MA Thesis Proposal Defense - Psychology: Mallory Solomon

Event Date: 
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 12:00pm to 2:00pm EDT
Event Location: 
Zoom & ATAC 3004
Event Contact Name: 
Kelsey Mullin
Event Contact E-mail: 

Please join us for Mallory Solomon's MA Thesis Proposal Defense. This is a hybrid defense, should you wish to attend in person it will take place in ATAC 3004.

Title: The Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sexual Health Behaviours in First Nation Clients seeking Substance Use Treatment

Supervisor: Dr. Chris Mushquash

Second Reader: Dr. Rupert Klein

GSC Rep: Dr. Josephine Tan

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

Master Thesis Defence - Natural Resources Management: Benjamin Bohemier

Event Date: 
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - 1:30pm to 3:30pm EDT
Event Location: 
BB1050 (Forest Pathology Teaching Lab)
Event Contact Name: 
Dr. Leonard Hutchison
Event Contact E-mail: 

Insights into Cryptic Mating Behaviour of Chaga (Inonotus Obliquus) (Hymenochaetaceae)

New International Student Late Arrival Welcome

Event Date: 
Monday, September 8, 2025 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm EDT
Event Location: 
OA 1031
Event Contact Name: 
Katie Stevenson
Event Contact E-mail: 

Are you a new international student who missed our Welcome Day event on Wednesday, August 27th? Join one of our Late Arrival sessions to learn about campus, discover the many supports and services available, and connect with the International team and other new students.

New International Student Late Arrival Welcome

Event Date: 
Wednesday, September 10, 2025 - 3:00pm to 4:00pm EDT
Event Location: 
OA 1031
Event Contact Name: 
Katie Stevenson
Event Contact E-mail: 

Are you a new international student who missed our Welcome Day event on Wednesday, Aug. 27? Join one of our late arrival sessions to learn about campus, discover the many supports and services available, and connect with the International team and other new students.

Dissertation Proposal Defense - Psychology: Jillian Zitars

Event Date: 
Monday, September 22, 2025 - 11:00am to 1:00pm EDT
Event Location: 
Zoom & ATAC 3004
Event Contact Name: 
Kelsey Mullin
Event Contact E-mail: 

Please join us for Jillian Zitars PhD Dissertation Proposal Defense. This is a hybrid defense, should you wish to attend in person it will take place in ATAC 3004

Title: Addressing Scanxiety in Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivors: Developing and Piloting a Brief Group-Based Intervention"

Supervisors: Dr. Deborah Scharf & Dr. Rupert Klein

Second reader: Dr. Mirella Stroink.

GSC Rep: Dr. James Kryklywy

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

PhD Defense - Biotechnology: Ruth Amanna

Event Date: 
Thursday, September 4, 2025 - 1:30pm to 2:30pm EDT
Event Location: 
CB 4058
Event Contact Name: 
Brenda Magajna
Event Contact E-mail: 

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

Final MA Thesis Defense - Psychology: Cara Allardice

Event Date: 
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - 12:30pm to 2:00pm EDT
Event Location: 
Zoom
Event Contact Name: 
Kelsey Mullin
Event Contact E-mail: 

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

Master Thesis Defense: Gurleen

Event Date: 
Tuesday, September 9, 2025 - 10:00am to 11:00am EDT
Event Location: 
BB1003G and Zoom
Event Contact Name: 
Dr. Brian McLaren
Event Contact E-mail: 

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....

Immigration and Settlement Advising with YMCA Immigrant Services

Event Date: 
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 11:00am to 2:00pm EDT
Event Location: 
OA 1031
Event Contact Name: 
Katie Stevenson
Event Contact E-mail: 

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).

Global Ambassador Program Info Table

Event Date: 
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 - 11:00am to 1:00pm EDT
Event Location: 
Orsi Family Learning Commons
Event Contact Name: 
Katie Stevenson
Event Contact E-mail: 

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...

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