Media releases

• Public Brock event to look at AI’s impact on music industry

  Thursday, March 21, 2024 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: March 21 2024 – R0036

  The music industry is no stranger to technological disruption — and artificial intelligence (AI) is behind the latest shock wave.

  An online community event hosted by Brock University will examine AI’s impact on both musicians and listeners.

  Business Matters: Songs in the Key of ChatGPT will take place Wednesday, March 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The discussion will feature panellists who will delve into the current influence of AI on musicians and the industry, ethical issues associated with AI and what AI means in terms of song writing, deep fakes and more.

  Hosted by Brock’s Goodman School of Business, this is the ninth in a series of annual community discussions moderated by Associate Professor of Marketing Todd Green.

  “With new AI tools seemingly emerging every day, the panel discussion is an opportunity to hear what it means for members of the music industry and to decide whether these tools will have a place in their own careers,” said Green.

  Panellists include:

  • Eric Alper, Owner, Eric Alper Public Relations
  • Chelsea Masse, Market Research and Data Specialist, Canadian Independent Music Association (CIMA)
  • Noah Mintz, Senior Mastering Engineer, Lacquer Channel Mastering
  • Kirsten Robertson, Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour and Human Resources, School of Business, University of the Fraser Valley

  Viewers will have the opportunity to ask questions following the panel discussion. To receive a link to the livestream, register online for the free event.

  “Whether you are a musician, work in the industry or are interested in how technology can impact the music you love, we hope you will join us for this important conversation,” Green said.

  The Business Matters series started in 2015 with Music Matters, also featuring Alper and Mintz, and has since talked about hot topics in business covering themes including innovation, inclusive decision-making, climate change and the ever-changing landscape of social media. Business Matters is supported by the Willmot Foundation and is part of the D.G. Willmot leaders’ series.

  What: Business Matters: Songs in the Key of ChatGPT
  Who: Panellists Eric Alper, Chelsea Masse, Noah Mintz and Kirsten Robertson
  When: Wednesday, March 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
  Where: Online via video streaming. Register through the Business Matters web page to receive the link.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Maryanne St. Denis, Manager, Content and Communications, Brock University mstdenis@brocku.ca or 905-246-0256

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases

• Brock research improving access to diabetes screening, prevention for newcomers to Canada

  Wednesday, March 20, 2024 | By Brock University

  MEDIA RELEASE: March 20 2024 – R0035

  Newcomers to Canada face many challenges, among them changes to diets, activity levels and social networks.

  These changes play an important role in the health of immigrants as they are also risk factors for Type 2 diabetes, says Sujane Kandasamy.

  “Health Canada acknowledges that immigration is a determinant of health,” says the Brock University postdoctoral fellow. “There needs to be culturally reflective and co-ordinated approaches to ensure newcomers to Canada are set on a path towards optimal health, particularly in the prevalence and prevention of Type 2 diabetes in newcomers.”

  To that end, Kandasamy has taken on a research project — with funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) — expected to improve newcomers’ access to programs that screen for, and prevent, Type 2 diabetes.

  Her research, which sees her working alongside newcomers, involves co-designing, piloting and evaluating a mobile Type 2 diabetes awareness program.

  The project includes research in the areas of the social determinants of health, current Type 2 diabetes outreach programs that are culturally tailored, and interviews with community members, leaders and service providers to learn about current needs and barriers to existing service provision.

  “These are multi-sectoral challenges, which is why meaningful partnerships with local community organizations and leaders are crucial,” she says.

  The end result of her project is the roll-out of “The Type 2 Diabetes Prevention Van,” which will offer co-designed mobile services from which newcomers in Calgary, Alta., and Hamilton, Ont., can receive screening and prevention services.

  “This is incredibly important work, as we have seen a large influx of newcomers to Canada in recent years, with many more coming over the next several years,” says Kandasamy’s primary supervisor, Brock Associate Professor of Child and Youth Studies Matthew Kwan.

  “It is imperative that we find effective solutions to best support their physical, mental and social health during their transition to Canada and limit the burdens of our social system,” says Kwan, Canada Research Chair in Youth Mental Health and Performance.

  Kandasamy is one of 43 researchers across Canada awarded CIHR’s Research Excellence, Diversity and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award being offered for the first time to researchers in underrepresented groups.

  For more information or for assistance arranging interviews:

  * Maryanne St. Denis, Manager, Content and Communications, Brock University mstdenis@brocku.ca or 905-246-0256

  – 30 –

  Categories: Media releases