PhD Defence for Ahmad Abd-El-Aziz, PhD Environmental Sciences

Wednesday, October 13th, 10:00 AM in the Health Sciences Building Room 106 or by web conference

Title: Proteomic Evidence for a Plausible Epigenetic Effect on Equine Cell Differentiation Under Heat Stress

Abstract:

To learn about the potential effects of extreme heat, which can be a consequence of climate change, the effects of heat as a proxy for climate stress on a cell’s gene expression were investigated. In particular, the aim of this thesis was to determine the impact of heat stress on cell differentiation in an equine stem cell model through the outcome of heat stress on the proteome, which is the complete set of proteins expressed by an organism. The proteins identified could then be used to ascertain whether new biomarkers of chronic heat stress will emerge or whether we will identify potential targets for future treatment. 

Proteomic analysis was performed using mass spectrometry to compare relative protein abundances among three cell types, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), osteoblasts, and adipocytes, cultured at two temperatures, 37°C and 42°C.  The survival of the cells was validated using cell staining and observation of the cellular differentiation process and the heat stress was validated by Western Blotting, using an anti-Hsp90 antibody to quantify Hsp90 elevation in response to elevated cell culture temperature. All cell lines survived at 42°C, and all showed a higher level of HSP90 expression as well, showing that cell culture at 42°C had a physiological effect on the cells.  Furthermore, not only were the proteins’ relative abundances dependent on cell type and the application of heat stress individually, but many proteins only differed in relative abundance among the three cell types when cultured at different temperatures, showing a cell type-specific response to heat stress.  Many of these proteins were involved in cell-signalling pathways such as Notch and Wnt signalling, which are known to regulate cell development in vitro and embryonic development in vivo.  If the effects on the proteome were a result of epigenetic mechanisms, then the altered proteome during differentiation may have long-term effects. 

Future research is required to investigate the potential epigenetic changes in these cells, such as changes in DNA methylation in select genes.  This cell-culture model of cell differentiation could also be applied to test the impact of other forms of stress, such as inflammatory stress caused by biological mediators, on cell development, or on other cell lines, such as human cells

In-person attendance is welcome with masks required. Members of the UPEI community and the general public are welcome. Seating is limited. If attending via the web is preferred, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca for the web link to the web conference.

UPEI Experiential Education is hosting an information session on Wednesday, October 13th from 1-2pm (ADT) for UPEI faculty to learn about Riipen.

Riipen is an online platform that connects faculty and students to industry and community partners to enable meaningful work-integrated learning, including project-based and internship-style opportunities. The platform allows faculty to frame projects to suit their course needs, and is free to use for all UPEI faculty.

Visit https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89305908714 to register.

The Faculty of Graduate Studies is hosting an online UPEI Graduate Studies and Research Conference on Wednesday, October 13th and the morning of October 14th.  

Please join in for the presentations and learn about Graduate Research at UPEI.  

Support our graduate students.

For zoom links; schedule and abstract booklet.

Please contact Colleen Gallant at cgallant@upei.ca and she will send you the links etc.

UPEI is improving the security of your account and your data by introducing multi-factor authentication for all faculty and staff, effective November 3, 2021. MFA protects UPEI systems and data—your data!  

MFA is an electronic authentication method in which a user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism. MFA prevents a security breach by an unauthorized third party that may have been able to discover, for example, a single password.    

How does MFA impact me? On November 3, MFA will be required for faculty and staff to access many UPEI applications and services, including Outlook email, Google Drive, and the myUPEI portal. Once MFA is enabled at UPEI, you will continue to sign-in to MFA protected apps and services using your UPEI email address and password, just like you do today. However, there will be one additional step such as responding to an app notification on your mobile device or an automated phone call or entering a secret code.  

What do I need to do? You will need to setup MFA on your UPEI account prior to November 3, 2021. Instructions on how to setup MFA can be found at go.upei.ca/M365.  

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!  IT Systems and Services will provide further information throughout October to create cybersecurity awareness and provide how-to instructions to make your MFA registration simple.  

Learn more at go.upei.ca/M365  

We can help you promote it! 

November is Career Month in Canada. The UPEI Career Services Office will be promoting several events throughout the month of November, and will be showcasing these events on our Career Month calendar. 

If you are planning any employment or career-related events for the month of November, please let us know and we will feature the event on the Career Month calendar. 

Send your event details to careerservices@upei.ca or call 902-566-0336

Keep an eye on Campus Notices for the announcement of the 2021 Career Month calendar, which will be released in the coming weeks!

The deadline for Animal Care Protocol Submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, November 5th for the November meeting.

Please note that as of June 1, 2020 all animal user protocols must be submitted through UPEI Researcher Portal at https://upei.researchservicesoffice.com/Romeo.Researcher/

For new protocols select ‘applications’ and for renewal or amendment protocols select ‘events’.

To view any UPEI ACC SOPs and Codes of Practice, they can be accessed through myUPEI at https://portal.upei.ca/facultystaff/administrativeservices/AVCAnimalCare/Pages/default.aspx. 

Those protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month.  The Committee requires at least one month for processing applications.

TODAY is the last day to submit the Study & Stay PEI program application!

If you’re an international student in your final year of study at UPEI, don’t miss out on this opportunity — participate in Study & Stay PEI 2021-2022 cohort, you will have opportunities to learn and practice soft skills that needed in the workplace, as well as the opportunity to network with potential employers! 

Just have a look at the stories of former participants (Atlantic Canada Study and Stay™ Program Alumni). These successful stories will help inspire you to take a few minutes and apply: http://studypei.ca/. 

For application assistance, email studyandstaypei@upei.ca or visit UPEI Robertson Library Room 225 on weekdays anytime between 10 am - 12 pm or 1 pm - 3 pm.

UPEI is improving the security of your account and your data by introducing multi-factor authentication for all faculty and staff, effective November 3, 2021. MFA protects UPEI systems and data—your data!  

MFA is an electronic authentication method in which a user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism. MFA prevents a security breach by an unauthorized third party that may have been able to discover, for example, a single password.    

How does MFA impact me? On November 3, MFA will be required for faculty and staff to access many UPEI applications and services, including Outlook email, Google Drive, and the myUPEI portal. Once MFA is enabled at UPEI, you will continue to sign-in to MFA protected apps and services using your UPEI email address and password, just like you do today. However, there will be one additional step such as responding to an app notification on your mobile device or an automated phone call or entering a secret code.  

What do I need to do? You will need to setup MFA on your UPEI account prior to November 3, 2021. Instructions on how to setup MFA can be found at go.upei.ca/M365.  

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!  IT Systems and Services will provide further information throughout October to create cybersecurity awareness and provide how-to instructions to make your MFA registration simple.  

Learn more at go.upei.ca/M365  

We can help you promote it! 

November is Career Month in Canada. The UPEI Career Services Office will be promoting several events throughout the month of November, and will be showcasing these events on our Career Month calendar. 

If you are planning any employment or career-related events for the month of November, please let us know and we will feature the event on the Career Month calendar. 

Send your event details to careerservices@upei.ca or call 902-566-0336

Keep an eye on Campus Notices for the announcement of the 2021 Career Month calendar, which will be released in the coming weeks!

UPEI Career Services in the Work-Integrated Learning Department is excited to once again offer in-person drop-ins to students.

Every week
12:00–4:00 pm
Tuesday to Friday in the Career Studio (Dalton Hall, Room 209)
Saturdays in the Robertson Library

Students will receive immediate, one-on-one help from a peer mentor during drop-in hours. We offer help with:

• Resume and cover letter reviews
• Interview preparation
• Social media check-ups
• Job search strategies

Masks must be worn at all times during drop-ins. If a student is unable to make it to drop-ins, they can email us at experientialed@upei.ca

The deadline for Animal Care Protocol Submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, November 5th for the November meeting.

Please note that as of June 1, 2020 all animal user protocols must be submitted through UPEI Researcher Portal at https://upei.researchservicesoffice.com/Romeo.Researcher/

For new protocols select ‘applications’ and for renewal or amendment protocols select ‘events’.

To view any UPEI ACC SOPs and Codes of Practice, they can be accessed through myUPEI at https://portal.upei.ca/facultystaff/administrativeservices/AVCAnimalCare/Pages/default.aspx. 

Those protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month.  The Committee requires at least one month for processing applications.

The Study & Stay PEI program provides participants with enhanced one-on-one and group support throughout their final year of study at a post-secondary institution in PEI. The program also provides opportunities for students to apply their learnings, build connections, and gain a deeper understanding of PEI’s workplace culture and job market opportunities. 

Apply today to join a cohort of international students who will be part of a unique program designed to help you stay here in PEI after graduation. Application closes on Friday October 8th, 2021.

Just have a look at the stories of former participants (Atlantic Canada Study and Stay™ Program Alumni). These successful stories will help inspire you to take a few minutes and apply: http://studypei.ca/ 

For application assistance, email studyandstaypei@upei.ca or visit UPEI Robertson Library Room 225 on weekdays anytime between 10 am - 12 pm or 1 pm - 3 pm.

The Department of Music will be interviewing (by Zoom) four candidates for tenure-track positions in piano and brass.  These interviews and presentations/recitals will be available on zoom on the following days/times. 

Dr. Roger Admiral, applicant for the piano position

October 4, 2021, 12:30–1:00 pm, Mini Recital
October 4, 2021, 1:00–1:55 pm, Masterclass 
Zoom link: https://upei.zoom.us/j/67386952995?pwd=YVVJZ1VWd1ByTDdZVlovZDdYNG9VZz09

Dr. Paul Tarussov, applicant for the brass position

October 5, 2021, 10:00–11:00 am, Presentation
Zoom link: https://upei.zoom.us/j/66969668670?pwd=UlE0RkE5Mkd5RngxaVdWUm1ieWRPdz09 

Dr. Magdalena von Eccher, applicant for the piano position

October 7, 2021, 10:00–10:30 am, Mini Recital
October 7, 2021, 10:30–11:30 am, Masterclass
Zoom link: https://upei.zoom.us/j/64158283917?pwd=YmhtUmUzaW9vL0RETCthRTZFNzNKdz09

Dr. Dale Sorensen, applicant for the brass position

October 7, 2021, 7:30–8:00 pm, Mini Recital
October 7, 2021, 8:00–9:00 pm, Masterclass
Zoom link: https://upei.zoom.us/j/62677427324?pwd=L1pCek1pSy91a0JOOXpXdjI0Z2EyQT09 

All are welcome to attend these virtual events. 

For all students, faculty and staff who identify as partially or non-vaccinated for COVID-19, you are required to have a COVID-19 test at least weekly. UPEI will offer testing clinics on Fridays at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The tests are free and very quick/easy.  If you are unable to attend these clinics and require testing, please go to a Health PEI testing clinic and submit the test result via COVID19testing@upei.ca.   If you are tested at a Health PEI testing clinic, you can obtain your test result at the following link: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/request-your-covid-19-test-result-report.

UPEI is improving the security of your account and your data by introducing multi-factor authentication for all faculty and staff, effective November 3, 2021. MFA protects UPEI systems and data—your data!  

MFA is an electronic authentication method in which a user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism. MFA prevents a security breach by an unauthorized third party that may have been able to discover, for example, a single password.    

How does MFA impact me? On November 3, MFA will be required for faculty and staff to access many UPEI applications and services, including Outlook email, Google Drive, and the myUPEI portal. Once MFA is enabled at UPEI, you will continue to sign-in to MFA protected apps and services using your UPEI email address and password, just like you do today. However, there will be one additional step such as responding to an app notification on your mobile device or an automated phone call or entering a secret code.  

What do I need to do? You will need to setup MFA on your UPEI account prior to November 3, 2021. Instructions on how to setup MFA can be found at go.upei.ca/M365.  

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month!  IT Systems and Services will provide further information throughout October to create cybersecurity awareness and provide how-to instructions to make your MFA registration simple.  

Learn more at go.upei.ca/M365  

Are you choosing to get a leg up on school work during reading week instead of, say, enjoying international travel to exotic places?  The UPEI Writing Centre will be here for you!

Our full appointment schedule is now in effect, and we'll offer appointments during reading week as well.  Check out our schedule and make an appointment at upei.mywconline.com.  Both online and in-person tutoring is available.

An appointment with one of our friendly tutors may save you from hours of frustration and allow you to submit your best work.

Have you Vaped?

We are looking for youth (aged 16-19) who vape or have vaped and are willing to share their experience about the effects vaping has had on their lives. If you are interested in participating please complete the survey at the link below.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hgp3eT5PPsehezEk_b_jMqfQWzLNbh1f9mShD14oEhU/edit

UPEI Career Services in the Work-Integrated Learning Department is excited to once again offer in-person drop-ins to students.

Every week
12:00–4:00 pm
Tuesday to Friday in the Career Studio (Dalton Hall, Room 209)
Saturdays in the Robertson Library

Students will receive immediate, one-on-one help from a peer mentor during drop-in hours. We offer help with:

• Resume and cover letter reviews
• Interview preparation
• Social media check-ups
• Job search strategies

Masks must be worn at all times during drop-ins. If a student is unable to make it to drop-ins, they can email us at experientialed@upei.ca

The deadline for Animal Care Protocol Submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, November 5th for the November meeting.

Please note that as of June 1, 2020 all animal user protocols must be submitted through UPEI Researcher Portal at https://upei.researchservicesoffice.com/Romeo.Researcher/

For new protocols select ‘applications’ and for renewal or amendment protocols select ‘events’.

To view any UPEI ACC SOPs and Codes of Practice, they can be accessed through myUPEI at https://portal.upei.ca/facultystaff/administrativeservices/AVCAnimalCare/Pages/default.aspx. 

Those protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month.  The Committee requires at least one month for processing applications.

The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre will be offering the following clinics for students, faculty, staff and immediate family members at McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre:

FLU/COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics: 

                       November 2, 2021 from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm

                       November 3, 2021 from 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm

                       November 4, 2021 from  9:00 am to 3:30 pm           

Note:  New guidelines from NACI (National Advisory Committee on Immunization) have been released that report both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be received at the same time.  Consequently, we will provide the COVID-19 Vaccine to partially or unvaccinated people with the November Flu clinics.  For more information on these guidelines visit the following link: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/recommendations-use-covid-19-vaccines/summary-updates-september-28-2021.html  

Please bring your provincial health card or proof of your UPEI international insurance and UPEI student/staff/faculty ID.