UNews - Jackie Rice

ULethbridge PhD student Michelle Sylvestre named Trudeau Foundation Scholar for groundbreaking AI and equity research

trevor.kenney — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 20:18:46 +0000

Michelle Sylvestre (BFA – Art ’17, MFA – New Media ’21), a PhD student in the cultural, social and political thought program, has been selected as a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Scholar — the first doctoral student from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge to receive this prestigious recognition.

Sylvestre’s research, Intersecting Biases: Exploring Gender and Indigenous Representation in Artificial Intelligence to Promote Equity and Inclusion for Historically Underrepresented Communities in Canada, examines how AI systems reflect and reproduce systemic inequities. Drawing on a research-creation framework, she blends critical inquiry with artistic practice to explore the social impacts of emerging technologies and envisions more inclusive digital futures grounded in care, accountability and community engagement.

Michelle Sylvestre’s creative work spans traditional and digital media.

“This scholarship is an amazing opportunity for advancing inclusive technologies through creative, community-engaged research, guided by my work as a Researcher-in-Residence with the Niitsitapi Pod at CIART (Centre for Indigenous Art, Research, and Technology),” says Sylvestre.

Sylvestre is one of only 16 graduate students from a national pool of 686 applicants to receive the award, which provides up to $210,000 over three years, supporting tuition and research-related expenses, as well as access to a national network of interdisciplinary scholars and mentors.

A multidisciplinary artist and sessional instructor in the Faculty of Fine Arts Department of New Media at ULethbridge, Sylvestre’s creative work spans traditional and digital media, with a focus on the intersection of technology, craft and identity.

“My project examines the colonial and patriarchal biases within artificial intelligence (AI) large language models. Using a research-creation framework, I aim to critique AI while imagining futures built on a foundation of care, inclusion and accountability,” she says.

“This is an exceptional achievement for Michelle and the Faculty of Fine Arts,” says Heather Davis-Fisch, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. “Michelle has demonstrated excellence throughout her academic career — as an undergraduate, a master’s student, and now as a doctoral candidate. Her work exemplifies how rigorous research and creative practice can come together to address some of the most urgent social questions of our time.”

Dr. Jackie Rice, Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, emphasizes that Sylvestre’s selection reflects both the strength of her research and the high level of support she is receiving as a doctoral student at ULethbridge.

“With more than 680 highly qualified applicants to this program and a rigorous selection process including in-person interviews, we are extremely proud that the Foundation recognized the excellent work that Michelle is carrying out and is providing funding that will help amplify the impact of her work,” says Rice. “We look forward to continuing to support her in her doctoral studies and are excited to see where this work takes her.”

As a Pierre Elliot Trudeau Foundation Scholar, Sylvestre joins a national network of outstanding researchers committed to advancing equity and social justice through their work. The Foundation, established in 2001 as a tribute to the former prime minister, supports the advancement of outstanding, cutting-edge doctoral research that will have meaningful impacts in our communities, institutions and beyond.

“Becoming a Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation scholar is an exciting opportunity to collaborate across disciplines and to build lasting relationships with changemakers across Canada,” says Sylvestre.

Graduate student research highlights strong Research Infosource ranking

trevor.kenney — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:23:55 +0000

Graduate student research continues to gain strength at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and that growth is reflected in the latest Research Infosource Canada’s Top 50 Research Universities list.

The rankings consider several measures related to research income, growth and industry partnerships. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s highest individual measure came in the growth of graduate student research, moving from fifth to second overall. ULethbridge, grouped within the undergraduate universities category, ranked seventh overall amongst undergraduate schools in the country.

“Graduate student programming and research opportunities are key areas we continue to support with strategic planning and investment of resources,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s vice-president (research). “We are unique in that our undergraduate students have opportunities to become involved in research very early in their academic journey and we have made a concerted effort to continue to develop graduate student research so that we can retain those students in a graduate setting, as well as attract top-tier graduate students from other institutions.”

The recent launch of the i4Geo Institute for Geospatial Inquiry, Instruction and Innovation is just one example of the outstanding graduate student research opportunities available on campus. With graduate degree programs in geography, remote sensing, environmental science, agricultural studies, geographical information science and computer science, there is also a major push to foster entrepreneurship, innovation, business incubation and community outreach through the institute.

ULethbridge also rated well in several other ranking markers, including a second place standing amongst undergraduate schools in International Government Research Income Growth, fourth in Corporate Research Income Growth and fifth in Not-for-Profit Research Income Growth.

“Our researchers continue to cultivate strong relationships with external partners who are looking to solve the biggest issues they are facing today,” adds McMartin. “This ranges from work in agri-business and manufacturing to medicine and health care, and so many more. While funding support rankings and growth measurements serve as snapshots of the great breadth of activities our researchers are involved in, the true measure of the importance of their work is how it is benefiting society and the change it is making daily to individuals in our community and beyond.”

Dr. Jackie Rice, dean of the School of Graduate Studies & Postdoctoral Affairs, says ULethbridge graduate students are keenly interested in addressing society’s most pressing needs.

“We believe in supporting research that has a positive community impact, and many graduate students bring a passion for addressing some problem or issue that hits close to home,” says Rice. “It’s rewarding to see them grow their knowledge and skills and be able to address issues that are impacting all of us in our day-to-day lives.”

The annual ranking report, released today by Research Infosource Ltd., identifies the country’s top research universities in relation to research income and is available here.

Dr. Jackie Rice appointed to second term

caroline.zentner — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:21:58 +0000

Accomplished researcher and administrator Dr. Jackie Rice has been appointed to a second term as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Associate Vice-President (Research) and Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Rice, who assumed the role when it was originally combined in 2020, will begin her second term on July 1, 2024.

A professor of computer science, Rice attended the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria and received her BSc in 1993, her MSc in 1995 and her PhD in 2003. She has worked as a sessional instructor at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria, an instructor at Camosun College in Victoria, a programmer/analyst for SHL Systemhouse, and a computer consultant at various times throughout her career. She has been teaching at post-secondary institutions since 1995 and came to ULethbridge in 2002.

An outstanding researcher who has championed the role of women in science, technology, mathematics and engineering (STEM) fields, Rice has also keenly supported public outreach activities and mentoring for young people. Her current area of research focuses on an examination of how people use programming languages and relating sociolinguistics characteristics to differences in the use of programming languages.

“Dr. Rice has played an integral role in advancing the impact and profile of the School of Graduate Studies and greatly enhancing the ULethbridge experience for researchers across our campuses,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, Vice-President (Research). “I am pleased to appoint Dr. Rice for a second term and to continue the positive momentum she has helped to foster for both our research engagement and graduate studies programming.”

Graduate level programs in public health and health care leaving application windows open

trevor.kenney — Mon, 08 Feb 2021 21:26:36 +0000

With interest in public health and health-care careers at an all-time high, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is leaving open application windows for a variety of graduate level programs that span the health-care spectrum.

In light of the pandemic and its far-reaching effects on personal and professional lives, a total of nine programs, from a Doctor of Philosophy in Population Studies in Health to a Master of Nursing to the Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Study of Addiction, will be keeping the online application system open (see dates below) as the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ seeks to support health-care professionals in their post-secondary journey during this trying time.

“We’ve seen remarkable growth in applications to our undergraduate programs focused on public health and health care and respect those who are already employed in these sectors and who have been working tirelessly to meet the needs of their communities throughout the pandemic,” says Dr. Shannon Spenceley, acting dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences. “By leaving open these application windows, we hope to better meet the needs of those already employed in health care and afford them the opportunity to advance their careers in their respective fields.”

Some programs, delivered by the Faculty of Health Sciences, are geared to on-campus learners, others offer a blended model of on-campus and online work, while one is strictly offered online. Two of the programs, jointly offered by the Faculty of Health Sciences and Dhillon School of Business, are delivered via a blended format with the face-to-face component currently available on the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Calgary campus.

“For health-care professionals to continue with career development, they need flexible alternatives in programming, and we are making a concerted effort to meet our students where they are in their careers,” adds Dr. Jacqueline Rice, dean of the School of Graduate Studies.

The following programs are currently open for application. For further information, visit uleth.ca/future-student/graduate-studies.

Doctor of Philosophy (May 1, 2021)
Major: Populations Studies in Health
Eligible: Health-care providers
Delivery Mode: On campus; full-time
Course work with thesis culminating activity

Master of Nursing (May 1, 2021)
Eligible: Working nurses
Delivery Mode: Blending learning; full-time and part-time
Course work with project or thesis culminating activity

Master of Science (May 1, 2021)
Majors: Addictions Counselling, Health Sciences, and Nursing
Specialization: Public Health in Health Sciences major
Eligible: Health-care providers
Delivery Mode: On campus; full-time and part-time
Course work with thesis culminating activity

Master of Health Services Management (May 1, 2021)
Calgary campus
Eligible: Health-care practitioners and entry-level managers in the health sector who wish to move into more senior positions
Delivery Mode: Blended learning; part-time
Course work with integrated experience point project culminating activity

Graduate Certificate in Health Services Management (May 1, 2021)
Calgary campus
Eligible: Health-care practitioners and entry-level managers in the health sector who wish to move into more senior positions
Delivery Mode: Blended learning; part-time
Course work (6 courses)

Graduate Certificate in Advanced Clinical Study of Addiction (June 30, 2021)
Eligible: Individuals in health and social services, program developers, policymakers, or researchers
Delivery Mode: Online; part-time
Course work (4 courses)

Graduate Certificate in Epidemiology and Biostatistics (June 1, 2021)
Eligible: Health-care providers and public health
Delivery Mode: On campus; part-time
Course work (4 courses)

Graduate Certificate in Public Health Program and Policy Planning and Evaluation (June 1, 2021)
Eligible: Health-care providers and public health
Delivery Mode: On campus; part-time
Course work (4 courses)

Graduate Diploma in Addiction and Mental Health Psychotherapy
Eligible: Individuals interested in careers in psychotherapy
Delivery Mode: Blended face-to-face and online; part-time; Fall 2022 intake
Course work (8 courses)

Thakor lab earns Cancer Research Society funding

trevor.kenney — Fri, 28 Aug 2020 17:43:51 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s Dr. Nehal Thakor continues to receive support for his leading-edge research on one of the deadliest forms of cancer, glioblastoma (GBM).

The Thakor lab received a $120,000 grant as he looks to improve the efficacy of clinical treatments of glioblastoma.

Thakor, a professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and Campus Alberta Innovates Program Chair of Synthetic Biology and RNA-Based Systems, has received a $120,000 grant from the Cancer Research Society (CRS) as he looks to improve the efficacy of clinical treatments of GBM. Thakor’s successful CRS application is the first of its kind for the U of L.

“This is one of the deadliest cancers, with a dismal prognosis and survival rate for those who contract the disease,” says Thakor, noting patients, on average, survive just 15 months after diagnosis. “This is a prestigious grant to win, with less than 17 per cent of applicants earning approval. Our proposal was one of just 17 in the country to receive a granting score above nine out of 10, so we are very pleased the CRS sees such great potential in our work.”

Thakor and his team are attempting to decode information about a key protein that allows GBM cells to evade programmed cell death during treatment, a function known as apoptosis. The protein, eIF5B, facilitates expression of anti-apoptotic proteins and allows GBM cells to survive under various treatment conditions. By better understanding how eIF5B works, Thakor and his team believe it will boost clinical management strategies of GBM, greatly benefitting all those who suffer from the disease.

“This research has the potential to uncover novel mechanisms of non-canonical translation initiation that lead to GBM survival, proliferation and angiogenesis, and ultimately to improve patient outcome,” says Thakor.

Thakor also recently earned an Exploration grant from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s (SSHRC) New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF). Working with Drs. Seyed Mehdi Jafarnejad (Queen’s ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Belfast), Marc Roussel, Stacey Wetmore and Paul Hayes, they will use expertise in several fields of research, such as mathematical biology, computational biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, chemical synthesis, as well as translatomics and metabolomics, to investigate therapeutic targets for the treatment of GBM patients.

“The awarding of this grant is testament to both the quality and potential of Dr. Thakor’s work. It indicates the Cancer Research Society sees the possibility of impactful results from this research, which is really exciting,” says Dr. Jackie Rice, associate vice-president (research). “We are lucky to have researchers of his stature, who are making an impact on the global stage, here at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.”

ABOUT THE CANCER RESEARCH SOCIETY

The Cancer Research Society is a national non-profit organization whose sole mission is to fund research on all types of cancer to help prevent, detect and treat this disease. Our vision is one of audacity: we are striving together to outsmart cancer.

STEM Fusion creating opportunity for industry leaders, students and researchers to come together

trevor.kenney — Wed, 04 Mar 2020 22:40:19 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is launching a new platform for collisions between its faculty members, students and industry leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields that could pave the way to creating new collaborations.

STEM Fusion, a conference to connect STEM professionals with commercialization, innovation and entrepreneurship, takes place Thursday, Mar. 5 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Science Commons. The event features a series of guest speakers, panels, networking opportunities and lab benching sessions, all designed to bring people together to foster ideas and connections.

“There is so much that can be done through community engagement,” says Dr. Jackie Rice, associate vice-president research and dean of the School of Graduate Studies. “Through this conference, we hope to stimulate collisions between industry and academia. Giving people knowledge about what is available to them, and connecting them with the right people, is a very powerful tool. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is about enabling growth and innovation, which is reflected in the goals of STEM Fusion.”

From a student perspective, STEM Fusion presents an opportunity to network with industry representatives, learn about potential career pathways and showcase their research work. For faculty members, there’s opportunity to connect with industry partners looking for collaborative opportunities and the chance to learn about patent and intellectual property (IP) regulations, while industry leaders have access to new talent and fresh ideas.

Featured guest speakers will address topics ranging from artificial intelligence to biopharmaceutical development, neuroscience, intellectual property law, crop protection, bioinformatics and more.

“Now, more than ever, technology is advancing, and opportunities abound to build our network of resources and progress on the world stage as competitors in numerous markets,” says Brandie M. Lea, grants facilitator for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s Office of Research & Innovation Services. “Without the exchange of knowledge between our experts and the local for-profit and not-for-profit world, how can southern Alberta expect to break through boundaries, discover new solutions and bring new innovations to market? We see this initiative as a means to grow southern Alberta together.”

For more information, and to view a conference schedule, visit stemfusion.ca.

Those interested in discussing research partnerships with U of L researchers can contact Brandie M. Lea at 403-329-2406 or submit a request form online at go.uleth.ca/industrypartner.

PUBlic Professor Series talk analyzes the benefits and risks of artificial intelligence

trevor.kenney — Wed, 13 Nov 2019 21:12:56 +0000

We hear about artificial intelligence (AI) in all sorts of high-tech and somewhat distant technologies like self-driving cars and robotics, but AI is here in your life right now in ways that you may not realize. Banking, insurance, medicine, education and the justice system all offer examples of how AI has been and continues to be put to use. But what are the downsides to this, and how can we harness the power of AI in ways that benefit everyone? From deciding who gets a bank loan to learning how men and women write differently, we need to have an understanding of how AI is being used, and what the implications mig We hear about artificial intelligence (AI) in all sorts of high-tech and somewhat distant technologies like self-driving cars and robotics, but AI is here in your life right now in ways that you may not realize. Banking, insurance, medicine, education and the justice system all offer examples of how AI has been and continues to be put to use. But what are the downsides to this, and how can we harness the power of AI in ways that benefit everyone? From deciding who gets a bank loan to learning how men and women write differently, we need to have an understanding of how AI is being used, and what the implications might be.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, Dr. Jackie Rice will present The Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence.

On Thursday, Nov. 21, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge computer science professor, Dr. Jackie Rice, will present The Benefits and Risks of Artificial Intelligence. This is the third talk of the 2019/20 season for the Faculty of Arts & Science’s PUBlic Professor Series. The free event runs from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge and is open to the public.

Rice earned a BSc in 1993, an MSc in 1995, and a PhD in computer science in 2003 from the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Victoria. From 1995 to 2000 she worked as a computer consultant for various areas of industry and has been teaching at post-secondary institutions since 1995. She has taught at the U of L for the past 17 years.

Rice's experiences as one of very few women in her area have shaped how she conducts research. As well, these experiences have given her the drive to encourage diversity, and not just in computer science. As a result, Rice is active in outreach and mentoring for young people from many different backgrounds, including working with the local sea cadets as a civilian instructor. She is currently an associate dean with the Faculty of Arts & Science.

In this talk, she will explore both the benefits of the amazing recent advances in artificial intelligence, as well as the risks these present to society.

Destination Exploration receives CanCode funding through Actua to expand digital programming for youth

trevor.kenney — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 20:29:06 +0000

Actua, the national organization that represents Destination Exploration at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, has been named the largest recipient of funding from the Government of Canada’s new CanCode program.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development espouses the benefits of STEM programs.

CanCode is a $50-million fund, announced in the federal budget 2017, that supports the development of coding and digital skills for youth across Canada.

“Coding is the next big job. Industries ranging from automotive and agri-food to the life sciences and clean technology need coders, given their increasingly digital nature. That’s why our government is equipping Canadian youth with the digital skills they need for the jobs of the future. By teaching kids to code today, we’re positioning Canada for future success across all industries and sectors,” says the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.

As a network member of Actua, Destination Exploration is pleased to receive $95,000 from Actua’s CanCode funding. The funding will be directed toward scaling up Destination Exploration’s community programming to reach even more youth in Lethbridge and southern Alberta with inspiring, hands-on coding and digital skills experiences.

“Canada needs to address the upcoming skills shortage in areas related to information technology, and this is a step in the right direction,” says Faculty of Arts & Science Associate Dean and Professor of Computer Science, Dr. Jackie Rice. “I’m thrilled to see this is coming through Actua with their emphasis on STEM programming for girls and indigenous communities, as these groups are still significantly underrepresented in areas related to computing and engineering.”

Destination Exploration is one of 35 network members receiving CanCode funding through Actua and will work with colleagues across the network to develop and exchange content that will help inspire Canada’s next generation of innovators.

“We are honoured to be a recipient of CanCode funding and thrilled to provide additional support to Destination Exploration to engage more youth in building digital skills,” says Jennifer Flanagan, President and CEO of Actua. “This support means that thousands more youth in Lethbridge and southern Alberta will have the opportunity to access free, deep-impact, face-to-face learning experiences which are critical to their future success and our future Canadian workforce.”

Through the CanCode funding, Actua’s 35 network members will reach 500,000 youth and over 10,000 teachers across every province and territory.

About the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge

Alberta’s Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the U of L attracts approximately 8,700 undergraduate and graduate students from around the world to our campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary each year. We offer more than 150 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs in seven Faculties and schools: Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, Management, Graduate Studies and Liberal Education. The U of L will soon be home to a new science and academic building – the Destination Project – which will advance research and learning opportunities for generations to come, and will shape the future of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and southern Alberta.

About Actua

Actua is Canada’s leading science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) youth outreach network representing 35 university and college-based members. Each year 250,000 young Canadians in over 500 communities nationwide are inspired through hands-on educational workshops, camps and community outreach initiatives. Actua focuses on the engagement of underrepresented youth through specialized programs for Indigenous youth, girls and young women, at-risk youth and youth living in Northern and remote communities. Actua’s major funders include: Government of Canada, Google Canada, Suncor Energy Foundation, GE Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, Finning, Toyota Canada Foundation and Lockheed Martin. For more information about Actua, visit actua.ca.

About CanCode

The CanCode program will invest $50 million over two years, starting in 2017-18, to support initiatives providing educational opportunities for coding and digital skills development to Canadian youth from kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12). The program aims to equip youth, including traditionally underrepresented groups, with the skills and study incentives they need to be prepared for the jobs of today and the future. Canada's success in the digital economy depends on leveraging our diverse talent and providing opportunity for all to participate investing in digital skills development will help to achieve this.

UL50 Golden Jubilee Award recipients - where are they now?

trevor.kenney — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 20:34:31 +0000

In celebration of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s 50th anniversary, the Faculty of Arts & Science offered a total of $50,000 in awards to first-year university students (new high school graduates). There were five awards, worth $10,000 each, given to qualifying students enrolled in a four-year Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc) or Bachelor of Arts & Science (BASc) program. The students were selected based on high school academic performance, financial need and uniqueness of personal circumstances. We caught up with all five students to see how their first semester has been, and how they have settled into university life.

Kathleen Gonzales

Kathleen Gonzales (biological sciences) emigrated to Canada from the Philippines with her brother and father in 2007, and is working hard to become a role model for others who are overcoming hardships. She joined the Global Citizenship Cohort (GCC) and is thankful for the social environment and the community outreach opportunities. Next year, Gonzales and a group of cohort students are planning to organize a community fundraiser for Lethbridge’s Youth Crisis Centre.

“This semester, I have grown as a person and have opened my mind to the world around me. Despite having a major in biology, I have been learning about social issues occurring globally and locally and how they may impact society; analyzing how such issues could have resulted, and what factors should be considered when attempting to create a solution. Winning this award has motivated me to do my best and persevere through the tough times of transitioning from high school, while supporting my wish to create a difference in the world,” explains Gonzales.

Alexis Kelly (English & psychology) is also part of the GCC, and has settled into campus life as a UHall resident and co-founder of the Freedom Writers Poetry Club. She has embraced several opportunities to get involved with the campus community such as volunteering at Career Fair and finding employment at the university library. Though she is uncertain where her degree will take her, Kelly is taking advantage of exploring areas beyond her major.

Alexis Kelly

“I've always been the kind of person interested in lots of things as opposed to just one, and being able to explore more options for my major without falling behind in the one I am currently working on is a lovely opportunity,” she says. “If you're unsure of what you want to do it's a great institution because you can use courses towards your liberal education requirement. The professors love what they do, and they are open to helping students.”

For Makayla Lubbers (general social sciences), receiving the award was a sign of inspiration and encouragement, helping her to discover what she was supposed to do and where she was supposed to be. After graduating from high school, she spent the summer volunteering at an orphanage in Thailand where she says her life changed direction. Although she is an artist at heart, experiencing the struggles of impoverished children in a third-world country inspired her to pursue a degree in social sciences.

“I want to do something that will make a difference in the world. The U of L's extensive social science classes and the co-op program will help me develop the skills and gain the experience I need to make that happen,” she says.

So far, Lubbers is enjoying her time on campus, participating in several clubs as well as the Co-operative Education program.

Makayla Lubbers

Walker English (kinesiology) chose the U of L because of its close location to his home in Fort Macleod, and has settled into campus life well despite the struggle of moving away from home for the first time. In high school, he was a role model to young FNMI students and excelled at learning Blackfoot, which helped him connect with his culture through language. On campus, he is a part of the FNMI club, and appreciates the strong sense of community at the U of L.

“I plan to become a physiotherapist with my degree but that may change as time goes on. My U of L education will help me open more doors and opportunities so that I can become a successful individual in the future,” says English.

Lesleigh Siemens (psychology) is the first in her family in three generations to attend university. She was inspired by personal experiences to become a lawyer, and plans to go to law school after completing her undergraduate degree in psychology. A major challenge for Siemens has been navigating her post-secondary education without the advice or guidance from family members, since they never attended university. However, she has had some great experiences on campus and shares her advice for future students.

Walker English

“My advice would be to look at the planner provided and make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare! It's a much different experience than high school, so make sure to take all the help and tools provided, and use them,” she says. “The U of L has a lot of people willing to help if you don't quite understand what courses to take, where to start with applying, etc. As long as you're willing to ask for help, the experience can become a lot less stressful.”

Dr. Jackie Rice (associate dean, Faculty of Arts & Science) acknowledges that the U of L came into existence because of strong community support.

“We wanted to recognize the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge’s first 50 years by contributing back to students who represent the diversity and strength in our community,” she says. “Students like these, from diverse backgrounds and with unique experiences, are our future, and we want to encourage them to build their knowledge and experience. These are the people who will give back to their community; we see that in the backgrounds and motivations that they bring to us. The liberal education philosophy that we offer provides a broad perspective and critical thinking skills, along with depth of knowledge in a specific area, and this is what the leaders of tomorrow will need. I like to think of the UL50 Golden Jubilee Awards as our investment in the future and in the next 50 years of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, as we educate tomorrow’s leaders.”

Lesleigh Siemens

There are many valuable opportunities for students to seek advice or assistance at any point in their university career. For more information on all of the services available, click here.

U of L hosting Livingstone Range high school students for Experiential Learning Week

trevor.kenney — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 20:21:45 +0000

A group of nine high school students from the Livingstone Range School Division will get a sneak peek of life as a post-secondary student at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge May 1-5, all the while learning skills to develop solutions to the world’s problems.

The U of L’s Faculty of Arts & Science, with support from the AGILITY program, is piloting an Experiential Learning Week project that will see eight high school students from Pincher Creek’s Matthew Halton High School and one from Nanton’s J.T. Foster High School spend a full week at the U of L investigating issues related to water. A true campus experience, the students will live in campus dormitories, attend sessions with world-class water researchers, design and create prototype solutions and learn how to pitch their ideas to potential investors.

“Our theme for the week is water because we know that water is an increasingly scarce resource,” says Dr. Jackie Rice, associate dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science. “Water is related to everything we do on a daily basis. It is an essential part of agriculture, industry, even recreation, and we have expertise here that can help guide the students in their thinking about water and the potential problems a lack of water could cause.”

With a liberal education approach, Rice says students will first identify and then approach water issues from a variety of perspectives.

“We want to expose students to the different ways that they can look at that particular problem,” she says. “Whether it be through the eyes of a scientist, a sociologist, an anthropologist, all of those different perspectives can be brought into how to solve a potential problem.”

John Taylor, an off-campus coordinator for Livingstone Range School Division, says he’s looking to remove potential barriers for rural students pursuing post-secondary studies.

“We’re trying to break down the walls of school and get them out of the building and into the real world, solving problems, making a difference and developing the skills and competencies they need,” he says. “It’s only one week but it’s an immersive experience. It’s really trying to build that bridge between high school and post-secondary.”

He’s keen to see his students challenged to think in a new space, something that post-secondary studies demand.

“In this age, the information is readily available to everyone, but what we need to do is develop their skills to apply that information,” says Taylor. “They’ll get a chance to learn about design thinking, empathy, ideation and to think as an entrepreneur.”

Rice says the students will first identify a problem, then follow it all the way through to product creation in an attempt to solve the issue.

“We want to expose students to these problem-solving approaches,” says Rice. “Beginning with their ability to empathize, to define what they see the problem to be, to ideate, and then coming up with ways to solve it and then prototyping and testing what their solutions could be. We want them to see how those things actually work in practice – we want them to do it, we want them to build their solution.”

All the while, the students will gain valuable skills of adulthood. They’ve already been working on grocery lists and meal planning for the five-day stay, and will be responsible for getting to classes on time, cleaning up their living areas and more.

“Experience is the way to go, it is the best teacher,” says Taylor. “It’s only five days but it’s a start and it might be the doorway toward going to a university or college in the future.”

UNews - Jackie Rice

ULethbridge PhD student Michelle Sylvestre named Trudeau Foundation Scholar for groundbreaking AI and equity research

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Graduate student research highlights strong Research Infosource ranking

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Dr. Jackie Rice appointed to second term

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