Articles by author: Brock University

• New professional certificate launches as Brock named Centre of Excellence in Logistics Learning

  Wednesday, October 08, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – OCTOBER 8, 2025 – R0116

  Working alongside a national leader in supply chain and logistics education, Brock University has launched a suite of new learning opportunities to help professionals thrive in the field.

  Through its partnership with the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation (CITT), Brock has been recognized as a Centre of Excellence in Logistics Learning and is introducing a Professional Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The program will include several micro-credentials that lead to advanced standing toward the CITT-Certified Logistics Professional (CCLP) designation.

  The programming, run by Brock Professional and Continuing Studies, will help professionals develop the skills needed to become supply chain analysts, operations managers for international and domestic trade, and inventory controllers in manufacturing, retail and transportation.

  “The changing landscape of world trade and the labour market insights that we are observing are indicating the need for qualified professionals in this space,” says Barb Mercer, Associate Director, Programming of Brock University Professional and Continuing Studies. “We are proud to work with CITT to support learners in advancing their careers in the growing field of supply chain and logistics. This partnership reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, industry-recognized professional learning opportunities.”

  Brock will deliver five micro-credentials as part of the new professional certificate, beginning with a micro-credential in Transportation Systems that will welcome its first cohort in November.

  This will be followed by micro-credentials in:

  • Logistics Processes
  • Economic Influences on Logistics
  • Transportation Law
  • Integrated Logistics

  Students who successfully complete these micro-credentials will meet the academic requirements for the CCLP designation, which is recognized across Canada as a mark of excellence in the logistics profession.

  Along with Brock’s recognition as a CITT Centre of Excellence, the University will join a national network of institutions committed to logistics education. Individuals who enrol in the program will also receive a complimentary CITT Student Affiliate Membership, giving them access to professional development resources, networking opportunities and exclusive job postings.

  “We’re thrilled to welcome Brock University as a Centre of Excellence in Logistics Learning,” said Chrissy Aitchison, Chief Administrative Officer of CITT. “This partnership not only expands access to high-quality logistics education but also supports learners in building the skills and credentials that employers across Canada are actively seeking. We look forward to supporting Brock students as they take meaningful steps toward earning their CCLP designation and advancing their careers in supply chain management.”

  CITT will support Brock’s delivery of the courses by providing licensed materials and national exams, and will promote the partnership through its industry channels, including social media and newsletters reaching more than 16,000 logistics professionals.

  To learn more about the program, visit the Professional Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management web page or contact Brock Professional and Continuing Studies at [email protected]

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University [email protected] or 289-241-5483

   – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases

• Canadian Cancer Society-funded research explores AI’s role in supporting breast cancer patients, caregivers

  Tuesday, October 07, 2025 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE – OCTOBER 7, 2025 – R0115

  One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime; among them, one in four will experience post-traumatic stress related to their diagnosis.

  New research — funded by a Canadian Cancer Society Disruptive Innovation Grant — will explore how AI companions can provide empathetic support at scale, helping to alleviate anxiety for patients and caregivers affected by breast cancer.

  Led by Amina Silva, Assistant Professor of Nursing at Brock University, and Ellyn Winters-Robinson, CEO of The Lyndall Project and AskEllyn, the national research project will bring together researchers, clinicians, patients and caregivers along with AI experts to study the effectiveness of AskEllyn, the world’s first AI companion for breast cancer.

   As an agent for “conversational care,” AskEllyn offers non-medical support and companionship, rooted in the lived experience of Winters-Robinson, a fellow survivor.

  Available at all hours of the day and in every language, AskEllyn provides support for patients, friends and family as they navigate the turbulent and emotionally taxing waters of a breast cancer diagnosis.

  “Through my work in survivorship care, it has become clear that trauma associated with a cancer diagnosis is under-researched, and its impacts for patients and caregivers are not well understood,” Silva says. “We also have a health-care system that is overburdened, under-resourced and under strain, and a growing, diverse patient population for whom traditional support models may not be effective.”

  Through the project, Silva says the research team will seek to study how AI can “play a vital role in meeting diverse user needs throughout the cancer journey, from initial diagnosis through to survivorship.”

  As a breast cancer survivor, Winters-Robinson says she deeply empathizes with the trauma impacting diagnosed individuals and their families and acknowledges that those feelings do not vanish when active treatment ends. 

  “We created AskEllyn to fill that void, and the impact she has had over the past two years is nothing short of remarkable,” she says. “I am incredibly thankful to the Canadian Cancer Society for recognizing the importance of our work.” 

  Winters-Robinson says clinical evidence of AI as a patient support will pave the way for wider adoption and acceptance of AI-enabled conversational care. 

  “I am honoured to be a patient partner in this important study,” she says.

  The Canadian Cancer Society’s Disruptive Innovation Grants provide a unique opportunity for researchers to test novel ideas with potentially game-changing impact in cancer prevention, detection or treatment.

  “We’re here to support bold, imaginative ideas that break new ground — especially those that wouldn’t usually get traditional funding,” says Stuart Edmonds, Executive Vice President of Mission, Research and Advocacy at the Canadian Cancer Society. “Dr. Silva’s research stood out for its quality, and AskEllyn — a unique tool created by a survivor for survivors — has real potential to transform how patients support each other. As health-care resources are stretched thin, now is the time to consider how AI can improve care for those facing cancer.” 

  Patient recruitment for the project is now underway. To learn more about getting involved, contact Silva at [email protected]

  About Brock University
  Brock University is a comprehensive institution with rich academic programs and world-class research activity that is creating positive change locally and globally. Located in Ontario’s scenic Niagara region on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe people, Brock is situated atop the Niagara Escarpment in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The University’s 19,000 students come from across Canada and around the world to break through at Brock and take in its renowned student experience. Learn more at brocku.ca

  
  About the Canadian Cancer Society
  The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.

  Help us make a difference. Call 1-888-939-3333 or visit cancer.ca today.

  About AskEllyn

  AskEllyn, is a pioneering conversational AI designed to support those navigating the complexities of breast cancer. Committed to being accessible and free forever, AskEllyn aspires to touch every corner of the globe, ensuring women and families of all backgrounds and languages never walk alone. Embodying the essence of AI for Good, AskEllyn offers both multi-lingual support and the unique empathy of a breast cancer survivor. Since her launch to market in 2023, AskEllyn has been accessed in 100+ countries and provided support to patients and caregivers in 40+ languages. The Lyndall Project and AskEllyn are proudly supported by the Accelerator Centre.

   

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews: 

  *Sarah Ackles, Communications Specialist, Brock University, [email protected] or 289-241-5483

  *Amanda Silliker, Senior Manager, Mission Communications, Canadian Cancer Society [email protected] or (782) 640-1078

  *Ellyn Winters-Robinson, CEO, The Lyndall Project and AskEllyn, [email protected] or 519-574-2196

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases