Department of Physics – Seminar Series
Silvia Scorza
SuperCDMS SNOLAB
DATE: Thursday, March 22
TIME: 1 p.m.
LOCATION: H313
March 22: Physics Seminar – Silvia Scorza
Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Physics, Seminar Series
Categories: Events
News
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March 13: Physics Seminar – Robert Schurko
Department of Physics – Seminar Series
Robert Schurko
Department of Chemistry
University of WindsorDATE: Tuesday, March 13
TIME: 1 p.m.
LOCATION: H313
Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Physics, Seminar Series
Categories: Events -
March 9: Chemistry Seminar Series – Hui Peng
Department of Chemistry – Seminar Series
Hui Peng
Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and School of the Environment
University of TorontoDATE: Friday, March 9
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: H313
Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Seminar Series
Categories: Events -
Brock unveils a new showcase and a new era for environmental sustainability
It was built nearly two centuries ago, but the oldest structure on Brock’s campus has been given new life and a new purpose as a focal point for the University’s sustainability efforts.
Theal House, an original farm cottage that dates to 1837, has been transformed into the home of Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC), which produces world-class research and educates students in topics relating to environmental sustainability.
Unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday, Feb. 28, the revamped space features sustainable flooring and furniture, as well as an integrated system that controls heating, cooling and lighting, and monitors real-time energy use for the entire campus.
LED lighting has also been installed throughout the heritage building, with dimmer and daylight harvesting switches in place to reduce energy consumption.
In addition to highlighting the space, Wednesday’s ceremony was an opportunity to solidify a new collaboration between the ESRC and Brock’s Facilities Management team. The collaboration is enshrined in a formal charter that brings together the academic and operations units on various sustainability initiatives on campus. It is also an important step forward for Brock’s new integrative approach to environmental sustainability, and deepens the University’s commitment to sustainability — one of the seven core values listed within its strategic plan.
Also announced Wednesday was $5,000 in new scholarship funding provided by Toromont CAT that will support students studying sustainability.
Read the full story here
Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Categories: News -
March 8: Exploring Careers in Computer Science Night
Are you a Computer Science student?
Interested in networking with industry experts and learning more about potential career paths in this exciting and ever-growing field?
Attend the Exploring Careers in Computer Science event!
DATE: Thursday, March 8
TIME: 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
LOCATION: Pond Inlet
2018 Computer Science Career Night Poster
Computer Science, Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Categories: Events -
February 26: Master of Science thesis defence
Centre for Biotechnology student Robert Baldwin will defend his Master of Science thesis, “Development of a transcritome-based genome assembly tools and whole genome sequencing analysis for autism spectrum disorders,” by video conference Monday, Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. in Welch Hall 147.
The examination committee includes Cheryl McCormick, chair; Andrew Doxey, external examiner (University of Waterloo); Ping Liang, supervisor; Fiona Hunter and Dr. Feng Li, committee members.
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New Brock plan will cover tuition for international PhD students
Moving to further deepen its robust research scene by attracting more global scholars, Brock University is increasing international doctoral fellowships to match the tuition costs for international students who are enrolled in a PhD program.
The announcement comes just weeks after Brock said it will freeze tuition for international students in research-based master’s and PhD programs. The new initiatives take effect May 1.
Officials say the moves are part of a strategy to broaden the scope of world-class research at Brock while creating an enriched campus experience that better prepares all students to succeed in a global career landscape.
Jamie Mandigo, Brock’s Vice-Provost for Enrolment Management and International, said a large proportion of overseas doctoral students are attracted by the options they have to advance their careers with world-renowned researchers and in state-of-the-art facilities such as Brock’s Cairns Family Health and Bioscience Research Complex.
“Bringing the next generation of researchers onto our campus to pursue their doctoral studies not only reflects our ongoing commitment to cutting-edge research, but also to the scientific pursuit of ideas and knowledge that crisscross international boundaries and borders.”
Brock currently has 27 international students enrolled in doctoral studies and would like to see this number increase in all Faculties that offer PhD programs.
Read the full story here
Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Categories: News -
March 1: Math & Science Council Undergraduate Research Conference
The Brock Math & Science Council invites undergraduates who conducted research over the summer or are currently completing a research project this year to participate in the 2018 Undergraduate Research Conference.
Participating students will present their research in a 5-7 minute talk (with accompanying slides), followed by 3 minutes devoted to a Q&A session from the audience.
In order to be eligible, students must email an abstract of their research along with their name and field of study to brockumsc@gmail.com
Students who are interested in attending without presenting are welcome and are also encouraged to email the Brock Math and Science Council.
DATE: Thursday, March 1
TIME: 5pm
LOCATION: TH 241
Snack and coffee will be provided throughout the evening.
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FMS student research highlighted in national competition
Seven Brock University entries have made the first cut in a national competition that showcases science research being done across the country.
Science, Action! features student-produced, 60-second videos on research projects funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), one of Brock’s major research funders. This year’s competition includes 75 entries from all over Canada.
Between now and Friday, March 2, the 25-most viewed videos will make it to the next round, where a panel of judges will then select the Top 15 for prizes.
“We’re very proud of our students’ videos in the NSERC national competition,” says Brock Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon. “The quality and number of Brock entries attest to the talent and ambition of our students, and the central role that research plays in their education. It also indicates the strength of the research mentorship they receive from Brock faculty.”
Brock University’s research videos are:
Cell Talk (Matthew Mueller, Biological Sciences)
Says that the root cause of several diseases today is a disruption in communication between cells and examines the language that cells use to talk to one another, and how this changes in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. “It can sometimes be a challenge to share my research with others in an understandable way. For me, this competition means that more people can simply see and understand what I do at the lab and why it is important.”
DNA: A Mobile Molecule (Zakia Dahi and Jina Nanayakkara, Biological Sciences)
Explores how DNA sequences that move around – called jumping genes” – copy and paste themselves into different parts of our genomes. The research aims to understand how “jumping genes” have led to human variation and disease. “Highlighting our work through a short video in this competition has helped us to get our family & friends excited about what we do,” says Nanayakkara.
Jack Pine Growth, NT (Dana Harris, Environmental Sustainability Research Centre)
Shows the role of weather on the production of cells (xylogenesis) of jack pine in the taiga shield of the boreal forest. The aim of this research is to better understand cell production rates of jack pine in high latitude regions of Canada and define the climate-growth relationship of this species. “Being able to share my research across Canada in a simple short 60 second video is amazing, especially to the residents of the northern regions I work in; I I have already received feedback from community members who are looking forward to hearing more about what research is taking place in these regions.”
Memory and Intent (Sarah Henderson, Psychology and Biological Sciences)
Explores how we experience both spontaneous and intentional memories as we age. In investigating the brain activity associated with both types of recall, we are hoping to counter common stereotypes of aging by showing that some aspects of memory are preserved with age. “Having my research be a part of NSERC’s Science Action contest is hugely important to me because it will allow me to get people thinking of aging in a more positive light which has been shown to promote positive mental and physical health outcomes.”
Old Crow’s New Arctic (Brent Thorne, Earth Sciences)
Shows the impacts that land cover (ie vegetation, soil, and permafrost) have on lake and river water chemistry in Old Crow Flats, Yukon. This research is crucial for understanding how lake rich Arctic regions will continue to change in response to longer warming periods as well as providing key insights to the local Vuntut Gwitchin community who live off of the land. “This competition provides my research an opportunity to increase resources spent on acquiring larger datasets which ultimately provide better insight on our study region.”
On the fly (Taylor Lidster, Biological Sciences)
Shows how the fruit fly is used to study inflammation in the gut. The researchers use genetic techniques and microscopy to see any changes in the gut environment, good or bad. “Having my video in the top 75 is extremely exciting because I am proud of my research and I enjoy explaining it to others, making it in the top 25 would be nothing short of amazing!”
Wildfires of Yellowknife (Josef Viscek, Earth Sciences)
Focuses on the Yellowknife, Northwest Territories region’s increasing wildfires in recent decades. The research involves monitoring how wildfire and drought conditions may be impacting the hydrology of northern boreal lakes. “The NSERC video contest is a great opportunity for us to showcase our Brock scientific research in an informative, one-minute promo that everyone can understand and appreciate.”
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Feb 15: First round of 3MT Challenge
Twelve Brock University graduate students – including Paul Michael Pilkington, MSc in Earth Science – will have three minutes to explain their complex research to a live audience on Thursday, Feb.15 when the preliminary round fo the 2018 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Challenge begins.
DATE: Thursday, Feb. 15
TIME: 4:30 to 6:30pm
LOCATION: Pond Inlet (Mackenzie Chown)
Now in its sixth year at Brock, the 3MT Challenge originated in Queensland, Australia in 2008 as a way for students to explain their research to a broad audience in plain, accessible terms. The contest has caught on around the world, and more than 40 schools in Canada participated last year.
“Part of being a successful researcher is learning how to communicate your work to an audience outside of your discipline,” says Diane Dupont, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies. “3MT allows students to practise how to distill a project to its essentials. This is a valuable skill to learn as students prepare for the next step of their academic studies or to transition to a career.”
This year’s competitors will present on topics ranging from algae to mindfulness to residential schools. Judging the preliminary round will be Kevin Cavanagh, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications; Kara Renaud, Supervisor, Career Education; and Brad McLean, Associate Director, Innovation and Commercialization in the Office of Research Services.
Using the key criteria of communication, engagement and comprehension, the judges will pick the top five presenters to advance to the Brock finals being held Thursday, March 29. The winner will receive $500 and will advance on to the Ontario regional round at York University on Thursday, April 19.
Thursday’s preliminary round is open to everyone and will be followed by a reception.
Earth Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Science
Categories: Events
