The Vimy Foundation proudly named Lakehead's Dr. Walter Epp as an educational advisor. Dr. Epp has taught History and Canadian Studies since 1991, and was the recipient of the Lakehead University Distinguished Instructor Award in 2005.

Read the Vimy Foundation's full media release for more details.

Check out the "I Chose Lakehead Orillia" video:

HD video available here

To book a campus tour, or to find out more about programs at Lakehead visit mylakehead.ca

(October 6, 2009 - Thunder Bay, ON) The American Asthma Foundation (AAF) recently released its 2009 competition results for its Research Award Program. Among 12 successful applicants of the 327 who applied is Dr. Rui Wang, a professor of Biology and Lakehead University's Vice-President (Research). Dr. Wang is the only scientist in Canada to receive a 2009 award from the AAF, and his award is valued at $750,000 (U.S.) over three years."My team and I are very grateful that our research application was selected by members of the Scientific Review Board of the AAF. It clearly attests to their belief that the study is groundbreaking and innovative," says Dr. Wang. Alongside his collaborator, Dr. Brian M. Ross, professor at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), Wang will launch an innovative research project entitled "Altered Metabolism of H2S in the Lung: A Novel Biomarker and Therapeutic Avenue for Asthma."

"Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes restriction in bronchial air passages. Essentially, it alters a person's airways by causing them to become narrower, thereby reducing oxygen flow to the lungs," Dr. Wang explains. He notes that researchers in the field are challenged with asthma management issues because the cellular and molecular mechanisms for this condition are not clear. Subsequently, they continue to work toward finding methods for early detection, monitoring prognosis, and new therapeutic avenues that can offer more effective treatment. Dr. Wang's research revolves around the presence of hydrogen sulphide (H2S) within the lungs and how it contributes to bronchoconstriction in asthma patients. He hypothesizes that by increasing H2S production levels in the airways and the lungs, bronchoconstriction and airway remodelling will ultimately be lessened.

H2S is produced by selective enzymes, and Dr. Wang and his research team will work to determine exactly how and where in the lungs and airway tissues this takes place. They will examine the ability and potency of H2S gas in both dilating the airways and decreasing the contractile force of the smooth muscles within them. The hydrogen sulphide that is produced in the lungs might also have the potential to limit the overgrowth of airway muscle cells, which is common in asthma, and to ensure that the airway will not become too narrow. A better understanding of the properties of H2S will aid in the design of new pharmaceutical and genetic approaches to prevent and treat asthma. This research may also lead to the development of new biomarker and diagnostic techniques for early detection and prognosis of asthma based on airway production of H2S, a task that Dr. Ross will undertake as he analyzes H2S levels in nasal air using state-of-the-art instruments and techniques.

"The AAF funds innovative research on asthma through a grants program designed to recruit outstanding investigators from a broad range of fields outside of asthma. Drs. Wang and Ross bring valuable perspectives and expertise from outside the field," states Marion O. Sandler, Chairman of the Board of the AAF. "Innovative and potentially breakthrough projects, like theirs, are at the heart of the American Asthma Foundation's approach to funding cutting-edge research needed to eradicate the asthma epidemic."

Since the year 2000, the AAF has made 122 Awards to scientists in Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

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Media: Drs. Wang and Ross are available for interview. Interviews with Dr. Wang may be arranged by contacting Heather Scott, Lakehead University's Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177; or Eleanor Abaya, Lakehead University's Director of Communications, at 807-343-8372 or eabaya@lakeheadu.ca. To schedule an interview with Dr. Ross, please contact Lisa Kokanie, NOSM Communications Officer, at 807-766-7314 or lisa.kokanie@normed.ca.

To arrange an interview with an AAF Executive or Researcher, or for further information, contact Seth Feldman, Executive Director, American Asthma Foundation, at 415-404-3484 or sfeldman@americanasthma.org

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,700 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(October 5, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON) Today, Lakehead University's School of Nursing unveiled its new, state-of-the-art Nursing Simulation Laboratory. Faculty and students are thrilled with the learning opportunities the Lab offers, and are eager to show it off to the community.

In addition to monitors, hospital beds, and other items found in any standard clinical setting, two high-fidelity, interactive mannequins - which can be programmed to speak, breathe, and display a variety of physiological symptoms and responses - create an authentic learning environment in which Nursing students can build upon their techniques. "This facility is designed to bridge theory to practice in a safe and interactive learning environment," says Karen Poole, Director of Lakehead's School of Nursing. "It's wonderful to be able to witness the effect this learning tool has on each student's competence and confidence."

Kristen Jessiman, Coordinator of the Lab, is proud to see the project come to fruition. She was hired in April 2008 to design and develop the Lab and to facilitate use of previously purchased simulation technologies into the current BScN curriculum. "As a learning tool, this Lab is invaluable on a number of levels." She explains that Nursing students - years one through four - are able to use the facility to practice techniques and protocol on the mannequins. They can also record themselves and review the taped exercises to learn from their mistakes. Exercises that take place in the Lab can be streamed to either of the main Nursing lecture theatres for other classes to watch and incorporate into applicable lesson plans. Jessiman works closely with faculty, clinical instructors, students, and community partners to integrate the use of the simulation technology into learning experiences for Lakehead's Nursing students.

Simulation - including the mannequins, task trainers, and virtual software - provides a safe learning environment in which students can develop their nursing, critical thinking, and problem solving skills through exercises which can be tailored to meet a variety of learning needs. The combination of hands-on learning and advanced technology allows for a wide-range of simulated clinical experiences. While simulation can never replace the value of clinical practice, it certainly gives students a broad range of exposure to both common and unique nursing situations. "No matter how confident a student is about his or her nursing skills, there's no better way to become familiar with the sort of situations we'll be faced with in the workforce than this," says Geoff Etcheverry, one of Lakehead's 4th year BScN students. "It's a well known fact that everybody learns from their mistakes, but whether we're inserting an IV or catheter into the mannequins, or bringing a flat-lined mannequin back to life, we don't have to worry about the consequence to human life if we make any mistakes during the training process. You can't match the reassurance of knowing we can all practice and learn while everybody stays safe."

Development of the Lab has been a work in progress. In 2005, the Ministry of Health contributed $850,000 for the purchase of simulation equipment for both the Lakehead University and Confederation College campuses. Now that a space has been dedicated for the Lab, and funding has been allocated to create and maintain Jessiman's role, the technology is being fully integrated into the curriculum.

Dr. Laurie Hayes, Lakehead's Vice-President (Academic) and Provost, is grateful for the Ministry of Health's financial support which enabled the construction of the Simulation Lab. "Nursing graduates continue their careers at the bedside, out in the community, in nursing education or administration, and they even have opportunity to influence health care policy, " Hayes says. "Our previous graduates have moved to employment in many levels of health care. Thanks to the Ministry of Health funding for this new lab, our nursing students now will be better prepared to deliver state-of-the-art, 21st century patient care."

School of Nursing staff members continue to utilize the School's family of mannequins, which comprises males, females, a birthing mother, children, and babies, in the main nursing lab. These items enhance learning while bridging nursing theory to nursing practice.

An Open House takes place from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, during which time community members are welcome and encouraged to drop in, see the Lab, meet the simulated patients, and learn more about simulated technology. If you are interested in attending or require additional information, please contact Kristen Jessiman, Nursing Sim Lab Coordinator, at 343-8079 or kdjessim@lakeheadu.ca.

For more information on Lakehead's new Nursing Simulation Lab, please visit http://nursing.lakeheadu.ca/simulationlab.

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Media: Dr. Hayes, Karen Poole, Kristen Jessiman, and Geoff Etcheverry are available for media interview. For more information or to arrange interview times, please contact Communications Officer Heather Scott at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca; or Director of Communications Eleanor Abaya at 807-343-8372 or eabaya@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(September 24, 2009 - Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University's Board of Governors is pleased to introduce new members Christopher Fernyc (CFA), Christine Gottardo (Ph.D.), Gordon Hayman (Ph.D.), Tyler Halverson, and Margaret Ryan. All new members were approved at the Board's annual meeting on September 17. They are each thrilled with the opportunity to join the Board and are eager to serve the University in their new roles.

The Board of Governors meets six times throughout the year. Its membership comprises representatives from the University community including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Aboriginal Management Council; the City of Thunder Bay; Lieutenant Governor and Council appointments; and members who are elected at large. "Our Board comprises people who have strong ties to this institution, the city, and the region. Board members are dedicated to offering their perspectives on a number of important issues, which ultimately provide valuable and continued support toward excellence in education at Lakehead University," says Kevin Cleghorn, Chair of the Board of Governors.

"New members bring a special vitality to the discussions that influence the decisions made by the Board. The particular backgrounds, skill sets, and expertise of these latest additions will certainly benefit the University, and I am pleased to welcome them to the Lakehead team," says Lakehead University President, Dr. Fred Gilbert.

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Media: Member profiles and interviews are available by calling Patti Merriman at 807-343-8614.

Kevin Cleghorn may also be contacted for interview. To arrange interview times or for more information, please contact Communications Officer Heather Scott at 807-343-8177 or commun@lakeheadu.ca; or Director of Communications Eleanor Abaya at 807-343-8372 or eabaya@lakeheadu.ca.


About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,700 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(September 21, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON) Dr. Robert Stewart of Lakehead University's Department of Geography has received research grants totalling $170,600 from Environment Canada and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment through the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem to review and implement Remedial Action Plans (RAPs). These RAPs will focus on three Areas of Concern along the North Shore of Lake Superior (Thunder Bay, Nipigon Bay, and Jackfish Bay).

The Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem is the federal-provincial agreement that supports the restoration and protection of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. The Agreement between the governments of Canada and Ontario outlines how the two governments will cooperate and coordinate their efforts to restore, protect, and conserve the Great Lakes basin ecosystem. It builds on the actions taken through previous agreements, and focuses priorities for future actions. The Agreement also contributes to meeting Canada's obligations under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.

Areas of Concern are locations where environmental quality is significantly degraded, resulting in the impairment of beneficial uses to both humans and wildlife. Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Thunder Bay was designated as an Area of Concern (AOC) as a result of historic contamination, shoreline development, and municipal and industrial pollution sources. Nipigon Bay was listed primarily as a result of impacts related to the upstream hydroelectric dams, the accumulation of wood fibre, bark, and other organic matter from historic log drives, and effluent inputs from municipal and industrial sources. Jackfish Bay received AOC status from ecosystem impairments resulting from effluent discharged from the Terrace Bay pulp and paper mill. Dr. Stewart's research seeks to increase collaboration among Lakehead University faculty, all levels of government, and the public in order to ensure that decisions concerning the health of Lake Superior are based on sound science and local community values.

As part of a multidisciplinary research approach, faculty from Lakehead's Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies will collaborate with Dr. Stewart. Together they will review available monitoring data on the health of these Areas of Concern. In addition, a full-time position for a RAP Coordinator has been created at Lakehead University to integrate the Remedial Action Plans along the North Shore. The new Remedial Action Plan Coordinator at Lakehead University is currently looking for community members who are interested in contributing to a public advisory committee to oversee the implementation of Remedial Action Plans for the Thunder Bay and Nipigon Bay Areas of Concern. Public advisory committees (PACs) are integral to the organization and implementation of remedial actions. PAC members would review information pertaining to the environmental health of the AOC ecosystem, and discuss remedial action plans fellow PAC members and government representatives for the Thunder Bay or Nipigon Bay AOC.

Interested parties may contact Aaron Nicholson at 807-343-8514 or aaron.nicholson@lakeheadu.ca. To learn more about the Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem, please visit the Environment Canada website at: http://www.on.ec.gc.ca/coa

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Media: Dr. Robert Stewart is available for interviews by calling him directly at 807-766-7181.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca

(Thunder Bay, Ontario - September 17, 2009) Lakehead University will receive a total of $161,816 to employ 11 young, new graduates this fall through Service Canada's Career Focus Program.

Providing youth with full-time employment for up to 26 weeks, the goal of the Career Focus Program is to offer meaningful work, experience, and training related to the graduate's field of study. Through the Career Focus Program, young northerners seeking to launch and build their careers in Northern Ontario and Orillia will have access to work placements and internships. Employers will be able to invest in training a highly skilled young workforce, and prepare them for future employment and success at both locations.

As part of this program, the Thunder Bay Campus will receive $87,118 in subsidies to employ 6 graduates in a variety of departments including Student Affairs, Continuing Education and Distributed Learning, Technology Services Centre, and Financial Services. The remaining $74,698 will be used by Lakehead's Orillia Campus to subsidize 5 graduates in their Technology Services Centre, and Student Services department. The administration of the Career Focus Program will be handled by Career and Co-operative Education Services in co-operation with Financial Services at the Thunder Bay campus.

Dushan Zuber, Career Focus Program participant, says, "This program is a great opportunity for young graduates to gain hands-on experience in the working world. Getting started in your career can be scary, but this program guides and supports the participants in the right direction while allowing them to learn and develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities that are useful for future employment. It is difficult to find employment in today's tight economy so in order to compete, experience is very important. Education paired with experience is a formula for success."

Career Focus is a federally funded program targeted to young post-secondary education graduates and is designed to meet the needs of a knowledge-based economy. The Career Focus program objectives are to:

• increase the supply of highly qualified people
• facilitate the transition of highly skilled young people to a rapidly changing labour market
• promote the benefits of advanced studies and
• demonstrate federal leadership by investing in the skills required to meet the needs of the knowledge economy

For more information about the Lakehead U and Service Canada partnership initiative, please visit http://jobs.lakeheadu.ca/careerfocustransition/program.shtml. To learn more about the Service Canada Career Focus Program, please visit http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/epb/yi/yep/newprog/career.shtml

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About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

(September 11, 2009 - Thunder Bay ON) Dr. Rui Wang, Lakehead University Vice-President (Research), recently received a new Operating Grant from the Canadian Diabetes Association (CDA), valued at $79,225 for his project entitled "Hydrogen sulfide and pancreatic insulin metabolism." This research grant resulted from a national competition and was ranked as an excellent application. It is also the first research grant received by Lakehead University for diabetes research from CDA.

The research grant began on July 1, 2009 and will be used to shed light on the understanding of pathogenesis and the management of diabetes under specific conditions. This will be achieved by revealing the critical role of pancreatic islet H2S in controlling insulin production, release, and function. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is conventionally known as an air pollutant, dubbed as a "sour gas." Recent studies have shown that H2S in fact is produced in our cells in a reaction catalyzed by two enzymes, cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE).

Diabetes is a "sweet" disease that takes place when our body cannot properly handle sugar metabolism due either to the insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas or to the insensitivity of our body to insulin. Diabetes affects the lives and wellbeing of millions of people but we still know little about how this metabolic disease develops, let alone its cure. The objective of the research is to test the hypothesis that high levels of pancreatic H2S reduce insulin production via beta cell apoptosis (programmed cell death), suppresses insulin release via inhibition of voltage-dependent calcium channels (a group of membrane proteins that conduct calcium ions), and alters the structure of insulin molecules.

Pancreatic islet production of H2S and expression of CSE/CBS, the effects of H2S on insulin release, and pancreatic beta cell mass will be determined first. Dr. Wang will also examine the expression and function of voltage-dependent calcium channels in pancreatic beta cells with different cellular H2S levels. Finally, the development of diabetes in the presence or absence of the CSE gene will be compared.

"This CDA-sponsored research project offers a new approach to the ancient problem of sugar metabolism," says Dr. Rui Wang. "Hopefully, our study in the future may provide a 'sour' solution in hydrogen sulfide for the treatment of the 'sweet' disease of diabetes."

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Media Interviews: Dr. Rui Wang is available for interviews by contacting Jasmine Durham at 807-343-8177.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca/.

(September 4, 2009 - Orillia ON) The Honorable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced the Government of Canada's commitment to invest $13 million in infrastructure funding toward the construction of a new multi-use academic building at the Lakehead University campus in Orillia.

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is a two-year, $2-billion program designed to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian colleges and universities. The program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople, and technicians.

"Our government is investing in innovation and infrastructure to promote employment, help our economy recover quickly and improve the quality of life of Canadians," said Minister Clement. "These investments are creating jobs for people now, while providing the infrastructure these post-secondary institutions need for years to come."

The new academic building in Orillia will allow Lakehead to offer more students academic programs in the Arts and Sciences, Education, Environmental Studies, Business Administration, and Social Work. It will also provide those students with a learning commons, a library, lecture and computer facilities, and will have a laboratory for sciences learning and research.

The building will be part of Canada's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum university campus. It will be a demonstration site for green technology, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

"Lakehead University and citizens of the City of Orillia and Simcoe County thank the federal government for this significant commitment to the permanent Orillia Campus," said Dr. Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University. "This far-sighted contribution to the well-being of the people of Central Ontario will support Canada's first LEED Platinum university campus, which will become a hallmark of sustainable and ecologically sensitive development and a centre of research and learning in the environmental sciences."

For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, please visit the Industry Canada website.

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Media: For further information, please contact:

• Dr. Fred Gilbert (Lakehead University President) at 807-343-8200
• Dr. Kim Fedderson (Orillia Campus Dean) at 705-330-4008 ext. 2012
• Laryssa Waler (A/Press Secretary, Office of the Honorable Tony Clement, Ministry of Industry) at 613-995-9001

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca/

(September 4, 2009 - Orillia ON) The Honorable Tony Clement, Minister of Industry, today announced the Government of Canada's commitment to invest $13 million in infrastructure funding toward the construction of a new multi-use academic building at the Lakehead University campus in Orillia.

The Knowledge Infrastructure Program is a two-year, $2-billion program designed to repair and expand research and educational facilities at Canadian colleges and universities. The program is helping to provide economic stimulus and promote employment by creating jobs for engineers, architects, tradespeople, and technicians.

"Our government is investing in innovation and infrastructure to promote employment, help our economy recover quickly and improve the quality of life of Canadians," said Minister Clement. "These investments are creating jobs for people now, while providing the infrastructure these post-secondary institutions need for years to come."

The new academic building in Orillia will allow Lakehead to offer more students academic programs in the Arts and Sciences, Education, Environmental Studies, Business Administration, and Social Work. It will also provide those students with a learning commons, a library, lecture and computer facilities, and will have laboratories for sciences learning and research.

The building will be part of Canada's first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum university campus. It will be a demonstration site for green technology, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

"Lakehead University and citizens of the City of Orillia and Simcoe County thank the federal government for this significant commitment to the permanent Orillia Campus," said Dr. Fred Gilbert, President of Lakehead University. "This far-sighted contribution to the well-being of the people of Central Ontario will support Canada's first LEED Platinum university campus, which will become a hallmark of sustainable and ecologically sensitive development and a centre of research and learning in the environmental sciences."

For further information about Canada's Economic Action Plan and the Knowledge Infrastructure Program, please visit the Industry Canada website.

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Media: For further information, please contact:

• Dr. Fred Gilbert (Lakehead University President) at 807-343-8200
• Dr. Kim Fedderson (Orillia Campus Dean) at 705-330-4008 ext. 2012
• Laryssa Waler (A/Press Secretary, Office of the Honorable Tony Clement, Ministry of Industry) at 613-995-9001

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. With a main campus located in Thunder Bay, Ontario and a campus in Orillia, Ontario, Lakehead has over 7,900 students and 2,250 faculty and staff, and is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. In 2006, Research Infosource Inc. named Lakehead University Canada's Research University of the Year in the undergraduate category. For more information on Lakehead University, visit http://www.lakeheadu.ca/