UNews - Dave Hancock

Neuroscience research capacity boosted by addition of Mohajerani

trevor.kenney — Mon, 12 May 2014 20:16:47 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge has added to its internationally recognized research capacity in neuroscience by appointing Dr. Majid H. Mohajerani as the new CAIP Chair in Brain Health and Dementia.

Dr. Majid Mohajerani comes to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ after serving as a research associate at the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste, Italy.

Mohajerani is the third of four new research Chairs being added to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ as part of the Government of Alberta's Campus Alberta Innovation Program (CAIP) Chairs plan. Last year, aquatic health expert Dr. Greg Pyle and remote sensing researcher Dr. Chris Hopkinson were attracted to the U of L through the program.

The government is contributing $1 million for four Chairs, over the course of seven years, for a total investment of $7 million.

Vice-President (Research) Dr. Dan Weeks says this latest CAIP Chair is a tremendous addition for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ that will compliment the world class research currently undertaken at the U of L’s Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN).

“The work that Dr. Mohajerani has undertaken in brain mapping, and in stroke research, is groundbreaking and has been recognized nationally,” says Weeks. “This expertise, combined with the world-class talent that already resides at the U of L, will ensure that important discoveries continue to be made on our campus that will improve the quality of local, national and international communities.”

In 2010, Mohajerani received the New Investigator Award from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Additionally, he received the Henry J.M. Barnett Award –presented annually to the highest rated investigator working in the area of stroke research.

Mohajerani comes to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ after serving as a research associate at the International School for Advanced Studies in Trieste, Italy, where he received his PhD, and at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of British Columbia.

“I had offers from several institutions within Canada, the United States and Europe and chose to work in the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge because the CCBN is a world class research facility including some of the top researchers in the system and behavioural neuroscience,” says Mohajerani.

Mohajerani’s lab employs in vivo microscopic imaging technologies such as two-photon microscopy and functional imaging to study neural activity on the subcellular, cellular, and circuit level in real-time. A central goal of Mohajerani's research program is to use these experimental approaches to study the neurophysiological mechanisms that allow the cerebral cortex to develop normally and change throughout life in response to new experiences (eg. learning) or diseases such as stroke.

The CAIP Chairs plan is part of the Government of Alberta's Campus Alberta collaborative initiative and will provide research Chairs to Alberta's four Comprehensive Academic and Research Intensive (CARI) institutions: the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge, Athabasca ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Alberta and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Calgary.

“The Campus Alberta Innovation Program brings some of the world’s best research talent to Alberta to discover and create new knowledge in priority areas including human health,” says Dave Hancock, Premier of Alberta and Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education. “I welcome Dr. Mohajerani to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and to Alberta. His leadership and expertise will bring the original and innovative thinking that CAIP research chair recipients are renowned for. CAIP and Campus Alberta’s research facilities are making important discoveries right here in Alberta and those discoveries will have benefits that reach far beyond our borders.”

Open Mike - February 2014, Concern over the prospect of local oil and gas drilling

trevor.kenney — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 22:11:18 +0000

Now that we are once again in full swing, I wanted to take the time to welcome everyone back for the Spring Semester and address a few issues that have arisen since my last Open Mike column prior to Christmas.

Mahon looks forward to welcoming the community at the 3rd Annual Play Day event on Monday, February 17.

One of the most contentious issues that has come to the forefront in the last few months is the prospect of oil and gas drilling within the boundaries of the city of Lethbridge, and more specifically, on the city’s west side.

Just last week I had the opportunity to sit down with our local MLA, Greg Weadick, to share our mutual concerns over the proposed drilling plans. At this point, we are working, as are many of you, to fully understand the risk and safety implications of this activity and how it may affect not only our campus, but our community as well. We have great concern for the safety of our students who live in off-campus housing, for example. It is also troublesome to think of how the proposed drilling activity may impact the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s ability to recruit and retain faculty, staff and students. One of the U of L’s great advantages is the positive quality of life that Lethbridge affords people and it is concerning to see this potentially jeopardized.

As this debate continues to evolve, the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ will do its part to advocate for the best interests of our faculty, staff and students.

We speak often of community and its many meanings here on campus because so much of what we do has a community focus, both internally and externally.

A good example of this is the renewal of the Life Bus campaign and the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s partnership with the local chapter of Canadian Blood Services (CBS). This is the third year that the U of L has joined forces with CBS and after shattering the modest donation goals we set out for our community the first two years of this relationship, we are seeking 400 total blood donations in 2014. Please contact Patti Leeb at leeb@uleth.ca or at 403-329-5182 to sign up for this very worthwhile program.

Another great example of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s community spirit is the now annual Play Day activity that will be held on Family Day (Monday, Feb. 17).

This is also the third incarnation of Play Day on campus and I can’t understate how well received this initiative has been from the southern Alberta community. The opportunity to invite so many people to experience our campus, if even just for a few hours of play, is invaluable and I thank all those who have assisted as volunteers to help make this event such a success.

I encourage volunteers to sign up by contacting Kali McKay (kali.mckay@uleth.ca) so that we can once again put our best foot forward and offer southern Alberta families a wonderful day of play, and of course we hope many of you bring your families out to play as well.

In the next few weeks, we have two important events that will continue to help shape the future of our institution.

I am looking forward to the opportunity to sit down with our new Minister of Innovation and Advanced Education, Dave Hancock, as we discuss the priorities of the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge and the importance of continuing to appropriately resource higher education in the province of Alberta.

I am also looking forward to introducing the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ’s new Strategic Plan on Wednesday, Feb. 12. I encourage everyone to come out to the launch event to share in our excitement as we unveil the plan that will help set the course for the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ over the next five years. Your valued input throughout the strategic planning process has given us a clear indication of what we value as Alberta’s Destination ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ and where our successes can be best achieved moving ahead.

I hope to see you at this event and don’t forget to take some time to come out and play on Feb. 17.

U of L Students Land Six Persons Case Scholarships

trevor.kenney — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:34:40 +0000

March 8, 2013

In recognition of International Women's Day, the contributions women and men have made to the advancement of women in Alberta are being celebrated through Persons Case Scholarships.

Among the 46 recipients are several ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge students:

Brittney Adams, Political Science ($1,500)

Jenae Dunlop, English $2,000

Madison Ouellette, Kinesiology ($1,500)

Alysha Smith, Music ($1,500)

Maxine Trimboli, Physics ($2,000)

Elizabeth Young, History ($3,500)

This year's scholarships recognize 46 outstanding students whose studies and career goals contribute to the advancement of women, or to those studying in fields where members of their gender are traditionally few in number.

"Congratulations to the recipients, whose passion and dedication to their fields of study inspire all of us," said Human Services Minister Dave Hancock. "Their ambitious education and career goals help foster women and men as powerful voices for the advancement of women in our communities."

Alberta has a history of strong, determined and courageous women. The Persons Case Scholarships began in 1979 to honour the 50th anniversary of the Persons Case and the legacy of five Alberta women who fought and won the right for women to be deemed as "persons" under Canadian law. Emily Murphy, Louise McKinney, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby and Henrietta Muir Edwards are known as Alberta's Famous Five.

The Persons Case Scholarships provide financial assistance to help both women and men pursue their post-secondary studies while advancing the status of women.

Scholarships range from $1,000 to $4,000, with a total of $100,000 being awarded. To qualify for a scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time in a post-secondary institution in Alberta. The nominations are reviewed by a selection committee based on academic performance, program of study and a personal essay.

View the complete list here:

https://humanservices.alberta.ca/family-community/16338.html

To learn more about applying for the next round of scholarships, please visit this website:

http://humanservices.alberta.ca/family-community/15596.html

New MEd Neuroscience program debuts

trevor.kenney — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:05:28 +0000

Brain-based neuroscience research will soon be applied in the classroom through a first-of-its-kind Master of Education program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Combining inclusive education and neuroscience principles, the new Inclusive Education and Neuroscience MEd program offers teachers the opportunity to become their school's expert on children with varying learning and behavioural challenges.

"This unique collaboration between two of the U of L's well-respected academic units brings the experience for the candidates in this program to a whole new level," says Dr. Jane O'Dea, the former dean of the Faculty of Education.

"The candidates receive the best of our Faculty's nationally-respected programming and the benefits of the cutting-edge research that has brought the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN) to a position of leadership in neuroscience research in North America."

"This is a school-based initiative," adds Dr. Nancy Grigg, associate professor and program co-ordinator.

"We're putting our research directly into the classroom. Our neuroscience partners bring data to show us, conclusively, that all kids learn differently – which means we have to develop a wide variety of teaching methods in order to meet their needs. Our goal is to have a direct impact on improving how teachers can help their students."

Grigg says there is a huge level of excitement within the Faculty of Education because of the new partnership.

"Neuroscientists know how the brain works in the critical areas that define how people learn. Educators know about instruction, how schools work, what teachers need. Bringing these fields together is critical."

A key component of this area of study is recognizing how the brain develops and how experiences and genetics work together, says Dr. Bryan Kolb, a world-leading neuroscience researcher at the U of L's CCBN.

Kolb and more than 100 researchers at the CCBN have worked for more than 30 years on revolutionary treatments in brain injury, drug addiction and conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer's Disease.

"Most of the body develops from a genetic blueprint, but the brain develops in response to experiences. So you are your brain," says Kolb.

"Teachers need to know about the principles of brain development in order to understand the impact these processes have on behaviours. Although this particular program is geared towards experienced teachers, down the road it would be useful to have all education students taking neuropsychology courses."

Alberta Minister of Education, Dave Hancock, says that the concept of changing the classroom environment to be more inclusive raises important questions that the U of L's new program will help to address.

"We anticipate that teachers will adapt their curriculum to differentiate instruction based on student needs, but what about students with additional needs," he asks. "How do we provide the tools to further adapt the curriculum so that teachers have a body of resources to draw on when personalizing learning?"

Sue Bengry, director of Student Services for Lethbridge School District 51 (and currently seconded by the U of L Faculty of Education) says the entire premise of the program is to take the research and apply it to teaching practices in the classroom.

"Classes are different today in that they now include an ever growing number of students with diverse skill and ability levels," says Bengry. "The challenge for teachers is to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to meet the needs of all students. I know from experience that teachers really want to do a great job to help students, but they've had to seek out professional development opportunities to meet their growing need."

Bengry's role is to consult with U of L program developers to insure the curriculum meets the needs of frontline educators.

"Administrators and teachers alike can now enhance their knowledge and understanding of diverse needs through this innovative program that explores current research in neuroscience and how it can improve teaching and learning in inclusive classrooms within our schools."

Groundbreaking masters program to impact classrooms

trevor.kenney — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:19:19 +0000

Brain-based neuroscience research will soon be applied in the classroom through a first-of-its-kind Master of Education program at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

"This is a school-based initiative," adds Dr. Nancy Grigg, associate professor and program co-ordinator.

Grigg says there is a huge level of excitement within the Faculty of Education because of the new partnership.

Kolb and more than 100 researchers at the CCBN have worked for more than 30 years on revolutionary treatments in brain injury, drug addiction and conditions such as stroke and Alzheimer's Disease.

"Most of the body develops from a genetic blueprint, but the brain develops in response to experiences. So you are your brain," says Kolb.

Bengry's role is to consult with U of L program developers to insure the curriculum meets the needs of frontline educators.

U of L uses recent minister visit to full advantage

trevor.kenney — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:23:52 +0000

The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge is a key contributor to building Alberta's knowledge-based economy. Add that to its many specific contributions to the economy and social well-being of the citizens of southern Alberta, and it was only fitting that eight Alberta government cabinet ministers spent the vast majority of their recent Lethbridge visit on the U of L campus.

The visit, part of a province-wide initiative, saw Doug Horner (advanced education and technology), Dave Hancock (education), Mel Knight (sustainable resource development), Yvonne Fritz (children and youth services), Lindsay Blackett (culture and community service), Jonathan Denis (housing and urban affairs), Len Webber (aboriginal relations) and Heather Klimchuk (Service Alberta) all attend.

The morning began with a tour of Markin Hall – the future home of the Faculties of Health Sciences and Management. In the context that the province is looking to diversify its economy by serving more as a financial hub for Canada, Markin's Finance Trading Floor, and its educational possibilities, was a key element of particular interest. Similarly, the Nursing Skills Lab, currently under construction, will train nursing students in a uniquely hands-on, innovative setting. It was not lost on the visiting ministers that placing the Faculties of Management and Health Sciences in the same building would create more opportunities for collaboration between faculty members, yielding new approaches of better-managing an expensive health-care system.

The Alberta Water and Environmental Science Building (AWESB) was next on the schedule, with distinguished water researcher Stewart Rood welcoming the ministers with a tour of his lab. The government has mandated to "ensure the province has the quality and quantity of water needed now and into the future to support the environmental, economic and social needs of Albertans" and the research work being done at the AWESB promises to play a key part in fulfilling this policy.

The morning tour ended with provost Andrew Hakin addressing the ministers, detailing how the U of L has positioned itself to best serve the post-secondary needs of Albertans, all the while pursuing a research mandate that will improve the quality of life for people throughout the province.

The evening tour featured a reception and presentation about the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge Art Gallery.

Dr. Josephine Mills, the director/creator of the gallery, explained the origin of the collection, its purpose in teaching and how the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ connects with the broader community by sharing the works through exhibitions, publications and the web. The gallery is an important asset to the U of L in that it is used for educational, research, advancement and cultural purposes on campus and beyond. The ministers were introduced to a range of important works that revealed the collection's breadth and significance.

The evening concluded with a meal on campus that invited the Board of Governors, senior administration, deans and others. It was an opportunity to further build links between the
U of L and the provincial government.

This was a significant opportunity for the U of L to showcase itself. There is great geographic distance between Lethbridge and Edmonton and access to government members often involves significant effort and travel. Having eight ministers on campus at the same time is a rare opportunity, and the U of L used the occasion to its full advantage. The ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ also expressed a desire that similar visits would become of strategic importance to the Government of Alberta in the future.

Richard Westlund is the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ's director of government relations

September Events

trevor.kenney — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:51:29 +0000

Pronghorn Athletics

Soccer

Sept. 12 | Manitoba vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. at Stadium

Sept. 13 | Regina vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. at Stadium

Sept. 26 | Alberta vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. and Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Sept. 27 | Saskatchewan vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. and Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Oct. 4 | Calgary vs. Pronghorns
Women, 12 p.m. and Men, 2 p.m. at Stadium

Women's Rugby

Sept. 26 | Calgary vs. Pronghorns
5 p.m. at Stadium

------------

Lectures

Sept. 14 | Dave Hancock
The Alberta Minister of Education speaks about a vision for the future of education in Alberta
4:45 p.m., AH100

Sept. 14 | Art Now: Kristi Malakoff
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 16 | Art Now: Doug Scholes
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 16 | Owen G. Holmes Lectures
��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Toronto's Ian Hacking presents The Abolition of Man
7 p.m., L1060

Sept. 17 | Discovery Lecture Series
International envoy for humanitarian efforts, professor in Global Health and author of Race Against Time, Stephen Lewis, presents Global Health: Hope or Deterioration?
7:30 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Theatre, Book signing to follow

Sept. 18 | Art Now: Allyson Mitchell
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 21 | Art Now: Ian Pedigo
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 21 | Architecture & Design Now: Barry Johns
6 p.m., C610

Sept. 22 | Lunch and Learn
Kinesiology professor, Jon Doan, presents: Is work (or other activity) causing a pain in your back?
12:05 p.m., TH241

Sept. 23 | Art Now: Brian Goeltzenleuchter
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 28 | Art Now: Tim Zuck
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 30 | Art Now: Judy Tuwaletstiwa
12 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 2 | Global Justice Week
Alex Neve of Amnesty International presents: Economic Insecurity, National Insecurity: Don't Lose Sight of Human Rights
7 p.m., PE250

-------------------

Performances

Sept. 22 | Music at Noon: Dale Ketcheson, classical guitar
12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Sept. 29 | Music at Noon: Joni Vonkeman, French horn; Nick Sullivan, trombone; Elinor Lawson, piano
12:15 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

Oct. 1-3 | Lindsay Price Double Bill
A night of light-hearted comedy featuring two works (Anne-Arky and Body Body) by playwright Lindsay Price | Nightly, 8 p.m., Matinee, 2 p.m. Oct. 3, David Spinks Theatre

Oct. 3 | Tango~Waltz~Tango
Classical explorations of two of the most sensual and elegant dances of all time
8 p.m., ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ Recital Hall, W570

-------------------

Miscellaneous

Sept. 10 | Latin American Film Series
The Year My Parents Went on Vacation
7 p.m., Lethbridge Public Library

Sept. 11 | CAETL Graduate Student Orientation
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Student Union Ballroom B

Sept. 11 to Oct. 23 | Head Shots
Art Gallery exhibit featuring portraits by Canadian and international artists, drawn from the U of L's extensive holdings
Helen Christou Gallery

Sept. 18 to Oct. 30 | Allyson Mitchell: Ladies Sasquatch
Freestanding, figurative, sculptural works by Toronto-based artist Allyson Mitchell
U of L Main Gallery

Sept. 19 | Artwalk Guided Tours
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours of campus sculpture and architecture

Sept. 19 | Culture Vulture Saturday
Sasquatch sightings and Foot Print Patters
10 a.m. to 5 p.m., U of L Main Gallery

Sept. 28 to 30 | Anti-Bullying Week
Presented by the Education Undergraduate Society, addressing how to stop bullying in schools

Sept. 30 | Career Fair
Career Resource Centre hosts its annual Career Fair with over 80 organizations attending
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st Choice Savings Centre for Sport and Wellness

Oct. 2 | 3rd Annual Chinook Symposium for Chemistry and Biochemistry
Symposium and Chinook Poster Prize competition
Registration closes Sept. 18

Hancock visit is full

trevor.kenney — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:05:43 +0000

Alberta's Minister of Education has proven to be a big draw to the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge audience. Scheduled to speak Monday, Sept. 14 at the U of L, his talk has drawn a full house.

The free event, which features a hosted wine and cheese reception, filled up quickly as Dave Hancock is expected to address a vision for the future of education in Alberta.

Alberta Education is concluding province-wide discussions with education stakeholders through its "Inspiring Education" initiative. Hancock may be able to use this valuable information to benchmark a vision for the future of education in the province.

"Our Inspiring Education dialogue is about how education in Alberta can help tomorrow's students find their passions and prepare for success in the future," Hancock says.

"This initiative will heighten public appreciation for education and build our understanding of what it will mean to be an educated Albertan 20 years from now. It will result in a new vision for education and a policy framework that will guide the Ministry and inform legislation."

The process has involved Albertans in extensive discussions about education as a foundation for the future societal and economic success of the province.

The discussions have focused on five key values - opportunity, fairness, citizenship, choice and diversity - which are critical to the success of Alberta's education system.

Dr. Jane O'Dea, the Dean of the U of L Faculty of Education, is a member of the steering committee.

Inspiring Education conference at U of L

trevor.kenney — Tue, 19 May 2009 15:34:19 +0000

Shaping the future of education in Alberta is the focus of Wednesday's "Inspiring Education: A Dialogue with Albertans" education summit at the ��Ѹ��Դ��߿�Ƭ of Lethbridge.

Provincial education minister Dave Hancock is expected to attend the daylong event, one of 10 being held across the province. Albertans from all walks of life are encouraged to bring their perspectives to the conversation by joining in the discussion. Pre-registration is required to attend the event. Visit www.inspiringeducation.alberta.ca for more information or to register.

The Inspiring Education project will focus public conversations on how education in Alberta can best meet future students' needs. It is essential that Albertans from all regions become involved in this important discussion about education.

The dialogue is reaching out to an extensive cross section of Albertans with diverse points of view and perspectives. Inspiring Education is different than a typical consultation. The Government of Alberta is not assuming that it has the answers and is simply asking participants to prioritize or choose options. Inspiring Education promises to be about listening to a variety of interests and voices to deepen perspective on education and help develop public understanding and expectations across multiple perspectives. The goal is to reach out to individual perspectives of the community, engaging all Albertans and including new and different perspectives.

UNews - Dave Hancock

Neuroscience research capacity boosted by addition of Mohajerani

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