StFX researchers receive $113,749 to help build capacity in Nova Scotia's health research community
A team of StFX researchers will be at the forefront of building capacity in Nova Scotia's health research community thanks to five new grants worth $113,749 from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF).
The NSHRC announced the results of its annual grants competition - the largest health research competition in Atlantic Canada - on July 27.
Four capacity development awards went to StFX's Lars Hallstrom, (Canada Research Chair, Department of Political Science); Wendy MacCaull, (Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science) and Heather Jewers, (School of Nursing); Charmaine McPherson, (School of Nursing); and Elizabeth McGibbon (School of Nursing).
Dr. McGibbon also received a Postdoctoral Fellowship for a project that will use geographic information systems to study and address health inequities.
Approximately $3 million in funding for health research was allocated through the provincial competition. More than 64 researchers, including established scientists and students, are being funded.
"We strive to create an environment where researchers can thrive. Supporting their efforts not only creates new opportunities and enhances research - and the health system - within Nova Scotia, it also helps our researchers to compete on the national and the international stage," says Brian MacDougall, chair of the NSHRF board of directors.
The grants cover a broad range of health issues - everything from making inroads into improving cancer care for our aging population to groundbreaking research into kinship care for First Nations children in the child welfare system.
Prof. McPherson, a member of StFX's School of Nursing, who had been previously funded by the NSHRF to complete her doctoral studies, has now received a grant from the NSHRF capacity building program. She and her research team are exploring how best to evaluate child health networks and will be looking closely at the Network for Children and Youth of Eastern Nova Scotia as a model. "The NSHRF grant will enable our entire research team - which includes investigators from as far away as Arizona and Alberta - to come together for three days in Eastern Nova Scotia to build our collective capacity," she says.
McGibbon, also of StFX's School of Nursing, and Dr. Josephine Etowa of Dalhousie University will be developing research capacity by applying a new approach to using geographic information systems (GIS) in Nova Scotia to explore the issue of health disparities in the African Nova Scotia population. "The study of the relationship between race and health is relatively recent. However, there is significant evidence that race is a determinant of health," says Dr. McGibbon. "Although the importance of GIS for medical research and epidemiology has long been recognized, there have been few attempts to use GIS to inform knowledge regarding health disparities in Nova Scotia." StFX team members on the project include Agnes Calliste and Ozeas Costas.
Other StFX-funded projects include:
* Social Network Mapping and Palliative Care: A Process Evaluation; Lars Hallstrom, Canada Research Chair in Public Policy and Governance, StFX Department of Political Science: In 2002, a national model, initiated by the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association, was developed as a guide for caregiving. This model served to integrate care with administration in the delivery of service. Using this model as a framework, this project will focus on palliative care for those suffering from neurological illness such as Alzheimer's disease, ALS, stroke, and Parkinson's disease to create an assessment in response to the following questions: What is currently in place within the palliative care system in Nova Scotia; how does it function; how is it assessed by those functioning within, or moving through the system; and how do the practices of the regionally based process compare to the national principles? StFX team members include Brenda Appleby, Heather Jewers, Margaret Kennedy, and Wendy MacCaull.
* Patient-Centered Workflow for Palliative Care in GASHA, Targeting Neurological Illnesses - Wendy MacCaull, StFX Department of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science, and Heather Jewers, StFX School of Nursing: Palliative care is a combination of therapies that address the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and practical needs of individuals who are dying and their families. The goal of this research is to design an integrated workflow system to guide and inform the complex process of patient-centered palliative care, focusing on those suffering from neurological illnesses in the Guysborough Antigonish Strait Health Authority. The outcomes of this project will not only provide insight into improvements for care in the Authority but will also be easily modified for palliative care for health authorities across Canada and worldwide targeting a variety of illnesses. StFX team members include Brenda Appleby, Lars Hallstrom, and Margaret Kennedy
Remembering Roddie
New Facilities Management Bursary Commemorates Life of Longtime Employee
The facilities management team at StFX gathered to celebrate one of their own recently, when they announced a new bursary to commemorate the life of Roddie MacInnis, a longtime employee who was remembered for his love of life and commitment to the university.
Peter MacDonald of StFX facilities management and Jean MacInnis, widow of longtime employee Roddie MacInnis, gathered to commemorate his life recently with the launch of a memorial bursary that will help unionized facilities management employees get a degree at StFX.
Roddie passed away in May of 2002 after 35 years of employment. Since then, facilities staff and Canadian Auto Workers Union (CAW) members have been looking for a way to make sure his generous spirit lives on. On July 26, they joined the MacInnis family in front of a tree planted in Roddie's honour to announce the creation of a bursary that will provide financial assistance to CAW members pursuing their first degree at StFX.
Having worked with Roddie for many years, Peter MacDonald called it a fitting tribute.
"Roddie was a man of few words, but he had an uncanny ability to impact others," he said. "He was the type of person who wanted to see everyone achieve their potential and do well in life; he was committed to this place, and so I think this is a special tribute he would have been very proud of."
Organizers are not sure what the amount of the bursary will be at this point, but are aiming for a minimum of $500 that would be available in 2007-2008 to applicants who have held a full-time unionized position in facilities management for a minimum of three consecutive years.
Only one facilities employee has ever completed a degree at StFX.
"When you think about all the young people, the new employees we've got coming in, this bursary is going to open many doors for them."
Roddie's wife Jean said the family was proud to know how highly he was thought of by staff and colleagues.
"StFX was a huge part of our lives," she recalled. "I worked here, our children went here, so it was important to Roddie. Whether he was chauffeuring people around or shoveling snow at 6 a.m., Roddie was always willing to do whatever needed to be done. "
He was also humble, she added, and would probably be overwhelmed by the recognition.
But Peter MacDonald remembered that when his friend did have something to say, he spoke volumes.
"He was a sports and political know-all, and he would bring a sense of humor and wit to the conversation that just lit up the room. Even now, there are few days that go by when we don't find ourselves discussing something in the news and going, 'Well, I wonder what Roddie would have to say about that!'"
Bhutanese Students Bid Farewell to StFX
End of An Era for Joint Education Project With Bhutan University
The manager of a joint Master's of Education program between StFX and the Royal University of Bhutan calls the five-year working relationship one too beautiful to end.
Rinchen Dorji spoke on behalf of 25 Bhutanese school principals at a bittersweet farewell dinner July 18, where they prepared to 'graduate' from master's foundation courses at StFX. As the final group of participants in a Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) initiative designed to strengthen education leadership in Bhutan, they join 77 other Bhutanese principals who have completed the mandatory courses at StFX since 2001 and have gone on to fulfill their degree requirements in the master's program at Royal University.
The very existence of this program in the country of Bhutan is a testament to the success of the relationship, Dorji said, as it did not exist prior to the collaboration that allowed Royal University to create one modeled after the StFX M.Ed.
It's a connection Dorji hopes to continue.
The final group of Master's of Education students to participate in a joint program between StFX and the Royal University of Bhutan gathered for a farewell banquet recently. It was also an opportunity to mark the departure of project director Ann Sherman, who will soon be leaving her job in the StFX School of Education for a new position in Calgary.
"By 2012, we want to see 102 PhD's in education, but we don't just look at this partnership as an attempt to groom them for that," he said. "We want to nurture the relationship we've created with StFX; in our country, there's a lot of focus on improving the education system to make it more wholesome and have more meaning in order for children to achieve; more than any other university, StFX has strength in management and leadership that has given us the ability to move forward, and we want to see that influence continue."
This year's group was the largest yet, allowing the project to surpass an initial goal of assisting 100 secondary school principals in the pursuit of an M.Ed based on selection criteria and goals set forth by the Bhutan Department of Education.
"The exchange of ideas and knowledge has made for a wonderful working relationship from all sides, so we're looking at the possibility of working with CIDA on a new grant proposal," Dorji said. "Our fingers are crossed."
Master's student Chaxing Norbu said the benefits are far-reaching. As head-teacher, or principal in a Bhutanese high school, he feels the partnership is helping to ensure educators meet the needs of 21st century students.
"StFX has allowed us to build a strong foundation for the Bhutanese education system," he said. "This is not only benefiting each of our schools; it's benefiting the entire country."
Ann Sherman of the StFX School of Education has helped direct the project from its inception and was one of several department staff and faculty members who traveled to Bhutan to observe the results first hand.
"I'm so proud," she told the group. "You are the fifth and final cohort of this master's program. It's been our honour to have worked with you."
Following a banquet dinner, the master's students expressed their gratitude with a dance 'in praise of learning.' Each received an X pin and a ticket to Festival Antigonish from Dr. Sean Riley, who was unable to attend the event. He extended congratulations through Vice-President Mary Coyle.
"It's important to us that we have connections with people from around the world," she said. "The relationship between StFX and Bhutan has been an enriching experience for everyone who has been involved and for the Canadian students in your classes. We thank you all."
Ellen Costello Named CEO of Harris Bankcorp
StFX alumna Ellen Costello has been named CEO of Harris Bankcorp, part of BMO Financial Group. She takes on the position as the first woman CEO in Harris Bankcorp's 120-year history after serving as Vice-Chair and Head, BMO Capital Markets, in New York. In her new role she will be based in Chicago. Ms. Costello has been a longtime supporter of StFX and currently serves on the Board of Governors, chairing the Investment and Finance committees. The StFX community congratulates Ms. Costello on her appointment.
July 19, 2006
StFX welcomes $1,400,000 Canada Research Chair in Colloid Chemistry
New Chair will significantly broaden colloid research capabilities
ANTIGONISH, NS - St. Francis Xavier University proudly welcomes to its faculty, new Canada Research Chair, Derek Leaist, who holds a $1,400,000 Tier 1 Chair in Colloid Chemistry over seven years. Prof. Leaist has also been awarded a $74,000 grant from the Canada Foundation for Innovation for laser light scattering equipment for measuring colloid diffusion and size distributions.
Colloid science is the study of systems involving small particles of one substance suspended in another. Suspensions in liquids form the basis of a wide variety of systems of scientific and technological importance, including paints, ceramics, cosmetics, agricultural sprays, detergents, soils, biological cells, and many food preparations.
StFX now boasts an impressive total of six Canada Research Chairs on campus.
The Canada Research Chair funding is part of a federal investment of $66.9 million announced today to support the creation of 90 new chairs. The prestigious positions represent a significant boost to research in 32 universities.
"The continuing investment in the Canada Research Chairs Program is vitally important," said the Honourable Maxime Bernier, minister of industry and minister responsible for the Canada Research Chairs Program. "Research performed by chairholders lets us better understand and respond to issues affecting our communities, our cities, our country and our world."
The new Chair in Colloid Chemistry will significantly broaden colloid research capabilities at StFX, which is recognized as one of Canada's most research intensive undergraduate universities.
Prof. Leaist, whose Chair can be renewed for an additional seven years, will join forces with the strong group of StFX colloid scientists including professors Rom Palepu and Gerry Marangoni who are recognized as leading colloid chemists in Canada.
Collaborative research projects will be initiated to discover and characterize novel single- and double-headed detergents with important practical applications related to petroleum recovery.
Many opportunities will be provided for students to contribute directly to frontline research. This training combined with StFX's outstanding undergraduate program will give students valuable experience in preparation for careers in science and technology.
Prof. Leaist brings more than 25 years teaching and research experience to StFX. His educational background includes a BSc in engineering chemistry from Queen's University and a PhD in physical chemistry from Yale University. After spending a year as a research associate in the Colloids Section at the National Research Council in Ottawa, he joined the chemistry department at the University of Western Ontario, where he worked since 1982 before moving to StFX.
His research involves studies of colloidal systems, which are formed by dispersing microscopic particles in a continuous medium. The unique structure of colloids leads to many scientifically fascinating and technologically useful properties with applications ranging from detergency, petroleum recovery, protein characterization and the manufacture of food and pharmaceutical products.
Fundamental questions will be addressed to understand the strong interactions between colloidal particles and the mobilities and driving forces for colloid dynamics. The results will be used to interpret popular laser light-scattering techniques for colloid characterization and to understand the role of colloid diffusion in processes such as protein crystallization, petroleum solubilization, controlled-release drug delivery systems and pattern forming chemical reactions.
"This is a win-win situation for the department. Not only does Prof. Leaist possess outstanding research capabilities in an interdisciplinary field, he also has a strong commitment to undergraduate education and the goals of the StFX experience," says Dr. Dieter Klapstein, acting chair of StFX's chemistry department.
Prof. Leaist has been on campus since July 1, 2006.
Celtic Professor Earns Harvard Doctorate
A Journey From StFX to Harvard and Back
Following your passion can take you far in life - all the way to Harvard University for StFX Celtic Studies professor Michael Linkletter, whose interest in the cultural tapestry of Atlantic Canada culminated in a doctorate degree recently.
Dr. Michael Linkletter marked a personal and professional milestone when he received a doctorate in Celtic Studies from Harvard University in June.
Growing up in Linkletter, PEI, where many surnames begin with a 'Mc' or a 'Mac' and summertime festivals leave the area awash in clan-tartan, Linkletter saw the imprint of ancient Celtic customs everywhere. That the Maritime's Celtic ancestry had dominated for generations was something he found fascinating. He wanted to learn more.
"I guess I was always interested in Scottish heritage," he recalls. "I played the bagpipes from a young age, and by the time I was in high school I felt Celtic Studies was something I wanted to pursue."
Antigonish was the ultimate starting point. As the 'highland heart of Nova Scotia,' and home to StFX (the only university in Canada with an entire department devoted to Celtic studies) Linkletter found inspiration everywhere. By 1996 he had completed two undergraduate degrees - a major in Celtic Studies and an honours in history.
"It was great because Celtic Studies are so relevant here. You find many people who grew up in homes where the Celtic influence has remained very strong - people whose grandparents spoke Gaelic, so it's not some strange, dead language."
Teaching appealed to him as a way of ensuring those traditions carry on - a decision that led him to the masters program at Harvard University in 1997.
Like StFX, the Ivy League school is world-renowned for its Celtic Studies department and caliber of academics. When Linkletter became a student professor there, he found scholars from all over the world were eager to discuss life on Canada's East Coast, where the trappings of 21st century life belie old Celtic place names, Gaelic phrases that still turn up in conversation and, of course, bannock and tea.
"Students there were fascinated," says Linkletter, adding that several have since traveled to the area to explore a way of life preserved by generations of families.
It's that reverence for history that compelled him to return to the Maritimes four years ago when he joined the StFX faculty. It's been busy, given his teaching commitments and the time and research required to complete the dissertation, or thesis, for his PhD. The inspiration for his topic, Gaelic scholar Alexander MacLean Sinclair, came from the very place his professional journey began: StFX. MacLean Sinclair taught here at the turn of the last century and left a legacy of knowledge that has contributed to an outstanding Celtic Studies department which draws students from across the country and beyond.
Earlier this year, Linkletter completed the dissertation and traveled to Cambridge for Harvard's commencement ceremony in June. He is currently teaching a course in Celtic civilization at StFX.
July 17, 2006
Frank McKenna Headlines First StFX National Dinner in Toronto
October 4th Event to be Held at Four Seasons Hotel
ANTIGONISH, NS - St. Francis Xavier University alumnus Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair of TD Bank Financial Group, former Canadian Ambassador to the United States and former Premier of New Brunswick, will be the keynote speaker at the inaugural StFX National Dinner to be held October 4, 2006 in Toronto.
Hundreds of business, government and community leaders will gather at the Four Seasons Hotel to hear Mr. McKenna speak on the timely subject of Canada-U.S. relations. The event's Master of Ceremonies will be Seamus O'Regan, host of CTV's Canada AM. The dinner will also feature a special appearance by Gordon Pitts, author of the book The Codfathers, a penetrating look at the emergence of Atlantic Canada's business elite on the national stage. StFX is considered a key hub in the "Codfathers" network.
"St. Francis Xavier University is a truly national institution attracting among the best students and faculty from across Canada," says Dr. Sean E. Riley, President of StFX. "While StFX is firmly rooted in Antigonish, alumni like Frank McKenna are making their mark on Canada and around the world. It is appropriate that we celebrate this fact with new friends and old friends in Toronto at our first ever national dinner."
Tickets for this special evening can be purchased at www.stfxnationaldinner.ca or by emailing nationaldinner@stfx.ca or phoning 902-867-2359. A select number of sponsorship opportunities are available for the event.
Summer Academy Gives Science Students a Taste of X
At 15, they're a few years away from university course selection and frosh week, but some of the brightest science students in the Chignecto-Central region may soon know what to expect, thanks to the Summer Academy program taking place at StFX this week.
Summer Academy 2006 kicked of its 20th season on July 9th, when 60 soon-to-be high school freshmen arrived on campus for a glimpse into the life of a StFX science student. But the five-day program which enables students to stay on-site and experience dorm life will not mean forgoing summer fun for the confines of a lecture theatre or science lab, says Academy director Trevor Sheppard. While there will be plenty of hands-on learning and field activities led by nine professors representing science, biology, earth sciences, and physics, students will also undergo a full immersion in campus life that will not involve lab goggles or Petri dishes.
"This is all about broadening their horizons and showing them the different aspects of being a student here, so it will be anything but boring," says Sheppard.
From hitting the gym to taking in a stage production at Festival Antigonish, the idea is to promote StFX to students who will soon start planning for life after high school. There will no doubt be many post-secondary options for this group, who were hand-selected by the Chignecto-Central Regional School Board based on achievement in Grade 9 science and outstanding test scores.
But Sheppard, who is himself an X grad and campus tour coordinator, says top-quality facilities, innovative faculty and a diverse campus community offer students the whole package.
"We want to give them an amazing experience so that when the time comes to decide where they will pursue their post-secondary education, they will remember all of the learning opportunities and fun they experienced here first hand."
Academy participant Cassandra Morris of Parrsboro says she will always remember her visit to StFX. Her favourite part was the physics lab, or more specifically the chocolate ice cream sundaes students made there using liquid nitrogen. "It's all been a lot of fun."
StFX Welcomes New Fringe Theatre to Campus
There was cause for celebration at StFX last week when Stage 2, an edgy new addition to Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre, aimed at the under-30 crowd received $55,000 from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Heritage Canada.
ACOA Minister Peter MacKay visited Stage 2 on July 7, where the paint had only just dried in the 60-seat fringe-style theatre located at Somers Place on the StFX campus. Following an energetic slap-dance performed by members of the Stage 2 theatre company, MacKay discussed the importance of funding such "cultural gems that foster the creative impulse.
"It's so wonderful to see this new facility," said MacKay just hours before the main stage of Festival Antigonish Summer Theatre kicked off its 19th season. "It's the kind of project that is of benefit to the entire community; cultural infrastructure brings people here, preserves the culture and creates employment. It's hard to quantify something with such intrinsic value."
"Each summer I make it a point to attend a show here and the toughest thing is just deciding what to see; whether it's the hilarious comedy, the spine chiller, the passionate drama...as the longest-running professional repertoire company in Nova Scotia, Festival Antigonish is a model for all other repertoire companies."
Coinciding with the opening of the 2006 festival season, artistic producer Ed Thomason called Stage 2 a "notable achievement that compliments what we already do.
"With Stage 2 we're really developing the fringe aspect and extending our reach and appeal." Each performance this summer will cost just $5. "We want to be welcoming and accessible to everyone, but primarily those under 30. That's what this space is all about."
He thanked sponsors, theatre members and volunteers for helping Stage 2 evolve from a "gleam in the eye" to what he hopes will be a creative outlet for both seasoned performers and burgeoning local talent.
For actor Danny MacDonald of Antigonish, the new space is an exciting alternative for younger fans of the stage. He will spend the summer honing his skills as a performer at Stage 2 before resuming theatre studies at Ryerson University this fall.
"The main stage of Festival Antigonish has traditionally brought an older crowd, and that can be intimidating for younger people."
MacDonald said one of the most enticing aspects of Stage 2 is that performers will use the space to explore many different styles of theatre. "There will really be something for everyone."
Stage 2 is open from July 15 to August 26; for more information on performances and events, go to http://www.festivalantigonish.com/stage2.html.
StFX Student Union Launches New Branding Program
The StFX Student Union has launched a new branding program.
"It's about being different, while still being Xaverian" said Adam Hinton, Union President, referring to a new Student Union website and image. The website, www.theu.ca and branding effort, were launched in early July as part of a new major communication effort designed to strengthen the union and keep students informed.
"We did a lot of research, we asked a lot of students and what it came down to is that students didn't know a thing about their union. Most students thought the Union was run by the university," said Neil Stephen, VP Communications for The U. "The truth is the union is all around you, and while it works closely with the university on student issues, it is very much student run," he said.
"I want to recognize the significant efforts of the 06-07 Students' Union at enhancing their image, in re-connecting with their membership, the students, and in their commitment to not only being increasingly visible but also in their genuine interest in serving the needs of the entire student body," commented Joe MacDonald, StFX Dean of Students.
"We need to be a better union, we need to be stronger. We can't do that without engaging our membership and getting them interested and involved. This new marketing plan is aimed at getting the attention of our membership and in the long term, strengthening the voice that is the StFX Student Union," said Hinton.
July 6
StFX Athletics to Host Sports Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony
ANTIGONISH, NS - St. Francis Xavier University's Department of Athletics is pleased to announce it is now accepting nominations for induction into the StFX Sports Hall of Fame. A Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony will take place October 6, 2006 at the Charles V. Keating Millennium Centre on campus. Athletic Director Leo MacPherson says, "Celebrating our rich athletic heritage is a key priority for us. We have every intention of using our strong tradition of athletic excellence to help pave the way for future success."
The StFX Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 1976 and exists to honour those individuals who have contributed significantly to StFX sports and have exemplified the spirit and ideals of Xaverian athletics in their professional and community lives.
Leo MacPherson, chairperson of the induction committee, is pleased to announce that in addition to accepting nominations for the athlete category, there will now be inductees in the newly created team and builder categories.
The builder category is open to members of StFX, such as coaches, administrators, support staff, and alumni who have made a significant contribution or exhibited outstanding leadership that enhanced the varsity X-Men or X-Women athletic program. In the team category, the interuniversity performance and contribution of the team shall be the primary criteria for nomination, and the team must have competed with distinction at StFX. National championship teams will automatically qualify for induction after the minimum 10-year wait period. Athletes nominated for induction will be considered primarily for their contributions to StFX athletics. Consideration will also be given to character, leadership, integrity and non-athletic service to the university. The minimum wait period shall be 10 years prior to induction.
The last StFX Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony took place in 2001 with the following individuals inducted: Steve Konchalski '93, Cindy Dean '77, Kathy Fleiger '73, Chi-Chi Farenzena '68, Phil Hughes '65, Ray Murphy '60 and Russ MacNeil '53.
Nominations are now being accepted in all three categories until July 31, 2006. Nomination forms are available by contacting the StFX Department of Athletics at (902) 867-2152 or by printing off an electronic form found at www.goxgo.ca, the official website of StFX Athletics. Completed nomination forms are to be submitted to Director of Athletics Leo MacPherson prior to the nomination deadline. Inductees will be recognized at the Hall of Fame dinner and induction ceremony in the fall. Each elected member will receive a certificate of induction and a keepsake award.
StFX Names Dr. Steven Baldner Dean of Arts
ANTIGONISH, NS --- St. Francis Xavier University President Dr. Sean E. Riley announced today that Dr. Steven Baldner has been appointed Dean of Arts.
Dr. Baldner joined the StFX philosophy department in 1992 as an associate professor and was named a full professor in 1999. He has served StFX in a wide range of capacities including member and chair of the University Senate, member of the faculty development committee, member of the committee for students with disabilities, co-chair of Coady Debates, and vice president of the StFX Faculty Association.
"I look forward to the challenges this new role will bring," Dr. Baldner said. "I will be working closely and collaboratively with faculty, staff, and members of the senior administration to create a great academic experience for both students and faculty."
Prior to joining StFX, Dr. Baldner taught at St. Thomas More College in Saskatoon and at the Cardinal Muench Seminary in Fargo, North Dakota. He earned a BA in History from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, an MA in History from the University of Toronto, a MSL in Philosophy from the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, Toronto, and a PhD in Medieval Studies from the University of Toronto. Dr. Baldner is a member of the American Catholic Philosophical Association, the Society for Thomistic Natural Philosophy and the Canadian Maritain Association. Recently he has lectured and taught at Blackfriars Hall, Oxford. His research areas include mediaeval and ancient philosophy; mediaeval theology; nature; human nature; Thomas Aquinas and Albertus Magnus.
"It is wonderful to see someone with such outstanding experience and enthusiasm take on the Dean of Arts role," said Dr. Sean Riley. "His efforts as dean will help ensure StFX offers an unparalleled teaching and learning environment."
Chemistry prof scores $134,000 for laboratory infrastructure
Dr. Brian MacLean can be excused if it feels a little like Christmas in his StFX chemistry lab.
He's received grants totaling $134,100 to set up his lab, and is currently ordering two major pieces of equipment along with about 20-30 minor items, all brand new, and all geared towards creating a top learning and research environment.
"It's great. I'm very happy," says Dr. MacLean, recipient of a $67,050 Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) grant from the new Leaders Opportunity Fund.
This new program, created to reflect Canada's fast-evolving research environment, was designed to give Canadian universities the flexibility to attract and retain the best of today and tomorrow's researchers at a time of intense competition for leading faculty. Funding is used for laboratory infrastructure.
The Nova Scotia Research and Innovation Trust automatically matches these funds.
Dr. MacLean, a 1994 StFX chemistry graduate and a professor at the university since 2002, is excited about his two big ticket orders: a Solvent Purification System, which eliminates the need for distillation, a sometimes dangerous process; and a Circular Dichroism Spectropolarimeter, a spectrometer that enables the study of chiral molecules, an important aspect of organic chemistry.
"The CD spectrometer is the only advanced instrumentation at the university that is specific for chiral chemistry studies. It really opens up a whole new opportunity. It's very important as far as chemistry goes," he says.
StFX students - including the four students who are working in his lab this summer - should benefit and come away with a good combination of synthetic skills and a good background in chiral chemistry.
Dr. MacLean, a Glace Bay native, says he enjoyed his time at StFX as student, and now as a prof. "It's a really neat experience to be back here, working with some professors who taught me courses."
Along with this most recent grant, he also holds a three-year $60,000 research award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
July 4
Waging A War on Trans Fat
StFX professor helps steer legislation for a heart-healthy Canada
ANTIGONISH, NS - Ask a Canadian if they'd 'like fries with that' and there's a good chance they'll say yes - then ask for a garnish of cheese and gravy before the grease has time to cool.
We like our poutine, our drive-thru dinners and microwave convenience foods - too much, according to Health Canada research conducted throughout the late 1990s that gave Canada the dubious distinction of having one of the highest intakes of trans fat in the world.
Now, a panel of dietary experts including StFX nutrition professor Dr. Laurie Wadsworth, is working to change that, after being asked for input on a federal government-commissioned task force charged with improving Canada's heart health.
It was the first time in Canada's history that the House of Commons devoted an entire day to the topic of nutrition, says Dr. Wadsworth, a former public health nutritionist who represented the Maritimes as one of 25 food and nutrition professionals helping fulfill the task force mandate of lowering the rate of cardio-vascular disease in Canada.
Many Canadians are exceeding the suggested limit of two to three grams of trans fat per day and are instead chowing down on a whopping eight to 10 grams. This alarming news led the task force to recommend Canada introduce legislation prohibiting food manufacturers from creating oils, margarines and shortenings with trans fat totaling more than two per cent of its overall fat content, while final product foods would be limited to five per cent.
Following Denmark, this would make Canada only the second country in the world to declare a war on trans fat by forcing the food industry to implement such a restriction.
"One of the most effective things you can do is to change what foods are available," says Dr. Wadsworth. "It's really about improving the overall environment.
"It would reduce the average Canadian's intake by 55 per cent, which would be truly ground breaking. Canada and the United States do a billion dollars of trade every day; how we put our food together is going to have a major impact there, and in many countries. The whole world is watching."
The task force, co-chaired by Health Canada and the Heart & Stroke Foundation, was designed to represent a wide spectrum of consumers, producers, health professionals and scientists from across the country, where eating habits were transformed by what Dr. Wadsworth calls, 'the trans fat wisdom' of the 1970s, when mounting health concerns over the use of saturated fat led to the popularization of trans fat or partially hydrogenated cooking oil. "We thought it was a good thing, so we've really had to back peddle," she says.
While recent years have seen an increase in public awareness surrounding the health risks associated with a diet high in trans fat, the era that made fast food a way of life has left an indelible mark. "It's easy to have unhealthy eating patterns when you can't look outside, can't even walk down the street, without seeing a food outlet. A lot of people don't even think about it, it's just such a culture of convenience."
If the recommendation is accepted, legislation would take effect by 2008 - an "empowering" stride in preventative health that would ensure companies not only face the impact of trans fat but begin addressing it with significant cutbacks and the use of less harmful alternatives.