Over the next few weeks, we are asking our Lakehead community to help us make cards for residents of long term care facilities in our city. They can be handmade and scanned to us or made online using a free poster making software.

You don't have to be the best artist or spend hours on it — it will only take a few minutes of your day. You can take part in this project from the comfort of your home, whether you are still in Thunder Bay or have already gone home.

*FACULTY/STAFF: This is a great project to have your kids be involved in while they are home.

Cards can include nice greetings and wishes to our seniors, as well as a description about the maker of the card. Some examples of cards can be found below.

Completed cards can be emailed to studentlife.intl@lakeheadu.ca with CARING CARDS as the subject. They will then be printed and delivered to long term care homes in the city.

We can't wait to see all the wonderful cards you make for our community members!

How do you come back to calm? This question is the powerful message driving a new community-based project by Lakehead University professors Drs. Sonia Mastrangelo and Meridith Lovell-Johnston.

Based in the Faculty of Education at the University’s Orillia campus, Mastrangelo and Lovell-Johnston use the concept of self-regulation to engage young children in learning and literacy. Over the next three years, they’re working in partnership with six First Nations community schools in northern Ontario, focusing specifically on self-regulation in kids Kindergarten-age to grade three.

“As the foundation of healthy social development, self-regulation can be learned and is vital to helping us become resilient and cope with the stressors of daily life,” says Mastrangelo, a specialist in child exceptionality and self-regulation. “When our coping mechanisms are derailed, so is our ability to learn new skills, like reading and writing.”

“We always stress that self-regulation in the classroom is as important for teachers as it is for students,” adds Lovell-Johnston, whose expertise spans literacy, language learning and teaching methods. “Offering local teacher workshops and professional development is a key way we’ll support the development of self-regulation and practices that foster literacy and learning.”

Through classroom observation, interviews, focus groups, sharing circles and storytelling, the project will explore how to identify and reduce sources of stress and provide different strategies that help kids return to calm. Anything from dimming lights, using lavender scents and offering safe spaces to regroup can all create stable, homeostatic classrooms says Mastrangelo, adding that what works for one child may not necessarily be effective for another.

While the current work is based in northern Ontario, Mastrangelo notes that the principles of self-regulation apply to any classroom, and any child. “It’s trial and error to find what works for each student, but they eventually learn to communicate and regulate their feelings independently, so that they can get back on track for learning.”

The children will also lend a hand in making videos, pictures and stories in English and their community language, Oji-Cree, that capture their experiences including “what makes them feel happy and safe and want to learn,” says Lovell-Johnston. At the end of the project, each child will have helped create their own e-book; a documentary-style film will also be produced and shared with the public and other education scholars.

Mastrangelo and Lovell-Johnston’s project launched in January of 2020 with the first of several planned spaghetti-dinner and information nights for parents, underscoring their community-led and partnership approach to setting research objectives and sharing knowledge.

“We work together to address challenges and offer supports in the places the communities themselves have told us they need it most,” says Mastrangelo. “This partnership work is essential to empower northern educators and communities to support their children with culturally relevant practices for lifelong learning, resiliency and achievement.”

Faculty of Education professors Drs. Mastrangelo and Lovell-Johnston work in partnership with the Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre in Northwestern Ontario community schools. Their three-year Partnership Development Grant is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Dear Thunderwolves,

I would like to extend my greetings and best wishes to all of you at this strange and difficult time. Because of the new restrictions, we have decided to cancel our annual Athletics Awards event.

Instead of a face to face celebration of your accomplishments this season, we have posted the information on our website. I know this isn’t the way we thought the season would end, but I still think it’s important that we celebrate the accomplishments of our athletes and rejoice in your success. I would like to thank all of you for your incredible spirit, and the passion you have shown for your sport, your education and our  university,

Good Luck! and a special thanks to our graduating athletes.

Please see the list of winners here. Congratulations to everyone, and in particular to our award winners.

Have a safe and enjoyable summer. We will talk soon.

With best wishes and affection.

Your Athletic Director,

Tom Warden

Dr. Antony Puddephatt

March 5, 2020 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University held its Research and Innovation Awards of Excellence reception on Thursday, March 5 to celebrate the exceptional achievements of professors and students.

Lakehead named Dr. Alla Reznik and Dr. Antony Puddephatt the 2020 Distinguished Researchers for their work in science and social science, respectively.

Dr. Reznik, a Physics professor and the Canada Research Chair in Physics of Radiation Medical Imaging, joined Lakehead in 2008, specializing in novel materials and technologies used for radiation medical imaging detectors.

The major focus of her work is on solid-state technology for molecular breast imaging with Positron Emission Tomography (PET). The goal is to improve resolution and sensitivity over commercially available PET imagers.

When Dr. Reznik joined Lakehead University, no one paid much attention to molecular breast imaging technology.

“At that time it was believed that the only necessary technology to fight breast cancer was conventional mammography, although it was already clear that mammography works well for only half of all women,” Dr. Reznik said.

With Dr. Reznik starting her research at that time, it gave her a chance to work on the science and develop the technology with her students.

“And these young and talented students started to ask me questions: ‘What is the point of working on health technology if the only place it is going to work is your lab?’” she said.

“These so-called troublemakers are confident in the high potential of their research and push you to deploy the results of their work in clinics.”

Dr. Reznik has received more than $11 million in research funding as a primary investigator or a co-applicant. She used her grants to establish a state-of-the-art material science lab for fabricating and testing new semiconductor materials and technologies for medical imaging devices and to supervise a large number of undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

Her crowning achievement is the development of a new Positron Emission Mammography, an advanced imaging device that can detect early breast cancer. Clinical trials are currently underway at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Dr. Puddephatt, a Sociology professor who is the department’s chair, also started at Lakehead 12 years ago.

His research contributions are wide ranging, and his work contributes both to ongoing theoretical debates in the discipline as well as to innovative research strategies.

Most centrally, he has studied the work of George Herbert Mead, a central Sociological theorist, and has applied his pragmatist philosophy to deal with a range of problems in contemporary theory.

Such topics include the nature of knowledge, science and technology studies, language, meaning and social action, the nature of power and domination, and environmental sociology.

He has done qualitative research on topics that have ranged from the social organization of amateur chess, to open-access publishing, to the culture of higher education. He has also weighed in on disciplinary debates about the future of Sociology in Canada.

He is currently working with Dr. Chris Sanders on a SSHRC-funded project about post-diagnostic identity issues among adults with high functioning autism.

Dr. Puddephatt has generously shared his research insights and advice with junior faculty to help further their projects.

He has also been able to publish with a number of Lakehead’s graduate students in the past few years, including Lisa Alaimo, Rebecca Collins-Nelsen, Taylor Price, and Bailey Tuffin. This has given students the opportunity for professional development, while affording Dr. Puddephatt a chance to learn about new research areas and topics.

“I am really delighted and humbled to win this prestigious award,” he said.

“The faculty, staff, and students at Lakehead have provided so many great opportunities over the years to foster my research, and I couldn't have done this without them.

“Lakehead continues to be a small university that punches over its weight in terms of internationally recognized research, and I am a small part of a really great group of bright scholars here.”

The Distinguished Researcher Award is the highest honour conferred by Lakehead for research and scholarly activity. 

Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation, said the University’s researchers make him proud.

“Congratulations to both of our Distinguished Researchers and to all Lakehead University researchers,” Dr. Dean said. “Whether they are students or professors, everyone in attendance should be proud of their work and this pride should fuel them to excellence and even greater achievements.” 

Award Recipients

Three-Minute Thesis

People’s Choice Award:

Michaela Bohunicky – Master of Health Sciences
Confronting Settler Colonialism in Food Systems: Exploring Food Movement Organizations in Canada and Australia
Supervisor: Dr. Charles Levkoe

Second Place:
Jade Ross – MSc Archaeological Science
Identifying Origins of Individuals Through Isotopic Analysis: Royal Naval Hospital Cemetery, Antigua
Supervisor: Dr. Tamara Varney

First Place:
Jessica Allingham – PhD Chemistry and Materials Science
Design, Synthesis and Characterization of a PET Diagnostic Agent for Neuronal Trauma
Supervisor: Dr. Michael Campbell

Graduate Studies Research Excellence Awards

Natural Sciences and Engineering Category

Chen Chen, PhD Forest Sciences, Supervisor: Dr. Han Chen, Faculty of Natural Resources Management

Graduate Student Conference Poster Winners

Winner Engineering Category:

Meljin Madvana Paul
MSc Environmental Engineering
Supervisor: Dr. Leila Pakzad

Winner NSERC/Science Category:

Amber Fredenburg

MSc Natural Resources Management

Supervisor: Dr. Don Henne

Winner SSHRC Category:

Beverly Bannon

Masters of Education

Supervisor: Dr. Paul Berger

Winner CIHR Category:

Sadman Sakib
MSc Computer Science
Supervisor: Dr. Zubair Fadlullah

Postdoctoral Fellows Poster Awards

Health Category:

Dr. Guillem Dayer
Department of Biology
Supervisor: Dr. Ingeborg Zehbe

Natural Sciences and Engineering (two winners):

Dr. Ayyoub Salaghi

Department of Chemical Engineering

Supervisor: Dr. Pedram Fatehi

Dr. Bartosz Gajderowicz

Department of Computer Science

Supervisor: Dr. Vijay Mago

Indigenous Partnership Research Award

Dr. Vicki Kristman, Department Health Sciences, and Audrey Gilbeau, Executive Director, Nokiiwin Tribal Council.  The award recognizes their numerous collaborative projects, which include key roles for Indigenous peoples, mutually beneficial outcomes for the researchers and Indigenous partners, contributing to the education of Indigenous students and unique dissemination of research results that takes into account individual/community needs.

Innovation Awards

Student Innovation Award Winner (two winners)

Niloofar Alipoormazandarani
Chemical Engineering Program

Supervisor: Dr. Pedram Fatehi

Yurii Shepelytskyi
Chemistry and Material Science Program

Supervisor: Dr. Mitchell Albert

 Faculty Innovation Award

• Dr. Mitchell Albert and Tao Li, Chemistry Department

Community-Engaged Research Award

“The First Nations and Métis Math Voices Project.”
Faculty: Dr. Ruth Beatty, Faculty of Education, Orillia Campus
Partner: Colinda Clyne, Upper Grand District School Board

Building Research Capacity Award

• Dr. Pauline Sameshima, Faculty of Education and Canada Research Chair in Arts Integrated Studies

Canada Research Chair (CRC) Awards

• Dr. Alla Reznik, Canada Research Chair in Physics of Radiation Medical Imaging
• Dr. Maryam Ebrahimi, Canada Research Chair in Low-dimensional Nanomaterials
  
  

Senate Research Committee Awards

Contributions to Research Award

• Dr. Sandra Jeppesen, Interdisciplinary Studies, Orillia Campus
• Dr. Thomas (Chris) Sanders, Sociology Department
• Dr. Lori Chambers, Women’s Studies Department

  Distinguished Researcher Award

• Dr. Alla Reznik, Physics
• Dr. Antony Puddephatt – Sociology

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. In 2019, Maclean’s 2020 University Rankings, once again, included Lakehead University among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, while Research Infosource named Lakehead 'Research University of the Year' in its category for the fifth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

 Dr. Alla Reznik

Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro reads the proclamation at this year's opening ceremony.

February 26, 2020 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University Thunder Bay is hosting its annual Research and Innovation Week from Feb. 26 to March 5, with a theme of Our Creative Mind.

The various talks and activities will interest you and your family and friends, no matter how old (or young) they are, especially Saturday, Feb. 29 when researchers will be at the Intercity Shopping Centre.

Lakehead University researchers and students will host interactive booths at the mall from 10 am to 6 pm for the Festival of Ideas. When you stop by the mall, you will learn more about drones, virtual reality, science experiments, green energy, music, doggy DNA, artificial intelligence, and you can also attend an Indigenous Fashion Show. Participate in the Passport Draw for a chance to win prizes.

Also on Saturday, visit the Brodie St. Public Library from 2 to 4 pm for a discussion called Has the internet changed the way we think about creativity?, hosted by Lakehead English Professor Scott Pound as well as other creative individuals from Lakehead University and Thunder Bay.

Then on Monday, March 2, from 2 to 3:30 pm a Research Outside the Box panel discussion will be held in the Faculty Lounge at Lakehead University, featuring Lakehead University researchers and moderated by Professor Timothy Caulfield, Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy at the University of Alberta.

At 7 pm on Monday, Professor Caulfield, host of “A User’s Guide to Cheating Death” on Netflix, will discuss Battling the Bunk Machines: Health in the Era of Celebrity, Social Media and Twisted Facts, in ATAC 1003. Unless you have already registered you may not be able to attend because registration is at capacity.

On Tuesday, March 3, Dr. Nancy Langston will discuss Climate Change, Policy Choices, and the Future of Woodland Caribou in ATAC 1003 at 7:30 pm. Dr. Langston is Lakehead’s new Fulbright Canada Research Chair  in Interdisciplinary Sustainability Solutions and a Distinguished Professor of Environmental History at Michigan Technological University.

Then on Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 am, attend a free Northern Ignite breakfast to discover pathways between industry and Lakehead University researchers, students and faculty. This breakfast is by registration only and while spaces are available.

Visit lakeheadu.ca/ri to register for Northern Ignite and for more information about all R and I Week events.

– 30 –

Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8177 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. In 2019, Maclean’s 2020 University Rankings, once again, included Lakehead University among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, while Research Infosource named Lakehead 'Research University of the Year' in its category for the fifth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, describes her experiences as an astronaut during the opening ceremony.   

Do you know a Thunderwolf who has made extraordinary contributions to their community this year? If so, you might want to nominate them for a Lakehead Leader Award. Lakehead leaders and luminaries are engaged contributors both on-campus and within their communities, they recognize and celebrate diversity and inclusivity, and they strive to achieve academic excellence.

Information and the nomination form are available at lakeheadu.ca/leader. Deadline to submit your nomination is March 11.

Visit lakeheadu.ca/leader to nominate a deserving student today!

February 25, 2020 – Orillia, Ont.

Lakehead University will showcase the best of student and faculty research during Research & Innovation Week 2020, March 9 to 11 at its Orillia campus.

The goal of Research & Innovation Week is to celebrate and raise awareness of the university’s world-class research expertise, and encourage collaboration among the research community, industry, government, and local partners.

Lakehead researchers are using this year’s theme, Our Creative Mind, to showcase the way they imagine, innovate, and discover through research to improve lives and better the world.

On Monday, March 9, Lakehead will host “Celebrating our Partnerships: Indigenous Community Research Panel” with a dynamic group of researchers and community partners who will speak on their community-based research projects in the fields of education, social work, science and anthropology. Facilitated by Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost of Aboriginal Initiatives at Lakehead, the panel will feature Lakehead professors including Dr. Ruth Beatty, Dr. Chris Murray and research partner Aaron Genereaux, Tribal Council Engineer for the Ogemawahj Tribal Council. This panel will be presented from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m.

On Monday night at 7:00 p.m. Lakehead presents “Sense, Nonsense, and Science” with the Director of McGill University’s Office for Science and Society, Dr. Joe Schwarcz.  In this highly visual and entertaining presentation, Dr. Schwarcz will examine some serious, as well as some frivolous, experiences in dealing with the public and emphasize the importance of fostering critical thinking. To register for this presentation, visit http://bit.ly/Joe-Schwarcz.

Lakehead Orillia Principal, Dr. Dean Jobin-Bevans will speak to what inspires creativity and innovation in the Office of the Principal in “Henry Aldrich: Oxford’s ‘Builder Dean’ and Polymath” on Tuesday, March 10 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Come and learn more about the life and times of one of the most celebrated creative minds of the English Restoration period, presented in the context of his original musical compositions. To register for this presentation, visit http://bit.ly/Aldrich-Project.

Tuesday, March 10 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., will feature “A Maker Movement: Research and the Future of Healthcare” with Carmine Stumpo, President and CEO of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. During the presentation, Stumpo will share his thoughts on research and innovation in the healthcare sector. He will focus on the key elements necessary to bring people together towards a shared purpose to challenge the status quo and create win-win opportunities with different ways of approaching common problems. To register for this presentation, visit http://bit.ly/Carmine-OSMH.

One highlight of the week will be the student research presentations, happening daily in the Orsi Family Learning Commons.

Events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required unless mentioned above. All events take place at the Orillia campus at 500 University Ave.

For a complete list of Research & Innovation Week activities and events, please visit www.lakeheadu.ca/ri.

- 30 –

Media contact: Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at 807-343-8372 or mediarelations@lakeheadu.ca.

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has 10 faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. In 2019, Maclean’s 2020 University Rankings, once again, included Lakehead University among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities, while Research Infosource named Lakehead 'Research University of the Year' in its category for the fifth consecutive year. Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.