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2017 Atlantic Universities Physics and Astronomy Conference a smashing success

Student-led conference brought together scientists from across region
| Students

Students from UPEI鈥檚 Department of Physics organized and hosted the 2017 Atlantic Universities Physics and Astronomy Conference (AUPAC). This annual conference brings together undergraduate physics students and university faculty from across Atlantic Canada to share research findings and stimulate new collaborations. Conference co-chairs Phoenix McCloud and Andrew Cameron, along with their organizing team, worked through the school year to make this year鈥檚 conference a smashing success.

鈥淚 congratulate our physics students for organizing and delivering an engaging scientific program, for hosting conference participants at 69传媒and for being exceptional 69传媒ambassadors,鈥 said Dr. William Whelan, chair of the Department of Physics. 鈥淚t is impressive to see students, many in their graduating year, take on the responsibility of organizing and hosting an Atlantic Canadian Conference. This is exactly the type of student-led initiative 69传媒should encourage and support.鈥

AUPAC drew together more than 70 participants from across the region. The conference featured 40 research presentations by undergraduate physics students, including presentations by UPEI鈥檚 own Patrick Connolly, Patrick Strongman, Andrew Cameron, David Heckbert, Deanna Kerry, Phoenix McCloud and Aidan Tremblett. Dr. Whelan reports each gave an excellent presentation and congratulates Patrick Connolly for winning the Student Choice Award.

The conference included a presentation by Dr. Shohini Ghose (Wilfred Laurier University and a TED Fellow) on sexism in science. Dr. Ghose also moderated a panel discussion on Women in Science, which included local physicists and engineers, Megan Glover (UPEI), Kelly Galloway (Engineering Technologies Canada), Reina Lamothe (PEI Cancer Treatment Centre), and Li-Hong Xu (UNB). 

Plenary talks at AUPAC included 鈥淲hat's the matter with our universe,鈥 by Dr. Stephane Courteau (Queen's University), 鈥淎steroseismology: dissecting stars,鈥 by Dr. Catherine Lovekin (Saint Mary's University), 鈥淟ightning and thunder in tissues,鈥 by UPEI鈥檚 Dr. Whelan, and 鈥淗ow to make a career from counting, floating, melting and black tape,鈥 by Dr. Jeff Dahn (Dalhousie University).

Congratulations to all involved!

The 69传媒 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鈥擯rince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University鈥69传媒has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. 69传媒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.

Contact

Dave Atkinson
Research Communications Officer
Marketing and Communications
(902) 620-5117

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