Starting university this fall? Registration Ready is a webinar series designed to help you with the course registration process and other important aspects of your university career, like navigating the Academic Calendar, understanding university regulations and the requirements of your program. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate international student, we have a webinar specifically for you!
Lakehead University is seeking a client-focused and technically skilled IT Support Analyst to join the Technology Services Centre (TSC). Reporting to the Manager of Client Experience, the IT Support Analyst plays a key role in supporting the University community by delivering responsive technical assistance, maintaining classroom and computer lab technology, and ensuring the reliable operation of audio/visual and conferencing equipment across campus.
The successful candidate will serve as a primary point of contact for students, faculty, staff, and guests requiring technical support. This position requires strong troubleshooting abilities, excellent customer service skills, and the ability to adapt to a fast-paced and evolving technology environment.
Technical Support & Troubleshooting
Classroom & Audio/Visual Support
Client Service & Communication
Account & Operational Support
Collaboration & Professional Development
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.
Lakehead University has a goal to recruit and retain a diverse workforce as measured by increasing representation of underrepresented groups among applicants, candidates, and hires. Experience working with Indigenous or racialized communities, and/or members of other equity-deserving groups, is a strong asset. A lived experience or worked experience of any of these issues is preferred.
We appreciate your interest; Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343-8010 ext. 8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements.
Starting university this fall? Registration Ready is a webinar series designed to help you with the course registration process and other important aspects of your university career, like navigating the Academic Calendar, understanding university regulations and the requirements of your program. Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate international student, we have a webinar specifically for you!
Lakehead University will celebrate the achievements of graduating students at its Thunder Bay campus convocation ceremonies on May 28 and 29.
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 three outstanding individuals with honorary degrees and honour two individuals with the title of Fellow of the University, recognizing their contributions to education, Indigenous knowledge, public service, arts and culture, and community leadership.
Theresa Redsky Fiddler, Dr. Gary Polonsky, and William (Bill) Heibein will each be conferred honorary degrees. Kevin Cleghorn and Brian McKinnon will be recognized as Fellows of the University.
“The Lakehead community is proud to recognize the work and dedication of this year’s honorary degree recipients and fellows,” 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.”
Theresa Redsky Fiddler Theresa Fiddler, also known as Teri Redsky Fiddler, is a respected Knowledge Keeper, Traditional Practitioner, and community leader from Treaty #3 territory. Raised in Big Grassy River First Nation and Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, she has devoted her life to supporting Indigenous communities through leadership, teachings, and traditional knowledge.
After raising five children with her late husband Josias Fiddler, Teri Redsky Fiddler returned to complete her education as an adult learner, graduating high school alongside two of her sons before earning a diploma in Social Service Work. She later served for 14 years as a Band Councillor for Sandy Lake First Nation.
Today, Teri Redsky Fiddler continues to share teachings with provincial and national organizations and serves as a Knowledge Keeper to the Assembly of First Nations, Chiefs of Ontario, and Nishnawbe Aski Nation. She also serves as Traditional Practitioner Consultant for Sandy Lake First Nation.
The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters will be conferred on Thursday, May 28 at 9 a.m.
Dr. Gary PolonskyDr. Gary Polonsky is one of Canada’s most influential post-secondary leaders, with a career spanning more than 40 years across colleges and universities in five provinces. A native of Thunder Bay, he played a key role in expanding access to education, advancing applied research, and strengthening partnerships between institutions and communities.
He served as President of Durham College from 1988 to 2006 and became the founding president of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, now Ontario Tech University, in 2001 while continuing concurrently as President of Durham College — a unique achievement in Canadian higher education.
Gary has also contributed extensively to public service and community leadership, including serving as Chair of the Board behind the development of the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium. His many honours include national leadership awards and two Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medals.
The degree of Doctor of Education will be conferred on Thursday, May 28 at 2 p.m.
William (Bill) HeibeinFor more than 50 years, William (Bill) Heibein has contributed to the cultural and civic life of Thunder Bay through volunteerism, music, advocacy, and community leadership. His involvement has included leadership roles with the Rotary Club of Port Arthur, Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra, Magnus Theatre Northwest, and the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce.
Following his dementia diagnosis, Bill became a leading advocate for dementia awareness and inclusion. As a founding member of the Ontario Dementia Advisory Group, he helped shape national conversations on dementia care and contributed to programs including Dementia Café and the Dementia Gardens initiative in Northwestern Ontario.
A lifelong musician, Bill continues to perform with the Bottom of the Barrel jazz and dixieland band, which for nearly five decades has brought music to hospitals, senior homes, and community spaces. In 2025, he was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters will be conferred on Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m.
Kevin CleghornKevin Cleghorn is a Thunder Bay-based lawyer with a distinguished career in family law, legal education, and public service. A graduate of the University of Manitoba and Osgoode Hall, he is a certified specialist in family law, accredited mediator, and member of the Canadian Academy of Distinguished Neutrals.
Kevin has served as a deputy judge for Small Claims Court in Northwestern Ontario since 1999 and is a past chair of Lakehead University’s Board of Governors. He has taught at Lakehead University since 1994 and received the university’s Contribution to Teaching Award in 2007. In 2025, he received both the James L. Murray Memorial Award and the Law Society Medal for his contributions to professionalism, legal education, and access to justice.
The title of Fellow of the University will be bestowed on Friday, May 29 at 10 a.m.
Brian McKinnonBrian McKinnon’s lifelong dedication to education and community leadership has had a lasting impact on Thunder Bay and Lakehead University. A member of Lakehead’s second graduating class, Brian played on the university’s first varsity basketball team and contributed to early campus development initiatives.
Following a distinguished career in education leadership, including serving as Principal of Partnerships with the Lakehead Board of Education, Brian continued supporting future educators as an instructor in Lakehead’s Faculty of Education. He also served for 16 years on Lakehead University’s Board of Governors, helping strengthen connections between the university and the broader community.
The title of Fellow of the University will be bestowed on Thursday, May 28 at 2 p.m.
For more information, visit Lakehead University Convocation
Rechal Parmar, an Honours Bachelor of Commerce student, has been a formidable presence on campus since arriving at Lakehead Orillia four years ago.
During that time, she's evolved into a leader that fellow students can reach out to for support and encouragement.
"When I started my degree, I was more drawn to accounting, but I now plan to make human resources my major focus because I like to solve people-centric challenges," Rechal says.
"I've always loved community work, but hearing the phrase 'When your community grows, you grow,' gave me a new purpose!" she says.
"It became my motivation for doing more campus work and volunteering."
Rechal's diverse contributions have earned her the 2026 Lloyd Dennis Award for Outstanding Citizenship.
"Being recognized for what I've done for the Lakehead and Orillia communities really means a lot to me—it shows that I belong here and that I'm valued," she says.
"I'm always keen to collaborate and make a difference."
For Rechal, coming to Lakehead presented a steep learning curve.
"English is my second language and I'm from a small town in India where the culture is very different from Canada's," she explains.
Rechal with her parents and her brother. Rechal's parents were a big influence on her decision to earn an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree.
Despite these seismic changes, Rechal found her footing with the help of a Lakehead International (LUI) peer mentor.
"My mentor really had an impact on me," she says. "She made me feel at home."
With her growing confidence, Rechal joined Enactus Lakehead—part of a global network of Enactus clubs that empower youth leaders to create positive change through entrepreneurship.
"Enactus allows college and university entrepreneurs to pitch their business proposals to companies," she says.
As co-president of the Lakehead Enactus Social Entrepreneurship Club, she and her fellow Enactus members applied their commerce skills outside the classroom to help Simcoe County businesses.
On campus, Rechal fostered an appreciation of Indian and American culture through annual presentations at the Welcome the World Fair and became a warm and welcoming face as the president of Lakehead University Christian Fellowship Club.
Rechal spent one semester as an exchange student in Indianapolis, Indiana, while attending Lakehead.
But perhaps the moment she knew she was truly an integral part of campus life happened in her second year.
"A LUI staff member asked me to become a peer mentor," Rechal says. "Now, it was my turn to help international students adjust to university and navigate cultural differences," she says.
"I also helped students with practical things like how to use the transit system and shop at grocery stores."
As Rechal's graduation day approaches, she's already jumped feet first into the world of commerce.
She's doing an internship at an Orillia camping centre where she is busy learning different aspects of the business.
"Although I've completed four years of university, I still have so much more to learn," Rechal says.
When her placement ends in October, she'll return to her hometown—where her love of business was born—to begin charting her future. "My parents have owned a trading and metal manufacturing company since I was a child," she says.
"My dream career path is to build a purpose-driven business that aligns with my Christian faith and values," she adds.
Rechal is also reflecting on the academic and campus experiences she's had, and the foundation they've given her to succeed.
In the end, she says it's the people who've had the greatest impact on her.
"What has stood out most is the warmth of the university community and their willingness to help. That's a big advantage of studying at Lakehead."
Rechal shows her Lakehead spirit by wishing Wolfie a happy birthday.
She urges other graduating students to tap into this community and not go it alone.
"You have this fantastic support network that you can always rely on.
Once a Thunderwolf, always a Thunderwolf!"
The Lloyd Dennis Award for Outstanding Citizenship is presented to a full-time student at the Orillia campus to recognize their contributions to the welfare of the university. The award is named in honour of the late Lloyd Dennis, an Officer of the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario as well as a highly respected educator and proponent for the creation of the Lakehead Orillia campus.
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.
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."
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.
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
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.
We have covered a lot of new student topics over the last few weeks, and this session provides students with an opportunity to join us and ask any outstanding questions or concerns they may have before arriving on campus. Let's all get together and celebrate the start of your new journey!
As an international student, we understand that you may have questions about how you can find a job, and how your student status impacts your ability to work. This webinar will highlight the immigration rules surrounding job search as an international student, as well as introduce you to the Career Services and Co-op Department to better understand the resources available on campus to support your student journey!
As an international student, you have some extra responsibilities and things to consider. In this webinar, we will review what to expect at the port of entry, working while you study and working hours as a student, and other important considerations as you navigate studying abroad.
