Research Associate Bei Cai explains one of the experiments currently being conducted at the physics lab of Gilles Gerbier, second from right, to Council of Ontario Universities President David Lindsay, right, and Provost Alan Harrison.
Council of Ontario Universities President David Lindsay listens as Provost Alan Harrison asks Gilles Gerbier, the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Particle Astrophysics, a question about his research.
Council of Ontario Universities President David Lindsay, left, speaks with Queen's Innovation Connector Executive Director Greg Bavington, right, and Francis Campbell (Artsci’17), director of SparQ Studio.
Council of Ontario Universities President David Lindsay gets a tour of the recently-opened SparQ Studio from Francis Campbell (Artsci’17), director of Queen's University's makerspace.
David Lindsay, President of the Council of Ontario Universities, toured Queen’s University on Wednesday, March 23, his first visit to his alma mater since taking up the position at the start of the year.
During his visit Mr. Lindsay (Com’81) met with Principal Daniel Woolf and Provost Alan Harrison and toured the Active Learning Classrooms in Ellis Hall, a physics lab in Stirling Hall involved in the search for dark matter, as well as the recently-opened makerspace SparQ Studio in Carruthers Hall.
Mr. Lindsay is also a fellow at the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s and, before moving to his current position, was president and CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC).
By Chris Moffatt Armes, Government Relations Analyst
Final round of Queen’s 3MT competition to run on Wednesday, March 30.
Brenda Brouwer, Vice-Provost and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, has this advice to offer the finalists in the 2016 Queen’s Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition: don’t hide your enthusiasm for your research.
“You certainly need to practice your presentation, but you have to let your passion and your enthusiasm show,” says Dr. Brouwer. “Don’t be afraid to do that. Let it out.”
Civil Engineering masters candidate, Gemma Bullard, gives her 3MT presentation on landslide generated impulse waves on March 23, 2016. (University Communications)
This year’s finalists will have the opportunity to do so on Wednesday, March 30 when the final round of the 5th annual Queen’s 3MT is held. The event starts at 4:45 pm in the Biosciences Complex, room 1101.
3MT is a university-wide competition for Queen’s masters and doctoral students in which participants have just three minutes and one static slide to convey their research to the judges and audience.
The competition aims to help researchers develop skills that carry into post-graduate employment and public service. Participants are judged on how clearly and concisely they are able to explain their research, how engaging their presentation is for the audience, and on their general narrative and communications skills.
This year, the competition will be judged by Principal Daniel Woolf and Provost Alan Harrison, as well as Carey Bidtnes of the Kingston Economic Development Corporation and Toby Abramsky, Vice-President of Keystone Properties. Kingston Town Crier, Chris Whyman, will serve as emcee for the event.
Pathology & Molecular Medicine student Justin Wong presents on genomic imprinting. (University Communications)
“Typically, we think of presentations to academic audiences,” says Dr. Brouwer. “Presenting to a broader based audience is really what affords the opportunity for communication skill development for our students. Prospective employers are looking for people who have the ability to take complex concepts and communicate them in a way that’s meaningful, understandable and that conveys the impact.”
Dr. Brouwer is quick to caution participants against simply trying to “dumb down” their research, saying that the takeaway from 3MT should be how to present complex material in an understandable and relatable manner. She points to Professor Emeritus Art McDonald, who was able to explain his Nobel Prize-winning research on neutrinos by using Timbits – though, such a demonstration would violate 3MT rules.
The winner of the Queen’s 3MT competition will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to represent Queen’s at the Ontario University 3MT competition on Thursday, April 14 at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. For more information on the Queen’s 3MT competition, visit the website.
Chef Michael Smith started his day at the Canadian Grilling Company, the Queen's University eatery that he inspired.
Chef Michael Smith speaks with a group of contest winners at the Canadian Grilling Company in Mackintosh-Corry Hall.
Chef Michael Smith speaks with a group of contest winners at the Canadian Grilling Company in Mackintosh-Corry Hall.
Chef Michael Smith speaks with a group of contest winners at the Canadian Grilling Company in Mackintosh-Corry Hall.
Chef Michael Smith delivers a lecture to a capacity crowd at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre.
Chef Michael Smith delivers a lecture entitled "Our complex relationship with food. How did we get here?"
Chef Michael Smith returned to Queen’s University on Wednesday, starting the day off at the Canadian Grilling Company where he sat down for breakfast with a group of contest winners from the Queen’s community.
Chef Smith, one of Canada’s best-known chefs and the inspiration behind the Mackintosh-Corry Hall eatery, signed copies of his book and talked about the menu items as well as the importance of eating healthy and his love for his home province Prince Edward Island.
Later at the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Chef Smith offered up a lecture entitled “Our complex relationship with food. How did we get here?” that looked at the hidden reality of today’s food systems and how embracing the eating styles of our predecessors can dramatically improve our food lifestyle. The event, hosted by Queen’s Hospitality Services, drew a full crowd.
Queen’s Human Resources offers a variety of individual workshops as well as lunch and learn sessions. See below for more information about a few of the sessions offered in the coming weeks. Visit the HR website to register for these sessions.
ARC: Gentle Yoga (April 5 to June 14) 12:05-12:50 pm
This class is based on Hatha yoga and focuses on proper alignment, breathing, and mindfulness. This class will help reduce stress, increase energy, and stretch and strengthen muscles. This is an all-level class suitable for everyone. The fee for the 11-week series is $45. Held in Combatives Room 1 in the Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC).
ARC: Restorative Pilates for the Workplace (April 6-June 15), 12:05-12:50 pm
Learn the basic principles of Pilates and how to incorporate them into your workday for lasting benefit. This class will help participants to develop a stronger core, improve pelvic and spinal alignment, as well as to provide relief from repetitive strain injuries and muscle tension. The fee for the 11-week series is $45. Held in Studio 3 at the ARC.
ARC: Yoga for Managing Stress (April 7 to June 16) 12:05-12:50 pm
This lunchtime class will help you find your own off switch to escape the pressures of the day. Learn how to produce calm and prevent stress while improving your quality of life, and your overall health. You will practice gentle yoga postures and breathing exercises you can bring into your daily life to help you relax anywhere, anytime. Bring your own mat. No Yoga experience needed. The fee for the 11-week series is $45. Held in Combatives Room 1 at the ARC.
ARC: Mat Pilates (April 11-June 20) 12:05-12:50 pm
Mat Pilates emphasizes precise movements to activate, isolate, and stabilize core muscles. This class is great for improving posture, flexibility, balance and strength, and can help you stay strong throughout your workweek. The instructor will lead participants through a mixture of beginner and intermediate exercises and options will be given. The fee for the 10-week series is $45. Held in Studio 3 in the ARC.
ARC: Barre Pilates (April 15 to June 17) 12:05-12:50 pm
This unique workout integrates elements of dance, pilates, yoga, cardio and strength training. Sculpt and tone while improving balance and flexibility with unique exercises using the ballet barre, small balls, hand weights and foam rollers in this dynamic, high energy class. It is suitable for all levels, including those with no dance background. The fee for the 10-week series is $45. Held in Studio 3 at the ARC.
Note: All payments must be received before classes start at HR reception on the first floor of Fleming Hall, Stewart-Pollock Wing.
By Chris Moffatt Armes, Government Relations Analyst
Queen’s University Principal Daniel Woolf welcomes the investment in students, research and innovation outlined in the 2016 federal budget.
“The 2016 budget includes important new investments in the post-secondary sector, including financial assistance for students, funding for fundamental research, and infrastructure renewal at Canada’s post secondary institutions,” says Daniel Woolf, Principal and Vice-Chancellor. “We look forward to hearing further details about the announcements made in the budget.”
The budget will see up to $2 billion invested over three years in infrastructure renewal, starting in 2016-17, through the new Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. The new fund will support up to 50 per cent of the eligible costs of infrastructure projects at post-secondary institutions and affiliated research and commercialization organizations.
In addition, the budget announced a new investment of $95 million annually in discovery and research through Canada’s three granting councils. The budget also signaled the development of an “innovation agenda” to define clear outcomes, objectives and metrics to measure Canada’s progress, and announced a strategic review of the government’s supports for research and innovation funding.
“Canada’s positon as a leader in research and discovery depends on continued support through the tri-councils,” says Steven Liss, Vice-Principal (Research). “This new funding represents a significant boost to the sector and we look forward to working with the government as it undertakes its review of research and innovation funding.”
Going forward, the Government will work with the provinces and territories to expand eligibility for Canada Student Grants so that even more students can receive non-repayable assistance. Under the new model, the existing low- and middle-income thresholds will be replaced with a single progressive threshold under which grant amounts will gradually decline based on income and family size. This will help make postsecondary education more affordable and open up new opportunities for those from low-income families, and ensure graduates can manage debt as they transition into the workforce.
The 2016 budget also proposes substantial investments in Indigenous education to help ensure Indigenous students have the same opportunities for success as other Canadian students. For more information on the 2016 federal budget, please visit the website.
Queen’s honorary degrees will be reserved for alumni in 2016 in celebration of the university’s 175th anniversary.
Queen's 175th Anniversary
This year’s spring convocation ceremonies at Queen’s University will give the honorees the feeling of coming home. The 11 recipients this spring are all Queen’s alumni and feature musicians The Tragically Hip, journalist Ali Velshi and former Queen’s University Chaplain Brian Yealland among others.
“Bestowing honorary degrees on Queen’s University alumni as we prepare to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the university is very fitting,” says Principal Daniel Woolf. “This year we are celebrating the university’s unique legacy while recognizing our leaders in academia, business, science and the arts.”
The ceremonies get underway Thursday, May 19 and wrap up Friday, June 10. The recipients include:
Hailing from Kingston, and with close ties to the Queen's community, The Tragically Hip formed in 1984. Consisting of lead singer Gordon Downie, guitarist Paul Langlois, guitarist Rob Baker, bassist Gord Sinclair and drummer Johnny Fay, The Hip has released 12 studio albums, two live albums, one EP and 54 singles. The group has won 14 Juno awards and nine of its albums have reached No. 1 in Canada. In addition to their musical contributions, the band members are also significant for the ways in which they have given back to local and national communities and agencies, contributed to international aid, and helped preserve the environment. Thursday, May 19 at 2:30 pm.
Donald Creighton Rae Sobey
Donald Creighton Rae Sobey (Com’57) joined the board of Empire Company Limited in 1963. In 2004, he retired as Chairman of Empire Company Limited and retired from the Board in 2015. He was inducted into the Nova Scotia Business Hall of Fame and Canadian Business Hall of Fame, and is a member of the Order of Canada. Mr. Sobey established the D & R Sobey Atlantic Leadership Scholarships at Queen’s University, which are awarded to Atlantic Canadian students who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership. He also serves on the Smith School of Business Advisory Board at Queen’s University. Monday, May 30 at 2:30 pm.
P. Kim Sturgess
P. Kim Sturgess (Sc’77) is the founder and CEO of Alberta WaterSMART, an organization committed to improving water management through better technologies and practices. In 2007, she was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and in 2012 was named the Business Woman of the Year in Calgary. She also earned the Queen’s Alumni Achievement Award. Ms. Sturgess is a member of the Order of Canada. Wednesday, June 1 at 2:30 pm.
Ronald McCallum
After teaching law at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, for 18 years, Ronald McCallum (LLM’74) was appointed to a full professorship at the University of Sydney. This appointment made Mr. McCallum the first totally blind person to be appointed to a full professorship at any Australian or New Zealand university. He served as Dean of the University of Sydney Law School between 2002 and 2007. Friday, June 3 at 2:30 pm.
Eileen Hutton
Eileen Hutton (NSc’74) is currently the Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of Midwifery at McMaster University. She was the first midwife member of the Council of the Society of Obstetrician and Gynecologist of Canada. She is the first midwife ever to hold a professorship in the Netherlands. The Association of Ontario Midwives recently awarded her the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her role in education, research and contribution to the profession. Monday, June 6 at 10 am.
Piers Handling
Piers Handling (Artsci’71) has been the director and CEO of Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), a charitable cultural organization with a mission to transform the way people see the world, through film, since 1994. Under Mr. Handling’s direction, the organization has grown to become an internationally renowned cultural institution. In 2014, Mr. Handling was invested into the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest official honour, by Lieutenant-Governor David Onley. Monday, June 6 at 2:30 pm.
Debra Pepler (PHE’73, Ed’74) has been a member of the Department of Psychology at York University since 1988 and works closely with Queen’s professor Wendy Craig as co-scientific director of Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network (PREVNet). This is a collaborative and interdisciplinary initiative that brings together 62 researchers from 27 Canadian universities and 49 national organizations. Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at 10 am.
Ali Velshi
Ali Velshi (Artsci’94) graduated from Queen’s with a degree in religious studies. He was most recently the host of Ali Velshi On Target, a nightly primetime show on Al Jazeera America. He’s also reported from the U.S. presidential campaign trail, as well as covering ISIL and the Syrian refugee crisis from Turkey, the days leading up to the nuclear deal from Tehran, the debt crisis in Greece, and the funeral of Nelson Mandela in South Africa. Tuesday, June 7 at 2:30 pm.
Brian Yealland (MDiv’72) was ordained a United Church minister the same year as his graduation. Following the retirement of Padre A. Marshall Laverty, Rev. Yealland worked as the Queen’s University Chaplain from 1983 until 2013. He is the recipient of the Queen’s University Distinguished Service Award, the John Orr Award from the Queen’s Toronto Alumni Branch, and the Queen Elizabeth ll Diamond Jubilee Medal. Wednesday, June 8 at 10 am.
Wendy Jane Crewson
Wendy Jane Crewson (Artsci’77) graduated from Queen’s and moved on to study theatre in London. She has worked all over the world and her career includes more than 100 titles including The Santa Clause with Tim Allen and Air Force One with Harrison Ford. She also continues her role as Dr. Dana Kinney on Saving Hope. Wednesday, June 8 at 2:30 pm.
Stephen H. Safe
Stephen H. Safe (MSc’62) graduated from Queen’s and was awarded a Commonwealth Scholarship to study for his doctorate at the University of Oxford in England. His scientific career has covered several different areas of research that include his early studies on the chemistry of pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). His work has helped regulate and reduce levels of this compound in wildlife, humans and food. Friday, June 10 at 10 am.
This latest edition of the Gazette is filled with interesting Queen’s-focused items including:
This year’s winners of the QUIC International Photo Contest.
The latest update for Nobel Laureate Art McDonald, who was recognized by Parliament and was named one of the first Canada 150 Ambassadors.
A feature article Analytics 4 Life (A4L) and its progress on improving stress tests for the coronary system.
Updates on the latest research, awards and achievements of faculty, staff and students.
The Gazette is published biweekly during the academic year; the next edition will hit the newsstands on April 5.
Anyone looking to get a story, photo or information in the Gazette can contact the paper's editor Andrew Carroll or Senior Communications Officer Mark Kerr.
The 2016-17 season for the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts was announced Monday, including the Inaugural Bader and Overton International Violin Festival .
Director of the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts Tricia Baldwin, right, and Kevin Tanner announce the 2016-17 season.
Queen’s Music’s Gisèle Dalbec Szczesniak (violin) and Michel Szczesniak (piano) offered a short performance at the season announcement.
The 2016-17 season for the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts was announced Monday, including the first Bader and Overton Canadian Violin Competition.
The Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts announced a lineup for its 2016-17 season on Monday night that is clearly befitting Queen’s University’s 175th anniversary.
The season's highlights include the new multi-genre Bader and Overton International Violin Festival, featuring internationally acclaimed violinists such as Ashley MacIsaac, James Ehnes, Viktoria Mullova and Pinchas Zukerman, a new Human Rights Arts Festival featuring Measha Brueggergosman and a collaboration with Toronto International Film Festival and Human Rights Watch, and world premieres by Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra and Alison Mackay, John Burge, Craig Walker, and Marjan Mozetich.
Also, the Piano, Ensemble, Jazz and Global Salon Series will present a diversity of outstanding artists.
New this year is the Isabel Overton Bader Canadian Violin Competition that will award violinists between 18 and 29 years old with the Marion Overton Dick Memorial Prize, worth $20,000, and the opportunity to perform with the Kingston Symphony and a recital on the Isabel stage.
“Queen’s University is celebrating its 175th anniversary in 2016-17, and Canada its sesquicentennial. With this inspiration, we have created new festivals and a violin competition, attracted fantastic artists to the Isabel stage, and are supporting a number of Canadian world premieres,” says Tricia Baldwin, Director of the Isabel. “It has been thrilling to develop this season, and we’re excited to announce it to our audience and beyond.”
The season was announced with a short performance by Queen’s Music’s Gisèle Dalbec Szczesniak (violin) and Michel Szczesniak (piano), followed by a special screening of the feature film The Red Violin.
For complete details on the 2016‐17 season, visit theisabel.ca. Subscriptions for the 2016-17 season are now available. Call The Isabel’s box office at 613‐533‐2424 (Monday-Friday, 12:30‐4:30 pm).
Situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, the award‐winning Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts brings together exceptional arts spaces and programs with a captivating sense of place to create a dynamic venue for Queen’s students and the community. In addition to the Performance Hall, the other spaces in the 90,000 square foot venue include a studio theatre, a film screening room and a music rehearsal hall. Embracing the principles of interactivity and integration, the School of Drama and Music and the Department of Film and Media share teaching and performance spaces within the Isabel. The Isabel was designed by Oslo/New York-based firm Snøhetta and Ottawa’s N45, with acoustics and theatre design by ARUP and Theatre Projects Consultants. Anchored by a transformational gift to the Initiative Campaign from Drs. Alfred and Isabel Bader, the Isabel was inspired by the Bader’s love – of the arts, of Queen’s, and of each other – and is named in Isabel’s honour.
Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney introduces the award winners during the ceremony held at the McLuaghlin Room of the John Deutsch University Centre.
Michelle Kehoe of the Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program speaks about the contributions of Brittany McBeath, winner of the 2015 Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award.
Christina Lamparter and Jeremy Gooden received the Peer Leadership Award during a ceremony hosted by Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney.
Brittany McBeath and Lydia Warren received the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award. Celebrating with them are former Queen's Chaplain Brian Yealland, left, and Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs Ann Tierney.
The dedication and leadership of Queen’s University students in helping and supporting their peers and the community was recognized earlier this month through the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award and the Peer Leadership Award.
At the event hosted by the Division of Student Affairs, each award was presented to two students for their contributions to Queen’s and the greater community.
“Students volunteer and work in many capacities across campus and beyond. Their contributions, on campus and off, are vital to the Queen’s and Kingston communities,” says Ann Tierney, Vice-Provost and Dean of Student Affairs. “Our students tutor, mentor, coach and run programs for peers and youth across the city. They serve as positive role models who make a significant difference.”
Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award
Lydia Warren (Artsci’16) and Brittany McBeath (Artsci’17) received the Brian Yealland Community Leadership Award, named in honour of the former Queen’s Chaplain.
Ms. Warren has volunteered for the past three years at the Boys and Girls Club of Kingston, working one-on-one with children, building their confidence and self-esteem by listening and encouraging them. She also coordinates Queen’s After School Buddies program and has initiated and led fundraising events for the Boys and Girls Club.
Ms. McBeath was recognized for her work with the Aboriginal Youth Leadership Program through Queen’s Four Directions Aboriginal Student Centre. She is a community mentor, creating, directing and facilitating sport and physical activity programming for local Aboriginal youth that connects their wellness to their community and culture.
Peer Leadership Award
Christina Lamparter (PhD candidate, Pharmacology and Toxicology) and Jeremy Gooden (Sc’16) received the Peer Leadership Award for their dedication to peer-to-peer assistance, education and outreach.
Ms. Lamparter is Career Services’ first ‘Senior Peer.’ In addition to providing one-on-one coaching to students and delivering resume workshops, she has built a comprehensive on-line training program for peer assistants. This resource will benefit peer helpers in Career Services for years to come, and in turn, enhance service for the 1,000-plus students who access career-related peer support every year.
Mr. Gooden is a Student Ambassador and Educational Outreach Student for the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science and has talked with hundreds of potential students and their families about Queen’s, the faculty and his own student experience. He is currently coaching a group of first-year engineering students in client relations and project management and is also involved in the Q Success transition program for first-year students.
The Division of Student Affairs established the awards in 2014.
Crowds of prospective students and their families gathered at Queen's for the March Break Open House. (Photo by Garrett Elliott)
Visitors to Queen's University were able to take guided tours of campus during March Break Open House. (Photo by Garrett Elliott)
Visitors to Queen's University were able to take guided tours of campus during March Break Open House. (Photo by Garrett Elliott)
Current students helped guide tours of campus during March Break Open House on Saturday, March 19. (Photo by Garrett Elliott)
Prospective students and their families were able to ask any questions they had about studying at Queen's University. (Photo by Garrett Elliott)
Queen’s opened its many doors for prospective students and their families on Saturday, March 19, providing an inside look at what the university has to offer during the March Break Open House.
Visitors were able to take part in a number of events such as campus tours that included stops at residences and many other buildings, attending a lecture, sampling the food on offer at the dining halls and speaking with faculty and staff.
Research Associate Bei Cai explains one of the experiments currently being conducted at the physics lab of Gilles Gerbier, second from right, to Council of Ontario Universities President David Lindsay, right, and Provost Alan Harrison.
Council of Ontario Universities President David Lindsay listens as Provost Alan Harrison asks Gilles Gerbier, the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Particle Astrophysics, a question about his research.
![[Logo for the 175th anniversary]](/gazette/sites/default/files/assets/stories/2015/175%20logo.jpg)
