Three Trent University Researchers Receive over $300,000 in Federal Funding through John R. Evans Leaders Fund

Three Trent University researchers, Dr. Huy Dang, Dr. Marguerite (Maggie) Xenopoulos, and Dr. Carlo Bradac, received a combined $328,351 in funding through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Photo courtesy of Trent University

The CFI, through its John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF), awarded Professor Dang $146,553 for his project titled Unravelling the emerging environmental risks of pollution from the High-Tech Industry.

They awarded $54,257 to Professor Bradac for a project titled Quantum-enabled nano-transducers for (bio)nanotechnologies.

Recently, Professor Maggie Xenopoulos, Trent’s newly appointed Canada research chair in Global Change of Freshwater Ecosystems, received $127,541 towards infrastructure associated with her new position.

“Our researchers have always thought big. Now, more than ever, they need state-of-the-art labs and equipment to turn their visions into reality,” said Francois-Philippe Champagne, minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Investing in our university research infrastructure is key to our continuing role as an innovation leader in wide-ranging fields, from Indigenous research to quantum computing, from neurobiology to advanced robotics. These investments will not only support our ground-breaking contributions to science and research but also improve our economy, environment and quality of life.”

The CFI, through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund will support 332 new research projects at 50 institutions across Canada.

It also supported 29 Canada research chairs at 19 universities through its infrastructure support funding. The funding aims to help universities attract and retain top research talent from around the world and provide the specialized infrastructure they need to excel as leaders in their field.

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Lang Pioneer Village Will Resume Self Guided Living History Tours

Lang Pioneer Village will be open for self-guided living history tours on Wednesday.

A GUIDED TOUR OF THE MUSEUM THAT COMPLIED WITH THE COVID-19 PROTOCOLS IN 2020. PHOTO COURTESY OF LANG PIONEER VILLAGE.

The Museum has been operating under an altered guided tour format since the beginning of the pandemic however the province has moved to a stage that is permitting the Museum to resume living history programming with all necessary safety protocols in place to ensure a safe experience for all.

The Museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday until Sunday, Sept. 5.

Under the living history format, guests will be able to visit the Museum on the date and time of their choosing with no time limit to their visit.

Visitors will tour the village at their own pace and costumed interpreters stationed in some of the historic homes and businesses will introduce them to the building’s history and demonstrate traditional trades.

Visitors are required to wear masks when entering all buildings on the property, maintain two metres distance between themselves and visitors from outside of their group and are asked to practice proper hand sanitization and follow all posted signage while on site.

Only one visitor group will be permitted in the historic buildings at a time. Advance booking is not required but it is recommended.

“We’ve had our sights set on the day when we can open up again to a living history experience for our visitors. It is finally here,” said Laurie Siblock, museum manager, “Staff and volunteers are excited to welcome visitors back to a village filled with the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of the 19th century.”

Click here for more information.

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Trent University Supports the Creation of 100 New Student Summer Jobs

More than 100 student summer jobs have been created through the renewed Trent Summer Work Experience Program (TSWEP), providing undergraduate and graduate students at Trent University career experience through paid summer employment opportunities announced Friday.

File Photo.

"While a summer job provides an important opportunity for university students to earn income, it also offers an excellent opportunity for personal and professional development by building connections and developing skills that will serve them well in their future career paths," explains Dr. Michael Khan, provost and vice-president Academic. “The Trent Summer Work Experience Program is one of the many ways Trent equips students with guaranteed career-building experiences alongside leading faculty and staff from across the University.”

A joint initiative of Careerspace and the Office of the Registrar, TSWEP provided funding support to create both part-time and full-time employment opportunities for Trent students this summer.

Through the program, positions were created in more than 60 departments at the University including the Office of Student Affairs, Housing Services, Bata Library, External Relations and Advancement, as well as within academic departments.

These positions allow students to access diverse hands-on work experience with opportunities to engage in research, marketing, data analysis, completing independent projects, assisting and developing ways to pivot department resources online.

“I’ve gained invaluable hands-on experience working for the Trent Community Research Centre,” says Momina Shahid, a Trent Business student. “TCRC has provided me with the ideal research experience as well as an amazing opportunity to work directly with members of the local community and community organizations.”

TSWEP covers the full cost of student salaries, at the regular student rate, for approved summer positions with Trent departments and faculty. To have been eligible for these new positions, students must be returning to study at Trent in the fall and have demonstrated financial need.

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New Environmental Sciences Pathways Between Trent University and Sault College Plants Seed for Sustainable Future

Trent University has reached a new agreement with Sault College to have a School of Natural Environment degree available on the Peterborough campus in two to three years.

Both institutions have signed four new articulation agreements, allowing graduates from Sault’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation, Forestry Technician, Natural Environment Technician and Natural Environment Technician Advanced Diploma programs to complete their Environmental and Resource Studies/Science degree at Trent, one of the only Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada-accredited environmental science programs in the country.

“Over the last 50 years, Trent has gained a reputation as a leader in the field of environmental education, and we look forward to welcoming Sault College students to our School of the Environment, where we offer unparalleled hands-on learning opportunities,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, dean of Science at Trent University. “This partnership builds on our commitment to creating pathways for students between college and university and draws on the strengths of both our institutions in providing environmental science programming that prepares students to address some of the biggest global challenges of our time.”

The new partnership gives students access to the broadest range of environmental courses available at any Canadian university, 12 on-campus nature areas and globally recognized experts tackling some of the world’s most complex challenges – from climate change to environmental policy and food security.

“Sault College is proud to partner with Trent University and offer our learners expanded and meaningful opportunities to continue their studies. This partnership is another great example of our commitment to enhancing the educational experience and providing innovative ways for our learners to learn and grow and build upon the quality education and foundational knowledge they receive at our College,” said Dr. Ron Common, president of Sault College. “Together with Trent University, we are providing a unique pathway for learners to pursue their passions and further contribute to this important area. We look forward to continuing a rich and long-standing relationship with Trent University.”

Both institutions believe in the importance of offering a range of learning opportunities to ensure transformative post-secondary experiences. At Trent, students will have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through on-campus fieldwork or community-based research projects. They can also take advantage of international study opportunities that offer a global perspective on the environment.

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The Canadian Canoe Museum is Open

After a long winter and spring The Canadian Canoe Museum has opened their doors to the public.

The Canadian Canoe Museum is welcoming visitors as Ontario opens Stage 3. Photo Courtesy of The Canadian Canoe Museum.

Visitors are invited to walk through galleries, admire the waterfall, and view the more than 600 watercraft on display currently.

Masks, physical distancing, limited capacity, and all other COVID safety protocols are in effect. Visitors are encouraged to visit The Canadian Canoe Museum website prior to their tour so they know what to expect in terms of COVID precautions.

Staff ask that if possible visitors purchase their admission tickets online prior to arrival to limit contact and make for a quick entrance.

Cash will not be accepted in the on-site gift shop.

Current hours of operation are Friday - Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Local Teacher Uses Running to Aid In Students' Mental Health Issues

Running not only maintained teacher Julie Vaillères’s physical health but her mental well-being and uses her story to help students with similar issues since 2015.

Vaillères has taught core and French immersion classes at St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School. She has also taught drama, religion and science classes with some as part of the immersion program. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Vaillères suffered a major depressive breakdown in 2014 where she believed she could never teach again. During her time off work, her psychiatrist suggested running again, an on-and-off hobby throughout her life.

Since returning to St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School in the fall of 2015 after having time off recovering, the French teacher shared her stories with students. Vaillères’s pupils were inspired to open up about their mental health problems to her as a result.

“I use running to explain how it manages my mental illness,” said Vaillères. “It helps you with self-confidence, energy and how physical health goes hand in hand. It’s my me time and my way of meditating. I love nature and it’s my way of grounding myself.”

The group was unable to run in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but with in-person learning returning in the fall of 2021, the “Change Your M;nd’s” revival is the plan for Vailleres. Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Students would confide in Vaillères and then be redirected to professional help from the school board or a social worker for further treatment.

The group became known as “Change Your M;nd” for students to have weekly meetings to open up about their mental issues. They would do collaborations with organizations such as the Canadian Mental Health Association and Peterborough Memorial Centre to raise money for mental health awareness.

Since forming the group back in 2015, Vaillères and students are helping erase the stigma of having mental health issues, creating awareness while promoting healthier choices.

Photo Courtesy of Julie Vaillères.

Vaillères volunteers her time as the school’s cross-country and track and field coach and shares her story to inspire the student-athletes.

“The students that we get are so strong mentally and the perseverance they show and support that they give to one another is amazing,” she said. “We’re all in this to better ourselves.”

Photo Courtesy of Julie Vailleres.

Vaillères says when she was a child, mental health was highly stigmatized but when she was admitted for treatment, it was a huge relief. It is a message she wants to spread to anyone suffering from any issues.

“There’s a positive story behind painful times,” said Vaillères. “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel when you reach out for help. We shouldn’t be feeling ashamed. Now I feel the need to share my story because if I’m able to help others, it’s the best reward I can get.”

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Fleming Congratulates Students That Completed their Indigenous Perspectives Designation

Fleming College along with members of the Indigenous community hosted a special event to recognize students who completed an Indigenous Perspectives Designation (IPD) on July 9.

Aerial shot of Fleming Sutherland Campus. Photo Courtesy of Fleming College.

The IPD gives students the chance to learn about Indigenous perspectives, peoples, cultures, histories, traditions and contributions to our shared society. To graduate with an IPD it is required that they take discipline-specific Indigenous curriculum in each semester, beyond what is already required in the two mandatory Indigenous Studies courses, as well as experiential Indigenous activities.

“Very proud of the IPD graduates and faculty who work hard each year to incorporate Indigenous knowledge and pedagogy into their learning,” said Elizabeteh Stone, Academic Chair for Indigenous Studies at Fleming. “This is reconcili-action! As described by the Downie Wenjack Foundation: ‘A ReconciliACTION is a meaningful action that moves reconciliation forward. ReconciliACTIONs aim to bring Indigenous and non-Indigenous people together in the spirit of reconciliation to create awareness, share and learn.’ Nishin Graduates.”

The IPD is available to students enrolled in certain programs. For more information click here.

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Former Trent University President Calls It a Career

Following a return to research and the classroom, Dr. Steven Franklin, interdisciplinary environmental scientist and former president and vice-chancellor of Trent, is retiring from the University.

Dr. Steven Franklin has held academic and administrative appointments at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Calgary, Memorial University, and the University of Waterloo. Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

 “Dr. Steven Franklin brought a passion for engaging students in the classroom, on-campus and beyond, and cultivated experiences that focused on hands-on learning,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice chancellor. “His legacy as a key leader at Trent will be marked by ambition and collaboration as he renewed Trent’s vision and planning processes, overall strategic directions, and academic structure to build on the traditions and outstanding legacy of the University.”

Franklin was appointed the seventh president of Trent University in 2009. During his five-year term, he put in place the University’s first Integrated Plan, launching key initiatives to strengthen Trent’s academic excellence, strategic enrolment management, financial stability, and community engagement.

Under his leadership, the University also marked several milestones, including the opening of the Life & Health Sciences Building and the Trent Athletics Centre, development of student residence annexes adjacent to the campus on Water Street, the identification of the need for a central Student Centre, and growing strong connections with post-secondary partners including Ontario Tech University in Durham and Fleming College in Peterborough.

He had a key teaching role in three new academic programs developed during his time as president: Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems and Environmental Geoscience.

“In-classroom experiences are at the heart of why I became a professor in the first place,” says Franklin. “I was fortunate to spend time teaching in first and second-year courses, and working with students was a nice way to cap off my academic career.”

Dedicated to supporting the next generation of environmental scientists, Franklin, together with his family and friends, established the Jean and Eric Franklin Bursary at Trent in 2012.

The fund is in memory of his parents, Jean (nee Simmonds) and Eric Franklin, who emigrated to Canada in 1956, raised four children (Gillian, Steven, Barb, and Michael) in Aurora, Kingsville, and Windsor, Ontario, and retired to Vernon, B.C. in 1995.

The bursary is inspired by their love of reading, learning, and the natural world and supports students in the Geography or Environmental & Resource Science/Studies programs at Trent. Donations to the bursary are encouraged to mark Prof. Franklin’s ongoing legacy at the University.

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Fleming College Requires Student COVID-19 Vaccinations For Residence Living In Fall

Fleming College requires students in residence to have at least their first COVID-19 vaccine for the fall semester stated in a press release on Friday.

File Photo.

The campus mandatory vaccine policy claims it is based on scientific data and supported by Peterborough Public Health (PPH).

“The pandemic continues to be an evolving situation, and we have always emphasized that safety is everyone’s responsibility at Fleming,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming President. ”The vaccination requirement for those in residence will provide peace of mind to students and their families.”

The school recommends that residence students get the vaccine two weeks prior to their move-in date. Those unable to receive their first dose before moving in will have 14 days to get vaccinated. Fleming will provide support to students who require first and second doses and is working closely with PPH to coordinate access to vaccines.

The vaccine requirement applies only to the college-owned residences on campus and not the entire campus or to those living off-campus. Alternative off-campus housing is available with assistance and resources through Fleming’s off-campus housing services.

Safety measures such as masking and reduced capacity limits in shared spaces and enhanced cleaning and sanitation of all areas are in addition to the mandatory vaccine policy.

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Hometown PTBO: Rod McGillis Talk About PTBO Sports, Schools Under COVID and His Work With the Peterborough Petes

This week on Hometown PTBO, Pete Dalliday speaks with St. Peter’s Secondary School teacher Rod McGillis about Peterborough sports as a player and coach, schools under COVID-19, his work with the Peterborough Petes and favourite PTBO food spots.

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