Professor Ryan Alford Takes Free Speech Case to the Supreme Court

Law professor Ryan Alford launched a landmark legal challenge that took him all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada in April.

He undertook this arduous years-long journey to fight for the right to free speech in the House of Commons and the Senate.

Above, Professor Alford argues his case before the Supreme Court. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the BC Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Constitution Federation, and other civil liberties associations intervened in parallel to Professor Alford to move his legal challenge through the court system.

For 150 years, free speech was an uncontested and fundamental right.

But that changed in 2017 when the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians (NSICOP) was established to allow the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) to share information with MPs and senators.

To regulate the committee, the federal government passed the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians Act (NSICOP Act).

Section 12 of the act specifies that NSICOP members—and anyone invited to participate in their proceedings—can't reveal anything they've learned to the public.

If they do disclose information, for whatever reason, they can be imprisoned for up to 14 years.

What is Parliamentary Privilege?

Professor Alford challenged section 12 for limiting constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and parliamentary privilege.

"I wanted to raise public awareness because NSICOP wasn't front-page news when it was enacted and this legislation isn't compatible with our parliamentary system," he says.

"Parliamentary privilege is part of Canada's 600-year-old constitutional architecture," he adds.

"So before anyone takes a hatchet to this architecture, as the NSICOP Act did, they should first consider if it is a load-bearing element of our constitution."

An example of how parliamentary privilege can hold the government to account happened during the 2007 Afghan detainee crisis. Canada was one of the countries belonging to the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan. A part of this military operation, Canada was handing over prisoners to Afghan security forces known to use torture. MPs used their parliamentary privilege to bring this situation to light and halt the federal government's actions. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Benoit Debaix

According to Canada's House of Commons website, "parliamentary privilege encompasses rights and immunities essential for the House of Commons and its members to perform their duties without external interference.

These privileges are vital for legislating, deliberating, and holding the government accountable.

This includes freedom of speech and collective rights of the House, such as the ability to institute inquiries, demand documents, and call witnesses to appear."

In 2023, the consequences of the NISCOP's Act section 12 became clear. Even though it was discovered that foreign governments had persuaded several federal MPs to interfere in Canada's 2019 and 2021 federal elections, the MPs' identities were prohibited from being released. Above, the Supreme Court of Canada where Professor Alford argued his case. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Tom Carnegie

Safeguards Already Existed to Protect Confidential Information

Professor Alford believes that the NSICOP Act has made Canada's executive branch—the prime minister and the cabinet—too powerful.

"The NSICOP Act was presented as a grand bargain that would give MPs and senators access to highly sensitive security information on the condition that this information wasn't made known outside Parliament.

The unintended effect of the NSICOP Act has been the destruction of a safety mechanism for bringing government transgressions to light. It has made Parliament responsible to the government, rather than the other way around.

"The NSICOP Act could lead to corruption, the eroding of parliamentary democracy, and the degeneration of the rule of law," Professor Alford says.

Professor Alford is a law professor, lawyer, and a distinguished legal scholar. "Canada has become the only country with a Westminster parliamentary system that has limitations on parliamentarians' freedom of speech," Professor Alford says. "Embarrassing the government can now be a valid reason for prohibiting MPs and senators from speaking out if they belong to the NISCOP committee."

"Parliamentary privilege is an essential protection against these wrongs."

Professor Alford is also convinced that section 12 is unnecessary because highly confidential matters have always been discussed in Parliament.

He points to an example from World War Two that hits close to home for him.

"My grandfather was a member of the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion that landed behind the beaches of Normandy on D-Day," Professor Alford says.

"Although the D-Day invasion plans were reviewed in the House of Commons, this information wasn't leaked. If it had been, I might never have been born."

If, in a rare case, a security breach does occur, Parliament has the power to punish these offences, including expelling MPs.

A Historic Ruling

At the end of April, Professor Alford spent two days before the Supreme Court of Canada arguing his case and answering questions from the justices.

"Much of my work is focused on uncovering errors that creep into legal reasoning and attempting to correct them," Professor Alford says. "It's crucial that Canada has legal scholars who can concentrate on the forgotten fundamentals of the constitution because lawyers don't have the time to engage in these issues. Scholars can point out where something could, or has, gone wrong. That's one of the functions of law schools." Above, a view of Lakehead's law library.

In an 8-1 ruling, the justices decided not to strike down section 12. Despite this decision, they accepted a significant amount of Professor Alford's argument.

"The justices said the sole reason that section 12 stands is because NISCOP committee members volunteered for the committee," he says.

"They also determined that there are no limits on what non-NSICOP members can say in Parliament. This is something the Supreme Court hadn't previously recognized, so the case created an important legal precedent.

Only extremely narrow limits can be imposed on Parliament's freedom of speech and guardrails that hadn't previously existed have been constructed."

Learn more about this issue by reading Professor Alford's newly released book, "By Authority of Parliament: The Constitutional Boundaries of Legislative Power in Canada," published by McGill Queen's University Press.

Lakehead University has appointed Dr. Rhonda Koster as Deputy Provost, Academic Affairs, a new role within the Office of the Provost.

“In this role, Dr. Koster will provide close strategic and operational support while working collaboratively with academic units across the University to advance institutional academic priorities and initiatives,” says Dr. Gillian Balfour, Provost and Vice-President (Academic).

Dr. Koster will continue to support the Provost’s portfolio by overseeing academic program quality and advancing excellence in teaching and learning across the university. She’ll also lead several strategic academic priorities identified in the university’s strategic plan, such as the integration of GenAI in teaching and learning, strengthening academic integrity, expanding college transfer pathways and partnerships, and developing a continuing education framework.

Dr. Koster’s connection to Lakehead spans two decades. Joining the School of Outdoor Recreation in 2004, she spent 8 years as a faculty member before transitioning to the director role in 2012. Since then, she’s held other leadership roles across the university, including Graduate Coordinator of the Master of Environmental Science in Nature-based Recreation Tourism (MES-NBRT) program, Director of the Instructional Development Centre, Assistant Dean and Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, and, since 2019, Deputy Provost and Vice-Provost (Teaching and Learning).

“I want to express my gratitude to Dr. Balfour and everyone involved in the search process,” says Dr. Koster. “The feedback shared by colleagues truly means the world to me and I am excited to take on the expanded role of the Deputy Provost Academic Affairs. Lakehead’s commitment to academic excellence, collaborative governance, and meaningful reconciliation is something I am incredibly proud to be a part of. I look forward to continuing to work with our fantastic faculty and staff to support our students and drive our institutional priorities forward.”

Beyond her leadership roles, Dr. Koster has made significant contributions to university governance through service on Senate committees and academic working groups. She’s championed academic excellence through a strong focus on program quality and curriculum development. She’s been a driving force behind teaching and learning innovation, providing leadership to the Instructional Development Centre and Teaching Commons. In these roles, she’s supported faculty development in areas such as accessibility, inclusive pedagogy, and emerging issues such as generative artificial intelligence in education.

“We are confident that Dr. Koster’s expertise, sound judgment, and commitment to academic excellence will continue to serve the University well in this role,” Dr. Balfour says.

Dr. Koster will begin her role on July 1, 2026.

Orillia, Ont. - Lakehead Orillia will celebrate the achievements of graduating students at its Orillia campus convocation ceremony on June 3, 2026.

Lakehead University will celebrate graduating students during its 2026 convocation ceremonies in Thunder Bay and Orillia, while also recognizing distinguished Canadians and community leaders whose contributions have had a lasting impact on education, Indigenous knowledge, public service, arts and culture, advocacy, and community development.

“Crossing the convocation stage signifies not just the conclusion of a chapter—it represents a transformation,” said President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gillian Siddall. “During their time at Lakehead, our graduates have developed their knowledge, confidence, and resilience. The entire university community is honoured to celebrate their achievements and to be a part of their journey. Congratulations to the class of 2026!”

In addition to celebrating the graduating class of 2026, Lakehead will recognize The Right Honourable David Johnston with an honorary degree and honour Paul Weber with the title of Fellow of the University, as well Luana Dawn Shirt will receive the Civitas Award, recognizing their contributions to education, Indigenous knowledge, public service, arts and culture, and community leadership.

“The Lakehead community is proud to recognize the work and dedication of this year’s honorary degree recipients, fellows, and Civitas recipient,” said Dr. Siddall. “Each has made meaningful contributions to their communities and professions, and their stories will inspire our graduates as they move forward into the future.”

Honorary Degree Recipients

The Right Honourable David Johnston, C.C.
Doctor of Education

The Right Honourable David Johnston was Canada’s 28th governor general. During his mandate, he established the Rideau Hall Foundation (RHF), a registered charity that supports and amplifies the Office of the Governor General in its work to connect, honour and inspire Canadians. Today, he is actively involved as Chair of the RHF Board of Directors. In 2018, he was appointed Colonel to the Royal Canadian Regiment.

Prior to his installation as governor general, Rt. Hon. Johnston was a professor of law for 45 years, and served as President of the University of Waterloo and as Principal of McGill University. He was president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada and of the Conférence des recteurs et des principaux des universités du Québec. He was the first non-U.S. citizen to be elected chair at Harvard University’s Board of Overseers from which he graduated in 1963 magna cum laude, and was twice named all-American in hockey and was named to Harvard’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Rt. Hon. Johnston holds degrees from Harvard, Cambridge and Queen’s and has received more than three dozen honorary degrees or fellowships. He has authored or co-authored more than 30 books. He was named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1997. He has chaired or served on several dozen provincial and federal task forces and committees, and has served on the boards of more than a dozen public companies. He has been married for 61 years to Sharon, and they have five daughters and 14 grandchildren.

The degree of Doctor of Education will be conferred on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m.

Fellows of the University

Paul Weber
Fellow of the University

An entrepreneur in the hospitality industry, Paul Weber has built a reputation for turning bold ideas into high-performing, customer-driven businesses. Paul is the former owner of the landmark Webers Drive-In Restaurant on Highway 11, one of the most popular food stops on the drive from Toronto to cottage country.

Paul’s leadership extends beyond business success. He has played a significant role in advancing community innovation and engagement across Simcoe County and beyond. As Campaign Chair and Board Member for Kempenfelt Bay School in Barrie, he led efforts to raise $1.5 million and helped secure financing for a JK–Grade 12 private school in Innisfil, which opened in 2017. In 2019, he successfully secured a $2.5 million gift from the County of Simcoe for the Barrie YMCA Capital Campaign.

In 2008, Paul accepted the role of chair for Lakehead University’s Your Bright Future campaign, leading a $30 million capital campaign to build the Orillia Campus. Paul took on the role with passion, energy and professionalism. He demonstrated a strong commitment to the vision for Lakehead University and the campus development in Orillia. He knew the potential for far-reaching economic, social, and environmental benefits and often commented that it was truly one of the best things to have happened in the community.

Through Paul’s considerable time, talent and energy, Lakehead developed a wide range of community partners, supporters and donors. Paul was instrumental in enhancing Lakehead University’s ability to meet a critical and growing community need in the region.

The title of Fellow of the University will be bestowed on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m.

Civitas Award

Luana Dawn Shirt
Civitas Award

Luana Dawn Shirt is a Plains Cree (nehiyaw)–anishinaabekwe. Her roots are in Treaty Six Territory with the Saddle Lake Band, Alberta. She grew up among the Great Lakes Anishinaabek (Ojibwe Nation) and Haudenosaunee Nation, and for the last 13 years has made Williams Treaty Territory (Simcoe County) her home. She is a mother of two incredible young adults.

Her commitment to Indigenous education is rooted in family legacy. Her parents were visionary leaders in urban Indigenous education and founders of the Wandering Spirit Survival School in Toronto—the first urban Indigenous school in Canada.

For over a decade, Luana has been a consistent and generative presence in Simcoe County, offering cultural teachings, ceremony, and community support that connect Indigenous peoples and their allies to land, language, and ancestral ways of knowing. Across Ontario she has collaborated with community organizations and post-secondary institutions, weaving Indigenous worldviews into diverse learning environments.

From 2013 to 2016, Luana coordinated the Berry Fast Project for the Orillia Native Women’s Group, delivering rite-of-passage programming for Indigenous girls and their families. She serves as a Cultural Support Worker and Knowledge Carrier for Ontario’s anti-human trafficking training initiatives, and she is an Advisory Member of the Centre for Combating Child Sex Trafficking and Online Sexual Exploitation at Toronto Metropolitan University, contributing Indigenous knowledge and perspective to research and policy focused on protecting children and families.

Luana’s contributions to Simcoe County and beyond reflect a lifelong commitment to reciprocity, cultural continuity, and profound care for community. Whether in ceremony, the classroom, or the circle, she brings her Indigenous Way of Life to foster healing, belonging, and connection to the land.

The Civitas Award will be presented on Wednesday, June 3 at 10 a.m.

Hello Lakehead community,

We have some exciting sustainability updates and opportunities to share with students, faculty, staff, and alumni this week!

Our Community Garden Has a New Name!

At a recent Elders Council meeting, the Elders agreed on a meaningful name for our campus community garden, beautifully suggested by Elder Sheila De Corte: Mama Aki Miijim, which translates to "Mother Earth Food" in Anishinaabemowin.

Miigwech to the Elders Council for guiding us with this gift as we head into the planting season.

Over 30+ Garden Plots Still Available

Want to grow your own fresh produce this summer at Mama Aki Miijim? We still have over 30 garden plots left, and we encourage everyone to register before they fill up! Register today at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1paTq56jtb9bf3yzX0tt1g-suP822FviZ/view. 

• Plot Size: ~10x10 ft
• Rates: $15 / plot for Lakehead students | $30 / plot for non-students

Who can rent? Anyone! Students, staff, faculty, alumni, and broader community members or organizations are all welcome.

How to Reserve Your Plot:

• Submit a rental agreement: Email an electronic copy to communitygarden@lakeheadu.ca and garden@lusu.ca, or drop off a paper copy to CASES 2004 F.
• Submit payment (cash or cheque): Bring your payment to CASES 2004 F (Attn: Rachel Portinga, Sustainability Coordinator).

The LUSU Bike Shack is Open for the Season!

Whether you need to tune up your ride or want to get into cycling after our recent campus rides, the LUSU-operated Bike Shack is here to help. Dedicated to making cycling safe, affordable, and accessible, the Bike Shack offers:

• Bike repairs and DIY maintenance workshops
• Bike rentals (the most affordable option in Thunder Bay!)
• Group rides and community events

Find out more about the Bike Shack's services and hours here and here.

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.

Check out the latest version of our Bulletin, by clicking here.

These Lakehead Farm Lab Educators Will Help You Go Wild

With the arrival of spring, people are eager to put their green thumbs to use.

And many of us—from novice to expert gardeners—are wondering how to create more eco-friendly green spaces.

Fortunately, Linda Grant and Lindsay Sargent have some easy-to-implement advice to transform your yard into a garden blooming with native plant species and locally adapted vegetables.

Linda and Lindsay are both garden-based educators with Lakehead Orillia's Farm Lab.

It's a small on-campus model farm that grows food and flowers to help elementary, high school, and Lakehead students understand sustainable food systems and immerse themselves in hands-on ecological learning. The Farm Lab is supported by a three-year Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) PromoScience grant.

Linda Grant, who has a Master of Education in Mathematics and Gardening, has been an educator for 30 years, including at the elementary and secondary levels. She integrates First Nations Ways of Knowing, outdoor education, and experiential Learning into her work. Currently, she teaches K-6 mathematics education at Lakehead University and works at the Farm Lab as a garden-based educator.

Both Linda and Lindsay agree on some simple ways to become an environmentally friendly gardener.

First, try seeking out neighbours who've already naturalized their yards for ideas you can put into practice. It's a great way to share tips, gardening tools, plants, and seeds with one another.

Another way to jumpstart this process is to not mow a section of your yard.

"Soon, a variety of species will begin growing there," Linda and Lindsay explain. "This will encourage biodiversity, which birds and pollinators love."

To naturalize large sections of your lawn and replace traditional grass, mow it very short and then spread clover seeds over it.

"And, if you're clearing out parts of your yard, put the brush at the back of your property to give animals a place to live," Linda adds.

Lindsay Sargent has taught in K-7 classrooms and has recently completed a Master of Education at Lakehead University. Currently, she's a sessional instructor with Lakehead's Faculty of Education and a Farm Lab garden-based educator. Her teaching and research interests include environmental education, garden-based learning, place-based approaches, and reconciliation rooted in the land. Lindsay is also the food literacy coordinator at Farm to Cafeteria Canada.

Another key element of sustainable gardening is avoiding chemical fertilizers. Instead, spread compost and manure to give your soil the nutrients it needs.

"In the fall, you can cover up the soil with compost and leaf litter, which will keep pests and weeds away," Linda says.

"Rotating plants every year and using row covers will also deter pests—like voles and insects—so that you don't have to use pesticides," Lindsay says.

"Sustainable gardening can be a wonderful lifelong learning journey that's good for the Earth and that allows you to pass your along your knowledge to others," Linda says.

Read on to discover a few of the plants that thrive in Ontario and for more tips about naturalizing your yard.

Learn which plants grow in your region—for example, these brown-eyed susans—and then introduce them into your yard or garden. "Google 'rewilding my yard' or 'sustainable gardening practices,' for inspiration," Linda says. "Plant nurseries and garden centres that sell native plants are a good resource, too." Photo Credit: Unsplash/Caroline Sterr

To get started on your rewilding adventure, you’ll need just a few simple tools: a shovel, a hand trowel, a rake to even out planting surfaces, and a watering can or hose. Before long, you’ll be able to enjoy colourful flowers in your yard like these native purple asters. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Patti Black

Traditional lawns are monocultures that are hostile to pollinators. Instead of spending time and energy trying to kill off plants considered weeds, let dandelions, creeping thyme, wild violets, and clover grow on your lawn. “At Farm Lab, we say that a weed is in the eye of the beholder,” Linda says. “Usually, it just means a plant that’s growing where you don’t want it to,” agrees Lindsay. Dandelion flowers are one of the first available foods for pollinators in the spring, so it’s important not to mow them down. A good practice to follow is “no-mow May.” Photo Credit: Unsplash/Alyona Milch

Colourful goldenrod is an excellent native species to plant for fall colour. Pollinators flock to it in late summer and early fall and, in the winter, it provides food for birds, mice, and other animals because it sticks up above the snow. While of tremendous ecological value, keep in mind that goldenrod spreads quickly. Cut it back in the late fall to contain it to the areas you want it to grow in. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Michael Barrick

Native forest plants like bloodroot (above), trilliums, fiddlehead ferns, and mosses can provide visual interest in shady areas of your yard. “Because I’ve naturalized my lawn, I only mow it two or three times a year in the sunny spots,” Lindsay says. Photo Credit: Unsplash/TR

Having a variety of plants in your garden provides more food for pollinators, including butterflies, birds, and bees. The nectar of the milkweed plant is a favourite of insects, including the monarch butterfly. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Annette Meredith

Choose an area of your yard that receives a lot of sun to establish a vegetable garden. Linda and Lindsay recommend starting small, perhaps with a container garden, while you build up your horticultural skills. Potatoes (above), onions, and leafy greens are easy crops to grow and are well adapted to Canada's climate and geography. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Javier Albuja

These delicious black raspberries are native to Ontario and they’re a popular species at the Farm Lab. “This spring, a baby rabbit found a safe spot behind the raspberries' prickly canes to protect itself from foxes and other predators,” Linda says. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Nadine Eggenberger

When naturalizing, think about the shady and sunny parts of your yard and choose plants accordingly. Good native plants to grow include wild strawberries (above) and wild leeks. Photo Credit: Unsplash/Eric Prouzet

Check out these resources for eco-friendly gardening:

• Your Guide to Native Ontario Plants
• Grow Me Instead: Beautiful Non-Invasive Plants for your Garden
• Sustainable Orillia
• Northwestern Ontario Food Action Network

Something transformative is coming to Thunder Bay, and you are invited to experience it.

TEDxLakeheadU 2026: G.R.O.W.T.H is officially happening on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 at The Outpost, Lakehead University.

 The Outpost, Lakehead University  
955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5E1

 Mark Your Calendars: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026  
 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EDT

This is more than a conference.  
It is a full-day experience bringing together bold ideas, inspiring people, and powerful conversations.

 What attendees can expect:

• 7 inspiring TEDx speakers  
• 2 interactive workshops  
• Live performances and panel discussions  
• Networking opportunities  
• Catered lunch + refreshments  
• Exclusive TEDxLakeheadU gift bags

 Digital Ticket Information

General Admission: $65

Student Admission: $40  
Students will be required to provide a valid student ID at the door for verification and a current institutional email address while checking out online.

 Limited capacity release — secure your spot early!

Whether you are passionate about innovation, storytelling, leadership, creativity, or community impact, TEDxLakeheadU 2026 is for you.

Join us as we explore the theme of G.R.O.W.T.H and spark ideas that inspire change.

Secure your spot today:  
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/tedx-lakeheadu-2026-growth

The Thunder Bay campus' Community Garden plots are now available to rent!

• Plots are ~10x10ft
• $15 / plot for LU students
• $30 / plot for non-students
• Anyone can rent a plot, including community members and organizations

To reserve a plot:

1. Submit a Rental Agreement

• electronic to communitygarden@lakeheadu.ca and garden@lusu.ca
• paper to CASES 2004 F

2. Submit Payment (cash or cheque) to CASES 2004 F (Rachel Portinga, Sustainability Coordinator).

Due date for first plot assignments is May 22, 2026 - but there will likely be plots available after this date! Email communitygarden@lakeheadu.ca for more information.

The Active Commute Challenge is back June 1-30! It’s a great way to stay active, reduce your environmental impact, and have some fun.

A few quick things to know:

• Students, faculty, and staff can all join the Lakehead University team
• Register [http://www.tbayonthemove.ca] again this year — even if you’ve participated before.
• Early bird commutes logged in May are eligible for early bird prizes.
• Every trip where you replace a solo car ride counts—walk, bike, roll, or take transit.
• Be sure to log each trip separately for more chances to win!
• Prizes are up for grabs throughout the challenge.

Questions?
Feel free to reach out to Rachel Portinga, Sustainability Coordinator (rporting@lakeheadu.ca), or Mattia Rolli, LUSU Student Life and Facilities Coordinator (studentlife@lusu.ca).

This Gifted Scientist and Artist Loves Unlocking their Mysteries

A YouTube video changed Kate Solbakk's life.

"The 'Story of Stuff' documentary exposed society's cycle of buying stuff and throwing it away and then buying more stuff and throwing it away," explains Kate (HBASc'14).

"As I was becoming a young adult, I didn't want to participate in that destructive loop.

Plus, I've always loved nature. I spent my childhood catching frogs and minnows, so learning that the animals I loved were under threat made me want to protect them."

Kate grew up on a vegetable farm in Simcoe County, now she lives on a hobby farm with chickens outside the town of Drangedal in Norway.

A Young Environmentalist Finds Her Calling

Armed with this resolve, she joined the first group of students in Lakehead Orillia's Honours Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environmental Sustainability program.

When this degree launched in 2010—the year Kate enrolled—it was the first of its kind in Canada.

"There were just six students, which made us feel like collaborators," she says. "The faculty were always asking what we thought of various aspects of the program."

"I became fascinated with the incredible diversity of protozoa," says Kate Solbakk (née Weel). "They play beneficial roles in many ecosystems including encouraging plant growth, promoting soil formation, and stimulating plants' defense mechanisms to protect them against disease. Artwork Credit: Kate Solbakk

It was through her Lakehead studies that Kate found her professional path.

She was hired as a work-study research assistant for a project led by environmental sustainability professors Dr. Sree Kurissery and Dr. Nanda Kanavillil.

Her job was to analyze microscopic organisms in Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching.

"That's where I fell in love with protozoa—the charismatic megafauna of the single-celled world," Kate says. "They do all the things that animals do, but with just one cell."

An Adventure in Norway

The end of her third year at Lakehead marked another turning point for Kate.

It happened in Norway, where she'd travelled to visit her now-husband.

"While we were walking around a farmer's market at the Bygdøy Royal Farm in Oslo, I saw microscopes and a poster of protozoa in a display for the VitalAnalyse research company," she recalls.

VitalAnalyse studied how human activity affected microorganisms in agricultural soil. Their goal was to develop better fertilizers to feed the soil and prevent it from being depleted.

Kate became the only scientist in northern Europe doing microscopy to help farmers and researchers understand agricultural soil ecology.

"I asked if they needed help for the summer and they hired me as a field technician."

In September, she headed back to Lakehead to complete her degree but returned to Norway after graduation to build a career at VitalAnalyse.

Revealing an Invisible Universe

Kate spent much of the following years peering into a microscope, but in 2016, she embarked on a journey that took her in an unexpected direction.

She had begun creating illustrations of protozoa to help bring attention to VitalAnalyse's public outreach efforts.

"There was a demand for illustrations because microscopy photos can be hard to understand. Images of the same creature look dramatically different in different lighting.

"My husband encouraged me to do microscopy illustrations when he found out that I could draw," Kate says. "He was also interested in digital art and had bought a stylus pad. To create my illustrations, I use a stylus to draw on the computer in a process similar to oil painting." Everything is hand drawn, there's no AI involved."

As a kid, Kate was constantly drawing, so illustration work allowed her to reconnect with this part of herself.

"People started telling me they loved my drawings," she says. "They'd say, 'Ooh, it looks like it's from outer space!'"

In 2019, Kate started her own company, called Mikroliv.

Initially, Mikroliv offered both soil testing for researchers and microscopy illustrations, but she soon shifted exclusively to illustration.

"My drawings have appeared in gardening books, research papers, presentations, and websites. People can buy them as art prints and schools sometimes use them."

The popularity of Kate’s illustrations led to an important commission to create soil life illustrations for the Levende Matjord (living soil) research project. After finishing the commission, Kate continued to create drawings and eventually expanded her subject matter to include pond life. Above, Kate at an exhibition of her illustrations. Artwork Credit: Kate Solbakk

Immersing Videogamers in the Micro World

Videogaming has always been a huge part of Kate's life. Now it's become the latest way for her to merge the worlds of art and science.

She's been developing Cellscape—a fun arcade-style survival game—which she hopes to release in late 2026.

Developing the Cellscape videogame has tapped into Kate's imaginative powers. "You play as a protozoa in a soil ecosystem where the creatures around you eat and divide depending upon who has eaten who," she says. Artwork Credit: Kate Solbakk

"It's the culmination of the last decade of my work," Kate says. "I want to make microbes more relatable and approachable."

Or in the words of Cellscape:

"Experience life as a microbe in a dynamic, living ecosystem. Hunt bacteria, dodge hazards and predators, and divide as many times as you can!"

Download a demo of Kate's Cellscape videogame and try it out for yourself.