Community-based research navigates social, economic and environmental sustainability

Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. – Lakehead University researchers Dr. Martha Dowsley and Dr. Debra Mackinnon are leading two community-based studies that will impact how societies understand and navigate food sovereignty and public safety.

Dr. Dowsley, Associate Professor in Anthropology and Geography and the Environment, is partnering with Lac Seul First Nation (LSFN) in Northwestern Ontario and Nubian communities in Egypt to explore the role of focal plants in the community’s survival, culture, and self-determination and how that role has been altered by the flooding of traditional lands. The study is supported by a $328,000 grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Martha Dowsley“Many Indigenous communities have lost lands and resources to hydroelectric development, severely impacting their economic and cultural wellbeing,” Dowsley explained. “By studying some of these injured human-plant relationships we hope to support communities in strengthening their plant relationships. This can have important impacts in areas such as the Sustainable Development Goals, improving the lives of girls and women, and building resilience into damaged local food systems.”

For the study, each community selected a plant with economic and cultural significance: LSFN chose wild rice (manomin) and the Nubian communities date palm and a fodder plant called kashrangig. Now, the research team will explore the history of lost relationships with these plants to understand how to support Indigenous communities as they look to re-establish traditional practices. Illustrated books, films and educational resources will be created to help cultural sharing and discussions on food sovereignty and cultural resurgence.

“I hope this research will allow the two case study communities to learn about themselves through seeing how a community on the other side of the world is struggling with a similar problem,” she said. “My hope is that this project will support the communities to find new ways to use their cultural knowledge of plants to continue those plant relationships in a changed environment. It’s all about honouring and nurturing these ancient relationships and finding a place for them in a modern world.”

Debra MackinnonIn another community-focused project, Dr. Mackinnon, an Assistant Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies, will examine how libraries in mid-sized Ontario cities balance safety with their mandate of free and equitable access.

“Public libraries are more than just places for books; they serve as critical social infrastructure by providing access to information, encouraging social inclusion and equity, and fostering civic engagement,” Mackinnon explained. “However, they face growing pressure to navigate their commitment to social inclusion and equity, while managing the added pressure of ensuring the safety of all staff and patrons.”

In collaboration with public libraries in Barrie, Brantford and Thunder Bay, and in the context of ongoing social issues such as the opioid epidemic, mental health crisis, lack of affordable housing, and changing perceptions of public safety, Mackinnon and Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson of Wilfrid Laurier University will engage library staff, patrons, and community members to identify practical, community-driven solutions that support both safety and inclusivity in these spaces. The three-year study is supported by a $97,267 grant from SSHRC.

“The work conducted by Lakehead researchers is responsive and directly tied to supporting, engaging and enriching our local communities,” said Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice President - Research and Innovation. “Thank you to our funding partners for recognizing the importance of these projects, not just at the community level, but advancing knowledge nationally and globally in several key areas.”

In 2023/24, Lakehead University received almost $2.5 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, research facilities, and research security.

SSHRC Grants 2023-24

Total received: $975,920

Insight Grants (2-5 year grant)

Dr. Martha Dowsley, Department of Anthropology and Department of Geography and the Environment, “Feeding our Relationships: Investigating Anishinaabe and Nubian plant relationships in the context of food sovereignty, biocultural landscapes and sustainable development”, $328,000

  • Co-applicant: Dr. Charles Levkoe, Department of Health Sciences, Lakehead University

Dr. Lindsay Galway, Department of Health Sciences, “Climate Anxiety and Coping Among Youth and Young Adults in Canada: Synthesizing and Advancing Knowledge and Practice”, $308,916

  • Co-applicant: Dr. Ellen Field, Faculty of Education, Lakehead University
  • Collaborator: Kate Ashwood, Youth Climate Lab
  • Collaborator: Alexis Ashworth, Root in Nature, Inc.
  • Collaborator: Dr. Thomas Beery, School of Natural History, Kristianstad University
  • Collaborator: Katie Hayes
  • Collaborator: Stacie Smith, Young Canadians Roundtable on Health

Dr. Debra Mackinnon, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, Securitizing the last Public Bastion: Safety in Public Libraries in Mid-sized Ontario Municipalities, $97,267

  • Co-applicant: Dr. Tarah Hodgkinson, Department of Criminology, Wilfrid Laurier University
  • Collaborator: Barrie Public Library
  • Collaborator: Brantford Public Library
  • Collaborator: Thunder Bay Public Library
  • Collaborator: Federation of Ontario Public Libraries

Insight Development Grant (2-year grant)

Dr. Bartholomew Chireh, Department of Health Sciences and EPID@Work Research Institute, “Work Stressors and Job Satisfaction and Mental Well-being Among Black, Indigenous, and People of Color Skilled Trades Workers in Northwestern Ontario”, $63,723

  • Co-applicant: Dr. Samuel Essien, Department of Health Sciences and EPID@Work Research Institute, Lakehead University
  • Co-applicant: Dr. Charles Gyan, School of Social Work, McGill University
  • Collaborator: Dr. Annshirley Afful, Registrar’s Office, University of Regina

Knowledge Synthesis Grants: Evolving Narratives of Cultures and Histories (1-year grant)

Dr. Martha Dowsley, Department of Geography and the Environment, “From Manomin to ‘Wild’ Rice and Back Again: Understanding the Transformations of a Native Ontario Grain and Indigenous Cultural Resurgence”, $30,000

  • Co-applicant: Dr. Keira Loukes, School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks and Tourism, Lakehead University

Individual Partnership Engage Grant (1-year grant)

Dr. Mirit Kastelman Grabarski, Faculty of Business Administration, “Coach Officer Training Development”, $25,000.

  • Co-applicant: Hina Kalyal, London Police Service

Connection Grants (1-year grant)

Dr. Leisa Desmoulins, Faculty of Education (Orillia) “Multiple Perspectives for Indigenous Education Activation in Simcoe County”, $49,494.

  • Co-applicant: Dr. Ruth Beatty, Faculty of Education (Orillia)
  • Collaborator: Christina Ruddy

Dr. Idevania Costa, School of Nursing, “Our Voices, Our Stories: An Action-Oriented Outreach and Knowledge Exchange Webinar Series”, $48,520.

  • Co-applicant: Dr. Catherine Phillips, School of Social Work (Orillia)
  • Co-applicant: Dr. Catherine Schoales, School of Nursing
  • Co-applicant: Dr. Michelle-Marie Spadoni, School of Nursing
  • Co-applicant: Dr. Pilar Camargo Plazas, Queen’s University
  • Collaborator: Irmajean Bajnok, Wounds Canada
  • Collaborator: Mariam Botros, Wounds Canada

Individual PCH-SSHRC Initiative for Digital Citizen Research (Connection) (1-year grant)

Dr. Davut Akca, Department of Interdisciplinary Studies (Orillia), Combatting Hate Speech in an Increasingly Polarized Era Conference, $25,000.

2024 Alumni Homecoming Weekend in Thunder Bay

Alumni Homecoming Weekend

Lakehead’s annual Homecoming celebration will take place from Thursday, Oct. 3 to Saturday, Oct. 5 with events being held both on campus and off.

From socials and lectures to health and wellness sessions and sporting events, Homecoming Weekend offers something for everyone.

“Homecoming Weekend is a popular event for our alumni and we look forward to connecting with them once again in 2024," said Mark Tilbury, Director of Alumni House. “We strive to provide activities and events for our alumni, their families, and the broader community. It is a terrific display of Lakehead pride and spirit to kick off the academic year.”

The weekend begins with a Kick-Off Party on Thursday, Oct. 3, hosted by the local Thunder Bay Alumni Chapter.

Alumni Blue & Gold Night, sponsored by the Alumni Association, and the Thunderwolves Hockey home opener takes place at the Fort William Gardens on Friday, Oct. 4 with a second game on Oct. 5.

Lakehead Celebrates, an event that honours exceptional alumni, returns to the Thunder Bay campus and will be held in the Faculty Lounge on Oct. 5.

A full list of Homecoming Weekend events can be found at www.lakeheadu.ca/homecoming. Registration is required for most events.

"We look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones!" Tilbury said.

Call for Submissions for Local Artists in Residence!

North Western Climate Gathering is partnering with the LAIR Galleries for an exhibit that will be showcased at Lakehead's 2025 Research and Innovation week. Join us. Download the CALL!

Open to all genres of art by an individual or collaboration resulting in an artwork that can be hung on a wall as public art at Lakehead University. Multiple resident artists are to be selected, with the intention of representing a wide breadth of age ranges (high school to senior), perspectives, experience and mediums.

For more information visit https://galleries.lakeheadu.ca/2024-north-west-climate-gathering.html.

Northwest Climate Gathering

EPID@Work Research Into Action Conference

Research Into Action Conference

Hosted by the EPID@Work Research Institute at Lakehead University, our Research Into Action Conference will include community panels discussing why research matters in Northwestern Ontario, research presentations from EPID@Work scientists and researchers, and networking opportunities with professionals interested in occupational health and safety, disability prevention, and local workforce issues.

The Research Into Action Conference will be held on October 22, 2024 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Italian Cultural Centre in Thunder Bay, ON. The conference is free to attend, but we are asking for donations to the Regional Food Distribution Association in lieu of a registration fee. Cash or non-perishable goods can be donated at the door. A complimentary lunch buffet and refreshments will be provided for all attendees.

Ultimately, the focus is to create understanding of why researcher-community collaboration matters and how regional research and knowledge transfer can impact Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario as a whole.

To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4je245rn.

If you have any questions or would like to share the event poster with your network, please contact Ryley at epidevents@lakeheadu.ca or rafingle@lakeheadu.ca. To learn more about our institute, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/epid.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Local exhibits tell stories of Northwestern Ontario’s Indigenous veterans

Indigenous veterans exhibit features photos and artifacts

Artifacts and photographs commemorating the important contributions of Indigenous veterans will be on display at Lakehead University and Confederation College from November 6 to 11.

Thunder Bay, Ont. – In honour of Veterans’ Week, Lakehead University and Confederation College will host exhibits commemorating the important contributions of Indigenous veterans.

The local exhibits, opening Wednesday, Nov. 6, feature photos and artifacts from World Wars, conflicts and peacekeeping missions that tell the important stories of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit soldiers.

“We are honoured to host the Indigenous veterans exhibit and bring this opportunity to our campus and the broader communities we serve,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Lakehead University. “Through storytelling, we will continue to pass on our knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit soldiers who served with distinction and bravery, while also facing considerable challenges by giving their lives in service.”

Lakehead will host the Indigenous Veterans of Treaty #3 Exhibit developed in 2018 by the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, and Glenn Jourdain of Couchiching, whose research and photos laid the foundation of this project.

The exhibit, curated in the spirit of collaboration and reconciliation, shares the triumphs and sometimes shocking realities faced by Indigenous veterans across Canada and specifically those from Treaty #3. With a focus on the First and Second World Wars, it mixes Indigenous and military culture, highlighting veterans, their triumphs and setbacks, and Indigenous women's roles. The exhibit will also highlight veterans of Anishinabek Territory-Robinson Superior Treaty (1850) and Métis veterans. Artifacts and photographs from the Thunder Bay Military Museum will also be on display.

The Native Veterans Association of Northwestern Ontario Exhibit at Confederation College will showcase the stories and contributions of Indigenous veterans from the region. This exhibit aims to document and share the lived experiences of these veterans in the spirit of openness, reconciliation, and education.

“For Confederation College, it is truly a privilege to host this exhibit honouring the bravery and sacrifices of Indigenous veterans. Their stories of courage and resilience are an integral part of our shared history," said Michelle Salo, President of Confederation College. "Through this exhibit, we aim to educate and inspire our community. We are committed to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the significant contributions made by First Nations, Métis, and Inuit soldiers.”

Special thanks to the Fort Frances Museum and Cultural Centre, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, Thunder Bay Museum, Thunder Bay Military Museum, Métis Nation of Ontario, Native Veterans Association of Northwestern Ontario, and the City of Thunder Bay's Indigenous Relations Office.

The exhibits will be on display daily from November 6 to 11 in the Agora at Lakehead University, and outside the Apiwin Student Lounge, Shuniah Building at Confederation College.

 

Lakehead introduces new dual degree program in partnership with Pforzheim University

Lakehead University has partnered with Pforzheim University in Germany to offer a new international learning experience to students in the Faculty of Business Administration.

The new dual degree program will see students split their time between Lakehead’s Thunder Bay, Ont. campus and Pforzheim’s campus in Pforzheim, Germany, and earn two undergraduate degrees: Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Lakehead in addition to a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration /Controlling, Accounting and Financial Management from Pforzheim University.

“International exchanges provide experiences where diverse perspectives meet, global networks are created, and students learn to navigate the complexities of international commerce,” said Dr. David Richards, Dean of the Faculty of Business Administration at Lakehead.

Students in Lakehead’s Honours Bachelor of Commerce program (dual degree path) will take part in a year-long exchange at Pforzheim in third year before returning to Thunder Bay to complete their studies. Students from Pforzheim University will come to Lakehead at the beginning of their third year and spend 16 months, including an internship, before returning to Germany to complete the remaining requirements of their program.

“Double degree programs play a significant role in opening up new perspectives for students and optimally preparing them for national and international careers. Graduates from Lakehead’s Faculty of Business Administration as well as from Business School Pforzheim will be well qualified to meet the demands of a globalized, dynamic economy,” stated Prof. Dr. Thomas Cleff, Dean of the Business School at Pforzheim University.

“With its strong focus on finance, Lakehead University offers an ideal complement to the academic education at Pforzheim University, while Lakehead students gain a deeper insight in European legal and economic environment,” added Prof. Dr. Ulrike Eidel, Program Director of the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration /Controlling, Accounting and Financial Management.

Students can apply directly from high school to Lakehead’s Honours Bachelor of Commerce international dual degree program.

Dr. Wing Him Yeung, Coordinator of the International Dual Degree and Chair of Undergraduate Curriculum Years 3&4, of Lakehead's Faculty of Business Administration said the international dual degree program has been very popular among students. “We are very excited to have Pforzheim University joining as our partner and look forward to offering this opportunity to Lakehead students and welcoming Pforzheim students to Canada.”

Lakehead’s Faculty of Business Administration is AACSB and CPA accredited, while the Business School at Pforzheim University is accredited by AACSB and EFMD.

The partnership with Pforzheim University is the third international dual degree program offered through the faculty. Lakehead also offers international dual degree programs with the Rennes School of Business in France and Northumbria University in the United Kingdom.

For more information about the program: www.lakeheadu.ca/internationaldualdegree.

Are you ready for winter? Our winter safety tips to prepare you for the season

As the snow starts to fall and temperatures dip below freezing, we’d like to share a few tips to help keep you safe this season:

  1. Walk on the plowed sidewalks. Don’t cut across the green space or over snow banks as you could potentially fall and be injured. The field between Rotary Place and the university isn’t monitored and should you get into trouble the Security team would not be aware.
  2. Make sure your vehicle is free of snow and ice before you leave home or the university parking lot. Clean off all windows, defrost your windows, and clean your head and tail lights.
  3. As the snow covers the parking lot the parking lines may be harder to judge. Please be respectful of other drivers’ parking spots.
  4. It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle should you become stranded. Here are some recommended items:
    1. ice scraper/snow brush
    2. shovel
    3. sand for traction aid (kitty litter works well)
    4. booster cables
    5. first aid kit
    6. extra clothing
    7. blanket
    8. non-perishable energy foods – for example: chocolate or granola bars, bottled water
    9. candle and a small tin can
    10. matches
  5. Check weather and travel conditions before heading out. Don’t take chances if the weather is bad.  Reports on winter road conditions are available at www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/traveller/conditions/index.shtml
  6. Take advantage of our 24/7 Safe Walk program. Drop by the Security office and one of our guards will happily walk you to your vehicle, to the residence building, or the bus stop.

A reminder that class or exam cancellations will be shared through our Lakehead Mobile Safety App, the Bulletin, and our local radio stations. To stay informed, please ensure you have access to those resources. You may also check www.lakeheadu.ca/about/orillia-campus/our-campus/weather for the latest updates.

Remember, prevention is ALWAYS better than recovery.

If you have any security or parking-related questions please don't hesitate to drop by and speak to us.

Cars travelling down a snowy road

Lakehead welcomes Subbu Sivaramakrishnan as Dean of Business

October 25, 2024 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Subramanian (Subbu) SivaramakrishnanAfter an extensive search, Lakehead University has appointed Dr. Subramanian (Subbu) Sivaramakrishnan as its new Dean, Faculty of Business Administration.

Dr. Sivaramakrishnan brings over 30 years of experience in teaching, research, academic administration, and strategic planning. He joins Lakehead University from the Asper School of Business at the University of Manitoba where he has been since 1999, as Associate Professor of Marketing and Associate Dean of various portfolios over the past 11 years.

“The close-knit, personal atmosphere of the university particularly attracted me,” says Dr. Sivaramakrishnan. “I’m looking forward to joining the team and working closely with faculty, staff, students, and the executive team to take the Faculty of Business Administration to new heights over the coming years.”

Among his many achievements at the Asper School of Business, Dr. Sivaramakrishnan led both the MBA and Bachelor of Commerce program curriculum revamps to align with social changes and industry needs to modernize the curricula and make graduates career-ready. In the undergraduate program, this included introducing a mandatory course on Indigenous business in line with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, a core course on sustainability, business analytics, and several professional skills courses to make graduates career-ready. In Maclean’s The Ultimate Guide to Canadian Universities 2024, the Asper School’s new undergraduate curriculum was lauded as a “standout program”. Dr. Sivaramakrishnan also led the school’s most recent AACSB accreditation renewal, and increased enrolment in the MBA program by 80 per cent within three years when he started as Associate Dean.

“I welcome innovation and tend not to be a vanilla person. We have to give students a good reason to choose Lakehead University over going to another Ontario or Canadian university”, he said. “I go to great lengths to consult and be democratic without being afraid to make tough decisions when needed. I hope the synergies between my leadership style and the collegial atmosphere at Lakehead will allow innovation to thrive.”

“It’s this philosophy developed through years of leadership and marketing experience that will play a key role in achieving his priorities as dean over the coming years.” said Provost and Vice-President (Academic), Dr. David Barnett. “In our increasingly competitive postsecondary environment, I believe that Dr. Sivaramakrishnan’s leadership style and innovative mindset will help foster a culture of innovation that will help to position the Faculty of Business Administration prominently on the Ontario business school map.”

Dr. Sivaramakrishnan will begin his role as Dean, Faculty of Business Administration on January 1, 2025.

Cathy Tuckwell welcomed as new Board Chair

Cathy TuckwellThunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. - Cathy Tuckwell is Lakehead University Board of Governors newly appointed chair following the board’s annual general meeting on Oct. 9. Her term will run until 2026.

Tuckwell succeeds Maria Vasanelli who joined Lakehead University’s Board of Governors in 2015, served on several standing committees, and led as chair for the past two years. Vasanelli will remain on the board as past-chair.

"I want to begin by acknowledging past-chair Maria Vasanelli. Her leadership throughout the latter half of the presidential search and during the university’s leadership transition was a model of thoughtful decision-making and consensus-building,” said Tuckwell, adding that it has been a pleasure working alongside Vasanelli.

“After last year’s Blue Ribbon Task Force report, it is clear that universities, including Lakehead, must take steps to secure a stronger influence over their future. We all want Lakehead to thrive and be sustainable in the long term; as board chair, I look forward to working with the board, Dr. Siddall and her team — faculty, staff, Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council, and the Lakehead University Student Union — to ensure Lakehead remains a vital contributor to both the Thunder Bay and Orillia communities."

Tuckwell was elected to the board in 2017, serving in various capacities over the last seven years including vice-chair (2022-2024) and member of the finance and operations committee, governance and nominating committee, learning and liaison committee, and audit and risk committee. She brings over 27 years of experience in the investment management industry to the board, specializing in high-net-worth individuals, institutions, mutual fund management, and estate and trust administration.

“Cathy’s vast professional experience will prove valuable as we work to put Lakehead on a sustainable path within an environment of fiscal restraint that is impacting the entire post-secondary sector, at the same time as generating enthusiasm for Lakehead’s future as we embark on our next ambitious strategic plan,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “I look forward to working alongside Cathy as we continue to elevate our university, support our students, and shape a brighter future together.”

Professionally, Tuckwell has served as President of the Edmonton Society of Financial Analysts, Chair of the Canadian Council of Financial Analysts, and most recently as Chair of the Compliance Officer Network for the Portfolio Management Association of Canada. It has not been all work and no play! She also served as a volunteer with Squash Canada in various capacities including VP High Performance and representative at the Canadian Olympic Committee, and still plays competitive doubles squash.

With Tuckwell stepping into the role of chair, Mark Smith will become vice-chair. New members to the board this year include Robert Lamb, Dr. Leigh Potvin, Yolanda Wanakamik and Simran Talpade.

2024-2025 Board of Governors:

Cathy Tuckwell, Chair
Mark Smith, Vice-Chair
Maria Vasanelli, Past-Chair
Jason Lisi, Secretary (non-voting)
Rajni Agarwal, City of Thunder Bay Member
Robert Arnone, External Member
Dr. Claudine Cousins, External Member
David Elliott, LGIC Member
Thomas Kehoe, External Member
Sunil Kumar, External Member
Robert Lamb, External Member
Pauline Mickelson, LGIC Member
Michael Nitz, External Member
Rachael Paquette, External Member
Dr. Leigh Potvin, Faculty Senate Member
Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor (ex-officio)
Anna Sampson, Staff Member
Dr. Bryanna Scott-Kay, Ogimaawin Indigenous Education Council Member
Brent Sylvester, LGIC Member
Simran Talpade, Student Member
Yolanda Wanakamik, Alumni Association Member

Lakehead secures top spot in Maclean’s rankings

Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont. – Lakehead University is Ontario’s top primarily undergraduate university and fifth in Canada, according to the 2025 Maclean’s University Rankings.

Lakehead also scored first in student awards and faculty-to-student class ratios, emphasizing the university’s reputation for supporting students and nurturing their success. Further recognition saw Lakehead rank in the top two among primarily undergraduate Ontario universities for faculty success in securing social sciences and humanities research grants, and third for scholarships and bursaries and overall reputation.

“Students choose Lakehead for its welcoming atmosphere, beautiful surroundings, liveable communities, and ultimately, to realize their full potential,” said Dr. Gillian Siddall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “We meet students where they’re at and help them achieve their dreams. We do this through our uniquely accessible pathways to entry, student support programs, and extensive opportunities for experiential learning and research. This year’s Maclean’s rankings recognize the important investments made by Lakehead’s passionate faculty, staff and community partners dedicated to creating an environment where every student can thrive.”

Lakehead’s top ranking reflects the university’s distinctive approach to learning and support that fosters an inclusive and accessible learning environment designed to meet students’ complex and evolving needs, interests, and career goals. While an estimated 95 per cent of Lakehead’s domestic student population face barriers to attending university – such as financial need, coming from a rural or remote community, or being the first in their family to pursue post-secondary education – the Maclean’s rankings highlight Lakehead’s strong graduation rate, which is the second highest among Ontario’s primarily undergraduate universities – changing the life trajectory for Lakehead grads.

To set students up for success, 100 per cent of undergraduate students have the opportunity to participate in hands-on experiential learning opportunities, helping students transition into the workforce after completing their studies. Within six months of graduating, 88 per cent of Lakehead grads are employed, increasing to 97.4 per cent within two years of completing their degrees. Over 90 per cent of graduates are employed in jobs directly related to their studies.

This year’s rankings also reflect the quality and impact of leading-edge research occurring at Lakehead. At just over $69,000 per faculty member, Lakehead continues to have a higher level of sponsored research than many other universities in the province.

“It is a proud moment to see Maclean’s recognize the high quality of education we provide and the significant research capacity we have among our faculty, which supports our role as a local and global changemaker and community builder,” Siddall added.

The annual Maclean’s rankings separate Canada’s 50 universities into three categories, recognizing the differences in types of institutions, levels of research funding, diversity of offerings, and breadth and depth of graduate and professional programs. As part of the primarily undergraduate category, Lakehead is recognized as a smaller university largely focused on undergraduate education, with fewer graduate programs and graduate students than comprehensive or medical/doctoral universities.

Earlier this year, Lakehead ranked in the top 10 per cent globally for universities making an impact through a commitment to sustainability and positive societal change, and the top-ranked university with under 10,000 students in Canada and North America in the 2024 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. The university also continues to be recognized in the top 50 per cent of universities worldwide in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.  

Learn more about Lakehead University’s offerings by attending an open house on Sat. Nov. 9 in Orillia, and preview day on Fri. Dec. 6 in Thunder Bay. Register today. 

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