Lakehead University Master’s Student Wins Two Prestigious Awards

(Thunder Bay - June 17, 2004) A Lakehead University Master's student has won two national awards from the Canadian Society of Zoologists (CSZ).

Alissa Moenting, who is obtaining her Masters in Science, won the Cas Lindsey Award for the best student presentation in the Ecology, Evolution, and Ethology Section of the Society; she also won the Helen Battle Award for the best student poster.

"We are very proud of Alissa's achievement not only because the science and its communication are excellent, but also because Alissa is a wonderful role model for women contributors to science," says Dr. Alastair Macdonald, Dean of Science and Environmental Studies at Lakehead University.

"Alissa's awards are especially important because she competed against some of Canada's best students -- many of whom are completing PhD programs -- and the Helen Battle Award involves students from all sub-disciplines in zoology," says Dr. Douglas Morris, a biology and forestry professor at Lakehead, and Moenting's graduate supervisor.

Moenting's poster presentation is entitled "Edge versus area of risky patches: scaling habitat selection with habitat change." She entered the competition as part of registering for this year's annual meeting held in May.

"I didn't expect to receive the awards, and I am very honoured to have recognition," she says. "However, science isn't about competing for awards, it's about sound research and the exchange of ideas. I've always been extremely curious about biology -- nature is very important to me. I've learned a lot from Doug Morris and the CSZ conference about expressing my curiosity and enthusiasm academically through science."

The CSZ is a professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of education and research in zoology at the provincial, national, and international levels. It is a strong promoter of young scientists, and presents a small number of awards for excellent student presentations at its annual meeting. Membership is open to all persons interested in zoology -- students, researchers, and educators.

Members of the Media: Dr. MacDonald and Alissa are available for interviews. Please call Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177 to set up a time with them.

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Contact: Marla Tomlinson, Communications Officer, Lakehead University, 343-8177