69传媒

The Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing project (AIRS) will hold its fourth annual regional workshops June 25 and 26 in UPEI's Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 246, from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

AIRS is an exciting seven-year research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada. More than 70 researchers from around the world contribute to the project's three focus areas: the development of singing ability, singing and learning, and the enhancement of health and well-being through singing. The research aims to provide resources and best practices for teaching and encouraging singing across cultures and generations, and a means for enhancing quality of life through improved intercultural and intergenerational understanding.

Tuesday's workshop features research presentations by recent honours graduates Erica Ross and Denise Beaton; 69传媒faculty members such as Dr. Martha Gabriel and Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Canada Research Chair in Island Studies; as well as a keynote presentation by Dr. Steven Brown, Director of the NeuroArts Lab in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University. Dr. Brown's presentation is entitled: 'Neuroimaging of Pitch Production.'

The event begins Monday, June 25, with a small, expert workshop focused on the resilience of song. A full-day workshop Tuesday, open to the public, highlights research presentations on singing and development, education, and health care, and interactive hands-on demonstrations of research in singing in the 69传媒AIRS research space.

The workshop also features presentations by AIRS partners, including Music PEI, Culture PEI, the PEI Alzheimer's Society, and Young at Heart Musical Theatre. Cameo appearances include the AIRS 69传媒Multicultural Song Circle and the Grace Christian School (His Girls) among other performers throughout the day.

'Singing is a natural human ability and AIRS is discovering how it can best be exploited to the benefit of individuals, government, and society. We are so fortunate that 69传媒is at the hub of this large research enterprise aiming to examine singing in all its dimensions,' said Dr. Annabel Cohen, Professor of Psychology and Director of the AIRS project. 'This AIRS workshop provides the opportunity to share our growing knowledge with the community. We also welcome the insights that community members bring and the important problems to which they direct our attention.'

Members of the public are encouraged to register for the workshop by contacting Ross Dwyer at rdwyer@upei.ca. For more information, visit the AIRS website, All are welcome!

69传媒clarinetist and professor Karem J. Simon, in collaboration with percussionist Krista Carruthers, will present multiple performances of 'Cadenzas' by Canadian composer Alexina Louie on Sunday, July 1, beginning at 2:30 pm. In a departure from typical recital protocol, 'Cadenzas' will be performed three times, in three separate campus venues.

The recital will begin in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, and then proceed to McMillan Hall in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre at approximately 3:15 pm, and conclude in Schurman Market Square in Don and Marion McDougall Hall at 3:55 pm. A celebration of Canadian music, this recital is part of the 'Clarinet Spectrum: A Study of Sound and Blend in Space Series.'

The concept for this initiative reflects Dr. Simon's interest in finding ways for audiences to become more aware of and engaged with contemporary music. 'By hearing a piece multiple times, the listener develops expectations, and begins to make connections between the diverse elements of the work. Moreover, by changing venues, the distinctive acoustics of each hall provides a unique perception of color and blend,' says Simon.

Alexina Louie is among Canada's most highly respected composers. Completed in 1987, 'Cadenzas' is a four-movement work, seventeen minutes in duration that exploits the technical and expressive components of each instrument. As its title suggests, the music sounds improvisatory. In combining the clarinet with percussion-vibraphone, marimba, orchestral bells-novel colors are created. This music is an engaging tour de force that is accessible for both novice and seasoned concert goers. As the drama of the music unfolds, the listener will experience a wide range of emotions and moods.

Each presentation of 'Cadenzas' will be unique. The first will follow typical recital protocol. With McMillan Hall, the second venue, the space will be as dark as possible for the presentation of this music as a pagan ritual. For the final rendition in Schurman Market Square, in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, the audience will be placed between the performers and a limited number of scores will be available for audience members to follow. All are welcome to attend!

Ryan Gallant, 69传媒Student Union president from 2005-2007, was recently valedictorian at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Gallant graduated from McGill in June 2012 with a Bachelor of Common Law and Bachelor of Civil Law (LLB and BCL).

Gallant's speech was delivered in both English and French, and it highlighted the student population's diversity, universal memories, ups and downs, and the support system behind each graduate.

'Thankfully, not one of us got where we are today alone. Behind each graduate is a person or people who have at different times given us the sufficient support and encouragement we needed to get through law school, or just through the day,' said Gallant. 'Whoever these important people were and are for you, I would like each graduate to take a moment to hold them in your mind, and to give them a much-deserved thank you and round of applause.'

Gallant reminded his fellow graduates of their hard work, but also of reality. 'In whatever capacity you decide to apply your gifts and skills, don't expect-and indeed, don't hope-that everything will be easy. Struggle is at the base of all growth, all progress, and all worthwhile changes and beginnings.'

Gallant credits much of his leadership experience to his time at UPEI. 'My undergraduate experience at UPEI-both in and out of the classroom-provided me with a great base for my academic career, and with the tools and confidence I needed to develop as a student, a leader, and as an individual.'

During his time at UPEI, Gallant was an active volunteer in several groups including New Student Orientation, the Chaplaincy Centre Advisory Committee, and the Grad Executive. He also worked on campus while he was a student, at the First Year Advisement Centre, and for the student newspaper, The Cadre, as a reporter and editor, and as president of the Student Union.

Since graduating from UPEI, Gallant has remained involved with the University through volunteer work with the Student Union, working as activity coordinator for the Explore Program for the past five summers, and co-hosting Wade MacLauchlan's 'Raised Expectations' celebration and fundraising dinner for student awards held in recognition of MacLauchlan's completion of 12 years of service as UPEI's fifth president and vice-chancellor.

Gallant's future plans include working in law enforcement, or practicing law here on Prince Edward Island.

UPEI's varsity soccer and hockey teams are excited to announce that five-foot-ten Islander Cole MacMillan has committed to attend 69传媒in September. MacMillan will join the soccer and hockey Panthers in the fall.

Head coach of the men's soccer team, Lewis Page, coached MacMillan on the 2009 Canada Games team and knows him well. 'What makes him a great athlete is his competitiveness and his work ethic. He is a great team leader who sets an example for his teammates both on and off the field. These qualities translate to any sport-whether it be in hockey or soccer,' says Page. 'From a soccer perspective, we're excited to have Cole in our program, he is a superb defender and an excellent passer. This will give our back lineup a new look this season.'

Forbes MacPherson, head coach of the 69传媒men's hockey team agrees. 'Cole has the rare ability to make an impact as a two-sport athlete at UPEI. As far as hockey is concerned, he will bring a physical play and work ethic that will make our team harder to play against. He plays a style of hockey that makes it extremely uncomfortable for opponents, while also providing opportunities for him offensively.'

MacMillan is looking forward to the fall, 'I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play both hockey and soccer at UPEI, and also fortunate to be able to play here on the Island. Both are great programs with lots of Island support, and I'm just looking to earn my spot, and hopefully help improve both programs, and keep them moving in the right direction,' says MacMillan. 'It will be a very busy next few years, but I'm looking forward to the challenges it's going to bring.'

Most recently, in the 2011-12 season, MacMillan played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Chicoutimi Saguen茅ens, and in the Junior A hockey club for the Amherst Ramblers. Currently, MacMillan is playing on the PEIFC soccer team which plays in the PEI and New Brunswick Premier Leagues.

MacMillan comes from a family of hockey greats. He is the son of former NHL'er Bob MacMillan, who played for 11 seasons from 1974-75 until 1984-85. Cole is also the nephew of former NHL'er Bill MacMillan. Cole's older brother Logan currently plays for the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League, and was selected as the first-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2007 NHL entry draft.

Season tickets for all Panther sports teams are now on sale, with the soccer Panthers home opener set for September 8 and the men's hockey hitting the ice for regular season on October 12.

UPEI's International Relations Office was approved as a new member of the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) during its annual general meeting and symposium from June 13-15. The annual event was hosted by the Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and it provided an opportunity for the ACIC to select new members, including UPEI.

The International Relations Office of 69传媒is committed to collaborating with organizations that work in the international development field. By joining ACIC, the office is expanding UPEI's commitment of collaboration and partnership in the region, and around the world.

Two individual board members from PEI were also acclaimed-both with 69传媒connections-Leo Cheverie, Librarian Technician, and Digafie Debalke, Project Officer in UPEI's International Relations Office. Cheverie, also involved in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) as the PEI representative, returns to ACIC as co-chair; while Debalke joins the board for the first time, as ACIC member-at-large.

Debalke believes the ACIC is an important organization in Atlantic Canada, one that is committed to advancing mutual collaboration and partnership with communities and international development organizations in Canada and beyond.

'The challenges facing ACIC and other international development organizations are numerous, and I am looking forward to serving the organization to the best of my abilities to address these challenges,' says Debalke. 'And in doing so, I hope to strengthen our vision for international cooperation.'

The ACIC has over 70 members located in Atlantic Canada, and is actively involved in a variety of activities, including public engagement, international internship placements, capacity-building efforts, and networking.

More about the ACIC

The 69传媒's Board of Governors recently accepted the recommendation of the search committee for Dean of the School of Nursing. Dr. Rosemary Herbert, Associate Professor and coordinator of UPEI's Master of Nursing program, will begin her appointment immediately.

'I am pleased to announce Rosemary's appointment to the position of Dean of the School of Nursing. Rosemary brings with her an extensive academic background and leadership experience that will prove valuable in moving forward the many initiatives in the School of Nursing,' said Dr. Jim Randall, chair of the search committee.

'I would also like to extend my appreciation to everyone who participated in this search, including the Search Committee, the candidates and all those who submitted comments and input as part of the process. This truly was a community endeavor,' he added.

Dr. Herbert said, 'I am delighted to serve as Dean of Nursing. I love interacting with students and am excited about working on our many projects and programs with our strong team of faculty and staff at the School of Nursing, and continuing the great tradition, on PEI and at UPEI, of developing leaders in our profession.'

Rosemary has a strong history of academic and administrative achievement at UPEI,' said President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'I look forward to her success, and the continuing success of the School of Nursing under her guidance.'

Dr. Herbert is not entirely new to the position, having served as Dean of the School of Nursing from 2000-2003. Herbert was also the interim Vice-President Academic Development in 2006 and again from 2008-2010. During her time as V-P Academic Development, Dr. Herbert especially enjoyed her mentorship role with both students and colleagues, and found supporting new teaching initiatives and teaching workshops both interesting and rewarding.

A researcher in tobacco control, she is a long-time, active member of the PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance and sits on the board of the Canadian Cancer Society (PEI Division). Dr. Herbert recently completed a six-year term on the board of the CHANCES Family Resource Centre and currently serves with Farmers Helping Farmers and on the 69传媒Future Directions Steering Committee.

Herbert has been a faculty member of the 69传媒School of Nursing since the School opened in 1992. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Nursing from Dalhousie University and a PhD from McGill University.

The 69传媒 announced today the appointment of Dr. Robert Hurta as the next Jeanne and J.-Louis L茅vesque Research Professor in Nutrisciences and Health.

Dr. Hurta is a molecular/cellular biologist and an associate professor of biology at UPEI. His research focuses on investigating the possible health benefits of compounds found in plant and marine sources, and in particular, determining their possible roles in protecting us from, or preventing, cancer.

'There is a naturally occurring bioactive compound within the roots and bark of magnolia called magnolol which has been touted to have a number of health benefits. It has often been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine,' said Dr. Hurta. 'My lab will investigate the effects of magnolol and its related compounds on the behaviour of breast and prostate cancer cells.'

This three-year professorship allows Dr. Hurta's lab to hire a graduate student to aid in his research, building the research capacity of the University and offering a unique training opportunity for students.

The Jeanne and J.-Louis L茅vesque Research Professorship in Nutrisciences and Health is funded by a generous contribution by the Fondation J.-Louis L茅vesque. Formed in 1961 by St. Dunstan's University alumnus J.-Louis L茅vesque (BA'34, LLD'64), the foundation supports numerous teaching and research projects in regards to human health. 69传媒is proud of its long-standing relationship with the foundation and its chair, Mme. Suzanne L茅vesque, daughter of J.-Louis L茅vesque.

'I want to congratulate Dr. Hurta on his new professorship; this demonstrates the excellence in research we have come to expect from his laboratory,' said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI.

The Fondation J.-Louis L茅vesque has supported research at the 69传媒 since 1999 with the purchase of a major piece of research equipment and the establishment of a Research Professorship in Respiratory Health. It also currently supports the Jeanne and J.-Louis L茅vesque Research Chair in Nutrisciences and Health, held by Dr. Russ Kerr, and supports collaboration across the country.

UPEI's Institute of Island Studies (IIS), in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Agricultural College's Rural Research Centre (soon to be the Rural Research Centre of Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture), and the Tatamagouche Centre invite the public to a lecture and discussion by Alastair McIntosh, a leading figure in Scottish land reform, and a well-known writer and broadcaster.

Entitled 'Rekindling Community,' the presentation will deal with many issues of current concern on Prince Edward Island, as well as offer persons of Scottish descent an opportunity to reconnect with what is happening in their ancestral homeland.

McIntosh notes that all around the world, rural communities are facing huge challenges to their cohesion. Globalization has changed the economic basis of agriculture and natural resource extraction, while high levels of mobility, made possible by cheap oil, have created fluidity in the social structure. In Scotland, as on PEI, many communities are undergoing a fundamental re-evaluation of what it means to be a community, and how to increase their resilience and maintain a better quality of life.

'We are very lucky to have such a wonderful speaker here on the Island. It is a timely opportunity to consider how our small communities can survive in the face of government funding cuts, outmigration, climate changes and other forces,' notes IIS Director, Dr. Irene Novaczek. 'Alastair's lecture will explore some of these issues based on his work with land reform. His presentation will also touch on community regeneration and explore the spiritual underpinnings of community.'

Alastair McIntosh's book, Soil and Soul, has garnered some interesting responses. It has been described by George Monbiot as 'world-changing,' by the Bishop of Liverpool as 'life-changing,' by Starhawk as 'inspirational,' and by Thoom Yorke of Radiohead as 'truly mental!' His most recent edited book, Radical Human Ecology is co-authored with colleagues from the Department of Native Studies at the University of Wisconsin. He is a fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, and visiting professor of human ecology at the University of Strathclyde.

The presentation and discussion will take place on Monday, July 16, in the Faculty Lounge at UPEI's Main Building at 7:00 pm. The event is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.

69传媒graduate students, interested in conducting field work during their studies, were treated to a visit on July 9 from Dr. Luc Mougeot of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). Dr. Mougeot spoke about funding opportunities and provided a chance for students to ask questions about field-work abroad.

Session participants included Mike Coffin, PhD Environmental Science; Mahendra Pallapothu, MBA; Dante Mateo, Postdoctoral Fellow, AVC; Dr. John Vanleeuwen, Professor, Epidemiology & Ruminant Health Management; Leslie Cudmore, Research Grants Officer, Research Services; Dr. Brian Wagner, Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies; and Digafie Debalke, Project Officer, International Relations.

'The University is committed to expanding its international development partnership, as well as international field research in the Global South,' said Debalke. 'To achieve this goal, we're striving to build and maintain a strong partnership with the IDRC, which is an important component of UPEI's vision to promote global citizenry and responsibility.'

The role of IDRC is to support field research that offers practical hands-on tools for advancing international development. 69传媒continues to strengthen its collaboration with IDRC.

The IDRC is a leading organization in Canada that creates opportunities for international research collaboration on a range of topics that are important to Canada and the countries in the Global South. Over forty years of its existence have provided more than $133 million from close to 65 Canadian universities.

More about the International Development Research Centre

The 69传媒Executive MBA (EMBA) program recently partnered with a local company, Newman Estate Winery, in a marketing challenge for students. Five EMBA teams in the Business 603 Marketing Management class were tasked to prepare a comprehensive marketing plan to help with the launch of two new winery products. Each group presented their marketing plan to the company, the class, and a panel of judges. The winning team-Angie Cormier, Adam Proud, Mary Jane Webster and Bai Yunpeng-took home a Newman Estate Winery sponsored prize of $1,000.

Judges included Brian Howatt, Results Marketing & Advertising; Miriam Briggs, Briggs & Briggs Marketing; and Mike Newman, owner and operator of Newman Estate Winery, located in Gladstone, Prince Edward Island.

'The opportunity to work with a real company and to assist them in achieving their goals and objectives allowed everyone in our cohort to feel invested in this project,' said Webster. 'This was an incredible learning experience, and I believe Mike will appreciate all of the time and energy that the groups dedicated to his company.'

Newman always believed there would be a benefit of introducing 20 students to his company, but the value he received far exceeded his expectations. 'The groups really took the time to understand the business, and come up with some tactical strategies and innovative solutions to help out with some of the issues I was facing,' he said. 'I am already implementing many of these ideas into my business and I look forward to working with the School of Business on future projects.'

Launched in September 2008, the 69传媒Executive MBA program provides a unique opportunity for working professionals to advance their education while continuing to work. It employs an integrated approach, peer-to-peer learning, and an emphasis on developing global perspectives to prepare graduates to act as leaders and innovators in an ever-changing environment.