School of Graduate Studies

At 8:30 AM on most days, MSc. student Laura Callender is already in the lab, where she examines the role of physical activity on the health of children and youth under the supervision of Dr. Ian Janssen. Late in the afternoon, Callender – also a captain of the Gaels women’s soccer team – goes to soccer practice and stays afterwards to do some free kicks and shooting. Later, at night, doing homework and reading before going bed complete her regular day.

It’s a simple, but powerful, formula. Take one part leading academic research, add a dash of journalistic flair, and mix in a robust digital presence. It is this winning recipe that has earned The Conversation, an academic journalism website, the participation of thousands of researchers worldwide, and captured the attention of millions of citizens interested in news with a healthy dose of academic rigour.

Queen’s School of Graduate Studies hosted the inaugural Vanier-Banting lecture series event on October 14 as part of the 2017 Homecoming celebrations. This red carpet event was a preview of some of the best graduate and post-doctoral research at Queen’s, covering a diverse range of subjects from mutated blood cells, cancer-fighting fireflies, and the “pedagogic skills” of the devil in one of Byron’s plays.