Aseel Hashim, Master of Public Health candidate and graduate research assistant in the Department of Health Sciences, recently founded BIPOC Outdoor Adventures at Lakehead University with a generous $5,500 grant from the Thunder Bay Community Foundation.

This innovative program aims to enhance accessibility to outdoor recreation for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) students, addressing a need identified through a class research project demonstrating systemic barriers faced by BIPOC students in accessing outdoor spaces and activities.

“The research has consistently shown disparities in outdoor recreation participation rates among different racial and ethnic groups, with BIPOC individuals often experiencing limited access to outdoor environments due to various factors including socioeconomic status, historical marginalization, lack of representation and racism which has implications on overall mental and physical health,” Hashim says.

Her vision for the club is to foster community, break down systemic barriers, and create a space where every student feels empowered and welcomed to explore the outdoors.

The program was inspired by the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library in Guelph, a space she was fortunate to engage with. “I saw and experienced firsthand the difference this program made in terms of access and fostering a comfortable and safe space for BIPOC folks to be in nature,” she says.

The substantial funding from the Community Foundation will fuel the program's initiatives, allowing for excursions that promise unforgettable experiences and valuable opportunities for participants. Hashim says the program will also incorporate knowledge sharing to educate and prevent injuries in the outdoors.

“The support from the Community Foundation is pivotal in unlocking these opportunities for BIPOC students at Lakehead to enjoy affordable and accessible outdoor recreation,” she explains. “I am beyond happy that the Community Foundation recognizes the need and sees the vision of this initiative, and I am so excited to see what this initiative will become!”

“We are excited to be able to support the BIPOC Outdoor Adventures program at Lakehead as it will promote diversity, equity and inclusion in outdoor recreation opportunities that might not otherwise be accessible to those students,” explains Athena Kreiner, CEO of the Thunder Bay Community Foundation, who credits the Lakehead University Student Union for identifying the need and applying for the community grant. “I would also like to thank our donors that made this grant possible; they are creating a positive impact on the student experience at Lakehead University.”

Some of the outdoor adventures are being offered in partnership with the School of Outdoor Recreation, Parks & Tourism (ORPT). "We are excited to support the inclusion of BIPOC students in outdoor activities in the Thunder Bay region,” says Dr. Julie Rosenthal, Assistant Director of the School of ORPT. “The outdoors offers so many benefits for mental and physical wellness, social interaction, nature and cultural appreciation, and academic excellence. We are thrilled to have been invited to contribute to this initiative, which gives students studying ORPT an opportunity to share their passion for the outdoors with other students at Lakehead."

Hashim would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Rosenthal and Dr. Leigh Potvin from ORPT, for their unwavering support and recognition of this initiative.

“With such dedicated allies and supporters, BIPOC Outdoor Adventures is poised to make a lasting impact and set a new standard for diversity and inclusion and promote mental and physical wellness by engaging in outdoor recreation at Lakehead.”

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

Checkout the latest version of our Bulletin, by clicking here.

March 20, 2024 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University will join the global community in raising awareness about the importance of fresh water on World Water Day.

The University will host its inaugural World Water Day celebrations on Friday, March 22 in Thunder Bay, to focus on the importance of protecting and respecting water and to raise awareness of those living without access to safe water.

“Water or ‘nibi’ is not merely a resource; it is a basic necessity and has such profound importance for all of us,” says Denise Baxter, Vice Provost Indigenous Initiatives. “On World Water Day, we will explore the work being done to address some of the challenges related to access to clean, safe water, whether that’s through advocacy, research, policy development, and more. Without nibi there is no life.”

The World Water Day celebrations will begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Agora with Elder Sheila De Corte. Students, employees and the Thunder Bay community are invited to hear teachings and stories from Elder De Corte about the Water Walkers.

Then, from 11:50 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., attendees will hear from Dr. Juan Guillermo Sánchez Martínez, Associate Professor in the Department of Indigenous Learning; Maya Oversby and Katie Freeman, Master of Social Justice program students; and Dr. Glenda Bonifacio, Dean of the Faculty of Social Science and Humanities.

• 11:50 a.m., Dr. Juan Guillermo Sánchez Martínez will recite his poem “Uranium/Uranio” (Cactus del Viento, 2023)
• 12:10 p.m., Maya Oversby and Katie Freeman will discuss how past and potential future industry have impacted the water, land and people of the Northwest
• 12:25 p.m., Dr. Glenda Bonifacio will discuss the intersections of gender with water and environmental militarism in island countries

The Lakehead University community is invited to attend and learn more about the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, governments, and organizations to ensure access to clean, safe water for generations to come.

Participate in the World Water Day celebrations

Pictured from left are Dr. Jian Deng, Dr. Pauline Sameshima, Dr. Florin Pendea, Dr. Andrew J. Dean, Dr. Charles Levkoe, and Mannila Sandhu. Dr. Deng and Dr. Levkoe received this year's Research Excellence Award, and Sandhu was the recipient of the Research Support Award.

February 29, 2024 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont.

Lakehead University recognized exceptional students, faculty researchers, and partners during the annual Research and Innovation Awards of Excellence on Thursday, Feb. 29 in Thunder Bay.

The event, hosted by Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President of Research and Innovation, celebrated Lakehead’s significant contributions to research excellence, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community impact.

“Each year we recognize the tremendous accomplishments of our student and faculty researchers,” he stated. “The impact of the work they do on- and off-campus can be felt locally and internationally and helps shape the reputation of Lakehead University as an institution dedicated to research excellence."

“Congratulations to all the winners on this well-deserved honour,” he added.

Two distinguished Lakehead professors were among this year’s honorees: Dr. Pauline Sameshima and Dr. Andrew J. Dean were recognized with the 2024 Distinguished Researcher Award.

Dr. Sameshima, an editor, curator, curriculum theorist, artist, and professor in the Faculty of Education, was recognized for her commitment to mobilizing learning across diverse audiences and fostering innovative university-community learning collaborations. Her contributions in the field have garnered previous recognition, including the 2022 Ontario Art Education Association's Post-Secondary Teacher of the Year Award, a 2022 Lakehead Teaching Innovation Award, and Lakehead's 2020 Building Research Capacity Award. She is also a member of the College of the Royal Society of Canada.

“I’m humbled by this honour,” said Dr. Sameshima. “I see the award as a big happy high five – a thank you cheer that is a two-way celebration. I think about telling my parents about the award. Whenever anyone thanked my dad, who passed away a year ago, he always said, “My pleasure!” To this award, I say “My pleasure!” because working at Lakehead is a pleasure.”

“I don’t think about changing societies but, because of technology, we affect more than we know,” she said. “The dedicated love we put into our work, whether it’s research for a scientific cure or a poem, goes through to the end product and is gifted to the receiver in a new form, like medicine or learning or emotion. In that way, research or anything we do affects the other.”

For Sameshima, this recognition is a tribute to the collaborative efforts of family, mentors, colleagues, her research teams, graduate students, and university staff.

“It is through research that better futures can be imagined. As we think, imagine, make, and share, we construct the society we hope for.” 

Dr. Dean joined Lakehead University in 1999 after earning his PhD in mathematics following his undergraduate education at Lakehead University. He is currently a professor in the Department of Mathematical Sciences.

His primary field of study is closely related to the Elliott program for the classification of amenable C*-algebras. C*-algebras are mathematical objects that combine elements of algebra and analysis and are used in the study of operator theory, functional analysis, and quantum mechanics.

He has published numerous papers on this subject, and has supervised many students and post-docs, some of whom are now in academia.

“I want my students to develop skills that will allow them to thrive in whatever field they choose to work in, whether it is academic research or something else altogether,” he said, describing what he hopes to impart on students and society through teaching and research.

“Receiving the Distinguished Researcher Award is an honour,” Dr. Dean said. “I would like to thank my students, colleagues and coauthors, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for many years of support.”

A full list of the awards and recipients follows:

Distinguished Researcher Award
Dr. Andrew J. Dean, Department of Mathematics
Dr. Pauline Sameshima, Faculty of Education

Research Excellence Awards

NSERC Category
Dr. Jian Deng, Department of Civil Engineering

SSHRC Category
Dr. Charles Levkoe, Department of Health Sciences

Research Support Award
Mannila Sandhu, Quantitative Research Assistant, EPID @Work Institute

Building Research Capacity Award
Dr. Pedram Fatehi, Department of Chemical Engineering, and Dr. Stephen Kinrade, Department of Chemistry, for their project, “NMR for advanced research.”

Indigenous Partnership Research Award
Dr. Jian Deng, Department of Civil Engineering, and Marcus Hardy, Chief of Red Rock Indian Band, for their project, “Nipigon River landslides: monitoring, mechanisms, and mitigation.”

Community Engaged Research Award
Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo, Faculty of Education, Dr. Gerardo Reyes, departments of Sustainability Sciences and Biology, and Katherine Killam from Camphill Communities Ontario

Innovation Award
Dr. Deborah Scharf and Dr. Amanda Maranzan from the Department of Psychology

Three-Minute Thesis
First Place: Madeline Fabiano, MSc Kinesiology (Supervisor: E. Pearson)
Second Place: KarLee Lefebvre, MSc Kinesiology (Supervisor: N. Ravanelli)

GRADflix Award
Tristen Brown, PhD Civil Engineering (Supervisor: A. Elshaer)

Graduate Studies Research Excellence Awards

Natural Sciences and Engineering Category
Sana Sharif, PhD Electrical and Computer Engineering (Supervisor: W. Ejaz)

Social Sciences and Humanities Category
Casey Oliver, PhD Clinical Psychology (Supervisor: D. Mazmanian)

Graduate Student Conference Poster Winners

Winner Engineering Category
Eduardo Reis, PhD Software Engineering (Supervisor: T. Akilan)

Winner NSERC Category
Nicholas Bel, PhD Biotechnology (Supervisor: N. Khaper)

Winner SSHRC Category
Crystal Hardy, PhD Health Sciences (Supervisor: R. Schiff and C. Mushquash)

Winner CIHR Category
Chiao-En Joanne Kao, PhD Clinical Psychology (Supervisor: D. Scharf)

Post-Doctoral Fellow Excellence Award
Dr. Yurii Shepelytskyi (Supervisor: M. Albert)

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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.

February 22, 2024 – Orillia, Ont.

The spotlight will be on research, innovation and collaboration during Lakehead University’s 19^th annual Research and Innovation Week, March 5 to 7, at the Orillia campus.

A venue for researchers to showcase their activity and expertise, Research & Innovation Week highlights the profound impact Lakehead faculty, graduate and undergraduate students have on our community and beyond through advancement of new perspectives and innovations.

“Research and 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 display, and research showcases.

On Tuesday, March 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. (as part of SDG Week Canada), Lakehead will host The Climate Baby Dilemma, a film screening and research panel hosted by Dr. Ellen Field, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Education, Dr. Helle Møller, Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences, and Sidney Howlett, Master of Education student, that will discuss the emotional dimensions of climate change and climate justice. Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/815837581167.

On Wednesday, March 6 at 1 p.m. in OA 2019, undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Sustainability Sciences will host It’s a Mossy World, a practical workshop and research showcase on bryophytes – true mosses, liverworts, and hornworts.

That afternoon from 4 to 6 p.m., join us for an industry panel to discuss leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to support your business and drive success. This session is presented in partnership with the County of Simcoe, City of Barrie, City of Orillia, and Georgian College. Register at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/811687177197.

And, on Thursday, March 7, students from the Media, Film and Communications program will present their annual showcase, Sandbox. From posters and multimedia to big-screen films, join us from 4 to 7 p.m. in Simcoe Hall.

Other highlights include faculty and student research poster presentations. The full schedule can be found at www.lakeheadu.ca/ri.

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

– 30 –

Media: For more information or to arrange 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 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.

Pictured above is Dr. Abdelhamid Tayebi

February 22, 2024 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

A Lakehead University professor has been named a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).

Dr. Abdelhamid Tayebi, from the Department of Electrical Engineering, has been selected for this international recognition from his peers for his innovative research and outstanding commitment to the engineering profession.

The IET Fellowship is the professional institution’s highest category of membership and is reserved only for those who have demonstrated recent significant achievements sustained at the highest levels in engineering, technology, or related disciplines.

“Being recognized as a Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology by my peers is an incredible honor, one that fills me with deep gratitude," said Dr. Tayebi. "This recognition not only reflects personal achievement but also serves as a catalyst for further commitment to excellence in our field."

Dr. Tayebi received his Master of Science in Robotics from Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, and his PhD in Robotics and Automatic Control from Université de Picardie Jules Verne. He joined Lakehead University in 1999 where he is a professor and the founder of the Robotics and Automatic Control Laboratory.

“Dr. Tayebi is an exceptional researcher who is highly-respected in his field across the world. This recognition from the IET places him at the very top of the engineering profession internationally, which is well-deserved and makes us all very proud,” said Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering.

Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) is a multidisciplinary professional engineering institution. The IET was formed in 2006 from two separate institutions: the Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), dating back to 1871, and the Institution of Incorporated Engineers (IIE) dating back to 1884. It is now one of the world's largest engineering institutions with 154,000 members in 148 countries.

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Media: For further information or to arrange an interview, 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.

February 13, 2024 – Thunder Bay, Ont.  

The spotlight will be on research, innovation and collaboration during Lakehead University’s 19^th 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.  

- 30 –

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.

March 21, 2024 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University researchers have received over $2.1 million from the Government of Ontario to advance innovative research in mining and mental health.

Dr. Peter Hollings and Dr. Noah Phillips from the Department of Geology are receiving $2 million from the Ministry of Colleges and Universities Ontario Research Fund – Research Excellence program to develop new models that will enrich mineral exploration in Northern Ontario.

Dr. Hollings is the NOHFC Industrial Research Chair in Mineral Exploration and Director of Lakehead’s Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Mining and Exploration. Dr. Phillips is an Assistant Professor in Geology.

“Noah and I are really excited to be starting this project,” Dr. Hollings said. “The funding will allow us to continue to develop mineral deposit research at Lakehead University, which in turn will establish us as an essential partner in the search for Ontario’s critical minerals and the training of the next generation of geoscientists.”

This research will study the geological processes leading to the formation of valuable mineral deposits in Northern Ontario. It will develop novel models for industry partners to seek new deposits that will be developed into mines.

With this project the researchers are focusing on two themes – one is nickel-copper-platinum and the other is gold.

The team will work on a range of sites where the researchers will develop models that can be applied to create more efficient exploration in Canada.

“We will develop an innovative research hub at Lakehead University that will train a diverse group of highly qualified people in a wide range of traditional and state of the art techniques,” Dr. Hollings said.

This group of highly qualified people will include approximately 30 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.

Collaborators include Dr. Mike Hamilton, University of Toronto; Dr. Wouter Bleeker and Dr. Jennifer Smith, both from the Geological Survey of Canada; and Dr. Andreas Kronenberg from Texas A&M University. Kaitlin Richard from Science North is the youth outreach collaborator.

Industrial collaborators include Goldshore Resources Inc., Wesdome Gold Mines Ltd., Romios Gold Resources Inc., Impala Canada Ltd., Generation Mining, Clean Air Metals Inc., and Enersoft Inc.

“Combined with undergraduate research projects, this will help reverse the current trend of declining numbers of graduate students working on mineral deposit studies in Canada,” Dr. Hollings said.

Dr. Aislin Mushquash, Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology, is receiving an Early Researcher Award (ERA). This $140,000 grant, supplemented by an additional $50,000 from the University, will support research aimed at supporting youth mental health.

“While we can’t rid life of stress or stressful situations, we can enhance individuals’ abilities to cope with the stressors they face in order to have a positive impact on their wellbeing and health,” she explains.

The five-year ERA, designed to bolster research capacity among emerging scholars, will help Dr. Mushquash build a team of graduate and undergraduate student researchers to examine youth and emerging adult stressors, coping mechanisms and outcomes and evaluate innovative interventions to support coping.

"This award not only supports our research endeavors but also provides crucial support for students," adds Dr. Mushquash. "It allows us to provide some funding to students to offset the costs they incur during their education and gives access to exciting training opportunities that may not have otherwise existed.”

Dr. Mushquash emphasizes the importance of involving student researchers in the research process. "The earlier we can get students involved, the more passionate they'll become about the research process," she says. "By engaging student researchers in developing research objectives, data collection and analysis, and knowledge translation activities, we are not only building their skills but also ensuring the sustainability of future projects and the field of mental health research."

Mushquash would also like to explore a multidisciplinary team approach that will facilitate collaboration across faculties, creating opportunities for innovative solutions to mental health challenges.

“My hope is to build health-related research capacity in Northwestern Ontario, producing future generations of researchers and clinician-researchers that will carry on this important work.”

“The real-world impact of the research being conducted at Lakehead University is only strengthened by these awards, and speaks to our commitment to research and innovation,” stated Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Vice-President, Research and Innovation. “Thank you to the Government of Ontario for recognizing the exceptional work that is being undertaken at Lakehead.”

Everyone from the university community is invited to attend the opening night of two student art exhibitions at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. The Department of Visual Arts will be hosting the 39th Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition and the Honours Student Thesis Exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Friday April 5 from 7 to 9 pm with a brief awards ceremony taking place at 7:30 pm.

Fifty-four students will be participating, with artworks represented in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, digital art and Indigenous art practices. These highly anticipated student art exhibitions will also be celebrating a 39-year partnership and collaboration between The Art Gallery and Lakehead University's Department of Visual Arts. 

The Juried Exhibition will be on display from March 15 to April 28 and the Honours Exhibition will run from March 22 through May 5. The exhibit is open to the public.

This exhibit is sponsored by the Lakehead University Alumni Association. The Thunder Bay Art Gallery is located at 1080 Keewatin Street, on the campus of Confederation College. Please visit the gallery website for more information about the exhibitions.

From left: Jillian Jurimae, The Raven (2024); Marie Gauthier, Nature vs Concrete (2023); Alyssa Angus, 215 (2023). Below: Lux Favreau, Grapefruit Still-Life (2024)

Check out the latest Lake Superior Living Labs Network (LSLLN) newsletter for updates on our recent activity and upcoming events. The LSLLN serves as a platform to connect academics and community groups to develop new partnerships and collaborative initiatives across the Lake Superior watershed. For more information visit www.livinglabsnetwork.org.