April 23, 2008
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Physics Professor Wins 2008 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award
Dr. Luc Beaulieu, assistant professor in the department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, is the recipient of the 2008 Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award at Memorial University; a prize valued at $25,000. His innovative research involves the development of a unique method of detecting and measuring airborne viruses. In particular, Dr. Beaulieu, with collaborator Dr. Ken Hirasawa from the Faculty of Medicine, proposes to use cantilever sensors to detect the influenza virus. Cantilever sensors are micrometre sized beams supported at one end, which are about the same width as a human hair. To detect influenza, Dr. Beaulieu will attach specific antibodies to the surface of the cantilever which are receptive to a single strain of the virus. In theory, when the virus binds with the antibodies on the cantilever, a surface stress will be generated which, in turn, will cause the cantilever to bend. The amount of bending is then used to infer the concentration levels of the virus. “To my knowledge there are no other groups attempting to use cantilever sensors for detecting the influenza virus,” said Dr. Beaulieu. “However, I am confident that one day cantilever sensors can be implemented into continuous air monitoring systems and have a significant impact on our health care system by reducing the current economical burden caused by the influenza virus.” "The calibre of submissions for this year's Young Innovator Award demonstrates the outstanding educational and scientific capabilities within our province," said Alan Brown, regional manager, East Coast Canada with Petro-Canada. "We're delighted to be supporting the work of Dr. Beaulieu and to be supporting research, development and the applied sciences at Memorial University." “Mr. Beaulieu’s work is indicative of the kind of high quality and innovative research being carried out at Memorial University. We are very proud of him, and congratulate him for working to improve the health and well-being of our people and people everywhere,” said Dr. Eddy Campbell, acting president of Memorial University. “We also want to thank Petro-Canada for their ongoing contribution to fostering excellence in research at Memorial.” Petro-Canada is a strong supporter of Memorial University. The Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award Program was started in 1998 as part of a $500,000 contribution to the university’s Opportunity Fund campaign. The award recognizes and fosters the work of outstanding and innovative young researchers at Canadian universities, colleges and major research institutes. An event honouring Dr. Beaulieu will be held at a later date.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland & Labrador
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April 14, 2008
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Business Students Capture Second Place Finish in International Competition
Four Memorial business students have finished in second place in the Network of International Business Schools (NIBS) case competition in Coventry, United Kingdom. Team members Samantha Attwood, Erin Gullage, MaryBeth Hanrigan and Adam Power are all accounting students in Memorial’s bachelor of commerce (co-op) program. Prior to attending the competition the four business students had spent the winter semester studying at Memorial’s Harlow Campus in England. Professor and competition coach Peggy Coady believes that this international experience benefited the students during the competition. “Throughout the competition the students referred to material they had studied in Harlow such as international business law with Professor George Cummins and business ethics with Dr. Bob Sexty,” Prof. Coady said. “This coupled with a strong presentation style led to excellent feedback from the judges.” In round robin play the Memorial team competed against teams from around the world, such as the International Business Academy (Denmark), Leuven School of Business and Economics (Belgium) and the host school, Coventry University. Memorial emerged as victors in the semi-final round against the University of Missouri and faced Helsinki School of Economics in the finals. “I am very proud of our students and their accomplishments. Reaching second place in a competition of NIBS calibre is a testament to their hard work and the quality of the programming we offer in the Faculty of Business,” said Dr. Gary Gorman, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration. The NIBS Case Competition is the oldest undergraduate case competition in the world. Teams are given a business case to analyze, on topics such as banking to low income populations in South Africa or the business model for Airbus, and present their results to a panel of judges. NIBS was established in 1993 to bring together business schools that believe that economic globalization is essential in the evolution of managerial practices. Member institutions work together to promote student and faculty exchanges and interactions, exchange ideas, and set up joint teaching and research programs while sharing mutual recognition of qualifications.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
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March 18, 2008
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Over $90,000 in Scholarships for Business Students
Eighty-six students in the Faculty of Business Administration were recognized on Friday, March 14, for their outstanding accomplishments when the faculty held its annual Awards Ceremony.
Over $90,000 in university-administered funds were handed out in honour of academic achievement, volunteerism in the faculty, university and greater community, and international accomplishments.
The ceremony included five new scholarships that were awarded for the first time. At the graduate level, Lesley Ann Smith and Adam Saunders were awarded The Imperial Tobacco Canada Limited Graduate Scholarship in Business Studies. At the undergraduate level, there were four new awards handed out. Susan Hall received the Public Accountants Licensing Board Scholarship, Ashley Burke received the Dr. Lessey Sookal Scholarship, Alexandra White-Dzuro was awarded the St. John's Maple Leafs Legacy Scholarship, and Janine Brophy and Michael Harris received the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) Award for Exemplary Work Terms in the Upstream Petroleum Industry. One other new award was announced, the Fagan Scholarship in the Faculty of Business Administration. This scholarship hasn't yet been awarded. The awards ceremony also honoured faculty and staff for their excellence in research, teaching and service. Dr. Peter Song received the Dean's Research Award, Dr. Manish Verma received the Dean's Teaching Award, Prof. Lynn Morrissey received the Dean's Service Award, Ms. Sherry Whelan received the Dean's Service Quality Award (staff), and Prof. Peggy Coady, director of graduate programs, received the Dean's Citizenship Award. Dr. Gary Gorman, dean of the Faculty of Business Administration is proud of the students and the growth of the Awards Ceremony. "It speaks to both the caliber of our students and our strong relationships with the community that we're able to offer so many scholarships and awards," Dr. Gorman said. "The Awards Ceremony is our opportunity to recognize our students, faculty, staff and benefactors for all of their contributions to the Faculty of Business."
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland
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February 4, 2008
Purchasing Power at Memorial University of Newfoundland: CMD Partnership Helps Professional Buyers
The Centre for Management Development in the Faculty of Business Administration is celebrating a successful partnership with the Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC). Memorial, through the CMD, is the first university in Canada to offer the PMAC's certified professional purchaser accreditation program. Certified professional purchasers manage the supply chain in all sectors of the economy, from retail and manufacturing to government and natural resources. PMAC is the leading Canadian professional association for supply chain management professionals. Their intent is to establish supply chain management as a profession that is equal to other business disciplines such as accounting, finance and marketing. In order to do so, PMAC has revised their accreditation program to focus on integrative thinking, strategic analysis and decision making. In January 2007, PMAC partnered with the CMD to deliver the new Strategic Supply Chain Management Leadership Program. Successful participants will finish the program with management skills and the CPP designation. The first class of students in the PMAC program at Memorial began in fall 2007. The program has met the enrolment target set by PMAC and the CMD, and the expectation is for strategic growth as the program moves into its second year at Memorial. Hilkka McCallum, manager of member development program with PMAC, believes that PMAC is already benefiting from the partnership with Memorial. "Memorial University is the most highly respected post-secondary institution in Newfoundland and Labrador. In working with the CMD, PMAC is able to leverage the university's excellent reputation in facilitating professional development at the management and executive level," she explained. "PMAC can also take advantage of the CMD's extensive network of student, alumni and employer contacts to raise the profile of the supply chain management profession in the province."Partnerships, like the one with the PMAC, are a part of the growth strategy for the CMD. "Our mandate is to offer high-quality professional development programs for all levels of management," Bill Morrissey, director of the CMD, said. "We know partnerships with other organizations have played a significant role in our success in meeting our clients' needs and we will continue to build these partnerships to support professional development of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
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November 20, 2007
Outstanding Faculty and Staff Recognized at Memorial University
Some of Memorial University’s best educators, researchers and staff members were honoured at a special ceremony today at the Fluvarium in St. John’s.
The inaugural President’s Award for Exceptional Community Service was also introduced at this annual ceremony. Dr. Joan Oldford, Education, was named winner of the new award that recognizes the commitment of Memorial’s employees to helping build stronger communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Memorial University's mission encompasses service to the community and I am proud that the university has a very strong record of supporting communities throughout this province," said Memorial President Dr. Axel Meisen. “This new award recognizes faculty and staff who have made outstanding contributions to an important aspect of our mission.”
Eleven Memorial employees were honoured at the reception – one for exceptional community service, three for outstanding research, two for distinguished teaching and five for exemplary service. Dr. Elizabeth Murphy, Education, was the recipient of the President’s Award for Research, while Dr. Richard Rivkin, Ocean Sciences Centre, and Dr. Barbara Neis, Sociology, each received the distinction of University Research Professor.
The President’s Awards for Distinguished Teaching went to Dr. Christopher Sharpe, Geography, and Dr. Katherine Gallagher, Business Administration.
The five Memorial staff members who received the President’s Awards for Exemplary Service were: Greg Bennett, Computing and Communications; Linda Kirby, School of Medicine; Zita Murphy, Memorial University Bookstore; Sonja Knutson, International Student Advising Centre; and Gary Collins, Department of Biology.
Memorial began its annual presentation of the University Research Professor designations and the Awards for Outstanding Research in 1984, and the Distinguished Teaching Awards in 1988, as ways of singling out particularly distinguished contributions within its academic community. Exemplary Service Awards were introduced in 1995.
“Each award category underlines Memorial's mission of innovation and excellence in teaching and learning, research and scholarship and service to the community,” said Dr. Meisen. “Together our distinguished faculty and staff help build a local, national and international reputation for Memorial.”
President’s Awards for Distinguished Teaching recognize the teaching excellence in the university community. Each winner of the teaching award receives a $5,000 grant contributed by the Memorial University Alumni Association. The President’s Award for Outstanding Research recognizes researchers who have made outstanding contributions to their scholarly disciplines. Each award includes a $5,000 research grant. University Research Professors have acquired a designation above the rank of professor. The title is the most prestigious award the university gives for research, and goes to faculty who have demonstrated a consistently high level of scholarship and whose research is of a truly international stature. The designation carries with it a $4,000 research grant (each year for five years) and a reduced teaching schedule. The President’s Award for Exemplary Community Service carries a $1,000 award.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
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October 5, 2007
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Grenfell College Grads to Cross the Stage for the First Time at Fall Convocation
Next week will mark a special occasion for Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook. The west coast campus of Memorial University will see graduates cross the stage for the first time at a fall convocation. On Friday, Oct. 12 at the Corner Brook Arts and Culture Centre, just under 40 graduates will receive degrees in arts, business administration, education, nursing and science. "We felt it appropriate to allow those who've met the requirements to graduate to do so in a timely fashion," said Dr. John Ashton, principal of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College. "In particular, our students in the fast-track nursing and education programs, who finish their coursework during the spring semester, will benefit from this addition." As usual, there will be a webcast of the ceremony. The convocation ceremony can be viewed on the Grenfell College and Memorial University websites, www.swgc.mun.ca and www.mun.ca respectively, at 4 p.m., Oct. 12. It is also videotaped for future broadcast on local cable television, and copies of the DVD are made available for sale at the college bookstore. For her contribution to the development of traditional music in this province, singer/songwriter Pamela Morgan will be awarded an honorary doctor of letters degree. In addition, two convocation sessions will be held in St. John's on Oct. 19. Honorary graduates will be Dr. Linda Hutcheon and Dr. Shirley Tilghman.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland & Labrador
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October 2, 2007
Memorial University Engineering Students Design a New Strait of Belle Isle Ferry
The ferry link between the Labrador Straits and the Island of Newfoundland is a perennial concern to the residents of the Labrador Straits as well as to the thousands of tourists who visit the Straits every year. It is for this reason that three Engineering students from Memorial University are hoping their concept design for the Strait of Belle Isle ferry will be taken seriously by the provincial government. Evan Martin, Heather Brown and Jessica Coffey, students in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, collaborated on a concept design for a ferry that could handle the winter ice in the Straits area and still be able to accommodate the summer tourists and regular users, including the transportation and shipping industry. The concept design being completed will be capable of handling the capacity of the current vessel, the MV Apollo. Included in the design is a plan for tourist amenities on the main deck, including an expanded gift shop and cafeteria. In order to accommodate the growing demands on this route, a second vessel may be required during the tourist season.This report, completed in July, is the culmination of a semester's work for the three students, and represents the first part of a two-semester project. The project will be completed at the end of the upcoming winter semester with the issuing of a final report. "This project was tremendously rewarding, as it has practical value and has the potential to drastically improve an essential transportation link for the people of Southern Labrador," said Evan Martin, the project leader. The request to design the ferry came from a workshop organized by the Harris Centre, in partnership with the Labrador Straits Development Corporation and the Southeastern Aurora Development Corporation, held in May 2006. Dag Friis, professor of Engineering and supervisor of the team, concluded that it's time for government to seriously look at new ferries for this region. "The Apollo has outlived its useful life and was even aged compared to normal ship life expectancies, when it was purchased from the Baltic for use in the Straits. Our conclusion is that, for the type of class you need for the Straits, you can't find an existing ship like it, you have to build one. If the people of Southern Labrador want year-round service, then a new ship is the answer; two even better!"The students and their professor hope that their report will encourage the provincial government to build a new vessel in the province, in support of the local shipbuilding industry.
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland & Labrador
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September 6, 2007
Memorial University of Newfoundland: Grenfell College- British undergrad students get research opportunity of a lifetime
Pine marten, soil respiration, agricultural impacts on the Humber River and environmental attitudes in children were the research topics explored by four undergrad students from the University of York this summer under the Humber River Basin Project, a comprehensive and integrated approach to monitoring, assessing, and predictive modeling of the Humber River Basin. British students Holly Edwards, Becky Strickland, Jenny Calder and Aura Piha spent several weeks at Grenfell studying four very different areas of research this summer, and returned to the UK last week. Ms. Edwards' research focused on determining the levels and forms of nitrogen and phosphorus in the Humber River basin to see if agricultural activities are affecting nutrient levels in the Humber River. "If the levels are too high, the nutrients create an increase in algae, which blocks out light and depletes oxygen, which chokes other life in the stream," she said. While she found some increase in nutrients, it appears the levels are low enough not to cause a dangerous effect, she said. Ms. Strickland spent the last few weeks studying the Newfoundland pine marten, to see if the introduction of a new food source has affected their territory size. Ms. Calder also worked with NR-Can, helping the Canadian Forest Service's Martin Moroni with his research on soil respiration. She said her research involved determining the spatial variability of soil respiration in a clear-cut and a forested plot, as well as working on which soil parameters may affect this variability (e.g. moisture content of the soil). "This work is important on a larger scale with respect to climate change," she added. While their areas of research were vastly different, the four students interviewed agreed that their time in western Newfoundland was the opportunity of a lifetime. "We were able to take on research that mostly master's students do," said Ms. Strickland. "It was an amazing opportunity." Ms. Piha agreed. "In the seven weeks we've been here, there's not been a day of boredom," she said. "It's been more of an adventure than research work!"
Source: Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland & Labrador
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