Articles by author: Brock University

• Brock experts available to comment on extreme heat, drought conditions

  Tuesday, July 26, 2016 | By Brock University

  EXPERT ADVISORY: R00158 – 22 July 2016
   

  With much of Ontario under a heat warning from Environment Canada and the drought conditions getting worse by the day, Brock University has a number of experts available to discuss the implications.

   
  Professor Steven Renzetti is a leading expert on the economics of water. He can speak to the ongoing drought and its potential impacts on our wallets through increased food prices and water charges. Renzetti can discuss the implications of a long-term drought and the impact of water scarcity.
   
  “We’re already seeing the effects of the drought. It’s affecting the timing and quality of crops. That will have an immediate impact, potentially, on the cost of produce in farmer’s markets and in grocery stores. Drought means it is more costly to do business so that can impact households.”
   

  Professor Stephen Cheung is a Canada Research Chair who runs a research lab at Brock with the capabilities of simulating temperatures ranging from -30 degrees to +50 degrees. Cheung can talk about the impact of extreme heat on the human body, the role hydration plays in controlling body temperatures, and the best strategies for keeping cool for athletes, workers and the general public.
   
  “You should really be careful about heavy exercise and being out for longer than usual. Even elite athletes will be impaired in the heat so you shouldn’t be expecting the same type of endurance that you may have, no matter how fit you are.”
   

  Julia Baird is a research associate at Brock’s Environmental Sustainability Research Centre whose research focuses on environmental governance in relation to water resources and climate change. She can discuss the resilience of farmers and the social and environmental systems in place to help endure droughts and other climate-related disturbances.
   
  “Indications are that these disturbances are just going to become more common and more severe over time with climate change. There are ways you can prepare for these things so you are better able to withstand or endure.”

  Renzetti, Cheung and Baird are all available to speak with the media.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases

• Brock grad on a mission to help parents teach financial literacy

  Tuesday, July 26, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: R00157 – 21 July 2016

  With consumer debt continuing to rise, a Brock graduate has set out to help parents teach their children financial literacy and good money habits.

  After graduating from Brock’s Goodman School of Business last year, Alexander Fung (BBA ’15) launched a digital allowance application called Dollarwise.
  Fung’s vision is to teach children about managing their money wisely to reduce costly mistakes and encourage parents to have proactive conversations about finances with their children.

  His motivation came from a childhood memory of cleaning out his piggy bank at eight years old to buy a video game. It was a decision he later regretted when his parents were furious that his impulsive action meant he would have to start the saving process all over again.

  Designed for ages 8-18, the Dollarwise mobile application is accompanied by a prepaid debit card equipped with chequing and savings accounts and parental controls so that children cannot overspend.

  The application allows parents to view their children’s financial goals, track and incentivize their saving progress and set up allowances as automatic bill payments that are loaded to the debit card.

  Parents can also set their own monthly interest rates and contribute more funds at any time as an extra reward for saving while gamifying their chores and other responsibilities.

  A big step forward for Fung was his recent graduation from Founder Institute. Based in Silicon Valley, California, the institute is an international launch program that helps entrepreneurs get their technology ventures off the ground while providing mentorship and other resources.

  Fung credits his ability to start his own business to his Brock experience which provided him the business knowledge he needed but also connected him with people who have since supported his idea.

  “There is no question that the experience I have gained at the Goodman School of Business has helped me,” he said.

  “Professors (Wesley) Helms, (Ernest) Biktimirov and (Lewis) Stevenson have been particularly helpful and supportive and have given me real insight and advice. I can bounce ideas off them to make sure that they are solid,” he said.

  Fung has also partnered with Innovate Niagara for market research purposes and collaborated with BioLinc, Brock’s business incubator run by the Goodman School of Business.

  Dollarwise is currently inviting the first 100 households to respond to the brief online survey an opportunity to test the initial application prototype.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews with Fung:

  * Dan Dakin, Media Relations Officer, Brock University ddakin@brocku.ca, 905-688-5550 x5353 or 905-347-1970

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  Categories: Media releases