UNews - Lisa Starr

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers to collaborate on projects funded by Partnership Grants

caroline.zentner — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:59:54 +0000

Several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers are collaborating on recently announced projects funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Partnership Grants.

“ULethbridge researchers involved in these projects are contributing their expertise to studies that have an impact across Canada and around the world,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, ULethbridge vice-president research. “Many research projects have an increasingly broad scope and depend on collaborations with researchers at other universities in Canada and abroad. These collaborations transform individual insight into collective knowledge and generate discoveries that a single researcher might not uncover alone.”

Dr. Lisa Starr, dean of the Faculty of Education, and Dr. Kaylan Schwarz, a professor in the School of Liberal Education, are involved in a project called TRANSFORM: Engaging with Young People for Social Change. The project is supported by a $2.5-million Partnership Grant from SSHRC and over $3 million in in-kind and cash contributions from partner universities and organizations.

The project is led by Dr. Claudia Mitchell from McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. The researchers will study how young people are pivotal agents of change in gender equality, particularly through visual arts. Using diverse art forms, such as photography, filmmaking, cellphilming (video shot on a cellphone or tablet camera), performance art and textile production, the TRANSFORM project will empower and champion youth-led agendas for transforming gender norms and inequalities. The study has field sites in Africa, South America and India.

Dr. Olu Awosoga, a Faculty of Health Sciences professor with expertise in quantitative research methods, is a co-applicant on a $2.5 million SSHRC Partnership Grant to improve the well-being of Black children and youth in Canada. The project is led by Dr. Bukola Salami at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary. The project focuses on experiences with the justice system, the education system, the child welfare system and immigration and settlement. Researchers will conduct a national survey focusing on Black children and youth in Canada — the first of its kind — to gather data on the lived experiences of Black youth.

Dr. Leroy Little Bear (BASc (BA’71), DASc ’04), vice-provost of Iniskim Indigenous Relations, is collaborating on a project led by Dr. Shalene Jobin of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta. The Critical Approaches to Indigenous Relationality project is supported by a $2.5-million Partnership Grant.

A further project funded by a Partnership Grant and involving ULethbridge researchers is the already announced Gatherings: Archival and Oral Histories of Performance project.

In addition, Dr. Kara Granzow, a sociology professor, is a co-applicant on a SSHRC program called the Reconciliation Network in Response to Call to Action 65 led by Dr. Vanessa Watts at McMaster ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. This joint initiative between the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation and SSHRC supports the establishment of a national research program to advance the collective understanding of reconciliation. The project Re-Neighbouring as Reconciliation: Indigenous Stories of Resistance was awarded more than $975,000 over five years.

2023 Highlights

caroline.zentner — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 17:50:00 +0000

An eventful 2023 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is rapidly coming to a close, and as is tradition here at UNews, we like to take this time to look back at all that took place over the last 12 months.

It always surprises us how much activity our students and employees are involved in and the incredible contributions we collectivaly make to our southern Alberta community and far beyond. From philanthropic and volunteer activities to breaking research boundaries, energizing our cultural and athletic scenes and disseminating new knowledge, ULethbridge makes a tangible difference in the world every single day. And the most exciting thing is, there's always more to come.

Join us over the coming days as we share 10 stories we thought resonated with our communities and highlighted some of the many ways ULethbridge continues to benefit society. Of course, these stories just scratch the surface, and we urge you to browse through UNews as well as our ULethbridge Stories site to read about the amazing people who make the ULethbridge experience truly unique.

Posing with Luxie from left to right are Drs. Harold Jansen, Lisa Starr, Digvir Jayas, Jon Doan, Michelle Helstein and Heather Davis-Fisch.

New President & Vice-Chancellor and new senior leaders at ULethbridge

Announcing and introducing Dr. Digvir Jayas as ULethbridge’s seventh President and Vice-Chancellor, followed by his installation in the fall, was historical for ULethbridge and the broader southern Alberta community. Dr. Jayas’s introduction was also representative of a year of massive change at ULethbridge that saw a significant infusion of new perspectives across the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Among the new senior leaders introduced this year were Terry Whitehead (BA ’94), Chancellor; Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost & Vice-President, Academic; Dr. Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts; Dr. Jon Doan (PhD ’06), Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences; Dr. Harold Jansen, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Librarian, Dean, School of Liberal Education; and Dr. Lisa Starr, Dean, Faculty of Education. With new leaders and a new comprehensive strategic plan in progress, the future is bright and full of promise.

ULethbridge joining provincial partners to join Quantum Horizons Alberta research network

In June, a partnership between ULethbridge, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary was announced as we combined to form Quantum Horizons Alberta (QHA). A new $25-million Alberta-wide program, it is an initiative to expand our foundational knowledge of quantum science and pursue transformational research into the potentials of quantum physics. QHA brings together world-class scientists to deepen our understanding and unlock the mysteries of quantum mechanics, where the rules of classical physics do not apply. ULethbridge was already involved in quantum and this announcement further expanded our research capacity — an indication that our university, once again, is home to some of the most advanced research in the world.

Jason VandenHoek, left, and Kurt Schlachter at the ULethbridge Pride Flag Raising Ceremony.

Alumni donors establish first-of-its-kind endowment fund to support 2SLGBTQ+ students

ULethbridge prides itself on having created a welcoming and inclusive campus environment and an early summer announcement epitomized that commitment. A pair of alumni, Kurt Schlachter (BSc ’00) and Jason VandenHoek (BMgt ’05) established the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Fund. Announced during ULethbridge’s Progress Pride flag raising ceremony, the $200,000 endowment fund supports a suite of awards aimed at reducing barriers for 2SLGBTQ+ students. For VandenHoek and Schlachter, the power of representation is critical to building confidence on the pathway to success, especially for 2SLGBTQ+ students. The first award from the VandenHoek Schlachter Pride Fund will be presented in June 2024.

ULethbridge President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mike Mahon signs the historic Buffalo Treaty.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge becomes first post-secondary school to sign on as supporter of Buffalo Treaty

What began as conversations between a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge graduate student and Blackfoot elders more than a decade ago came full circle in March when the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ became the first post-secondary institution to sign on as a supporter of the historic Buffalo Treaty. A treaty of cooperation, renewal and restoration, it was born out of graduate research work Paulette Fox (MSc ’05) was conducting in environmental science. Her conversations with elders included the issue of the buffalo and its importance in Indigenous culture. The Buffalo Treaty was first signed on September 24, 2014, at the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana, to honour, recognize and revitalize the time immemorial relationship with buffalo. ULethbridge's commitment to continue fostering its relationship with the Blackfoot and all Indigenous Peoples is reflected in its support of this important treaty.

Kacie Bosch, left, and Paige Crozon, second from left, have joined forces with twins Katherine and Michelle Plouffe to form the world's top-ranked 3x3 women's basketball team.

Horns assistants Crozon, Bosch making most of 3x3 opportunity

Pronghorns fans will have a special rooting interest this summer when the Paris Olympics take place as they will likely be cheering on women's basketball assistant coaches Kacie Bosch (BA ’20) and Paige Crozon as they represent Canada in 3x3 women's basketball. Now, the duo still faces a do-or-die Olympic qualifying tournament in February but given the dominance of the Canadian team over the last two years, it seems a certainty they'll be on the courts in Paris this summer. Earlier this year, the duo, along with twins Michelle and Katherine Plouffe, secured their second straight FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series Final title — this time in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. In early December, the group won bronze at another tune-up event, the AmeriCup, in Puerto Rico. Go Canada go!

Marshall Vielle

Yisstsiiyi production a historic first for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

Marshall Vielle (BFA - Dramatic Arts ’17) made history earlier this year when they joined forces with fellow Making Treaty 7 members Caleigh Crow and Neil Fleming to bring the institution’s first Indigenous-led and created production to the stage — Yisstsiiyi. The production is a collaboration between Marshall, Caleigh and Neil, as well as ULethbridge students and community members, focusing on Blackfoot storytelling and the importance of listening to each other. It ran Nov. 6-10 in the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre and told the story of Sky Woman and the creation of Turtle Island. While it may have been the first Indigenous-led creation, it surely will inspire many more in the future.

Gregory Robinson

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge grad student sees a world of possibilities in mushrooms

Innovation in research is found throughout ULethbridge and encompasses a breadth of activity. One research piece that created quite a stir was work being done by Gregory Robinson, a PhD candidate and entrepreneur. Robinson launched his psychedelic pharmaceutical research and development company, Mycos Biotech, a year ago after seeing much promise in developing techniques to make extracts from mushrooms. Working with Dr. Igor Kovalchuk inn the department of Biological Sciences, Robinson says mushroom extracts can be helpful in fighting inflammation, maintaining cardiovascular health, promoting sleep and regulating blood glucose levels. He is looking to develop processes and techniques that provide both consistency and a high quantity of metabolites in mushrooms and then sell those techniques to mushroom producers.

Proactive approach to student mental health at the heart of R.E.C. Room initiative

A student with a healthy and positive state of mind is more likely to be engaged, successful and flourishing. With that in mind, ULethbridge launched a new strategy to enhance student mental health with the introduction of the R.E.C. Room — multi-site campus hubs designed to invite students to step away from the stress of study and research to relax their minds and connect with one another. Launched in January, the "rooms" include everything from a giant chessboard, to Jenga, puzzles and table tennis tables. The R.E.C. Rooms (an acronym for refresh, energize, connect) have proven to be immensely popular and are almost always busy, proving once again that the student-first approach continues to make the ULethbridge experience unique.

The IGBM is the first diploma in the country that focuses on both Indigenous business and governance.

Dhillon School of Business launches new diploma in Indigenous governance and business management

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ continued to forge ahead and lead the post-secondary sector in preparing students for a world where Indigenous perspectives must be incorporated in all levels of business and management. In June, ULethbridge introduced the Indigenous Governance and Business Management (IGBM) diploma, one of only a small few Indigenous business diplomas in Canada, as well as the first diploma in the country that focuses on both Indigenous business and governance. It will give students an Indigenous perspective on business management, community development, governance and entrepreneurship, and was created because of the significant market demand in Canada for graduates with a solid understanding of Indigenous economic and cultural issues who also possess a strong business foundation.

Lindsey Kapitzke was one of many alumni who had a hand in the making of The Last of Us.

Alumna Lindsey Kapitzke helps The Last of Us characters dress the part

An HBO hit series that turned into an Alberta cultural phenomenon had a distinctly ULethbridge presence and we were lucky enough to tell the story of Lindsay Kapitzke's (BFA - Dramatic Arts '15) contributions to the show The Last of Us. Touted as the largest television production in Canadian history, The Last of Us generated $141 million in revenue for the province of Alberta. Kapitzke, who has been working in the film industry since 2019, served as a costume buyer for the massive production, sourcing costume materials and working with costume designers to bring their vision to life. She was one of many ULethbridge alums who worked for the production — just another example of how our students are ready to contribute to any of a thousand industries when they embark on their careers.

Faculty of Education welcomes experienced educator Dr. Lisa Starr as new dean

trevor.kenney — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 14:55:21 +0000

Respected researcher and academic leader Dr. Lisa Starr has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Education, bringing extensive experience as an educator across Canada and internationally to her new role at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Dr. Lisa Starr joins ULethbridge after nearly a decade at McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Montreal.

Starr joins ULethbridge after nearly a decade at McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, most recently serving as the Department Chair for Integrated Studies in Education within McGill’s Faculty of Education. Her experience in post-secondary education also extends to the west coast, where she worked within the Faculty of Education and earned her PhD in Curriculum and Instruction (Education) at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria.

“I am excited to begin my mandate as dean for the Faculty of Education and to be part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge community,” says Starr. “I am also delighted to return to the prairies with perspective gleaned from working across Canada and worldwide.”

The prairie homecoming for Starr comes 30 years after completing a Bachelor of Education at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Regina. Her post-undergraduate K-12 work experience then took her to British Columbia and eventually abroad, where she lived and worked in Pakistan, Kuwait and Mongolia from 2001 to 2008.

“My time overseas was a significant period of personal and professional growth that directly contributed to my approach as a leader,” says Starr. “I place great value in the perspectives of others and considering voices that are less typically heard in our decision making.”

Backed by an impressive resume of research spanning the last decade, Starr is currently the principal investigator for two Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded projects, with the first engaging in educational reform in three Quebec high schools, and the second examining how pedagogical strategies can be implemented to address sexual and gender-based violence in teacher training colleges in Mozambique.

Her background also includes training teacher educators in cross-curricular learning, techniques for classroom assessment and educational leadership, and she is a past president of the Canadian Association for the Study of Women and Education (CASWE).

“Dr. Starr is a well-respected academic leader who will bring a wealth of experience to her new role as dean,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “The Faculty of Education’s emphasis on field experience and research-based best practice continues to produce the most sought-after teachers in the industry, and her proven track record as a relationship builder and forward thinker will be a great asset to the Faculty.”

Starr’s placement is one of four new dean appointments that will be filled this year, in addition to the recent announcements of Dr. Digvir Jayas as president and vice-chancellor and alumnus Terry Whitehead as chancellor.

Dr. Starr will officially begin her role as dean on July 1, 2023.

UNews - Lisa Starr

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers to collaborate on projects funded by Partnership Grants

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers to collaborate on projects funded by Partnership Grants