ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ

UPDATE: Please note this event has been postponed due to weather. The discussion will be held Tuesday, April 8 at 7 pm at the Pourhouse, above the Old Triangle Irish Alehouse.

At the next Research on Tap, join us for a discussion about the bloody history of free blood in Canada. Dr. Sarah Glassford, assistant professor of history at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, will lead a discussion entitled 'Blood: It's in you to sell. Why Canadians give and get blood for free.' The discussion begins at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 1 at the Pourhouse, above The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse in Charlottetown.

In other countries, blood is treated almost as a commodity, where donors are paid, and blood has cash value. Dr. Glassford will present on the debate that led to our free system, and how Canada almost followed the American model.

Sound interesting? Join us!

Research on Tap is a series of public discussions with ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ researchers. For more information, contact Dave Atkinson at (902) 620-5117 or datkinson@upei.ca.

For information:
Dave Atkinson, Research Communications
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

On Thursday, April 3, more than 200 young scientists from 30 schools across the Island will come together in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre on the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ campus to participate in the 2014 PEI Science Fair. The theme of this year's fair is 'Science Matters.' For some students, this will be their first science fair experience, but for many, it will be a return engagement. Students from grades 4-12 will showcase their science interests and abilities, and connect with other young scientists from around the province.

Once again, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ faculty, staff, and students have organized a ‘Science Expo' full of interesting exhibits, out-of-this-world engineering demonstrations, and other hands-on activities for the participants. ‘Let's Talk Science' will also be joining the Expo with some cool science demonstrations.

Award ceremonies will take place at 1:00 pm for grades 4-6 and at 4:00 pm for grades 7-12. Parents, family members, and friends are all invited to join in the celebration from 12:00-1:00 pm (grades 4-6) and 2:00-4:00 pm (grades 7-12). Government, industry, and community groups have donated over $10,000 in specialty prizes and awards across PEI. This year, the top five students will represent PEI at the Canada Wide Science Fair in Windsor, Ontario. For more information, check out the 'new' PEI Science Fair website at peisciencefair.ca (English), or exposciencesipe.ca (French).

More about the Science Fair

The Science Fair is a great way to engage young minds to the wonders and mystery of science. Participating in science fairs at the school level is the first real opportunity for Island students to think critically about science and get hands on experience running a science experiment. And research shows that positive science experiences at an early age can build a positive attitude towards science in the junior and high school years, and ultimately attract many to the field of science as a career. More importantly, in running a science fair project, students develop critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills that are key to being successful at school and in ones chosen career.

Last year at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Lethbridge, Alberta, all of our Island students walked away with top awards-Pieter VanLeeuwen won the Actuarial Foundation of Canada Award in the Intermediate Division; Neil Kelley and Gavin Kerr won a silver medal Excellence Award in the Junior Division; and Hailey Brake and Shruthi Bandi won a bronze medal Excellence Award in the Junior Division.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation celebrated its 45th year by recognizing outstanding student athletes at the annual ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics Awards ceremony held at the PEI Brewing Company in Charlottetown. The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association's Outstanding Athletes of the Year awards went to women's soccer star Sarah Stanley and men's hockey standout Reggie Traccitto.

In her fourth year, Stanley, a native of Charlottetown, has developed into one of the top midfielders. She is a leader who sets a great example with her work ethic and positive attitude. This past season when the pressure was on, she came out charging, scoring all three goals in a crucial weekend series against Dalhousie and Saint Mary's, resulting in her being named both an AUS and CIS Athlete of the Week. More awards followed, as she was named an AUS 2nd Team All-star at the end of the season. Head Coach Lewis Page described Stanley as a joy to coach, 'she works hard, encourages her teammates, but most of all, loves to compete,' he said.

Traccitto, a fourth-year student-athlete from Oakville, Ontario is a very complete defenseman that would be considered one of the greatest scoring threats in the AUS, especially on the power play. There might not be any single player in the AUS that had a more significant impact towards any program's special teams than Traccitto. On a team, that at times, struggled to score goals, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panthers' power play was amongst the best in the AUS, with Traccitto playing a significant role towards this success. Traccitto was the Panthers' top scoring defenseman, finishing second overall on the team, and finishing 10th overall in the AUS. Traccitto also played a tremendous role in penalty kills, in which the team ranked first overall in the CIS. Traccitto was selected as an AUS 1st team All-Star and named a CIS 2nd team All-Canadian.

The J.T. 'Mickey' Place Awards were also presented this evening to student athletes who have made a contribution to student leadership on their team and on campus. John Thomas 'Mickey' Place was connected not only with Athletics at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, but also with all aspects of campus life. He believed in fair play and that through respect for one's opponent, athletes could gain the ultimate respect for themselves. These awards are provided by the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Student Union in his memory. The winners from each team include:

Men's basketball - Lorenzo Parker
Women's basketball - Danielle MacDonald
Field hockey - Eliza MacLauchlan
Men's hockey - Mason Wilgosh
Women's hockey - Ferran Brown
Women's rugby - Alicia MacDonald
Women's soccer - Kelsie Collier
Men's soccer - Trevor White
Swimming - Suzanne Nicholson
Women's volleyball - Emilie Sullivan
Women's curling - Jane DiCarlo
Men's curling - Connor MacPhee
Synchronized swimming - Lauren Hardy
Powerlifting - Daniel Quadros Da Fonseca
Men's rugby - Sean Doyle
Cross country/Track & Field - Melanie McKenna
JV women's hockey - Jill MacIsaac

The teams then took to the stage one at a time to celebrate and recognize their teammates and top athletes. Listed below are the winners from each team:

MVP Rookie
Men's soccer Cole MacMillan Lucas Holmes
Women's soccer Sarah Stanley Tessa Fudge
Men's rugby Aaron Fitzpatrick James Mallard
Women's rugby Danielle Lacey Holly Jones
Field hockey Katherine Koughan Sydney Stavert
Men's hockey Reggie Traccitto Casey Babineau
Women's hockey Keirsten Visser Emma Martin
Men's basketball Geoff Doane Jayden Nordin
Women's basketball Amy Gough/ Kiera Rigby
Danielle MacDonald
Swimming Rooske Wagemakers Joël Legault
Women's volleyball Meg MacKinnon Abbie Ronalds

The Gordon & Muriel Bennett Award presented by Muriel Bennett is given to a student (male of female) who, over four years, best combined athletic achievement and academic excellence. Women's hockey student-athlete Christina Kelly was this year's recipient.

The W.A. Ledwell Award goes to a student-athlete who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability in the intercollegiate program, academic excellence, and also demonstrates the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and citizenship. Katherine Koughan from field hockey was the recipient.

One of the evening highlights was the presentation of the Passion for Life Award, originated in memory of Rene Ayangma, a former ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ soccer player. All nominees were recognized and the award winner was Leanne Doiron, for her true passion for life and commitment to Panther Sport. Doiron, a very conscientious student, has been a member of the Student/Athlete Advisory Group for the last two years, and is one of the most proud Panther athletes on campus. There's not a Panther activity on campus that you won't find her present at, either working or cheering on her fellow athletes. Doiron served as an athletics and student assistant, where her energy and infectious personality thrive and grow in her responsibility to become the game day coordinator willing and eager to help all sports enhance the game day experience. Her positivity in life, and with her peers, makes her a perfect choice for the Passion for Life Award. She is a true Panther who bleeds green.

2013-14 nominees for Passion for Life Award:

Men's soccer - Adam Lowther
Women's soccer - Jenna Jo MacDonald
Men's rugby - Ryan Lloyd
Women's rugby - Mosher Gallant
Field hockey - Leanne Doiron
Men's hockey - Mathew Maione
Women's hockey - Ferran Brown
Men's basketball - Donathan Moss
Women's basketball - Danielle MacDonald
Swimming - Leif Wilm
Women's volleyball - Ellie Beck
Men's curling - Taylor MacInnis
Women's curling - Veronica Smith
Synchronized swimming - Katie Carter
Powerlifting - Naeem Rohani
Cross Country - Melanie McKenna

On Thursday, April 3, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's annual Engineering Expo participants educated attendees, including approximately 200 junior high and high school students on their innovative designs, and on the exciting field of engineering. The event was open to the public, with students from the PEI Science Fair also attending for special tours of the event, and to learn more about engineering at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

First-year engineering students had the opportunity to work with the Farm Centre Association (FCA) on its new initiative; a community-based, research and demonstration garden/farm housed at the Charlottetown Experimental Farm. The students developed sustainable designs from windmills to pump water, to composters, to a hybrid bicycle/shopping cart for transportation that could be used on the farm. The project took seven months of researching, analyzing, building, and testing solutions, and offered an engaging and educational agricultural landscape that celebrates the past, present, and future of farming on the Island.

'The research and science behind their work is truly impressive. It was an excellent opportunity for us, as well as the general public to see the students' work, and be inspired at the creative genius that is being instigated by their dedicated and enthusiastic professors,' said Phil Ferraro, Executive Director of the Farm Centre. 'Next week, the students will be presenting additional details on their design and building plans. When summer arrives, we hope to test some of their prototypes on site, and we encourage everyone to come visit and join in the fun.'

The second-year engineering students worked with nine clients from PEI, Newfoundland, and Kenya. Clients included The Mount Continuing Care Community, Country View Farms, Dr. Bill Whelan, Magine Snowboards, Mikinduri Children of Hope, PEI Bag Company, Vector Aerospace, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Student Union, and ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Engineering.

'The enthusiasm the students display is infectious, and the skill and quality of the second-year projects are a great indication of how much can be expected once ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ offers an engineering degree,' said Libby Osgood, assistant professor of engineering at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Expo award recipients:

Engineers PEI Team Design Award-This award is presented each year to the student design team that best exemplifies innovation, excellence, and professionalism in a client-oriented community-based design project. The winning team will combine creative design ideas supported by in-depth analysis, detailed design documentation, and an effective demonstration of concept. This year's recipients include: Mikinduri Children of Hope Charcoal Press second-year project. Team members are Daniel Larsen, Keilah Bias, Alex Gamble, and Spencer Montgomery. Top design for first-year students was awarded to Saheed Alatishe, Amy Andrews, Brent Simmons, and Marc Thibodeau.

Noel MacAleer Award-Awarded to a graduating student from the engineering class who displays the positive attributes and qualities of the late Noel MacAleer-an extremely well-liked student who was respected by his classmates, who was enthusiastic and generous, and who became a friend and motivator to all. This year's recipient is Joshua Kelly.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Department of Engineering presents communication and analysis awards annually to individual students who display contribution and excellence in their team environment.

Communication Award-'Generally recognized as the ‘softer' skills including the ability to formulate and communicate the chosen design story using a broad selection of tools including verbal, textual, and graphical techniques. Recognizes that engineering is really the art of applying science to make a compelling argument with a high degree of professionalism and consideration for public safety.' The communication awards were granted to first-year recipient Emily Dennis and second-year recipient Keilah Bias.

Analysis Award- 'Generally recognized as the ‘harder' skills including the ability to understand the clients problems and analyze the problems using a broad selection of scientific, mathematical, and engineering knowledge. Recognizes that engineers must be scientifically and mathematically capable, with an ability to translate the knowledge and skill into innovative (new territory) solutions with predictable performance. It is this predictable performance that requires a sound understanding of the problem and an ability to use engineering tools and prototyping, to predict the performance and safety of the systems.' The analysis awards were granted to first-year recipient Brent Simmons and second-year recipient Vuk Stajic.

Leadership Award- Awarded to a senior student who demonstrates capability and leadership in all aspects of engineering communication and analysis. This award was granted to Emma MacKay.

Congratulations to Jonathan Dingwell, fourth-year business student who took home the $500 grand prize in the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). The draw took place on Thursday, April 10.

A big thank you to all first - and fourth-year students who participated. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ received a response rate of 56%! For those students who have not yet had the chance to complete the survey, it will remain open until early June, so responses are still welcome. Check your ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ email account today to complete the survey.

Once again, congratulations to the following students who received $100 early bird prizes: Jacquelyn Black, fourth-year arts; Aaron Rainnie, first-year nursing; Jimmie Mayaleh, fourth-year business; Hannah Povey, fourth-year arts; Marilyn McFadden, first-year arts; Wallace Nnane, first-year arts; Abbie Ronalds, first-year science; and Danielle Perry, fourth-year nursing.

NSSE survey results are compiled for institutions and provide them with the opportunity to identify aspects of the undergraduate experience (inside and outside of the classroom) that can be improved through policy changes and best practices. The results are also beneficial to prospective students, their parents, university counselors, academic advisors, institutional research officers, and researchers to learn more about how students spend their time and what they gain from their experiences.

More than 1,500 institutions in the U.S. and Canada have participated in NSSE since it was first administered in 2000.

Congratulations to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panthers Cole MacMillan and Barb Carmichael who received Sport PEI awards at the 40th annual awards ceremony this past weekend.

MacMillan, a dual-sport athlete involved in soccer and hockey at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, took home the Intercollegiate Male Athlete of the Year award, while Barb Carmichael, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Field Hockey General Manager received the Sport PEI President's Award for her longtime dedication and volunteerism to the sport.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Hockey Head Coach Forbes MacPherson was also a finalist for Sport PEI's Coach of the Year award.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ congratulates all ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panthers who received awards/were nominated as award finalists.

Go Panthers Go!

With final exams underway, the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Mathematics and Statistics department introduced a fun way for students to prepare for their exams through its inaugural ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Integration Tournament that took place on April 2.

The top sixteen first-year advanced calculus students were selected to take part in an integration competition where the students went head-to-head in a single knockout battle to solve integral problems and determine the best integrator. Spectators were also welcomed and had the opportunity to complete the problems for practice, and take part in lighter math pop culture trivia.

Dr. Gordon MacDonald, professor of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Mathematics and Statistics organized the event after learning of it being used as a fun teaching tool at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

'I thought it was a great idea that may be of interest to students here at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ,' said MacDonald. 'I had no idea that we would get such a great response from students, and because of this year's success, we hope to make it an annual event.'

After 15 speed rounds amongst student competitors, Morgan Erskine was dubbed the winner, and earned the title of 'The Magnifluent.' The title is in honour of Isaac Newton, one of the inventors of calculus who never used the common terms derivatives or integrals. Instead, he used the terms fluxions and fluents. Erskine took home the top prize of $100. Second-place, and a $50 prize, was awarded to Patrick Strongman, while Emma McDermott and Rosalie O'Hara finished in third place and claimed $25 prizes.

'I was actually very surprised to win the tournament as I wasn't even confident that I would make it past the first round,' laughed Erskine. 'It was definitely a more fun and exciting way to study for exams. I found it particularly beneficial, as it gave so many different examples of integrals that we may see on our final exam,' she added.

Erskine is double majoring in mathematics and computer science and hopes to one day find a career in one of her areas of study.

While many students agreed with Erskine, MacDonald added that these types of integrals were definitely aimed to be more challenging than those that may appear on the final exam.

'These problems challenge students to select the best strategy out of possibly five or six different routes. Students are forced to use their math skillsets developed in high school and university, to come up with the solution,' added MacDonald. 'As the Integration Tournament showed, the best calculus students at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ can measure up with students from anywhere, even MIT.'

Special thanks goes to COWS Inc. for donating ice cream coupons, which were awarded as prizes to participants and spectators during the event's trivia.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Women's Rugby Head Coach Shannon Atkins is pleased to announce that Emma Baker is joining the Panthers for 2014-15.

Baker is currently attending Lockview High School in Fall River, Nova Scotia. Captain of the rugby team, Baker has played rugby at Lockview since grade 9, was MVP of the Capital Region championship match, and a provincial silver medalist and winner of two Rothesay Netherwood School rugby championships. Baker is a multisport athlete who played tier one volleyball at the club level, and attended four national and eastern championships winning four provincial medals. Baker is the only athlete at Lockview High School to win a provincial medal in two sports.

Baker also brings provincial experience-Team Nova Scotia U18 in 2013 and 2014, member of Team Nova Scotia U18 team that attended the National Tier 1 Championship in Vancouver in 2013 (placing sixth overall) and 2013 Eastern Canadian gold medalist. She was also a member of The Keltic Academy rugby high performance program, which identifies top players for Team Atlantic and national team streams.

'Emma is a talented rugby player who brings leadership, character, and athleticism to the program,' said Atkins. 'Adding Emma to a young team will give us more depth as we develop the program to compete in the tough AUS conference.'

Baker looks forward to becoming a Panther and has enrolled in the Science program at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. 'I have close family ties to Prince Edward Island and to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ,' she said. 'I'm excited to attend ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ to continue my education and to contribute to the Panthers rugby team any way I can.'

'I would like to welcome Emma to the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, she's a great addition to the Panther Family,' said ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman.

Go Panthers Go!

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991
annear@upei.ca

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Women's Hockey Head Coach Bruce Donaldson is very pleased to announce that Madison Clarke is joining the Panthers for the 2014-15 season. Clarke, originally from Hilden, Nova Scotia, played defence for the past three years with the East Hants Pro Cresting Penguins of the Nova Scotia Midget AAA hockey league. The team won the 2014 Provincial Championship and competed at the Atlantic Championships earlier this month, losing in the championship game against New Brunswick. In the 28-game season, Clarke recorded two goals and three assists along with 28 penalty minutes.

'Madison is a great young player who brings a strong work ethic to her game,' said Donaldson. 'She is very dependable - great mobility and enjoys the defensive side of the game. We see her as someone who will fit nicely within our defensive zone system and will develop to be a future team leader.'

Clarke has also been a part of the Hockey Nova Scotia High Performance Program competing on the U-15 and U-17 Atlantic Challenge cup teams.

'I'm very happy to be coming to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. The coaching staff is sincere in their interest in me, and very approachable. The hockey program and ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's science department feels like the perfect fit for me, and I can't wait to further both my education and hockey as a Panther.' said Clarke. Clarke hopes to pursue Kinesiology during her studies at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Clarke's Midget hockey coach Les Parker commented, 'Madison has been a solid player for the Penguins since putting on the uniform three years ago. She is reliable, smart on defence, and reads the ice and plays extremely well, skates well, and was a true leader in our room and on the ice. Above all else, she is a very coachable player who shows up to play every night. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ has landed one of our top players from Nova Scotia. The Penns family wishes the Panthers and Madison all the best in her AUS career.'

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman welcomes Clarke to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. 'It is a pleasure to welcome Madison to the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. We will provide the necessary supports for success in the classroom and on the ice, and I'm sure Madison will enjoy her Panther experience.'

Go Panthers Go!

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991
annear@upei.ca

In the fall of 2013, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ created a committee to advise on the future operations of the University's longstanding and widely respected institute for research and public policy: the Institute of Island Studies. The Institute of Island Studies Futures Committee, in cooperation with ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Vice-President Research and Graduate Studies, and Interim Vice-President Academic has released its final report, entitled: 'One Step Back, and Two Steps Forward,' which is available for download and review.

Using as its starting point, an external consultants' report commissioned in 2013, the report endorses the current mandate of the Institute as a centre for the comparative study of Prince Edward Island and other islands, and outlines a number of options for its future structure and operations. Two of the key recommendations entail adding a national and international scope to the membership of the Institute's advisory committee and a strong commitment to the Institute's role as an honest broker of public dialogue about key issues confronting Prince Edward Island. To that end, the Institute will organize two public forums during 2014, one in the spring and one in the fall, on water resources and land use issues.

In its report, the committee expresses its confidence in the future of the Institute of Island Studies at the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and of the strong support from the University and community.

The full text of the report can be downloaded below.

For more information, contact Dave Atkinson, Research Communications at (902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca