Daily News

May 30, 2003

Researchers in the McMaster High Throughput Screening Laboratory in Hamilton will be at the centre of a nationwide wide initiative working on screening the SARS protease aimed at developing a new therapeutic drug. Protease is the digestive enzyme that causes the breakdown of protein. The Protein Engineering Network Centre of Excellence (PENCE) has provided $250,000 in total funding for this project and seven other studies at the universities of British Columbia, Alberta, and Toronto. "Just as the protease of HIV has a lynchpin role in the proliferation of HIV, this group has recognized that the protease of the SARS virus is a target for new therapeutics aimed at SARS," says Eric Brown, assistant professor, biochemistry, at McMaster. "The sequencing of the SARS coronavirus by Canadian researchers has opened the door for understanding and targeting its Achilles heel."

May 30, 2003

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/cw2010DN.jpg” caption=”Hamilton 2010 Logo”] Canada's Bid Team today delivered its formal bid in London for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Representatives from the City . . .

May 29, 2003

"A place of mutual discovery" is how Jean Wilson, associate professor of Comparative Literature in the Faculty of Humanities and in McMaster's interdisciplinary Arts & Science program, characterizes her classroom. At a University committed to inspiring innovation and discovery, Wilson is one of the leading inspirations. A recipient of a 2002 Ontario Confederation of University Faculty Associations (OCUFA) teaching award, Wilson has been a scholar-role model for many students. Andrea Dumbrell, hoping to fulfill the "humanities" requirement on her medical school applications, enrolled in one of Wilson's comparative literature courses in her second year. Three years later, as she reflects on her choice to study literature at the master's and doctoral levels, she is convinced that Wilson's enthusiasm and dedication influenced her decision to pursue a different career path.

May 29, 2003

Dr. Akbar Panju, professor of medicine at McMaster University has received the Osler Award from the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine (CSIM). The award honours individuals who exemplify the best in medicine, in the tradition of Sir William Osler, renowned Canadian physician who revolutionized modern medicine (1849-1919). The award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated excellence in achievement in the field of general internal medicine, either in clinical practice, research, medical education, or specialty development.

May 29, 2003

McMaster's David Fisman, along with researchers from Canada and the United States, has found that health-care workers who are rushed, distracted, or angry are more . . .

May 28, 2003

The double cohort has raised many questions for students, parents, universities, and governments. Officials at the McMaster Office of the Registrar have been asking themselves, "How many applicants would accept if we made them offers?" This past Saturday, thousands of prospective students answered that they are very interested in McMaster when they attended May@Mac, the University's spring open house. By 9:50 a.m. on Saturday, 600 cars had entered the campus. The parking kiosks opened at 9:30 a.m. Estimates from Parking & Transit Services put attendance at between 5,500 and 6,500 people.

May 28, 2003

A unique professorship established at McMaster University will focus on the challenges trade unions and workers face in the global economy. The LIUNA/Henry Enrico Mancinelli Professorship in Global Labour Issues has been created to improve society's understanding of the changes posed for organized labour in the wake of increasing liberalization and globalization of political economies. The inaugural holder of the professorship is Robert O'Brien, an associate professor of political science and associate director of the Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition at McMaster University.

May 27, 2003

Last night, a transformer blew, causing the power to go down in Divinity College, Wentworth House, and the Life Sciences Building. To temporarily alleviate the situation, Physical Plant have run one line of power from Mills Library to the affected buildings. However, power will be limited until a new generator is in place. The transformer was tested and inspected six months ago. No problems were found at that time. Physical Plant is now performing tests on the transformer to resolve the problem. A temporary transformer from Siemens is being delivered, and power should be restored by mid-afternoon today. For questions regarding the temporary power supply, contact Ed Harris, Electrical Technical Specialist, at ext. 23063. [End of story]

May 27, 2003

Power to Divinity College, Wentworth House, the Life Sciences Building, and the Vanbots construction site will be off on Wednesday, May 28 from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. (2 hours) to install a transformer at the Life Sciences Building to replace the temporary generator that has been supplying power to these buildings today. To avoid losing any data, people should shut off all the computers and servers in the effected areas between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. Power should return to normal following the installation of the new transformer. Monday night, a transformer blew, causing the power to go down in Divinity College, Wentworth House, and the Life Sciences Building. The transformer was tested and inspected six months ago. No problems were found at that time. Physical Plant is now performing tests on the transformer to resolve the problem. For questions or concerns, contact Ed Harris, Electrical Technical Specialist, at ext. 23063. [End of story]

May 26, 2003

McMaster and its partners on the 2010 Commonwealth Games bid team are celebrating a commitment by the federal and provincial governments to provide $250 million each to the initiative. Heritage Minister Sheila Copps made the funding announcement at a news conference held earlier tonight at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Hamilton. The University's support equals $50 million and the City of Hamilton has committed $80 million to the project. President Peter George said the University is committed to working hard with all of its community partners to ensure the bid is successful. "McMaster is one of Canada's premier universities and, like the Commonwealth Games, has a proud legacy of building strong relationships within our local community, across Canada, and around the world," said President George. "We are dedicated to continuing this tradition through our support of the Hamilton bid for the 2010 Commonwealth Games and we look forward to coming together with all of our partners to promote to the world the excitement and values of the Games."

May 23, 2003

Look in the newspapers these days and you'll read stories about eliminating mandatory retirement, changing the licensing system for older drivers, building senior friendly houses, and treating ailments in the elderly. The Canada Safety Council has projected that Canadians aged 65 and older will make up nearly 23 per cent of the population by 2041. Today, Canada has about 10 million baby boomers. With the aging population come significant social and economic issues. Participants in the twentieth annual McMaster Summer Institute on Geronotology are meeting between May 26 and June 6 to address some of these issues.

May 22, 2003

Compile a list of current international issues, and you're sure to come up with many humanitarian, social, and political causes. However, you may not include the AIDS crisis in Africa. Stephen Lewis, UN Special Envoy for HIV/AIDS in Africa, has seen first hand the effects of HIV/AIDS. He will be sharing his experiences at the second Aldwinckle Lecture. Named for Dr. Russell Aldwinckle, a professor of philosophy and theology at McMaster University, this lectureship endeavors to raise consciousness about international social issues.

May 22, 2003

Bring together 6,000 prospective students and their families, approximately 1,000 faculty, staff, and student volunteers, the beautiful McMaster campus, and what do you get? May@Mac of course. Saturday, May 24 is the date of McMaster's annual open house for prospective students. May@Mac is consistently one of the University's biggest events. Last year, between 4,500 and 5,500 students attended. This year, with double cohort students, organizers are expecting 6,000 high school students and their families to visit campus. Events run between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. During that time, visitors can find out more about programs of study, have last minute admission or scholarship questions answered, take a self-guided tour, see some of the residences, check out the new Student Centre, and meet some of the friendly faces at Mac.

May 21, 2003

Less than three minutes. That's all it took for McMaster security officers to rescue a female student from an attempted sexual assault on McMaster's campus last fall. The quick response time prevented serious injury to the victim. Within the community, a crime was prevented and a dangerous offender was apprehended. The quick work of the McMaster security officers and dispatchers in the early morning hours of a mid-November morning last year was praised and commended May 12 at special ceremony to honour Hamilton police officers. On Nov. 17, 2002 McMaster dispatchers Tony Hansford and Shelly Mayhew were monitoring the security surveillance cameras when they observed a male suspect straddling a female. The female was walking to her parked car when she was attacked. Security units were immediately dispatched and McMaster Officers Mike Ashley, Chris Clement, Bryan Drury and David Noble responded, under the direction of Sgt. Dave Jenkins.The suspect fled and was pursued by officers for some distance before being apprehended, through co-ordinated efforts. "The diligent efforts of Tonya Hansford and Shelly Mayhew in recognizing an assault and taking action can be credited to preventing severe injury to this victim. With less than 3 minutes response time, the commitment and professionalism of Sgt. Jenkins, Officers Drury, Ashley, Clement and Nobel helped not only stop a crime, but also helped apprehend this offender," says the commendation from the Hamilton Police Service.

May 21, 2003

Six individuals and two teams are the recipients of the 2002 President's Working At McMaster Awards for Outstanding Service. The awards recognize staff who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their service to McMaster. Explains Dr. Peter George, "These employees provide the personal attention, service, innovative ideas and dedication that have helped to make McMaster the great university it is today. I have always had tremendous respect for the work that is done here, but the nominations emphasize the outstanding people who make it happen."

May 20, 2003

The second annual Friends of Glen (FOG) Hike for Leukemia Research is taking place Sunday, May 25, 2003 at 9:30 a.m. Named for Glen Ferguson, a dedicated and proficient hiker, the hike supports the McMaster University Bone Marrow Transplant/Leukemia Research Fund. Glen was a leukemia patient at the McMaster University Medical Centre (MUMC) in March 2000 when he died, one day before his bone marrow transplant. Since then, Hope Kamin, his wife, has been gathering friends and hiking the local Bruce Trail in memory of Glen. In 2002, she decided to turn the spring hike into a fundraiser for the Bone Marrow Transplant/Leukemia Research Fund. The venture was successful. In its inaugural year, the FOG hike attracted 51 participants and earned $13 500. This year, Kamin is looking to expand the hike among the McMaster community. McMaster University is a renowned centre for bone marrow transplantation and for research into leukemia and other blood disorders. The McMaster University Bone Marrow Transplant/Leukemia Research Fund was established approximately 15 years ago and receives funding entirely through private donations. Since its inception, the FOG hike has become a major contributor to the fund.

May 20, 2003

McMaster students in the Faculties of Social Sciences, Business and Humanities are integrating research and learning this summer with their involvement in the Undergraduate Student Research Awards. The awards are co-sponsored by the Office of the Vice-President (Research & International Affairs) in partnership with the Faculties and provide students with the opportunity to develop skills, gain experience in the research field and develop a positive working relationship with a faculty member. Twenty research grants of $5,000 were awarded to students in the three Faculties for the summer term. The award winners were selected based on their research proposals and opportunities that they had created with their faculty sponsors. This year, students will undertake research projects involving topics such as representations of HIV in the media, the access of women into political parties, nutrition, and international labour standards. "This program is a great example of the Faculty's commitment to experiential education," said Alan Harrison, Faculty of Social Sciences dean. "The students who participate enjoy a wonderful opportunity to experience research first-hand and are able to relate this experience to their future studies." The number of available awards has doubled since the inaugural program launched last year. This year, the Faculty of Social Sciences received 10 awards, the Faculty of Humanities received six awards and the School of Business received four awards.

May 20, 2003

An international workshop on the modeling of machining operations will be held on Tuesday, May 20 in conjunction with the 2003 North American Manufacturing Research . . .

May 16, 2003

Restrictions on access to Ontario hospitals are ending, as cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) have diminished in the province. Today, individual screening for SARS for anyone entering acute care hospital buildings ended, after local hospitals received new directives from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. That includes the McMaster Health Sciences Centre, the home of the Faculty of Health Sciences. Restrictions on access to Hamilton hospitals will end by midnight tonight. All main entrances to hospital buildings will reopen tomorrow (Saturday), however some minor entrances at hospital sites will remain closed. Previous parking practices at hospitals will resume on the weekend. The screening and restricted access to hospitals was begun at all Ontario hospitals in early April to contain the growth of SARS cases which began in Toronto from an international traveller. No probable or suspected cases of SARS were identified in Hamilton. Although the hospitals have been reopened, the province is requiring vigilance for SARS to continue in what will be considered the "new normal." On an ongoing basis, all hospitals will post signs at entrances, requiring those entering the building to self-screen themselves. People are being asked to report to a hospital emergency department if they have, in the past 10 days, been in contact with a SARS patient OR in a health care facility closed due to SARS OR returned from an affected area AND has any of symptom of unexplained muscle aches, severe fatigue, headache, recent cough, unusual shortness of breath or fever. The signs are to be changed weekly to update the affected areas. At this time the affected areas are China, Hong Kong and/or Taiwan. McMaster's SARS protocol on international visitors remains in effect. The details can be found at http://www.mcmaster.ca/sarsupdate.html At hospitals, SARS screening will remain in emergency departments, and SARS patients will be handled appropriately. Hospitals will maintain preparedness for a deterioration of the SARS situation, and changes in access would occur again if a hospital had unprotected exposure to a SARS patient. Proper hand washing and healthy behaviour, such as not coming to work or visiting a hospital if unwell, will be strongly encouraged for everyone in the province on an ongoing basis. John Kelton, dean and vice-president of the Faculty of Health Sciences, said the extraordinary courtesy of McMaster staff to accommodate classes and sessions moved out of hospital buildings was thoroughly appreciated. "We were faced with an emergency situation of having to move all of our students out of hospital buildings, not just for one or two days, but six weeks. Everyone on campus was extremely helpful in allowing us to move in with them. We certainly enjoyed their hospitality."

May 16, 2003

Two hundred and seventy-nine students in the Faculty of Health Sciences will receive their degrees this afternoon (Friday, May 16) at the 496th McMaster Convocation held at Hamilton Place. Degrees to be conferred are: Doctor of Philosophy (5), Master of Science (22), Doctor of Medicine (113), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (95), Bachelor of Health Science (2), Bachelor of Health Science  Midwifery (14), Graduate Diploma in Advanced Neonatal Nursing (1), Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety (11), Diploma in Child Life Studies (11), and Diploma in Environmental Health (6). Honorary degrees will be presented to Michael Bliss and C. Barber Mueller. Bliss will give the Convocation address. For biographical information about these honorary degree recipients,