(February 6, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON)

Hydrogen sulfide. That rotten egg smell.

Dr. Rui Wang, the Vice-President of Research, Economic Development and Innovation
as well as a professor of Biology at Lakehead University, has been fascinated with it
ever since he came across an old, cracked painted Easter egg in his daughter's room
many years ago.

In 2001, Dr. Wang and his research team garnered world-wide recognition in the scientific community when they discovered the mechanism for the production and function of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) in the cardiovascular system in a process catalyzed by an enzyme called CSE.

Now, they've made another ground-breaking discovery.

Toiling away in Lakehead University's Cardiovascular and Metabolic Unit Laboratory for the past three years, Dr. Wang's team of scientists has been trying to figure out how mammalian cells can sense changes in oxygen levels and take necessary measures to cope with hypoxia (oxygen and blood flow deprivation). Hypoxia occurs in life-threatening situations like heart attacks and strokes.

It turns out that H₂S gas is key to this puzzle, proving, in Dr. Wang's words, that "we are what we smell."

The results of this major breakthrough will appear today in one of the world's most prestigious scientific journals, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America (PNAS).

The paper Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) metabolism in mitochondria and its regulatory role in energy production is written by Dr. Wang and fellow co-authors Ming Fu, Weihua Zhang, Lingyun Wu, Guangdong Yang, and Hongzhu Li.

"We have been able to show that the production of H₂S is important for the energy supply to our body when it faces specific health threats," Dr. Wang says. "We can use this new knowledge to help biomedical practice deal with different diseases, such as those occurring in the heart or brain."

Paradoxically, H₂S " the "sour" gas that produces that distinctively unpleasant and distasteful odour " is actually deadly to humans in high doses. But as Dr. Wang and his team have proven, adequate production of this "toxic" gas in our body could be key to the prevention or treatment of hypertension, heart attacks and strokes in humans.

"Delving further into the mysteries of hydrogen sulfide is one of my main research priorities," he says. "This is just the beginning of our work to find clinical solutions to deal with low oxygen-related diseases."

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Media: For more information or to arrange an interview with Dr. Rui Wang, 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.

(Feb. 2, 2012 - Orillia, ON) "Where did you say you were from?" This is what is being asked of Lakehead Orillia students more and more this year as many of them travel the province as members of the University's athletics and recreation teams.

You may have heard about the first two varsity sports to be offered at the Orillia campus - rowing and curling, but when it comes to athletics and recreation at the campus, there's a lot more happening.

Liz Ross, athletics and recreation facilitator at the Orillia campus, reports that almost one quarter of the student population is involved in organized athletic programming, and that doesn't include the 600+ students who have taken advantage of the YMCA membership, which is included as part of student athletic fees.

"In addition to our varsity sports, we have club teams in women's and men's hockey, men's soccer, equestrian and dance," says Ross. "Club teams provide opportunities for students who are looking for a higher level of competition than is provided in intramural sports or campus recreation activities."

Lakehead's club teams have all been very active with training and competitions at inter-university and -college levels since the fall, and as a result, are increasing the University's profile throughout the province.

Representatives of Lakehead Orillia's club teams gather at the campus - (top row): Alanna Uyl, varsity curling; Katie MacKinnon, dance team; Kaitlyn Gravett, hockey; (middle row): Chris Viel, varsity rowing; Lana Johnston, equestrian; Liz Ross, athletics and recreation facilitator; and Kyle Oliveira, soccer. (missing from photo: men's hockey).

The men's soccer team recently returned from a tournament in Ancaster, Ontario, where they won against the University of Toronto/Mississauga to take third place at the tournament.

"I think we are impressing a lot of people," says volunteer coach, Mike Fredson, whose wife Tamara Laredo is a professor at the Orillia campus. "We're a new campus, so people are a bit surprised to discover us and then amazed to see how well we are doing."

Lakehead Orillia student Justin Lewis, a member of the soccer team and also the president of the club team, says he is pleased with how the team is doing. "I am so proud of our team - we have a real range of players, from those who have never played to highly skilled players, so it's great to be able to come in third at one of our first tournaments."

This year was the first time the Lakehead women's hockey team experienced a higher level of competition, by participating in Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) tournaments. The team has entered tournaments at Georgian College here in Orillia, Laurier Brantford, and in March, they will be in Lindsay at Fleming College.

Theresa Prisciak, Lakehead Orillia's senior security guard, who coaches the team along with faculty member Alex Thomson and recruitment officer Betsy Maus, says the competition has been great for the team. "If we continue getting the interest from students, we are going to have a very competitive team and we'll look forward to playing more often, even weekly games with local teams, in the future."

All of the non-varsity sports teams at the campus are run by students, with guidance and support from the athletics and recreation facilitator, who is part of the Student Affairs department at the campus.

"Any student can start a new club team, as long as they have at least four interested students and are committed to forming a student executive to run the team," explains Ross. "As our numbers expand, there is more interest in starting activities. It's exciting to see the development, especially our participation at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) level."

Ross says the expansion in sports activity at the campus is also due in large part to the faculty and staff who have stepped up to help. "The enthusiasm and dedication by this leadership group has been fabulous."

Members of the community are always welcome to join as spectators at Lakehead athletic events and even participate at some.

"Our second annual Thunderspiel is coming up," says Ross. "This is a fun curling bonspiel at the Orillia Curling Club that is open to everyone, including individuals and teams." The event takes place on Saturday, March 3, with entrance donations going to support varsity athletics at the Lakehead Orillia campus. To find out more or to register your participation, contact Liz Ross at 705-330-4008 ext. 2116 or orathlet@lakeheadu.ca.

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Lakehead Orillia Upcoming Athletic Events

February 15: Intramural 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, Lakehead Orillia; University Avenue

February 16 - 20: Varsity Curling, OUA Championships, University of Guelph

March 3: 2^nd Annual Thunderspiel, Orillia Curling Club - Open to the community: individuals and teams

March 9: Women's Hockey Tournament, Fleming College

Lakehead University Aboriginal Teaching Series: Open to the Community

(Jan. 23, 2012 - Orillia, ON) The Lakehead University Office of Aboriginal Initiatives, in collaboration with the Orillia Student Affairs department, is again offering the popular Aboriginal Elders' Teaching Series, beginning January 26, 2012, and features a number of new faces.

Elders from local Aboriginal communities, including Vern Altiman, Gertie Beaucage, Hector Copegog and Steve Beaupre, will be leading the weekly traditional teachings offered at Lakehead' University's Orillia campus.

This year, the sessions will take place on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 8:30 pm in Room 2008 at the University Avenue academic building, beginning January 26. The weekly sessions are free (including free parking) and are open to the public. Each week participants will learn about and discuss a variety of topics related to Aboriginal culture.

Elders are the essential link to the past and to the future and they are keepers of traditional knowledge, cultural and spiritual values and practices, and language. The role of the Elder is to provide vision, leadership and guidance to the Lakehead University community on Aboriginal teachings.

Dates and topics:

January 26 - Women's Traditional Roles (Gertie Beaucage)

February 2 - Men's Traditional Roles (Vern Altiman)

February 9 - 7 Stages of a Good Life (Hector Copegog)

February 16 - Environmental Relationships (Gertie Beaucage)

February 23 - READING WEEK (no session)

March 1 - Residential Schools (Steve Beaupre)

March 8 - 7 Grandfather Teachings (Hector Copegog)

March 15 - Metis 101 (Senator Ruth Wagner)

March 22 - Traditional Therapeutic Models (Vern Altiman)

March 29 - Farewell Feast (All Elders)

Contact: April Jones, Lakehead University Orillia Aboriginal Liaison Advisor, at:acli_rec@lakeheadu.ca or 705-330-4008 ext. 2018.

Media: Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, at 705-330-4008, ext. 2014 or kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

Last updated January 19, 2012

(January 19, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON) Lakehead University is experiencing a significant increase, compared to last year, in the number of applicants from Ontario high school students in Simcoe County and immediately surrounding areas, with the largest increases from Barrie, Newmarket, and Orillia.

Figures released this week by the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), indicate that while the province as a whole is showing an increase of 2.4% in student applications this year, Lakehead University has increased by an impressive 12.6%, making it the university with the highest increase of student applications in the province of Ontario.

Lakehead has experienced a 41% increase in applicants from Barrie, a 39.5% increase from Newmarket, and a 12.9% increase from Orillia," says Dr. Kim Fedderson, Orillia Campus Dean. "A significant portion of the increase can be attributed to the creation of two new majors " Criminology and Media Studies " within the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science program at the Orillia campus."

"We are also getting a great deal of interest in our Bachelor of Administration program and our Honours Bachelor of Commerce program," he adds.

Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson is very pleased by these preliminary figures. "They confirm that the strategies and policies Lakehead University has been pursuing over the past year are working, and that residents of Simcoe County and surrounding areas are beginning to consider Lakehead University as "˜their' university," he says.

"Other factors that may be helping to drive this increase are a new Faculty of Law at Lakehead, exciting new programming at both our Orillia and Thunder Bay campuses, and our ongoing commitment to serving the higher education needs of Ontario," says Dr. Rod Hanley, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Lakehead University is continuing to accept applications. For more information visit www.mylakehead.ca/ or call 1-800-465-3959.

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.

(January 17, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON) According to figures released yesterday by the Ontario Universities' Application Centre (OUAC), Lakehead University is experiencing a dramatic increase in the number of applications from Ontario high school students received to date compared to the number of applications received at this time last year.

While the province as a whole is showing an increase of 2.4% in applications this year, Lakehead University has increased by an impressive 12.6%, making it the university with the highest increase in the province of Ontario.

Although final enrolment figures won't be known until fall 2012, Lakehead University is pleased with the news.

"These preliminary figures are exciting and confirm that the strategies and policies we have been pursuing over the past year are working," says Lakehead University President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Brian Stevenson. "More students are considering Lakehead University because of its comprehensive array of programs in Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Health and Behavioural Sciences, Natural Resources Management, Science and Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences and Humanities."

Factors that likely account for this year's rise in applications include: new academic programs; new marketing initiatives targeted to Northwestern Ontario, Simcoe County, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); modifications to Lakehead University's recruitment efforts; and increased profile due to Lakehead University's new Faculty of Law.

"A significant portion of the increase at the Orillia campus can be attributed to the creation of two new majors " Criminology and Media Studies " within the Honours Bachelor of Arts & Science program," says Dr. Kim Fedderson, Orillia Campus Dean.

As well, changes within the Faculty of Natural Resources Management " particularly the creation of the Honours Bachelor of Environmental Management program " have started to build momentum.

Andrea Huillery, Director of Admissions and Recruitment, attributes the rise in applications to many factors including Lakehead's increasing focus on the reputation of its academic programs and the success of its students and alumni. Both the Faculty of Engineering and the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, she says, received significant increases in applications, including first choice applications.

The figures released today represent application numbers based on the January 11, 2012, OUAC deadline for Ontario high school students to apply to an Ontario university. As such they represent the bulk of student applications.

Lakehead University is continuing to accept applications. For more information visit www.mylakehead.ca/ or call 1-800-465-3959.

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Media: For more information please contact Tracey Skehan, Communications Officer, at 807-343-8177 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.

SSC Director Heather Doyle offers welcoming remarks and highlights the many services offered by the Student Success Centre

(January 16, 2012 " Thunder Bay, ON) Success is just around the corner with today's grand opening of the Student Success Centre (SSC). The ceremonies were held at the new Centre in the underground tunnel area near the LUSU office and Campus Tech.

Rod Hanley, Provost and Vice-President (Academic),
helped out with the prize drawing

Guests enjoyed cake and mingling with University faculty, staff and students, while students were able to enter draws for exciting prizes including an iPad, an Apple TV, additional tutoring hours, and a Skills for Success Seminar and pizza party that will help put students on the path to academic excellence. The festivities follow on the heels of last week's Winter ReOrientation 2012 and highlight Lakehead's commitment to student-centred learning. With the creation of the SSC, which first opened its doors this past June, students have access to a multitude of support services from the moment they are accepted at Lakehead to the day they graduate.

iPad prize winner Jasmine Fazakas is congratulated by Wolfie

Heather Doyle, the Director of the Student Success Centre, says that the Centre "provides service that is integrated, timely, supportive, and quality-driven and has a special emphasis on assisting new students in their transition to Lakehead in those first critical weeks." Ensuring student retention is the first step in fostering student success at the postsecondary level. To facilitate this, students now have the advantage of connecting with one advisor who can help them with any questions they may have throughout their time at Lakehead.

The Student Success Centre is part of Lakehead's strategy to give students the tools and resources they need to thrive at University and to launch them in their careers after graduation. The SSC combines the services of the former Office of Academic Advising, Career and Co-operative Education, Tutoring Services, and Orientation and Commuter Services to provide enhanced student support in one central location.

The packed crowd at the grand opening festivities had the chance to enter
prize raffles and meet SSC staff

This streamlined and comprehensive approach to student services was spearheaded by Marian Ryks-Szelekovszky, Vice-Provost (Student Affairs), who was given the go ahead by Lakehead University President Brian Stevenson, who stated that "The creation of the Student Success Centre is an initiative aimed at helping students achieve their goals and contribute to the cultural, social, and economic well-being of their communities. Students have always been Lakehead's first priority and I'm very pleased that the Student Success Centre's programs and services are already making a positive difference in students' lives."

The SSC has Student Success Advisors, a First Year Experience, Leadership and Special Events Coordinator, a Co-op and Employer Relations Officer, and a Career and Employment Specialist to guide students through unfamiliar territory and broaden and enrich their Lakehead experience. Students can rely on their expertise to help choose an academic major, brush up on study skills, enroll in leadership programming, or set up a co-op placement. The Student Success Centre is open from Monday to Friday and all students are encouraged to drop in for a tour and consultation. You can also visit their website to check out upcoming events and seminars. Being a Lakehead student has never been so rewarding.

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Media: Ms. Heather Doyle, Mr. Ryan Green, and Mrs. Christina Buzzi are available for interviews. Please contact Communications Officer/Editor of Publications Tracey Skehan at 807-343-8372 or commun@lakeheadu.ca for more information.

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.

Successful community partnership provides university opportunity for 35 adult learners

(Jan. 12, 2012 - Orillia, ON) Thanks to the overwhelming support and enthusiasm from members of the community, local social service agencies, and Lakehead University's faculty and staff, 35 adults - who otherwise would not have the opportunity to experience a postsecondary education - will become Lakehead University students this semester.

The students are enrolled in the University's fifteen-week Humanities 101 course, a community-based outreach program designed to provide access to a university-level educational experience, despite financial and other barriers.

First day of school - Christine Wallace and Darlene Grummett (r to l) of Orillia line up to get their official Lakehead University student cards. The students are part of a group of 35 adult students enrolled in the University's Humanities 101 program, which begins this month.

The new program is directed by Dr. Doug West, associate professor of political science with the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Lakehead's Orillia campus. Although new to the Orillia campus, Dr. West is not new to Lakehead University. For the past 20 years, he has been a faculty member at Lakehead's Thunder Bay campus, where he was involved with the Humanities 101 program since its inception six years ago. "More than 100 participants have 'graduated' since the program began, some of whom have gone on to complete university degrees or pursue other postsecondary education," reports Dr. West.

"Humanities 101 presents an exciting opportunity for adult learners who experience any number of barriers to furthering their education. The program focuses on reducing those barriers," explains Dr. West.

The program is free to participants and includes subsidized transportation, a child or adult supervision allowance, and a meal. Participants, who have been referred to the program by local social service agencies, attend weekly evening lectures taught by volunteer faculty and staff members on topics in the humanities and social sciences. Students are exposed to a broad spectrum of topics including social work, media studies, Aboriginal studies, business practices, English, and environmental education.

Dr. West acknowledges that the program could not take place without the support and involvement of the community, along with funding from the Aurea Foundation, based in Toronto. "The Humanities 101 program has been fully embraced by social service agencies in the Orillia area and throughout Simcoe County, and by local restaurants, food providers, and other organizations and individuals," says Dr. West.

A number of community representatives have been actively involved in planning the program as members of the Humanities 101 Advisory Committee that Dr. West put together in July. "The work this group has accomplished in a few months has been outstanding," notes Dr. West.

The role of the Committee is to oversee the creation and operation of Humanities 101 and to help manage all aspects of the program. Community members of the group include: Don Goard, OPP Detachment Commander; Yuksel Gulmen, local resident; Laurie Herd, Common Roof Project; Amber McGarvey, Georgian College student; Will McGarvey, Shadowbox Learning Services; and Karen O'Coin, BMO Nesbitt-Burns, Orillia. Other members of the group include Lakehead University faculty, staff, and students.

"Without the continued support of our committee members and our partners in the community, we would not have been able to introduce this opportunity in Orillia," says Dr. West. "The sustained participation of over 25 different individuals, faculty, staff, and community social service agency representatives over the past four months means that we are able to deliver the program, beginning this month, with a full enrollment of 35 students."

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Media Contact: Kathy Hunt, Communications Officer, Lakehead University Orillia kjhunt3@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University - Sociology Speaker Series

(January 11, 2012 - Orillia, ON) How is our health care system prepared to support those suffering from chronic disease? And how can we help ensure that the health and social care needs of our communities are better understood and met?

These questions will form the basis of a presentation by Lakehead University's Dr. Kevin Willison, as part of the University's Department of Sociology Speaker Series. Dr. Willison's talk, "Enhancing Chronic Disease Management via Community Based Participatory Research," is co-sponsored by the Centre for Education and Research on Aging and Health. The talk will take place on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Lakehead Orillia's University Avenue campus from 2:30 to 4 pm.

Dr. Willison, who was born and raised in Orillia, has been associated with the Interdisciplinary Studies program at Lakehead University's Orillia campus since 2007. He currently teaches courses in sociology.

Dr. Kevin Willison

Over the past decade, Dr. Willison has published numerous international peer-reviewed journal articles and presented at over 25 conferences across Canada on topics such as chronic disease management and inter-collaborative practice. He advocates for a better integration of the social sciences within community health care initiatives.

"Our health care system is currently focused on acute illness and is less prepared to support chronic disease," says Dr. Willison. Chronic diseases are defined as those lasting six or more months that have been diagnosed by a medical doctor.

"We need to be more aware of the needs and issues related to chronic disorders and develop strategies to support these patients and their families," notes Dr. Willison. In his talk, Dr. Willison will present recommendations to improve health care policy and program planning, including the need to gain greater input from people who have one or more chronic care conditions.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend this free presentation and discussion. The topic will also be of interest to health care professionals and those who are directly affected by chronic disease. The presentation takes place on January 25 at 2:30 pm in room 1033 of the academic building at the University Avenue campus. It will also be video-conferenced to the Thunder Bay campus (ATAC 2021).

For further information, contact Lakehead University at 705-330-4008.