that this expansion will raise the bar even further, allowing Huskie athletes to reach their highest potential both on and off the field,” said Ron Graham.
Additional support from David Dubé and Heather Ryan will provide over $160,000 to purchase training equipment and office furnishings in the new facility.
“The Grahams, David and Heather continue to demonstrate their commitment to the University of Saskatchewan through their generous gifts,” said Doug Clark, associate vice-president of development in University Advancement. “This expansion will enhance the operation of Huskie football, but it will also provide teaching and meeting space for other College of Kinesiology and Huskie programs as well as other university groups.”
Construction on the clubhouse will begin this summer with the project expected to be completed by early 2011.
“This gift will greatly assist in game preparation for both the coaching staff and athletes,” said Brian Towriss, head coach of the Huskie football team. “Expanded meeting rooms and our own weight and fitness facility will pay huge dividends down the road in terms of our athletes’ long-term development as well as strength and conditioning. The entire coaching staff and Huskie football athletes are grateful for the Graham family, as well as David and Heather for all they have given us.”
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Brian Towriss will be available for interview in Regina or by phone before 1:30 p.m.
For more information or to set up interviews, please contact:
Stephen Shaheen
Communications Specialist
College of Kinesiology
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 291-7006
Nicole Betker
Sports Information Director
Huskie Athletics
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1024
June 17, 2010
University of Saskatchewan appoints new dean to Edwards School of Business
Posted June 17, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 17, 2010
2010-06-12-ESB
Daphne Taras has accepted the position of dean of the Edwards School of Business at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) for a five-year term effective July 1, 2010.
“We are pleased that Dr. Taras is bringing her leadership experience to the U of S,” said Brett Fairbairn, provost and vice-president academic. “We look forward to continued progress and innovation in the Edwards School of Business under her direction – in particular research, programs, and connections with the business community.”
Most recently, Taras held the position of associate dean (research) at the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary. She began her academic career in 1994, was promoted to professor in 2000, and has held various positions of leadership during her time at the University of Calgary.
Taras obtained a BA (Hon) from York University, and an MA from Duke University, both in political science. She received her MBA and PhD from the University of Calgary, and holds an LLM in labour and employment law from Osgoode Hall.
In 2008, Taras gave the H.D. Woods lecture to the Canadian Industrial Relations Association. She was also an expert advisor to the Federal Labour Standards Commission from 2004 to 2006.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Ferguson
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1851
Email: m.ferguson@usask.ca
June 11, 2010
U of S researchers to study potential causes of Multiple Sclerosis
Posted June 11, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 11, 2010 (Embargoed to 2:30 p.m.)
2010-06-09-ME
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and the American MS Society has selected a team of researchers from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of British Columbia as part of a nationwide study to assess whether a syndrome known as chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) has a role in MS.
Dr. Katherine Knox, director of the Saskatoon MS Clinic at the Saskatoon City Hospital, will partner with colleagues at the U of S and UBC to conduct a two-year, $200,000 study starting July 1 to assess the prevalence of CCSVI and the relationship it may have in causing MS.
The study will recruit 200 participants – 100 with MS and a control group of 100 without MS – from existing patient rosters at the Saskatoon MS Clinic and UBC Hospital MS Clinic. The study is also unique in its inclusion of family members, such as identical twins of MS patients who have not developed MS, in the control group.
“The unique inclusion of a family member control group in this study may allow us to gain further insight into the possible role of CCSVI in the mechanisms leading to MS,” says Dr. Knox.
The U of S and UBC research teams will use three diagnostic tests to investigate CCSVI: catheter venography, ultrasound and magnetic resonance venography with the goal of verifying the usefulness of non-invasive techniques that would make it easier to screen for CCSVI.
Members of the media are invited to attend an interview session with Dr. Knox:
Friday, June 11 at 3 p.m.
Saskatoon City Hospital
Atrium area (outside the Rependa Centre)
701 Queen Street, Saskatoon
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For more information, contact:
Laura Herman, Communications
College of Medicine
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-6059
Cel: (306) 262-6059
June 04, 2010
U of S Awarded $1.6 M from NSERC for New Training Program to Assess Environmental Health Risks
Posted June 04, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 4, 2010
2010-06-06-OTHER
With the help of a $1.6-million federal grant announced today, the University of Saskatchewan will create the first training program in North America for human and ecological risk assessment.
The funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) through its CREATE (Collaborative Research and Training Experience) program will contribute to an innovative $4.7-million initiative to train a new class of professionals in demand by industry and government agencies.
“Canadians face an increasing number of potential health risks from environmental contaminants,” says U of S soil toxicologist and project leader Steve Siciliano.
“This program will establish a standardized, interdisciplinary training framework for risk assessment that brings together the disciplines of toxicology, public health and law and is unique in North America, if not in the world.”
The U of S is one of only 20 recipients of NSERC’s CREATE grants which aim to increase the job readiness of graduate students. There were initially 162 applications from universities across Canada.
The U of S-based Human and Ecological Risk Assessment (HERA) program will train students as risk assessors who can help governments determine and regulate health and ecological hazards from potential contaminants and new products (such as lead in imported toys or bisphenol-a in household plastics). Assessor services are also needed by companies striving to minimize the impact of their activities on human and ecological health.
Over six years, the HERA program will enrol up to 60 PhD or JSD (doctor of juridical science) students from any Canadian institution for intensive, week-long courses at the U of S, on-line courses, and a Summer Institute of Risk. Graduates will be well-versed in the entire risk assessment process, which includes estimating, managing and communicating risk to the public.
Students will also receive a paid, four- to six-month internship with companies interested in hiring graduates with this expertise.
“Companies need risk assessors, and it’s really hard to find trained ones,” says Siciliano. “This will greatly increase the employability of our graduates.”
U of S Vice-President Research Karen Chad noted that HERA brings together two U of S areas of research priority—namely public health and environment—and that the risk assessment focus will complement the work of the new Canada Excellence Research Chair in Water Security that has recently been established at the U of S.
“This HERA program will build national capacity in interdisciplinary assessment of environmental health risks and provides a unique opportunity for PhD students to work with world-class researchers in toxicology, public
health and law,” she said.
In addition to U of S toxicologists Siciliano, Lalita Bharadwaj, John Giesy, and Markus Hecker, a group of professors from Dalhousie University, the University of Guelph, the University of Northern B.C. and the Royal
Military College are collaborating to offer courses and provide their expertise and training.
In addition to the $1.6-million from NSERC, U of S has committed $360,000 for student support. An additional $2.74 million is anticipated from industry partners and faculty research grants.
Students interested in applying can contact the U of S Toxicology Centre at: tox.centre@usask.ca More information is available at: http://www.usask.ca/toxicology
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For more information, please contact:
Kris Foster
Communications Co-ordinator
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-1806
kris.foster@usask.ca
University of Saskatchewan Receives $125,000 from Petroleum Technology Research Centre to Support Graduate Scholarships
Posted June 04, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – JUNE 4, 2010
2010-06-04-ENG
University of Saskatchewan students pursuing a master’s or PhD degree in a petroleum-related field of engineering have a new scholarship available to them thanks to the support of the Petroleum Technology Research Centre (PTRC).
The $125,000 gift—to be made in $25,000 increments over five years—will be used to start an endowment at the U of S called the Petroleum Technology Research Centre 10th Anniversary Graduate Student Scholarship. Each year, $20,000 will be directed to the endowment fund and $5,000 will be awarded as a graduate scholarship. Students starting a graduate degree program at the U of S that focuses on petroleum, environmental, chemical or geological engineering with a thesis relevant to petroleum recovery, production or conversion are eligible to apply.
“The College of Engineering and the University of Saskatchewan are both aiming for excellence in research intensiveness and we are delighted to have this support from the PTRC,” said Dean of Engineering Janusz Kozinski. “The graduate scholarships will not only provide support, but will also encourage more Saskatchewan students to pursue research in petroleum-related fields of engineering.”
The PTRC is a not-for-profit corporation founded in 1998 by the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan, along with the University of Regina and the Saskatchewan Research Council with a mandate to conduct research that helps the petroleum industry implement sustainable technologies to minimize environmental impacts while improving recovery rates.
“Partnerships with organizations like PTRC are very important to the university, the College of Engineering and our students,” added Kozinski. “These connections help ensure we are advancing education at the graduate level that meets the current and changing needs of the sector in which they will eventually build careers here in Saskatchewan and elsewhere.”
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For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:
Lynn Danbrook, Director, College Development & Alumni Initiatives
College of Engineering
University of Saskatchewan
Phone: (306) 966-1731 or (306) 220-6226
Email: lynn.danbrook@usask.ca
June 03, 2010
Gordie Howe Given Honorary Degree at U of S Convocation
Posted June 03, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 3, 2010
2010-06-02-OTHER
“The University of Saskatchewan is proud to award the degree of Doctor of Laws to Gordon ‘Gordie’ Howe,” said U of S President Peter MacKinnon at a convocation ceremony at TCU Place earlier today. “Congratulations, Doctor Hockey!”
Photos of the event can be found in the U of S Photo Gallery
Known internationally as Mr. Hockey, Howe played more National Hockey League games than any other player and is consistently recognized as one of the best ever to play the game. His philanthropic activities include the establishment of the Howe Foundation, which raises money for fees and equipment so children across North America can play hockey.
Howe was born in Floral, Saskatchewan in 1928 and was the sixth of nine children of farmers Albert and Katherine Howe. The family moved to Saskatoon within days of his birth and he called the city home until age 17 when he signed a professional contract with the Detroit Red Wings.
Howe said he is extremely pleased to receive an honorary degree from the U of S and to return to Saskatoon where he could visit with his surviving sisters, brother and friends who were in attendance at the ceremony today.
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For more information, contact:
Mark Ferguson
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-1851
Email: m.ferguson@usask.ca
June 01, 2010
Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre at U of S Launches Pilot Project
Posted June 01, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 1, 2010
2010-06-01-OTHER
The Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre (IPHRC) at the University of Saskatchewan (U of S) is pleased to announce the beginning of a new project called the Tawow Women’s Welcoming Circle that aims to improve the lives of aboriginal women.
The Tawow Women’s Welcoming Circle will bring together First Nations and Métis women who currently reside in Saskatoon to assist in providing information on accessing housing, employment, health care services and daycare services, as well as information on local events. With this community based research approach, women who participate are also encouraged, but not obliged to provide feedback as to how to improve the service based on their own personal experiences.
In partnership with the Saskatoon Indian & Métis Friendship Centre (SIMFC), this initiative is a result of interviews conducted with aboriginal women for a research project entitled, Reducing Mental Health Disparities Through Population Health Promotion: Translating Knowledge Into Practice – Practice Into Knowledge led by Caroline Tait of the IPHRC and Department of Native Studies at the U of S.
Personnel with the Tawow Women’s Welcoming Circle will be at SIMFC every Monday from 10 am - noon and 1 - 3 pm to help women become more familiar with services available in Saskatoon.
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For more information, contact:
Pamela Thomas
Indigenous Peoples Health Research Centre
Department of Native Studies
University of Saskatchewan
966-1206
pam.thomas@usask.ca
