(March 20 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Today, fearless scientists boldly went where no man has gone before.

Attendees of the Lakehead/TBRRI/SHARCNET Joint Symposium 2012 entered the realm of high-performance computing as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of SHARCNET.

What is SHARCNET you might ask? SHARCNET stands for Shared Hierarchical Academic Research Computing Network and is a consortium of 17 Ontario universities and research institutes.

Researchers from Lakehead University and the Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute (TBRRI) are exploring strange new worlds and making discoveries in chemistry, biology, geology, physics, and the health sciences using SHARCNET technology.

"This powerful network of super computers and their consultants are an essential component of the research infrastructure at Lakehead University," says Physics professor and symposium organizer Dr. Apichart Linhananta.

This year's celebrations were the perfect forum for those with inquiring minds. Participants were beamed up to the Lakehead University Virtual Reality Environment (LUVRE), which features a SHARCNET work station and technical support.

During Dr. Wely Floriano's bioinformatics seminar, participants donned 3D glasses and entered LUVRE's surround-sound system " a fully immersive space with exciting simulations and concept visualizations on an 8 x 31 foot, 150-degree curved laser calibrated screen.

"LUVRE provides indispensable 3D visualization tools," says Dr. Linhananta. "Geologists and geographers, for example, use it to map terrain, engineers to design vehicles and aircrafts, and biochemists to design drugs that bind to the receptors of viruses."

Other highlights of the day included a talk by SHARCNET Scientific Director Dr. Hugh Couchman about breakthroughs SHARCNET has facilitated and how it is attracting the best students and faculty to its member institutions.

Even Captain Kirk would have been impressed.

- 30 -

Media: For more information, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer, at (807) 343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,280 students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(March 16 " Thunder Bay, ON)

A team of Lakehead University students has won a prestigious Entrepreneurs First! grant from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).

Lakehead's Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) beat out 50 other SIFE teams to win a $2,500 dollar award.

Their proposal, The Aboriginal Economic Development Program, will help Northwestern Ontario Aboriginal entrepreneurs enhance their business skills and stimulate economic growth in Aboriginal communities.

Five other SIFE clubs in Canada were also successful. SIFE is an international organization with more than 1,600 teams making it the largest non-profit post-secondary student club in the world.

"We knew the competition would be fierce," said Allison O'Shea, SIFE Lakehead President. "It forced us to think both about what makes us unique as well as SIFE's mission to increase the quality of life and standard of living through the positive power of business."

She and her team focused their entrepreneurial expertise on Northwestern Ontario's Aboriginal community.

"The many Aboriginal communities in our region have an outstanding ability to generateinnovative ideas and to produce beautiful, creative, and unique products, yet so often, these strengths go unrecognized," O'Shea said. "SIFE Lakehead wants to equip Aboriginal communities in and around Thunder Bay with the resources and knowledge to turn their ideas into progressive and profitable action."

SIFE partnered with the Nishnawbe Aski Development Fund (NADF). NADF, which provides loans, tools, andbusiness support servicesto Aboriginalentrepreneurs, worked with SIFE to offer programming geared to the needs of existing and prospective Aboriginal businesses.

The Business Development Bank of Canada was also impressed with the Lakehead proposal. "I am excited to work with this energetic and inspiring group of students to put local entrepreneurs first and fuel our community's economy," said Lori J. Desimone, Senior Client Relationship Officer, BDC and advisor to the SIFE Lakehead team.

Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson said the focus on Aboriginal communities supports his vision to improve the wellbeing of First Nations people by ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to thrive and prosper.

"Congratulations to all SIFE Lakehead team members for their inventive approach to entrepreneurship and for recognizing the critical role Aboriginal communities have to play in creating an economically vibrant Northwestern Ontario," Stevenson said.

- 30 -

Media: For more information, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer, at (807) 343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

The Lakehead University Native Student Association (LUNSA) is gearing up to welcome hundreds of guests at its annual Pow Wow during the weekend of March 17 and 18 at the C.J. Sanders Fieldhouse.

The theme of this year's event is New Beginnings and symbolizes what students have experienced and accomplished together throughout the academic year. "We chose our theme based on the spring renewal starting with new season, new relationships, and new paths. We are honoured to have our youth be part of our event as the Host, Co-Host and Special Honorary drum groups, and we hope to encourage them to move forward in their new beginnings," says Nicole McKay, President of LUNSA.

Through various events and activities offered throughout the year, LUNSA strives to promote spirit and unity among Lakehead's Aboriginal students, and to raise cultural awareness among members of the Lakehead University and Confederation College student communities.

"The annual Pow Wow is LUNSA's signature event and showcases tremendous entertainment, free of charge, while reinforcing traditional aspects of Aboriginal culture, such as drumming, dancing, singing, and giving thanks," says Cher Chapman, LUNSA Cultural Coordinator. Attendees can enjoy a feast as well as purchase traditional Aboriginal merchandise from on-site vendors.Chapman adds that student organizers are looking forward to welcoming returning and first-time guests to this year's event, which is sure to be another crowd-pleaser.

Master of Ceremonies: Jim Mishquart (Rocky Bay, FN)
Arena Director: Todd Genno (Pic River, FN)
Spiritual Advisor: Kalvin Ottertail (Lac La Croix, FN)
Host Drum: Shadow Creek Singers (Thunder Bay)
Co-Host Drum: Little Bear Singers (Thunder Bay)
Special Honorary Drum: Little Eagle Drummers/Singers (Thunder Bay)

Agenda

Friday, March 16:
Warm-up6 pm

Saturday, March 17:
Grand Entry at 1 pm and 7 pm
Traditional Feast at 5 pm

Sunday, March 18:
Grand Entry at 1 pm

Community members of all ages and from all walks of life are invited to attend this free event. Food and crafts will be available.

- 30 -

Media: For more information, please contact LUNSA President Nicole McKay or LUNSA Cultural Coordinator Cher Chapman at lunsa@lakeheadu.ca or (807) 346-7713.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. More than 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson and University of Regina President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons are co-leading a group of Canadian universities on a trip to Mexico City to discuss Indigenous higher education.

Representatives from the two countries will spend March 11-12 establishing partnerships and gaining a better understanding of the complexities surrounding the issue.

President Stevenson says accessibility is one of his top priorities.

"Changing the face of education for Indigenous people is a long but important journey," he said. "At Lakehead, we have been successful in removing barriers to education, including economic, geographic and cultural. Our proven and successful model is based on active recruitment and strong transition support. We hope to share our successes and challenges on this trip."

As well as Lakehead University and the University of Regina, First Nations University of Canada, Nipissing University, University of Manitoba, University of Lethbridge, Vancouver Island University, and Nicola Valley Institute of Technology will take part in the trip.

"It's important to meet with educators and administrators from other jurisdictions so we can learn how to enhance post-secondary education for Indigenous people here at home and throughout the world," University of Regina's Dr. Timmons said. "We need to share the challenges our students face in a variety of areas, examine potential solutions, and most importantly, develop and implement concrete strategies that will create a positive educational environment for all university students."

One of the highlights of the mission will be a round table hosted by the Mexican Minister of Education.

Lakehead has a long history of meeting the educational aspirations of Aboriginal people through a variety of student support services and academic programs in the Faculties of Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Medicine, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences and Humanities.

Lakehead University has one of the highest proportions of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit students among Ontario universities with more than 1,000 self-identified Aboriginal students at the Thunder Bay campus. The Aboriginal population, especially youth aged 15 to 19, is increasing.

Our Northern Ontario School of Medicine has made an important impact on health care in small northern and Aboriginal communities. The new Faculty of Law will have a strong focus on recruiting Aboriginal students and developing a specialty in Aboriginal justice.

- 30 -

Media: For more information, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(March 8, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

The small village of Gohailbari in the Rajbari District of Bangladesh has a new school, thanks to Dr. Mohammad Nasir Uddin, a professor of electrical engineering at Lakehead University.

In 2010, Dr. Uddin established the Dr. Nasir-Shahida Foundation, named for himself and his wife. This charitable foundation recently established the Arshed-Sajeda Primary School, in honour of Dr. Uddin's parents. His father, who was a primary school teacher, has donated all the land for the project.

The village where Dr. Uddin spent his childhood is a quiet agricultural community in central Bangladesh near the shores of the Chandana River. The vast majority of residents are farmers, living below the poverty line. Most cannot afford schooling.

Education officers, students, villagers, and Dr. Uddin's parents and family gathered to celebrate the opening of the Arshed-Sajeda Primary School

The Arshed-Sajeda Primary School officially opened earlier this year, and now provides free access to education for children in Grades 1 to 5. In addition, scholarships will be provided for students in financial need and for high-achieving students so that they can have continued access to education.

"I have already made arrangements for the electricity connection for the school and I donated a computer, which will be used to teach Grades 3 to 5," Dr. Uddin explains. "I think this will probably be the first primary school in Bangladesh to teach computers in the primary section."

The new school offers opportunities for a better life for both children and adult learners

In addition to day-time programming, adult education has been offered in the evenings since November. Dr. Uddin hopes to increase the village's literacy rate from 30 to 100 percent. He has also established a library, where villagers can borrow books for free.

Lakehead University President Dr. Brian Stevenson says Dr. Uddin and his family are an inspiration.

"Lakehead is a global community and it is vital that we expand our vision to countries that need our help " especially in education," Stevenson says. "I am so proud of the work that Dr. Uddin is doing and I commend him for his generous spirit."

Dr. Uddin says news of his school has inspired other Bangladeshi people living abroad to give back to their home communities.

In the future, the Dr. Nasir-Shahida Foundation hopes to set up a basic hospital, especially for women, children, and diabetic patients.

But for now, his family's initial investment of around $40,000 will make an enormous difference to the lives of all people living in the village and the surrounding area.

"They are really excited to see the first school in their neighbourhood," Dr. Uddin says. "I hope one day that students from this school will come to Lakehead or to other universities.

- 30 -

Media: For more information, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

The Board of Governors at Lakehead University will be smaller in size " and more effective " after members agreed today to reduce their numbers from 30 to 17.

The Board also agreed to reduce the number of committees from 11 to six through strategic consolidation.

"We will be more agile and streamlined," said Board Chair Colin Bruce. "This is a strategic structural change that will add more value, more transparency and more accountability."

The move to reduce the number of members and committees comes after a year-long internal review of the Board of Governors' structure. The recommendations were approved at today's meeting.

Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson applauded what he calls a "courageous move."

"Our Board members are responding creatively to the changing demands of Universitygovernance," Stevenson said. "These changes will improve accountability and help the Administration better engage with the Board of Governors."

Implementation of the changes to the Board's size and committee structure will begin this September at the Board's Annual General Meeting. The Board's ability to carry out its roles and responsibilities will not be affected during the transition.

"With these changes, decisions will be made with greater knowledge, awareness and understanding, leading to greater success in achieving results that support Lakehead University's strategic direction and vision," Bruce said.

- 30 -

Media: For more information, please contact Kellie Hudson, Media Relations Director, at 807-343-8148 or khudson@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

What a week to remember! The 7^th Annual Research & Innovation Week drew to a close last night with Dr. Chris Southcott named the 2011 Distinguished Researcher. Faculty and students were also honoured at a special awards reception for research excellence.

Dr. Chris Southcott was named the 2011 Distinguished Researcher

"Our researchers are conducting work and building partnerships that are vital to the health of the University, the City of Thunder Bay, and Northwestern Ontario," said Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson. "We are very proud of their dedication, and what they've accomplished."

The week was filled with lively conversations and the exchange of ideas on the Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses.

Poster displays gave the University community a sampling of some of the fascinating research work taking place at Lakehead

Highlights include Dr. Ellie Prepas's $1.3 million Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) grant for FORWARD III, a project to make the oil sands and forest industries more sustainable. Dr. Prepas is one of many of Lakehead's stellar researchers who generated a total research income of more than $22 million last year.

World-class geneticist and Gairdner Foundation Medical Review Panel Member Dr. Robert Hegele visited the Thunder Bay campus and reached out to high school students. He also shared his work on the causes of diabetes with Lakehead University and Thunder Bay Regional Research Institute researchers.

The University of Toronto's Dr. Monika Havelka got everyone thinking with her Valentine's Day talk Why Sex? The Evolution of a Paradox.

Dr. Havelka provided insights into the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction from an evolutionary perspective

As well, the Aboriginal Research Day and Graduate Student Conference left no doubt that a passion for research and innovation cuts across all disciplines, uniting Lakehead faculty, students and the community.

Dr. Rui Wang, Lakehead's Vice-President Research, Economic Development & Innovation, declared the week a resounding success.

"Research creates technology and knowledge. New knowledge leads to innovation. Innovation generates opportunities " opportunities for a better life quality, a greener environment, a promising knowledge-based economy, and community prosperity," he said.

Research & Innovation Award Winners

High Output and Publication Excellence Award (HOPE)
Recipients:
Asieh Ahmadalinezhad, PhD Biotechnology
Ling Zhang, PhD Biotechnology
Shuai Chen, MSc Chemistry

Graduate Student Conference Best of the Best, Oral Presentations
First Place: William Dew, PhD Biotechnology

Graduate Student Conference Best of the Best, Poster Presentations
First Place: Ashley Cerqueira, MSc Biology

Postdoctoral Fellows Poster Award:
First place: Sanghamitra Chatterjee
Second place: Iryna Bashtan-Kandybovich
Third place: Eli Nix

Ontario Post-Doctoral Fellowship Award
Recipient: Dr. Kai Yan

Aboriginal Partnership Research Award for 2012
Recipients:
Dr. Peggy Smith , Faculty of Natural Resources Management
Denise Golden, PhD student, Faculty of Natural Resources Management
Carol Audet, Policy Advisor for the Office of the Grand Chief (NAN)
David Fletcher, Executive Director for the Office of the Grand Chief (NAN)

Lakehead University Innovation Award
Recipient: Dr. Nancy Luckai, Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Building Research Capacity Award 2011
Recipient: Dr. Mathew Leitch, Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Contributions to Research Award
Recipient: Dr. Michel Beaulieu, History

Distinguished Researcher Award for 2011
Recipient: Dr. Chris Southcott, Sociology

Lakehead University Research Chairs 2012

These Chairs recognize high quality research, scholarly and creative achievement by providing a two-year research grant to support an individual's program of research. The Lakehead University Research Chairs program is a key element in retaining outstanding research talent at our institution.

Recipients:
Dr. Mary Lou Kelley, Social Work
Dr. Abdelhamid Tayebi, Electrical Engineering

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

Northwestern Ontario residents unleashed their inner explorers at the Intercity Shopping Centre today.

Children and adults alike embarked upon a voyage of discovery as they talked to Lakehead University experts about everything from anthropology to electrical engineering to DNA testing. They also visited intriguing interactive displays.

Having fun making "goop" at the Superior Science display

City of Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs launched the "Discovery in the Mall" event with a reading of the official 7^th Annual Research & Innovation Week Proclamation, followed by DNA testing on Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson and Mayor Hobbs.

Dr. Umed Panu, Mayor Keith Hobbs, Dr. Mary Lou Kelley, President Brian Stevenson, and Dr. Rui Wang launched the Research & Innovation Week celebration at Intercity Shopping Centre

"It's fascinating to learn how a few cells can reveal so much about an individual's genetic make-up," Stevenson says. "I'm proud that institutions all over the world turn to Lakehead's Paleo-DNA Lab to solve mysteries like uncovering the ancestry and maternal relationships of bones found in the Lost Tomb of Jesus."

Wolfie learned more about his genetic ancestry after getting his DNA profiled

Researchers Dr. Chris Southcott and Dr. Mary Lou Kelley also took part in the ceremonies, sharing details of how their research is making a concrete difference in people's lives.

Dr. Southcott is currently working to enhance the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of communities in the Canadian Arctic and circumpolar regions while Dr. Kelley is focusing on providing better end-of-life care for individuals and their families in rural and remote areas.

Dr. Rui Wang, Lakehead University's Vice-President of Research, Economic Development & Innovation, declared today a red-carpet event for research.

"Research & Innovation Week is a wonderful way for the public to learn how Lakehead research initiatives are transforming Northwestern Ontario into a major innovation hub," Dr. Wang says.

The 7^th Annual Research & Innovation Week continues all next week with events on Lakehead's Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses, including a Graduate Student Conference and an Aboriginal Research Day, as well as lectures on the evolution of sex, the role of "fuzzy logic" on high performance motor drives, genetics and lifestyle in the onset of diabetes, and how polar bears interact with their environment and people.

All Research & Innovation Week events are free. For a detailed schedule of events on both campuses, please visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

- 30 -

Media: For further information about the 7^th Annual Research & Innovation Week, or to schedule an interview, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer at 807-343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(February 10, 2012, Thunder Bay, ON)

Research excellence is at the forefront this week, as part of the 7^th Annual Research & Innovation Week at Lakehead University.

"Our researchers are leading the way in so many areas," says President Brian Stevenson, citing examples such as the sustainable development of natural resources in the boreal forest, cutting-edge DNA research, and enhanced palliative care support for people at the end of their lives.

Today's Opening Ceremonies marked the start of an exciting week of activities, where outstanding research will be showcased on both the Thunder Bay and Orillia campuses.

NSERC representative André Isabelle reveals that Dr. Prepas's FORWARD III grant was unanimously approved by NSERC for its cutting-edge approach to sustainability

One of Lakehead's very own, Dr. Ellie Prepas, was honoured at this morning's kick-off event, where it was announced that she is the recipient of a prestigious grant of nearly $1.4 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). André Isabelle, NSERC's Director of Energy, Environment and Resources Research Partnerships, was on hand to present the Collaborative Research and Development Grant for the FORWARD III project.

Dr. Prepas is a Lakehead University Natural Resources Management professor and a Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Water Management and the Boreal Forest. Her work focuses on the development of best practices for the forestry and resource industries to ensure intensive resource extraction activities do not negatively impact the environment.

President Stevenson congratulates Dr. Prepas for helping Lakehead University advance its ambitious research goals.

"With innovative projects like Dr. Prepas's FORWARD research, Lakehead is accelerating its drive to become one of Canada's top 25 research-intensive universities," he says. "We are aggressively challenging the ivory tower model of universities by fostering economic development, encouraging technology transfer and promoting community engagement."

For Dr. Rui Wang, Lakehead's Vice-President Research, Economic Development & Innovation, this grant demonstrates the importance of building partnerships.

"Dr. Prepas's emphasis on environmental sustainability and her collaboration with industry partners sets the standard for responsible forest management and resource extraction practices and illustrates Lakehead's strategic and collaborative approach to issues that matter to both the University and our community," Dr. Wang says.

The 7th Annual Research & Innovation Week runs until February 16. Some of this year's events include interactive displays at Intercity Shopping Centre, lectures, a Graduate Student Conference (posters and oral presentations), an Aboriginal Research Day and a celebration of Lakehead University's Distinguished Researcher. All Research & Innovation Week events are free.

For a detailed schedule of events on both campuses, please visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

QUOTES

"This research will help develop science-based management practices and tools that improve the environmental performance of two extremely important industries. Dr.Prepas and her team are highly experienced in studying the impacts of forestry and oil sands operations, and have a comprehensive understanding of the issues."
Suzanne Fortier, President of NSERC

"My work has already yielded critical insights into the effects of natural (fire) and industrial (forest harvesting) disturbance on watersheds in the Boreal Plain (Alberta) and Boreal Shield (northwestern Ontario). FORWARD III research will apply and build on this knowledge by taking a critical look at oil sands reclaimed sites and the impacts of landscape-scale disturbances and recovery trajectories through reclamation of soils, vegetation, streams, and bioindicators. This research provides a unique opportunity to transfer the knowledge gained through research to communities and decision makers in all sectors of natural resource extraction to enable them to make informed landscape management decisions."
Dr. Ellie Prepas, Lakehead University

"Suncor Energy is a strong supporter of the research proposed by Dr. Prepas and her colleagues. As the first company in the oil sands industry to have successfully reclaimed a tailings pond to a solid surface, we believe FORWARD III will provide an essential contribution to support further reclamation work on this pond and others. Our involvement in this proposed research supports our commitment to continuous environmental improvements in the way we develop our great Canadian oil sands resource."
Dr. Xiaoying Fan, Biologist, Water Resources Group, Suncor Energy Inc.

- 30 -

Media: For further information about the 7^th Annual Research & Innovation Week, or to schedule an interview, please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer at 807-343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca.

About Lakehead
Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.

(Thunder Bay " February 9, 2012) Today Lakehead University celebrated its leading teachers, innovative instruction techniques, and commitment to student success with a special "Back to Class" event for community leaders in Northwestern Ontario.

Special guests including Thunder Bay Mayor Keith Hobbs and Councillor Rebecca Johnson visited the Thunder Bay campus to participate in a series of presentations, classes, and roundtable discussions to experience first-hand the passion, commitment, and innovation of Lakehead University professors and instructors.

Community leaders and Back to Class Organizers, back row (l-r): Dr. Rhonda Koster, Yolanda Wanakamik, Dr. Rod Hanley, Mayor Keith Hobbs, Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevan; front row (l-r): Dr. Lori Livingston, Beverly Sabourin, Dr. Moira McPherson, Estelle Howard, Dr. Margaret McKee,
Mary Kozorys

"The best university instructors are able to inspire their students and share their passion for lifelong learning," says Dr. Rod Hanley, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). "We are fortunate to have so many superb professors at Lakehead University who excel at both teaching and research."

Dr. Lori Livingston demonstrates how babies learn to move in a Back to Class
kinesiology session

"I am always inspired by hearing from those who have received Lakehead's highest award for teaching " the Distinguished Instructor Award," said Deputy Provost Dr. Moira McPherson. "During today's panel discussion we learned about the exciting and meaningful ways that these instructors have integrated community into their students' learning experiences."

Today's "Back to Class" program highlighted the integral role that well-chosen teaching methods play in a student's university experience. Participants learned about Lakehead's Instructional Development Centre and how it is facilitating best practices in university teaching among faculty, sessional lecturers, and graduate students.

In addition, the participants had the opportunity to attend two undergraduate classes, find out how community service learning is strengthening the fabric of our community, and understand how the development of new academic programs and student services are contributing to student success.

Lakehead is a comprehensive university with a reputation for a multidisciplinary teaching approach that emphasizes collaborative learning and independent critical thinking. Over 8,700 students and 1,850 faculty and staff learn and work at campuses located in Orillia, and Thunder Bay, Ontario, which is home to the west campus of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine. Lakehead University promotes innovative research that supports local and regional socio-economic needs. In Orillia, development continues on building a campus that meets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) standards.