University of Prince Edward Island President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz issued a statement today on the passing of UPEI honorary degree recipient Donald N. MacKenzie.

“On behalf of the UPEI community, I would like to extend my condolences to Donald’s wife Marion and to his family and friends,” said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “Not only will he be missed by all of us here at UPEI who were fortunate enough to know him and of his generosity, but he will be forever remembered by the agricultural community.”

Dr. MacKenzie's far-sightedness in the potato industry led to the development of major seed varieties in PEI and improvements in potato handling and transportation. A graduate of Prince of Wales College, he continued on to McGill University before the lure of farming brought him back to Prince Edward Island, where, in 1952, he became a partner in H. B. Willis, Inc.

He was named to the Atlantic Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2008, as an Honorary Lifetime Director of the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts in 2000, and a recipient of an honorary Doctor of Laws degree at UPEI in 2010. Donald and Marion MacKenzie also established the E. Marion and Donald N. MacKenzie Renewable Entrance Scholarship in Nursing in 2010.

Dr. MacKenzie passed away in Charlottetown on September 10, 2016 in his 90th year.
 

The men’s and women’s soccer teams play at home Friday evening, playing host to Acadia. The finishing touches are still being put in on the artificial turf field at UPEI, so the games will be played at the Terry Fox Sports Complex in Cornwall. The women’s game begins at 5:00 pm. The men begin at 7:15 pm.

“We are excited and look forward to watching the new recruits play in their first home opener this year,” said Graeme McDonald, head coach of the women’s soccer team. “We are expecting a tough game against a strong Acadia team who were last year’s finalists. Everyone is motivated for this game and the players are ready to wear the Panther jersey with pride.”

“UPEI Men's Soccer is excited about the opportunity presented in our home opener,” said Lewis Page, head coach of the men’s team. “Following a weekend when we competed well but fell short in attack we will be looking to get forward quickly and create more chances in front of the goal. Acadia is a perennial AUS playoff team. We look forward to the challenge.”

Both team also see action Sunday on the road against UNB. Follow all the games on Twitter with @upeipanthers, or watch the webcast at  www.austv.ca.

Don’t forget to buy your Panther Package! It’s the best sports deal on the Island. Watch every Panther home game (except men’s hockey) and get yourself some cool swag. It’s just $75. Find the details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Canadians for Health Research (CHR) have named Dr. Andrew Tasker its Researcher of the Month. Dr. Tasker is a Professor of Neuropharmacology in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Atlantic Veterinary College. He is also the Jeanne and J.Louis Lévesque Research Professor in Nutrisciences and Health.

A profile on the CHR website plots the twists and turns of Dr. Tasker’s impressive career, from his first posting as a post-doctoral researcher examining the neurological effects of analgesic drugs on chronic pain at AVC. His focus shifted abruptly after a small group of people in Montreal developed neurological symptoms, including seizures and amnesia, after eating contaminated PEI mussels. They had contracted amnesic shellfish poisoning, caused by a deadly toxin known as domoic acid.

Dr. Tasker shifted his research focus to study how domoic acid adversely affects the brain. He became an internationally recognized expert in this area. His research grew and expanded to include other brain disorders. Today, he and his team are trying to identify biomarkers that signal the early development of many brain diseases, including epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, depression, and autism. They hope to unlock the mysteries of brain function and, ultimately, find ways to cure or prevent neurological diseases.

The article also tracks his involvement with the development of NA-1, a stroke medication The Globe and Mail calls the first “blockbuster” drug from Canada since insulin.

“I’ve always been more interested in asking and answering questions,” said Dr. Tasker in the article. “At UPEI, I have the flexibility to try new ideas and maintain a good work-life balance.”

Congratulations, Andy!

UPEI’s UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability and the UPEI Climate Research Lab will co-host a public forum on climate change adaptations and islands. The forum begins at 7 pm on Thursday, September 22 in the Florence Simmons Performance Hall on the Prince of Wales Campus of Holland College. Information gathered at the forum will be become part of a statement delivered at the 22^nd session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change this November in Morocco and will inform public policy in local, national, and international jurisdictions.

“Despite being minor contributors to global climate change, many of the 600 million islanders of the world are seeing their way of life, and indeed the very existence of their islands, being threatened by human-induced global warming,” said Dr. Jim Randall, co-holder of the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability. “This public forum and the larger symposium is an opportunity to show how islands and islanders are being adaptive and resilient; and at the same time provide practical lessons to the rest of the world on how we should adapt to climate change.”

Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, co-holder of the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, will prime the forum by presenting a summary of a two-day international symposium on small island resilience to climate change. “Building Small Island Resilience to Global Climate Change: An International Symposium” brings together 15 people from around the world to discuss how residents of small islands and coastal jurisdictions can build on their strengths and resourcefulness to respond to the consequences of climate change. The focus is on four areas: food security, renewable energy, innovation, and cultural heritage. Also hosted by the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability and the UPEI Climate Research Lab, the symposium is funded in part by the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency (ACOA) and the province of Prince Edward Island.

"The Government of Prince Edward Island is a proud sponsor of this international symposium that will provide a platform for participants to engage on the topic of climate change and small Islands. Small islands, like Prince Edward Island, do face unique challenges and we have an opportunity to be leaders in confronting these challenges by making proactive decisions on how we adapt to these new realities. As the Minister Responsible for the Environment, I wish all event organizers and participants a successful and engaging symposium and I look forward to hearing the outcomes of this week's discussions," said the Hon. Robert J. Mitchell, Minister of Communities, Land and Environment.

“Taking action to address climate change is an important part of building a strong and sustainable economy,” said Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “That’s why the Government of Canada has made clean growth and climate change a priority under the Atlantic Growth Strategy. ACOA’s investment of $35,190 to support this conference is part of our commitment to encourage innovation and create jobs while at the same time protecting our environment.”

“The symposium provides a great opportunity for us to focus on climate change and adaptation in respect to islands. The forum gives the public an important venue to have their input added to this discussion,” said Dr. Adam Fenech, director of the UPEI Climate Research Lab, who will help present the first draft of the symposium statement to the forum. The moderator will then invite comments and suggestions from the audience.

Admission is free and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, contact iis@upei.ca or 902-894-2881.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Jeremy Thompson (Cross Country) and Holly Jones (Women’s Rugby), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for September 12-18!

Jeremy Thompson is a second-year science student from Charlottetown, PEI. He competed this weekend at the Acadia AUS Invitational cross-country meet in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. “Jeremy had a very strong race, and a very good start to the season. I’m pleased for him,” said coach Colin MacAdam. Thompson ran a strong race, finishing 13 of 37 runners.

Holly Jones is a fifth-year prop/flanker on the UPEI Women’s Rugby team. The Riverview, New Brunswick native had an outstanding game in the Panthers’ 54-7 win over SMU. “Holly Jones always has a good game,” said coach John LaBoyne. “She led the pack from her loose head prop position. While she scored four tries, she could have had more, but being the great team player she is, ‘Jonesy’ chose to pass off to others.”

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Camilla Gibb is the author of four internationally acclaimed novels: The Beauty of Humanity Movement, Mouthing the Words, The Petty Details of So-and-so's Life, and Sweetness in the Belly. About Gibb’s new memoir, This Is Happy, actor and director Sarah Polley said, “This Is Happy broke me, lifted me up and filled me. I can't remember the last time I read something so honest, tender, brutal and kind.”

This gifted storyteller will read from her new work in a Winter’s Tales presentation on Tuesday, October 11, at 7:30 pm in the UPEI Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building. A reception and book signing will follow.

Reviews of Gibb’s fiction speak of her “flowing and confident storytelling,” her “amazing ability to inhabit the headspace of people of other cultures living in different times,” and of  how her “prose is elegant and sings.”

She has received the Trillium Book Award (for best book in Ontario) and the City of Toronto Book Award, and has been shortlisted for the Scotiabank Giller Prize and 2016 RBC Taylor Prize. Gibb is an adjunct faculty member of the graduate creative writing programs at the University of Guelph-Humber and the University of Toronto, and is currently the June Callwood Professor in Social Justice at Victoria College, University of Toronto.

Winter’s Tales is sponsored by the UPEI English Department, Faculty of Arts, and Vice-President Academic and Research, with funding from The Canada Council for the Arts.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Dr. Gina Mercer, a celebrated poet, creative writing mentor, magazine editor, and scholar from Tasmania will be the UPEI Writer in Residence for the month of October. She will give a writing workshop and a public reading. Dr. Mercer’s reading will be on Tuesday, October 4, at 7:30 pm in the UPEI Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building on the University of Prince Edward Island campus. Her reading is free.

Her workshop will be on Saturday, October 22, from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, in SDU Main Building, room 213. The focus will be the technique of monologue. The workshop is designed to suit emerging or experienced writers working in a range of genres.

Monologues can be poems, performance pieces, or part of a novel, short story, memoir, play, or film script. Monologues are a vital way to create a character and to tell a story, tragic, or comic. They are ripe with all the narrative potential and music of voice.

In this workshop, participants will explore the dynamic possibilities (and possible pitfalls) of writing monologues. They will read a selection of contemporary monologues from fiction, poetry, and script. Participants will write at least one monologue and play with the concept of voices on the page. The workshop will help writers develop their craft through exploring this flexible and fascinating form.

The cost of the workshop is $50, or $40 for students and seniors. Light refreshments will be provided, but participants should bring their own lunch.

Gina Mercer’s residency is hosted by UPEI’s English Department and Institute of Island Studies, with support from the Dean of Arts and Vice-President Academic and Research. For further information or to register in advance, contact tjohnston@upei.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

UPEI’s Dr. Shannon Murray was part of a delegation to the British House of Lords for the official launch of the International Federation of National Teaching Fellows (IFNTF). The fellowship brings together professors who have been recognized for excellence in teaching to share best practices and to develop evidence-based pedagogy.

“The national teaching fellows are leaders devoted to innovation and good practice in higher education in their own countries,” said Dr. Murray, professor of English at UPEI, coordinator of the 3M National Teaching Fellows’ program for Canada, and a 3M National Teaching Fellow herself. “This new federation is an exciting opportunity to make that national focus a global one. It was a thrill to be there and an honour to meet so many extraordinary teachers.”

The IFNTF seeks to unite teaching fellows in countries where a national program similar to Canada’s exists, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“UPEI is delighted that professor Murray is representing our 3M National Teaching Fellows at this prestigious event,” said Dr. Robert Gilmour, vice-president academic and research at UPEI. “Inclusion of UPEI faculty in the IFNTF will increase interactions between outstanding teachers around the globe and further enhance the impact of UPEI professors on our students.”

The volunteers behind the IFNTF look to hold a yearly summit on teaching and learning—the first being held in February, 2017 in Birmingham, U.K. They also hope to bring together international student fellows, establish a journal, and create a new “Teacher of the World” award to recognize outstanding educators from around the world.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The Panther men’s and women’s soccer teams play their “second” home-openers of the season this Saturday against Dalhousie. Both Panther teams are looking for their first wins of the season as they play their first-ever games on UPEI’s new artificial turf field. The women’s game begins at 1:00 pm. The men’s starts at 3:15 pm.

“Everyone is looking forward to this game,” said Graeme McDonald, coach of the UPEI Women’s Soccer team. “We will need to put in a solid defensive performance and be more creative in our attack. There is also an extra edge to the occasion with it being our first game on the new turf. The players are focused and ready for it.”

“UPEI Men's Soccer is excited to host Dalhousie this weekend,” said Lewis Page, coach of the men’s team. “There is a history of some great games between our two teams over the years, and I expect another classic this Saturday.”

Chris Huggan, Director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI, said he’s looking forward to big a crowd for Saturday’s games on the new artificial turf. “We are very excited that our women's and men's soccer teams will have their true ‘home openers’ on the new turf field,” said Huggan. “We hope everyone will come out to support the teams and to celebrate the completion of the project. A big thanks to the funding partners ACOA, the Province of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, and the UPEI Inspire! campaign for sharing in the vision.”

Both ice hockey teams will see exhibition action on the Island this weekend. The women play host to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) Saturday at 4:30 pm in Cody Banks Arena.

“We are looking forward to playing an out-of-conference team,” said Bruce Donaldson, coach of the UPEI Women’s Hockey team. “We played them a few years ago, and I know the program has developed nicely since then. Both teams are looking to gain preseason experience, so this should be a great contest.”

The UPEI Men’s Hockey team hosts Université de Moncton on Saturday for an exhibition game in Montague at the Montague Wellness Centre. The puck drops at 7:00 pm. The game is a fundraiser for minor hockey, ringette, and the Skills and Drills Program.

“We are looking forward to getting to Montague for our only home game this exhibition season,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “We have a lot of work to do, and this game is the next step in our progress.”

The game is sponsored by Fair Isle Ford. UPEI Men’s Hockey season tickets will be available for purchase or renewal. Season ticket holders will be admitted to the exhibition game for free.

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.

Dr. Michael van den Heuvel, an environmental scientist based at the University of Prince Edward Island, is playing a lead role within the internationally acclaimed Canadian Rivers Institute (CRI), which, in the lead up to World Rivers Day on September 25, is releasing a report highlighting its first 15 years of achievements.

The CRI, founded at the University of New Brunswick, has grown into a network of 22 science directors and their multi-disciplinary research teams housed at 14 universities and institutions across Canada and abroad. Dr. van den Heuvel is the first institute director from outside of New Brunswick. The institute is a Canadian success story, having evolved in a short time span into a world leader in applied aquatic science that is addressing many challenges facing the world’s rivers and estuaries, and in training the next generation of aquatic scientists.

The CRI is breaking new ground in applied science across disciplines to find answers to the important questions being asked today about the world’s rivers. “Whether it is a government seeking to develop regulations, or an industry looking to develop better management processes, every one of our projects is finding a solution to a vital question that affects people and wildlife,” said Dr. van den Heuvel, a professor of biology and the former Canada Research Chair in Watershed Ecological Integrity at UPEI.

PEI research teams are working on developing techniques to examine the cumulative effects of human activities such as land-based nutrients, sediments, and contaminants along the estuaries of the Northumberland Strait to develop a monitoring framework for the region.

Student training and professional development is at the centre of the CRI’s work. It has mentored more than 450 students in disciplines that include biology, chemical engineering, civil engineering, environmental management, geology, and policy. Twenty per cent of these students have come from around the world.  Forty-three students have been based at UPEI.

To further student support, CRI science directors have secured a Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) grant that provides more than $1 million to students for unique training and professional development courses on water science and management. Six of the students taking advantage of this program are based at UPEI.

“With the changes occurring around the world and particularly the stress being put on our rivers and estuaries, it’s important now more than ever to have the multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach to problem solving by the CRI,” said Dr. van den Heuvel. “I’m excited to lead this ambitious and growing group of scientists into our next 15 years.”

Among the CRI’s plans for the next 15 years:

• Addressing the pressing issue of dam renewals by transferring expertise and knowledge to systems around the globe;
• Ensuring the protection and conservation of wild Atlantic salmon;
• Continued global leadership in biodiversity research and monitoring in the circumpolar Arctic;
• State-of-the-art training of at least 1,500 more aquatic science experts to meet growing global demands for water professionals;
• Developing further cutting-edge biomonitoring tools and incorporating them into assessments of river health.

View full report on the CRI’s first 15 years at: http://canadianriversinstitute.com/cri/15-years-of-impact

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.