New Program in Aboriginal Education Focuses on Aboriginal Learner; program first in Ontario

(Thunder Bay - March 28, 2007) Lakehead University's Faculty of Education has established a four-year Honours Bachelor of Education in Aboriginal Education to start in January 2008. The proposal was approved by Lakehead University's Senate on March 23, 2007.

The HBEd (Aboriginal Education) will be the first 4-year honours degree program offered by an Ontario university and the first to focus on critical foundations in Aboriginal education and Aboriginal pedagogy. The program prepares people of Aboriginal ancestry to become teachers with particular expertise to meet the needs of Aboriginal learners.

"This is a giant step forward for teacher education, especially Aboriginal teacher education in Ontario," says Dr. Julia O'Sullivan, Dean, Lakehead University Faculty of Education. "Graduates of this program will be highly qualified to teach primary and junior children using culturally relevant approaches and resources, and will have special expertise in early literacy and early numeracy education."

"For the past two years, we have worked in consultation with Aboriginal communities to design a program which will reflect the needs of these communities," says Dr. Ethel Gardner, Chair of Aboriginal Education at Lakehead University. "Aboriginal communities want their children to find academic success in education that is culturally relevant to them and responds to their learning needs. Several new courses have been created for the HBEd (Aboriginal Education) which address the issues brought up through our consultation process."

"This program provides graduates who will be well-rounded individuals who can teach in a context that is culturally relevant to Aboriginal students," says Goyce Kakegamic, recently retired Deputy Grand Chief of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation. "This program ensures that there will be First Nation teachers available for our schools, and this will help with the success of First Nations students. We are delighted with this development and thank all those who have put much effort and support into this initiative."

Students who graduate from this program will have an understanding of culturally appropriate education grounded in Aboriginal philosophies. The graduates will have a thorough understanding of the needs of Aboriginal learners at the primary/junior level, and will utilize knowledge of Native language and culture in lessons and unit-planning.

Members of the Media: Dr. O'Sullivan and Dr. Gardner are available for interview by calling Eleanor Abaya at 807-343-8372. Goyce Kakegamic is available by calling 807. 627-8070.

Lakehead University's main campus is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior. With a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a worldwide reputation for innovative programs and research. Lakehead has over 7,600 students and 2,200 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006 Lakehead University was named Canada's Research University of the Year 2005 in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.
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Media Contact: Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, at 807- 343-8372, or Mobile 807-472-9110.

Lakehead University DNA Expert Heads MIA Soldier Expedition Team to Vimy Ridge for Further Research and Burial

Thunder Bay, ON - Dr. Carney Matheson, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Chief of Forensic Research for Lakehead University's world-renown Paleo-DNA lab, will lead a team of researchers to Vimy Ridge this Sunday to further analyze the highly publicized heroic death of Pte. Herbert Peterson. The research team will also take part in the MIA soldier's full military funeral.

"After working on this case for over year, I'm really looking forward to meeting the family of Pte. Peterson," says Dr. Matheson. "A lot of people have worked very hard to identify this war-time hero and it is my hope that his identification and burial will give his family a sense of both peace and pride."

Dr. Matheson and his team confirmed the identity of Pte. Peterson using sophisticated DNA analyses. The team was able to match Pte. Peterson's DNA with the DNA of his nephew, Herb Peterson of Lethbridge Alberta. Dozens of Canadian scientists, genealogists, and Defence Department historians have also worked to solve the mystery of this Vimy Ridge soldier since his remains were recovered in 2003.

Dr. Matheson's 12-day trip will include further analysis of the artifacts and remains associated with Pte. Peterson's case, a closer look at the location where the remains were found and the team's attendance at the MIA soldier's full military funeral at La Chaudière Military Cemetery on April 7. The team will also be investigating three more cases of MIA soldiers while they are in France.

Dr. Matheson's team of researchers that are going to France includes:
  • David Ratz, Historian, Department of History, Lakehead University
  • Tal Fisher, Bio-Archeologist, Department of Anthropology, Lakehead University
  • Dr. Andrew Nelson, Professor of Bio-Archeology, University of Western Ontario
  • Janet Roy, Genealogical Coordinator and Resident of Thunder Bay
To request an interview with Dr. Matheson or other members of the research team, please contact: Danica Pagnutti, Fantail Communications, 416-363-9650 or danica@fantailinc.com

Lakehead University Receives Funding for Wood Products

THUNDER BAY -- The Ontario government is strengthening the forest industry by supporting efforts to expand markets for the province's wood products and increase production of value-added wood products, Natural Resources Minister David Ramsay announced today.
"Through the Ontario Wood Promotion Program, we're helping a key engine of our economy - the province's forest industry - increase its capacity to make and sell value-added products," said Ramsay. "Building the value-added sector through initiatives such as enhanced training and research is a vital step towards a more competitive industry and more secure local jobs."
By investing $1 million a year, Ontario is helping provide existing and new companies with resources related to markets, education, training, technology transfer, and applied research and development for value-added wood products.
Funding will be allocated to a variety of programs, including a four-year, $2-million Research and Training Education Initiative with four post-secondary institutions. As part of the initiative:
Lakehead University will receive $560,000 ($140,000 a year for four years) to enhance Lakehead's technical support to the wood products industry through a partnership with Forintek, Canada's wood products research institute, and through enhancement of the wood science facilities at the university.
Confederation College will receive $160,000 ($40,000 a year for four years) to develop a specialized training program.
"This allocation of government funds to support and advance efforts in the value-added wood products sector provides a much needed boost in an area that can have a positive bottom-line impact on the forest industry in both the short and long terms," said Dr. Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University. "These funds will enhance research support and facilities to further develop the work that our faculty already has started."
"This funding from the government will help us further the mission of Confederation College's Forestry Centre: to provide enhanced education and training, and technology transfer capacity for forestry in Northwestern Ontario," said Patricia Lang, President of Confederation College. "It will contribute to innovative and relevant training to support Aboriginal and other value-added wood product manufacturing opportunities, and is an investment in the future prosperity of First Nations communities and Northwestern Ontario."
"Our government is committed to promoting greater production of value-added wood products," said Thunder Bay-Superior North MPP Michael Gravelle. "We are working closely with Confederation College and Lakehead University to enhance that sector in Northwestern Ontario."
"Today's announcement shows that we continue to invest in the future of the province's forest industry," said Thunder Bay-Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro. "The funds being made available will support ongoing research and training that will boost the competitiveness of this sector that is so vital to the North."
An advisory committee will help guide the Ontario Wood Promotion Program. Members of the committee will include representatives of government, academia and industry.
The Ontario Wood Promotion Program is one of several measures the government has put in place to help make Ontario's forest sector more competitive. In total, the government is making $1 billion available through various programs to assist the forest sector over five years. These programs will help stimulate new forest sector investments in value-added manufacturing and co-generation as the industry becomes more competitive and transitions into the future.

Lakehead U Professor's Textbook Addresses Sociology of Sport

(Thunder Bay - March 19, 2007) Dr. Jane Crossman's textbook "Canadian Sport Sociology" has been received so well that a second edition, with many updates, will be released this month.
A Professor and Graduate Coordinator in the Lakehead University School of Kinesiology, Dr. Crossman edited the first edition in2003. The second edition will feature three new chapters (social theories of sport, sport and social stratification, and globalization) and approximately twice as many pages and photos.
"Because the first edition was well-received, the publisher, Thomson Nelson, has doubled the budget on it," Dr. Crossman says. "I will be interested in observing what impact this book has on students across Canada who study sport sociology."
"Canadian Sport Sociology" focuses on issues unique to Canadians, and will teach students about the way topics in Sport Sociology relate to the nation.
"Examining sport sociology with a Canadian perspective is imperative for our students," adds Dr. Crossman. "Many sociological themes are universal, however, the Canadian perception is unique and there are many issues which change in a Canadian situation."
The book focuses on many issues, including children, youth and parental involvement in organized sport, race and ethnicity, gender, mass media, politics, economics, social problems, religion, and sport in Canadian educational institutions. There is also a chapter entitled "A brief history of the rise of a Canadian sport culture."
The second edition is available from Canadian educational publisher Thomson Nelson this March.
Members of the Media: Dr. Crossman can be reached by calling her directly at (807) 343-8642.

Lakehead University Civil Engineering Students Win in International Competitions

This past weekend, 18 Lakehead University Civil Engineering students, including the five-member Steel Bridge Team, traveled to Minnesota State University, Mankato, to participate in the Annual ASCE Mid-West Regional Conference and 20th Annual AISC/ASCE Student Steel Bridge Competition. And they left a mark on the conference by taking first place in a paper competition and second place in the bridge-building competition.
Lakehead's Civil Engineering Student Places First in Student Paper Competition
Janice Mills, a third-year civil engineering student, took home first place in the Student Paper Competition for her paper on "Eminent Domain and the Engineer's Ethical Responsibilities." "Eminent domain" is known as expropriation of property in Canada. Students were required to prepare a 2000-word formal technical paper and present the paper at the conference. Judging was based on an assessment of the written paper and on the quality of the presentation.
Mills beat out nine other participating universities in this competition. Her argument used as a case study the experience of the neighbourhood of Poletown in Detroit where, in 1981, city officials expropriated 1,300 homes, 140 businesses, 6 churches, and a hospital in order for General Motors to build a new factory. The development never came to fruition, and in 2004 the US Supreme Court voted unanimously to overturn the eminent domain ruling.
Steel Bridge Team Places Second At 20th Annual AISC/ASCE Student Steel Bridge Competition, Mid-West Region
The Lakehead University Steel Bridge Team placed second overall in the annual competition. The students on the only Canadian team in the competition are: Will Bamsey, Troy Hengen, Amanda Krueger, James Lee, and Tom Lovric, with faculty advisors Dr Timo Tikka and Dr Tony Gillies.
The goal of the bridge competition is to design and fabricate a 1/10 scale model for the replacement of a century-old bridge that spans a river and adjacent floodway. The models, approximately 21-feet long, are erected under simulated field conditions and then load tested. The specification for the bridge changes from year to year, constantly challenging the engineering skills of Civil Engineering students from universities all over the United States and Canada. The rules mirror what it would be like to build a full-sized version of the bridge, taking into account the materials cost (weight), labour cost (construction time), traffic load (simulated test load), and performance (measured deflection under load). Not only does the event test the students' structural design capabilities, it also challenges them to fabricate and construct their design.
The bridge took 1st for construction speed, 1st for construction economy, 2nd for lightness, 5th for structural efficiency and 5th place for aesthetics - placing 2nd overall.
The bridge is designed and the components fabricated at the University by the students prior to the competition. At the competition, the spectators watch as the teams assemble their bridges as quickly as possible. After construction, each assembled bridge is weighed to determine the lightest bridge in the competition. To test strength and stiffness each bridge is then loaded using 25lb lengths of steel angle to simulate a loaded truck crossing the bridge with a total of 2500 lbs of weight. The placement of the loading was determined by the roll of a dice. The team had to design their bridge by examining thirty-six possible load cases.
"Our team faced strong competition from eight other teams from universities in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Wisconsin," says Dr. Gillies. "This is an excellent standing, and an earned reward for the many hours that the students have devoted to their project. I'm very proud of our students' efforts."
National Competition in May
The 2nd place ranking qualifies Lakehead for the U.S. National Steel Bridge Competition for the9th consecutive year. There will be about 45 teams at the National Competition which will be held at California State University, Northridge in Los Angeles on May 25-26. Lakehead teams have an excellent record at the national level, placing 2nd in 2002 and 5th in 2003 and 2006. They are looking forward to the upcoming National Competition.
The Lakehead students attending the conference were also recognized with the "Person-Mileage" trophy, which is awarded to the university with the greatest total of the registered students times distance traveled to the competition.
Support Needed
The students appreciate the support from local companies to assist in meeting the costs to participate in the competition. The team would welcome additional sponsors for their upcoming competition in Los Angeles in May. Anyone interested can contact the team's faculty advisors Tony Gillies at 343-8755 or Timo Tikka at 343-8560.
Members of the media: Interviews are available with Dr. Gillies or Dr. Tikka at the above numbers. Interviews may also be set up with the students by contacting Dr. Gillies or Dr. Tikka. Photos are available.

Lakehead University - Orillia Campus Hosts Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Steve MacLean

Standing Room Only
Note to media: This is an advance notice of Dr. Steve MacLean's visit to Lakehead University - Orillia Campus on Monday, Mar. 19. More information will follow.
Dr. Steve MacLean, the first Canadian to operate the Canadarm2 in space, will meet and speak with more than 200 area high school and university students on Monday, March 19, at Lakehead University's Orillia Campus. The presentation will be held in the City of Orillia Council Chamber--accessed through Lakehead University/Heritage Place. Dr. MacLean's topic will be "STS 115 (Shuttle Transport System): Assembling the International Space Station"and will begin at 12:30 pm sharp, ending at 2:00 pm.
The media is invited to attend Dr. MacLean's presentation plus a follow up media meeting. The Tudhope McIntyre Room (in City Hall) will be provided for media use from 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm following the student event. Dr. MacLean and Lakehead professor Dr. Tom Stiff, also a NASA consultant, will be available to answer questions and to participate in photo opportunities.
Lakehead's own technology will be utilized to expand student participation. With standing-room-only status already confirmed, Lakehead - Orillia students will view Dr. MacLean's presentation from Lakehead's Technology Enabled classrooms.
Content, logistics information, parking arrangements, access, and other details will be announced shortly by news release.
If you plan to attend, please confirm with Tom Steadman, Marketing Manager, Lakehead University - Orillia Campus. Space restrictions may limit attendance.
Biographical information about Dr. Steve MacLean may be viewed at: NASA Biography of Steve MacLean (http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/maclean.html)
Lakehead University's main campus is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Superior. With a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a worldwide reputation for innovative programs and research. Lakehead has over 7,600 students and 1,600 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Lakehead University was named Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.
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For interviews and further information, please contact:
Tom Steadman, Marketing Manager, Orillia Campus, 705-330-4018

Lakehead University Scientist Analyzes DNA From Lost Tomb of Jesus

(Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, ON - March 2,2007) If a team of investigators wanted to prove or disprove family relationships using degraded samples from thousands of years ago, the first thing they would do is analyze either mitochondrial or nuclear DNA. This was exactly what Dr. Carney Matheson of Lakehead University was asked to do by a team of archaeologists who had excavated a tomb in Jerusalem, suspected to be that of Jesus and his family.
Dr. Carney Matheson, Forensic Examinerand Scientific Officer at Lakehead University's Paleo-DNA Laboratory and Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology, analyzed the 2000-year-old bone samples used in the documentary "The Lost Tomb of Jesus" to determine if the two samples were from the same family. His mitochondrial analysis showed conclusively that the two samples were not maternally related.
"For this project, my role was to examine the residue including bone fragments from two ossuaries that were provided to the Laboratory, and determine if they were related," Dr. Matheson says. "My focus was to ensure that the process was undertaken under the strictest forensic and ancient DNA procedures, which are a standard part of Lakehead University's Paleo-DNA protocols. I expected that the results of the mitochondrial DNA analysis of the "tomb of Jesus" would spark widespread discussion and debate among theologians and historians, among others, and intellectual discourse is always good. As a scientist, I am mainly concerned with ensuring that the analysis used as a basis for discussion is beyond reproach. And the science behind the DNA analysis is solid.
"I have done similar work on numerous samples from many parts of the world to determine relation, disease, and other epidemiological issues. Our team at Lakehead's Paleo-DNA Laboratory has done work on bog bodies, unidentified soldiers from WWI, and remains from the Titanic."
Dr. Carney Matheson
Dr. Matheson studies biomolecules and the processes of their degradation. His primary research interest is in method development for recovery of macromolecules from biological material. His research emphasis has been on biological remains that have proved challenging from which to recover biomolecules using conventional methods. Design and development of methods to retrieve macromolecules of interest from degraded remains has applications in numerous fields, principally archaeology, forensic, and medical science. Dr. Matheson's expertise has been used in numerous documentaries and books, such as author Kathy Reichs' bestselling novel Cross Bones.
Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory
From criminal forensic investigations to paternity testing, from mummies to tombs in Jerusalem -- the Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory is a world-renowned research laboratory in the application of modern molecular genetic techniques and technologies to the study of archaeological, degraded, and ancient DNA. Established in 1996, the Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory has gained recognition for work done in its state-of-the-art facility on a wide array of subjects, such as the remains from Titanic victims, and most recently the DNA samples used in the documentary "The Last Tomb of Jesus."
The Lakehead University Paleo-DNA Laboratory is accredited in forensic human identification. This state-of-the-art facility is located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada, and is affiliated with the Lakehead University Centre for Analytical Services (LUCAS).The Laboratory has been a pioneer in the application of modern molecular genetic techniques and technologies to the study of archaeological, degraded, and Paleo-DNA. The Laboratory serves three areas - research, services, and teaching.
For further information on this release, please contact Eleanor Abaya, Director of Communications, Lakehead University at eabaya@lakeheadu.ca, or 807.343-8372.
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MEDIA: For more information on the Laboratory and its services, to request a tour of the Laboratory, or to set up an interview with Dr. Matheson, please call Marla Tomlinson at 807-343-8177 or mobile 807-472-9113

Lakehead University Research Environment Leads to Cutting Edge Research

Lakehead University's growing research capacity affects not only faculty, but students as well. Graduate Kerry Robinson is just one example of a student who benefited from a strong on-campus research environment.

Robinson holds three degrees from Lakehead University: BSc in Biology (chemistry); HBSc in Biology; and an MSc in Kinesiology. During her time at Lakehead, Robinson lost her mother to cancer. This lit a spark in her, and has led her in a research career focused on early cancer detection at Genesis Genomics Inc. (GGI).

"I love my research work," Robinson says. "I have never felt so plugged in to something like I do when I am working at Genesis. I am working with a new, cutting-edge cancer biomarker discovery company, with a great team of people, an atmosphere that promotes individual growth and creative freedom, yet emphasizes the team aspect of research. I feel blessed here."

Robinson's research currently focuses on prostate cancer, working with Dr. Robert Thayer, President and CEO of GGI. Her research has led to the discovery of a biomarker showing the presence of cancer where other tests had indicated a false negative result (meaning the patient did have cancer, but it was not detected in the biopsy).

"Through my thesis work, I discovered a proprietary biomarker," explains Robinson. A Biomarker is a substance used as an indicator of a biologic state. For example, in cell biology, a biomarker is a molecule that allows for the detection and isolation of a particular cell type, and in genetics it is a fragment of DNA sequence that causes disease or is associated with disease.

"This biomarker exhibits a field effect in that it is also present at elevated levels in seemingly normal prostate tissue that is in close proximity to a tumour focus. Through this field effect we are able to distinguish false negative prostate biopsies from truly negative biopsies. We hope this will alleviate the current need for multiple prostate needle biopsy procedures for individuals whose doctors feel there is cause for suspicion of prostate cancer."

This discovery earned Robinson an honourable mention in the 2006 NSERC Innovation Challenge, an award which honours students pursuing graduate studies in the natural sciences or engineering, who have demonstrated an entrepreneurial flair by thinking of ways to transform their research thesis results into products and processes that will potentially benefit Canadians. Robinson was nominated for this award by Lakehead University's Innovation Management Office.

"It's great to see something you worked so hard on come to fruition, with the potential to help so many," Robinson says. "I couldn't have done this alone -- I had a great supervisor (Dr. Thayer) and great technical expertise (Jennifer Maki with GGI).

"I love my work, and I get to work in an area of research that I am passionate about while working with a superb team of people. And, I get to do this all in a city I love - Thunder Bay."

For more information on this project, visit http://www.genesisgenomics.com/research.html.
Members of the Media: Lakehead University is currently celebrating Research and Innovation Week 2007. For more information, visit www.lakeheadu.ca, or call Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177. Kerry Robinson is available for interviews by calling Genesis Genomics Inc. at 807-346-8100.

Lakehead University Welcomes New Director of Human Resources

(Thunder Bay - February 20, 2007) Lakehead University is pleased to announce that Ray Raslack has accepted the position of Director of Human Resources.
Ray holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from Lakehead University, and comes to Lakehead with a wealth of Human Resources experience. Since 1995, he has been the Director of HR Services at St. Mary's Paper Ltd. in Sault Ste. Marie, and before that he managed Human Resources for Abitibi-Consolidated, Fort William Division, in Thunder Bay.
"Lakehead University welcomes Ray to our campus," says Michael Pawlowski, Vice President (Administration and Finance). "Ray has excellent skills and experience, and I am positive he will fit in well with the University community."
Raslack is a seasoned professional in many facets of human resource management, organizational change, and labour relations. He and his wife Laurie are both from Thunder Bay. They have two children in university, one at Lakehead and the other at Nipissing.
"I'm very happy to be back at Lakehead University," Raslack says. "There are many wonderful opportunities here, and I look forward to getting to know the staff, faculty, and students."
Raslack started his position on Feb. 19, 2007. To speak with Raslack or Pawlowski, call Marla Tomlinson at 343-8177.

Bright Young Mathematicians Invited to Lakehead U

(Thunder Bay - February 13, 2007) Lakehead University's Department of Mathematical Sciences is inviting students from across Northwestern Ontario to take part in the 2007 TD Canada Trust High School Mathematics Competition on April 25.
Starting February 14, the Department of Mathematics will be holding pre-contest tutorial sessions. The sessions will be held every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on campus in the Ryan Building, Room 2023.
"This is the second time that we've offered these tutorial sessions, and we feel that they will be of great benefit to the competitors," says Dr. Adam Van Tuyl, a faculty member with the Department of Mathematical Sciences. "Any high school student who is interested in these tutorials is welcome to drop in to these sessions - no appointment is needed, we welcome every student."
The competition is designed to challenge the brightest young minds and to stimulate interest in mathematics among young people.
This year, the competition is sponsored by an Endowment Grant from the Canadian Mathematical Society, as well as increased funding from the major sponsor, TD Canada Trust. This allows the organizers to expand the contest beyond the boundary of Thunder Bay into other high schools in the Northwestern Ontario region. Donations have also been received from TBT Engineering and Engineering Northwest.
Members of the media are welcome to drop by the tutorial session on Wednesday, February 14 at 7 p.m. For more information, or to talk to Dr. Van Tuyl, call 343-8228.

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