Research & Innovation Week will run from February 24 to March 1 in Thunder Bay
February 13, 2024 – Thunder Bay, Ont.
The spotlight will be on research, innovation and collaboration during Lakehead University’s 19th annual Research & Innovation Week, February 24 to March 1.
A venue for researchers to showcase their activity and expertise, Research & Innovation Week highlights the profound impact Lakehead faculty and graduate and undergraduate students have on our community and beyond through advancement of new perspectives and innovations.
“Research & Innovation Week is designed to elevate awareness of the university’s world-class research activity and expertise, create opportunities for collaboration, and recognize exceptional achievements,” explained Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation. “Through research and scholarly activity, we can improve every aspect of society.”
Various events are happening throughout the week including guest speakers, interactive exhibits and displays, and research showcases.
On Saturday, Feb. 24, there will be a free public event at Goods & Co. Market on Red River Road. Drop by between 10 am and 4 pm to engage in hands-on research activities.
Then, on Monday, Feb. 26 at 12 pm, biologist, science journalist, author and TV host Dr. Dan Riskin will deliver a keynote address. In this hour-long talk, Riskin will delve into how individuals can learn and thrive in the new world of artificial intelligence. Registration is required.
On Tuesday, Feb. 27 at 11 am in the CASES Atrium, Dr. Scott Hamilton will explore the complexities surrounding academic participation in the search for unmarked graves at Indian Residential Schools (IRS). Over the past decade, Dr. Hamilton has been involved in IRS investigations, first as a researcher with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and more recently as a resource person.
Also that afternoon, guest curator Mary Ann Beckwith will host a tour of Lakehead’s new juried and featured art in the CASES Building from 4 to 5:30 pm. Select exhibitors will be on hand to discuss their works.
On Wednesday, Feb. 28 at 10 am in the Faculty Lounge, the University will be hosting a showcase of researchers who will present highlights of their most innovative and impactful research endeavours – from science and technology to social sciences and humanities.
Speakers will include Dr. Abigale Sprakes from the School of Social Work; Dr. Abdulsalam Yassine from the Department of Software Engineering; Dr. Noah Phillips from the Department of Geology; Dr. Paul Cormier from Keewatinase – Department of Indigenous Education in the Faculty of Education; and many more.
Also on Wednesday, Dr. Amanda Diochon will dig into her work to improve land management outcomes for organic carbon stores and soil health, with a focus on northern soils - from 11:30 am to 1 pm in the University Centre (UC 1017).
On Thursday, Feb. 29 at 2 pm, Lakehead professor and director of EPID@Work Dr. Vicki Kristman will explore the factors impacting employee health and disability and offer solutions to help improve the overall work environment. Dr. Kristman’s talk will be held in the CASES Atrium.
Visit www.lakeheadu.ca/ri to register for events and for more information.
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Media: 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 in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2023 World Universities Rankings for the fourth consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 9,000 students in THE’s 2023 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.