Dr. Joshua MacFadyen, an associate professor in the Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture program in UPEI’s Faculty of Arts, will launch his new book, Flax Americana: A History of the Fibre and Oil that Covered a Continent, on Monday, December 3 at 7:00 pm at Upstreet Craft Brewing in Charlottetown.

Flax Americana examines the story of flax, a plant that went in a few decades from a specialty fibre crop in the Great Lakes region to an oilseed empire that spanned continents and helped create urban industrial capitalism.

“Flax Americana touches on topics as diverse as Canadian Mennonites making homespun linen, escaped slaves and First Nations labourers participating in Ontario’s industrial transformation, and oilseed empires driving precarious agriculture into North and South American grasslands for the production of a luxury good—paint,” explained Dr. MacFadyen. “However, the book is really about what a deep dive into a single plant and the places that produced it can tell us about the emergence of commodity frontiers, industrial capitalism, and the modern world itself.”

Flax Americana: A History of the Fibre and Oil that Covered a Continent is published by McGill Queen’s University Press.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Danielle Burnett, a student in AVC’s graduate studies program, presented at the 12th International Sea Lice 2018 conference held in Patagonia, Chile, from November 4–8. Her presentation, titled “Using a biological-physical model to quantify sea lice larval connectivity among salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago, British Columbia, Canada,” won top prize in the “Best Oral Presentation” category. She is working toward her PhD in aquatic epidemiology. Congratulations, Danielle!

Students and faculty at the Atlantic Veterinary College were honoured at the College’s 2018 Fall Awards and Recognition Night held on October 3. Approximately $170,850 in scholarships and awards was presented to DVM students. Dr. Susan Dawson, Biomedical Sciences, received the Zoetis Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award, and Dr. Oriana Raab, Companion Animals, the SCVMA Teacher of the Year Award. As well, students who achieved an average of 80% or higher in the 2017–18 academic year were named to the AVC Dean’s Honour List. Congratulations, everyone!

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their achievements and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Jenna Mae Ellsworth and Cody Payne, the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for November 19 to 25.

Jenna Mae Ellsworth is a third-year science student from Charlottetown and a guard on the UPEI Women’s Basketball team. The Panthers downed the University of New Brunswick over the weekend 76–64. Ellsworth shone with an impressive 28 points, 3 rebounds, and two assists. “Jenna Mae had a strong effort to help the team close first semester on a high note,” said coach Matt Gamblin. “She not only scored the ball, but also made some great decisions and forced turnovers with her ball defence as well.”

Cody Payne is a third-year business student from Davie, Florida and a forward on the UPEI Men’s Hockey team. The Panthers had a spectacular weekend, defeating Acadia University 4–1 and Saint Mary’s University 4–3. Payne scored a pair of goals in each game. “Cody started to focus on the little things in practice and in games which got him more involved and in better scoring positions,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “His natural ability took over after that.” For his outstanding effort, Payne was also named Subway AUS Athlete of the Week.

Panthers at Home, November 30 and December 1

The UPEI Women’s Hockey team plays a pair of home games this weekend! The Panthers host Dalhousie University on Friday and the University of New Brunswick on Saturday, and don’t forget to bring non-perishable food items for the UPEI Campus Food Bank! All contributions are greatly appreciated.

Both games begin at 7:00 pm in the MacLauchlan Arena.

UPEI Women’s Hockey is the proud host of the 2019 and 2020 U SPORTS Women’s Hockey Championships!

Go Panthers Go!

University of Prince Edward Island President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz issued a statement today on the passing of UPEI Founder, honorary degree recipient, and professor emeritus, Dr. Brendan O’Grady.

“On behalf of UPEI students, faculty, staff, and alumni, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Dr. O’Grady,” said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “Dr. O’Grady’s contributions as a passionate educator, a meticulous scholar, and a great lover of literature and Irish culture will be remembered forever.”

The son of Irish immigrants, Dr. O’Grady grew up with a deep appreciation of the value of education. He graduated in 1947 from the University of Notre Dame with a bachelor’s degree in English literature, and then earned a master’s degree at Columbia University while at the same time teaching at Power Memorial Academy in New York City. In 1948 he began teaching at St. Dunstan’s College as he continued his education, receiving his PhD from the University of Ottawa. First at St. Dunstan’s College and University and then at the University of Prince Edward Island, he demonstrated his great passion for and commitment to teaching and his students. At St. Dunstan’s, he served as professor and chair of the Department of English and as dean of studies and academic vice-president. He was a member of the planning committee that led to the formation of the University of Prince Edward Island in 1969. Following the establishment of the new university, he served for many years as president of the St. Dunstan’s University Board of Governors.

In 1990 he received an honorary degree from UPEI for his scholarly work on the historical connections between Prince Edward Island and Ireland, and after his retirement in 1996, he was named professor emeritus. Following his retirement, he continued to share his vast knowledge of literature as an instructor for Seniors College of PEI. In 2012 he was presented with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, honouring his long career as educator and scholar. In 2017 he was named a Founder of the University of Prince Edward Island.

In addition to educating three generations of Islanders in a university setting, Dr. O’Grady pursued an active scholarly agenda focused mostly on Irish literature and culture. Published in 2004 by McGill-Queen’s University Press, his book, Exiles and Islanders, is considered the definitive account of the Irish settlers on Prince Edward Island. The book was a true labour of love and an adventure in research and writing shared with his wife, Leah. A founding member of the Celtic Heritage Association of Prince Edward Island and the Patron of the Benevolent Irish Society, Dr. O’Grady remained active in Island cultural circles to the end of his life.

Dr. O’Grady passed away on Saturday, November 24, at the age of 93. His wake will be held at the Belvedere Funeral Home on Friday, November 30, from 4–7 pm, and a funeral mass at the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer on Saturday, December 1, at 1 pm. UPEI’s flags will fly at half-mast until after his funeral.
 

The Psychological Association of Prince Edward Island (PAPEI) presented two prestigious awards to University of Prince Edward Island recipients in conjunction with its annual meeting on November 28. 

PAPEI president, Dr. Magda Pietruch presented the Elizabeth Fox Percival Professional Award to Dr. Jason Doiron, chair of the Department of Psychology, and presented the Psychological Association of PEI Humanitarian Award to the University of Prince Edward Island, with thanks and deep appreciation to Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor.

The citation for the Elizabeth Fox Percival award was read by Dr. Philip Smith who noted that his colleague Dr. Doiron, a UPEI Psychology alumnus, has exhibited tremendous leadership and innovation in the development of the new Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program. Dr. Doiron’s research interests include the exploration of a variety of topics in clinical psychology using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Recent work has examined the etiology, treatment, and prevention of pathological gambling, and he anticipates that a portion his research program will remain focused on pathological gambling and other addictive behaviours.

Dr. Doiron has served on the Prince Edward Island Psychologists Registration Board for the last six years, serving as chair for several. He sits on the Criminal Code Review Board, and is a past school board trustee.

The citation for the PAPEI Humanitarian Award, conferred upon outstanding individuals or organizations whose commitment and persistent endeavours have significantly enhanced the psychological health and well-being of persons in the province, was read by Dr. Nadine DeWolfe, PAPEI Past-President.

Dr. DeWolfe said, “The University of Prince Edward Island, with the strong and personal leadership of President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, has decided to address these needs and in a significant way. The province’s first graduate program in psychology, a clinical Doctor of Psychology degree, will welcome its first cohort of students in September 2019. At a time of many competing demands, President Abd-El-Aziz determined that this was the key opportunity to make significant human and capital investments for the benefit of the university community, the broader Island community, the country, and beyond. He has been deeply engaged in the planning process, challenging the department to always look for the best ways to make the biggest difference: “Don’t you worry about the money—leave that to me; you just make the best program.”

Extremely moved to receive the award on behalf of UPEI, President Abd-El-Aziz thanked his colleagues and the members of the PAPEI for their early support during the development phases of the PsyD program.

“I am extremely proud of everyone in this room. All of us are affected by mental health issues and after consulting with students, colleagues, staff, and experts from around the world, I realized that everyone shares in my belief that the creation of this program was the right thing to do,” said President Abd-El-Aziz. “This program is not just about education but is about creating a great community of clinical psychologists that will have impact on PEI, in Canada, and globally. Our PsyD candidates from their first day will be doctoral interns who, as part of the clinical team and immersed in our experiential learning model, will immediately contribute to creating a clinical environment that is second to none.”

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their achievements and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Rachel Colle and Filip Rydstrom, the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for November 26 to December 2.

Rachel Colle is a fourth-year business student from Toronto, Ontario and a forward on the UPEI Women’s Hockey team. The Panthers split a pair of games over the weekend, beating Dalhousie University 2–1 and losing to the University of New Brunswick 3–1. “Rachel’s weekend personified her first half,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “She worked hard, played a regular shift and power play, and helped the penalty kill go 11/12. Rachel leads with character, and by example, she is a very important player for us.”

Filip Rydstrom is a second-year arts student from Stockholm, Sweden and a forward on the UPEI Men’s Hockey team. Rydstrom scored a goal and notched a pair of assists over the weekend as the Panthers dropped a game to Acadia University 5–2 and beat Saint Mary’s University 4–3. “Filip had another great week,” said coach Forbes McPherson. “He has been a much improved player over last season. Filip is very driven every single day, and it is paying off on the weekends!”

Go Panthers Go!

The following statement was issued to the UPEI campus community by Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, in observance of the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women.

Today, December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, which marks the anniversary of the murders in 1989 of 14 young women at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal, because they were women: Geneviève Bergeron, Helene Colgan, Nathalie Croteau, Barbara Daigneault, Anne-Marie Edward, Maud Haviernick, Barbara Klucznik-Widajewicz, Maryse Laganière, Maryse Leclair, Anne-Marie Lemay, Sonia Pelletier, Michèle Richard, Annie St-Arneault, Annie Turcotte.

This day commemorates these women whose lives ended tragically twenty-nine years ago, as well as all those who have died as a result of gender-based violence (GBV). However, nearly thirty years later, the effects of this tragedy continue to be felt and women remain targets because of their gender.

Therefore, while the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women is about remembering, it is also an opportunity for our University community and for all Canadians to reflect on the fact that women in Canada and around the world continue to face disproportionate levels of violence every day.

So while we should always remember on December 6, we must also come together to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, and to challenge the culture that allows it to thrive. We each have the responsibility to stand up against misogyny, sexism, and hate—and it starts with creating a culture of respect. The Government of Canada, with this year’s theme, #MYActionsMatter, asks everyone to take concrete steps to question and speak up against acts of GBV. UPEI reminds everyone that we can work for change by asking the question, “what will you do?”  One action is to take the pledge to end gender-based violence #MYActionsMatter

UPEI will also observe the day by lowering the flags in front of Kelley Memorial Building to half-mast.

The University of Prince Edward Island, along with the Canadian Commission for UNESCO (United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization), present “Science as a Right”, a panel discussion in recognition of the United Nations Human Rights Day. The event is Monday, December 10 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent Street in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

In 2013, there were 160,000 researchers in Canada, and this country produced 4 per cent of the world’s scientific publications. Research has become increasingly focused on the biomedical area and less on social sciences and humanities, which are equally important in understanding how our societies function as their demographics change.

Only 17 women have won a Nobel Prize for physics, chemistry, or medicine since 1903, compared with 572 men. Only 28% of the world’s researchers are women. Gender disparity is science is still very evident at scientific seminars.

It is also timely to examine various ways of associating traditional indigenous knowledge with scientific research in areas such as the environment, natural resources, and sustainable development.

Chaired by Dr. Katherine Gottschall-Pass, dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Prince Edward Island, this panel discussion will begin to address these issues.

“Free and open access to science is the best way to improve society, and this panel discussion will emphasize the importance of science in policy and decision-making. Science is the gathering of hypotheses and the endless testing of them,” said Dr. Gottschall-Pass. “It involves checking and double-checking, self-criticism, and a willingness to overturn even fundamental assumptions if they prove to be wrong. But none of this can happen without open communication among scientists and with the public. Without it guarantees public ignorance.”

The panel will include:

Dr. Adam Fenech, director of the Climate Research Lab at the University of Prince Edward Island, on the suppression of federal government scientists. A five-year study by Canada’s information commissioner, Suzanne Legault, concluded this year that complaints that former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was muzzling scientists were “well founded”, and that some federal scientists say they still feel muzzled by the current government.

Dr. John McIntyre from the University of Prince Edward Island, on the culture of science in the US and elsewhere. Climate science and other consensus-driven research often runs afoul of longstanding American beliefs in individualism and liberty. In this environment, scientists are often plagued by the misguided notion of false equivalences.

Dr. Joshua MacFadyen, the Canada Research Chair in Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture at the University of Prince Edward Island, on communicating the science of sustainability.

Stephanie Arnold, graduate student at the University of Prince Edward Island, on communicating climate science to the younger generations.

All are welcome.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

On November 21, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz and Island Studies professor and UNESCO Chair Jim Randall welcomed a delegation from the University of the Ryukyus, an island university based in Okinawa, Japan. The purpose was to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two universities, to formalize the current relationship that exists and to facilitate future academic exchange of students and faculty.

President Abd-El-Aziz said, “We are very pleased to enhance our already strong relationship with the University of the Ryukyus by signing this MOU,” said President Abd-El-Aziz. “Both universities have institutes that focus on island studies, which both have tremendous reputations around the world. This agreement will allow us to identify more opportunities by which to collaborate, conduct research, and disseminate knowledge about islands and their impact.”

University of the Ryukyus President Hajime Oshiro said, “The University of Prince Edward Island and the University of the Ryukyus have been engaging in academic exchange, led mainly by faculty members, especially, in the field of island studies. I, myself, am specialized in island economics and have been collaborating with the Institute of Island Studies on my research. The Research Institute for Islands and Sustainability at Ryukyus has also been working with UPEI on many initiatives.”

Faculty from the two universities have visited back and forth since 2014, when Professor Yoko Fujita, vice-president and director of the Research Institute for Islands and Sustainability at the University of the Ryukyus, visited UPEI to attend the “Excellence Network of Island Territories” (RETI) annual conference.  In 2017, the University of the Ryukyus hosted RETI; both co-holders of the UNESCO Chair in Island Studies and Sustainability, Drs. Jim Randall and Godfrey Baldacchino, attended.

In addition to President Oshiro, last month’s delegation from the University of the Ryukyus included Kaori Kinjo, Coordinator for International Affairs, and Erisa Murayama, with the International Collaboration Section. While on Prince Edward Island they toured the Island, then met with Dr. Laurie Brinklow from UPEI’s Institute of Island Studies and Cathy Gillan, Director, Work Integrated Learning and the English Language Centre.