Board of Governors Upholds Province’s Tuition Framework

April 7, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

In accordance with Ontario’s tuition framework, Lakehead University’s Board of Governors Executive Committee approved a 3% increase to its 2015–2016 academic year’s tuition fees. The Executive Committee heard a deputation from Lakehead University Student Union representatives before discussing the matter and voting.

“Our Executive Committee has decided to increase tuition by three percent for Lakehead’s 2015–2016 academic year, as outlined in Ontario’s tuition framework,” said Board of Governors Chair, Murray Walberg.

Walberg explained that raising the cost of our students’ tuition is a not a decision the Executive Committee makes quickly, or takes lightly. “After various discussions and consultations, the Executive Committee has deemed this necessary in order to keep up with inflation and deferred maintenance costs that increase exponentially above government funding,” he said.

Several Lakehead strategies, including the University’s international recruitment efforts, have averted the need to cut academic programs, or lay off faculty and staff, during the current, difficult economic challenges facing the province’s post-secondary institutions.

“In the end, we make these decisions in order to maintain the quality education our students deserve,” Walberg added.

 The 2015-2016 academic year will be the third year of the province’s four year tuition framework. For more information, see the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities’ 2013 media release:

http://news.ontario.ca/tcu/en/2013/03/new-tuition-framework-reduces-the-cap-on-tuition-increases.html

 

QUICK FACTS

  • Lakehead’s 3% increase equals approximately $1.4 million in additional revenue for 2015­–2016. Ten percent of that additional revenue, or $140,000, will be turned into more student bursaries.
  • The 2015–2016 increase means a Lakehead University Faculty of Arts and Sciences student paying about $6,000 for tuition in 2014–2015 will pay approximately $175 more, next year.
  • On average, Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) recipients pay 50% of the 'sticker' price of tuition (COU, June 2014). This means a full time, first year, domestic Bachelor of Arts student attending Lakehead in 2015–2016 would pay approximately $3,000 in tuition.
  • From 2005–2013, financial aid to Ontario university students increased 127%, while non-repayable aid increased 182% (Council of Ontario Universities).
  • When adjusted for inflation, average Canadian student debt has not increased since 2000 (Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada, July 2014).

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead’s Steel Bridge Team places first at regionals

Steel bridge competition participants.

Steel bridge competition participants came to Lakehead University for the regional competition.

March 20, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead’s Steel Bridge Team came first in the ASCE/AISC Student Steel Bridge Competition held at the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse earlier this month.

The bridge took second place for display, first for lightness, third for construction speed, first for stiffness,  first for construction economy (based on construction time and bridge weight) and first for structural efficiency (based on bridge weight to stiffness ratio) - placing first overall.

“Starting and completing a complex project under a tight timeline was an exhilarating challenge,” said Adam Petrycki, a fourth-year Civil Engineering student who was a part of the team. “As a group we tackled a problem and over the course of the project we delivered a winning solution.

“Being involved in all stages of the project – design, analysis, fabrication, construction and competition – gave us experience in solving a wide variety of problems. It also provided us with a strong sense of ownership. When we erected, weighed and loaded our bridge in the competition we all knew we had lived Lakehead’s motto, ‘Ad Augusta per Angusta,’ meaning Achievement through effort,” Petrycki said.

He teamed up with fourth-year Civil Engineering students Mauricio Aristizabal, Myles Fadden, Codey Munshaw, and Xerxes Unwala. The team received guidance from faculty advisor Dr. Tony Gillies and technologist support from Conrad Hagstrom and Kailash Bhatia.

“Lakehead University has established a reputation for excellence since we started competing in 1998,” Dr. Gillies said.

“I was particularly proud of the efforts of the students, who placed first in front of the home supporters.  Hosting the event requires approximately 30 judges and most were past bridge team members.  They travelled from across North America and even from Abu Dhabi to be part of the competition.  This is when you really understand what it means to be a proud Lakehead Alumnus,” he said.

The mission of the American Society of Civil Engineers/American Institute of Steel Construction Student Steel Bridge Competition (SSBC) is to supplement the education of civil engineering students with a comprehensive, student-driven project experience from conception and design through fabrication, erection, and testing, culminating in a steel structure that meets client specifications and optimizes performance and economy.

The SSBC increases awareness of real-world engineering issues such as spatial constraints, material properties, strength, serviceability, fabrication and erection processes, safety, esthetics, and cost. Success in inter-collegiate competition requires effective teamwork and project management. Future engineers are stimulated to innovate, practice professionalism, and use structural steel efficiently.

 The bridge is designed and the components fabricated at the University by the students prior to the competition.  The competition begins with the bridge pieces laid out in the construction yard.  The spectators watch as the teams assemble their bridges as quickly as possible across a simulated river.  After construction, each assembled bridge is weighed to determine the lightest bridge in the competition. 

To test strength and stiffness each bridge is then loaded using 25lb lengths of steel angle to simulate a loaded truck crossing the bridge with a total of 2,500 lbs of weight.  The placement of the loading was determined by the roll of a dice.  The team had to design their bridge by examining multiple possible load cases, similar to traffic crossing a bridge. 

Overall Ranking at Regional Competition

1)     Lakehead University

2)    Iowa State University

3)    University of Wisconsin, Platteville

 

The Lakehead team now moves on to the US National Competition at University of Missouri Kansas City in May.

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

 

LUNSA hosting 27th annual Powwow

March 17, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

The Lakehead University Native Student Association (LUNSA) is excited to be hosting their 27th Annual Powwow at the CJ Sanders Fieldhouse, March 20-22.

LUNSA is honoured to have Shkoday-Asin as the Host Drum. Lakehead University students and the Thunder Bay community will gather together in celebration of Aboriginal culture and dance.  

Warm-ups will be held on Friday, March 20 from 6 pm to 10 pm. Grand Entry is scheduled for 1 pm and 7 pm on Saturday, March 21 with a Traditional Feast being served at 5 pm and the powwow will wrap up for the day at 10 pm.  Grand Entry is set for noon on Sunday, March 22 with the powwow ending at 5 pm.

LUNSA is a volunteer LUSU club.  Its goals are to promote the spirit of unity among Aboriginal students at Lakehead University through social, cultural, and recreational events in addition to promoting cultural awareness between club members and the greater Lakehead University student population.

The annual powwow is LUNSA’s signature event that showcases tremendous talent and entertainment, free of charge, while reinforcing traditional aspects of Aboriginal culture such as drumming, dancing, singing, and giving thanks. Attendees can purchase traditional Aboriginal merchandise from on-site vendors.

 
Everyone is welcome to attend:


Agenda

Friday, March 20:
Warm-ups – 6 pm

Saturday, March 21:
Grand Entry – 1 pm and 7 pm
Traditional Feast – 5 pm

Sunday, March 22:
Grand Entry at 12 pm and Closing Ceremonies until 5 pm 

  • Master of Ceremonies: North Man (Pic River First Nation)
  • Arena Director: Todd Genno (Pic River, First Nation)
  • Spiritual Advisor: Kalvin Ottertail (Lac La Croix, First Nation)
  • Host Drum: Shkoday-Asin (Thunder Bay)

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

Keywords: 

Lakehead hosting March Break Open House for prospective students

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University invites all prospective students, along with family and friends, to explore life on campus from Monday, March 16 to Friday, March 20 during the March Break Open House.

Prospective students will have a chance to be a student for the day by attending a lecture in your area of interest.

Visitors will also take guided tours of the campus, tour and meet personnel in residence, and discover the Chancellor Paterson Library and all it has to offer.

Visitors to the Lakehead Thunder Bay campus can meet current students and faculty members from all programs, and student success advisors will be available to answer all of their questions.

For more details and to register for the Open House, please visit www.mylakehead.ca.

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead hosting College Transfer Preview Day

March 11, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University invites college students to College Transfer Preview Day on Wednesday, March 18 to learn how to turn a diploma into a degree to reach their full potential.

During College Preview Day, students will have the opportunity to discover Lakehead’s unique college transfer opportunities, ask experts about their programs of interest, and learn about program-specific admission requirements and applications.

Running from 10 am to 3 pm, College Transfer Preview Day also offers visitors the chance to explore Lakehead’s beautiful campus.

For more details and to register for College Transfer Preview Day, visit www.mylakehead.ca

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

Lakehead University recognized for exemplary CRC recruiting practices

Dr. Brian Stevenson invited some of Lakehead's Canada Research Chairs to accept a certificate recognizing that the University demonstrated exemplary practices in recruiting CRCs in 2014. Also in the photo is Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President, Research, Economic Development and Innovation, third from left, and Michèle Boutin, Executive Director of the Canada Research Chairs program (left of Dr. Stevenson).

Dr. Brian Stevenson invited some of Lakehead's Canada Research Chairs to accept a certificate recognizing that the University demonstrated exemplary practices in recruiting CRCs in 2014. Also in the photo is Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President (Research, Economic Development and Innovation), third from left, and Michèle Boutin, Executive Director of the Canada Research Chairs program (left of Dr. Stevenson). 

March 9, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

During the 10th annual Research and Innovation Week opening ceremonies, Lakehead University was recognized as the university that demonstrated exemplary practices in recruiting Canada Research Chairs (CRC) in 2014.

“We are pleased to recognize Lakehead University for achieving its equity targets for the representation of women, Aboriginal Peoples and visible minorities in the recruitment of Canada Research Chairs,” said Michèle Boutin, Executive Director, Chairs Secretariat.

“Lakehead University’s equity strategies will continue to ensure fair access to allotted CRC positions, and will help to enrich the research community,” Boutin said.

“Fair and equal representation is important at Lakehead not only because we have students with various backgrounds, but also because we live in a diverse world where everyone’s ideas and beliefs are valued,” said Dr. Andrew Dean, Vice-President (Research, Economic Development and Innovation).

Lakehead University has a strong commitment to employment equity and diversity. This commitment is reflected in a number of the university’s policies, its strategic research plan, and its CRC recruitment guidelines. 

Applications from small universities were submitted to the 2014 Canada Research Chairs Equity Recognition Process for consideration by the program’s Advisory Committee on Equity Policy.

The Canada Research Chairs program invests approximately $265 million per year to attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds.

Chairholders aim to achieve research excellence in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. They improve our depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthen Canada's international competitiveness, and help train the next generation of highly skilled people through student supervision, teaching, and the coordination of other researchers' work.

The Canada Research Chairs Program is committed to excellence in research and research training, and to ensuring equal access to opportunities for all qualified candidates.

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University at the Intercity Mall for R and I Week

Lakehead Psychology student Dana Dupuis holds an EEG cap that will be on display at the Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday.

Lakehead Psychology student Dana Dupuis holds an EEG cap that will be on display at the Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday.

March 6, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead University’s 10th annual Research and Innovation Week will have exciting displays at the Intercity Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 7 from 9:30 am to 6 pm.

Displays include artifacts, a mock dig, Superior Science, the Passport program for kids – which includes a chance to win great prizes – and more!

The goal of Lakehead’s 10th annual Research and Innovation Week is to highlight the important work happening at the University.

Please visit lakeheadu.ca/ri for more information.

 

Upcoming talks include:


  • Monday, March 9, 7:30 pm in ATAC 1003 – Dr. John Fyfe, a senior research scientist with the Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis, will give a talk called The Global Warming Hiatus: What’s Up With That?
  • Tuesday, March 10, 7:30 am in the Faculty Lounge – Scott Kress will give a leadership talk called Learning in Thin Air. Please register by visiting lakeheadu.ca/ri.
  • Wednesday, March 11, 5 pm in ATAC 5036 – Dr. Naana Afua Jumah, Assistant Professor at NOSM, will give a talk called Listening, Learning and Walking Together: Indigenous Communities Leading Research in Women’s Reproductive Health.
  • Thursday, March 12, 10 am to in the Faculty Lounge – Diana Bronson, Executive Director of Food Secure Canada, will host a forum called Food and Food Policy: Elections and Rebuilding Our Food System. Diana will host a Food Forum on Thursday, March 12 from 10 am to 3 pm in the Agora.
  • Thursday, March 12, 7:30 pm in the John N. Paterson Auditorium at Port Arthur Collegiate Institute – Dr. Carney Matheson, Anthropology Professor, will describe the final days of Otzi the Iceman.  

 

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

Lakehead hosting food forum with Diana Bronson

 March 5, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead and the Food Security Research Network are hosting the annual Food Forum on Thursday, March 12, part of the University’s 10th annual Research and Innovation Week.

This forum will highlight food security research and related work in the Thunder Bay region and Northwestern Ontario.

“This is an important opportunity to highlight some of the excellent work being done on food issues at Lakehead University and in the Thunder Bay community,” said Dr. Rebecca Schiff, Food Forum organizer and Assistant Professor with Lakehead’s Department of Health Sciences.

The day includes presentations from Lakehead University students and professors as well as community members working on food security and sustainable food systems. Posters will display students’ research and information from community organizations doing important work on food security.

Highlights of the event include a talk by Diana Bronson, Executive Director of Food Secure Canada. Diana’s talk Politics, Universities, and the Food Movement looks at universities’ roles in supporting sustainable and healthy food for all.

Diana has a professional background in journalism (CBC radio), international human rights, and international climate and technology negotiations at the UN.

For the past several years, Diana has been leading discussions on the need for a cohesive national food policy operating across all levels of government that would link health, environment, social welfare and agricultural issues to fight a common cause.

Diana’s talk is followed by a panel discussion including Lakehead University students and faculty discussing the importance of healthy and sustainable food for our community. A free, local-food lunch will be served.

The event is sponsored by Lakehead University Research & Innovation Week, the Lakehead University Student Union, and the Food Security Research Network. Members of the public, along with students, staff and faculty, are invited to attend.

The opening remarks start at 10 am on Thursday, March 12 in the Agora. Admission and parking are free.

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead researcher describing mummy’s final days

Dr. Carney Matheson and Margaret-Ashley Veall travelled to Italy to study the weapons and tools found with Ötzi the Ice Man.

Dr. Carney Matheson and Margaret-Ashley Veall travelled to Italy to study the weapons and tools found with Ötzi the Ice Man.

March 5, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Lakehead Anthropology Professor Dr. Carney Matheson will describe the final days of Europe’s oldest frozen mummy, Ötzi the Ice Man, during a Research and Innovation Week talk on Thursday, March 12.

Dr. Carney Matheson and one of his former students travelled to Bolzano, Italy last year to study the weapons and tools found with Ötzi.

“Some people call Ötzi the greatest archaeological discovery of the last century,” Dr. Matheson said. “He’s one of the oldest natural mummies in the world which is pretty exceptional.”

Ötzi was discovered in 1991 by two German hikers in the Italian Alps.

The frozen mummy was so well-preserved that police were called to investigate the discovery as a homicide. At 5,300 years of age, Ötzi lived during the Neolithic Age and is Europe’s oldest natural mummy. Previous examinations of Ötzi’s tools revealed DNA from the blood of four humans. Technology found in Ötzi’s possession, such as medicinal fungi, has not been found elsewhere in the Neolithic Era.

“Our work is a fascinating forensic investigation around the last moments of Ötzi’s life,” explained Dr. Matheson.

The Institute of Mummies and the Iceman, and the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology requested that Dr. Matheson replicate analyses of blood traces on the mummy’s equipment and clothing originally performed by Dr. Matheson’s former supervisor, Dr. Tom Loy. Dr. Loy was a researcher at the Institute for Molecular Biosciences at the University of Queensland, who died before his results could be published.

“There are many publications on Ötzi looking at him from all angles; however Dr. Loy was the only researcher to examine the mummy’s tools. Ötzi’s tools and equipment could be the key to everything,” Dr. Matheson said.

Dr. Matheson’s research team travelled to the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology, where the 5,300-year-old Ice Man is housed, in Bolzano, Italy last year. His team examined approximately 20 artefacts found with Ötzi’s body, including hunting equipment, a first aid kit, medicinal items, and clothing.

Dr. Matheson brought equipment from Lakehead University to perform biochemical analyses of residues found on the artefacts, and to bring samples back to Canada for further study.

A major supporter of this historic research endeavour and of Dr. Matheson’s talk is the Institute of Italian Studies-Lakehead University (IIS-LU), which helped fund and equip the research team. Crupi Consulting Group provided shirts and lab coats which identified that the researchers were from Lakehead University and the Institute.

The talk will be at 7:30 pm in the John N. Paterson Auditorium (PA 3006) at Port Arthur Collegiate Institute.

 

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Learning in Thin Air at Lakehead University will inspire teamwork

March 4, 2015 – Thunder Bay, ON

Adventurer and team builder Scott Kress will discuss the importance of leadership at a Lakehead University breakfast on Tuesday, March 10, as part of the many activities taking place during the University’s 10th annual Research and Innovation Week.

Having climbed the highest mountains on all seven continents, Kress knows the importance of leadership when working in teams.

“Teamwork is critical to achieve the best results in any project, especially in a research environment where people often work in silos,” Kress said. “Collaboration and communication are necessary to fully understand the data and utilize the multitude of skills most effectively.”

Kress is a Lakehead alum who is the President of Summit Team Building and author of Learning in Thin Air. He is a leadership and team development expert who has worked with many Fortune 500 companies. He believes in what he calls “servant leadership.”

“It is the job of the leader to serve their team so everyone can be as successful as possible. After all, it is the team that does much of the hands-on work. The leader helps them see the big picture: to coordinate collaboration, coach, mentor and remove barriers. The leader is successful when the team is successful.

“A leader is often described as someone who has a positive influence over others. By this definition we are all leaders and I believe that if we think of ourselves as leaders, we do things differently than if we think of ourselves as followers. Leaders do what needs to be done. Followers wait to be told what to do,” Kress said.

This inspiring and complimentary breakfast is from 7:30 to 9:30 am in Lakehead’s Faculty Lounge. Parking is also free. Seating is limited – please RSVP by visiting http://tinyurl.com/mznv86a or by emailing Kelly Fettes at kafettes@lakeheadu.ca.

 

– 30 –

 

 

Media: For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media Relations Officer, at (807) 343-8177, or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

 

 

In 2015, Lakehead University will celebrate 50 years of exceptional education. Guided by its Strategic Plan (2013-2018), Lakehead is known for providing an education focused on independent thinking, unconventional scholarship, and a close sense of community. About 9,700 full-time equivalent students and 2,000 faculty and staff learn and work in ten faculties at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university: home to Ontario’s newest Faculty of Law in 44 years, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and faculties of Engineering, Business Administration, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Social Sciences & Humanities, Science & Environmental Studies, Natural Resources Management, Education, and Graduate Studies.

 

Maclean’s 2015 University Rankings places Lakehead University 2nd in Ontario and among Canada’s Top 10 undergraduate universities, and 1st among Ontario’s undergraduate universities for Total Research Dollars, Social Sciences & Humanities Grants, and Library Expenses. In 2014, Re$earch Infosource ranked Lakehead 2nd in Ontario and 3rd among Canada’s undergraduate universities.

 

Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Pages