(May 12, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
The Lakehead University Alumni Magazine is celebrating an important historical milestone by featuring the upcoming graduation of the Charter Class of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM) on its cover. Lakehead University is granting 24 MD degrees out of a total of 56.

Adam Moir, representing graduates of the Charter Class, graces the front cover of the Spring/Summer 2009 issue of the Alumni Magazine, the focus of which is Health Sciences. Moir is one of the two inaugural year recipients of NOSM Making a Difference - Student Citizenship Award (2006) as well as the recipient of a Lakehead University Entrance Award (1996); and soon he will add "Medical Doctor" to his list of accomplishments.

The magazine was mailed out to alumni May 8, 2009. With growing numbers of health students, researchers, academic programs, and the graduation of NOSM's Charter Class, the "Health Sciences" theme is apt.

"The graduation of the Charter Class of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine is a milestone in the history of this institution, as well as a very proud moment for the students, and the communities and partners who have given their support to the School, to work toward the larger goal of improving the health of the people in Northern Ontario. These graduates will bring with them the highest quality of medical practice and professionalism when they finally settle in the communities in which they will serve after their residencies," says University President Dr. Fred Gilbert.

"Lakehead recently undertook academic restructuring of the Faculty of Professional Schools, resulting in the creation of the new Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences. With programs in Gerontology, Kinesiology, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health, as well as the Faculty of Medicine, Lakehead offers an array of degree programs geared toward the health sector," says Gilbert. "Lakehead's friends and alumni can keep abreast of the progress in the health services area in the upcoming issue of the Alumni Magazine."

To read more about the Health Sciences and other stories, visit the Alumni Magazine online.

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Media: Dr. Gilbert is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@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

(May 11, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)

Candrive -- the Canadian Driving Research Initiative for Vehicular Safety in the Elderly -- is looking to recruit volunteers for a long-term study of older drivers to determine the key factors that impact their driving safety. Study results will help in the development of a simple, objective screening tool that will assist health-care professionals to identify the characteristics of safe and unsafe older drivers, and refer those deemed at risk for further assessment. This will help to alleviate many of the problems and inconsistencies doctors and families face in attempting to determine fitness to drive.

Study investigators need 1000 older drivers, aged 70 and older, to be recruited from eight Canadian cities: Victoria, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Thunder Bay, Toronto, Hamilton, Ottawa, and Montreal. Lead researcher in Thunder Bay is Dr. Michel Bédard, the Canada Research Chair in Aging and Health, and the former Director of the Public Health program at Lakehead University.

"If an older driver is in an accident, often there is a call for all older drivers to be removed or tested," says Dr. Bédard. "This is ironic because literature supports that some of the safest drivers on the road are older drivers. We reject a call for any age-based restrictions on driving," says Bédard.

Candrive is the brainchild of two Ottawa doctors, Dr. Shawn Marshall and Dr. Malcolm Man-Son-Hing, of the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, who decided eight years ago to address the many driving issues that affect seniors. Reacting to what are often unfair portrayals in the media, the doctors strongly reject age-based restrictions on driving, preferring instead to look at how the symptoms of medical conditions can affect a driver's physical and cognitive abilities.

Candrive was recently awarded an impressive $5.5 million Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant to continue its work for the next five years. It has established a national network of diverse Canadian researchers interested in older driver issues, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, psychologists, kinesiologists, epidemiologists, and a number of medical specialists in geriatric medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, rheumatology and geriatric psychiatry.

Candrive has formed partnerships with key seniors' groups, organizations, and governmental and non-governmental agencies to develop political, legislative and moral support for its research agenda. In addition to the long-term study, funding is also provided to conduct seven subprojects in various Canadian cities, all centred on issues related to older adults and driving, such as the psychosocial, cultural, social, and legal aspects of ensuring safety and quality of life for older drivers. Candrive has already influenced transportation policies and has the interest of international researchers and administrators.

Candrive hopes to begin the long-term study soon but needs Thunder Bay area participants. Anyone over the age of 70 (who owns a 1996 or newer vehicle and drives at least once a week), who is interested in finding out more about the study, is asked to call 1 866 233 1133 or 807-766-7256.

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Media: Dr. Michel Bedard is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@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

(May 8, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
After nearly seven years in research and development, Superior Thermowood will launch a full line of deck building products featuring a newly developed, second-generation, thermal modification technology.

The process, used to thermally treat raw wood, evolved with collaboration from Lakehead University Associate Professor Dr. Matt Leitch, wood science researcher in the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment. Tested in a Lakehead University lab under the direction of Dr. Leitch, the thermal modification process substantially improves the physical properties of wood, allowing it to resist twisting, warping, and moisture "uptake" by strengthening the cell walls.

Dr. Leitch explains, "The Superior Thermowood process increases the strength of the wood, reinforcing its structural integrity through a process called 'reinforcement and compression.' The result is a product that is moisture and fungus resistant; no chemicals are added, food sources for mold and insects are reduced, and the natural stresses of twist and warp are almost eliminated." As an added bonus, wood that has undergone the Superior Thermowood process exhibits rich tones of colouration.

But the benefits don't end there. Leitch and his team have also studied the wood waste recovered from the process, and have discovered its increased BTU value as a resource for pelletized fuel over standard wood waste products. "The process densifies the wood, so the wood waste, things like the shavings and the ends, are extremely dense and dry, which makes them a fairly valuable by-product," explains Leitch. "There is the potential to commercialize this by-product as well, providing consumers with a more environmentally friendly alternative to untreated fuel pellets."

Superior ThermoWood President Ed Rose says, "We see this as a truly significant, forward thinking industry. It's a development that can make a valuable contribution on a number of levels, including the economic future of our forestry industry and the environment." The company is preparing for large-scale production and roll-out of deck building products to the North American market. For the first time, a complete line of Superior Thermowood SPF decking materials will be available for purchase in limited distribution at retail outlets this spring. In Thunder Bay, the products, marketed under the ThermoForest Products brand, can be purchased at Petersen's Building Supplies, 1524 John Street Rd., beginning mid-May. For more information, visit the Superior Thermowood website, at http://www.superiorthermowood.com/

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Media: Dr. Mat Leitch is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@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

(May 7, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
An exciting summer camp offered to children at Lakehead University is running this July. The Faculty of Education's Department of Lifelong Learning will be hosting the Eco-Literacy Adventure Camp, an educational program that uses ecologically based reading material and includes high-energy games, outdoor activities, art projects, and other creative approaches to reading comprehension.

"Eco-Literacy Adventure Camp is a chance for children to learn about ecology, improve their reading skills, and have a lot of fun over the summer holidays," says Rusty Brown of the Department of Lifelong Learning.

Eco-Literacy Adventure Camp is a summer camp for children entering grades 4, 5, 6, and 7 in September, that combines literacy skill development with ecology, art projects, fitness, and games to provide a quality learning experience that is both fun and interesting. Each child receives a tee-shirt and an eco-book to take home at the end of camp.

Early registration closes on May 31. The cost before May 31 is $150 a week. After that date, the cost is $180 a week. Camp dates are: July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24, and July 27-31. The camps run from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Bora Laskin Building, Lakehead University.

For more information or to register, call the Department of Lifelong Learning at 346-7872, e-mail faced.aie@lakeheadu.ca, or visit http://education.lakeheadu.ca/ecoliteracy


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Media: Rusty Brown is available for media interviews by calling 346-7872. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@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

(May 6, 2009 - Orillia) Your Bright Future campaign to raise funds for the permanent campus of Lakehead University - Orillia has received a $200,000 donation from The Sarjeant Co. Ltd.

Paul Weber, campaign chair, says, "We are very grateful for the leadership of The Sarjeant Company in making the largest corporate donation to date to our campaign."

"With the backing of dedicated employees and loyal customers, The Sarjeant Company has been operating successfully in Simcoe County for 120 years," says company CEO Scott Elliott. "We are proud to give back to such a great community and are thrilled to have the opportunity to support its continued growth. Having a local full-service university will encourage the ongoing social and economic development of the region - indeed, a bright future for us all."

The Sarjeant Company is the largest independent petroleum distributor in Simcoe County. Sarjeant is also the leading supplier of Ready-Mix Concrete, Aggregates, and Redi*Rock Retaining Wall Systems in Simcoe-Muskoka. It operates a fleet of 50 trucks and its brand is synonymous with durability, quality, and strength.

Photo Caption:

Scott Elliott, CEO of Sarjeant Co. (left) and Paul Weber, Campaign Chair, shake hands to solidify the $200,000 commitment to the Your Bright Future Campaign for Lakehead University - Orillia Campus. Lee Pigeau, Capital Campaign Manager, (left) and Patrick Robbenhaar, GM of Sarjeant Co. look on.

(May 5, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
Student research will be the focus of the Eastern Section of the Canadian Forest Products Society's Annual General Meeting and Conference, taking place Wednesday, May 6, 2009. The conference is hosted at Lakehead University, with several sites across eastern Canada where those interested may attend by videoconference.

What is the future of Canada's forest products industry? This is the central question of the conference, where industry insiders turn to technology leaders and the vision of the next generation for answers. Novel university programs, breakthrough innovations and research are key in influencing the next life of the forest products industry.Students from many universities will present, including Lakehead University, Université Laval , University of Toronto, University of New Brunswick , Université du Quebec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Université du Quebec à Chicoutimi ,Université du Sherbrooke.

Dr. Mat Leitch, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Forestry and the Forest Environment at Lakehead University, and one of the conference organizers, explains, "Connecting with other institutions and with industry players is vital to the conversation about how the forest industry can get back on its feet. The videoconference format is a cost-effective way for everyone to connect, as well as being a more environmentally friendly alternative to travel." According to Leitch, changes of this kind are an example of the kinds of fundamental changes and cost-saving measures that must be implemented in the forest industry in order to achieve sustainability.

"The forest industry is experiencing a downturn, but this kind of thing does not take place in a vacuum," says Leitch. "It means that we have to take stock of what is happening, in the broader context, in forest management, and look at what we can do better, how we can leverage technological innovations, and find solutions that are appropriate to the issues of this era, which differ significantly from those of the past. The Canadian Forest Products Society's Annual General Meeting and Conference is about doing just that."

The one-day conference is free, and those interested may still register by contacting Mat Leitch at 343-8659 or mathew.leitch@lakeheadu.ca.


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Media: Dr. Mat Leitch is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@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

(May 4, 2009, Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University is participating in the first international telehealth palliative care symposium organized by the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) from May 5-7, 2009 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Besides palliative care experts from Lakehead, participating experts include professionals from Alaska, University of New Zealand, Mayo Clinic, University of New Mexico, and the University of Arizona.

One of the goals is to create an ongoing "virtual" palliative care community so people and teams can share the latest information and resources; discuss their local palliative care needs; type questions to speakers on a conference topic on the Web; and support each other after the conference ends.

Registrants will join the symposium from webcasting and video teleconferencing sites around the United States, Canada, Australia, American Samoa, and New Zealand. The website uses open source software and social networking infrastructure tools such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Flickr. These all help registrants from around the world connect through different social media venues.

The sites will connect for three four-hour sessions during the conference. Web casting has reached its capacity with 120 registrants, and more than 320 people have registered for the program. The ANTHC Cancer Planning Program is coordinating the event.

The conference runs May 5, 6, and 7, from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., EST. To participate by video conference, please contact Linda Pisco at 807-766-7269 and register on the symposium website palliativeak.org. For more information, visit www.palliativeak.org for a list of partners, the agenda, and additional information.

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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

(May 1, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
From Sunday, May 10 to Thursday, May 14, the 5th World Environmental Education Congress takes place at Montréal's Palais des Congrès (http://www.5weec.uqam.ca/). Sponsored in part by Lakehead University, the Congress is for educators, researchers, university students, community leaders, journalists, artists, and all other participants in environmental education to work together to strengthen education. In 2007, the Congress was held in Durban, South Africa, with more than 1000 participants. This year, close to 2000 registrants are expected.

Dr. Bob Jickling, Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University, along with colleague Lucie Sauvé of Université du Québec à Montréal, is Co-chair of the conference. "The vision for this World Environmental Education Congress is 'Earth as our common home,' explains Jickling. "The Congress will examine contributions that environmental education can make toward developing an understanding of this critical period in Earth's history. We will examine a number of themes including sustainability, questions of fairness in socio-ecological issues, environmental health, and ethics."

A number of distinguished speakers will present at the congress, including Stephen Lewis, Co-Director of AIDS-Free World, Chair of the board of the Stephen Lewis Foundation in Canada, and Professor in Global Health in the Faculty of Social Sciences at McMaster University; renowned political scientist and economist Riccardo Petrella; Adriana Victoria Puiggrós, Professor in the Faculty of Philosophy and the Humanities at the University of Buenos Aires, and Senior researcher at the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research; and Peter Cole and Pat O'Riley, Associate Professor in Aboriginal and Northern Studies at the University College of the North, and Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Cross-Disciplinary Certificate in Indigenous Studies in the School of Social Sciences at York University, respectively.

"Lakehead University is committed to environmental responsibility and to educating students who are recognized for leadership and independent critical thinking, and who are aware of social and environmental responsibilities," says Jickling. "I am delighted to bring these values to the Congress on behalf of Lakehead and its Faculty of Education."


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Media: Dr. Bob Jickling is available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@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

(April 29, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
Four Lakehead University Geology students have recently won their place in national and international industry-related geology events. Gabe Sweet, Corey Wendland, Seamus Magnus, and Lindsay Moore will be heading to Nevada, Wyoming, Sudbury, and Calgary, respectively.

Dr. Phil Fralick, Chair of the Department of Geology, explains, "Each year, students from across North America compete for spots on geology-related, educational trips. Competition can be fierce, so we're very proud of our students for their success." According to Fralick, the events are designed to complement students' classroom studies, as well as to provide them with technical and business perspectives on the industry.

Gabe Sweet, MSc candidate, will be attending the Society of Economic Geologists Foundation Student-Dedicated Field Course "Gold Systems of Northern Nevada" on May 15 - 24, 2009. The course emphasizes the geology and geochemistry of gold systems in several northern Nevada mining districts. Mining operations to be visited include: Phoenix, Carlin (North Open Pits), Chukar, Pipeline/Cortez, Midas, Twin Creeks, Turquoise Ridge/Getchell and Rochester (Ag).

Corey Wendland, MSc candidate, will be attending Geological Society of America and ExxonMobil Field Seminar in the Bighorn Basin of north-central Wyoming, May 17 - 23. This program emphasizes multi-disciplinary integrated basin analysis.

Undergraduate student Seamus Magnus will be one of 25 senior earth science students from across Canada attending the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada's 3rd Annual Student-Industry Mineral Exploration Workshop taking place in the Greater Sudbury area May 2-16, 2009. Students will take field trips outside Sudbury to world-class mining and mineral camps (Val d'Or, Rouyn-Noranda, Cobalt), and have exposure to the Sudbury Basin, and the numerous mines of the nickel camp.

Undergraduate student Lindsay Moore will be attending the two-week SIFT Student Industry Field Trip, which is sponsored by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists. Students will attend lectures from professionals in the petroleum industry, and will participate in core workshop seminars, field trips to the Rocky Mountains and Dinosaur Provincial Park, a rig tour, and a fly-over of the Rocky Mountains.


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Media: Dr. Fralick, Gabe Sweet, Corey Wendland, Seamus Magnus, and Lindsay Moore are available for media interviews. For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@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

(April 28, 2009 --Thunder Bay, ON)
Research in the social sciences and humanities advances knowledge about individuals, groups, and societies--it helps to tell us how we live, what we think, and how we interact with each other and the world around us. With the help of support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), Lakehead University researchers will be doing just that.

Dr. Mary Lou Kelley, Director of the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health (CERAH), is the lead researcher for the project, Improving Quality of Life for People Dying in Long-Term Care Homes, which has received nearly a million dollars in funding. The main aim of the research is to create a community-university research alliance that will improve the quality of life for those living in long-term care, with researchers and participants collaborating in the process, helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The research is being done in partnership with St. Joseph's Care Group and thirty organizations across Canada. "Residents of long-term care homes represent one of society's most frail and marginalized populations," says Dr. Kelley, "Much can be done to support them and their families when they face end-of-life issues. This research will create knowledge about how to develop sustainable palliative care programs in these homes."

Dr. Chris Southcott, Professor in the Department of Sociology, has been awarded $89,500 for his Social Economy and Community Well-being Workshop. The purpose of the grant is to bring researchers and community members together to discuss economies in the north, and to look at new ways that social economy organizations might play a role in economic sustainability in the region. Southcott explains, "What we're looking at are ways of changing economies so that they better serve the needs of the communities. In the past, volunteer organizations, non-profit housing corporations, co-ops, etc., have been utilized in this way. We want to know how we can further mobilize these efforts."

Dr. Keith Brownlee, Professor in the Faculty of Social Work, is the principal investigator for the project Managing Ethical Considerations Regarding Dual Relationships in Northern Communities which received $147, 443 from SSHRC. In the practice of social work, dual relationships are those where the therapist/client relationship exists in the context of another kind of relationship the two individuals have. For example, the therapist's client may also be that person's banker, insurance agent, or the teacher of the therapist's child. Conventional wisdom holds that engaging in dual relationships is damaging to the client, however in the context of very small communities, it is often unavoidable. Brownlee and his team intend to visit small communities, to find out what people are actually doing in these situations, what their experience of it is, and how frequently it happens. "Very little of this type of research on dual relationships has been done before. The focus is on what is actually happening in these situations, instead of what would be best in an idealized situation," says Brownlee.

Dr. Rui Wang, Vice President (Research) at Lakehead University says, "Many of the funded research projects have a northern focus, and Lakehead University and its researchers are well-situated to do this essential work. We are proud of all of our researchers, and look forward to the findings that will result from these projects."

To view photos from the event, click here.

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Media: For more information contact Lisa Pelot, Communications Officer, at 343-8177, or commun@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