Ruth Amanna will present her Biotechnology PhD research on Thursday, September 4 at 1:30 pm in CB 4058.

Title: Induction of actinobacterial enzymes for enhanced biodegradation of polyethylene terephthalate plastics

Short summary: The study addresses the environmental challenge of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) pollution using a biodegradation-based depolymerization strategy. It includes physicochemical modifications to enhance PET degradability, optimized cutinase enzyme production by Thermobifida fusca YX, and in silico investigations to identify potential PET-hydrolyzing enzymes. Techniques like UV photooxidation and reduced particle size improved biodegradation efficiency, with higher temperatures favoring whole-cell degradation. The optimization of cutinase production yielded a 42% increase, showcasing its potential for large-scale application. Lastly, six candidate cutinase enzymes were identified for their efficacy in PET degradation, emphasizing sustainable waste management solutions.

Committee Members: Dr. Sudip Kumar Rakshit (supervisor), Dr. Baoqiang Liao, Dr. Kang Kang and Dr. Animesh Dutta (external)

Everyone is welcome

For more information contact Brenda Magajna at phd.ses@lakeheadu.ca

Please join us for Cara Allardice's final MA thesis defense. This is a virtual defense only.

Title: Imagery vividness and perceptual clarity: Affective visual processing in relation to depression and anxiety.

Supervisor: Dr. James Kryklywy

Second reader: Amanda Maranzan

External: Aislin Mushquash

GSC Rep: Dr. James Kim

Please contact admin.psych@lakeheadu.ca for Zoom link and passcode

Gurleen's thesis seminar is on "Effect of enhanced-efficiency nitrogen fertilizers and ANVOL™ on winter wheat yield and protein content."

Committee members are (co-supervisors) Tarlok Singh Sahota, Brian McLaren, Alan Blaylock (Nutrien). External examiner is Dr. Mumtaz Cheema (Memorial University of Newfoundland). The seminar is scheduled for September 9 at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Savings time.

We will have the examination in person in BB 1003G and via Zoom at https://lakeheadu.zoom.us/j/99898405776?pwd=9Ni9lDVMgbrioQ3IE0Ic7eau4L8Q....

Yana, a Settlement Counsellor from YMCA Immigrant Services, will be hosting one-on-one appointments for Lakehead University students to talk about immigration and settlement-related matters. For students with family members also settling in Simcoe County, this is a great opportunity to learn about social services available to them.

To book an appointment please contact the Lakehead International office at or.international@lakeheadu.ca or drop by the office (OA 1031).

Lakehead University’s Global Ambassador Program is the ultimate opportunity for students to engage, connect and collaborate with their peers on campus, in the community, and globally. Applications for the 2025-2026 Global Ambassador Program - Level 1 intake are now open for students in Thunder Bay, Orillia, and Barrie! Drop by to learn about this great opportunity or visit https://www.lakeheadu.ca/international/current/student-development/globa...

Please join us for Daniel Olusanya's Final MSc Thesis Defense. This is a hybrid defense. Should you wish to attend in person it will take place in ATAC 3004.

Title: Investigating the impact of affiliative touch on visual emotional appraisal

Supervisor: Dr. James Kryklywy

Second Reader: Dr. Dwight Mazmanian

External Examiner: Dr. Daniel Bryan Krupp

GSC Rep: Dr. Beth Visser

Email admin.psych@lakeheadu.ca for Zoom link and passcode

Come one, come all! The Library Carnival is back!

Join us under the big top (aka the Library Courtyard) on Tuesday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a fun-filled day of:

• Games
• Prizes
• FREE treats
• Library magic and more!

Come meet your ringmasters—our awesome library staff—and discover the incredible services the library has to offer. It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s the best way to get to know your library!

Having a ruff day? Take a paws and visit the Chancellor Paterson Library to hang out with our furry friends! 

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 9, we’ll be hosting St. John Ambulance therapy dogs twice a week:

? Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

? Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.

Stop by for tail wags, stress relief, and a whole lot of love!

Having a ruff day? Take a paws and visit the Chancellor Paterson Library to hang out with our furry friends! Starting Tuesday, Sept. 9, we’ll be hosting St. John Ambulance therapy dogs twice a week:

? Tuesdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

? Wednesdays, 6 to 7 p.m.

Stop by for tail wags, stress relief, and a whole lot of love!

Developing a skill for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., interviews, texts, scraped web contents) is essential for researchers in social sciences and humanities who focus on data other than quantitative data. This workshop is for beginners as it will introduce the participants to the importance of qualitative data analysis, and how to get started with using NVivo software.

By the end of the workshop, you will be able to:

• understand the importance of qualitative data
• get familiarized with NVivo interface and functionality
• upload recorded interviews, audio files, pdf, word documents and other file formats into NVivo
• get started with developing codes

Note: This workshop will be held in person at the Chancellor Paterson Library Computer Lab, and registration is required.

Register at: https://libcal.lakeheadu.ca/event/3929782