UNews - Faculty of Arts & Science

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge undergraduate leads study published in top-tier journal

caroline.zentner — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 17:32:51 +0000

A groundbreaking study led by ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge undergraduate Sophia Bird is advancing vaccine development while highlighting the national importance of the Canadian Center for Hydrodynamics, which offers access to analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC).

The study, High-Resolution Characterization of Protein-Conjugated, mRNA-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles by Analytical Ultracentrifugation, was recently published in Advanced Functional Materials, a leading journal in the field.

Sophia Bird

Pharmaceutical companies use the AUC to assess the purity of their vaccine formulations during development. Bird and the research team, working under the supervision of Dr. Borries Demeler, developed a new technique to measure the purity. Purity is critical in vaccine development because contaminants can reduce effectiveness or trigger unwanted immune responses.

“The method and software we created to analyze the data are really novel because they can identify contaminants that other methods were unable to detect,” she says. “This ultimately helps pharmaceutical companies and researchers create pure vaccine products.”

“The success of this research reflects a powerful convergence of student excellence, unique infrastructure and strong industry collaboration,” says Demeler, professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. “At its core is the exceptional academic ability, biophysical research skill and dedication of our students — exemplified by Sophia — who work at a level comparable to researchers at much larger institutions while tackling critical challenges in biomedicine.”

The achievement was made possible with the support of AUC Solutions, ULethbridge and a MITACS grant.

“It’s an incredible experience as an undergraduate student to become a first author on a paper, especially in such a prestigious journal,” says Bird, a fourth-year biochemistry student. “Being a first author means that I had a significant role in designing the experiment, writing the paper and collecting and analyzing the results. I had the opportunity to collaborate with a lot of great people who helped me understand the system, improve my research and interpret the results.”

Being first author on a research paper will help Bird with applications to graduate school and show future employers that she’s capable of leading a research investigation and collaborating with scientists at other institutions. In Bird’s case, it has also helped her land a six-month internship with Roche, a health-care biotech company, at their facility in Penzberg, Germany.

“I have the opportunity to go there and work in their gene therapy department and teach them some of the AUC techniques I use here and work in tandem with their researchers who are developing new vaccines,” she says.

Bird’s path to this achievement began in high school through iGEM, where Dr. Laura Keffer-Wilkes introduced her to wet lab research. Since then, she has completed multiple independent studies, worked with international collaborators, attended conferences and workshops, and even spent a semester at a research lab in Christchurch, New Zealand. Following her internship at Roche, Bird is looking at graduate studies.

For Bird, the publication marks both a milestone and a beginning. As she prepares for her next steps, her work stands as a reminder of what young scientists can achieve when curiosity meets opportunity — and of the vital role ULethbridge plays in nurturing that potential.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge researcher to examine how social instability affects patients with Alzheimer's disease

caroline.zentner — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 18:26:09 +0000

For most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, moving into a care facility becomes necessary at some point. Such a big change disrupts all aspects of a patient’s life, including their social life.

Dr. Jackson Ham

These changes to their social network have been associated with increased cognitive decline and memory loss; however, the reasons for this association are not well understood.

Dr. Jackson Ham (BSc ’19, MSc ’21, PhD ’25), a postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Rob McDonald’s lab at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, has received $150,000 in funding from the Alzheimer Society of Canada to learn more about the association between cognitive decline and disruption to someone’s social network.

Using a mouse model, Ham seeks to understand what’s happening to neurons inside the brain when the social group is stable and when it’s unstable, and how that affects mood and behaviour.

“Mood changes and feeling anxious or depressed are often reported when people with Alzheimer’s or dementia move into a care facility,” says Ham. “That’s definitely one of the things we’re going to be investigating.”

To simulate social network disruption, aged mice and mouse models of dementia will be kept in either stable or unstable social groups. Mice in the unstable groups will be housed with new cage mates every three days, while mice in the stable groups will stay with the same cage mates.

Ham will test the memory, cognition and emotional regulation of both groups in real time to see what’s happening in the brain.

“This research will increase our understanding of the neural processes underlying cognitive decline and memory loss associated with social behaviours, but could also inform policy,” he says. “Humans are fundamentally social beings, and understanding the importance of the social network for those with dementia could help us optimize the care facility environment to slow the progression of the disease.”

Apart from moving into a care facility, changes in a social network often happen naturally as people age. One’s spouse may pass away, or one can no longer drive, or longtime friends move or pass away. Knowing how these experiences can change mood, behaviour, and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease could ultimately lead to better treatments and programs. The research is becoming increasingly relevant as cases of dementia in Canada are projected to be around one million by 2030.

The study is underway, and Ham expects to have results by early 2027.

Upcoming PUBlic Professor Series talk to focus on relationship between mind and movement

trevor.kenney — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 21:05:04 +0000

We often picture the brain as a powerful computer built for thinking, reasoning and solving problems. But the brain did not evolve for abstract thought; it evolved for action. Long before language, logic or executive function, our ancestors had to reach, grasp and navigate through a complex world. The same brain systems that control our hands and movements also shape how we perceive, learn and solve problems.

Dr. Claudia Gonzalez examines how the body shapes the mind.

Dr. Claudia Gonzalez will explore the relationship between the mind and movement when she presents, From Action to Cognition: How the Body Shapes the Mind, as part of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s PUBlic Professor Series on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Owl Acoustic Lounge.

“Every day, we’re remembering things, making decisions and navigating busy spaces. But what if the way you pick up a coffee cup, search for your keys, or build something with your hands could tell us how we think and solve problems?” asks Gonzalez.

Her research explains how everyday movements (reaching, grasping, building and exploring objects) reveal how cognitive skills like language, spatial thinking and executive function work and interact. She says that patterns of hand use, and their variations across age and sex, shed light on how each hemisphere of the brain supports different cognitive abilities.

“From children learning through play, to adults solving complex problems, to older adults maintaining independence, manual interactions with the environment give us a powerful window into how cognitive skills develop and adapt, and how we can help maintain them across the lifespan.”

Born and raised in Mexico City, Gonzalez was fascinated about why people behave the way they do, and it led her to studying psychology at the National Autonomous ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Mexico. As her questions deepened, she realized that to truly understand behaviour, she needed to understand the brain. That search brought her to Canada, where she completed her master’s and PhD in neuroscience at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and later trained in cognitive neuroscience at Western ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

Today, Gonzalez is a professor and Board of Governors Research Chair and former Canada Research Chair at ULethbridge. In her Brain in Action Laboratory, she combines psychology, neuroscience and kinesiology to study how the brain links perception and action, and how basic behaviours like reaching and grasping shape cognitive functions such as language, spatial ability and executive function.

The 2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series is made possible thanks to: The 2025 PUBlic Professor Series has been generously supported by the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Senate, Knud Petersen, Dr. Dennis Connolly (LLD ’17), Dave and Kathy Greenwood, Dr. Michelle Helstein, Dr. Digvir and Manju Jayas, Deborah Lucas, and Dr. Dena McMartin.

The annual PUBlic Professor Series lectures spark thought-provoking discussions on the most relevant topics of the day, bringing together a diverse group of experts and researchers from across campus and into the community. Every talk is free of charge. For a look at the full series, visit ulethbridge.ca/research/public-professor.

2025-26 PUBlic Professor Series (remaining schedule)

From Action to Cognition: How the Body Shapes the Mind — Dr. Claudia Gonzalez, Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026 — The Owl Acoustic Lounge

Indigenous Childhood Stories Transform Worlds – Want Some? — Dr. Don McIntyre, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Legalized Gambling in Canada: Winners and Losers — Dr. Robert Williams — Thursday, March 26, 2026 — Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge

Dr. Robert Kossuth appointed Associate Dean

caroline.zentner — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 17:32:35 +0000

Dr. Rob Kossuth has been appointed Associate Dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science for a 3.5-year term.

Kossuth begins his new role immediately and will be responsible for several portfolios in the Faculty, including staffing and timetabling, Calgary Campus, communications, work-integrated learning and Indigenous Student Success.

“With his strong commitment to our students, colleagues and community and a wealth of institutional knowledge, Rob will make a valuable contribution as a member of the Dean’s Office team,” said Matt Letts, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science.

An Associate Professor, he has served as Co-chair of the Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education. He’s known for his excellent research and teaching as a sports historian and his thoughtful leadership in the kinesiology and physical education department. He's also known for his coaching with the Pronghorns and service to the ULethbridge Faculty Association.

“I appreciate the confidence colleagues and the administration have shown by appointing me, and I am excited to continue contributing to the Faculty and ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in this new role,” says Kossuth.

Kossuth obtained a BA in Physical Education in 1994 at Wilfrid Laurier ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, a Master of Human Kinetics in 1996 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Windsor and a PhD in Health Sciences – Kinesiology in 2002 at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Western Ontario.

He joined ULethbridge in 2002 after serving as a lecturer and instructor at McMaster ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and his alma maters.

Canadian association established to examine philosophical principles of AI growth

trevor.kenney — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:29:43 +0000

As artificial intelligence and its influence on society continues to advance at breakneck speed, the call for regulatory action is intensifying. While the federal government continues to make headway on a Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy focused on commercialization, standards, and talent, scholars from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ are poised to fulfill another knowledge gap.

Dr. Nicholas Dunn is co-founder of the Canadian Association for the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence (CAPAI).

Drs. Nicholas Dunn (ULethbridge) and Martina Orlandi (Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ) have launched the first and only Canadian Association for the Philosophy of Artificial Intelligence (CAPAI) to address a longstanding chasm in Canada’s AI landscape: a coordinated, national forum for philosophers working on artificial intelligence.

“AI is accelerating faster than institutions and policies can keep up, and philosophers have an important role to play in helping articulate the values and principles that should guide how these technologies are designed and deployed. Without that clarity, we risk allowing innovation to outpace reflection,” says Dunn, a co-founder of CAPAI and assistant professor of philosophy at ULethbridge.

“While Canada has strong communities of researchers working on AI from technical and policy perspectives, there was no dedicated space for philosophers of AI to connect,” adds Orlandi, CAPAI co-founder and an assistant professor in the new AI degree programs at Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA). “Networking and collaboration that once happened in isolation can now take place in a more organized, systematic and efficient way.”

CAPAI brings together scholars and their work examining both foundational questions, such as the nature of intelligence, cognition and decision-making, and urgent ethical and social concerns, including AI’s impact on labour, health care, bias, surveillance and democracy.

While much of the interest in AI applications has been focused on efficiency and automation, both scholars emphasize that the increase in AI adoption and the ways platforms are being used are raising deeper questions about human identity and well-being. Researchers are increasingly focused more on how AI is implemented in the social sphere.

“Our jobs, our struggles, and our decision-making are deeply tied to how we understand ourselves. As AI systems begin to replace or reshape these activities, we’re forced to ask whether a life made easier by technology is necessarily a more fulfilling one,” says Orlandi. “When we see people using AI chats as therapists or entering into relationships with AI personas, what does that say about our well-being today and do we fully understand the consequences of those interactions?”

Since launching earlier this fall, CAPAI has 14 members and has introduced a national website and online speaker series, with plans for in-person meetings and public engagement. The association also aims to make Canadian research in the philosophy of AI more accessible to students, policymakers and the broader public through its website, ensuring philosophical insight becomes a foundational part of Canada’s AI conversation rather than an afterthought.

ULethbridge master's student initiates study on youth ADHD experiences in sport

trevor.kenney — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 17:17:43 +0000

Participants sought to take part in study

A new study by a ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge master’s student seeks to broaden the understanding of how the presence of youth diagnosed with ADHD are perceived and addressed in team sport environments. Results are intended to add to the scant literature on the subject and open conversations around supporting neurodiverse individuals, their teammates and coaches to create positive sport experiences.

Master's student Justine Cotnoir has used sport as a valuable tool in regulating her ADHD.

Justine Cotnoir is leading the project through a personal lens. She was diagnosed with ADHD when she was just six years old and found sport as a means of regulation that has allowed her to thrive in other aspects of her life.

“I was very lucky to get diagnosed early in life and to be diagnosed by a neuropsychologist who really had the tools to give my family information about what my specific challenges were,” says Cotnoir, who participated in ultimate frisbee and competitive swimming as a youth. “Sport was really important for me. I would struggle to focus or manage my time, and it was hard for me to sit down and devote an hour to homework. When I had frisbee practice, it regulated my whole day, and my schedule would be built around it. After that dopamine boost of physical activity, I was able to sit down for longer periods of time and focus on my schoolwork.”

Originally from Sherbrooke, Que., Cotnoir earned a Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Bishop’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. As an undergraduate student, she wrote an honours thesis examining the prevalence of ADHD athletes competing in university sport, as well as novel research on how having ADHD might be advantageous in certain contexts — such as sport.

Dr. Scott Rathwell (kinesiology) is the supervisor and co-investigator for the study.

ULethbridge kinesiology professor Dr. Scott Rathwell met Cotnoir at a research conference and was impressed with her work. Even though her research focus didn’t exactly align with his, he agreed to supervise her master’s studies.

“Most of my work has focused on adult sport participants (Masters athletes) and how we can optimize their environment to promote commitment and enhance/maintain performance as one ages,” says Rathwell. “I have always been interested in understanding what a quality experience is for athletes and how to optimize their experiences. Justine has just led me to shift that focus to athletes with ADHD.”

Cotnoir says that while sport experiences can be highly beneficial for those diagnosed with ADHD, there are some challenges for young athletes with ADHD, their teammates and coaches.

“Much of what I’ve heard has been people telling me they sometimes had problems where their symptoms presented in a sport setting. They were being misunderstood, or they were punished for talking too much or not listening. Some said they quit a sport or their parents took them out because they didn’t feel the coaches were meeting their needs just because they behaved differently,” says Cotnoir.

While there are studies that have some of these anecdotes, they are complementary to the focus of the work. Hers will focus solely on those experiences.

“I think one of the greatest strengths of this project is that it is being led by someone who understands both the science and the lived reality of ADHD in sport,” Rathwell says of Cotnoir. “Justine’s experience positions her to see things that others might miss, ask questions that truly matter, and design research that reflects the actual experiences of the end user in mind. I think having her as the lead improves our chances of publishing something that is empathetic, credible and genuinely impactful.”

Cotnoir aims to have a minimum of 300 people take the survey, which is open to any current or former athlete who has participated in competitive team sport between the ages of five to 17, as well as parents of children who currently or previously participated in a team sport and youth sport coaches. The broad cross section will give her a holistic view of the ADHD experience in sport. Following completion of the surveys, she will identify smaller groups for follow-up interviews that will serve as case studies. Those interested in taking part can follow this link: https://linktr.ee/_surveylinks_, and are eligible to win one of three $25 gift cards upon completion.

“I’d like to say we’re adding a piece to the puzzle in providing a better understanding of how ADHD is perceived and addressed in youth team sport environments,” says Cotnoir. “In the long term, maybe this will help shape future studies and lead to some practical ways to help those youth with ADHD who are participating in sport to have a positive and supportive experience as well as their coaches and parents.”

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student Sydney Whiting earns prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, will study at England’s Oxford ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

caroline.zentner — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:33:05 +0000

Sydney Whiting will set off on a new adventure at Oxford ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ next fall after learning she is a 2026 Rhodes Scholar. This prestigious scholarship is one of the world’s most competitive, with only 11 of the awards allocated to Canada and only three to the Prairie region.

Last weekend, Whiting was in Edmonton for her interview as a finalist and was driving back to Lethbridge on Sunday when she got the call.

“I was absolutely thrilled,” says Whiting, who is the fourth ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student in school history to receive the honour. “My family is so excited, and I’m so happy to share this with them, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the community at large, as well.”

Her supervisor, Dr. Lars Hallstrom, a political science professor and director of the Prentice Institute for Global Population and Economy, describes Whiting as an outstanding student who has taken advantage of all the opportunities and experiences available at ULethbridge.

“It has been a pleasure, if not an honour, to work with Sydney for these past few years, both in class and at the Prentice Institute,” says Hallstrom. “I am absolutely delighted that she has received this scholarship.”

ULethbridge president Dr. Digvir Jayas also extends his congratulations.

“We are immensely proud of Sydney for earning the Rhodes Scholarship,” says Jayas. “This achievement reflects not only her extraordinary intellect and leadership, but also her deep commitment to making a positive impact in the world. Her success is a testament to the values of curiosity, resilience and service that define our university community.”

As a high school student, Whiting’s interest in public policy was sparked by her social studies classes, the leadership program at Chinook High School and engagement with the Youth Climate Strikes and the former Climate Hub of Southern Alberta. Following her graduation, she enrolled at ULethbridge and began taking political science courses.

“I was lucky to settle into a program that I really felt could support the research I wanted to do and learn from experts here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” she says.

Over the last few years, Whiting has been engaged in a variety of climate and gender-based advocacy work. Through the Young Diplomats of Canada (YDC), she represented Canadians as part of the delegation to Y7 Summit, the youth advisory group to the G7, in Tokyo, Japan, and to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. She now volunteers with YDC as part of their youth-led Executive Team.

Additionally, during her time at ULethbridge Whiting worked on different political campaigns and at the Campus Collective Centre, a levy-funded student organization focused on gender and sexual health advocacy. She has also been involved in externally funded research projects as a research assistant at the Prentice Institute, including projects focused on rural social policy, immigration in rural communities, work-integrated learning through an eight-month MITACS internship, and populism and media studies. This past summer, Whiting completed her undergraduate honours thesis on the discursive functionality of sustainable development in corporate settings under the supervision of Hallstrom and Dr. Bronwyn Bragg.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to have published work with co-authors at the Prentice Institute and presented at conferences in Canada and abroad,” she says. “The investment that, in particular, Dr. Hallstrom and the Prentice Institute have made into my education has been phenomenal.”

She’ll finish the requirements for her degree in December and will continue working as a research associate at the Prentice Institute next year until the fall.

Whiting intends to apply to Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government for their public policy one plus one program. The two-year program will earn Whiting two degrees — a master of public policy and a master of science in public policy research.

Along with Whiting, the other Rhodes Scholars who attended ULethbridge include Cheryl Misak (1984), Blair McMurren (1998) and Russell Goodman (2001).

About the Rhodes Scholarship

The Rhodes Scholarship is a fully funded postgraduate scholarship to study at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Oxford. The scholarship is merit based, with the purpose of developing public-spirited leaders and promote international understanding and peace through an international community of scholars.

The scholarship covers course fees with an annual stipend to cover living costs.

The scholarship was established in 1902 through the will of Cecil Rhodes. One of the founding aims of the scholarship was to identify young leaders from around the world who, through the pursuit of education together at Oxford, would forge bonds of mutual understanding and fellowship for the betterment of mankind.

Can CBD help prevent cognitive decline in aging?

caroline.zentner — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 20:36:28 +0000

Neuroscientists at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge have gotten one step closer to a definitive answer in their research with mice.

Their study, Effects of cannabidiol (CBD) treatment on age-related cognitive decline in C57 mice, published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, has shown some promising results for certain types of cognitive functioning.

Drs. Rob McDonald (at left) and Behroo Mirza Agha are investigating the effects of CBD on the aging process in mice.

“There’s a lot of work to be done, but we’re very encouraged with this result,” says Dr. Rob McDonald, CCBN neuroscience professor and principal investigator on the study. “We need more studies; there are so many parameters that need to be worked out. And then, even when we get something that we’re very confident in, you have to go to humans and do double blind, randomized studies.”

Normal aging is associated with some cognitive decline, unlike Alzheimer’s disease where memory becomes increasingly impaired and cognitive abilities are lost. Lead researcher, Dr. Behroo Mirza Agha (BSc ’16, MSc ’18, PhD ’23), a postdoctoral fellow, and her team investigated the effects of CBD in the normal aging process of mice.

The research team took a group of ordinary mice and divided them into two groups when they reached 14 months of age (roughly equivalent to a human in their mid to late 40s). One group of mice received a daily dose (equivalent to a moderate amount) of CBD derived from Cannabis sativa obtained from ULethbridge biology professor Dr. Igor Kovalchuk’s lab. The control group received no CBD. The treatment continued daily for seven months.

Then both groups of mice were tested on several measures of functioning, including their ability to recognize a new object, walk on a balance beam, find a hidden platform in a pool of opaque water and remember in which of two environments they received a mild shock. These measures provided an indication of their object memory, motor function, emotional memory, spatial navigation and memory, which are linked to different networks in the brain, including ones centred on the perirhinal cortex, motor cortex, hippocampus and the amygdala.

“In the novel recognition task, both groups performed well; they could recognize the novel object,” says Mirza Agha. “However, when we did a one-month retention test, the mice in the CBD group could recognize the novel object, but mice in the control group didn’t.”

In the spatial navigation water task, both groups were slow to find the hidden platform in the pool during their seven training days. However, on the eighth day the CBD group found the platform faster than the control group. And when the platform was removed, the CBD group spent more time in the area where the platform had been located.

Both groups of mice performed equally well on the balance beam test, as well as remembering in which environment the shock was delivered and preferring the safe environment.

Researchers examined the brains of the mice for markers of inflammation, and they found the CBD group had less inflammation in the hippocampus, a central brain region crucial for spatial navigation and memory which has been shown to functionally deteriorate in aging and Alzheimer’s disease.

“Another take-home message from our study was that consumption of CBD for that long did not appear to have any negative effect on any of our animals,” says Mirza Agha. “However, it is important to note that not all potential effects were assessed like changes to internal organs and immune systems.”

The results clearly show that CBD improved long-term retention in the novel object recognition test and that it improved spatial memory consolidation. But does this mean that middle-aged people should start taking CBD? The researchers advise caution.

“This animal study doesn’t mean that now everybody should take CBD,” says Mirza Agha. “While it’s widely available, legal and affordable, we are now looking at its therapeutic potential and whether it’s safe to use widely as a medicine or not. Just because our study showed there were no clear negative effects of taking CBD on sensory, motor, motivational and cognitive functions at that dose doesn’t necessarily mean that everybody should take it. I think it needs to be supervised by a medical professional, and we need more research into the long-term effects of daily usage on both the brain and body.”

“Brainstorm” documentary wins Rosie Award

caroline.zentner — Mon, 03 Nov 2025 16:40:55 +0000

Brainstorm, the documentary film created and directed by Dr. Jenna Bailey, an adjunct professor of history and senior researcher with the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Centre for Oral History and Tradition, won a Rosie at the Alberta Film & Television Awards ceremony on Oct. 25.

“I’m deeply honoured that Brainstorm has received the Rosie Award for Best Educational Production,” says Bailey. “This film was created to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dr. Bryan Kolb and Dr. Ian Whishaw, whose groundbreaking research in neuroscience has shaped how we understand the human brain.”

The team behind the production includes co-producer Dr. Edgar Bermudez Contreras, adjunct professor at the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN), and editor Bryn Hewko (MFA - New Media '16), assistant professor of new media.

The 42-minute film delves into the history behind the establishment of the CCBN and its growth through the efforts of Kolb, Wishaw, Dr. Robert Sutherland and Dr. Robbin Gibb. The research results produced by CCBN scientists have provided insight into Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, strokes and early brain development, to name a few. As a result, prevention strategies for brain disorders and programs to improve brain health have been developed. Community programs have sprouted from their findings and have been key to launching such programs as Building Brains Together and the Early Years program through the Martin Family Initiative.

“It’s been a privilege to share their story with audiences and to highlight the incredible work happening right here in Lethbridge,” says Bailey. “This recognition is a tribute to our entire team and to the power of film as a way to inspire curiosity, learning and pride in our scientific and local heritage.”

The film had its Lethbridge premiere nearly a year ago to a sold-out crowd at the Yates Theatre. Since then, Brainstorm has been picked up by Amazon Prime in the United States and the United Kingdom and by Roku in the US.

The film has also been selected for several film festivals. The documentary was an Official Selection at the SCINEMA International Science Film Festival (Australia) and aired as a part of National Science Week in Australia, a semifinalist at the Raw Science Film Festival (USA), the Iris Global Health Film Festival (USA) and the USA Film Festival. In addition, Brainstorm was a nominee for the Best Science/Nature/Technology Doc at the Yorkton Film Festival (Saskatchewan).

Brainstorm was produced with the support of TELUS STORYHIVE and has been released on Telus Optik TV Channel 9. Additional funding was generously provided by the Alberta Medical Association, Government of Alberta, Alberta Media Fund, CCBN, Centre for Oral History and Tradition (COHT) and the Historical Society of Alberta.

Bailey’s next project focuses on the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and the history of classical music making in southern Alberta. Learn more at www.baileyandsoda.com.

New ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Canada Research Chairs at forefront of critical studies

caroline.zentner — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 16:35:05 +0000

Dr. Alex Tetarenko, an astrophysicist in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, has been named a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Black Hole Astrophysics, and Dr. Amy Mack (BA ’13, MA ’16), assistant professor in the Department of New Media, has been named a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Digital Extremism.

The recent announcement by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, was part of $690 million invested in science and research funding across Canada. Of that amount, $198 million will support 259 new and renewed CRCs like Tetarenko and Mack.

In addition to being named Canada Research Chairs, the pair will also receive funding for infrastructure through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

“This recognition reflects the high calibre of research taking place at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president research. “These Canada Research Chair appointments honour the achievements of Dr. Tetarenko and Dr. Mack and illustrate ULethbridge’s commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in a broad range of fields from astrophysics to new media.”

Dr. Alex Tetarenko studies the physics of black holes.

Tetarenko is an internationally recognized researcher in high-energy astrophysics. She has built her research program by using innovative methodologies to investigate black holes.

“My research focuses on developing creative new ways to study jets of material launched from stellar-mass black holes in our galaxy and extract vital new information about black-hole physics,” says Tetarenko. “This program will further enhance the growth of the Canadian astronomy talent pool by training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduates, and have a wide-reaching impact in Canada and internationally.”

Tetarenko will receive $71,233 from the JELF for high-performance computing resources needed for her research lab.

Dr. Amy Mack investigates anti-democratic movements.

Mack, an internationally recognized researcher, speaker and writer in critical far-right studies and anthropology, uses an anti-fascist framework to research reactionary, anti-democratic movements. She leads several national research projects focused on the relationship between social media, disinformation and extremism. These projects explore how hate-based ideologies circulate online and manifest offine. She works closely with federal and municipal governments, frontline practitioners and communities to support efforts to counter hate, bias and extremism in southern Alberta. Her Countering Digital Extremism Lab, which provides research and skill-building opportunities for students and faculty, translates this academic knowledge into public-facing outputs that use new media technologies like podcasts, documentaries and social media campaigns.

“In an era of democratic backsliding and rising authoritarianism, we need to ensure that academic knowledge about the far right and other reactionary, anti-democratic movements is used effectively by stakeholders to disrupt radicalization and promote trust and social cohesion in our communities. This needs to be a whole-of-society approach that includes policy makers, tech companies, practitioners, educators, community advocates and the public,” says Mack.

Mack will receive $123,435 through JELF to set up her research lab.

UNews - Faculty of Arts & Science

��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge undergraduate leads study published in top-tier journal

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ULethbridge master's student initiates study on youth ADHD experiences in sport

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��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student Sydney Whiting earns prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, will study at England’s Oxford ��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ

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Can CBD help prevent cognitive decline in aging?

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“Brainstorm” documentary wins Rosie Award

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New ��Ѹ�����Դ���߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Canada Research Chairs at forefront of critical studies

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge undergraduate leads study published in top-tier journal

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��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge student Sydney Whiting earns prestigious Rhodes Scholarship, will study at England’s Oxford ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ

New ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Canada Research Chairs at forefront of critical studies