Media releases

• Brock creates business analytics research centre

  Tuesday, July 26, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: R00152 – 15 July 2016

  A new research hub being created at Brock University will strengthen interdisciplinary research collaboration on data analytics across the University.

  The Centre for Business Analytics (CBA) will bring together faculty from various disciplines across the University, as well as alumni and industry partners for a common purpose.

  The Centre will be led by Anteneh Ayanso, professor of information systems and chair of the Department of Finance, Operations and Information Systems at the Goodman School of Business.
   
  Following the introduction of the business analytics specialization in Goodman’s MBA program in 2014, one of the first of its kind in Canada, the Centre will build on the University’s capabilities to bring together various fields within the world of big data and further data-driven research.

  The Centre’s objectives include: supporting an interdisciplinary team of data analytics researchers; acting as a source of expertise for both public and private sectors; and fostering a training hub for the next generation of data scientists.

  CBA will partner with external organizations and software and application providers to maximize their impact and has already developed a relationship with SAS, a leading analytics software provider that is widely used in the field.
   
  Executives and managers are increasingly making business decisions based on data, making it more important for recent graduates to be trained in the field.

  “It is critical for Brock to keep up to the pace of the fast-moving business world and to respond to marketplace needs through our research and student training efforts,” says Barry Wright, interim dean of Brock’s Goodman School of Business. “This Centre will allow the University to do just that.”

  From major league sports to banking and retailing, big data has allowed organizations to gather enormous amounts of data on every aspect of their business models.

  CBA membership is open to all Brock faculty and staff members who can contribute to the Centre’s objectives. The Centre will have regular calls to expand its membership. Interested members can learn more by contacting Ayanso at aayanso@brocku.ca. Brock students are also welcome to attend member committee meetings and graduates in the field of analytics are encouraged to become CBA affiliates.

  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

• Triathlon at Brock to honour memory of former student

  Thursday, July 14, 2016 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: R00151 – 14 July 2016

  Naomi Cermak never had the chance to complete the triathlon she trained so hard for while battling cancer. The disease took that away from her. But, cancer could never steal her determination to try in all aspects of her life.Despite metastatic melanoma, the 31-year-old Brock University graduate achieved academic breakthroughs and thrived athletically throughout her short life. She died in 2013 after a 13-month fight with the disease.

  To honour her memory and raise money for a graduate student scholarship in her name, the Brock community will come together on Thursday, July 21 for the Tri to Inspire triathlon being held at Brock.

  “Naomi will always be remembered by those who knew her as a friendly, driven, determined individual who always looked on the bright side,” says her sister Carly Cermak.

  Naomi’s efforts to raise awareness of melanoma, as well as her determination to conquer her illness resulted in her selection to participate in the Kona Ironman championships as an inspiration athlete.

  “In between cancer treatments, Naomi always found a way to ride on her stationary bike or join me up north to swim in Georgian Bay,” her sister says.

  However, Naomi had to withdraw from the event as her immune system became too compromised and her health deteriorated.

  “The development of this scholarship will help us remember Naomi, as both an avid researcher and an athlete. My daughter was an amazing young woman who was still writing papers and mentoring students while undergoing treatment,” Tineke Cermak says.

  Naomi attended Brock for her Masters of Science in Muscle Physiology from 2004-06 and was the recipient of the Governor General’s Academic Medal. She went on to complete her PhD in Exercise Physiology at McMaster. At the time of her diagnosis, Naomi was a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Maastricht in Holland and her papers on beet root juice and performance continue to be cited by researchers.

  More than 50 athletes, staff, students and faculty are expected to come together to compete and remember Naomi during the Tri to Inspire.

  “Naomi continues to inspire others to fight and find a cure,” says Department of Kinesiology Chair, Brian Roy.

  The triathlon starts at noon in the Eleanor Misener Aquatic Centre followed by closing remarks at the Farmer’s Market in Jubilee Court at 1 p.m.

  Donations are being accepted for the Naomi Graduate Student Scholarship at http://www.brocku.ca/donate

  Media are invited to attend the Tri to Inspire triathlon at Brock Thursday, July 21 at noon. The Cermak family will be available for interviews both on race day and leading up to the event.
   

  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