Daily News

July 29, 2002

While everyone is entitled to human rights, not everyone is educated about them. But the view that human rights at McMaster are important is clear. Especially to Jane Mulkewich. "University is a place of higher learning and there are people here from all over the world, so we should be accessible to people from all over the world," she says. "If it doesn't happen on a university campus, then where is it going to happen?" McMaster's new human rights educator wants to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination. But she can't do it alone. "Everyone needs to take responsibility to make this an equitable environment," she says. "I want to be a catalyst for change." Since starting her new position in June, Mulkewich has found others feel the same. "Everyone that I have talked to so far, all say that there is a huge need for human rights education," she says. These views were presented to her during recent focus groups with faculty organized by her office. This is important since it is faculty and staff who set the climate, she says. "We want to find out from them what things we need to do on camps to make it a more safe and equitable place." In the part-time position - 22 hours a week - Mulkewich is responsible for the development and implementation of training workshops and educational programs dealing with human rights, anti-discrimination and sexual harassment. "There are a lot of people who don't know about human rights," she says. "Racism and discrimination continues because they are unaware and they do not know about what kind of impact their actions have. People will often know when their rights have been violated but they often don't know what to do about it. They need to know what resources are available."

July 26, 2002

Canadian Olympic gold-medal swimmer Mark Tewksbury, Norwegian speedskating legend Johann Koss and president of the World Anti-Doping Agency Dick Pound will inspire more than 40 current and future Olympic leaders this week at McMaster. Athletes, coaches, olympic medalists, students, academics, administrators, officials and health professionals will learn the values of the Olympic Movement during the 17th Olympic Academy of Canada (OAC) workshops from July 27 to Aug. 2. "The goal of the program is that this group of aspiring and current leaders will be quite connected to promoting the Olympic movement when they return to their community," says Charlotte MacNaughton, manager of communications for the Canadian Olympic Committee and co-organizer of the event. "We want the delegates to be actively involved in the Olympic movement when they return home." The workshops also provide an opportunity for networking. "People who participate in the workshops stay connected for a long time," she says. Delegates from across Canada, ranging in age from 20 to 55, will attend the leadership development program designed for Canadians with a strong interest in the Olympic movement. They will discuss Olympic values and strategies for promoting these values across Canada, current issues facing sport and the Olympic movement. Olympic values, says MacNaughton, are fun, fairness, respect, excellence, leadership, peace and human development. "If more people lived by these values, the world would be a much better place."

July 25, 2002

Always at the forefront of undergraduate education, McMaster University is leading the pack again, this time, during the summer instead of the fall or winter. The Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research (BIMR) is holding summer school for a group of exceptional undergraduate students. These 57 students, including nine from outside of McMaster, are taking part in some of the strongest research projects on campus, says John Preston, director of the BIMR. "The primary issue is training," he says. "We want students to see that they are working on problems for which the professors and the graduate students don't know the answers." From his experiences with a former theme school, Preston learned the value of combining experience with a summer position, and helping students to see their summer job as part of their academic studies. That is just the case for Rudi Phillion, studying aerospace engineering at Carleton University. "I'm hoping to use what I learn here in another job," he says. "What I'm learning complements it (my program of study) very well. I didn't want to come here and relearn material. I wanted to learn something new." This year is the pilot year for this innovative program. At the beginning of the work term, students were matched with faculty members who were studying areas students were interested in. They then spend the summer working with those professors, and graduate students, on a variety of research projects. "These are not artificial undergraduate projects," says Preston. "The students get paid, and are working on these projects, and have a supervisor who cares about the project." As well as giving students access to world-class laboratories, facilities and equipment, organizers of the summer school have provided many opportunities for students to develop their careers and to discover more about the many fields of materials research. Supplementary activities include lectures by faculty or students on current research, information sessions by representatives from various industries, tours to research or industrial sites and small student-group workshops for training in specialized techniques.

July 24, 2002

McMaster's Juliet Daniel is one of the brightest young researchers in Canada. A $150,000 grant will help her shine even brighter. The assistant professor of biology is one of 34 researchers from greater Toronto universities included in round six of the Premier's Research Excellence Award (PREA), announced minister of enterprise, opportunity and innovation Jim Flaherty. The funding -- $100,000 from the Ontario government and $50,000 from the university -- will allow Daniel to continue her investigation into new regulators of cell adhesion and tumour progression. Her findings will increase scientists' understanding of tumour metastasis and significantly contribute to the development of improved therapies for cancer patients. "We're trying to understand what causes a tumor cell to break away from the primary tumor and spread to other organs," Daniel says. "We understand how a tumor arises, but we don't understand how it progresses to that really malignant and devastating state when it spreads to other organs." Daniel's lab is looking at the major epithelial cell adhesion complex, the "E-cadherin-catenin complexs", which is defective in human tumors. "We're studying a protein that I discovered when I was a post-doc, a transcription factor named Kaiso', after the Caribbean calypso music," she says. "The focus of our lab is to elucidate the relevance of the interaction between Kaiso and one of the adhesion catenins, p120ctn," she says. "We're trying to understand Kaiso's mechanism of action and identify the genes that it regulates, to see if any of those genes are directly linked to cancer." Daniel, who joined McMaster in November 1999, will use the funding to pay for personnel, students and technicians.

July 23, 2002

McMaster has received $9.1 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to fund the operational costs of 26 research projects. Immune responses in HIV infection and AIDS, monitoring high blood pressure among older adults, and understanding the value, priorities and world views of families who raise children with chronic developmental conditions, are among 26 projects funded through CIHR's new and renewal grants program. "This CIHR funding will provide support, as well as training opportunities, in a wide spectrum of innovative, state-of-the-art medical, biomedical, and health-related research projects at McMaster and our affiliated teaching hospitals," says John Capone, associate dean of research in the Faculty of Health Sciences. "CIHR support will allow our research scientists to remain competitive and at the leading edge at the national and international levels, and potentially lead to the discovery and generation of new knowledge and products that will benefit the health and well-being of all Canadians." McMaster had one of its better showings in CIHR's latest round of funding, says Marie Townsend, research programs administrator on the Committee on Scientific Development. In total, 42.6 per cent of the projects McMaster applied for under its new and renewal grants were funded by CIHR, compared to the national average of 31 per cent, she says.

July 23, 2002

The first in-depth study of Canadian attitudes towards adoption shows that Canadians are strongly in favour of the unconditional release of confidential identifying information to adult adoptees about their birth parents. A majority also support some form of open adoption that allows for contact between birth parents and adoptive parents after adoption takes place. The study, conducted by McMaster University researcher Charlene Miall and Karen March of Carleton University, found that three-quarters of Canadians surveyed felt that birth parents and adoptive parents should not be able to prevent adult adoptees learning their original identities. At present, most adoption reunion registries allow birth parents to veto requests for information by adult adoptees. However, only 45 per cent of Canadians approved of birth parents learning the identities of their adopted adult children without their permission. "Adoption as an institution is in the process of change and this survey provides a unique snapshot of what Canadians think about these changes," said Miall, an associate professor of sociology. "Canadians are very supportive of adoption as a family form while recognizing that confidentiality requirements may place a unique burden on adults seeking to learn about their genetic and medical histories." Other findings from the survey: an overwhelming majority of Canadians approve of international adoptions Canadians are in favour of birth reunions with 46 per cent strongly approving and 45 per cent somewhat approving Canadians also think that confidential adoption, where there is no contact between birth parents and adoptive parents, should continue to be available if both parties want it Canadians are almost evenly split on whether lesbian and gay couples should be able to adopt children. The Institute for Social Research at York University collected the data from a Canada-wide telephone survey between May and July 2000. In addition, 82 comprehensive interviews were conducted to examine what factors were at work when respondents gave the answers they did. That analysis is now complete and the results of both the survey and interviews are in the publication stage. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada funded this research. For complete information on the survey and the data, see http://socserv2.mcmaster.ca/sociology/Miall-News.pdf and http://www.carleton.ca/socanth/Faculty/KarenMarch.htm.

July 19, 2002

Matching students with residences has been a little more complicated this year as the demand for campus accommodation is higher than normal. Like many other Ontario universities, McMaster is experiencing higher enrolment, particularly in the Level 1 class. Applications for admission are up across the province as some students are fast-tracking to university ahead of the double cohort class of 2003. McMaster and other universities are working with the provincial government to make as many additional spaces available as possible. In turn, the percentage of first-year students who are eligible for McMaster residence space in September 2002 is higher than normal. Phil Wood, associate vice-president student affairs, said McMaster is committed to accommodating all first-year students who were guaranteed a residence space because they had an academic average of 75 per cent or higher and met the application and payment deadlines. "McMaster has been a popular choice for students again this year," said Wood. "We are committed to helping everyone make a successful transition to university life. As part of meeting our commitment, we have decided to increase our bed space capacity by introducing 'bunk and loft' rooms that will accommodate three students." Wood said that a number of other residence rooms will also be converted to accommodate more students. "We are working with the Inter Residence Council and our Residence Life student staff to make sure that every student's residence experience will be positive," said Wood. Students will begin receiving their campus residence space assignments via letter today (July 19). All students who are assigned to a 'bunk and loft' room will receive a phone call from Housing & Conference Services personnel beginning next week so they can have any queries answered. Wood said students are being notified of their residence space assignment earlier than normal because demand has been great.

July 19, 2002

McMaster Shad Valley students have their minds set on saving the environment. An indoor-waste and recycling bin, a dryer that helps conserve energy, an environmental education curriculum kit and an electronic device that eliminates harmful or irritating workplace sounds are the brainchilds of 52 "MacShad" students. The students will present their devices and business plans on Monday in the Institute of Applied Health Sciences, Room 143 from 2 to 4:30 pm. Students from across Canada are learning more about the fields of science, engineering, and business in the program, which allows senior high school students to expand their minds at the university level. Three weeks ago, students were divided into four teams and presented with the challenge of brainstorming, designing, constructing, marketing, presenting, and writing a full business plan for a product or service that would solve an environmental problem. "The project has been very challenging, but an extremely rewarding experience too," says 15-year-old Michelle Leung, of Vancouver, British Columbia. "It has enabled us to explore current environmental problems from a new perspective."

July 18, 2002

Faculty, staff and graduate students will now to be able to read their McMaster e-mail anywhere they have access to the internet and a Web browser with the introduction of a new e-mail service. Computing & Information Services (CIS) has introduced UnivMail, a new e-mail service based on software by CommuniGate Pro. The service was introduced to undergraduate students nearly two years ago. Heather Grigg, CIS senior manager, client support, expects UnivMail will replace PINE in the future, the central Unix-based electronic mail system that has been available to the McMaster community since 1992. "UnivMail is being offered on a self-subscription basis, so users can choose when to migrate their e-mail to the new service," she says. It is expected that the McMail/PINE service will be decommissioned when it isn't viable to continue the service for a small number of e-mail accounts, she says.

July 17, 2002

The Career Planning & Employment Centre (CPEC) is showcasing its new facilities today. "We love our new space," says Heather Hines, CPEC events & marketing co-ordinator. "We're right in the hub of it all." CPEC relocated in May to Gilmour Hall Room 110 from Hamilton Hall. "We were growing and we needed more space," she says. "And traffic is going to increase, especially with the double cohort." The open house, which will take place today, July 17, from 9 to 11:30 a.m., will provide an informal opportunity for people to come and see what CPEC offers, ask questions and tour the facility. "We want to invite people to our new space to see where we are and what we have to offer," says Hines. Some of its services include job postings for students, career counseling, and career planning, career tests, special events, workshops on job interview and job search techniques, resume critiques by peer advisers, job shadowing and linking students with graduates and alumni in the field. Most important, the centre is there to answer students' questions. "One of the most common questions is 'what can I do with my degree?'," Hines says. Unfortunately, many students wait too long to start asking questions, she says. "Students should come to us in first year so they can start planning early," says Hines. "They should take advantage of the resources while they're here."

July 16, 2002

Already considered one of the Top 100 business schools in the world by Financial Times, the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business will strengthen its position when it opens its new addition this fall. Constructed on the southwest corner of the Michael G. DeGroote building, the AIC wing adds three floors, 19 new offices, 17,000 square feet, and a plethora of state-of-the-art equipment to the University. The addition includes space for the school, the University, and outside organizations. With demand for classroom space on the rise, the new wing offers high-tech classroom space that can be used by both the School of Business and other departments throughout the University. Other rooms offer a facility for testing new software, research centres, and focus group areas. As well, an expanded academic programs office, along with external relations, and faculty will be located in the new space. Specialized facilities include the AIC Institute for Strategic Business Studies, which is a location for a chaired professor, two industry professors, and support staff, a 25-seat "Decision Centre" with display monitors below desk level, which can be used as a classroom or for focus group research, a PhD area, which offers office spaces for 35 candidates and dedicated computer facilities for PhD activities.

July 16, 2002

A biotechnology incubator for McMaster University could be one step closer to reality with a $5-million boost recommended by the mayor's Community Trustee Panel. The recommendation is part of a spending plan devised by the panel and going to city council for approval. The $15-million biotechnology incubator will assist with the commercialization of biomedical research and capitalize on the know-how and research facilities at the University. It is a key goal of Hamilton's economic development strategy to create an active biotechnology business sector in the city. The city funding is crucial if the University hopes to attract money from the province. "We see tremendous potential for this area in terms of commercialization of research results," said Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs at McMaster. For the original story in today's Hamilton Spectator, click here.

July 16, 2002

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/recipe.jpg” caption=”Tasty Plate”]The award-winning meal presented by McMaster University Hospitality Services in the 2003 Canadian College & University Food Services Association (CCUFSA) conference. . . .

July 15, 2002

Allison Leanage peers intently into a microscope. She has a very important job to do. Before Friday she must solve a forensic mystery that occurred in the John Hodgins Engineering Building. "I'm investigating a simulated crime scene," the 11-year-old says. "The crime happened on Sunday and we have to look at the DNA, blood types, fingerprints and collect evidence from the crime scene. On Friday we're going to have a court trial." Leanage is one of 800 students signed up for the Venture Engineering & Science and Adventures in Engineering Computing camps, hosted by the Faculties of engineering and science. This summer, more than 3,000 elementary and secondary students will be treated to a behind-the-scenes look at McMaster through one of the many camps held on campus. One of the most sought-after camps is Sports Fitness School (SFS), which attracts about 1,600 students each year. SFS usually books up months in advance, says SFS senior manager Tom Pain. This year, SFS celebrates its 25th anniversary and will host an alumni celebration at the end of the summer to commemorate this milestone. SFS provides those ages six to 16 with a wide range of activities, such as synchronized swimming, wrestling, tennis and lacrosse. McMaster also hosts week-long Marauder sports camps, which focus on the development of basic fundamental skills in one sport only. Campers choose from basketball, football, swimming and volleyball. Mini University, which has both an academic and athletic focus, is a camp for those aged 10 to 15. In this camp, participants experience what it is like to be a university student in subjects such as psychology, journalism, drama and anthropology.

July 14, 2002

Graduate Student Excellence in Varsity Athletics Baseball Scott Hughes Cross Country Team Coach Brad Young Golf Eric Payne Lacrosse Brett Beston Rugby Matt Henderson Rugby . . .

July 12, 2002

A McMaster researcher used a "face morphing" technique in a new study that shows people find others who look like them more trustworthy. Studies have shown that animals, such as ground squirrels, favour others that resemble them - something called kin selection. Evolutionary psychologist Lisa DeBruine devised a game that let players bargain for money to determine if facial resemblance enhances trust in humans. "The most important aspect of this research is that it establishes a previously unknown phenomenon: facial resemblance can affect social behaviour," said DeBruine, who recently won the new investigator competition from the Human Behaviour and Evolution Society. "This finding is consistent with an interpretation informed by kin selection theory, but more work will need to be done to support that idea." Her findings are reported in today's (July 12) edition of the journal Science.

July 11, 2002

Sessional lecturers and music instructors, represented by Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Local 3906, and the University reached a tentative collective agreement on Wednesday, July 10. The parties have been negotiating since late March to renew a collective agreement that expired April 30, 2002. Details of the settlement will not be available until after the union membership has had an opportunity to meet to ratify the agreement. A date for this meeting has not been set. (End of story)

July 9, 2002

Contrary to popular belief, health care spending in Canada has remained stable over the last decade, argues McMaster researcher Gordon Guyatt in an article published in today's Canadian Medical Association Journal. In fact, outcry over rising health care costs is designed to undermine universal health care, says the professor of clinical epidemiology & biostatistics and medicine in McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences. "For the last 15 years," he says, "Canadians have faced uncertainty regarding the availability of public funds to provide universal, high-quality health care. In this paper, we point out the essential stability of Canada's health care spending during the last decade and the need for resources to ensure that an aging population will have access to the increasing range of beneficial health technologies and services it legitimately expects. We lay out principles and options for structural changes necessary to ensure the stability of public health care funding." Guyatt's article can be found on the CMAJ Web site.

July 8, 2002

Ten new McMaster researchers are celebrating after receiving a total of $1.8 million to build labs and acquire machinery to help them do their research. The research awards are from the New Opportunities Fund distributed by the Canada Foundation for Innovation. The New Opportunities program is designed to help launch the careers of new and talented faculty members. The faculty members have to be at the University less than 18 months to be eligible for the funding. Mamdouh Shoukri, vice-president research & international affairs, welcomed the investment for cutting-edge infrastructure support. "Recruiting excellent faculty is a high priority for McMaster and this program has allowed us to do just that," said Shoukri. "This investment will help our new faculty to expand their research programs and build their research capacity." For assistant professor Alison Sills in the physics & astronomy department, her $174,422 award means she can get a rare hybrid teraflop supercomputer - one of a handful in the world - for her research into the dynamics and evolution of globular clusters (dense groups of 100,000 stars). "This will help me study the oldest objects in our galaxy, which constrain the age of the universe and trace how our galaxy was formed," said Sills. "This is amazing really. It will put me in the forefront of computational stellar astrophysics."

July 8, 2002

Med Students, a new 13-part documentary series featuring McMaster's medical students and residents, airs tonight on the Life Network at 9 p.m. The series provides audiences with a behind the scenes look at the innovative style of learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Filmed by Breakthrough Productions, each episode chronicles the diverse experiences of medical students as they work alongside faculty and hospital staff within McMaster Health Sciences and its affiliated teaching hospitals. The distinct environment in which these future health care professionals are educated and trained will be portrayed along with the perspective of staff participants who facilitate this unique process. By allowing viewers to witness McMaster's self-directed and problem-based learning styles, the series places a human face on McMaster's rigourous academic programs. "The film series offers important opportunities for all of us in Hamilton," says John Kelton, dean and vice-president of McMaster's Faculty of Health Sciences. "First, it will help support our students since all profits will be used for student scholarships and bursaries. Second, the series will enhance the image of our city, our University, our hospitals, our students and all of our dedicated health care providers." The series also raises McMaster's profile nationally while highlighting the University's many attributes and innovative learning style, Kelton says. The series focuses on individuals as they experience real life challenges on their journey to becoming doctors. A range of stories will showcase the spectrum of challenges unfolding at McMaster as well as the contribution students offer to the health care system. Students experience first-time exposure to a trauma, a birth, surgery and everyday emergencies. The documentary series will air every Monday on the Life Network at 9 p.m. beginning tonight and again on Discovery Health this fall.