Both government and opposition members celebrated University of Prince Edward Island President Wade MacLauchlan during the sitting of the Legislative Assembly, Thursday, May 12, some calling it ‘Wade MacLauchlan Day at the House.'

Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allan Campbell read a statement at approximately 3:00 pm and Leader of the Opposition Olive Crane tabled a resolution shortly after, both thanking President MacLauchlan for 12 years of service to UPEI and to the Province.

House Statement by Hon. Allan Campbell: "Wade MacLauchlan"
Motion No. 61: "Prince Edward Island thanks Wade MacLauchlan"

Many members of the Legislative Assembly spoke to support the motion, a number of them recounting their days at UPEI as students and how much growth they have since witnessed at the University as a result of President MacLauchlan's leadership. Others commented on specific improvements to both infrastructure and programming during MacLauchlan's tenure. All who spoke commended him for his passion and dedication to the University and, subsequently, the motion was carried unanimously. Leader of the Opposition Olive Crane greets UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan at Province House.

Representatives from the UPEI Board of Governors, Student Union, and staff and faculty joined MacLauchlan in the gallery for the proceedings.

President MacLauchlan finishes his term on June 30 with his successor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, beginning July 1.

Eighteen students from eight Prince Edward Island high schools had a chance to hone their skills and learn new concepts at a unique camp hosted by the UPEI Department of Mathematics and Statistics, May 13-15.

The UPEI-Canadian Mathematical Society Math Camp 2011 treated students with a penchant for math to a variety of special lectures by faculty as well as problem-solving competitions. Many activities during the three-day camp were based on light-hearted or recreational aspects of math, such as the ‘Math Relays' and ‘Mathematical Card Tricks,' but also introduced students to more serious topics including the ‘History of Mathematics' and ‘Mathematical Finance.'

'Math Camp gives us the opportunity to reach out to some of our high school students who have an interest in math,' said event organizer, Dr. Ken Sulston, professor and an applied mathematics researcher at UPEI. 'We show them some math that they don't see in their regular curriculum, help them develop their problem-solving skills, and hopefully encourage them to study math, or math-related fields, at the post-secondary level.'

Along with co-organizer and colleague, Dr. Shannon Fitzpatrick, Sulston solicited applications to the ninth annual event by approaching high school math teachers-with an attempt to reach the brightest and most enthusiastic math students. The camp is another great example of UPEI's teaching excellence and community service.

Kim Brown and Danae Iatrou commit to the women's soccer program

The University of Prince Edward Island women's soccer Panthers have added talented centre midfielder Kim Brown, from Vancouver, BC, and winger Danae Iatrou, from Halifax, NS, to an already gifted lineup for the 2011-12 season.

'We are very excited about adding players of this exceptional talent to the roster. Danae has had success at every level she's played at, and Kim has been pursued by NCAA division 1 as well as top CIS schools. Their impact will be immediate and we are thrilled to add both of these strong student athletes to our program,' explained head coach Michael Redmond.

Brown grew up on Vancouver Island, in a small town called Lantzville, where she began playing competitive soccer at age 10. From there, she continued playing on various Metro and Super Y teams and also attended the Olympic Development Program. After a couple years in the girls' Metro league, Brown entered the premiere women's league with Nanaimo United.

'A few years back, I went to a soccer camp put together by a local coach,' Brown said. 'He talked about some players he knew who had gone to the east coast to play soccer, and how every single one of them loved it; that really made me think. I knew I wanted to keep on playing soccer when I went to school, but I wasn't sure where. I researched a number of universities and came across great reviews and articles about the Panthers. When I learned about the school's small class sizes, course offerings, etc., I became very interested, and sent an email to Coach Redmond.'

She added, 'I was unbelievably happy when I received a call a few days later. The help and support I have received from Coach and from other faculty at the school have been amazing, and very appreciated-another reason why I chose UPEI.'

Known for her hard midfield play, Brown will be looking to help the Panthers win AUS and CIS championships. 'In my rookie year, I will be striving to bring both intensity and aggression onto the field. I consider myself a good teammate on and off the pitch, and I hope to bring that quality along with my confidence to the team,' stated Brown.

Danae Iatrou from Halifax, NS passed on several other AUS schools as well as institutions in Quebec and the US for an opportunity to study at UPEI. Iatrou has been playing soccer since 2003 in Nova Scotia, and has a wonderful passion for the game.

'Danae has achieved success at every level-at tourneys in the US, at provincial and national club championships-and that kind of experience is invaluable going forward,' stated Redmond.

'After checking out several schools in the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, and Maine, I decided UPEI will be my home for the next four years. The welcome I received and the quality of the academic and soccer programs are second to none. I look so forward to achieving with the Panthers-my expectation as a rookie is to ‘earn my stripes,' improve my game, and make a fine contribution each time I play,' explained Iatrou.

The soccer Panthers open the season on the road in Halifax on September 10 and 11 versus Dalhousie and Saint Mary's, respectively.

The 36th annual APICS-CIC Chemistry Conference (ChemCon 2011) begins Friday, May 20 at UPEI. It brings with it the best and brightest undergraduate chemistry students from across the Atlantic provinces.

This is the first time the conference has been held at the University of Prince Edward Island since 1999. ChemCon 2011 is the result of a year of hard work by two UPEI chemistry students, Nicole MacPhee, who graduated this spring, and Mitch Perry, a master of science student.

'The conference really is a great opportunity for undergraduates to present their research to a large, specialized audience,' said MacPhee. 'If students want to continue to graduate school, it really is a skill that needs to be practiced and mastered.'

The conference also has three keynote addresses by respected chemists from across the country. Dr. Laurel Schafer is a professor in the department of chemistry at the University of British Columbia; Dr. Nancy Mathis is a chemical engineer, co-founder of Mathis Instruments, and founding executive director of the Wallace McCain Institute at the University of New Brunswick; and Dr. Russ Kerr is UPEI's Canada Research Chair in Marine Natural Products.

'There is so much to be learned from our keynotes; it's just part of what makes ChemCon 2011 so valuable,' said Perry. 'There is also a career fair with representatives from companies who need skilled chemists.'

Dr. Jason Pearson, assistant professor of chemistry at UPEI, has been faculty advisor to the project.

'A year ago, when Nicole and Mitch began work on this conference, I figured by the week of the conference I'd be really excited, or terrified,' said Dr. Pearson with a smile. 'These two have worked extremely hard, and I'm happy to say I'm very excited. This is going to be a great conference, and it's because of their hard work.'

For more information, see the conference website.

The University of Prince Edward Island was recognized by the PEI chapter of the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA-PEI) at their annual awards and recognition night, May 19, for efforts in making the campus more accessible.

Representatives from UPEI's Accessibility Services department were on hand to accept the ‘Partners in Progress' award.

Jodi LeBlanc, accessibility services coordinator at UPEI, said, 'It is so encouraging to receive this award. Not only does this recognition affirm the progress that the University has been making over the last few years in improving campus accessibility for students, staff and faculty, and the community, but it also drives us to continue this important work.'

'UPEI is entering the sixth year of a seven-year plan to improve accessibility,' said Paul Cudmore, executive director of CPA-PEI. 'We're proud to have partnered with UPEI on a number of their plan initiatives, including an accessible washroom for Main Building and sports equipment for, and access to the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. It is fitting that we commend them for their efforts with the ‘Partners in Progress' Award.'

In fact, the Sports Centre at UPEI is the only fitness facility in the province that features accessible fitness equipment. Angela Marchbank, fitness and wellness coordinator at UPEI, said that discussions with Cudmore led to UPEI investing in equipment from the Cybex Total Access product line that people with disabilities can use for their fitness program: chest press, overhead press, rowing, and lat pull down machines. A funding partnership with the CPA-PEI also allowed UPEI to make improvements to the front doors allowing access to the building.

The Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company and the Confederation Centre of the Arts were also recognized at the event for promoting and improving accessibility. After the awards were presented, Cassie Campbell, two-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time world women's hockey champion, addressed the audience as part of CPA Month. Campbell was born in Ontario and is now a CBC Hockey Night in Canada host based in Alberta; her parents and extended family are from Prince Edward Island.

Brian Wagner, assistant vice-president, Graduate Studies, invites the campus community to attend the second annual Graduate Research Recognition Day on May 25, 2011 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the Alex H. MacKinnon Lecture Theatre (Room 242) and Schurman Market Square in McDougall Hall.

This event is being planned and presented by the Office of Graduate Studies, the Graduate Studies Advisory Committee, and the Graduate Student Association.

Graduate Research Recognition Day is a showcase of graduate student research and includes oral and poster presentations from graduate students from all programs across campus. A presentation on, and celebration of, graduate student scholarship and award success over the past year will also take place. Lunch and refreshments will be served.

Everyone is encouraged to attend this event, and discover the range, quality and impact of graduate student research at UPEI. For more information, email Colleen Gallant in the Office of Graduate Studies.

The University of Prince Edward Island welcomes the best gymnasts in the country May 23-28th for the Canadian Gymnastics Championship. The competition gets underway at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre and MacLauchlan Arena on Tuesday, May 24 and is hosted by the Island Gymnastics Academy. see schedule/results

Over 900 gymnasts will be in Charlottetown for the five-day event including national team member and carded athlete, Matthieu D'Amour, from Stratford, PEI, and Scott Chandler, from Emerald, who at 35, will be the oldest gymnast ever to attend the nationals.

The national championship also serves as a showcase event for many US colleges who are looking to recruit Canadian gymnasts. The Island Gymnastics Academy last hosted the Canadian Gymnastics Championship in 1994.

Read preview article in The Guardian: Canadian gymnastics championship arrives in Charlottetown

Robert Steininger, a leading bioscience expert, will present Biotech-savvy Students: An Industry Perspective, May 31, as part of the Premier's Innovation Speaker Series, hosted by UPEI's Centre for Health and Biotech Management Research (CHBMR).

Bioscience businesses looking to recruit skilled employees are invited to a presentation by Robert Steininger, says Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allan Campbell.

'I am pleased that Robert Steininger is coming to Prince Edward Island to share his experiences and insights on promoting outreach programs in the biosciences sector,' said Mr. Campbell. 'Engaging youth to enter our strategic sectors is a priority of this government. Mr. Steininger's presentation will focus on outreach programs throughout North America and how they have impacted recruitment into the bioscience sector.'

Robert Steininger has worked in research, development and manufacturing in the biopharmaceuticals industry for the past 26 years. Before entering his current role as Senior Vice President with Acceleron Pharma in 2007, Mr. Steininger held the position of VP within Millennium Pharmaceuticals and Director with the Genetics Institute (now Wyeth Pharmaceuticals).

Throughout his career, Mr. Steininger has taken an active role in promoting educational outreach programs within the bioscience sector. He is an advisory board member for the University of Massachusetts and the Reconnaissance, Intelligence, Surveillance and Target Acquisition program at Cambridge High School.

Dr. Juergen Krause, director of the CHBMR, is responsible for the organization of the event at the NRC-Institute for Nutrisciences and Health.

'The greatest challenge facing Atlantic Canadian biotechnology companies in the next three to five years is the shortage in skilled and experienced workers,' says Dr. Krause. 'It is important for Prince Edward Island to learn from the success of other programs to develop, attract and retain high quality personnel.'

The event will consist of a presentation, question period, and networking luncheon beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31 in the Regis & Joan Duffy Science Centre (NRC-INH) on the UPEI campus. There is no registration fee but anyone wishing to attend must RSVP to the Centre for Health and Biotech Management Research.

For more information or to register visit www.chbmr.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island officially welcomed Dr. Ian Gardner, the Canada Excellence Research Chair (CERC) in Aquatic Epidemiology, today at a reception held on campus. Dr. Gardner takes up this prestigious chair, one of just 19 across the country, as a faculty member of UPEI's Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC).

An internationally renowned veterinary epidemiologist, Dr. Gardner will examine health interactions between farmed and wild fish populations and develop cost-effective testing strategies and surveillance programs for the prevention and control of diseases in aquatic food animals. His research will help aquaculture regulators in Canada to make science-based decisions to maintain healthy food production in our marine environments, as well as provide the knowledge needed to help improve nutrition for human populations around the world.

'I was attracted to the position first because I've worked with the members of AVC's Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research for many years, and we have a similar vision,' said Dr. Gardner. 'I am also interested in research into international food production. This is work that will have a real effect on human health and welfare.'

"The Canada Excellence Research Chair is a new measure of UPEI's success in the big leagues of competitive excellence," said President Wade MacLauchlan. 'In welcoming Dr. Ian Gardner, we recognize that we have attracted a top international figure who will work in collaboration with others to extend the contributions of AVC and UPEI and make us a global leader in aquatic epidemiology."

As well as increasing research capacity at UPEI, Dr. Gardner's chair will increase and expand graduate-student training opportunities.

'The Atlantic Veterinary College and the Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research are already world renowned for expertise in aquaculture-related research and population health,' said Dr. Don Reynolds, dean of the AVC. 'The arrival of Dr. Gardner expands our capacity and secures our leadership in these areas. This chair will make significant contributions to policies around healthy food production and the quality of protein available for human nutrition around the world.'

The Strategic Advisory Board for the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Aquatic Epidemiology, made up of experts from around the world, meets this week to set the research agenda for Dr. Gardner's chair.

'Dr. Gardner continues UPEI's growth in focused research excellence,' said Dr. Katherine Schultz, UPEI's vice-president of research and development. 'The University is ranked number one in the country for research income growth and intensity growth for the first decade of the 21st century. With new appointments such as these, we will continue to soar in the next decade.'

The University of Prince Edward Island, with a growing reputation for research intensity and impact, has become a member of Canada's institution devoted to recognizing excellence in learning and research.

The Royal Society of Canada is the senior national body of distinguished Canadian scholars, artists, and scientists. As Canada's national academy, the Society's role is to recognize academic excellence, to provide expert advice on matters of national interest or urgency, and to represent Canada's national culture abroad. President Wade MacLauchlan announced the University's membership May 31 at an event in the McCain Foundation Learning Commons at UPEI's Atlantic Veterinary College.

'UPEI is honoured to be a member of the Royal Society of Canada,' said President MacLauchlan. 'Institutional members of the Society include the biggest names in research in the country. This recognizes the growth UPEI has worked so hard for, and further establishes us as a contributor to Canada's national academic reputation and capacity.'

Professor Roderick Macdonald, president of the Royal Society of Canada, says UPEI's membership is a reflection of the scholarly and scientific leadership UPEI displays in areas of research such as aquatic health and population health.

'This is an opportunity for us together to create the conditions in which outstanding students and scholars from Prince Edward Island will flourish and will make significant contributions to matters of public policy that have a direct impact in the lives and well-being of all Islanders,' said Professor Macdonald. 'President MacLauchlan and I are committed to building the relationship between UPEI and the Royal Society so that the University achieves increased visibility across Canada for its scholarly excellence and its role in educating the next generation of Canadian scientists, artists, and intellectuals.'

Sandra and Arthur Irving, passionate champions of both UPEI's Atlantic Veterinary College and the Royal Society of Canada, offered their congratulations.

'We are long-time supporters of the Royal Society of Canada because we uphold its Fellows as our country's best and brightest university professors, researchers and scholars. They have dedicated their lives to higher education and their efforts are significant in how strong we can be as a country,' said Sandra Irving, who is chair of the Society's President's Advisory Council. 'We are happy to celebrate UPEI's membership, and thank them for joining over 40 other university institutional members in fortifying not only the efforts of the organization, but also those of our country.'

The University of Prince Edward Island has experienced a 432 per cent increase in external research funding in the last decade, making its membership to the Royal Society of Canada, which exists to recognize academic excellence, a natural next step. For more information, visit rsc.ca.