Wednesday, January 29, UPEI joins communities all across the country in celebrating Bell Let's Talk Day.  We are looking for volunteers to staff 2 information/photo booths where students, staff and faculty can receive handouts on mental health topics, take a selfie with our Bell Let's Talk props and help promote awareness about mental health.  If you have an hour and would like to volunteer at a booth, please sign up on the attached google form in a time slot that works with your schedule.  We are hoping to have at least 2 people per hour at each booth. If you have time and would like to sign up for more than 1 hour, feel free to do so.

Bell Let's Talk Volunteer Sign-up Sheet:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1SsZ7is8OxTOvjNzZ1fF6N6ZYyvq1L1CkvoRO9A_jtn0/edit?usp=sharing

Seminar Title:  A robust approach to construct coherent risk measures
Speaker:  Dr. Alexander Alvarez, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (SMCS) at UPEI

Abstract: In this work we consider the problem of constructing robust, coherent financial risk measures.  In particular we construct a general risk measure that is conceptually comparable to the well known Value-at-Risk. Our method is based on a reference subset of possible trajectories of the asset prices, which can be generated in terms of geometric properties of the sample space. This approach can be used when we have full knowledge of the probabilistic model for the asset prices and  also in the context of model uncertainty. We provide numerical results based on simulated data.

All are welcome to attend!

For more information please contact AARMS CRG Seminar Series organizer Dr. Shafiqul Islam sislam@upei.ca

UPEI Hackers, start your engines!

This year, Atlantic Water Network is proud to be bringing the AquaHacking Challenge to Atlantic Canada for the first time! Through this competition, we’re launching an ambitious search for the most innovative solutions to tackle urgent water issues on the east coast.

UP FOR GRABS:

• $50K in cash prizes to jump-start winning teams
• 360° mentorship & skill-building workshops
• Secured spot in a local start-up incubator

Join us for this info session to learn how you can put PEI on the map for AquaHacking 2020 in Atlantic Canada!

What we’ll cover in this session:

• What is AquaHacking and how does it work?
• Who is eligible to participate?
• Where and when is the Challenge taking place?
• How can I get involved?

When: Tuesday, January 28 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm

Where: Room 142, Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, University of Prince Edward Island

Food and drinks will be provided.

FREE but pre-registration would be appreciated at: https://bit.ly/2RsTpPu

The competition is OPEN, meaning anyone is invited to participate. Whether you’re a student, young professional or researcher – or just interested in starting a business while making the world a better place – we invite you to join a growing movement of emerging water leaders working to improve the health of our waters. It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in technology, data, engineering, environmental issues or marketing – AquaHacking sets you and your team up for success through round-the-clock mentorship, skill-building workshops and leadership opportunities.
For more information, visit aquahacking.com/en/2020-atlanticcanada/ or contact us at aislin.livingstone@smu.ca.

See you there!

Please join Santiago Diaz for his Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences Seminar Program presentation entitled "The Role of Folic Acid Peptide Conjugate on Chicken B-Cells Innate Immunity ".

Abstract: Folate is the generic term referring to both natural folates in food and folic acid, which is the synthetic form that is used in supplements and fortified food. Folic acid (FA) can act as a dietary immunomodulator and one of the mechanisms may be via epigenetic mechanisms. The link between supplementation of FA and changes in the promoter regions of genes are directly linked to the capabilities of the immune cells to respond to infections. Avian and mammals require external sources of FA to reach the levels that their metabolism demands. It has been demonstrated the folate deficiency alters significantly the immune response. The objective of this project is to evaluate the effects of FA, FA peptide conjugate, and probiotic FA producer supplementation on the innate immune system response on chicken B-cells. Therefore FA as ((6R,S)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolic acid, calcium salt), FA peptide conjugate, and FA/folate-producing probiotic strains (Bifidobacterium adolescentis), will be used as model to evaluate the epigenetic changes in embryos from breeder hens. In addition, the impact on the FA levels in blood and yolk will be evaluated.

All are welcome to attend!

Seminar Title:  A robust approach to construct coherent risk measures
Speaker:  Dr. Alexander Alvarez, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences (SMCS) at UPEI

Abstract: In this work we consider the problem of constructing robust, coherent financial risk measures.  In particular we construct a general risk measure that is conceptually comparable to the well known Value-at-Risk. Our method is based on a reference subset of possible trajectories of the asset prices, which can be generated in terms of geometric properties of the sample space. This approach can be used when we have full knowledge of the probabilistic model for the asset prices and  also in the context of model uncertainty. We provide numerical results based on simulated data.

All are welcome to attend!

For more information please contact AARMS CRG Seminar Series organizer Dr. Shafiqul Islam sislam@upei.ca

UPEI Hackers, start your engines!

This year, Atlantic Water Network is proud to be bringing the AquaHacking Challenge to Atlantic Canada for the first time! Through this competition, we’re launching an ambitious search for the most innovative solutions to tackle urgent water issues on the east coast.

UP FOR GRABS:

• $50K in cash prizes to jump-start winning teams
• 360° mentorship & skill-building workshops
• Secured spot in a local start-up incubator

Join us for this info session to learn how you can put PEI on the map for AquaHacking 2020 in Atlantic Canada!

What we’ll cover in this session:

• What is AquaHacking and how does it work?
• Who is eligible to participate?
• Where and when is the Challenge taking place?
• How can I get involved?

When: Tuesday, January 28 from 12:30 – 1:30 pm

Where: Room 142, Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, University of Prince Edward Island

Food and drinks will be provided.

FREE but pre-registration would be appreciated at: https://bit.ly/2RsTpPu

The competition is OPEN, meaning anyone is invited to participate. Whether you’re a student, young professional or researcher – or just interested in starting a business while making the world a better place – we invite you to join a growing movement of emerging water leaders working to improve the health of our waters. It doesn’t matter if you’re interested in technology, data, engineering, environmental issues or marketing – AquaHacking sets you and your team up for success through round-the-clock mentorship, skill-building workshops and leadership opportunities.
For more information, visit aquahacking.com/en/2020-atlanticcanada/ or contact us at aislin.livingstone@smu.ca.

See you there!

A panel discussion Together Towards Gender Equality: Working Locally and Globally will be held on Tuesday, 4 February at 4:00 pm in the Atlantic Veterinary College Atrium (AVC 285N) to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the International Development Week. Introductory remarks will be likely delivered by H. Hon. Lt. Gov. Antoinette Perry, Hon. M.P. Sean Casey, and Hon. Mayor Philip Brown. Speakers at this event include Jane Ledwell from the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women; Dr. Jennifer Taylor from the Department of Applied Human Sciences, Dr. Jean Mitchell from the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and Dr. Janis MacLellan-Peters from the Faculty of Nursing. 

The panelists will address gender equality in its many facets and showcase efforts of the government, non-governmental organizations and the community in furthering gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals.

All are welcome. Snacks will be served. Please RSVP (sroy@upei.ca) by 28 January. 

Do you have heart disease or diabetes, or at least 1 risk factor for these conditions? Researchers at the UPEI Active Living Lab are seeking participants for a study on the benefits of exercise for UPEI faculty and staff at risk for chronic disease.

You may qualify if you are currently inactive and:

• Employed at UPEI
• Have heart disease or diabetes, or at least one risk factor for these conditions (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, etc)

Study participants will receive a free 6-month membership to the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, as well as 3 months of supervised personal training.

This research project has received approval from the UPEI Research Ethics Board. If you have any concerns about this study, please contact the University of PEI Research Ethics Board (902) 620-5104, or by e-mail at reb@upei.ca.  You can also contact the study Principal Investigator, Dr. Travis Saunders at 902 566 0641.

The research team will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, January 22 from noon-1pm in Steel Building 128.  All are welcome to attend.  For full study details, please contact Angelie Carter at ExerciseRx@upei.ca, or call (902) 566-0641.  

UPEI Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development is pleased to announce the following new offerings for 2020:

NEW CERTIFICATE PROGRAM

Professional Communications Certificate:

Writing Fundamentals - Apr 3, 2020
Writing Strategically - May 1, 2020
Error-free Writing - Jun 5, 2020
Digital Communications - Oct 2, 2020
Public Speaking Fundamentals - Nov 6, 2020
The Presentation Toolbox - Dec 4, 2020

NEW INDIVIDUAL COURSES

Customer Service for Managers - April 9, 2020
Customer Service for Front Line - May 21, 2020
Stress Reduction and Mindfulness in the Workplace - May 6-8, 2020

If you are UPEI staff or faculty, PD funding is available to you. Visit these links:

Contract employees:
Information about your PD coverage
Application Form

CUPE employees:
Information about your PD coverage    
Application Form

Faculty members:
For information about your coverage please email dasmith@upei.ca.

Visit www.upei.ca/professional-development to find out more! 

The Island Lecture Series January lecture features Dr. Tina Pranger speaking about her new book, Beyond the Asylum: The Evolution of Mental Health Care in Prince Edward Island, 1846-2017. How we as Islanders have historically cared for these people has evolved considerably over the past century and a half. Today, Islanders can access a comprehensive spectrum of mental health services that include — but also go far beyond — the asylum/mental hospital. Beyond the Asylum, the first-ever history of mental health care in PEI, richly details this often bumpy evolution of care. Tina Pranger, PhD (Social Science and Health), has over 35 years of experience in the mental health field, most recently as a mental health officer with Veterans Affairs Canada. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

Do you have heart disease or diabetes, or at least 1 risk factor for these conditions? Researchers at the UPEI Active Living Lab are seeking participants for a study on the benefits of exercise for UPEI faculty and staff at risk for chronic disease.

You may qualify if you are currently inactive and:

• Employed at UPEI
• Have heart disease or diabetes, or at least one risk factor for these conditions (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, etc)

Study participants will receive a free 6-month membership to the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, as well as 3 months of supervised personal training.

This research project has received approval from the UPEI Research Ethics Board. If you have any concerns about this study, please contact the University of PEI Research Ethics Board (902) 620-5104, or by e-mail at reb@upei.ca.  You can also contact the study Principal Investigator, Dr. Travis Saunders at 902 566 0641.

The research team will be hosting an information session on Wednesday, January 22 from noon-1pm in Steel Building 128.  All are welcome to attend.  For full study details, please contact Angelie Carter at ExerciseRx@upei.ca, or call (902) 566-0641.  

The UPEI Multicultural Choir and Song Circle resumes rehearsals Wednesday 4:30, Faculty Lounge,  SDU Main Building. This is a non-audition group that learns and sings songs from the many cultures represented at UPEI.  All members of the UPEI community - students, staff, and faculty are welcome.  Instruments also welcome.  Take this opportunity to have a break, relax, meet new friends, and share the cultures of the world through song.  

The Faculty of Business will be hosting Marketing Candidate Dr. Suzanne Rath on January 20th & 21st. During the visit, Dr. Rath will be presenting her research entitled - “Pangs of Persuasion: When Persuasion Attempts Lower Consumers’ Social Worth.” This presentation will occur on Monday, January 20th from 11:30am-12:30pm in McDougall Hall, Room 329. All are welcome to attend this presentation.

Co-hosted by the UPEI Student Union, and UPEI Experiential Education Office, STRIDE is a one-night event organized for diverse students who are interested in pursuing leadership on campus. STRIDE will provide hands-on, skill-building activities such as, Conceptualizing Leadership, Public Speaking, and Self-Advocacy. These engaging activities will provide STRIDE's diverse participants the tools to pursue elected, or hired leadership at UPEI. Historically at the Student Union , groups such as women, LGBTQ2+, and international students have been underrepresented in elected positions, particularly at the executive level. The UPEISU and Experiential Education Office want to provide engaging, useful, skill-building activities that will equip diverse students to pursue leadership.

Speaker: Elena Yan, Pathology and Microbiology

Title: Development of multiplex RT-PCR based diagnostic procedures for detecting eight viruses and one viroid in the Potato Nuclear Stocks Certification program

Everyone welcome.

Welcome, all new and returning students! Come take a tour of your library!

Learn how to use the library website, how to contact your subject librarian for research help, and where to go for writing and IT help. 

Discover the best places to study in the Library, learn how to book group study rooms, find out about library computers, printers, laptops, 3D printing, Wi-Fi, and much more!

Tours start Monday, January 6th and are available throughout the month.

Tours leave from the Service Desk, last 30-40 minutes, and are limited to 6 people per tour so be sure to book early! 

Let us help you with your academic journey! We have resources and information for all students! And, we'd love to show you around your Library!

Book your tout at https://library.upei.ca/

The Island Lecture Series January lecture features Dr. Tina Pranger speaking about her new book, Beyond the Asylum: The Evolution of Mental Health Care in Prince Edward Island, 1846-2017. How we as Islanders have historically cared for these people has evolved considerably over the past century and a half. Today, Islanders can access a comprehensive spectrum of mental health services that include — but also go far beyond — the asylum/mental hospital. Beyond the Asylum, the first-ever history of mental health care in PEI, richly details this often bumpy evolution of care. Tina Pranger, PhD (Social Science and Health), has over 35 years of experience in the mental health field, most recently as a mental health officer with Veterans Affairs Canada. Admission is free and all are welcome to attend.

The Faculty of Business will be hosting Marketing Candidate Dr. Suzanne Rath on January 20th & 21st. During the visit, Dr. Rath will be presenting her research entitled - “Pangs of Persuasion: When Persuasion Attempts Lower Consumers’ Social Worth.” This presentation will occur on Monday, January 20th from 11:30am-12:30pm in McDougall Hall, Room 329. All are welcome to attend this presentation.

The first UPEI & Friends Neuroscience Journal Club of 2020 will be held on Friday January 17, 2020 from 3-4 pm in the Fishbowl conference room of the Duffy Research Centre (NRC).  All faculty, students and staff with an interest in neuroscience are most welcome.  For a copy of the paper to be discussed please contact Jessica Rock (jrock@upei.ca) or Andy Tasker (tasker@upei.ca)

The Faculty of Science Graduate Studies Committee invites the campus community to the next Environmental Sciences/Human Biology seminar on Friday, January 17th, 2020 at 12:30 pm in the Duffy Science Centre, Room 204.

Dr. Sarah Finch from the UPEI Department of Applied Human Sciences will present "Vitamin D and associated factors in chronic disease prevention and management."

All are welcome