UNews - Matthew Letts

Dr. Matthew Letts appointed to second term

trevor.kenney — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 20:06:01 +0000

Respected academic, researcher, and administrator, Dr. Matthew Letts has been appointed to a second term as Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge. Letts, who first assumed the role in 2020, will begin his second term on July 1, 2025.

Dr. Matthew Letts, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, is a respected academic, researcher and administrator.

Letts is a professor of geography and environment, and holds a BA and BSc (Honours) from Queen’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, a MSc in geography from McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and a PhD from King’s College London. An ecologist with international experience, he served as a lecturer at Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ before joining the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge in 2003.

Prior to taking on the role of dean, Letts was interim dean from July 2019 and had previously served as associate dean since 2012. During this time, he also acted as interim associate vice-president (research) from 2014 to 2015. From 2016 to 2019, Letts served as the academic program director for the Destination Project, playing a key role in the creation of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Science Commons (Isttaniokaksini).

As dean, Letts applied a collaborative approach to effectively navigating budgetary challenges and the impacts of the pandemic. He champions innovative programs across the humanities, social sciences and sciences, from certificates to post-diploma and dual degree options and new transdisciplinary degree programs and is always keen to support experiential learning. His detailed knowledge of the Science Commons was instrumental in supporting the effective operationalization of the new facility for faculty and students. Looking forward, one of his main priorities will be to work with faculty, students and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ community on creating a strategic plan for the Faculty of Arts & Science.

"Dr. Letts has been a key figure in elevating the impact and reputation of the Faculty of Arts & Science and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ," says Dr. Michelle Helstein, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “He is a collaborative leader who cares deeply and advocates strongly for his Faculty, while also making significant contributions to larger institutional initiatives. I am thrilled to reappoint him for a second term, allowing us to sustain the forward momentum he has generated through his work with his arts and science colleagues."

“I also want to thank the Review Committee for its important work in the reappointment process,” says Helstein. “Today’s reappointment was only made possible through community feedback and committee contributions, and I appreciate all who were a part of the process.”

Dr. Susan Dieleman named ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s first Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership

trevor.kenney — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 15:51:37 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has taken a major step forward in the development of its new program focused on the ethics of politics, by announcing Dr. Susan Dieleman as the inaugural Jarislowky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership.

Dr. Susan Dieleman comes to ULethbridge from Southern Illinois ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Edwardsville, IL.

Dieleman, an accomplished professor of philosophy, Dieleman comes to ULethbridge from Southern Illinois ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ in Edwardsville, IL where she has taught in the Department of Philosophy since 2018. Canadian born, Dieleman earned a Bachelor of Philosophy from Wilfrid Laurier ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, a master’s degree in philosophy from Memorial ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, a Master of Public Policy and Administration from Toronto Metropolitan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, and a PhD in Philosophy from York ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. She has also taught at Trent, Dalhousie and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Saskatchewan.

“I think it’s an excellent opportunity and I’m really looking forward to being a part of the Jarislowsky network,” says Dieleman, who will begin her new role at ULethbridge on July 1, 2023. “As a philosopher, I can bring a unique perspective to the network. I have a lot of experience in programming, project management and organizing and leading teams. That the position also aligns so well with my research into democracy, inclusion and political leadership makes it a perfect fit.”

As the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, Dieleman is tasked with assisting the development of an innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training for students, politicians and public servants in the ethical practice of politics, fiduciary responsibility and democratic governance.

She will join a national Network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership made up of five endowed chairs at Acadia ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (in collaboration with l’École Nationale d’Administration Publique), Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and Vancouver Island ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. The Jarislowsky Foundation invested $10 million into the initiative and the universities have committed to finding total matching funds of $10 million. Recently, Scotiabank pledged $375,000 to ULethbridge, part of a larger gift to the national network, to support the development of the program.

Dieleman is excited about the opportunities the program will provide ULethbridge students, who will have the chance to learn across the partner universities through a combination of foundational and experiential learning courses that bring together students from across the country.

“I was a first-generation post-secondary student and there were opportunities that I didn’t know existed when I was in school that I wished I had, such as exchanges, travel and co-op placements,” she says. “I want to make sure future leaders have access to those opportunities. This program will provide the kinds of experiences that can be life-changing for students.”

Given today’s political landscape, Dieleman says it’s never been more important to develop strong critical thinking skills with a focus on relationship building.

“As a philosopher working in the humanities, I have a deep appreciation for the skills, knowledge and values you learn through a focus on liberal education, which are essential in establishing trust among fellow citizens that we’re all engaged in a common project,” she says. “Whether you are across the aisle from someone or on the so-called other side, it’s imperative we find a way to build community, including across our differences.”

Dr. Matthew Letts, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, says Dieleman is uniquely qualified to help shape this innovative and important new program of study.

“Stephen Jarislowsky’s vision for the national network of Chairs is an innovative plan to address the polarization in Canadian society through intensive training of future politicians and civil servants in the areas of ethics and political leadership,” says Letts. “We are delighted Dr. Dieleman will apply her transdisciplinary expertise toward the development and implementation of this program.”

ULethbridge to host students from across country through new Shad Canada partnership

trevor.kenney — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:14:08 +0000

High school students from across Canada will have the chance to participate in a unique summer study program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge thanks to a new partnership with Shad Canada — an Ontario-based organization offering experiential STEAM and entrepreneurship learning opportunities.

Grade 10 and 11 students are eligible to take part in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics)-focused program that incorporates a hands-on, collaborative learning approach with access to academic and entrepreneurial mentors. ULethbridge joins a growing network of 22 universities from across Canada that play host to the month-long program each July.

The Shad program encourages students to collaborate and build meaningful relationships outside of their home province.

“I am very excited about this partnership because it will attract high-school students to visit ULethbridge and participate in various activities on campus as well as in Lethbridge and throughout the surrounding area,” says Dr. Trushar Patel, chemistry & biochemistry researcher and associate dean in the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Dr. Matt Letts, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, says the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ is proud to showcase the ULethbridge experience to such a promising group of young minds.

“We are delighted by this new partnership with Shad Canada, which highlights ULethbridge as a national leader in the delivery of quality hands-on learning experience at all stages, and to do so within one of the finest research and training facilities in Canada,” adds Letts.

The Shad program encourages students to collaborate and build meaningful relationships outside of their home province. Each campus, and each design team, has a mix of rural and urban participants from diverse economic backgrounds. Students learn the value of their own perspective and the differing perspectives of those around them.

“Adding another campus in Alberta helps us to meet the demand of Canadian youth looking for a summer STEAM and entrepreneurship experience,” says Tim Jackson, President and CEO, Shad Canada. “The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s approach to research-informed teaching and learning is exactly the type of university partner we are excited to work with.”

The Shad program is rooted in the principles of equity, diversity and inclusivity and aligns with the ULethbridge philosophy of creating a safe space for all students to express their diverse voice.

“We are purposeful about reaching students in Black, Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ communities and students with disabilities who are traditionally underrepresented,” says Jackson. “We have partnered with 20 community groups across the country to reach students with a variety of lived experiences. We are building a learning environment that includes diverse campus teams and student bodies so more participants can see themselves in mentors, keynote speakers, team leaders and ultimately, in a future in a STEAM or entrepreneurship career path.”

Shad students work together over a 27-day period to design a solution to a real-world problem such as water management or food security. ULethbridge’s liberal education approach that supports critical thinking through an interdisciplinary lens will serve as an ideal learning environment for students.

“Students at ULethbridge are taught to explore problems from multiple perspectives and disciplines. This well-rounded approach to solving issues equips students with the skills to fully understand complex issues and sets them up for success in whatever career they choose,” adds Patel.

About Shad Canada

Shad Canada is a STEAM and entrepreneurship program for students in grades 10 and 11. During the month-long program students live on campus and participate in a real-world design challenge that prepares them to take on social and economic challenges. Shad’s program is transformational and life-changing, and many Shad alumni go on to innovate and start their own businesses. Shad has 22 campus partners, a network of more than 22,000 program graduates and has been running STEAM programs since 1980. Learn more at shad.ca.

About ULethbridge

Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot land, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge welcomes approximately 8,900 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to its campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary each year. ULethbridge fosters a learning community that meets the educational and personal growth needs of its students by emphasizing teaching excellence; exposure to research; information literacy; interaction with professors and instructors; effective academic advising, applied learning opportunities and career counselling; and a spectrum of cultural, recreational and extracurricular opportunities.

Scotiabank gift to support Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership

caroline.zentner — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 17:30:26 +0000

Earlier this year, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge announced a $2-million investment from the Jarislowsky Foundation to support the development of a collaborative program with four other universities. The program, designed to educate future leaders in government, politics and the public service, has received a significant boost at ULethbridge thanks to a $375,000 gift from Scotiabank to support its development.

“We are very grateful to Scotiabank for choosing to support this unique and valuable program,” says Dr. Matthew Letts, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “Scotiabank’s gift, in support of the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, will directly enhance our ability to provide an exceptional experience for students with an interest in politics, fiduciary policy and public service. Students across the network will develop the transdisciplinary skill set necessary for responsible governance and informed engagement on social and political issues.”

“Now more than ever, Canada will benefit from a renewed effort to improve trust in public institutions by making those institutions more accountable and effective to the Canadians they serve,” says Maria Saros, Vice President and Global Head, Social Impact at Scotiabank. “Scotiabank is proud to support the development of future leaders through this program and we look forward to the strengthened leadership, governance and accountability they will bring to bear for our country.”

The program includes hiring an endowed Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at each university in the network, which includes Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, Acadia ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (in collaboration with l’École Nationale d’Administration Publique) and Vancouver Island ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ.

These academic leaders will engage with a national network of scholars to educate the next generation of politicians and public sector leaders in ethics, democratic values and responsible governance given the diverse citizenry in Canada and the country’s commitment to democracy and Truth and Reconciliation. The Jarislowsky Chairs will offer innovative academic programming, experiential learning opportunities and promote communities of practice in political and governance decision making across the country.

The Jarislowsky Foundation was founded in 1993 by Stephen Jarislowsky, a prominent Canadian philanthropist and business leader. The Foundation's mission is to promote, support and foster excellence and ethics in education, medicine and the arts, and the environment and climate change.

The Foundation has 42 research chairs in areas of democracy, governance, public sector management, environment & climate change, Canadian art, and health across Canada.

The Foundation supports programs that allow students from diverse backgrounds to discuss contemporary issues with mentors and recognized experts. These programs aim to develop students' critical thinking skills so that they become leaders with strategic vision and thinking.

Geography students to benefit from new TECTERRA bursaries

caroline.zentner — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 17:55:04 +0000

Two new annual bursaries worth $10,000 each will give ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students studying remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS) or geography a financial boost for the next five years thanks to a donation from TECTERRA, a Calgary-based, non-profit organization dedicated to the development of geospatial technology.

From left to right are Monty Carter, TECTERRA board chair, Dr. Matthew Letts, Dean, Faculty of Arts & Science, Kathy Greenwood, vice-president of development, alumni relations and community engagement, and Jonathan Neufeld, TECTERRA CEO.

“We are very grateful to TECTERRA for establishing these bursaries as they will help multiple senior undergraduate students pay for their education and allow them to devote more time to their studies and career paths,” says Dr. Derek Peddle, a ULethbridge professor of geography and environment and director of the Alberta Terrestrial Imaging Centre (ATIC), with expertise in remote sensing, GIS, spatial analysis software development and applications.

Since its inception in 2009, TECTERRA has supported hundreds of emerging technology startups and subject matter experts with financial support, expertise and coaching — and helped diversify Canada’s economy in the process.

“Ensuring the industry is equipped with a workforce is part of our mission to grow the geospatial industry. We are excited that our contribution can help support this by giving students a little extra for their efforts. Our hope is that these students will end up leading the industry someday,” says Jonathan Neufeld, CEO of TECTERRA INC.

The bursaries will go to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in remote sensing, computer science with GIS or geography. Students intending to pursue a career in GIS, remote sensing, land surveying, software development, spatial modelling, mapping or cartography, and those with experience in innovation and entrepreneurship, will be given preference. The awards will be given to students based on the number of credit hours they’ve completed and financial need.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to join national network through inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership

trevor.kenney — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:02:02 +0000

Jarislowsky Foundation supporting new Chair with $2-million investment

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is joining a network of five universities from across Canada engaged in a first-of-its-kind collaboration focused on educating future leaders in government, politics and the public service. Supported by a $2-million investment from the Jarislowsky Foundation, ULethbridge will soon be embarking on a global search for its inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership to lead its participation.

“We’re very excited to be selected to join this unique partnership and see this program as an outstanding complement to the interdisciplinary, liberal education focus of our institution,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, president and vice-chancellor. “Our students are taught to view the world through a critical eye, utilizing a breadth of experience to assess problems and find solutions. This concentration on the ethics of politics, its systems and structures will help create the responsible leaders of tomorrow.”

The Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership will assist the development of an innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training in the ethical practice of politics, fiduciary responsibility and democratic governance.

“Our students will be the great beneficiaries of this program and its focus and connectivity with four other regional, liberal arts-focused institutions that make up this network,” says Dr. Matthew Letts, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “This will create innovative and cross-institutional opportunities for transdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, and help students develop the broad perspective they need to become meaningfully and productively engaged in social and political issues.”

The national Network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership is made up of five endowed chairs at Acadia ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (in collaboration with l’École Nationale d’Administration Publique), Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and Vancouver Island ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. It is important to note that the Foundation is investing $10 million in the initiative and the universities have committed to finding total matching funds of $10 million.

Once appointed, this academic leader is set to engage with a national network of scholars to educate the next generation of politicians and public sector leaders in ethics, democratic values and responsible governance within the contexts of Canada’s diverse citizenship, democracy and commitment to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation. The Jarislowsky Chairs will offer innovative academic programs and experiential learning opportunities, while working to promote communities of practice in political and governance decision making across Canada.

ULethbridge students will benefit from the opportunity to learn across the partner universities through a combination of foundational and experiential learning courses that bring together students from across the country.

About the Jarislowsky Foundation

The Foundation has 42 research chairs in areas of democracy, governance, public sector management, environment & climate change, Canadian art, and health across Canada.

The Jarislowsky Foundation supports more than 80 organizations a year in the arts and culture, hospital foundations, the community sector and climate change.

The Jarislowsky Foundation now donates approximately $8 million per year.

��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge jumps in to host annual URSCA event online, allowing students to showcase research

trevor.kenney — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 17:32:29 +0000

Students were the focus as the annual URSCA event was moved to an online format, allowing undergraduate research to be showcased. Pictured above are award winners from the two-day event.

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge lived up to its reputation as one of the country’s top-rated universities for undergraduate research by stepping up at the last minute to host the annual Undergraduate Research in Science Conference of Alberta (URSCA) — and presenting it in an online format.

URSCA, in its sixth year, is a celebration of Alberta's scientific discovery and innovation at the earliest stage of post-secondary education. Increasingly, student-focused, research-intensive institutions are not only encouraging hands-on research in the laboratory and the field at the undergraduate level but are also providing a wide range of experiential education opportunities.

Originally scheduled to be held at MacEwan ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, COVID-19 restrictions put an end to any chance of an in-person URSCA gathering. When schools were surveyed over whether an online event could be put together, the U of L jumped in as host. The result was the biggest conference yet, with 220 attendees.

“To empower the next generation, it is essential to provide opportunities for budding researchers to gain experience in the public dissemination of their work as they become members of a community of scholars,” says the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Dr. Matthew Letts, incoming dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, of why it was important for the conference to take place. “It bodes well that Alberta universities understand this need and celebrate this form of experiential learning.”

For many students, this was their first time presenting their research, and they were asked to do it online, which came with a new set of challenges and pressures. Organizers offered three separate drop-in help sessions to address any technical concerns with the online format, and then grouped abstracts into themes, to ensure that all attendees got the most out of each session. Judges and moderators from across Alberta were matched to sessions within their area of knowledge, so they could ask meaningful questions to encourage further growth and development for presenters.

The conference opened with U of L Tier I Board of Governors Research Chair and computational chemist, Dr. Stacey Wetmore, presenting The Things Computers Can Teach Us About the Chemistry of DNA and RNA. The next day, the formal conference took place as students participated in 60 oral presentations and were able to view 54 poster presentations.

“The quality of the presentations was exceptional, which is a testament to the students’ dedication to research, and to the support they receive from their faculty supervisors,” says Letts. “It also signalled that not only is research still alive during the pandemic, it is thriving.”

Organizers were pleased to be able to present a platform allowing students to showcase their work.

“We are humbled by the number of our colleagues from across Alberta who stepped forward to volunteer throughout the conference,” says Catharine Reader, an event organizer with the U of L’s Faculty of Arts & Science. “They volunteered to review and group abstracts and to serve as hosts, moderators and judges. We acknowledge the collaborative efforts of all participating Alberta post-secondary institutions in making URSCA a successful experience for undergraduate research students.”

Experienced administrator Letts appointed dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science

trevor.kenney — Mon, 25 May 2020 19:29:14 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is turning to the experienced hand of Dr. Matthew Letts, appointing him as the new Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science.

Dr. Matt Letts played a key role in the operationalization of Science Commons.

Letts, a professor in the Department of Geography and Environment, has served as interim dean for the Faculty since July 2019. He has served in the role of associate dean since 2012. He held an interim role as associate vice-president (research) in 2014-15 and was academic program director of the Destination Project from 2016-19. This position played a prominent role in the operationalization of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s new Science Commons (Isttaniokaksini) as the primary liaison between the project management team and science faculty members throughout its construction. He also was instrumental in bringing Engineering Transfer back to the Faculty, and in the initiation of the AGILITY program.

“As the Faculty of Arts & Science is our largest Faculty on campus, this is an integral role in shaping the academic culture of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, Provost and Vice-President (Academic). “Dr. Letts’ vast experience as a faculty member and administrative voice within Arts & Science creates a seamless transition to the beginning of his tenure. At the same time, now that he has moved beyond an interim role, it will allow Dr. Letts the opportunity to usher in a new era for the Faculty and to implement his own strategies for advancing teaching and research.”

Letts first came to the U of L in 2003, after serving as a lecturer and postdoctoral fellow at Trent ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ from 2001-03. He earned his undergraduate BA and BSc (honours) degrees at Queen’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and a Masters in Geography at McGill ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ. Letts then completed his PhD in Geography at King’s College London.

Letts’ ecological research program has been supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and Alberta Innovates. His work is focused on plant physiological acclimation to environmental stress, using photosynthesis measurement, as well as remote sensing and stable isotope analysis techniques. His work has taken him to a variety of ecosystems, from coulee grasslands to the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, northern peatlands, tropical cloud forests of Colombia and Mediterranean environments of southern France.

“The Faculty of Arts & Science plays a central role in ensuring the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge remains the best student-focused, research-intensive, comprehensive university in western Canada. Founded on the principle of liberal education, we provide students with an outstanding experiential education,” says Letts. “The COVID-19 pandemic has put some of our high impact face-to-face educational practices on hold, but with exceptionally talented faculty, students and staff, we are positioned well to confront the complex financial and public health challenges currently facing our community.”

Letts sees the first order of business as the development of a Faculty of Arts & Science Strategic Plan, a project that will involve faculty members, students, staff and community partners.

“This will serve as a roadmap that sets our priorities and propels us toward a great future, as we emerge from the present circumstances,” he says. “How will we create an inclusive environment that promotes access to educational opportunity and successful outcomes for all of our students? What new programs and learning opportunities do our students need to succeed? How can we best support research and creative pursuits throughout such a diverse set of disciplines across the humanities, social sciences and sciences? How can we enhance community engagement? And how will our Faculty meaningfully respond to the calls to action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission? These are just a few of the questions that will be guided by our Faculty’s strategic plan.”

Letts begins his role as dean on July 1, 2020 for a renewable term of five years.

“This is a dream job for me – and I am honoured by the opportunity to serve our students, faculty and staff at this critical moment in our university’s history.”

PUBlic Professor Series goes online with new interactive features

caroline.zentner — Mon, 04 May 2020 15:26:20 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s popular PUBlic Professor Series will be more accessible than ever this year as talks from the past six years will be featured on Facebook.

Participating faculty members will provide a video recording to update their research, which will appear on Facebook Premiere along with their original talk. Viewers will be able to like, share and comment in real time. They can also submit questions to artsci.communication@uleth.ca for the “5 Questions With” segment taking place the following week.

“We are very excited to make the PUBlic Professor Series available to everyone in the comfort of their own homes,” says Dr. Matthew Letts, interim dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, which hosts the series. “We encourage everyone to have fun with this, prepare some appetizers, pour themselves a beverage of their choice and tune into PUBlic Professor Series: At Home.”

The PUBlic Professor Series talks will appear on alternating Thursdays at 7 p.m., with the question-and-answer video appearing the following Thursday at 7 p.m. The videos will be saved to Facebook, so anyone unable to watch the Premieres live can view them at a more convenient time.

The first online PUBlic Professor Series: At Home video is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. and will feature Dr. Jennifer Copeland, a kinesiology professor, talking about how the amount of daily physical activity people get can affect their health. More information and a tentative schedule of talks are available at PUBlic Professor Series: At Home.

The PUBlic Professor Series is a monthly, thought-provoking lecture series that brings a range of experts and researchers from across the arts and sciences to the community for a spirited conversation. The lectures provide insight into issues of interest to the general public and are designed to be informal discussions about scientific subjects.

Opening of Science Commons ushers in new era for ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

trevor.kenney — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 15:30:42 +0000

A new era in scientific research and education has dawned with today’s official opening of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s $280-million Science Commons.

The spectacular facility, which brings together the departments of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Neuroscience, Physics & Astronomy and Psychology, is designed to foster transdisciplinary research by providing exceptional opportunities for collaboration and discovery.

At 38,500 sq. metres, it is the largest development on the U of L campus since the original construction of ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Hall began in 1969.

“The history of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is steeped in a tradition of community visionaries coming together to make the improbable possible, just as they did in establishing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over 50 years ago,” says Dr. Mike Mahon, U of L president and vice-chancellor. “It took a great community effort to bring the dream of Science Commons together as well. From our incredible faculty and staff, to alumni and donors, our Board of Directors and Senate and all our partners throughout southern Alberta, Science Commons will stand as a testament to visionary thought and perseverance and represent the very best our ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ has to offer.”

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the addition of Science Commons at the U of L is a boon for the province.

“On behalf of the Government of Alberta, I congratulate the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge on the opening of Science Commons,” says Kenney “This facility will help thousands of students to learn, innovate and collaborate for decades to come. This project will receive $260 million from Alberta taxpayers, underscoring our province’s commitment to scientific progress, which is critical to our long-term prosperity.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Alberta’s Minister of Advanced Education, adds that the province’s investment will bolster intellectual capital and strengthen the economy.

“The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has an outstanding reputation for discovery research. The addition of this state-of-the-art facility will further attract international students and inspire more innovation, creativity and growth,” says Nicolaides. “A modern university research centre brings top talent and business to Alberta which builds the workforce and supports a stronger economy.”

Setting the stage for the next 50 years of scientific discovery and education at the U of L, Science Commons is a facility where science transcends disciplines. Large, flexible lab spaces designed with a shared-space ideology encourage collisions among researchers with diverse backgrounds and approaches. Researchers at all stages of their careers, from postdocs to doctoral, masters and undergraduate students and from kindergarten to Grade 12 will come together, sparking conversations and igniting discovery.

Setting the stage for the next 50 years of scientific discovery and education at the U of L, Science Commons is a facility where science transcends disciplines.

“From the outset, the vision of our faculty members was to stay true to our liberal education roots. The key to the success of this facility is to foster a culture of discovery and innovation that is outward-facing, responsive to societal needs and inspires the next generation,” says Dr. Matthew Letts, interim dean for the Faculty of Arts & Science. “Science Commons will build upon our collaborative approach to research and our experiential approach to learning.”

The facility also creates greater opportunity for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ to build on its relationships with southern Alberta industry partners.

“The U of L has long been an economic driver in our community and Science Commons will expand our ability to foster partnerships as we translate knowledge from the lab to industry,” adds Mahon.

Dr. Ute Kothe, a researcher in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, says the world-class research already being conducted at the U of L will be further enhanced by the amenities within Science Commons.

“This building will draw scientists to Lethbridge, and that will really ensure we are bringing the best minds to Lethbridge to conduct world-class research here,” says Kothe. “They will work in state-of-the-art facilities and they will learn to work collaboratively because this is really the philosophy of the U of L — to bring people together and cross disciplinary boundaries and generate the best ideas.”

With glass the defining design feature of Science Commons, it embodies the concept of science on display, serving as an open invitation to the public to see the world’s brightest minds as they work to solve today’s greatest challenges. Further, the facility offers dedicated spaces that will double the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s capacity for science outreach activities — a true science centre for southern Alberta.

“What makes Science Commons so extraordinary is by the manner in which the architecture and the facility have been structured to foster research, teaching, collaborative space, public space, all in a domain that actually brings together multidisciplinary researchers and the public at large,” says Dr. Fred Wrona, chief scientist, Alberta Environment and Parks, Government of Alberta.

Students are taking notice. New Fall 2019 registrants to Bachelor of Science (BSc) programs offered by the Faculty of Arts & Science are up over 23 per cent from last year, while total BSc registrants are up nearly 10 per cent.

“The open concept allows for a lot of collaboration between different labs, so I’m excited to learn with new tools and new techniques that I might not have had access to before,” says Catrione Lee, a fourth-year biochemistry student.

Already one of the country’s leading research universities, Science Commons positions the U of L at the forefront of science research and education, inspiring the next generation of research scientists and setting the stage for an unprecedented era of discovery.

Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden, Alberta Innovates Strategic Chair in RNA Bioengineering, Tier I Board of Governors Research Chair in Biomolecular Design and Function and the founding director of the Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), is succinct in his appraisal of Science Commons.

“I’m convinced that this facility is the best facility for research and science education in Canada.”

UPDATE

Just prior to the offical opening ceremony, Science Commons was blessed and elder Francis First Charger bestowed the Blackfoot name Isttaniokaksini on the facility. Its meaning refers to deep knowledge and awareness rising out of the unknown into the known.

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