UPEI researcher receives federal funding for project to build PEI’s resilience to climate change

Dr. Xander Wang, an associate professor with the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, has been awarded a total of $1.6 million to investigate ways to protect PEI from coastal erosion and to build Island communities’ resilience to climate change.

The project is supported with a $864,226 contribution previously announced through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); $619,090 from the Canada Foundation for Innovation through its Innovation Fund; and $64,410 from UPEI.

UPEI and Health PEI release health system capacity report

UPEI and Health PEI have released the findings of the health system capacity report (the Spindle report).

The Spindle Strategy Group was engaged by UPEI and Health PEI to understand and catalogue the health care system’s capacity to successfully integrate medical learners; to identify any gaps in infrastructure, human resources, policies and programs, systems, and structures; and to devise an evidence-based roadmap including necessary investments and timelines to address those gaps.

95 UPEI student-athletes achieve U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status

The University of Prince Edward Island congratulates the 95 student-athletes who earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian status for the 2022–2023 season. This number represents 49.5 per cent of UPEI’s 192 varsity student-athletes.

UPEI student-athletes strive for excellence in sport, academics, and in the greater community. This level of academic achievement speaks volumes about their work ethic and to the quality of the coaches, faculty, staff, volunteers, and others who support them throughout the year.

UPEI biology professor awarded 2023 Emerging Scholar Research Grant by Canadian Cancer Society

Dr. Pat Murphy, an assistant professor in biology at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), has received a 2023 Emerging Scholar Research Grant from the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) for his research into the role of bioactive metabolites in breast cancer. The grant is valued at $600,000 over five years.

Murphy is exploring ways to unlock the bioactive properties of kynurenine pathway metabolites to design new therapeutic approaches to breast cancer, which still causes over 5,500 deaths in Canada despite modern medicines. 

UPEI history professor named to the Order of Canada

Dr. Edward MacDonald, professor of history at UPEI, was among 78 Canadians named to the Order of Canada by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada, on December 28, 2023.

The citation from the Governor General’s office says that Dr. MacDonald was appointed to the Order of Canada for “his leadership as a historian and scholar of Prince Edward Island, and for his mentorship of tomorrow’s heritage conservationists.”

UPEI honours 2023 Founders during a ceremony on December 15

The University of Prince Edward Island held its 22nd Recognition of Founders ceremony on Friday, December 15, 2023, in The McCain Foundation Learning Commons, Atlantic Veterinary College, to acknowledge those who have contributed to the University in a significant way.

Recognized as 2023 Founders during the ceremony were the late Merritt Crockett, founding University Librarian; the late Leo Cheverie, library technician and community advocate; and Betty Jeffery, Librarian Emerita.