Media Releases

Grand Re-opening of Samuel's Café

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:15:10 -0300

UPEI Ancillary Services is happy to announce the grand re-opening of Samuel's Café, brought to you by Dana Hospitality! On Wednesday, September 18, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 am followed by free samples of the new Starbucks coffee and mini muffins and cake to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Members of the UPEI campus community are invited to arrive early to enjoy these delicious treats and beverages while supplies last. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy some great coffee, tasty snacks, and reconnect with others in the newly refreshed Samuel's Café. Mark your calendars and join in for a fun start to the day!

For updated hours for Samuel's Café and our other food service outlets, visit Where to Eat on Campus.

Move-In Day on the UPEI campus a positive experience thanks to many

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:49:01 -0300

UPEI students living in residence received a warm welcome from UPEI staff and fellow students on Friday, August 30. To make move-in day go as smoothly as possible for everyone, many campus partners gave of their time and expertise to make the day a great experience for UPEI’s new and returning residence students.

“As we know, this day doesn’t happen without a lot of prep work,” said Kelton Thomason, Manager, Residence and Housing Operations, who oversees the Residence Life program. “It has been incredible to have support from everyone working hard across the UPEI campus. We are super proud of our campus partners and know that our work and move-in day couldn’t happen without them.”

Thomason thanks the following UPEI departments for their assistance and support:

Office of Student Affairs
Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights
Facilities Management
Security Services
UPEI Health and Wellness Centre
Marketing and Communications
IT Systems and Services
UPEI Student Union
С��Ƶ Panther student-athletes
Ancillary Services

Residence Life Advisors (RLAs) are also a key group who help make the transition to living in residence a positive one. In the weeks leading up to move-in day and New Student Orientation (NSO) Week, RLAs, who are UPEI students in their senior years of study, participated in an orientation/training program to help them in their roles as peer-supporters, advisors, activity planners, administrators, and educators to maintain residence community standards. They work together with Residence Life staff and other campus community members to create an educational environment in residence that is conducive to both living and learning.

A key activity planned by RLAs for residence students during NSO week was the “Festival of Lounges” on August 30. During the evening event, RLAs set up a number of fun activities in different lounges and locations on campus to encourage new residence students to meet and interact with each other.

To make the transition to residence life a positive one, new students were also encouraged to go on a tour of campus, meet their “point people” and leaders, enjoy a “First Residence Supper” in the Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall, and take part in other NSO Week activities.

С��Ƶ Panthers this Week (September 9–15)

Ron Annear — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:15:54 -0300

The UPEI Men’s Hockey, Soccer, and Rugby Panthers are looking forward to a weekend of competition at home and away.

Friday, September 13
AT HOME
6:00 pm: The UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers play their first exhibition game of the season against Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus at MacLauchlan Arena. Box office hours at MacLauchlan Arena this week are September 9, 10, and 11 from 2:00–5:00 pm.

Saturday, September 14
AT HOME
2:00 pm: The UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers play an exhibition game against the Dalhousie University Tigers at MacLauchlan Arena.

Sunday, September 16
AT HOME:
1:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers host the St. Francis Xavier X-Women on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field.

3:15 pm: The UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers host the St. Francis Xavier X-Men on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field.

AWAY:
2:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers play the St. Francis Xavier X-Women in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Ticketing
Season and game tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

Gold Rush
С��Ƶ Panthers Gold Rush can be played through a new app—С��Ƶ Panther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io. The jackpot is currently at almost $10,000.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

Anna Harris and Jack Roberts named С��Ƶ Panther Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:36:54 -0300

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The С��Ƶ Panther Athletes of the Week for September 2-8, 2024, are Anna Harris (women’s cross country) and Jack Roberts (men’s cross country).

Harris had one of her strongest performances as a Panther at the Acadia University Invitational meet in Wolfville, Nova Scotia on September 7. The sophomore runner and Science student from Souris, PEI led the pack for most of the 8 km race before finishing fourth overall with a time of 31:56.

“We knew Anna was getting faster and trending toward this result, but to come in fourth as a sophomore is a tremendous accomplishment,” said head coach Mike Peterson.

A fourth-year Arts student from Charlottetown, Roberts had a strong run in his season debut at the Invitational, finishing as UPEI's top runner and 11th overall with a time of 27:56.

“This has been a long time coming for Jack,” said coach Peterson. “He has been working tirelessly for years, and it is great to see his hard work pay off.”

Go Panthers Go!

Island entrepreneur credits UPEI with helping him realize his dream

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:21:46 -0300

Entrepreneur Matt Jelley graduated from UPEI in 2024 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, specializing in marketing. He is now the sole proprietor of Mobile Bicycle Services PEI, a unique door-to-door bike repair service, and credits his education and mentors throughout his time at UPEI with helping him realize his dream of becoming a business owner.

Jelley said he has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and started his first venture, a photography and video production business, when he was 12 years old through the Young Millionaires Program, a summer business program available to PEI youth that provides opportunity to explore entrepreneurship. His experience in the program sparked his continued interest in maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset and seeking unique opportunities.

While studying for his degree, he took the Business 3710 – Entrepreneurship and New Ventures course in his third year. The course inspired him to create a business plan for an idea that he had in mind for a long time. Dr. Reuben Domike, associate professor in the UPEI McDougall Faculty of Business, was also a key factor in helping his plan come to life. Jelley said Domike was a great person to turn to for advice, helped him with certain things in the business plan, and asked important questions that helped him think about every aspect of starting his company.

“Matt has done an excellent job of utilizing the resources available for entrepreneurial students at UPEI: coursework, mentoring, competitions, marketing, networking. As a result, he has been able to generate significant value in his early days as an entrepreneur,” said Domike. “I expect that Matt will be able to leverage his experience and early success to continue on his entrepreneurial journey in the upcoming decades.”

Winning $18,000 in prize money during the MacLauchlan Panther Pitch at UPEI in March 2023 (a contest for students made possible through the Harry W. MacLauchlan Entrepreneurship Program) was also key for Jelley’s business to help it grow and expand its service offerings and reach.

Preparing for the contest helped Jelley transfer the ideas in his head to paper. Building the website for the business served as a “vision board” of the plan and helped him visualize what kind of company he was building. It was during the development of the website that Mobile Bicycle Services differentiated itself from its competitors by allowing customers to book their desired dates and times of tune-ups and servicing.

The core concept of Mobile Bicycle Services reflects its owner’s personal interests: to provide reliable, affordable, and dependable service for all cyclists while maintaining a 100 per cent carbon neutral business model by offsetting carbon emissions through environmental actions like tree planting. The truck he purchased for his business is a hybrid model to help cut down on carbon emissions while traveling from location to location.

The biggest challenge for Jelley when first starting his business was finding suppliers, since most of them required him to have a physical store front. Raphael Amoit-Savard, who owns Knead a Brake in Summerside, lent a helping hand and became a huge supporter of Jelley’s business, especially during the early days. Amoit-Savard was able to get Jelley connected with various suppliers and offered advice whenever needed. Business owner Paul Jenkins has also been a mentor to Jelley and a reliable source for help and information when he needs advice on almost anything.

“I think it’s important to be a risk taker when creating a business but not a reckless risk taker. In my mind there is a very big difference between the two, and sometimes the line between them is very thin,” said Jelley. “Having confidence in yourself is another important trait when it comes to being a successful entrepreneur.”

Jelley measures his success by the growth of his company, expansion of his network of suppliers, and the personal fulfillment he derives from providing valuable service.

“One of my favourite parts of owning and running this business is that I get to be a tourist on PEI. I get paid to explore this beautiful Island and meet all kinds of people—tourists and locals alike,” he said. “Every community has something special to offer, and that’s one of the perks of running a mobile business.”

While С��Ƶ has played a significant role in providing the education and support that Jelley needed to get started as a young entrepreneur, he says he is excited to see what other business initiatives will grow from his alma mater now that the new Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship has been established in the University’s Robertson Library.

“I’m sure the entrepreneurship centre will be a great collaborative space for people to bounce ideas off one another and be able to come up with some great business concepts,” said Jelley.

On April 22, 2024, UPEI launched its new student entrepreneurship centre at an official grand opening event. Named in honour of UPEI’s Chancellor Emerita Catherine Callbeck, the centre was made possible through gifts and contributions from the River Philip Foundation, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Innovation PEI, and the Credit Unions of PEI. The centre aims to support student entrepreneurship with programming, events, guest speakers and other collaboration projects with community partners. To learn more about what the centre has on offer, visit their website.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mobile Bicycle Services aims to offer tip-to-tip, brewery, and mountain bike tours as well as accommodations for cyclists visiting PEI. Each tour will include shuttle transportation and optional add-ons such as bike rentals and personalized gear packages. Adventures will be designed with both seasoned cyclists and casual riders in mind.

To stay informed about upcoming tours, new services, and special offers, those interested can follow Mobile Bicycle Services on social media or visit the company’s website.

Message from the President: Welcome to the Fall Semester!

Nicole Phillips — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:03:47 -0300

The following message was also distributed to UPEI students, faculty, and staff by email on September 9, 2024.

Dear UPEI Community,

This week marks the beginning of the 2024 Fall Academic Semester at the С��Ƶ, and I am excited to welcome all students, from PEI, across Canada, and around the world.

Whether you are a new student, returning to continue your studies, a new or continuing member of our outstanding faculty and staff, I thank you for choosing UPEI.

It’s an exciting time at UPEI—we are in a period of renewal and we are all committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment and helping students, faculty, and staff reach their full potential. We continue to strive every day to create safe, inclusive spaces and offer innovative, learning opportunities for all members of our diverse campus community so everyone can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.

Everyone can participate in creating and maintaining a culture of trust, safety, and inclusion. We can listen with curiosity, make sure all voices are heard, welcome diverse points of view, and embrace opportunities to challenge our thinking and learn new things. We can help others do that too. We can check in with each other, do what we can to make sure there is a place to express and discuss difficult topics, to explore, and to create. Even those of us who have been in post-secondary, maybe at this post-secondary institution, for a long time, can seek new learning, ask questions and seek solutions that will move us all forward.

I recommend all students, staff, and faculty take advantage of the many opportunities that С��Ƶ has to offer. The university experience will always be more than what happens in the classrooms, labs, theatres, and playing fields. Participating in extra-curricular activities, getting involved in student life, and cheering on our С��Ƶ Panthers are just a few of the great ways to have fun, make a difference, and build friendships that last a lifetime. We are all Panthers and we all contribute to Panther Pride.

A big thank you to our New Student Orientation (NSO), Residence Life, and Recruitment and First-Year Advisement teams who have done a tremendous job introducing new students to supports and services available at UPEI.

For students, especially new students, University is not a journey to take alone. С��Ƶ has numerous departments and resources in place that are dedicated to your success. These include the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre; Robertson Library; Counselling Services, Accessibility Services, International Student Office, the Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre, the Chaplaincy Centre, the Campus Life program, Work-Integrated Learning, Career Services, EDI and Human Rights department, and more. I encourage students to reach out and explore the many different networks we have created to support your С��Ƶ experience.

If you are looking for me, my office has moved to Kelley Memorial Building in the centre of campus. The rest of the President’s Office Team will be moving to KMB soon. I’m going to be out and about more on campus—so please say hi! I can also be emailed at president@upei.ca.

I look forward to collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure the success of our students.

I wish you all the very best for a successful fall semester and academic year!

With best wishes,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

Winners of 2024 UPEI Student Program for Research Engagement and Excellence poster competition announced

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:41:59 -0300

Undergraduate and graduate students who participated in the 2024 UPEI Student Program for Research Engagement and Excellence (SPREE) poster competition presented their posters on August 22 in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

The participants in the 11-week program included 31 undergraduate and 29 graduate students from 16 programs. Of the 60, 36 chose to enter the optional poster competition.

In the undergraduate category, biology student Briana Creed won first place for her project, “Investigating Blueberry Phytochemical Protein Targets and Bioactivity.” Her supervisor was Dr. J. Patrick Murphy, assistant professor of biology.

Second place went to sustainable design engineering student Abby Chapman, for her project, “Evaluating the Resource Potential of Biomass to support PEI’s Net-Zero Goals.” Her supervisor was Dr. Stephanie Shaw, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.

Biology student Payton Alexander won third place for “Testing the Effects of Polyamines on Cancer Cell Biology.” Dr. Murphy was her supervisor.

In the graduate category, first place went to Shelby Squires, MSc student in molecular and macromolecular sciences, for her project, “Modelling Neurodevelopment in a Dish to Study the Movement Disorder Gene Pde10a.” Her supervisor was Dr. Joel Ross, associate professor of biology.

Nauman Yaqoob, master of sustainable design engineering student, took second place with his project, “Topography-Driven Variability in Greenhouse Gas Emissions During Potato Growth Season.” He was supervised by Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, professor and associate dean of the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation.

Lauren Reid, MSc student in human biology, won third place with her project, “Use of In Vitro Models for The Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Her supervisor was Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, professor of biology and associate vice-president of research and dean of graduate studies.

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Sweeney-Nixon congratulated all of the participants, noting that the SPREE program has great value for the students and the University.

“As UPEI’s Strategic Research Plan 2023–2028 states, ‘University research provides a unique learning experience for students. Research by faculty members adds a new element to their teaching and provides students with the most current and innovative thinking within their field of study,’” she said. “Through their involvement with faculty members and their research, student researchers gain first-hand experience with inquiry, engage in self-directed learning, and explore potential career pathways in research. This contributes to moving forward the University’s research agenda, developing talent for impactful research, and contributing to the experiential learning of our students.”

The SPREE program arose from the former Student Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR), which was expanded this year to include graduate students and renamed to reflect that change. During the program, students participated in research skill-based workshops and attended presentations from UPEI researchers and others about their careers and research. They gained insights about research within UPEI, including learning about practical tools for designing, managing, conducting, and communicating the results of research projects. Their projects covered diverse topics, including biology, chemistry, education, English, environmental sciences, island studies, mathematical and computational sciences, psychology, and sustainable design engineering.

UPEI faculty member named to RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:30:49 -0300

Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, Professor and Associate Dean of the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, has been named one of 56 new Members of the prestigious Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

“The Royal Society of Canada is very proud to welcome today an imposing group of inspiring scholars, artists, and creators whose peers have recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture and to the well-being of Canada. The impact of their work will continue to be felt in the development of public policies for years to come, while contributing to the well-being of our society,” said Alain-G. Gagnon, FRSC, President of the RSC, in a news release issued on September 3.

Members of the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists are mid-career leaders who bring a multigenerational capacity to address major challenges and seize new opportunities, including those in emerging fields.

“Election to the Royal Society of Canada is a testament to Dr. Farooque’s groundbreaking research in precision agriculture and his innovative use of technology to develop sustainable practices amidst the challenges of climate change. Dr. Farooque’s exceptional contributions embody the broad impact of research at UPEI,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, UPEI’s Vice-President Academic and Research. “On behalf of UPEI, I congratulate Dr. Farooque on this prestigious honour.”

Dr. Farooque’s research focuses on the fundamental understanding and development of state-of-the-art climate-smart technologies for the Atlantic Canadian agriculture industry. In addition to receiving various national, provincial, and university awards in recognition of his excellent contributions to research, teaching, and services, he was selected as one of the Top 125 researchers in Canada to receive the NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement Research Grant.

Dr. Farooque has garnered over $18 million in research funding from various provincial, federal, and industry funding agencies in Canada. Most recently, he was awarded a grant of $6.93 million through the NSERC-SSHRC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative (SARI) for a project to develop precision agriculture techniques to ensure food security and mitigate climate change. SARI is a joint initiative between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

He supervises a large team of highly qualified personnel working on various aspects of research and development and has authored and co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, eight book chapters, 90 conference proceedings, 85 industry presentations, and has presented over 50 keynote and invited talks at international conferences and professional events.

Dr. Farooque is a registered professional engineer in both PEI and Nova Scotia, and a professional agrologist registered in PEI. He is the Director of UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI.

Dr. Farooque is the fourth UPEI faculty member to be honoured by the RSC. In 2011, Dr. Ian Dowbiggin, Professor of History, Faculty of Arts, was named a Fellow of the Society’s Academy of the Arts and Humanities. In 2014 and 2022 respectively, Dr. Sunny Hartwig, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Xander Wang, Professor, UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, were named members of the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

The RSC will induct the 2024 Cohort of Fellows and College Members at a ceremony on November 8, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SEASON PREVIEW: UPEI Cross Country Panthers eye breakthrough year

Ron Annear — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 10:54:49 -0300

The UPEI Cross Country Panthers are confident that 2024 could be their breakthrough year as they look to establish themselves among the top programs in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference. They will compete at the Acadia University Invitational in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, on September 7 to kick off their season. The women’s team competes at 12:00 pm and the men’s at 1:00 pm.

“This looks like the season we’ve been waiting for since we rebooted the program in 2019,” said head coach Mike Peterson. “The AUS is deep, but we are at the point where we can compete and challenge for a medal.”

Women’s Team: Depth and star power

The women’s side boasts a talented core of runners, with four athletes consistently posting five-kilometre times in the 17-minute range—a testament of their strength and competitiveness. Leading the charge are two-time all-star Katie Richard, her twin sister Grace, Stefania Angona, and Anna Harris, all of whom have the potential to become AUS all-stars this season.

“The task now is keeping everyone healthy and getting a couple of our five through nine runners to close the gap and add depth to our roster,” Peterson said.

Once she has recovered from an injury, fourth-year runner Ella Jenkins will also figure into the equation, bringing valuable leadership to the squad by setting an example with her work ethic. Meanwhile, newcomer Lila Johnston has already shown promise as a rookie, while second-year runners Mariah Austen and Katie Gautreau have been impressive in workouts, pushing the team’s competitive edge even further.

“We’re confident in the training we put in this summer. Many of us increased our speed and significantly improved our personal bests,” said Grace Richard. “There’s no doubt in my mind that this is the year our team comes home with multiple all-stars and a podium finish at the AUS Championships.”

Men’s Team: Youthful balance and emerging leaders

On the men’s side, the Panthers are young but full of potential as they aim to build on last year’s sixth-place finish. Leading the charge is Jack Roberts, whose experience and consistency will be key throughout the season. However, sophomore Max MacIsaac is coming off a strong rookie campaign and is expected to challenge for the top spot on the roster.

Peterson has been impressed with the development of sophomores Baleyon Wolfe, Jacob Dalton, and Campbell Brown, while third-year runners Benji Dueck and Ryan MacDonald have risen as leaders. Meanwhile, senior Riley Fitzpatrick is rounding into form, motivating the team to push their limits as his UPEI running career winds down.

“This season, we intend to close the gap on the top teams in the AUS,” Dueck said, “We’ve had a strong summer of training, and the focus is on a top four finish as we work toward becoming a podium team.”

Atlantic Veterinary College and the UPEI medical school announce joint faculty hire

Heather Howatt — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:02:26 -0300

The С��Ƶ is pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Gordon has been appointed Professor of Comparative Medicine in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the С��Ƶ (UPEI). This position is a joint hire between the Faculty of Medicine and the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC). Dr. Gordon will teach anatomy in the medical school and conduct his research at AVC.

Dr. Gordon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. As a faculty member, he held the rank of associate professor at the University of Manitoba. He has over 12 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate students in various disciplines. His expertise spans programs such as nursing, kinesiology, biology, health sciences, and the physician assistant program, making him an ideal fit for the interdisciplinary nature of the new medical school teaching facility.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Gordon as the on-site lead in our anatomy laboratories for the UPEI regional medical school campus, working hand in hand with Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine team,” said Dr. Preston Smith, Dean of the UPEI Faculty of Medicine Joint Doctor program. “As a regional campus, we are uniquely positioned to explore a shared faculty model maximizing synergies amongst other faculties across campus, which will create unique collaborative partnerships.”

Dr. Gordon has approximately $1,000,000 in active research funding and will significantly add to UPEI’s research portfolio. His research focuses on regulating mitochondrial function and metabolism during cardiac and skeletal muscle development and remodelling, including obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. His laboratory utilizes cellular, molecular, and multi-omics approaches in primary and immortalized cells, differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells, and conditional knockout mice. Dr. Gordon’s research program, which is funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, a New Frontiers Research Fund, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and Diabetes Canada, holds great promise for advancing the understanding of these critical health issues.

“Dr. Gordon’s joint appointment is a tremendous opportunity for AVC and UPEI to lead the way in One Health initiatives,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, Dean of the AVC. “By sharing his knowledge across faculties, he will help to break down silos and foster a more integrated approach to health that benefits both our students and the broader community.”

Dr. Gordon’s passion for and years of experience in teaching and research make him a valuable addition to the UPEI community. He is also deeply committed to the success of the new medical school in collaboration with Memorial University. This fall, he will reach a significant milestone—25 years of experience teaching anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.

SDU Board of Governors makes significant donation to UPEI’s Robertson Library revitalization campaign

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:14:59 -0300

The С��Ƶ is pleased to announce that the Saint Dunstan’s University (SDU) Board of Governors has donated $1,050,000 to the Robertson Library’s $15-million “Love Our Library” revitalization campaign.

In recognition of this generous donation, the high-traffic foyer within the Library will be named in honour of SDU, a predecessor to UPEI.

“The Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors is very pleased to be a major financial contributor to the UPEI building fund for the expansion and upgrade of the Robertson Library,” said chair Bob Pierce. “In supporting the revitalization of the Robertson Library, we recognize the essential role the facility plays in the education of UPEI students.”

С��Ƶ President and Vice-Chancellor Wendy Rodgers expressed the University’s appreciation to the SDU Board of Governors for its generous support of the project.

“We are very grateful to the SDU Board of Governors for this generous donation to our library campaign,” said Rodgers. “The Library is essential to the University, serving everyone—students, faculty, researchers, and the general public. Robertson Library has served our campus well over the years, and now, with support from SDU, we will transform it into an innovative and inclusive hub that will meet the needs of our campus and broader community well into the future.”

Rodgers also thanked the SDU board for its past support of UPEI, saying that its dedication to the University has helped students to excel in their academic and professional lives, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to be leaders in their communities.

University Librarian Donald Moses echoed Rodgers’ appreciation to the SDU board.

“The Library and the SDU board have worked together to highlight the history and important contributions of SDU, its graduates, and its role as a founding institution of UPEI,” he said. “The SDU board’s investment in the Library further enhances their long-standing role as champions of education on Prince Edward Island. We are very grateful for their ongoing support.”

UPEI launched the Robertson Library revitalization campaign on April 26, 2024. Funds raised will be used to support teaching and learning by upgrading existing group and individual study spaces, renovating former storage space to create new study areas, reducing barriers, and creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for users within and beyond the campus community. The Archives and Special Collections area will be expanded and enhanced to preserve the valuable historical documents and artifacts housed within it.

Opened in 1975, the Robertson Library has served the campus community, the province, and a world-wide community of users for almost 50 years. Today, with access to over 1.6 million unique books, 130,000 journals, and 100,000 streaming media, the Library connects the campus to a world of information. The Library is a leader in software development and digitization, providing online access to unique digital collections including the Saint Dunstan’s University collection, “A Decade of Growth: 1954–1964.”

The Library also offers information literacy skills training and unique learning opportunities and provides support for Open Education Resources (OER), reducing barriers to learning and making education more affordable.
UPEI stands on the former campus of SDU, which was operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlottetown from 1855 to 1969. Since the creation of UPEI in 1969, SDU has supported the University in numerous ways—from funding multiple student scholarships and awards, program and faculty support, and experiential learning to the Elder-in-Residence program, the food bank, and infrastructure projects such as the Performing Arts Centre and renovations to Main Building and the Dr. Steel Recital Hall. In recognition of SDU’s contributions, Main Building is named SDU Main Building, and the stage in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall is called the SDU Stage.

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation to hold Open House on September 13

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:14:46 -0300

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation (CCCCA) in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI, will host a public Open House on September 13, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Members of the public are invited to tour the 45,000-square-foot facility, which houses the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, the UPEI Climate Lab, the UPEI Climate Smart Lab, and state-of-the-art research centres of excellence, including the Centre of Excellence in Food Security and Sustainability.

During the event, students will be present to speak about their research on food security, coastal adaptation, and climate change. Researchers will demonstrate how they measure greenhouse gases in soil. And the drones in the CCCCA’s drone port will also be on display.

The CCCCA gives world-class researchers and graduate and undergraduate students access to nearby wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats directly affected by climate change. The facility provides access to high-quality datasets, multidisciplinary research teams, outstanding graduate and postdoctoral fellows, and engaged industry, community, and government partners. It also includes research, innovation, and collaboration space; apartments for senior students and visiting faculty; storage and repair space for equipment and UPEI’s fleet of drones—the largest in Canada; and common areas designed to encourage interaction and integration of research focus areas.

The Centre supports key learning programs, including UPEI’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation, which prepare students to continue the important work of mitigating the effects of climate change after graduation.

SEASON PREVIEW: UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers gear up for historic 2024 season

Ron Annear — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:01:18 -0300

The UPEI Women’s Rugby team is poised for another unforgettable season in 2024, building on their historic success from last year. To kick off their season, the Panthers will host the Acadia University Axewomen at home on Saturday, September 7 at 2:00 pm at MacAdam Field (UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place).

In 2023, the Panthers finished atop the standings with a 5-1 record, hosted the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship game at home for the first time, and fielded a program-best five all-stars. This season, even more history will be made as UPEI prepares to host the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship for the first time. While expectations are high, the UPEI squad is embracing the opportunity to be in the national spotlight.

“We're all incredibly excited. It’s an honour to host this tournament at home, especially with our fans cheering us on,” said Panthers captain Emma MacLean. “The past two hosts set a high bar with the experiences they created, and we’re confident we’ll do the same here at UPEI.”

In the AUS conference, the road to glory will be challenging, with the St. FX X-Women, Acadia Axewomen, and Saint Mary’s Huskies providing tough competition. But the Panthers are ready to avenge last season’s championship loss to the X-Women, relying on a new multi-layered attack structure on the offensive end while becoming a more physical unit on defence.

“Last season's championship game left us with even more determination to win,” said Abbey Morice, who’ll assume the role of captain alongside MacLean. “As Coach Voye says, it's in the ‘rearview,’ but we are using it as motivation to push even harder.”

On the field, the Panthers boast a fierce forward pack anchored by seasoned veterans. MacLean will once again don the number 7 jersey, leading the way with her experience and leadership. The biggest development this offseason was the return of All-Canadian standout Emily Duffy. She’s a game-changer who brings an unmatched level of skill and intensity that sets her apart as one of the most dominant players in the conference. Lining up around Duffy will be a strong contingent of ball carriers, including Olivia McLeod, Carla Stewart, and Emily-Anne MacQuarrie.

Mackenzie Stewart, shifting from the second row to the back row, will take on the role of flanker this season, while Morice returns to the second row, where her presence in the lineout will be crucial on both sides of the ball.

Sahara MacLean, who will start at number 8, is a new face in this year's starting lineup. The sophomore worked tirelessly in the offseason and is coming off a successful summer, having competed at the U19 Atlantic Championships as a member of the U19 Atlantic Selects.

“Bringing back key veterans to this year’s pack gives us a significant edge in scrummaging and ensures we have the physicality needed to contend in the conference and at the U SPORTS championship level,” said Panthers head coach James Voye.

In the backfield, veteran scrum-half Mia Fradsham and fly-half Paige MacLean will provide the tactical insight needed to direct the team’s attack. Fans should be particularly excited to watch U20 Canada standout Ria Johnston, whose speed and agility are a sight to behold. The return of starting centre Emily McKenna adds further strength to the lineup, while Sarah Bain is expected to have a breakout season after shifting to the outside centre position.

“Their overall speed, athleticism, and rugby IQ is exceptional, and I look forward to seeing them attack open space within our new structure,” Voye said. “This should allow them to run freely if we can move the ball to the outside channels more efficiently.”

Rookies will also play a vital role for the Panthers this season. Freshmen forwards like Adrianna Platis, Madeline Landry, Deirdre Studer, and Halee Trenholm bring new energy to the team, while Rowan Gallagher and Isabella MacKinnon are set to make their mark in the backfield, adding defensive aggression and bolstering the team’s offence.

With their sights set on both conference and national titles, the Panthers are primed for another exciting season. With a combination of experienced leaders and enthusiastic newcomers, they’re ready to build on last year's success and leave a lasting impression on the U SPORTS stage.

Atlantic Veterinary College welcomes Class of 2028

Apryl Munro — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 14:18:18 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the С��Ƶ (UPEI) proudly hosted its annual AVC-Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Blue Coat Ceremony on Friday, August 23, marking the official entry of 71 students into the AVC Veterinary Medicine Program. Held at UPEI’s Performing Arts Centre, the event celebrated the Class of 2028, the largest cohort in the College’s history.

The Blue Coat Ceremony is a cherished tradition at AVC, symbolizing the start of the students’ four-year journey toward earning their doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) degrees. During the ceremony, students were presented with their blue lab coats by family members or supporters, coats they will wear during labs and clinical courses until they graduate and receive their white lab coats—an emblem of their transition from students to veterinary professionals.

“This ceremony not only celebrates your dedication to the veterinary profession but also recognizes the support systems that have helped you reach this pivotal moment,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of the AVC. “As you embark on these challenging four years, know that you are not alone. The AVC community is here to support you every step of the way.”

The ceremony, hosted by Griffon, featured Dr. Anne Marie Carey, associate dean of Academic and Student Affairs at AVC, announcing the names of the students. С��Ƶ President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Wendy Rodgers delivered a warm welcome on behalf of the whole campus, while second-year AVC students Danielle Harmon and Sam Berube shared words of encouragement with the incoming class.

“I want to be the first to say I am proud of you,” said Harmon. “I know the hard work, sacrifices, and sleepless nights it took to get here. You’ve given it your all, and that’s something to be incredibly proud of.”

The Class of 2028 at AVC comprises a diverse and accomplished group of students from Canada, the United States, and Puerto Rico, reflecting the College’s broad appeal and commitment to excellence in veterinary education.

AVC’s Dr. David Groman receives the S.F. Snieszko Distinguished Service Award

Apryl Munro — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:47:09 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the С��Ƶ (UPEI) is proud to announce that Dr. David Groman, fish pathologist in the Diagnostic Services department, has been honored with the prestigious S.F. Snieszko Distinguished Service Award.

The highest award in the fish health section of the American Fisheries Society, the S.F. Snieszko Distinguished Service Award is presented to individuals to honour their outstanding accomplishments in the field of fish health. Dr. S.F. Snieszko was one of the most prominent figures in the establishment of the modern fish health sciences in the USA and internationally, and the first to be honoured with the award in 1979.

“Dr. Groman’s tireless efforts and commitment to advancing fish and aquatic animal health exemplify the very spirit of the S.F. Snieszko Distinguished Service Award.,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of the AVC. “We are thrilled to celebrate his accomplishments and grateful for his enduring contributions.”

Dr. Groman been advancing the field of wild and aquaculture fish pathology for over 40 years, beginning his career at the Northeast Wildlife Disease Center at the University of Connecticut in 1976 and continuing onto the US National Fisheries Academy, the University of Idaho, and the University of Iceland. He has worked on fish health projects and diagnostic cases in Atlantic Canada and worldwide since he joined AVC in 1988. Since 1996, he has been section head of Aquatic Diagnostic Services at AVC. In this role, he has reviewed thousands of fish disease cases, including those from a large variety of wild finfish and shellfish.

Congratulations to Dr. Groman on this high achievement.

С��Ƶ Panthers this Week (September 2–8)

Ron Annear — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 10:49:05 -0300

The UPEI Cross Country, Soccer, and Rugby Panthers are looking forward to a weekend of competition at home and away. Donations of non-perishable food items are being collected at all home games this weekend in support of the UPEI Food Bank.

Saturday, September 7:
AWAY:

12:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Cross Country team competes at the Acadia University Invitational in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

1:00 pm: The UPEI Men’s Cross Country team competes at the Acadia University Invitational in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

AT HOME:

1:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers host the Saint Mary’s University Huskies on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field.

2:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers host the Acadia University Axewomen at MacAdam Field (UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place) for their season home opener.

3:15 pm: The UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers host the Saint Mary’s University Huskies on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field.

Sunday, September 8:
AWAY:

1:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers play the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus in Moncton, New Brunswick.

3:15 pm: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers play the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus in Moncton, New Brunswick.

Ticketing
Season and game tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

Gold Rush
С��Ƶ Panthers Gold Rush can be played through a new app—С��Ƶ Panther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

UPEI leads $6.93 million precision agriculture research project to mitigate climate change

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:32:33 -0300

A team of researchers from across Canada, led by Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, professor and interim associate dean of the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, has received $6.93 million in federal funding to develop precision agriculture techniques to ensure food security and mitigate climate change.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced an investment of $87.5 million over four years to support 16 Canadian research projects, including the UPEI-led project, to accelerate the development of solutions to support a sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector in a net-zero economy. Minister MacAulay and Professor Alejandro Adem, president of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), announced the funding on August 29 at the UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI.

“As we continue to tackle climate change, it’s vitally important that we support our farmers and work to maintain a resilient food system for future generations,” said Minister MacAulay. “Our investment in these projects reiterates our commitment to keep our agriculture sector on the cutting edge.”

The research teams and projects are supported by grants awarded through the NSERC-SSHRC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative (SARI), a joint initiative between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

“We are grateful to the Government of Canada, NSERC, and SSHRC for their investments in this vital research across the country,” said С��Ƶ President and Vice-Chancellor Wendy Rodgers. “The collaborations supporting the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation at UPEI demonstrate the profound benefits of working together for greater impact. UPEI is proud to support researchers working on exciting and innovative adaptations to climate change. We are especially proud of Dr. Aitazaz Farooque and his team’s work on precision agriculture, which is yielding sustainable practices with minimal environmental impact and inspiring the next generation of sustainability scholars.”

“I am incredibly delighted and honoured to be one of the recipients of the sustainable agriculture research initiative,” said Dr. Farooque. “This is a great accomplishment for my team and me, the CCCCA, and UPEI.”

Canada’s agriculture sector is vital for food security and contributes $143 billion to the gross domestic product, he said. However, farmers face significant uncertainties due to climate change, declining soil health, and current economic conditions. Agriculture generates approximately 10 per cent of Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and reducing these emissions is crucial to mitigate climate change and achieve our net zero commitments.

The project will advance the use of in-field best management practices to improve soil health, lower GHG emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, and develop innovative precision agriculture systems, technologies, and practices to increase farm profitability and lower environmental risks by implementing climate-smart agriculture practices. Highly qualified personnel and growers will receive hands-on training in sustainable agriculture best management practices through scientific design and investigation in the lab and field.

Working on the project will be a team of Indigenous researchers and precision agriculture experts, including soil scientists, engineers, modelers, social scientists, data scientists, agronomists, and economists. Also involved are agriculture industry partners, collaborators at other Canadian and international universities, and the governments of the four Atlantic Canadian provinces.

“This research will advance the adoption of sustainable agriculture best management practices and bridge modern science with Indigenous knowledge to strengthen rural life in Canada with environmental, social, and economic benefits,” said Dr. Farooque. “The application of novel technologies developed through this project will make Canada a world leader in sustainable agriculture, which will ultimately help to achieve net zero targets.”

С��Ƶ acknowledges the assistance of Canada’s tri-council of federal granting agencies—Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)—through its Research Support Fund, which helps fund services and infrastructure that support research activities at the University. In 2024–2025, UPEI’s RSF allocation is $1,041,691.

UPEI welcomes Michele Cudmore as Chief Access and Privacy Officer

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 14:51:40 -0300

Michele Cudmore is the new Chief Access and Privacy Officer at the С��Ƶ.

Since joining UPEI in early 2024 as the University’s privacy officer, Cudmore has become instrumental in developing and implementing UPEI’s privacy and access to information policies and practices.

Originally from the United Kingdom (UK), Cudmore brings a wealth of experience from her time at the UK’s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and more recently, as a valued member of the Access and Privacy Services Office with the Government of Prince Edward Island. Having collaborated with the UK police service on several government consultations, she became passionate about privacy rights during her time at the ICO when working on initiatives such as “Clare’s Law,” also known as the Interpersonal Violence Disclosure Protocol Act.

Cudmore completed her Bachelor of Laws at Keele University and has called PEI “home” since 2013. Known for her proactive approach, she is dedicated to promoting a culture of respect for privacy rights while facilitating access to information through institutional transparency, crucial to the University’s mission and values. Her leadership will help to strengthen UPEI’s commitment to governance excellence in higher education.

“We are very pleased to welcome Michele to her new role as Chief Access and Privacy Officer,” said Tara Judson, Interim Vice-President Administration and Finance at UPEI. “Her previous experience and professionalism make her a perfect fit.”

The Government of Canada invests in new research projects to develop solutions towards sustainable agriculture

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:58:25 -0300

The following news release was issued on August 29, 2024, by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council of Canada following an announcement at UPEI's Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation.

Building research partnerships among Canadian post-secondary researchers and farmers, producers, and private, public and not-for-profit organizations is key to tackle climate change and build resilience in the agriculture sector. These research partnerships will initiate and accelerate the development of solutions to support a sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector in a net-zero economy.

As part of the Government of Canada’s commitment to meet climate mitigation targets, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced a $87.5 million investment over four years to support 16 collaborative research projects involving 165 researchers from 30 different academic institutions across Canada, that will contribute to a sustainable, profitable and resilient agriculture and agri-food sector.

Minister MacAulay made the announcement along with Professor Alejandro Adem, President of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), at the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter’s Bay, P.E.I., site of one of the funded projects and being led by Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, Professor and Associate Dean at the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation, С��Ƶ.

This project, incorporating researchers and partners from across Atlantic Canada and beyond, aims to develop and apply state-of-the-art climate mitigation approaches to increase farm profitability while lowering environmental risks. It will advance the use of in-field beneficial management practices (BMPs) to improve soil health, lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance carbon sequestration, and optimize resource allocation. By advancing research on innovative, state-of-the-art and climate-smart precision agriculture systems, technologies, and practices, these investments support Canada's goals for a competitive, sustainable agriculture and agri-food sector.

Quotes

“Today’s recipients underscore the vital role that innovation and research play in shaping the future of agriculture in Canada. By embracing cutting-edge research and sustainable practices, we are not only safeguarding our environment but also strengthening our economy and ensuring that Canadian farmers are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow. This

initiative is a testament of the government’s dedication to driving growth in our agricultural sector while promoting sustainability, resilience, and prosperity for all Canadians."

- The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“As we continue to tackle climate change, it’s vitally important that we support our farmers and work to maintain a resilient food system for future generations. Our investment in these projects reiterates our commitment to keep our agriculture sector on the cutting-edge.”

-The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (AAFC)

“At the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, we’re uniquely positioned to connect research to the science and innovation priorities of Canada. We are pleased to partner with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative to initiate and accelerate the development of transformative solutions required for a sustainable and productive agriculture sector in a net-zero economy. Today’s announcement is another important piece of the puzzle in the fight against climate change. Congratulations to all the recipients.”

-Prof. Alejandro Adem, FRSC, President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

“Social sciences and humanities can play an important role in supporting the transition to more sustainable agricultural practices. The successful adoption of any new technology requires a strong understanding of the human and social factors at play. That's why we're proud to partner with NSERC and AAFC to support this initiative. The ambitious work done by researchers will help lead Canada toward a future in which agriculture is no longer a top contributor of greenhouse gas emissions.”

-Dr. Ted Hewitt, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)

"We are grateful to the Government of Canada, NSERC, and SSHRC for their investments in this vital research across the country. The collaborations supporting the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation at UPEI demonstrate the profound benefits of working together for greater impact. UPEI is proud to support researchers working on exciting and innovative adaptations to climate change. We are especially proud of Dr. Aitazaz Farooque and his team's work on precision agriculture, which is yielding sustainable practices with minimal environmental impact and inspiring the next generation of sustainability scholars."

--Dr. Wendy Rodgers, President and Vice-Chancellor, С��Ƶ

Quick facts:

The research teams and projects are supported by grants awarded through the NSERC-SSHRC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative (SARI), a joint initiative between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
These projects demonstrate how including the social and behavioural sciences and humanities, alongside the natural sciences and engineering, can help to transform our economy for a sustainable future.
NSERC and SSHRC are funding 16 SARI research projects through NSERC’s Alliance Grants and SSHRC’s Partnership program. The research projects will benefit from a total of $87.5 million in funding over four years.
The 16 SARI research projects bring together over 165 partnering organizations, collaborators and co-applicants across the country to form strong research networks in sustainable agriculture. · Announced in Budget 2022, SARI advances the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan – Canada’s Next Steps for Clean Air and a Strong Economy. · As part of this budget commitment, earlier this year SSHRC supported the creation of a new sustainable agriculture research network, the Common Ground Canada Network, as a collaboration between university researchers, civil society organizations and other partners through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Network on Sustainable Agriculture in a Net-Zero Economy initiative.

SEASON PREVIEW: UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers set sights on playoffs

Ron Annear — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 15:12:16 -0300

The UPEI Men's Soccer team is ready to claim its place among the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) contenders. With a proud tradition of success under head coach Lewis Page, the Panthers are looking forward to a great season, starting with their home opener against the Memorial University Sea-Hawks on Friday, August 30, at 7:15 pm.

This year, a new generation of talent is set to take centre stage as the program embraces a youth movement that promises to bring renewed excitement and hope.

“We learned how close the race can be to a playoff spot and that a few close results going your way can be the difference,” said veteran centre back Max VanWiechen.

Defensively, the Panthers boast the most experienced unit on the roster. VanWiechen and fullback Riad Jaha, both entering their fourth year, will anchor the backline and provide stability. The competition for playing time in defence will be fierce, with Lachlan MacEachern, Noah Killorn, Landon Perry, and newcomer Kyle St-Jean vying for spots alongside the veterans.

“We’re a strong group right now, especially with the young players who have added quality and depth to our defence,” Jaha said. “I see us as a tough backline—difficult to break down, difficult to create chances on, while capable of building our attack from the back.”

In goal, Isaac Wolters has steadily built confidence over the years and will be the undisputed opening-day starter for the first time in his UPEI career. Rookies Sean Rooney and Nick Hogan will serve as capable backups developing under Wolters.

In the midfield, Jeremiah Osorio is the only player returning to his familiar position in the middle, while third-year players Jacob Tweel and Will Campbell will shift from their usual forward roles to bolster the midfield. Sophomore Emile Abele and rookie Rio Crystal are also expected to contribute and add depth to the unit.

“I’m really excited about our midfield. Jacob and Jeremiah will be solid in there for us,” Page said. “We're planning to move Will Campbell there too—he has a big engine and seems to cover every blade of grass out there."

Offensively, the attacking third will be led by a youthful contingent, with rookies Jahmal Boursiquot and Thomas Gagné likely to see substantial action up front. Boursiquot, in particular, is an exciting prospect known for his natural ability to find the back of the net.

“This team is all about high intensity,” Page said. “You can expect us to press hard, keep the opposition under constant pressure, and be relentless and aggressive when we're on the attack."

As the Panthers embark on the season, their blend of experienced defenders and promising young talent across the field positions them nicely to reignite their winning tradition.

Season tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

UPEI Board of Governors announces new members

Nicole Phillips — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 15:33:01 -0300

The С��Ƶ Board of Governors is pleased to welcome two new members, each for a three-year term: Kevin Magee and Sara Underwood.

Kevin Magee is the Global Director of Cybersecurity, Microsoft for Startups. The former chief security officer for Microsoft Canada holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brock University, a Master of Arts from the University of Guelph, and an ICD.D with the Institute of Corporate Directors. In addition to his role on the UPEI Board of Governors, he serves as a trustee at Brock University, an entrepreneur-in-residence for the Rogers Cybersecurity Catalyst at Toronto Metropolitan University, and a member of the University of Guelph’s Master of Cybersecurity and Threat Intelligence Advisory Board, George Brown College’s Cyber Security Program Advisory Council, and the Royal Canadian Military Institute. He has also previously served as an entrepreneur-in-residence for Laurier University and advisor for Communitech and MaRS. Kevin was appointed from a list of candidates who responded to a public call for applications last fall.

Sara Underwood is an elected UPEI Alumni Association representative on the Board of Governors. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction (English major, philosophy minor) from UPEI, and a diploma in journalism. She has been writing and editing fiction and nonfiction for more than 35 years and has received several awards for her writing. She is the co-owner of Taris Studios, and a producer for the online subscriber service IGNITE Your Music Career. She is currently the media and communications officer for Holland College, where she has worked for almost 20 years. She will retire in the fall and plans to pursue a variety of projects.

The UPEI Board of Governors consists of 26 members appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the UPEI Board of Governors, the UPEI Alumni Association, the Senate, the faculty, and the student body of the University.

Expressions of interest from or recommendations of individuals external to the University who may be suitable for future appointment to the UPEI Board of Governors are welcome at any time and, normally, will be kept on file for at least three years from the date of submission. If you are interested in being considered for appointment or providing a recommendation, you may email board@upei.ca.

UPEI New Student Orientation Welcome Week takes place August 30 to September 7

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:57:02 -0300

New Student Orientation (NSO) Welcome Week 2024 takes place from August 30 to September 7, with a fantastic lineup of events and activities planned to welcome new students to the С��Ƶ.

“Our goal is to ensure that every new student feels supported, connected, and ready to embark on their university journey,” said coordinators Obed Oluwakoya and Diya Bubna. “We encourage all members of the campus community to get involved in welcoming our new students. Whether you’re a returning student, faculty, or staff, your participation makes a difference in creating a warm and inclusive environment.”

The week kicks off on August 30 with Residence Move-in Day, NSO Check-in, a Student Services fair, and many other events.

A highlight of Welcome Week will be a free BBQ in the Quad, hosted by С��Ƶ President Wendy Rodgers and the New Student Orientation (NSO) leaders, on Tuesday, September 3, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm for the entire campus community, featuring games, activities, music, prizes, free tickets, and more.

During the BBQ, members of the UPEI Security Services team will be encouraging and assisting people to download the UPEI SAFE app. Everyone is also encouraged to download the С��Ƶ PantherRec app to have a chance to win a UPEI-branded t-shirt, and to wear their UPEI colours and gear!

While full-time students always have free admission to Panther home games, faculty and staff can pick up their complimentary tickets at the BBQ for the UPEI Women’s Rugby home opener, which will take place on September 7 at 2 pm.

The full NSO schedule is available at https://projects.upei.ca/nso/nso-2024-schedule/

For more information, email nso@upei.ca.

Atlantic Veterinary College initiates clinical trial for treatment of cardiac tumours in dogs

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 11:33:04 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the С��Ƶ (UPEI) is launching a groundbreaking clinical trial aimed at treating cardiac tumors in dogs using a medication commonly prescribed for children.

Cardiac tumours predominantly affect large breed dogs and are often diagnosed only after they are admitted into an emergency hospital where the condition presents as fluid around the heart. Under the leadership of Drs. Abigail Martin, Etienne Côté, and Lynne O’Sullivan, the AVC is investigating the use of propranolol, a medication used in the treatment of similar conditions in children.

"Propranolol has shown great success in treating hemangiomas in infants,” said Martin, co-lead investigator. “We want to see if it can have a similar effect on dogs, as treatment options for this condition are limited and often result in end-of-life-conversations.”

The trial represents a significant advancement in veterinary cardiology, exploring therapies where few options previously existed.

“Right now, we can help the patient in the short term by relieving the fluid around the heart, so it helps the dog feel better,” said Côté, co-lead of the clinical trial and professor of cardiology at AVC. “However, the underlying issue is the tumour, and surgery is often not viable. We want to know if this medication will help shrink the tumor and enhance the quality of life for these animals.”

This innovative research is supported by the Arthur L. Irving Foundation, the ACVIM Cardiology Pacemaker Fund Research Grant, and AVC’s Companion Animal Fund, highlighting the College’s commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and improving animal health. The trial will continue for up to two years.

Dogs eligible for the trial must be referred to AVC by their veterinarian and meet specific criteria. Once enrolled, patients will receive trial medication orally at home for one month, with ongoing monitoring by AVC’s veterinary specialists.

AVC encourages dog owners who believe their pets may benefit from this study to consult their veterinarian for referral and eligibility information.

Saint Dunstan’s University alumnus Allan Curran donates $6 million to UPEI

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:07:12 -0300

The С��Ƶ is pleased to announce a $6-million donation from Allan Curran (SDU 1962, UPEI Honorary Degree 2017), of Bay Shore, Long Island, New York, to the Robertson Library and the Faculty of Medicine.

The largest single private donation in one day that С��Ƶ has ever received, the funds will be divided, with $4 million for the Robertson Library’s $15-million “Love Our Library” revitalization campaign and $2 million for the Faculty of Medicine’s $10-million fundraising campaign.

“The education I received at SDU made me who I am and helped me to achieve the success I have had in my business life,” said Curran. “For generations, my family attended university in Prince Edward Island, and I am so proud to be able to give back to the school that gave me so much. Supporting the revitalization of the Robertson Library and the building of the Faculty of Medicine with this donation is my way of saying thank you.”

С��Ƶ President and Vice-Chancellor Wendy Rodgers expressed the University’s gratitude to Curran for his generosity.

“On behalf of the University, I sincerely thank Allan Curran for his very generous donation to these two transformative projects that will each have enduring impacts, reflecting both existing and new core components of the University. The revitalization of the Robertson Library is essential to the success of students and faculty, supporting innovation in scholarship and research. The development of the Faculty of Medicine is critical to increasing access to health education and training, and cutting-edge health care on the Island and in the region.”

In recognition of Curran’s donation to the Library, the Archives and Special Collections area and the adjacent student learning commons will be named the “Curran Family Special Collections and Student Learning Commons.” As well, a space within the Library will be dedicated to Curran’s friend and SDU classmate Roger Labonte, who was killed in action in Vietnam in December 1966.

“Allan Curran has given the Robertson Library an amazing and transformational gift,” said University Librarian Donald Moses. “His generosity will have far-reaching benefits for UPEI students, faculty, staff, and the wider PEI community, and we are incredibly grateful for his foresight and support.”

Opened in 1975, the Robertson Library has served the campus community, the province, and a world-wide community of users for almost 50 years. Today, with access to over 1.6 million unique books, 130,000 journals, and 100,000 streaming media, the Library connects the campus to a world of information. It also offers information literacy skills training and unique learning opportunities, and support for Open Education Resources (OER), reducing barriers to learning and making education more affordable.

The Library revitalization project will include upgrading existing group and individual study spaces and renovating former storage space to create new study areas. The area that houses the Library’s Archives and Special Collections will be expanded and upgraded to ensure the preservation of and access to the province’s published heritage.

Curran’s donation of $2 million to the Faculty of Medicine will be recognized by the naming of the fifth-floor networking space in the new building in memory of his mother, Catherine Bernadette MacDonald who was originally from PEI. Under construction at the north end of the campus, the facility will house the UPEI Faculty of Medicine, a 10,000-patient Health PEI medical home, the С��Ƶ Psychology Training Clinic, and a Clinical Learning Simulation Centre for internal and external group use. The first cohort of 20 medical students, all PEI residents, will begin their studies in the fall of 2025.

“We are very grateful that Allan Curran chose to attend Saint Dunstan’s and to this day has such an affinity to UPEI,” said Dr. Preston Smith, Dean of the UPEI Faculty of Medicine. “We thank him for his generous support of our medical school. His contribution will have a lasting impact on the future of health care in Prince Edward Island.”

About F. Allan Curran
Allan Curran is the recently retired president of Royal Products, a manufacturer of precision metalworking performance accessories based in Hauppauge, New York. A native of Brooklyn, NY but with strong roots on Prince Edward Island, he followed in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps by attending UPEI’s founding institution Saint Dunstan’s University in 1958 to study commerce. After graduating in 1962, he returned to New York to work full-time with his father at Royal Products where he gained hands-on understanding of the business. After being drafted in 1965, Mr. Curran served for two years in the US military, later returning to the family business where he eventually assumed the role of president after the passing of his father Robert Curran in 1968. A long-time member of the Association for Manufacturing Technology, he also chaired its Government Relations Committee. He is a caring, compassionate, and thoughtful business owner who is recognized for putting his staff and their welfare well above himself. Mr. Curran has a special place in his heart for PEI and is incredibly proud of his time spent both on the Island and at the University. He was a passionate supporter of the UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, establishing the Allan Curran Engineering Award for a third-year engineering student. In 2017, С��Ƶ awarded him an honorary degree in recognition of his community service, business leadership, and support of UPEI.

С��Ƶ Panthers this Week (August 26–September 1)

Ron Annear — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 09:56:53 -0300

The UPEI Women’s and Men’s Soccer Panthers are gearing up for their season home openers this weekend on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field.

AT HOME:
Friday, August 30:
5:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers host the Memorial University Sea-Hawks for their season home opener.

7:15 pm: The UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers host the Memorial University Sea-Hawks for their season home opener.

AT HOME:
Sunday, September 1:
11:00 am: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers host the Cape Breton University Capers.

1:15 pm: The UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers host the Cape Breton University Capers.

Ticketing
Season and game tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

Gold Rush
С��Ƶ Panthers Gold Rush can be played through a new app—С��Ƶ Panther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

SEASON PREVIEW: UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers aim for playoffs in 2024

Ron Annear — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:59:47 -0300

The С��Ƶ Panthers Women's soccer team is starting the new season with determination, optimism, and confidence as they look forward to their home opener against Memorial University on Friday, August 30, at 5 pm.

While the team did not make the playoffs last year, they are determined to learn from the experience and turn it into fuel for a successful campaign.

“Although the season didn’t end how we wanted, I feel the team grew and learned a lot,” said fifth-year midfielder Madi Fisher. “We have to continue to be confident in ourselves and our teammates and believe in our abilities. If we can do that, we will have a great season.”

This year’s schedule plays in the Panthers’ favour as they face the last two Atlantic University Sport (AUS) champions—the St. Francis Xavier X-Women and Cape Breton University Capers—only once each this season.

Defence and goaltending continue to be the cornerstones of the Panthers’ strategy. Head coach Lewis Page has a wealth of options and feels confident deploying any combination of eight defenders. Leading the charge in the backline are Roselyn Kushko and Olivia James who bring stability and experience to the team.

In goal, Claudia Mazzei is set to be UPEI’s last line of defence once again. After starting all 12 games last season, Mazzei has proven herself to be a fearless and reliable goalkeeper. Her ability to make crucial saves in tight moments will be vital to the Panthers’ success. With Mazzei between the posts and a solid defensive unit in front of her, UPEI is well equipped to frustrate its opponents.

“Our backline has a great mix of veterans and rookies,” Page said. “We want to be a team that is tough to break down but also confident and composed in maintaining possession.”

Speaking of maintaining possession, the midfield is another strength for the Panthers. Lydia Hamill, now in her third season, is poised for a breakout year. A dynamic player with excellent vision and ball control, Hamill will be the engine that drives the team’s attack. Joining her in the midfield are Fisher, whose leadership and experience are invaluable, and third-years Heather Williams and Tessa Dodds, both of whom are expected to see increased playing time this season. The midfield’s ability to control the game’s tempo and link up with the forwards will be key to UPEI’s success.

In the attacking third, Wendy Dadzie, a dynamic striker known for her speed and ability to create chances, will be supported by rookie Juliette Bader.

“With so many new faces on the team, our top priority is building strong teamwork and improving our offensive play to generate and capitalize on scoring opportunities,” Hamill said. “It's already clear in training camp that everyone has put in the work during the offseason to make this a great season ahead.”

С��Ƶ Panthers strengthen roster with impact forward Brett Bressette

Ron Annear — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:43:23 -0300

The С��Ƶ Panthers made a big splash this offseason by securing Brett Bressette, a standout forward from the Erie Otters. Known for his offensive skills, Bressette is set to make waves this upcoming season, bringing a new level of excitement and firepower to the Panthers’ lineup.

Bressette is the latest in a line of former Otters to don the Panthers jersey. Last year, the team added three former Otters—Noah Sedore, Elias Cohen, and Cameron Morton—to their roster, and all three made a significant impact throughout the season. The coaching staff and fans alike are hopeful that Bressette will follow in their footsteps and become another success story.

“Brett was a huge pickup for our team. He has the potential to add to the offence and strengthen our top six group,” said head coach Forbes MacPherson. “He’s proven his ability to score at the Major Junior level, and we believe he’ll help us spread the scoring around, adding depth to our lineup.”

In four seasons with Erie, the 21-year-old from Midland, Ontario, showcased his playmaking abilities time and time again, collecting 52 goals and 78 assists in 173 games. But Bressette is more than just numbers on a stat sheet—he is also a leader. In his final season with the Otters, he earned an “A” and played a key role in guiding the team to its first playoff appearance since the 2019–2020 campaign.

“My greatest strength is probably my hockey IQ. I believe I can think the game well, create offence, and be a team player,” said the five-foot-nine, 174-pound forward. “I think we did a really good job changing the culture in Erie and creating a winning environment after a couple of tough years, and I hope to bring that same energy to UPEI.”

Bressette said he’s excited about joining the Panthers and is eager to make an immediate impact.

“I’m really looking forward to being part of this team. I hope I can contribute right away and make a difference.”

He will have some support along the way as he reunites with former Erie teammates Sedore, Cohen, Morton, and current Panthers captain Kurtis Henry.

“Those guys played a huge part in my decision to come to Prince Edward Island,” Bressette shared. “We built great chemistry on the ice in Erie, so the opportunity to play with them again and create something special made this an easy choice.”

Atlantic Veterinary College’s first Indigenous Vet Camp pilot project a success

Apryl Munro — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 15:01:31 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the С��Ƶ (UPEI) is thrilled to share the success of its first Indigenous Vet Camp. This pilot project, designed specifically for Indigenous youth, provided a unique opportunity for junior and high school students to explore veterinary medicine.

The camp offered a week-long immersive experience where nearly 40 students from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island engaged in hands-on activities such as hospital rounds and large and small animal physicals and learned about animal health in farm, domestic, and wildlife settings. The goal was to ignite a passion for veterinary medicine among Indigenous youth, while building a foundation for establishing the camp as a permanent fixture in the AVC summer events schedule.

The response to the camp was overwhelmingly positive, with the campers sharing their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to learn. For many, it was their first exposure to the veterinary field, and they left the camp with a renewed sense of possibility for their futures.

One camper remarked, “I learned so much! I want to try to be a vet and attend vet med school. I love this camp and want to come here again.”

The AVC thanks VCA Canada for their financial support and commitment to this initiative and to Mi’kmaw Kina’Matnewey for their partnership and guidance in ensuring that the camp was both educational and culturally relevant.

“The success of this pilot project inspires the AVC to continue this important work, and we are already planning for future Indigenous camps that will build on this accomplishment with the hope of expanding the College’s reach and impact,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of the AVC.

The Indigenous Vet Camp was an addition to this year’s popular Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp program, which welcomes 200 junior and high school students each summer to the AVC to learn about veterinary medicine during four one-week camps.

UPEI Board of Governors Chair and President to host Town Hall on August 28

Nicole Phillips — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:22:01 -0300

The following message was emailed to UPEI students, faculty, and staff on August 21, 2024. The message was updated on August 26 with a Teams Town Hall link so members of the UPEI community can join virtually.

Dear UPEI Community,

As the old expression says, “time flies.” As we approach the beginning of the fall semester, you may recall that on July 18, I sent a message that included several themes that emerged from town halls held earlier in the month. At the time, I indicated we would have many more opportunities to move our discussions along.

Soon afterward, on July 26 and 31 respectively, the University shared the implementation plans for the UPEI Action Plan: Building a Culture of Trust, Safety, and Inclusion, and the UPEI Board of Governors shared a report on the recent Board governance review completed by an external consultant.

I am pleased to announce that the implementation plans and governance review will be the topics of our next event on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, from 11:00 am–12:00 pm, in the amphitheatre at the Performing Arts Centre (PAC 121S). (UPDATE: If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join virtually— please join via this Teams Town Hall link.)

UPEI Board of Governors Chair Shannon MacDonald will join me to hear your thoughts about these important plans as the University continues to make the changes needed for our community to move forward, live its values, and achieve its mission of scholarship to the benefit of our Island and beyond.

Please take the opportunity to look at the implementation plans and the external governance review before we meet.

Hope to see you on the 28th!

With best wishes,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

С��Ƶ

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

UPEI Men's Hockey Panthers land MHL scoring leader Carter McCluskey

Ron Annear — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:54:48 -0300

One hundred-point seasons don’t come around often, but the UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers have landed one of the rare few in Carter McCluskey.

McCluskey joins the Panthers after an outstanding 106-point season, where he led the Maritime Junior Hockey League (MHL) with 47 goals and 59 assists. The 21-year-old from Grand Bay-Westfield, New Brunswick, split the 2023–24 season between the Truro Bearcats and Fredericton Red Wings, proving himself as one of the top offensive talents in the league. He now joins a dynamic group of young forwards ready to make their mark in Atlantic University Sport (AUS).

Last season, the Panthers surprised many as rookies Noah Sedore, Elias Cohen, and Ben McFarlane combined for 34 goals and 73 points in just 30 games. McCluskey aims to complement this nucleus and make an immediate impact on the team’s offence.

“I’m excited to join this deep forward lineup and feel confident I’ll fit in comfortably while adding another offensive threat,” McCluskey said. “We’ve got a solid young group that is going to be extremely strong in the near future, and I think we’ll surprise some people again this season.”

McCluskey also brings experience from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he played in 82 games over three seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs and Cape Breton Eagles, contributing 14 goals and eight assists from 2020–2023.

McCluskey has suited up for five different teams in four years, with multiple trades along the way. He sees these experiences as crucial to his development.

“Moving between leagues and teams gave me the chance to meet new people and learn a lot,” McCluskey said. “It wasn’t always easy, but adapting to different environments made me a stronger player and a better person.”

Those experiences should pay off in the long run as he finds his footing with the Panthers this fall. McCluskey comes to С��Ƶ highly regarded, and head coach Forbes MacPherson is eager to see how his playmaking skillset can elevate the team.

“Carter is a highly competitive player with tons of energy and grit. He’s an engine that drives teammates and agitates opponents,” MacPherson said. “We expect Carter to come in hungry, work hard, and be a great teammate while contributing to the strong culture this young group has built.”

UPEI’s Lauren Clark is one of 18 coaches selected for U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program

Ron Annear — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:13:36 -0300

Eighteen participants from across the country, including UPEI’s Lauren Clark, have been selected for the 2024 U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program funded through Sport Canada.

Clark, assistant coach with UPEI Women’s Soccer, will apprentice under UPEI Soccer head coach Lewis Page. Originally launched in the 2020–21 school season, the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program aims to increase the number of females in coaching positions across Canadian universities. The Program matches apprentice coaches who have recently graduated, with a head coach in one of 12 U SPORTS-sanctioned sports for female-identifying student-athletes.

A total of 28 applications were received for the 2024–25 edition of the program, with 18 apprentice coaches selected for the fourth iteration. Nine of the 12 sports are represented—including volleyball, basketball, hockey, swimming, track and field, soccer, rugby, field hockey and wrestling—as well as all four U SPORTS member conferences.

“Having the opportunity to be a U SPORTS Apprentice Coach will support and facilitate my journey to a professional career in coaching,” said Clark. “I believe that now, more than ever, having strong female coaches is a necessity in sport. I am confident in my ability to add to and enhance the UPEI Women’s Soccer program for this coming season, and future years to come.”

Clark, who holds two UPEI degrees, Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2021) and Bachelor of Education (2022), was also a varsity student-athlete with the UPEI Women’s Soccer team, serving as team captain in her final year and earning AUS All-Star status. She is currently completing her Masters of Education in Coaching Studies at the University of Victoria, BC, while also working full time as an elementary school teacher on PEI.

The NCCP-certified Clark has coached soccer since she was 14 years old. In addition to being UPEI’s assistant coach since 2023, she participated in the Women in Coaching Apprenticeship program for Team PEI that competed at the 2022 Canada Summer Games; was assistant coach for 2024 PEIFC U17 Girls, 2023 PEIFC U15 Girls, 2022 Team Atlantic U16 Girls at the Vancouver Whitecaps Youth Showcase, 2021 PEIFC U17 Girls; and served as head coach for 2020 PEI U16 Girls.

“We’re extremely excited that Lauren has been selected for this opportunity,” said Jane Vessey, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Lauren’s coaching resume is already impressive, but, as a testament to her coaching style and belief in life-long learning, she continues to seek professional development opportunities like the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program to provide leadership to the UPEI Women’s Soccer program and broader PEI soccer community. Congratulations, Lauren!”

To see the full list of women who were selected for the apprentice coach program for the 2024–25 season, read the U SPORTS release.

Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre hosts annual animal welfare symposium in September

Apryl Munro — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:06:35 -0300

The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre (SJDAWC), Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), С��Ƶ (UPEI), will hold its 2024 animal welfare in practice symposium titled “The human dimension of animal welfare: The intersection between animal care and the community” on September 13 and 14 in AVC Lecture Theatre A (Room 201).

The hybrid symposium will feature a free public talk by Dr. Michelle Lem, DVM, MSc (Population Medicine), MSW, LLD (honoris causa), on Friday, September 13, from 4:30–5:30 pm ADT.

On Saturday, September 14, from 9:30 am–3:00 pm ADT, presenters will cover topics related to veterinary social work, the effects of veterinary shortage on animal welfare, and highlights of AVC service projects working with community groups locally and abroad.

The speakers will include

Dr. Michelle Lem, DVM, MSc (Population Medicine), MSW, LLD (honoris causa), founder of Community Veterinary Outreach; veterinary social worker, Capital City Specialty & Emergency Animal Hospital
Dr. Quinn Rausch, HBSc Animal Biology, PhD epidemiology, postdoctoral fellow, Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph
Dr. John VanLeeuwen, DVM, MSc, PhD, farm service clinician and professor of ruminant health management and epidemiology, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College, С��Ƶ
Dr. Marti Hopson, BFA, MMus, DVM, adjunct faculty, lecturer, community practice, Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College, С��Ƶ

There is a $25 fee for veterinarians and veterinary technicians who want to earn a continuing education credit (CE). There will be no charge for students and those who are not seeking CE credits.

The SJDAWC is hosting the symposium in collaboration with the AVC Animal Welfare Club and with support from the Animal Welfare Foundation of Canada and the PEI Department of Agriculture.

For more information or to register, go to awc.upei.ca/animal-welfare-in-practice/

С��Ƶ engineering student wins prestigious national scholarship

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 11:28:10 -0300

The UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) congratulates Lilly O'Rielly for winning the prestigious C.D. Howe Scholarship Endowment Fund National Engineering Scholarship. She is one of two undergraduate engineering students in Canada to receive the renewable scholarship valued at $7,500 per year.

Since 2013, the C.D. Howe Endowment Fund has provided scholarships to students enrolled in an undergraduate engineering degree program at a Canadian university. Each institution can nominate up to two students entering their second year to apply for the scholarship. Applications are assessed on academic performance, volunteer and community involvement, and extracurricular activities, with special consideration for engineering-related activities.

“The C.D. Howe Scholarship is one of the more prestigious scholarships available to undergraduate engineering students across the country,” said Dr. Wayne Peters, FSDE interim dean and associate professor. “It acknowledges student success during the early stages of their studies, and only two are awarded in the whole country. We are extremely proud that Lilly was chosen as one of these. Of course, it comes as no surprise to me.”

O’Rielly works in the Engineering Success Centre; is president of Engineers without Borders (UPEI); has competed at the Atlantic Engineering Competition and Canadian Engineering Competition; and has participated in the Global Brigades, a group that travelled to Honduras last year to provide humanitarian aid.

“It is a real honour to accept this scholarship as well as a surprise!” said O’Rielly. “I felt lucky even to be selected as one of the nominees by UPEI, so I was shocked to be chosen on a national level. I feel really grateful for the community at UPEI that helped me get here, including my classmates, other club members, supervisors, professors, and friends. This scholarship means a lot because it gives me the freedom to focus more fully on my studies and give back to my community.”

The C.D. Howe Memorial Foundation was founded in 1962 to provide a fitting and lasting memorial to the Rt. Hon. C.D. Howe and funded an engineering scholarship in his name for many years. In 2013, the Foundation established the C.D. Howe Endowment Fund at the Association of Universities Canada to fund the National Engineering Scholarship Program in perpetuity.

С��Ƶ extends condolences on the passing of AVC faculty member, Dr. Sheri Ross

Apryl Munro — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 10:29:12 -0300

The following message was also emailed to faculty and staff on August 20, 2024.

The Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI, and the broader community have suffered a tremendous loss with the passing of Dr. Sheri Ross, Associate Professor in Small Animal Internal Medicine, on August 16, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

A proud Maritimer, Dr. Ross grew up in New Brunswick and began her veterinary education at AVC (Class of 1996). Following her DVM degree, Dr. Ross completed a small animal rotating internship, small animal internal medicine residency, and PhD in nephrology and urology at the University of Minnesota. She became a board-certified member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in 2006. She then served as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Minnesota, before completing a fellowship in renal medicine and extracorporeal therapies at the University of California Veterinary Medical Center in San Diego.

Dr. Ross made an undeniable mark on the field of veterinary medicine and had a far-reaching impact on the veterinary community, earning international recognition for her expertise in nephrology and urology. She was a founding member of the American College of Veterinary Nephrology and Urology, served on the board of the International Renal Interest Society, and was a faculty member of the Hemodialysis Academy. She was a dedicated researcher, and her contributions were instrumental in shaping how veterinarians approach these areas of medicine.

After spending several years focusing on clinical practice in San Diego, Dr. Ross returned to an academic setting at AVC in 2022—a natural fit given her exceptional talent as an educator. Since her residency, she was honoured with numerous teaching awards. During her two years at AVC, she received three prestigious distinctions: the Boehringer-Ingelheim Award of Excellence in Clinical Teaching, the SCVMA Teacher of the Year Award, and the Zoetis Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award. Sheri was nominated for these awards by her students, which underscores the deep appreciation and respect they had for her teaching, and the lasting effect she had on their professional development.

Sheri has made a profound impact on everyone she has met—be they clients, DVM students, house officers, staff, faculty, or administration. She was a beacon of kindness and generosity within the AVC community. We know that her loss is felt deeply by all who knew her and we want to ensure that you are supported during this difficult time. A grief counsellor will be available on campus on Tuesday, August 20 from 9:00 am–4:00 pm, located in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Room 1005S. Sapphire MacPhee, AVC’s Wellness Facilitator, will also be available from 9:30 am–12:30 pm.

The University extends our deepest condolences to Dr. Ross’s loved ones during this difficult time.

The flags at Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place will be lowered to half-mast in memory of Dr. Ross. Dr. Ross’s obituary may be read at this link.

UPEI Field Hockey team to compete in U SPORTS National Invitational Championship in 2024

Ron Annear — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 15:19:24 -0300

UPEI Athletics and Recreation is pleased to announce that its field hockey team will now have the opportunity to compete in the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS National Invitational Championship.

“We’re excited to see our team compete at the national level and showcase the talent we have at UPEI,” said Jane Vessey, UPEI’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “It’s truly a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.”

U SPORTS and Field Hockey Canada have reclassified the sport under the new U SPORTS Sport Model Program as a Partnership Sport (P2), defined as an invitational championship that does not require conference approval but must meet minimum member participation, include regional representation, and adhere to specific competitive standards.

This allows universities in Atlantic Canada, where there is no Atlantic University Sport (AUS) field hockey offering, to pursue a national championship. Each university had until May 15 to declare their intention with U SPORTS.

Universities in Atlantic Canada that declared interest will compete for a spot in the national championship this fall. For the 2024 championship, UPEI was the only university from the region to declare.

Long-time UPEI Field Hockey manager Barb Carmichael expressed her excitement about the program’s opportunity to compete at the highest level for the first time since 2015.

“After nine years of hard work, I am extremely happy to finally reach this goal. To see it all come together and then supported by UPEI is a dream come true,” Carmichael said.

Head coach Lacey MacLauchlan echoed Carmichael’s sentiments, saying that she understands what this opportunity means for the program and the student-athletes representing UPEI.

“There's been a lot of work to get to this point, and we’re thrilled to finally be back in U SPORTS,” she said. “We see this as an opportunity to compete and represent the University on the national stage.”

Now that the paperwork and logistics have been finalized, MacLauchlan is focused on bringing a national title home.

“Our primary goal remains the same: to win. As a team, we’ve discussed the need to ‘level up’ with this new opportunity to compete at nationals. Everything we do must be elevated—from strength and conditioning to technical and tactical skills, and even our daily habits. Everything must be approached with greater intention and focus. We look forward to the challenge.”

The UPEI team will continue as a competitive club in the Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) League, where it is the two-time defending champion.

UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers recruit PEI native Zach Biggar

Ron Annear — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 09:35:59 -0300

For athletes, few feelings are more comforting than looking up in the stands and seeing loved ones cheering you on.

Zach Biggar will experience plenty of that, as the Portage, PEI native has decided to return home to play for the UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers.

Growing up, Biggar spent countless hours cheering on his hometown team and envisioning the day he would take to the ice as one of them. That dream is now a reality, and Biggar couldn’t be more excited to play in front of family and friends who have supported him throughout his hockey journey.

“It’s a big honour for me,” he said. “To be able to put on the Panther uniform with a lot of my family and friends being able to come watch games will be a lot of fun and a great experience.”

The Panthers are getting another leader along the blue line in Biggar who served as the Cape Breton Eagles’ captain in 2023–24. He finished the season with three goals and nine assists in 61 games, leading the Eagles to the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) semifinals for the first time since 2007.

Over his five-year QMJHL career, the 21-year-old played in 226 games, amassing nine goals and 79 assists between the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, and Eagles. It’s clear the talented defenceman can contribute on the offensive end, but Biggar is also an effective lockdown defender who disrupts plays and limits scoring chances for opponents.

“I’m just looking to do whatever’s asked of me,” he said. “I’m not looking to be a hero in any way; I just want to play my role and be someone who can be relied on in all situations.”

Head coach Forbes MacPherson says he’s looking forward to working with Biggar and welcoming him to the Panther’s talented young roster.

"Zach is an exceptional defenceman with a well-rounded skill set. He has some offensive upside but doesn’t sacrifice defensive play,” MacPherson said. “Zach brings a wealth of Major Junior experience to the Panthers, which makes him a valuable asset in any situation on the ice."

Adjusting to tougher competition in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) is never easy, but Biggar should benefit from reuniting with former teammate and fellow Islander Cole Larkin. The two suited up for the Titan from 2019–2022 and were even paired together in certain lineup configurations. MacPherson will surely experiment with the Larkin-Biggar pairing, but the bench boss just wants his newest recruit to be himself and help the team continue pushing for greatness.

“We expect Zach to come in ready to go, and we’re excited to have him in our lineup.”

UPEI Women’s Hockey Panthers to play four games in Europe

Ron Annear — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:53:28 -0300

The UPEI Women’s Hockey Panthers are heading to Europe to play four games in three countries from August 19–30, 2024.

The team will play their first game against HYC in Leuven, Belgium, on August 23. Their second game will be against the Bergish Raptors in Geleen, Netherlands, on August 24, and their third and fourth games against the Icelandic National Team in Reykajavik, Iceland, on August 28 and 29.

Head coach Sean Fisher said that the trip, which has been in the works for a year and a half, is an important team-building and cultural opportunity for the players as they begin their new season.

“This is the first time that our team has done a European tour,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for our athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage, should they decide to explore professional hockey after they finish at UPEI.”

The group of almost 50, including athletes, staff, and fans, will also visit Amsterdam, Bruges, and Paris.

To help cover the expenses of this exciting opportunity, the team is hosting a sold-out golf tournament at Fox Meadow Golf Course in Stratford on August 16. The title sponsor for the event is Fox Meadow Golf Course, and the main message for the day is “Women Leaders of Today Supporting Women Leaders of Tomorrow.” The objective is to promote gender equality and empowerment of women, emphasizing the support and mentorship among female leaders. It showcases the idea of women supporting each other and working together to uplift and inspire future generations of women leaders.

Go Panthers Go!

2024 Shannon K. Murray Lecture on Hope and the Academy to take place at UPEI September 3

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:47:58 -0300

Dr. Jessica Riddell, professor of early modern literature at Bishop’s University, will give the second Shannon K. Murray Lecture on Hope and the Academy on September 3, at 11 am, in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, Steel Building, UPEI. Her presentation is titled "The Times are Urgent: We must Slow Down. Building Hope Circuits for ourselves and in community."

In her presentation, Dr. Riddell will outline ten conceptual tools that help build hopeful systems where individuals and communities flourish.

“Universities are anchors of hope in our communities,” said Dr. Riddell. “We need hope now more than ever as we grapple with unprecedented pressures—from climate crisis to geo-political instability, political polarization and a myriad of other crises. Hope is not merely a stance: it is a mindset we can build and then deploy in our communities and institutions. As members of the academy, we are wired for hope—to teach it, to share it, and to imagine a better future. Universities are complex organizational systems with robust social missions to the broader society. And yet they are also slow to change and reluctant to innovate. We must re-wire systems with hope circuits to better fulfill our mandate at a time where human and biotic flourishing are endangered. Those with experience in any relational, human-centered organization with a social purpose and fiscal constraints—government, not-for-profits, corporate sectors, or other K-12 educational systems—might also find these thought prompts resonate in their specific contexts and even adapt the design principles for their organizations.”

Dr. Riddell is the holder of the Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair of Undergraduate Teaching Excellence at Bishop’s University; a 3M National Teaching Fellow; author of Hope Circuits: Rewiring Universities and other Systems for Human Flourishing (MQUP, 2024); author of Shakespeare's Guide to Hope, Life, and Learning (UTP, 2023) with Drs. Lisa Dickson and Shannon Murray; and founder of the Hope Circuits Institute.

She was awarded the William and Nancy Turner Award for Teaching Excellence (2011-2012) at Bishop’s University, received the 3M National Teaching Fellowship in 2015, was the recipient of a D2L Innovation Award for Teaching and Learning in 2022, and won the inaugural award from Forces Avenir (Quebec) for Most Engaged Faculty/Staff Member in 2022.

In her consultations and through the Hope Circuits Institute, Dr. Riddell pursues “an expansive call for the reinvention of universities and the renewal of their public mission. Dr. Riddell is a leading intellectual on the intersection between the humanities and higher education. She is one of Canada’s most prolific public scholars on the role universities play in a civil, just society and regularly convenes conversations about how education shapes creative democracy.”

The UPEI Faculty of Arts established the Shannon K. Murray Lecture on Hope and the Academy in 2023 to honour the achievements of Dr. Shannon Murray, an award-winning professor of English and a 3M National Teaching Fellow. In 2022, Dr. Murray was awarded the Christopher Knapper Lifetime Achievement Award by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, one of the highest honours awarded in Canada for teaching and learning in higher education.

С��Ƶ health researchers seeking participants with cancer for exercise training program

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:35:21 -0300

Researchers from UPEI’s Active Living Lab are seeking people with cancer, or who have previously had cancer, to participate in a twice-weekly, 12-week exercise program.

“Exercise has tremendous physical and mental health benefits for cancer patients and survivors,” said Dr. Travis Saunders, professor and acting chair, UPEI Department of Applied Human Sciences. “We are very excited to be offering this program at UPEI this fall.”

The program includes cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, balance, and stretching and is taught by a fitness professional trained in exercise oncology. No previous experience is necessary.

Starting on September 17, classes will take place at UPEI on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 pm for 12 weeks. Parking on campus is free at that time of day.

For more information, or to sign up, contact excancer@nshealth.ca.

UPEI Vice-President Academic and Research receives international award

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 12 Aug 2024 10:14:45 -0300

Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President, Academic and Research, at UPEI, recently received an international award from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

During the AIAA’s annual Aviation Forum held in Las Vegas from July 31 to August 2, Dr. Naterer was presented with the 2024 AIAA Thermophysics Award. This award is presented for an “outstanding singular or sustained technical or scientific contribution by an individual in thermophysics, specifically as related to the study and application of the properties and mechanisms involved in thermal energy transfer and the study of environmental effects on such properties and mechanisms”.

Dr. Naterer received the award for his significant contributions to the development of entropy-based methods for more efficient design of energy systems, including hydrogen, wind, solar, and those used in aircraft. Unlike conventional methods that consider only the quantity of energy, these new methods have tracked both quantity and quality (the form of energy conversion) to minimize losses and ultimately reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society. With nearly 30,000 individual members from 91 countries and 100 corporate members, AIAA brings together industry, academia, and government to advance engineering and science in aviation, space, and defense. For more information, visit www.aiaa.org.

UPEI Take Home Naloxone Program

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:31:22 -0300

The С��Ƶ has teamed up with the Chief Public Health Office (CPHO) of PEI to provide UPEI students and any member of the University community at risk of experiencing or witnessing a drug-related overdose with free Naloxone kits through the provincial Take Home Naloxone Program.

Naloxone (also called Narcan) is a fast-acting medication used to temporarily reverse an opioid overdose until medical help arrives. Naloxone can restore breathing within 2 to 5 minutes and is safe for all ages. It only works for those who have opioids in their system. It does not create dependence, and it is safe to keep a Naloxone kit on hand.

Naloxone training is available online at Training—Take Home Naloxone.

Where to get a Naloxone kit at UPEI

Security Services: Call 902-566-0384 24/7
Dalton Hall, 5th Floor: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am–12:00 pm and 12:50–4:00 pm
W.A. Murphy Student Centre, UPEI Health and Wellness Centre: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm
W.A. Murphy Student Centre, Room 201: Monday-Friday, 9:00 am–4:00 pm
AVC, 428S: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm
Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Room 121: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm; call 902-394-1386 from 8:00–11:00 pm

Supports on Campus

It is important to know the signs of opioid overdose and the proper overdose response as opioid-related overdoses are on the rise on PEI. To learn more about signs and how to administer Naloxone, visit this Health, Safety, and Environment page.

С��Ƶ hosts interdisciplinary music research forum on August 8

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 11:48:37 -0300

“Music and the Mind Maritimes: Access to Music Education,” a UPEI student and faculty interdisciplinary music research forum, will take place on Thursday, August 8, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Room 142. There will be a related evening concert in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall at 7:00 pm with a variety of performances.

Members of the UPEI campus community, the general public, and others interested in music from different disciplinary perspectives are invited to attend. The forum will focus on musical knowledge, music and well-being, and equitable access to music education in the public school system, integrating the work and ideas with opportunities for input from students and faculty researchers, practitioners (teachers), musicians, and community member attendees.

Registration is required for planning purposes. Please follow this link. For more information, please email Annabel Cohen (Psychology) at acohen@upei.ca, Lena Heng at lheng@upei.ca, or Juno Chen at rchen4243@upei.ca. For inquiries, please call 902-628-4331.

Alysha Corrigan and Team Canada capture women’s rugby sevens silver

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 10:22:40 -0300

The С��Ƶ congratulates alumna Alysha Corrigan, a former UPEI Women’s Rugby student-athlete, who captured a silver medal with Team Canada’s rugby sevens women's team at the 2024 Paris Olympics on July 30.

The Canadian team was ranked fifth going into the Olympics but earned a 19-14 win in the quarter-final against France. That win moved Canada into the semifinals against the powerhouse team from Australia. After a tough first half, the Canadians came back with an astonishing 21-12 upset that sent them to the gold medal match against New Zealand later that day.

Corrigan, the 27-year-old daughter of Sonya Hooper and Art Corrigan, gave hometown fans reason to cheer in the gold medal match as she intercepted the ball to score a try with time running out in the first half, putting Canada up 12-7 on the number one team in the world. New Zealand went on to win 19-12, with Canada earning the silver medal, their best-ever finish in Olympic women’s rugby sevens.

Less than an hour after Canada defeated Australia in the women’s rugby sevens semifinal, Corrigan’s former teammates and coaches gathered in downtown Charlottetown to watch their friend compete for gold at the Paris Olympics.

Shannon Gillis-Atkins, the coach who recruited Corrigan to play at UPEI, said it was a powerful moment watching her score.

“I talked to her a couple weeks ago and she said, ‘I’m worried that I’m not fast enough,’” Gillis-Atkins said in an interview with CBC. “And I think she just proved she’s absolutely fast enough.”

Corrigan is the second Islander to win an Olympic medal at the summer games — and the first since 1912 when Bill Halpenny won bronze in pole-vaulting. She is also the second С��Ƶ alumni to become an Olympic athlete. David “Eli” MacEachern played soccer for С��Ƶ and competed in three Winter Olympics. He and Pierre Lueders won the gold medal in the two-man bobsleigh event (shared with Italy) at Nagano in 1998.

Corrigan will host a rugby clinic at UPEI Alumni Field on August 11, which will include games, drills, and a question-and-answer session, along with presentation of some Team Canada swag.

The clinic is broken down into two age groups: 15-to 17-year-olds from 10:00 am to noon and 18-to 21-year-olds from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. For more information, email ACrugby16@gmail.com.

Congratulations from everyone at UPEI on your huge accomplishment, Alysha!

Atlantic Veterinary College pilots first Indigenous Vet Camp

Apryl Munro — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:34:58 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the С��Ƶ (UPEI) is piloting an Indigenous vet camp from August 5–9, 2024, with the aim of expanding the College’s acclaimed Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp program to include a week-long camp dedicated to Indigenous students.

AVC is offering this special pilot project, which is supported by VCA Canada, a network of over 150 veterinary hospitals in six Canadian provinces, and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey in Nova Scotia, an organization that advocates for and represents the educational interests of 12 out of 13 Mi’kmaq communities in the Nova Scotian Mi’kma’ki territory. The week is open to Indigenous campers in the Maritimes by invitation through Mi’kmaw Kin’matnewy.

“These campers represent the future of veterinary medicine, and our goal is to inspire them early in their educational journey,” says AVC Dean Dominique Griffon. “We are committed to collaborating with these communities, and partners like VCA Canada, to create meaningful opportunities for Indigenous youth to learn and grow.”

During the camp, 40 Indigenous junior and high school students will participate in various activities such as equine physical examinations, surgical gowning and gloving, small animal hospital rounds, and wildlife conservation sessions. The students will spend the entire week at AVC, providing crucial feedback to shape the foundation of a new Indigenous vet camp program, which is set to launch in the summer of 2025 and will be open to Indigenous students across Canada.

Recognizing the importance of this initiative, VCA Canada is supporting the pilot project, hoping to establish the camp as a permanent fixture at AVC. This move comes in response to growing demand from Indigenous communities for a dedicated camp experience tailored to their students.

“Our commitment to the Indigenous vet camp reflects our dedication to supporting the next generation of veterinarians," said Aaron Frazier, Chief Operating Officer of VCA. "By championing initiatives that focus on fostering inclusion within our industry, we aim to create a future where veterinary medicine reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.”

The Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp, which started in 1999, has welcomed over 4,000 participants to date. In recent years, the camp has offered scholarships for Indigenous campers, but there has been increasing advocacy from Indigenous groups for an exclusive camp week of their own.

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation hosts Climate Forum 2024

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 11:57:00 -0300

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation (CCCCA) in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI, is hosting Climate Forum 2024 from August 12 to 16.

Dr. Xander Wang, professor in the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation and conference chair, said research scientists, academics, graduate and undergraduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and government officials will come together to discuss climate smart agriculture—the main theme of the conference—as well as challenges and opportunities in future climate change and pursuing a professional career in this field.

On Monday, August 12, Dr. Wang will open the conference with an introduction to the new NSERC CREATE CLImate Smart Agriculture (CLISA) Training Network. Through the CLISA project, a network of researchers, new graduates, and professionals with knowledge and expertise in climate smart agriculture will be trained to promote the development and application of new technologies and strategies in Canadian farming practices and strengthen the country’s agricultural workforce. The project aims to reduce the impact of climate change on the agriculture industry and food security.

Dr. Wang's presentation will be followed by keynote presentations and panel discussions. Dr. Gordon McBean, FRSC, professor, Department of Geography and Environment, Western University, will give a keynote presentation titled “Building Climate Resilient Communities.” A second keynote, “Perceptual Models in Catchment Hydrology,” will be given by Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell, FRSC, University Distinguished Professor of Hydrology, and associate director, Global Institute for Water Security, School of Environment and Sustainability, University of Saskatchewan. Dr. Yefang Jiang, research scientist, Charlottetown Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), will give the third keynote, “Mitigating Annual Variation in Potato Yield Using Supplemental Irrigation.”

The next three days will feature short courses on climate data analytics, geospatial visualization, and R statistics for climate change. The conference will conclude on August 16 with field trips to MacInnis Pond Monitoring Site, East Point Lighthouse, Basin Head Provincial Park, and Greenwich National Park.

The CCCCA is hosting the event through partnerships with Sigma Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and technology in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering PEI Section. Sponsors include the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and the Government of Prince Edward Island.
For more information, click here.

Message from the Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors: Governance Review

Nicole Phillips — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 14:27:18 -0300

The following message was issued by email to UPEI students, faculty, and staff on July 31, 2024.

Dear Members of the UPEI Community,

On behalf of the UPEI Board of Governors, I am pleased to share a report completed by Cheryl Foy of Strategic Governance, An external review of the С��Ƶ (UPEI) Board Governance. The completion of this review is a key action in the UPEI Action Plan: Building a Culture of Trust, Safety, and Inclusion.

The Board looks forward to addressing the recommendations in this report and continuing its efforts to enhance oversight, transparency and accountability, and to supporting the University in realizing its commitment to making the changes needed to enable С��Ƶ and its community to move forward, to live its values, and to achieve its mission of scholarship to the benefit of our Island and beyond.

Sincerely,

Shannon MacDonald, FCA, CPA, ICD.D (she/her)
Chair, UPEI Board of Governors

UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation hosts new exhibition

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:52:38 -0300

The UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation (CCCCA), in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI, is hosting an exhibition titled “Mowing the Lawn” by Climate Artist-in-Residence Carrie Allison.

In the exhibition, Allison delves into local ecologies and their national and global connections. This research-oriented exhibition examines the colonial history of monocultures, turf grass, and lawns, while highlighting their climate implications. By experimenting with new materials and blending digital and handmade elements, the exhibition envisions liberated landscapes through interactive sculptures and mixed media drawings.

For the past couple of years, Allison has created beaded artworks that critique monocultures, turf grass, and lawns as extensions of the agricultural history imposed by governments on the landscape and its inhabitants. These issues are directly related to abolition movements, Indigenous LANDBACK conversations, anti-colonial struggles, and global liberation efforts.

During the ten-month Climate Artist-in-Residency program, Allison has continued this ongoing body of work. In November 2023, Allison traveled to PEI and conducted research on agricultural grass practices by visiting Island Grown Sod and Quality Sheep, a farm that relies on animal grazing to rehabilitate overworked agricultural land. This residency has allowed Allison to engage in slow, meaningful research and experiment with new materials, exploring how the digital and handmade can come together to create new futures and possibilities for liberated landscapes.

"Mowing the Lawn" features a series of humorous signs in astroturf sculptures, drawing from political campaign signs and those asking people to “Stay off the grass!” These signs have scannable QR codes linking to an online visual board presenting Allison’s research. Also on display are three wood and velvet drawings inspired by her childhood lawns. Using Google Maps, Allison revisited previous addresses where she had lived and depicted lawn shapes by omitting buildings and driveways. Birch panels were cut into lawn shapes and filled with velvet, inspired by literature promoting the propaganda of “velvet carpet” front lawns.

Art works from this exhibition will be adapted and toured to the FOFA Gallery in Montreal, Quebec, and the Art Gallery of Grande Prairie in Grande Prairie, Alberta, in 2025.

Allison is a multidisciplinary visual artist of nêhiýaw/cree, Métis, and mixed European descent based in K’jipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia). She grew up on the unceded and unsurrendered lands of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, with maternal roots and relations based in maskotewisipiy (High Prairie, Alberta), Treaty 8. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree, a Bachelor of Arts in Art History, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design University. She was the 2020 recipient of the Melissa Levin Award from the Textile Museum of Canada and long-listed for the 2021 and the 2024 Sobey Art Award. Her work has been exhibited nationally and internationally.

The exhibition is the result of a ten-month Climate Artist-in-Residence program presented by Creative PEI in partnership with the CCCCA, with This Town is Small as the community partner, and curated by Alexis Bulman, with financial support from the Government of PEI's Climate Challenge Fund (CC Fund). The CC Fund aims to support the development of innovative solutions to the threat of climate change by empowering people of different backgrounds, experiences, and expertise, who work across sectors and in different communities throughout the Island, to contribute to climate action in PEI.

The gallery at the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation is open to the public from 9:30 am–4:00 pm on August 2 and 16.

С��Ƶ hosts SHAD participants in July

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 11:09:16 -0300

Sixty-four students, aged 16 to 17, from across Canada spent the month of July at UPEI, participating in a wide variety of STEAM and entrepreneurship sessions through the 2024 SHAD program.

They attended lectures and labs, primarily provided by UPEI faculty and lab instructors, and participated in other activities such as deep sea fishing and camping. They went on field trips to Greenwich National Park on PEI and to the City of Halifax and the fossil cliffs in Joggins, both in Nova Scotia. They met Dr. Wendy Rodgers, president of UPEI, who addressed the group on July 25.

During their program, they worked on a design entrepreneurship challenge to create a solution for a problem—namely, designing for Canada’s green-powered future. Increasing access to affordable and reliable green energy systems is important to Canada’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a low-carbon economy. While the country has abundant green and renewable resources, such as moving water, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and coastal tides, that have significant potential for energy production, its vast expanse creates challenges in effectively distributing energy and catering to the energy needs of diverse communities that range sprawling urban centres to remote and rural areas.

The SHAD participants were tasked with reimagining Canada's energy future and designing solutions that align with the United Nations’ sustainable development goal for accessible, affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy. In teams of eight, they were mentored through the design process and presented their designs to an expert panel.

С��Ƶ has partnered with SHAD, a STEAM (science, technology, education, arts, and mathematics) and entrepreneurship program, since 2018.

August 1 is Emancipation Day in PEI and Canada

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 17:04:52 -0300

Canadians are not always aware that Black and Indigenous Peoples were once enslaved on the land that is now Canada. Those who fought enslavement were pivotal in shaping our society to be as diverse as it is today.

On March 24, 2021, August 1 was unanimously designated by the House of Commons as Emancipation Day in Canada to mark the enactment of the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 on August 1, 1834, across the British Empire. On March 23, 2022, the Prince Edward Island Legislature followed by unanimously passing a bill to recognize Emancipation Day on PEI.

Emancipation Day celebrates the strength, courage, and perseverance of people of African descent in Canada, recognizes their struggles to end enslavement, and acknowledges their contributions towards Canadian society. Canadians and Islanders are invited to reflect, educate, and engage in the ongoing fight against both anti-Black and anti-Indigenous racism and discrimination.

On August 1, Emancipation Day will be marked by the following events:

Official Opening of “Black Islanders: Four Centuries and Counting” exhibition at Beaconsfield Historic House at 11:00 am, presented by the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation. Curated by the PEIMHF with invaluable contribution from families of Black Islanders, this exhibition aims to bring to light the untold stories and significant contributions of the Black community on PEI over the past four centuries. The exhibition will be on display until October 24.
Emancipation Day 2024 Celebration at The Bog (Rochford Square) in Charlottetown from 5:00–8:00 pm, presented by the Black Cultural Society of Prince Edward Island. This special event commemorates the abolition of slavery across the British Commonwealth, including in Canada, on August 1, 1834. There will be entertainment, and attendees can enjoy a series of activities, games, food, and more at this all-ages event.

All are welcome.

Implementation plans for the UPEI Action Plan: Building a Culture of Trust, Safety, and Inclusion

Nicole Phillips — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 17:05:54 -0300

The following message was also distributed to UPEI students, faculty, and staff by email on July 26, 2024.

Dear UPEI Community,

We are pleased to share the implementation plans for the UPEI Action Plan: Building a Culture of Trust, Safety, and Inclusion on the upei.ca website.

The UPEI Implementation Plans: Building a Culture of Trust, Safety, and Inclusion includes plans for Year 0 (2023–24) and Year 1 (2024–25) of the Action Plan.

In the near future, opportunities to discuss the UPEI Implementation Plans will be announced, including ways to participate in the implementation activities.

We would like to thank Kate Richard for coordinating, supporting, planning, and producing the implementation plans—it is important and impressive work. Creating and filling Kate's position, Action Plan Program Manager, was one of the very first actions completed. Thank you to the team leaders for the diligence they have put into the details supporting our accountability and planning in these areas.

We are pleased to take this next critical step in realizing the University's commitment to making the changes needed to enable С��Ƶ and its community to move forward. We are living our values and working to achieve the mission of scholarship to the benefit of our Island and beyond.

Sincerely,

Shannon MacDonald, FCA, CPA, ICD.D (she/her)
Chair, UPEI Board of Governors

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)
President and Vice-Chancellor

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Saint Dunstan’s University alumnus Allan Curran donates $6 million to UPEI

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UPEI Board of Governors Chair and President to host Town Hall on August 28

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UPEI’s Lauren Clark is one of 18 coaches selected for U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program

Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre hosts annual animal welfare symposium in September

С������Ƶ engineering student wins prestigious national scholarship

С������Ƶ extends condolences on the passing of AVC faculty member, Dr. Sheri Ross

UPEI Field Hockey team to compete in U SPORTS National Invitational Championship in 2024

UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers recruit PEI native Zach Biggar

UPEI Women’s Hockey Panthers to play four games in Europe

2024 Shannon K. Murray Lecture on Hope and the Academy to take place at UPEI September 3

С������Ƶ health researchers seeking participants with cancer for exercise training program

UPEI Vice-President Academic and Research receives international award

UPEI Take Home Naloxone Program

С������Ƶ hosts interdisciplinary music research forum on August 8

Alysha Corrigan and Team Canada capture women’s rugby sevens silver

Atlantic Veterinary College pilots first Indigenous Vet Camp

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation hosts Climate Forum 2024

Message from the Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors: Governance Review

UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation hosts new exhibition

С������Ƶ hosts SHAD participants in July

August 1 is Emancipation Day in PEI and Canada

Implementation plans for the UPEI Action Plan: Building a Culture of Trust, Safety, and Inclusion

С��Ƶ Panthers this Week (September 9–15)

Anna Harris and Jack Roberts named С��Ƶ Panther Athletes of the Week

С��Ƶ Panthers this Week (September 2–8)

С��Ƶ Panthers this Week (August 26–September 1)

С��Ƶ Panthers strengthen roster with impact forward Brett Bressette

С��Ƶ engineering student wins prestigious national scholarship

С��Ƶ extends condolences on the passing of AVC faculty member, Dr. Sheri Ross

С��Ƶ health researchers seeking participants with cancer for exercise training program

С��Ƶ hosts interdisciplinary music research forum on August 8

С��Ƶ hosts SHAD participants in July