UNews - Jon Doan

Student-focused Faculty of Health Sciences instructor receives Inclusive Education Certificate

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 16:56:49 +0000

Keltie Hamilton (BHSc ’20), an instructor in the Public Health program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Inclusive Education Certificate of Recognition.

Keltie Hamilton teaches Public Health in the Faculty of Health Sciences.

ULethbridge’s Accessible Learning Centre established the award to acknowledge instructors who foster inclusive and accessible learning environments. Students nominate instructors for the award and the final selection is made by a committee representing the Accessible Learning Centre and the Teaching Centre.

“We are extremely pleased to present the Inclusive Education Certificate to Keltie,” says Dawn Vickers, manager of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Accessible Learning Centre. “Keltie draws upon universal design principles to model and promote student learning, personal development and academic success. She initiates opportunities to connect with peers and is eager to expand her knowledge and skills to support students with specific concerns. Students have told me that she facilitates inclusive and welcoming environments that foster positive engagement both within their course and with peers.”

Faculty of Health Sciences Dean, Dr. Jon Doan, Accessible Learning Centre Manager, Dawn Vickers, Keltie Hamilton, Vice-Provost (Students), Kathleen Massey and Executive Director, Student Services, Mark Slomp.

“I’m honoured to have been nominated by students for this award,” says Hamilton. “I work really hard to be accessible to my students. I’m a young new instructor so I try to incorporate a lot of feedback, and I work closely with the Teaching Centre. It’s nice to hear the hard work is paying off and students are noticing. I understand how students might feel about certain deadlines or times of the year.”

“She does so much in class to help her students learn better. She is understanding,” wrote one student.

“This instructor formats her class to best support her students. Professor Hamilton is very understanding and accommodating,” wrote another student. “As long as you communicate to her what is going on, she is willing to work with you and figure out a plan to complete assignments or adapt assignments to your needs. I have never met a professor who is so understanding and who always has her students’ best interests at heart.”

Dr. Julia Brassolotto appointed Associate Dean

caroline.zentner — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 16:01:25 +0000

Dr. Julia Brassolotto, an Associate Professor in the Public Health program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, has been appointed Associate Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences. She assumed her new role on July 1, 2024.

Brassolotto earned her undergraduate degree at McMaster ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and moved to York ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to complete her master’s and a PhD in Health Policy and Equity.

She joined the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2016 and was appointed the Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions (AIHS) Research Chair in Healthy Futures and Well-being in Rural Settings. Broadly, Brassolotto’s research looks at issues related to aging and dying. Her research has examined long-term care in rural Alberta, sexual expression in continuing care homes, age-friendly communities and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) in rural communities. Through a Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) grant, she and co-investigators from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto and Brock ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ are looking to develop and evaluate a toolkit designed to help support safe and healthy sexual expression for people living with dementia. Her Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) funded research continues to examine MAiD, with a focus on the discourse surrounding concepts of autonomy and vulnerability.

Most recently, Brassolotto has collaborated with Dr. Phil Bonnaventure in the geography department, two graduate students and the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization to create a digital interactive map of publicly accessible washrooms in the City of Lethbridge. This applied research project recognizes public washroom availability as a health-equity issue and an important component of an age-friendly community.

“I am thrilled to have Dr. Brassolotto accept the associate dean role for the Faculty of Health Sciences,” says Dr. Jon Doan (PhD ’06), Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “Julia brings a clarity and a vision to every project she works on, and her thoughtful and thorough approach and her capacity for clear and effective communication will be very welcome as our group continues to evaluate and evolve our academic programs and develop our next strategic plan. I look forward to working with Julia and our academic and support staff on the important opportunities and challenges that connect with Health Sciences and the health of our community and beyond.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge nursing students help establish a new wellness partnership

caroline.zentner — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 21:22:03 +0000

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge third-year nursing students helped create a partnership between Medical Mercy Canada and the Blood Tribe Department of Health as part of their community health initiative earlier this spring. Medical Mercy Canada provides medical supply donations, such as wound-care necessities and medical equipment, to various countries worldwide.

During their community health clinical rotation, the students were placed with the Blood Tribe Department of Health at the Lethbridge Wellness Shelter and Stabilization Unit.

Chloe Crosschild (BN ’14, MN ’19), assistant professor of nursing and a member of the Kainai Nation (Blood Tribe), encouraged her students to first build relationships with the guests at the wellness shelter. The students gradually got to know the guests and clients, asking about their needs and how they could help fill those needs.

ULethbridge nursing students help unload medical supplies donated by Medical Mercy Canada.

Students placed in the wellness shelter’s security section noticed that wound-care supplies were needed so they began searching for ways to procure bandages and gauze. They soon discovered Medical Mercy Canada, a Calgary-based non-religious, non-partisan, registered Canadian charity that provides supplies and services to people and communities in need, and reached out to Dr. Myron Semkuley, founder of Medical Mercy.

“The students quickly realized that their community health clinical placement was an opportunity to build bridges and create sustainable partnerships between the Lethbridge wellness shelter and community stakeholders,” said Crosschild. “This partnership would not have happened had the students not taken the leap to call Medical Mercy. They were able to see the long-term benefits of making those connections.”

The students arranged a partnership between the two organizations that will see monthly deliveries of supplies to the wellness shelter. In addition, Semkuley travelled to Lethbridge to meet with the students and Kash Shade (BN ’12, MHSM ’22), chief operations officer at the Blood Tribe Department of Health, visit the wellness shelter and bring a truckload of supplies like bandages, slippers, hand sanitizer, masks and walkers. The students shared their experiences and how the donations impacted the guests at the wellness shelter.

“I have never met you before, but I am already proud of you,” said Semkuley. “There is nobody better than people who look after people in need.”

Students in the rotation said they gained experience working in community health and learned much from the clients and guests staying at the wellness shelter.

“There is a lot of negative energy towards the wellness shelter, and I think people could have a lot more empathy and compassion if they were to put themselves in the shoes of the guests here,” said nursing student Denby Ettenhofer. “These are not bad people; they are just in bad situations and any one of us could be in the same situation. Knowing people care and are there and want to help makes a huge difference.”

A more detailed story is available at wellness partnership.

Faculty of Health Sciences honours former dean Dr. Chris Hosgood

caroline.zentner — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:43:21 +0000

The Faculty of Health Sciences at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has chosen former dean Dr. Chris Hosgood as this year’s recipient of the Friend of Health Sciences Award, an award he instituted during his time as dean.

“We are so pleased to honour Chris with the Friend of Health Sciences Award,” says Dr. Jon Doan, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “His hard work, dedication and leadership skills enabled the growth of Health Sciences and the development of unique programming. He has left a significant and invaluable legacy that deserves to be celebrated.”

“I was a little embarrassed when I learned I was to be named this year’s recipient because I was the person who started the award,” says Hosgood. “But I have to be honest — it felt really good because being Dean of Health Sciences was something that meant a great deal to me.”

Hosgood, who was born in the United Kingdom and moved to Canada as a child, joined ULethbridge’s history department in 1988 with a specialty in British history. After teaching for a decade, he moved into the administrative arena and worked as associate dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science. From there, Hosgood was asked to step in as interim dean in the School of Health Sciences and was appointed dean in 2005.

At that time, the School of Health Sciences was focused on the nursing program, which had recently partnered with Lethbridge College on the delivery of the Bachelor of Nursing. The addictions counselling program was a new addition. Under Hosgood’s leadership, the school became the Faculty of Health Sciences and programming expanded to include a Bachelor of Nursing After-Degree program, a Master of Nursing, Public Health, Aboriginal Health, Master of Science, Master of Health Services Management and a PhD in Population Studies in Health. Student enrolment more than doubled and additional faculty members were needed. More recently, the Therapeutic Recreation program was added. The program has proven to be popular and high demand led the Faculty to double the number of online seats in 2023.

“There are all sorts of different ways to be a dean, but for me, it was about talking to people,” he says. “We always had healthy discussions at Faculty Council, which helped bring people together. In Health Sciences, we tried to create a kind of culture where everyone had a say. I think there was an environment where people felt able to speak their minds in a respectful way. I believe very strongly in collegial governance.”

“A great dean stands out as a colleague through a blend of interpersonal skills, collaboration, and positive workplace culture contributions,” says Debra Bardock, Dean, Centre for Health and Wellness at Lethbridge College. “Dr. Chris Hosgood — thank you for being this great dean!”

Hosgood will be honoured at the Friends of Health Sciences Dinner on Thursday, May 23, at 5:30 p.m. in the Science Commons Atrium. Tickets can be purchased online.

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.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge celebrates International Clinical Trials Day

caroline.zentner — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:55:25 +0000

Back in 1747, James Lind, a surgeon, started a clinical trial with sailors sick with scurvy aboard a Royal Navy ship. He gave them a variety of dietary supplements and saw a remarkable recovery in those who were treated with citrus fruits. Lind’s work not only saved the lives of sailors, but laid the foundation for modern clinical trials.

Today, clinical trials — a type of clinical research that involves voluntary human participants or their blood and tissues — involve interventions such as treatments, procedures, devices or changes to lifestyle. They are used to determine the safety and effectiveness of the intervention. International Clinical Trials Day on May 20 provides the opportunity to recognize the achievements of the clinical research community.

“Clinical trials are essential to the advancement of human health and well-being,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president research. “Clinical trials help us develop new treatments such as drugs and vaccines, as well as medical devices and procedures. ULethbridge researchers who conduct clinical trials help improve the quality of life for many people.”

While many pre-clinical research trials are conducted at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, many researchers work with human participants.

For example, Dr. Darren Christensen, a Faculty of Health Science professor with expertise in addictions, and a team of researchers are investigating the potential for naltrexone, a drug usually prescribed for people with alcohol or opioid abuse disorders, to treat disordered gambling.

“The results we gather in this study will give us important scientific evidence for an application to Health Canada to introduce the first regulated drug treatment for gambling disorders,” says Christensen.

Dr.Jon Doan and his team conduct research with people living with Parkinson Disease.

In the Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD ’06) and his team have long examined the ability of people living with Parkinson Disease (PD) to retain their skating skills.

“Paradoxically, many people living with PD maintain their skating skills,” says Doan. “A recent clinical trial from our lab combined an ice-skating intervention with stickhandling a hockey puck or ringette ring and found that people living with PD had significantly improved functions in their upper extremities with the intervention.”

Dr. Bonnie Lee, a professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Addiction Studies program, conducted a clinical trial in the provincial health system using Congruence Couple Therapy (CCT), a counselling model that treats the person with addiction and their partner together rather than separately. The results showed that CCT produces significantly better outcomes for clients with alcohol and gambling problems compared to individual treatment.

In the Department of Neuroscience, Dr. Robbin Gibb (BASc (BSc '77, MSc '01, PhD '04)and her team developed the Building Brains Together program to promote play-based activities for children and enhance adult capability around child development. The goal of the program is to improve executive function (EF) and resilience in both children and their families. Originally targeted at preschoolers, the team has recently developed an EF skill-building play program for adolescents that is now being tested in Lethbridge classrooms.

Chase Petruska, second row right, established the Lethbridge Powersoccer Program as a way to help relieve stress for individuals with physical disabilities.

Also in neuroscience, Chase Petruska, a student in Dr. Gerlinde Metz’s lab, is working with individuals with physical disabilities to better understand their personal stresses and mental well-being. This research aims to find areas where individuals with physical disabilities lack proper support and attempt to build resilience via a powerchair soccer intervention.

These are just a few of the many activities where ULethbridge researchers are using clinical trials to make important advances in their fields of study, enhancing the health and well-being of society.

Anyone interested in learning more about clinical trials can visit the Alberta Clinical Research Consortium or Be the Cure.

The Office of Research and Innovation Services also supports the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s research community in the pursuit of external grants and funding and helps them conduct their work with the highest academic, scientific and ethical standards.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge appoints Dr. Jon Doan as new dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences

trevor.kenney — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:08:31 +0000

Esteemed researcher, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD ’06), whose work has focused on improving the lives of those affected by disease and disability, has been appointed dean of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

Dr. Jon Doan has focused his academic and research activities on improving the lives of those affected by disease and disability.

Doan, who has worked primarily out of ULethbridge’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education since 2005, has advanced the study of sport-derived exercise programs and their neurotherapeutic benefit to Parkinson’s disease patients, led studies aimed at alleviating health and wellness concerns for care workers, and worked with industry to develop sustainable work practices through a participatory and proactive ergonomics approach, among others.

“I am excited to join the Faculty of Health Sciences. We are a collection of students, faculty and staff with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to a connected and collegial culture,” says Doan. “The efforts of the students and graduates from these programs and the faculty and staff who lead them touch countless people’s lives every day. It is an exciting opportunity and a great honour to lead a group that is ready to build from that long and strong foundation to create new community connections, explore new academic areas and continue to achieve valuable outcomes.”

Over the course of his research career, Doan’s work has been funded by national and provincial funding bodies such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, MITACS and more. His academic career began at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Guelph where he earned a Bachelor of Science in biological engineering. He then completed a Master of Science in biomechanics at Queen’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ before completing his PhD in neuroscience at ULethbridge.

Doan is a strong proponent of interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary teaching and research, combining work from his Engineering and Human Performance Lab with researchers in neuroscience, physics and astronomy and health sciences.

“Dr. Doan has spent much of his research career focusing on how to improve people’s lives,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “The impact of his work has been tangible and measurable on workers, caregivers and so many people affected by disease and disability. His demonstrated ability as a researcher and administrator will be a great asset to the Faculty of Health Sciences, whose faculty members have been bettering the lives of people through their activities for years.”

Faculty and students within health sciences have consistently been at the forefront of scholarship related to areas in public health, nursing, Indigenous health, addictions counselling and therapeutic recreation. Doan is excited to continue to enhance connections between the Faculty and the community.

“I think students and faculty in health sciences have made major contributions to their campus, their community, and throughout academic and professional practice, stemming from their hard work, dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. I look forward to working with these students and faculty to make an even better ULethbridge, concentrated on serving our community, our society, and the health science practice and research areas.”

This 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 Terry Whitehead as chancellor.

Dr. Doan will officially begin his role as dean on July 1, 2023.

Kinesiology student Leeza Voyevoda eager to experience all Semester at Sea program has to offer

trevor.kenney — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 16:06:56 +0000

Leeza Voyevoda has never been afraid to expand her comfort zone. That intrepid spirit gave her the confidence to leave her hometown university for what she hoped would be a better experience at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, and now, it has led her to an international educational opportunity as the Brawn Family Foundation scholarship recipient and the Semester at Sea student.

Leeza Voyevoda's excursion began in Dubai and will conclude in Germany.

“It was one of my co-workers who told me he was doing this exchange thing and how he was going to all these amazing countries and taking a semester of school,” says Voyevoda about being introduced to the program. “I literally went to my computer at work, looked it up and started applying 20 minutes later.”

Semester at Sea is just as it sounds — close to 600 students board a ship and set sail for a semester of learning in shipboard classrooms, through field experiences and service projects as they visit 11 countries and three continents over the course of 106 days. Voyevoda departed Dubai on January 5, 2023, and will conclude her semester by docking in Germany on April 20.

For the fourth-year kinesiology major, the excursion is the perfect ending to her post-secondary journey — one that started at ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary before she realized she needed a more personal experience.

“I felt like I needed to be able to make connections with my professors and after my first year at U of C, I heard some good things about the U of L, so I decided to give it a shot,” says Voyevoda. “Within my first few classes here, I was able to go up to a professor and have a conversation and that made a world of difference to me.”

Before long she was enrolled in independent study opportunities, working closely with her professors and getting hands-on experience. She gravitated to research studies with Dylan Brown and Drs. Scott Rathwell and Jon Doan, and now is considering a career working as an athletic therapist with high performance athletes. Before that though, she’s eyeing graduate school, and Semester at Sea may well help lay the foundation.

“I’ve always been travel-focused and after high school I was able to travel around the Baltics a little bit and visited Sweden and Russia,” she says, noting her family is originally from Russia. “I’ve always had the itch to travel and one of my big goals is to do my graduate school outside Canada. I love to explore and get different perspectives, opinions and world views, and I see this as a step towards that.”

She’ll take four courses over the semester, including a required global studies course and another — disability across the lifespan — that’s in the realm of kinesiology. But, having already completed all her core courses and electives at ULethbridge, she had the freedom to expand her interests and one such opportunity was to study art.

“I never had the time to take art before, but I’ve always loved it and if I hadn’t taken kinesiology, I’d have studied art. Whenever I travel, I go to museums and different art installations and now I get to do it as coursework in these amazing countries — I’m so lucky,” she says.

She’s especially enthused about the first few stops on the voyage, including ports in Kenya, where she’ll get a chance to go on safari, and India. She also recognizes how fortunate she is to be chosen as this year’s scholarship winner, noting it would be impossible for her to pay for a trip of this magnitude.

“I still can’t even comprehend it,” says Voyevoda. “I’m just so grateful to the Brawn family and how generous they are. This will quite literally change my life in the most amazing way possible.”

U of L researchers awarded more than $1.8 million in NSERC funding

caroline.zentner — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 16:47:48 +0000

Eleven ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers have been awarded Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Discovery Grants worth approximately $1.8 million, payable in instalments of anywhere from one to five years.

“��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researchers were very successful this year, with 11 out of 14 applications being awarded funding,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, U of L vice-president (Research). “This funding of almost $2 million demonstrates the calibre of research our scientists are engaged in and I congratulate each one of them.”

Dr. Gerlinde Metz, a neuroscience professor, received the U of L’s largest grant worth a total of $510,000. She and her research team will continue exploring early life stress and its effects on brain plasticity. They’ll examine how early life stress alters brain development, connections between neurons, and behaviour. They’ll also look at whether factors such as age and sex determine the response to early life stress and whether early life stress affects subsequent generations.

Dr. Theresa Burg, a biology professor, studies how the evolution of high-latitude species is linked to historical and present-day environmental changes. Examining how landscape features and past climate changes have shaped today’s populations can further the understanding of population dynamics and help predict how these species might respond to future climate change.

Dr. Dmytro Yevtushenko, a professor in the Department of Biology and Research Chair in Potato Science, was awarded an early career researcher supplement in addition to a Discovery Grant. Yevtushenko will conduct research into the natural defense mechanisms of potato plants. His work could lead to higher crop yields, less crop loss, increased food safety and could help point the way to improving disease resistance in other crops.

Dr. Borries Demeler, Canada 150 Research Chair and a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, is a leading biophysics scientist with expertise in analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC). AUC is used to analyze molecules in solution. He has established the Canadian Center for Hydrodynamics, which is equipped with three unique AUC instruments to accelerate biophysical research in Canada. He hopes to develop new analysis protocols and software tools that will benefit basic research in biochemistry, physics and material science.

Other U of L researchers who received grants include Dr. Jon Doan (kinesiology and physical education), Dr. Stewart Rood (biology), Dr. Lawrence Flanagan (biology), Dr. Anthony Russell (biology), Dr. Hadi Kharaghani (mathematics and computer science), Dr. Matthew Tata (neuroscience) and Dr. Saurya Das (physics and astronomy).

Skating therapy making significant difference for those living with Parkinson's disease

trevor.kenney — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 17:09:13 +0000

A ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge research group, led by Dr. Jon Doan (PhD '06), is taking a truly Canadian approach to developing symptom management strategies for people living with Parkinson’s disease – using skating and hockey stickhandling skills as forms of therapy.

Their preliminary results are encouraging enough to embark upon a host of parallel activities, including a biomechanically detailed comparison between skating and walking and the development of a skating exercise intervention tailored to people living with Parkinson’s disease.

Dr. Jon Doan uses skating, along with other hockey-related skills such as dynamic stickhandling tasks, as therapy for Parkinson's patients.

“When we tested people living with PD, we found that they skated safely and skillfully, at significantly greater velocity than their walking and with significantly bigger arm swing,” says Doan. “Most interestingly, when these patients did some walking locomotion after an episode of skating, they also walked significantly faster than they did before the skating session.”

Doan and his group then added more hockey-related activity to their study, having people complete dynamic stickhandling tasks. They then compared fine motor and gross motor trials of subjects from before and after the tasks to track possible improvement. The discovered improvements in upper extremity motor performance following a period of exercise imply that sport-derived exercise programs may provide neurotherapeutic benefit to PD patients. Their findings have been presented at community patient-oriented events and international conferences, and were recently featured amongst the Hot Topics at the 3rd World Parkinson Congress in Montreal.

The study involves on-campus collaboration with Drs. Ian Whishaw (neuroscience), Lesley Brown (kinesiology & physical education), Claudia Steinke (health sciences) and Natalie de Bruin Nutley (kinesiology & physical education), and has been supported by the Emmy Droog Research Award and Alberta Innovates Health Solutions. A number of undergraduate students have also contributed to the research work that began after Doan and his colleagues saw a television spot with actor Michael J. Fox, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease.

“He did an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2009, during which he spent some time ice skating with Dr. Oz. He talked about how freeing he found the skating activity, so we decided to begin a pilot study to see if ice skating was safe and feasible amongst people living with PD, and to see how skating locomotion differed from walking locomotion,” says Doan.

The group is currently seeking further funding to test the utility of skating as vigorous exercise neurotherapy amongst Canadians living with early, mild or moderate PD. Reebok has agreed in principle to be in-kind partners on a grant proposal, wherein they would customize some of their BOA recreational skates (by featuring a more manipulable closure system and an embedded motion tracking/movement and music feedback system) for study participants.Specifically, the study proposes a 16-week program combining prescribed skating exercises with personally selected music.

“We’re particularly interested in the possible psychosocial benefits of exercise activity in an arena, which is the social epicentre of many Canadian communities, particularly for those patients who live in rural areas,” says Doan. “If we can get PD patients to the rink for therapy, it puts them in the hub of their community with strong potential to surround them with active family and friends.”

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