Check out Lakehead University's Research and Innovation Bulletin produced by the Office of Research Services!

The R&I Bulletin is distributed weekly every Tuesday by the Office of Research Services and includes information on research funding opportunities, events and workshops and news updates from our funding partners.

The latest version of the R&I Bulletin (as well as past issues) can be accessed by clicking here.

June 29, 2022 – Orillia, Ont.

Lakehead University professor Dr. Sandra Jeppesen is receiving $448,376 from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada under their new Race, Gender, and Diversity Initiative launched this year.

Dr. Jeppesen, professor in the Media, Film, and Communications program at Lakehead’s Orillia Campus, will be leading an international team of community-engaged scholars and community organizations to foster knowledge and build capacity around equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) practices.

“Institutional policies surrounding EDI have become commonplace, but have proven quite inadequate in improving inequality,” Dr. Jeppesen said. “We aim to develop more effective practices throughout organizations.”

Over three years, the research team that includes the Gilbert Centre in Barrie, Pixelles and We Are The Medium in Montreal, the Rungh Cultural Society in Vancouver, and the University of Virginia Equity Centre in Charlottesville, will investigate critical EDI work being done at the community level using an innovative assets-based approach.

“The partner community organizations have been doing equity, diversity and inclusion long before it became a catchphrase,” explained Dr. Jeppesen. “We have much to learn from them and we hope they will benefit through co-research to document their work, learn from one another, and see their practices utilized throughout many sectors of society for in-depth social and cultural transformation.”

Utilizing interviews, focus groups, meetings, and archival research the team will share, analyze, expand and systematize understandings of the work community organizations do around EDI. Results from that work will drive the development of toolkits and workshops that will be mobilized to support organizations across Canada through a proof-of-concept trial run.

"Our objective is to understand the deep EDI capacity and experience of small community organizations working across issues of race, gender, and LGBTQ+ as well as rurality, immigration, and age,” Dr. Jeppesen said. “And then make this experience available to larger organizations to support, improve, and amplify their on-going EDI efforts, which will have profound impacts across Canada and globally.

Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead University’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation, congratulated the research team and thanked SSHRC for their continued support of Lakehead’s important research.

“At Lakehead we value and put particular emphasis on partnerships and research collaborations with community-based organizations,” Dr. Dean said. “Recognizing the importance of EDI in today’s workplace, we know that the research results obtained through this grant will have tangible outcomes for our communities, both locally and nationally.”

In 2021/22, Lakehead University received nearly $2 million in assistance from the Research Support Fund to support the indirect costs of research, which includes costs for supporting the management of intellectual property, research and administration, ethics and regulatory compliance, research resources, and research facilities.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Jaclyn Bucik, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at 705-330-4010 ext. 2014 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 nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students in THE’s 2022 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Tyna Legault Taylor, left, and Tashya Orasi attended a reception in the Fairweather Courtyard at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.

September 12, 2022 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

In August, students from Lakehead University travelled to California to participate in the Indigenous Student Seminar hosted by Stanford University’s Hoover Institution.

Tyna Legault Taylor, a member of Attawapiskat First Nation who is a master’s student in Social Justice Studies, participated in the four-day immersion program exploring federal policy, tribal governance, and Indigenous entrepreneurship.

“Some of my key takeaways involved having a deeper appreciation for the rich history of entrepreneurship and trade that took place among Indigenous peoples prior to European contact,” Taylor said.

“And how despite ongoing settler colonialism we continue to develop better tools towards self-determination.”

The goal of the annual seminar is to help Indigenous students and recent graduates think critically about the interface between federal policy and self-determination.

Taylor learned what makes Indigenous businesses unique versus other businesses, and what factors Indigenous business owners and managers have to deal with that may not be present in other businesses.

The seminar featured approximately 16 speakers who discussed topics ranging from renewing Indigenous economies, property law, Indigeneity, fiscal power for First Nations, addressing the stereotypes that undermine Indigenous sovereignty, and more.

To help students attend the conference, Lakehead University covered the cost of airfare and the hotel costs for the travel day. Stanford paid for transportation from the airport and all other expenses while the student was in the program.

Sydney Belleau was enthralled by the conference. She has now started her final semester of Lakehead’s Master of Science in Forestry program.

“Although I approached this seminar with a natural resources management/researcher lens, discussions on property law, self-governance, and sustainable economies were perfectly relevant and I appreciated the broader context on how Indigenous communities globally can revitalize their economies and their role as sovereign nations.”

Belleau also learned that if a nation wants to be self-sufficient and sustainable, there must be infrastructure for practicing Indigenous law (i.e. courthouse with a jury box so nations can enforce/practice their law), the inclusion of Indigenous peoples in decision-making on tribal lands, ownership, entrepreneurship, and financial independence from government.

Tashya Orasi described the Indigenous Student Seminar as an amazing opportunity that she was grateful to attend. Orasi is a PhD candidate in Leadership and Policy Studies in the Faculty of Education.

“There was such a diversity of perspectives, topics and many engaging conversations that it would be hard for me to name a favourite one, but I am particularly excited to tuck into one of the books gifted to us: Renewing Indigenous Economies by Terry Anderson and Kathy Ratte.” 

Perhaps the most impactful part of the conference for Orasi were the discussions about Indigenous identity, self-governance and resistance to colonial erasure.

“As a reconnecting Métis, it was important for me to be part of these discussions because, as Indigenous people, while our experiences and histories are vastly different, one of my key takeaways from this seminar was that many voices and perspectives coming together can amplify the restoration of Indigenous knowledge, culture and economies.

“These are vital conversations as we work towards decolonization.”

Olivia Adams learned that stereotypes of Indigenous people continue to undermine tribal sovereignty. Adams is in her third year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.

“To identify the origin of these stereotypes we need to re-evaluate the government documents - look at what is said, who said it, and identify the obvious racism that is still used in today’s government,” Adams said.

“These are the stereotypes that continue to undermine tribal sovereignty today. From the staff and faculty, I learned that you never stop learning. No matter your age or background, there is always a space to grow and learn at Stanford.”

From the peers Adams met from around the world, she learned that each Indigenous community shares similarities yet each is different in its own way.

“I also learned that there are so many brilliant, young Indigenous minds out there that are going to accomplish amazing things. It gives me hope for our future.

“And, as young Indigenous people – we are the future. We need to share our stories, take opportunities, learn from one another and be the change we want to see,” Adams said. 

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 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 nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students in THE’s 2022 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Dr. Rosario Adapon Turvey, Associate Professor with the Department of Sustainability Sciences and Geography at Lakehead University will speak on the topic: Climate Financing and the Public Sector for the 4^th Urban Economy Forum (UEF4) within the theme: Cities and Climate Financing on October 4, 2022 in Toronto.

UEF4 is held on the occasion of the United Nations World Habitat Day and organized as an international gathering for key decision makers and stakeholders including Ministers, Mayors, city leaders and financial organizations to deal with various topics relating to sustainable urban development.

The event is hosted by the Urban Economy Forum and this year’s themes will be based on “Sustainable Urban Finance” and economic sustainability in terms of social, economic, cultural and environmental aspects along with the impact of the pandemic on the above-mentioned areas. It is envisaged that UEF4 will add great value and create a synergy toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 11 to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Dr. Turvey recently co-edited the IGI-Global book entitled: “Intellectual, Scientific and Educational Influences on Sustainability Research” with Dr. Sreekumari Kurissery, Professor and Acting Dean, Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies at Lakehead.

A book titled Trauma, Spirituality, and Posttraumatic Growth in Clinical Social Work Practice was just released. It was edited by Dr. Heather M. Boynton, Kinesiology professor at the University of Calgary, and Dr. Jo-Ann Vis, Director and Associate Professor in Social Work at Lakehead University.

Dr. Jo-Ann Vis is currently the Director for the School of Social Work at Lakehead University and has co-authored many of the chapters. Dr. Katherine Kortes-Miller also has a chapter published in the book.

This issue features articles on the "Operation Happy to Be Here" research project, the digitization of program archives from the Native and Indigenous Language Instructors' Programs, faculty news, alumni profiles, and more.

To access the Education Exchange newsletter, click here.

Each year, students compete in the CIF-IFC annual student Quiz bowl; a fun, all-things-forest trivia competition with student groups from different forest-related schools across Canada. And after several rounds of head-to-head quizzing, our Lakehead Natural Resources Management student team won out and took first place in the 2022 CIF quizbowl.

Congratulations to Andrew Base, Dylan Cole, Stephanie Davidson and Wren Mangelli on their well deserved victory!

The students had a great time, met a lot of great, interesting people and made connections with industry leaders from across the country; taking the initiative to meet with and ask the tough questions of speakers, presenters and knowledgeable professionals.

Honorary Survivor, Elder Catherine McGuire, far right, raised the flag designed by Residential School Survivors and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, which will be on display in the Agora for the month of September.

September 7, 2022 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University unveiled its new Every Child Matters crosswalk and raised a National Truth and Reconciliation flag on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Lakehead raised the flag, designed by Residential School Survivors and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and unveiled the crosswalk in the Agora Circle with help from some local dignitaries.

The crosswalk is permanent and the flag will be proudly on display until the end of September.

“Raising this flag at both Lakehead University campuses is an important symbol of the work we are doing to honour remembrance and enact reconciliation to better serve Indigenous students and communities,” said Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost, Indigenous Initiatives, at Lakehead University.

“The Every Child Matters crosswalks remind us that every child matters and as a post-secondary institution, we must be vigilant in our education, research, outreach, and community service,” Baxter said.

“The crosswalks we've added to our campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia are considered pathways, and they remind everyone, every day, that we must be vigilant to ensure that no child experiences the hurt of being taken away from their families," said Dr. Moira McPherson, Lakehead University’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

“In addition to these pathways, today we raised the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation’s Survivors Flag as another expression of remembrance – to honour Residential School survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by Canada's Residential School system,” Dr. McPherson said.

Fort William First Nation Chief Peter Collins said reconciliation must be part of educational systems locally and globally.

“This is important work that needs to be done both at universities and other educational institutions. The Every Child Matters Crosswalk is important to remember the kids who never returned home to their families – it is important for Canadians to remember this and those across the world that this occurred,” he said.

“This sends a strong message to those whose memories are still in our hearts and minds.

Thanks to the university for its continued work promoting truth and reconciliation. It’s important for every student attending university to see this Every Child Matters crosswalk and remember those kids who never returned home from residential school,” Chief Collins said.

Wendy Houston, President of the Thunder Bay Métis Council, was thankful to participate in this important event.

“Commemorating the tragic history and enduring impacts of residential schools is an integral step on our journey to healing and reconciliation. We must continue to do everything possible to support communities in their efforts to foster healing for survivors and their families, and to be reminded that every child matters,” President Houston added.

The event memorialized the children lost to the residential school system and honoured survivors and their families. Learning and commemorating the truth of Canada's history is an important part of the path to reconciliation.

Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum said it’s encouraging that education institutions are acknowledging the true history of Canada and the original inhabitants of these lands and waters.

“The raising of this flag and creation of Every Child Matters crosswalks are positive steps towards truth and reconciliation. Participation in these events will help First Nations achieve milestones on their healing journey,” Deputy Grand Chief Achneepineskum said.

“Reconciliation efforts are important and necessary in the process of healing,” said Anishinabek Nation’s Regional Deputy Grand Chief Melvin Hardy.

“Outward demonstrations of support and acknowledgement of history, such as this, are beacons of hope for many and this crosswalk will be used by thousands and hopefully will touch as many. Hopefully people will take a moment to reflect on what Every Child Matters means, each time they use it.”

The Vice-President of Operations and Finance at the Lakehead University Student Union, Yamandeep Malhi, said similar to wearing an orange shirt, the unveiling is a way to acknowledge the truth – not only of Canada's colonial history, but of its colonial present.

“Today we recommit to justice for Indigenous peoples on and off campus,” Vice-President Malhi said.

“While these symbols are important, we also know the best way to honour the memory of the thousands of Indigenous children taken from their communities, cultures, and languages is with real action.”

 Dr. Moira McPherson and Honorary Survivor, Elder Catherine McGuire, cut the ribbon to unveil the
Every Child Matters crosswalk with help from local dignitaries.

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 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 nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students in THE’s 2022 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

September 6, 2022 – Thunder Bay, Ont. 

Lakehead University’s Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies is pleased to announce that Dr. Amanda Diochon, Associate Professor in the Department of Geology, has been named as an SES Faculty-Based Research Chair for her planned program of research in “Biogeochemical Cycling of Carbon in Northern Soils.”

This is a three-year appointment that started on July 1.

A committee of Lakehead University Research Chairs unanimously recommended Dr. Diochon for this position, commending her strong track record in attracting external research funding, student supervision and mentorship and in contributions to her field both in terms of publications and governance of its professional association.

They also noted Dr. Diochon actively participates and leads interdisciplinary research teams/projects and has been a leader in building research capacity at Lakehead University.

Dr. Diochon joined Lakehead University in August 2012. Since then, she has attracted over $1.1 million in external funding from a wide number of sources, including tri-council grants from NSERC, government, the public sector, and non-profit organizations.

She also has published research findings in a variety of high-quality national journals and conferences, and she has an extensive supervisory record including candidates in the MSc Geology program and senior students in Geology and Water Resource Sciences.

Her core teaching has included an Environmental Sciences Field Course that has students engaged in week-long field camps at Pukaskwa National Park that have students learning and honing important research skills while conducting some practical long term research for the park.

In addition, she is the Director of the Lakehead University Environmental Laboratory (LUEL) and oversees its staff and students carrying out various water quality assessments in the region.

Dr. Todd Randall, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Environmental Studies, congratulated Dr. Diochon on this significant achievement.

“Dr. Diochon has demonstrated an excellent capacity for high-quality and impactful research in our Faculty and has made considerable contributions to developing and leading interdisciplinary research teams at the University,” Dr. Randall said.

“We look forward to the outcomes of this important work she will be leading on the importance of northern soils and their connections with carbon cycling to/from the atmosphere.”

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Media: For more information or interviews, please contact Brandon Walker, Media, Communications and Marketing Associate, at (807) 343-8110 ext. 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 nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked, once again, among Canada’s Top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in Maclean’s 2021 University Rankings; as well as included in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2022 World Universities Rankings for the third consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 10,000 students in THE’s 2022 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.