UNews - Trushar Patel

High school students don lab coats in pursuit of research

caroline.zentner — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 15:53:18 +0000

Some of southern Alberta’s top high school science students will get the opportunity to work with leading ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers this summer as ULethbridge hosts the annual High School Youth Research Summer (HYRS) program.

Students in last year's HYRS program worked in labs across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

One of the most influential summer development programs for high school students, HYRS has proven to be a launching pad for exceptional science students and future post-secondary researchers.

“This is such a great opportunity for young people interested in science to really see their studies in action and take their learning to another level,” says Steph Elder, Manager of Destination Exploration, ULethbridge’s youth outreach program. “The hands-on work they’re involved in and the high-end lab facilities they get to work in really spark their curiosity and creativity. It gives the students invaluable experience they can build on as they finish their high school studies and take with them into a post-secondary setting.”

In just the last year, three local-area students who had the opportunity to train with ULethbridge researchers in the summer HYRS program won medals at the Canada Wide Science Fair. Fatema Riaz (Medicine Hat High School) earned a gold medal at the national science fair after being mentored by Dr. Dylan Girodat (chemistry & biochemistry); Mehnaz Khan (G.S. Lakie Middle School) earned a bronze medal after working with Dr. Matthew Bogard (biological sciences); and Nycea Hazelwood (Lethbridge Collegiate Institute) received the award for the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association after studying with Dr. Kim Stanford (biological sciences).

“One of the greatest strengths of the HYRS Program is the exceptional quality of researchers the high-school students are paired with from multiple departments,” says Dr. Trushar Patel, Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics and associate dean in the ULethbridge Faculty of Arts & Science. “These dedicated scientists not only lead cutting-edge research, but they also take the time to mentor and inspire the next generation of leaders. For high school students, this is a truly unique opportunity to learn from some of the brightest minds in their fields."

HYRS is a six-week consecutive program that runs annually at ULethbridge, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary. Students receive a stipend of $3,000 for six weeks of training and get the opportunity to participate in hands-on research work with Alberta Innovates-funded research groups.

“Students will join research teams that include PhD, master’s and bachelor students, get full lab access and work on projects in fields such as genetics, neuroscience, bioengineering, molecular imaging, recreational therapy, health-care policy and more,” adds Elder.

In addition, students get the chance to hear guest speakers talk about their research careers and participate in a term-end research symposium where they can showcase their work to parents, mentors and members of the public. This year’s HYRS program runs July 4 to Aug. 15, with the research symposium taking place Thursday, Aug. 14, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Science Commons Atrium.

ULethbridge community members given King Charles III Coronation Medal recognition

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 16:08:44 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge proudly congratulates multiple individuals who have been honoured for their significant contributions to bettering our communities with King Charles III Coronation Medals.

Members of the ULethbridge community who were recognized in 2024-25 include: Rick Casson (LLD '13), Paige Crozon, Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Ninnaa Piiksii (Chief Bird) Dr. Mike Bruised Head (BASc ’80, BEd ’98, PhD ’22), Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, Dr. Trushar Patel, Ron Sakamoto (LLD '03), Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead, Ksikkihkíni (Bald Eagle) Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) have all been presented with medals at various ceremonies over the past six months.

The Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. Recipients have made a significant contribution to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region of, or community in, Canada, or attained an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.

Nominations for King Charles III Coronation Medals were only accepted from partner organizations list created by the Government of Canada.

Following is a list of those associated with ULethbridge who have received King Charles III Coronation Medals, and their presenters.

Rick Casson, Acting Chair, ULethbridge Board of Governors — Presented at Royal Canadian Legion, Feb. 15, 2025

Paige Crozon, Assistant Coach, Pronghorn Women’s Basketball— Presented by YMCA, Mar. 20, 2025

Iikaisskini (Low Horn) Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), Vice-Provost, Iniskim Indigenous Relations – Presented by Universities Canada, Mar. 21, 2025

Ninnaa Piiksii, (Chief Bird) Dr. Mike Bruised Head (BASc ’80, BEd ’98, PhD ’22), ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Alumni Association Director – Presented by Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Feb. 20, 2025

Ikkayiinnii (Fast Buffalo) Dr. Digvir Jayas, President and Vice-Chancellor – Presented by Minister of Advanced Education, Rajan Sawhney, Mar. 21, 2025

Dr. Trushar Patel, Associate Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science – Presented by Honourable Rachel Thomas, Member of Parliament, Mar. 13, 2025

Ron Sakamoto, honorary degree recipient — Presented by Premier Danielle Smith, Feb. 28, 2025

Taatsiikiipoyii (Talks in the Middle) Charles Weaselhead, former Chancellor – Presented by Senator Patti Laboucane-Benson, Oct. 2024

Ksikkihkíni (Bald Eagle) Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), Chancellor – Presented by Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Feb. 20, 2025

Alberta researchers to study honey bee viruses

caroline.zentner — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 20:55:19 +0000

A team of Alberta researchers has received grants worth $400,000 to study honey bee viruses.

Drs. Trushar Patel, a Canada Research Chair and associate professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and Shelley Hoover, a ULethbridge associate professor in Biological Sciences and honey bee expert, are teaming up with Drs. Wade Abbott, a scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Lara Mahal, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Glycomics at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta, to better understand how these honey bee-infecting viruses are transmitted and how they interact with their host.

"Understanding the mechanisms of honey bee viruses is crucial for developing effective strategies to protect these vital pollinators,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge vice-president of research. “The collaborative efforts of these researchers will pave the way for innovative solutions to combat these viruses and ensure the sustainability of our agricultural ecosystems."

“Right now, no therapeutics are available to fight these viruses,” says Patel. “We need to know more about how these RNA viruses infect honey bees before we can develop tools to combat the viruses.”

Honey bees are vital to agriculture and food production around the world, accounting for over $7 billion worth of food, honey and other bee products in Canada alone. In 2023, Alberta was home to nearly 40 per cent of honey bee colonies in Canada, and Alberta bees produced the same amount of the country’s honey. The production of hybrid canola seeds in southern Alberta depends on managed honey and leafcutter bees.

However, since 2006, Canadian bee colonies have experienced increased winter mortality, with over 50 per cent mortality in some regions in some years. Major factors influencing mortality are parasites, viral and bacterial infections, weather, forage availability, queen bee quality and the use of pesticides.

Viruses, such as deformed wing virus (DWV) and sacbrood virus (SBV), are an important part of the problem. These viruses hijack the bee’s cellular machinery and cause disease that spreads through a colony, resulting in lost productivity and even colony death.

The study is expected to take two to three years and will boost understanding of how these RNA viruses interact with host proteins.

“The proposed work represents what we believe is the first focused effort on identifying honey bee proteins necessary for viral replication,” he says. “This work will lay a strong foundation for further research work directed towards developing potential therapeutics against bee-infecting viruses,” says Patel. “Training highly qualified personnel is also a crucial component of our interdisciplinary work.”

Funding for the project came through the Agriculture Funding Consortium and was provided by Alberta Innovates and Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), as well as through the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet) Research Pipeline Program.

Shad ULethbridge inspires high schoolers in STEAM and entrepreneurship

caroline.zentner — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 21:08:39 +0000

At the beginning of July, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge welcomed high school students from across Canada for the first time through Shad Canada, a program designated for students in Grades 10 and 11.

Upon their arrival, students were introduced to a real-world design challenge, which was shared across all Shad campuses in 2024. This year’s challenge poses the question: "How might we help people in Canada integrate affordable and reliable green energy sources into their everyday lives to create more sustainable communities?"

Shad Canada students enjoy a game of double ball.

To tackle this challenge, which cultivates skills in solving urgent social and economic issues, students were organized into groups and expected to present a solution at the end of their stay. Activities and lectures were chosen to complement the comprehensive design challenge and appeal to students whose sights are set on STEAM and entrepreneurial futures. Key moments from the first week at Shad Lethbridge included a visit to Dr. Claudia Gonzalez's (MSc '00, PhD '04) brain lab in the kinesiology and physical education department, where she discussed cognitive processes like language, executive function, and spatial abilities. Additionally, Dr. Danny Le Roy, an economics professor, gave a lecture on the economy and renewable energy resources.

“The economic presentation was really interesting,” said Hamza Obeidi, a student from Kitchener, Ontario, who dreams of going into biomedical engineering. “I thought economy was just money and business, but our instructor showed us how economy ties into everything.”

Students also participated in an Indigenous Learning Day filled with activities such as double-ball and immersive Blackfoot cultural experiences. Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA) ’72, DASc ’04), vice-provost of Iniskim Indigenous Relations, along with Shane Gordon McDougall, a third-year Indigenous Studies student and Student Council Indigenous representative, and Caroline Russell (BA/BEd ’04), an instructor in the Department of Indigenous Studies, organized the activities.

“I particularly enjoyed throwing the arrow into the hoop. Even though I didn’t make it in, it was still enjoyable to learn,” said Raina Garland, a Métis student who was a two-time silver medalist at the 2023 North American Indigenous Games (NAIG). “Participating in these Indigenous games further connects me to my heritage.”

In addition to on-campus learning, the program also includes organized excursions across southern Alberta, allowing participants to explore the region's landscapes and cultural heritage, including a two-night camping trip to Sylvan Lake and a visit to Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

Jayden Li, a student from Mississauga, Ontario, applied to Shad ULethbridge for the entrepreneurial aspects of the program’s offerings. He has since discovered that the connections he’s made and excursions contribute significantly to his overall experience.

“I think the best time I’ve had so far was the camping trip. We sang campfire songs, went rock climbing and canoeing,” says Li. “I actually flipped my canoe, which was fun.”

Learn more about Shad Canada.

Dr. Trushar Patel elected to the Royal Society of Biology

caroline.zentner — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 23:00:35 +0000

The new year got off to an auspicious start for Dr. Trushar Patel, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics and associate dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science, when he learned he was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology.

“I was positively surprised when I received the email,” says Patel. “That is a nice New Year’s gift and a good beginning to the year.”

Based in the United Kingdom, the Royal Society of Biology was formed in 2009 when the Biosciences Federation and the Institute of Biology merged. The society was granted the Royal title in 2015. Being named a Fellow indicates someone has achieved distinction in biological research, teaching or the application of biology.

“We are absolutely delighted to see Dr. Patel receive this prestigious international recognition,” says Dr. Paul Hayes, Chair of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. “His biochemistry research and collaborations with other scientists around the world have the potential to lead to new therapies for viral diseases.”

Patel joined ULethbridge in 2016 and earned a Canada Research Chair appointment in 2017. His lab, based in the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), has received extensive funding for work on a variety of viral diseases including hepatitis and COVID-19.

“The interdisciplinary nature of Dr. Patel’s work is vital in today’s research environment,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge vice-president (research). “Research that brings together scientists from several disciplines to tackle a problem often produces results beyond those produced in a single discipline.”

“I’m grateful to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge for providing me with so many opportunities. I enjoy the support of all my colleagues and the senior leaders’ team, without which I wouldn’t be able to do any of this,” says Patel.

Along with being named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2022, Patel was named winner of the 2022 Biophysical Society of Canada Young Investigatory Award and the 2022 New Investigator Award from the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences. In addition, he received a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, an Alberta Newcomer Recognition Award (Career and Academics Contribution Award), the ULethbridge Volunteer Award and the ULethbridge Speaker Research Award.

Three ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers appointed Canada Research Chairs

caroline.zentner — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 14:11:12 +0000

Dr. Stacey Wetmore, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry with expertise in computational chemistry, has been appointed a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair while Dr. Julie Young, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environment, and Dr. Trushar Patel, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, have had their Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs renewed for another term.

Dr. Stacey Wetmore

Wetmore, Canada Research Chair in Computational Chemistry, will receive $1.4 million over seven years. Young, Canada Research Chair in Critical Border Studies, and Patel, Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics, will each receive $500,000 over five years. These chairs were part of a larger federal announcement on August 29 by the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, on behalf of the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health. The announcement included investments of over $960 million to support over 4,700 researchers and research projects in Canada. The $133.7 million in funding for the Canada Research Chairs Program includes 82 new and 75 renewed Chairs.

“Congratulations to these talented recipients from all across the country who are doing the groundbreaking work that will contribute not only to Canada’s health and well-being but also to the world’s,” says Champagne. “Through this funding, the Government of Canada is investing in the next generation of researchers and inspiring them to continue to think outside the box and tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

“Canada Research Chair appointments are highly competitive and reflective of the excellence of our faculty members in their chosen fields,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president (research). “The research done by Drs. Wetmore, Young and Patel has the potential to improve the quality of life for people all over the world.”

Wetmore uses computer simulations to help answer questions in chemistry. By using the methods of theoretical chemistry and powerful computers, the structure and properties of molecules, such as nucleic acids, can be calculated. Nucleic acids like DNA and RNA are the most basic molecules of life as they store and transmit genetic information. During the global pandemic, RNA vaccines became a household name. They were made possible due to the introduction of modifications that enhance RNA stability in cells. In nature, nucleic acids are modified to control gene expression and build properly functioning proteins. However, knowledge about how modifications change the structure and function of nucleic acids and why nature introduces modifications is lacking.

“I use computer modelling to find answers and gain a fundamental understanding of the chemistry of modified nucleic acids,” says Wetmore. “This work is an important step toward understanding human diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and neurodegeneration, that are associated with modification errors.”

In addition to building basic knowledge, her work will ultimately help unlock the ability to treat many diseases. Calculations using computational chemistry methods are critical tools for solving these problems as they are powerful predictors of experimental outcomes and provide information to guide future experiments.

Dr. Julie Young

Young’s research examines the impact of Canadian border control policies and practices. The border closures of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the shutdown of most refugee and asylum programs. People in need of protection were directed or pushed back into uncertain and insecure situations.

“There is a need to account for the stories and situations of people who continue to be prevented from arriving by Canada’s policies, while also considering the treatment of people whose entry is permitted but under precarious conditions, such as many temporary foreign workers,” says Young. “With this renewal, I plan to analyze the impacts of the pandemic and subsequent border management policies on migration patterns and experiences, expand the network of those engaged in border studies through my collaboration with the Lethbridge Border Studies Group, and mentor students in the ethical, methodological, and practical considerations of qualitative and community-engaged research through various projects including with colleagues in the Community Bridge Lab.”

Using a feminist geopolitical approach, Young’s research program will look at the lived experiences of border control practices to gauge the impact of such policies.

Dr. Trushar Patel

Patel focuses his research on the interactions between human proteins and viral nucleic acids with the goal of finding ways to interrupt the viral replication process by using sophisticated structural-biophysical techniques. Emerging and re-emerging viral outbreaks are responsible for millions of deaths and impose a severe financial burden on health-care systems. Ultimately, his research can help pave the way for the development of antiviral treatments for diseases caused by the hepatitis B virus and Flaviviruses such as Dengue, Zika and West Nile viruses.

“I plan to continue unravelling the principles underlying viral nucleic acids-human protein interactions during viral infections,” says Patel. “I intend to focus mainly on Flaviviral and hepatitis B viral systems, to study the structures of viral nucleic acids and investigate how nucleic acids interact with human host proteins.”

Patel will also explore the antiviral activities of therapeutic molecules developed in the lab and find ways to optimize their efficiency.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers awarded more than $2.3 million in NSERC, CFI funding support

trevor.kenney — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 22:07:42 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers across a breadth of disciplines have earned more than $2.3 million in funding support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), as announced by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health in Edmonton today.

The funding support is part of a $960-million investment by the federal government in research activities across the country.

“This funding is an integral part of the research process and supports our faculty members and their teams in multiple ways, from hiring essential personnel to training graduate and undergraduate students, to acquiring essential equipment and more,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge vice-president (research). “This support allows our researchers to continue to pursue the solutions to a host of issues facing society today and in the future.”

“My best wishes to all the recipients of these grants, awards and scholarships,” adds Minister Holland. “The government is pleased to invest in your diverse array of health, natural sciences and engineering research projects because we know that your ideas, passion and hard work, as well as the evidence you uncover, are instrumental in improving the health and quality of life of people in Canada, and your findings contribute to the international research effort around the world.”

In all, nine ULethbridge researchers were successful in their NSERC grant applications, which included funding for projects in neuroscience, biological sciences, chemistry & biochemistry and mathematics & computer science. As well, Drs. Majid Mohajerani and Stacey Wetmore earned CFI John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) awards.

Among the projects are Dr. Roy Golsteyn’s (biological sciences) work investigating human cell division and utilizing beneficial chemicals in Canadian prairie plants, which was funded at $300,000 ($60,000 per year over five years). As well, Dr. Bruce McNaughton (neuroscience) receives $420,000 over five years for his study to understand the neural basis of long-term, episodic memory, and Dr. Robert Benkoczi (mathematics & computer science) is receiving a Discovery Development Grant valued at $40,000 over two years as he conducts fundamental research into finding new and more efficient algorithms for planning large scale evacuations.

“The projects our researchers are involved in cover a wide range of topics, all of which are focused on bettering society while providing excellent mentoring and training to undergraduate and graduate students,” adds McMartin. “These funding awards give just a glimpse of the breadth of research activity taking place daily across our campuses.”

Following are details on today’s grant announcements.

NSERC

Discovery Grant (5 years)

Dr. Roy Golsteyn (biological sciences) — Natural products as novel tools to investigate human cell division ($300,000) — Our research uncovers how human cells divide and seeks beneficial chemicals in Canadian prairie plants. From potential cancer treatments to sustainable practices, we are supporting scientific and economic innovation, while fostering cultural exchange with southern Alberta Indigenous communities.

Dr. Igor Kovalchuk (biological sciences) — Transgenerational response to stress in Arabidopsis ($255,000).

Dr. Marc Roussel (chemistry and biochemistry) — Delays in gene expression models: methodological developments ($225,000) — Development of methods for building and analyzing mathematical models of gene expression systems, where transcription, translation and splicing may play a significant role in the timing of events.

Dr. Bruce McNaughton (neuroscience) — Consolidation of cortical memory representations into hippocampus-independent form: neural ensemble dynamics and mechanisms ($420,000) — We are attempting to understand the neural basis of long-term, episodic memory, and its integration into generalized knowledge encoded by brain cells in the cerebral cortex.

Discovery Development Grant (2 years)

Dr. Olga Kovalchuk (biological sciences) — Exosomes - important mediators of direct and bystander radiation effects on the brain ($40,000).

Dr. Robert Benkoczi (mathematics & computer science) — Models and algorithms for facility location ($40,000) — This award supports fundamental research into finding new and more efficient algorithms for planning large scale evacuations.

Dr. Shahadat Hossain (mathematics & computer science) — Efficient computation with sparse and structured matrices – mathematical derivatives and beyond ($40,000).

Research Tools and Instruments (1 year)

Dr. Trushar Patel (chemistry & biochemistry) — Isothermal Titration Calorimetry for Studying Macromolecular Interactions ($150,000) — The installation of ITC (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry) at ULethbridge strengthens the biochemical and biophysical infrastructure as well as the research programs aimed at examining communication events that are at the heart of viral infections and cancer.

Dr. Matthew Tata (neuroscience) — Critical Refit and Upgrade to Electroencephalography Lab at ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge ($149,140) — This upgrade includes state-of-the-art electroencephalography systems to study how brain regions communicate with each other while solving the computational problems of perception and cognition.

CFI

John R. Evans Leaders Fund

Dr. Majid Mohajerani (neuroscience) — Innovative brain imaging techniques for aging-associated diseases ($563,466).

Dr. Stacey Wetmore (chemistry & biochemistry) — Tools for modeling the chemistry of modified nucleic acids ($139,702).

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers make strides to help in the fight against Mpox

caroline.zentner — Tue, 20 Jun 2023 22:26:25 +0000

Mpox (monkeypox) made headlines last year due to a global outbreak, with the World Health Organization reporting 87,000 cases and 112 deaths in 110 countries.

Now ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers have identified important DNA sequences in its genome that could lead the way for novel treatments. The current options for treatment are limited and include the smallpox vaccine, which provides partial (approximately 85 per cent effectiveness) protection against Mpox, and an antiviral drug used to treat smallpox.

From left to right are Darren Gemmill, Dr. Trushar Patel and Dr. Higor Pereira.

“Our work provides critical insights into the genomic makeup of this family of viruses,” says Dr. Trushar Patel, associate professor in the ULethbridge Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, and leading researcher in the study. “We discovered that certain DNA sequences in the Mpox genome can fold into intricate structures called G-quadruplexes. These structures play a crucial role in regulating gene expression and are being investigated as potential targets for developing new medications.”

“These structures have significant importance in viral survival,” says Dr. Higor Pereira, a post-doctoral researcher in Patel’s lab supported by the NSERC CREATE RNA Innovation program.

“We have discovered a unique and conserved structure within the Mpox genome that is not present in closely related viruses,” says Darren Gemmill, a PhD student in Patel’s lab. “Our study specifically targeted these structures using a chemical compound which has demonstrated promising antiviral properties against Ebola and Herpes viruses in previous reports.”

Mpox is endemic, or consistently present, in West and Central Africa and various human outbreaks have occurred since the 1980s, resulting from the stoppage of smallpox vaccinations. More recently, the Mpox virus has emerged in nations where it occurs only rarely.

The Mpox virus is transmitted to humans from animals and was so named after the virus was discovered in monkeys in 1958. The virus is spread from person to person through close physical contact with skin lesions, body fluids, respiratory droplets and contaminated materials like bedding. Mpox symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and body aches, back pain and an acute rash.

“Typically, Mpox is geographically limited to African countries such as Cameroon, the Central African Republic and Nigeria, for example,” says Patel. “Having confirmed cases of Mpox without any travel history to an endemic area is unusual and requires raising awareness about Mpox, as well as the development of more effective treatments.”

Their study, titled Mapping and characterization of G-quadruplexes in monkeypox genomes, was recently published in the prestigious Journal of Medical Virology.

The Research Support Fund supports a portion of the costs associated with managing the research funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, such as salaries for staff who provide administration support, training costs for workplace health and safety, maintenance of libraries and laboratories, and administrative costs associated with obtaining patents for inventions.

Graduates ready to walk the stage at Spring 2023 Convocation

trevor.kenney — Wed, 31 May 2023 16:38:40 +0000

This week, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge will celebrate the achievements of 1,358 students as they cross the stage at Spring 2023 Convocation. In addition, members of the 2020 and 2021 graduating classes who did not have the opportunity to participate at an in-person event due to pandemic restrictions, are welcomed back to campus to cross the stage.

This spring’s graduating class is exceptional, representing a new generation of talented, critical thinkers prepared to contribute to communities near and far. The class showcases more and more students who have participated in work-integrated-learning opportunities throughout their educational journey, while students continue to utilize applied study, co-op and research opportunities and take advantage of career coaching to get a head start on their post-academic careers.

“Our talented alumni, which will soon number more than 55,000, makes its mark throughout the world every day,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, ULethbridge president and vice-chancellor. “Our graduates, many of whom have already significantly contributed to society through their academic pursuits, are ready to showcase their talents and we are eager to see what the future holds for them.”

This week’s convocation marks the final ceremonies of Mahon’s 13-year tenure at ULethbridge. As well, alumnus Terry Whitehead (BA ’94) will officially be installed as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s 15th chancellor during Thursday’s first ceremony.

Ceremonies take place Thursday, June 1 and Friday, June 2 at the 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.

All four ceremonies are free of charge and open to the public and media. Following is the convocation schedule for the week.

Thursday, June 1

Ceremony I – 9:30 a.m. – School of Graduate Studies (PhD and MSc); Faculty of Arts & Science (BASC, BSc); Installation of Chancellor Terry Whitehead; Speaker Research Award: Dr. Trushar Patel; Honorary Degree: Timothy Caulfield

Ceremony II – 2:30 p.m. – School of Graduate Studies (MA and MN); Faculty of Arts & Science (BA); Faculty of Health Sciences (BHSc, BN and BTR); ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Volunteer Award: Dr. Marta Gerasymchuk (PhD ’22); Honorary Degree: Dr. Esther Tailfeathers

Chancellor’s Dinner – 6 p.m., Science Commons Atrium – A dinner to honour all award recipients

Friday, June 2

Ceremony III – 9:30 a.m. – School of Graduate Studies (MC, MEd, MFA, MMus); Faculty of Education (BEd); Combined Degrees with Education; Faculty of Fine Arts (all programs); Board of Governors Teaching Chair: Dr. Christopher Mattatall; Excellence in Teaching Award: Dr. Devon Smither

Ceremony IV – 2:30 p.m. – School of Graduate Studies (MHSM and MSc (Mgt)); Dhillon School of Business (all programs); Combined Degrees with Management; Honorary Degree: Fred Bradley

Graduands and platform guests will be assembling in ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall, Level 6, prior to each procession. Processions begin at 9:20 a.m. and 2:20 p.m.

For complete Spring 2023 Convocation information, as well as profile stories on a number of shining graduates, please visit: www.uleth.ca/convocation.

Leader in RNA and protein biophysics research earns ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge 2023 Speaker Research Award

trevor.kenney — Wed, 24 May 2023 17:10:31 +0000

A research leader in RNA and protein biophysics who regularly uses his expertise to engage in science outreach and communication activities, Dr. Trushar Patel has been named the 2023 winner of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Speaker Research Award.

Patel’s research on how RNA interacts with proteins and how proteins interact with other proteins, has made a substantial contribution to the overarching goal of uncovering events at the heart of diseases such as viral infections, covering everything from Hepatitis B to COVID-19.

Dr. Trushar Patel has made a substantial contribution to the overarching goal of uncovering events at the heart of diseases such as viral infections.

“The quality and impact of work from Dr. Patel since arriving at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is exceptional. He consistently demonstrates leadership in his field of study, as evidenced by the many awards with which he has been recognized and peer reviewed publications he and his team have produced,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge vice-president (research). “In addition to the valuable research his lab undertakes, Trushar continues to utilize his expertise as an engaging science and policy communicator and champion of outreach initiatives that inspire the next generation of scientists. He’s richly deserving of this award.”

The Speaker Research Award recognizes the importance of research, scholarship and performance to the philosophy and goals of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Patel will be presented with the Speaker Research Award at Spring 2023 Convocation, Ceremony I, on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 9:30 a.m. in the 1st Choice Savings Centre gymnasium.

Dr. Trushar Patel

Globally, viral infections and associated cancers are responsible for millions of deaths and impose a severe financial burden on health-care systems. Dr. Trushar Patel, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, heads a multidisciplinary program aimed at providing critical insight into the host protein-viral nucleic acid interactions that are of fundamental importance for viral replication.

Patel came to ULethbridge in 2016 as an independent researcher and earned a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in RNA and Protein Biophysics in November 2017, which was subsequently renewed in 2022. Patel graduated with BSc (2000) and MSc (2002) degrees in biotechnology from India. He joined the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Nottingham in the United Kingdom for his PhD (2007) and later worked at the Universities of Manitoba and Birmingham.

Patel’s lab, based out of the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute, has earned extensive funding support as it investigates a variety of viral diseases covering everything from Hepatitis B to COVID-19. His research program has attracted over $8.5 million from provincial, federal and international funding agencies since joining ULethbridge.

The calibre of Patel’s research as a leader in RNA & Protein Biophysics is demonstrated by his early career productivity. He has published 86 peer-reviewed articles in top-tiered international journals, with 23 as the first author and 42 as a senior author, as well as 34 editorials.

Patel has demonstrated scientific leadership and excellence in community engagement. He is co-director of DiscoveryLab, which links companies and investors. He was a participant in the first Science Meets Parliament program, which unites scientists, members of Parliament and senators to discuss science and science policy, and he has played a key role in organizing subsequent meetings. He was co-Chair of the EDI committee for the Canadian Society for Virology. He is an executive member of the Biophysical Society of Canada (BSC), Chair of the Communications and Publications Committee and Councillor at the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences (CSMB), and an incoming Chair of the Early Careers Committee of the Biophysical Society (USA).

Patel lent his experience as an informed voice throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and, for his work as a key member of the Return to Campus Committee, was awarded the 2022 ULethbridge Volunteer Award. He has also been recognized with the 2022 BSC Young Investigator Award, the 2022 New Investigator Award from CSMB and the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. In 2022, he was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

UNews - Trushar Patel

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