Daily News

December 5, 2008

McMaster's Innovation Park will begin construction on the federal CANMET Materials Technology Laboratory (CANMET-MTL), which is relocating to Hamilton from Ottawa. Today, Lisa Raitt, Minister of Natural Resources, joined McMaster president Peter George and Member of Parliament David Sweet to break ground at the site. At the same time, renderings were unveiled for the LEED Platinum-designed research lab. The LEED designation refers to efficiencies in six categories: sustainable site; water efficiency; energy and atmosphere; materials and resources; indoor environment; and innovation and design.

December 4, 2008

Philip DeCicca, an assistant professor in McMaster's Department of Economics, has been awarded a 2008 Polanyi Prize. DeCicca, who received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 2005, has has published extensively in the field of health economics, with particular attention to the economics of smoking. His current research focuses on the impact of early childhood education on sustainable academic achievement.

December 4, 2008

Grad school applications are looming, you need to round out your volunteer experience and you still haven't lined up a summer job. Is there anyone who can help? With the launch of their new student-written blog, McMaster's Career Services hopes to continue its mandate of helping students achieve their career and life goals.

December 3, 2008

McMaster's Nuclear Reactor turns 50 in 2009. In honour of that milestone, and in the true spirit of innovation for which McMaster is known, a campus competition is being held to create the best multi-media presentation page for the MNR's web site.

December 3, 2008

Two alumni with outstanding records of accomplishment in science and the arts are the recepients of McMaster's Distinguished Alumni Award. Thomas Mason was named in the category of science and John Mighton was chosen for the arts. The Distinguished Alumni Award is granted to two recipients each year. The award recognizes McMaster graduates who have attained a high level of distinction and achievement through scholarship, research, teaching, creative contributions to the arts or sciences and/ or service to society.

December 2, 2008

With analysis of Canada's constitution dominating recent headlines, the appointment of the newest Senator William McMaster Chair in Constitutional Studies is a timely reminder of the role the constitution plays in our daily lives. Wil Waluchow, a professor in the Department of Philosophy and a renowned research scholar in constitutional studies, is the new chairholder.

December 2, 2008

Have you ever wondered why we dance, nod our heads and tap our feet to sounds, but not lights? How the addition of music changes our perception and interpretation of film and television? What areas of the brain are involved in music performance, dance and synchronizing with others? And why children taking music lessons show improvement in language and other cognitive skills? These questions and more were addressed at the fourth annual all-day symposium sponsored by the McMaster Institute for Music and the Mind (MIMM).

December 1, 2008

The H.G Thode Library of Science & Engineering turns 30 this year and the McMaster community is invited to help celebrate. Please join the Library for a birthday celebration on Tuesday, December 2 at 11 a.m. on the first floor of Thode Library. The celebration will also highlight the completion of phase one of the Thode Renovation project.

December 1, 2008

Canada needs almost 2,000 Aboriginal doctors to care for the health of Aboriginal Peoples. Today, there are a mere 200. To reverse this trend, Canada's 17 medical schools have been working for more than three years to discover innovative ways that will increase the number of Aboriginal medical graduates in Canada and address Aboriginal health issues.

December 1, 2008

McMaster Update, the University's new monthly newsletter, is one more way the internal community can keep up with what's happening on campus. The print publication's goal is to build awareness of key initiatives, financial developments and new policies and procedures. The first issue is being delivered to all McMaster faculty and staff this week.

November 28, 2008

Two professors in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, Graeme Luke and Takashi Imai, have just been named Fellows of the American Physical Society (APS). The APS is the largest and most active professional society devoted to the promotion of research, education and other matters in the discipline of physics.

November 28, 2008

For any driver who has been frustrated with the layout of their car's dashboard or control console, or who just wants to stylize it to match the look of their vehicle, help is on the way. Tim Pryor, a Master of Engineering Entrepreneurship and Innovation student at McMaster University, has established Digital Dash, a company developing customizable dashboard technology for new model vehicles.

November 27, 2008

The McMaster Association of Part-Time Students (MAPS) has donated the largest gift to McMaster in its 30-year history. The $505,000 donation will establish 30 bursaries for part-time certificate and diploma students enrolled at McMaster's Centre for Continuing Education. The bursaries will be awarded annually starting next year.

November 26, 2008

Three faculty members in the School of Nursing have been named among the top 100 registered nurses in Canada. Alba DiCenso, Jennifer Skelly and Sue Matthews each received a Centennial Award from the Canadian Nurses Association for their contributions to the profession.

November 26, 2008

McMaster students are being encouraged to venture out of Westdale and explore all that Hamilton has to offer through a new campus initiative called Pop the Bubble. Created by the McMaster Office of Community Service-Learning and Civic Engagement, Pop the Bubble aims to increase civic awareness and "pop the campus bubble" by encouraging greater participation in Hamilton life.

November 25, 2008

There's good news for students displaced by the fire in Brandon Hall. Beginning January 4th, the building will be ready for occupancy and all students will be able to move back to campus to start the second term.

November 25, 2008

Every year around this time some students living in residence start to worry. Most students are stressed because of exams, but some are concerned about finding alternative accommodation plans for when Residence closes for the holidays. All residences on campus close over the holidays and students are required to move out by 12 noon the day after their last exam.

November 24, 2008

A memorandum of understanding has been signed by McMaster University and the Aga Khan University for a new stage to a 25-year collaboration which has developed international nursing schools.

November 21, 2008

The Task Force on Teaching & Learning has recently released an initial report containing observations and recommendations. Co-chaired by Professor Carolyn Eyles and University Librarian, Jeffrey Trzeciak.

November 21, 2008

McMaster University congratulates the many students being awarded degrees today at the Fall convocation ceremonies, taking place in the Great Hall of Hamilton Place.