Daily News

June 24, 2002

Highlights from the June 13 McMaster Senate meeting: First-year enrolment will increase this fall University Provost Ken Norrie informed members that McMaster would be prepared . . .

June 24, 2002

The Archives Association of Ontario (AA0) has presented its Institutional Award for 2002 to the Library's William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections. The . . .

June 21, 2002

Artificial implants, filters for water systems, advanced chips for computers and semi-conductor lasers for telephone transmission. All are familiar, everyday applications of advanced materials research. McMaster's Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research (BIMR) is at the forefront of the scientific advancements that make these technologies possible. The institute recently attracted leading experts from Canada, the US and Europe for an interactive workshop that focused on the convergence of two ongoing scientific revolutions in materials research. John Preston, professor of engingeering physics, explains, "One scientific revolution currently under way is our emerging ability to manipulate, fabricate and utilize structures on the length scale of a few nanometers." These advances in nanotechnology research impact industry's ability to build smaller, smarter devices just nanometres (0.000000001 of a metre) in size. "The second revolution involves our capacity to characterize and understand biological and other 'soft' material systems with the same rigor as conventional materials," continues Preston, who describes encapsulation for improved drug delivery and implants that mimic the response of real bone as examples of biomaterials. Soft materials bend without breaking and in order for this to happen, they are typically made up of long molecules. The intent of the workshop, titled Frontiers in Characterization of Soft and Nanoscale Materials, was to share cutting-edge technologies and the latest research with participants from industry, other academic institutions and McMaster students. Participants came to the Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research to explore recent advances in electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and applications of synchotron radiation, motivated by the opportunity to access leading experts in the field, including McMaster's highly regarded experts George Weatherly and Gianluigi Botton, both professors of materials science & engineering (experts in atomic and electron microscopy), as well as chemistry professor Adam Hitchcock and physicist Bruce Gaulin (experts in synchotron-based studies). One of the more unique components of the workshop involved the sessions in which 60 students and researchers benefited from hands-on demonstrations from the experts using the research facilities in the institute. A workshop participant noted that, "by seeing and doing we are learning techniques that have never been written down in the literature." The speakers represented the combined expertise of research and industry, and included respected scientists Mick Brown (Cambridge), Richard Spontak (North Carolina State), Peter Grutter (McGill), and from industry, Sergei Magonov (Digital Instruments) and DeTong Jian (Canadian Light Source). The Brockhouse Institute for Materials Research is an interdisciplinary research organization, the largest facility of its kind in Canada, recognized as a leader in materials characterization. The institute is one of two such research facilities in North America - -the other is the Cornell Centre for Materials Research located at Cornell University. The facilities of the institute and its pool of expertise are also available to industry and organizations that require assistance with materials research and development or material analysis. Its membership of 60 faculty members is drawn from eight departments in the Faculties of Science, Engineering and Health Sciences. Photo:Lisa Croll, a McMaster chemistry student, discusses the finer points of atomic force microscopy with Tom Malis of National Resources Canada. End of story

June 21, 2002

Tom Flemming, head of public services in the McMaster Health Sciences Library, won the Canadian Health Libraries Association's (CHLA) Award of Outstanding Achievement. Announced at CHLA's recent annual conference, the award recognizes significant contributions to the field of health sciences librarianship in Canada. The contribution must be more than passing importance, interest or local advancement. The award was presented on Flemming's recent contributions to the health care community. During the past year, he has been recognized for his Web site "Health Care Information Resources ... for patients, their families, friends, and health care workers". The recognition has included at least two citations on the Medical Webmasters Listserv; one for his excellent disclaimer, considered one of the best ever written, and the second for his excellent listing of complementary and alternative medicine information resources.

June 20, 2002

A faculty of golden retrievers would be a dream come true for Howard Jones. They are intelligent, loyal, agreeable creatures. And they don't smell, laughs the newly appointed acting dean of humanities. Jones, who has a strong affection for golden retrievers, has been appointed to his new position for a six-month renewable term beginning July 1. I consider it a distinct honour to assume the office, even for a short time, says the Department of Classics chair, who has served under five deans of the Faculty of Humanities since its founding in 1968. Humanities has a record of excellence in teaching and scholarship of which it is justly proud, says Jones. As custodian of the faculty, he sees one of his roles as assisting in consolidating new initiatives, which have been established over the past three years. He also hopes to help attract top students and faculty to its programs. I see the faculty building upon its proven strengths in traditional areas and, as part of a university with a reputation for innovative approaches to learning, becoming a leader in emerging new disciplines, he says. Howard is an experienced administrator, having served as chair of classics for five years, says provost and vice-president (academic) Ken Norrie. There has been wide consultation on this matter and there is unanimous agreement that this is a most appropriate appointment. Jones received a BA from the University of London, and an MA and PhD from the University of Indiana. He has published on the classical tradition, examining the influence of the classical period on the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and is a past winner of the McMaster Students' Union teaching award. Currently, he is training his golden retriever Dickens as a therapy dog and hopes to take him to hospitals to assist with the emotional health of patients. Jones, who says he will fill the position until a new dean is appointed, replaces Daniel Woolf. Woolf, who has served as dean since July 1, 1999, is taking on a new post at the University of Alberta as dean of arts. He leaves McMaster at the end of June.

June 20, 2002

McMaster is doing its part to fight the war on smog. During smog days, Physical Plant puts away lawnmowers and tree trimmers, in an effort to cut down on pollution. The Ministry of the Environment and Energy has issued a smog advisory for the Hamilton region today. Machines with two-stroke motors, generally found in lawn and garden equipment, are avoided on smog days, says physical plant service coordinator Len Van Hoffen. Two-stroke engines produce a lot of pollution, he says. In two-stroke engines, oil mixes with gasoline, resulting in the combustion of oil. This can lead to machines emitting clouds of oily smoke, according to Marshall Brain's How Stuff Works. Conversely, four-stroke motors, commonly found in cars and trucks, do not mix these fuels. On smog days, physical plant staff are assigned to other tasks, such as garbage pick-up and campus clean-up, Van Hoffen says. During a smog alert, there are a number of actions one can take to help spare the air. Air Quality Ontario advises: leave the car at home - walk, cycle, carpool or take public transit tele-conference instead of driving to meetings limit car trips by doing all errands at once, and do not let the engine idle keep car well tuned, check tire pressure and drive at moderate speeds A smog advisory means that there is a strong likelihood that there may be poor air quality within the next 24 hours due to ground-level ozone and particulate matter.

June 20, 2002

McMaster University Faculty Association librarians and the University have successfully negotiated a three-year compensation contract. The agreement was approved by the Board of Governors at . . .

June 19, 2002

Moyez Ladhani, assistant clinical professor of pediatrics, has been described as a gifted educator who makes academic learning fun and exciting, and is highly praised . . .

June 19, 2002

Twenty university grounds managers from across Canada have planted themselves at McMaster. Spotlighting common university grounds issues, such as snow removal and pest management, the . . .

June 18, 2002

Colleagues and educators across the country have honoured a McMaster professor for his contributions to teaching and learning. Professor Richard Butler,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades from McMaster's students and administration. On June 13 in Hamilton, he was honoured again, this time by colleagues and educators nationwide. Butler is the recipient of one of this year's prestigious 3M Teaching Fellowships. The 3M Teaching Fellowships were created through a partnership between 3M Canada Inc and the Society for Teaching Learning and Higher Education (STLHE). Since the program began in 1986, more than 160 educators across Canada have been recognized. These awards are given to individuals who not only excel in the teaching of their own courses, but also demonstrate an exceptionally high degree of leadership and commitment to the improvement of university teaching across disciplines. Butler does just that. In the classroom, Butler's aim is to make students think. One of McMaster's pioneers in problem-based teaching, he incorporates a problem-based, self-directed approach to all of the courses he teaches. As an instructor in both the Faculties of Health Sciences and Science, he helps students develop their knowledge and understanding, and stimulates them to strive to reach their potential.

June 18, 2002

GlaxoSmithKline Inc. today announced a $1-million investment to establish a McMaster University research chair in pediatric asthma at the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. The creation of this chair is part of the GlaxoSmithKline Pathfinders Fund for Leaders in Canadian Health Science Research, a $10-million initiative to help fight the brain drain in Canada by providing opportunities for leading medical researchers and scientists. The GlaxoSmithKline Chair in Pediatric Asthma will enable the Firestone Institute to create a permanent position, allowing the recipient to conduct research that will improve the understanding of this chronic disease and potentially lead to pioneering new treatments for Canadian children with asthma. "This is an important research investment into a disease that has a tremendous impact on all segments of the population, but especially children," said Paul Lucas, president and CEO of GlaxoSmithKline Inc. "As a company, we have been a leader in the treatment of asthma for more than 30 years, working with organizations like the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health to improve the understanding and management of asthma in Canada. This investment is part of our longstanding commitment to asthma research." "The work being done in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University rivals any in Canada, and this chair will expand that reputation," said Peter George, President of McMaster University. "It will allow us to continue to attract leading scientists and provide an enriching environment to encourage world-class research, and also affirms our strong partnership with St. Joseph's Healthcare and the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health."

June 17, 2002

Students are the beneficiaries of Monday's provincial budget announcement that will see more money for matching bursary programs and operating funds to help pay for higher enrolments due to the double cohort class. McMaster University President Peter George welcomed the provincial government's pledge to commit more money to student assistance, fund new spaces for the double cohort graduates and continue research grant and infrastructure programs like the Ontario Innovation Trust and the Ontario Research and Development Challenge Fund. "Access to a university education is critically important to students, their parents and the province's future," said President George. "The government has demonstrated that it understands the role universities play and has followed through on its commitment to put students first. The support for the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund, increased funding for higher enrolments and renewed support for research are the essential elements to building a stronger university system for Ontario." President George said he will update the University community on how the budget will affect McMaster once the specific budget details are known. Last week he told the Board of Governors meeting that the University's budget committee would reconvene to deal with any additional funding that is forthcoming from the province. To read more about the budget delivered by Finance Minister Janet Ecker, click on Ontario Budget 2002. (End of story)

June 14, 2002

Phil Wood will assume the role of associate vice-president, student affairs on July 1. McMaster's Board of Governors confirmed the appointment June 13. Currently McMaster's associate dean in the Faculty of Engineering, Wood brings almost 20 years of experience at the University to his new role. "We're fortunate to have found such a great candidate who is not only familiar with McMaster but also has clearly demonstrated his commitment to students. He is an award-winning teacher and a dedicated administrator and researcher," says provost Ken Norrie. Wood says it didn't take long for him to decide to apply for the position. "It's a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the quality of experience students have at McMaster." Wood believes that "while it is important to focus on the academic part of a student's time at the University, we sometimes forget that every experience a student has is a potential learning opportunity. That includes his or her time in residence, participation in athletics, and the campus social environment. Students don't only learn from faculty; they also learn from one another. The focus of my job will be to make sure those opportunities are the best that they can be." Wood assumes the AVP student affairs position for a five-year term. Mary Keyes was due to leave the position this month but passed away in February, four months before she was expected to retire.

June 14, 2002

[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/GeorgeNipissing2crop.jpg” caption=”President George and Chancellor Redpath”]McMaster President and Vice-Chancellor Peter George, who helped establish Nipissing University as an independent institution, received an honorary . . .

June 13, 2002

The University is going to the capital markets to help finance its largest capital expansion in more than 30 years. The planned private bond issue, which could raise up to $120 million, will help to complete construction of new classrooms, labs and research space. These capital projects will help to ensure McMaster maintains its place as one of Canada's leading teaching and research universities. The Board of Governors approved the financing strategy at its meeting today(June 13). The Board previously approved all of the projects that would benefit from the bond issue. These include expansion of the Health Sciences building, renovations to the Arthur Bourns Building, General Sciences, Hamilton Hall, and the School of Business, and construction of the parking structure. "This form of financing is a prudent, carefully thought out undertaking that lets us maximize our flexibility in managing our financial position and continue to build on the University's strengths," said Ed Minich, chair of the Board of Governors. "It will also help ensure that we continue to provide the highest possible quality education for our students, research opportunities for faculty and a positive working environment for employees." Minich said the bond issue is a solid solution for the University's short-term funding needs but stressed that continued support from the provincial and federal governments and the private sector are critical to the University's future success. Details of the capital financing strategy should be complete this fall. In the past year, the University of Toronto, the University of British Columbia and York University have floated successful bond issues that raised more than $450 million. See related Q and A

June 13, 2002

In a scientific review of the best available studies, a team of McMaster researchers has demonstrated that adolescent pregnancy prevention programs fail to delay the initiation of sexual intercourse, improve use of birth control, or reduce pregnancy rates. "The studies we summarized were all randomized trials,the highest quality evidence, " said Alba DiCenso, who led the research team. "The prevention strategies evaluated in these studies - sex education, abstinence programs, family planning clinics, and community based programs - did not achieve their intended effect." The situation is even worse for abstinence programs. "Not only do abstinence programs not delay initiation of sexual intercourse or reduce pregnancy rates," continued DiCenso "but an analysis of five studies, four of which evaluated abstinence programs and one of which evaluated a school-based sex education program, was associated with an increase in the number of pregnancies among partners of young males." The good news from the study comes from the finding that, contrary to the claims of sex education critics and advocates of abstinence programs, sex education programs did not result in higher rates of sexual intercourse. The results leave a big, unsolved problem. Pregnancy rates among young women aged 15 to 19 years, are among the highest in the world in the United States (93 per 1,000 young women), England (61 per 1,000), and Canada (43 per 1,000).

June 13, 2002

The McMaster Summer Drama Festival opens for it's 11th season today with a performance of William Shakespeare's As You Like It on the open-air stage in Faculty Hollow. The student-run festival, which integrates student actors from many Faculties, as well as the surrounding community, offers up free entertainment and culture for a few brief weeks in June. The 2002 season of the McMaster Summer Drama Festival includes: As You Like It, Shakespeare's blithe comedy about the corruption of the court and the chaos it causes when two young noblewomen and their fool flee to the pastoral Forest of Arden The Student scripted Commedia Crew, developed as an original Commedia dell'Arte scenario into an improvised performance, complete with the raucous physical comedy and masks that characterize Commedia High Tea and Poetry readings of different plays and poetry related to the Ffestival's theme, The Summer of Love. As You Like It stars Sara Burdulis as Rosalind, Brian Hood as Orlando, Jordan Hall as Celia, and Steff Bishop as Jaques. Dave Barclay and Matt T. Sheahan take on the roles of the merchant Pantalone, and his dim-witted servant Arrlechino respectively, in Commedia Crew. This week's High Tea and Poetry will be Christopher Marlowe's Hero and Leander as read by Meaghan Stovel and Carm Iachelli. Performance Schedule Thursday, June 13 As You Like It by William Shakespeare, directed by Rachel Baker University Club Hollow, 7 p.m. Friday, June 14 Commedia Crew, Original Commedia del'Arte, facilitated by Krista MacIsaac Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 15 As You Like It University Club Hollow, 2 p.m. Poetry and High Tea featuring tea, cookies and readings of famous plays and poetry, University Club Hollow, 4 p.m. Commedia Crew, Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 20 Commedia Crew, Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Friday, June 21 As You Like It University Club Hollow, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 22 As You Like It, University Club Hollow, 2 p.m. Poetry and High Tea University Club Hollow, 4 p.m. Commedia Crew Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27 As You Like It University Club Hollow, 7 p.m. Friday, June 28 Commedia Crew Chester New Hall Courtyard, 7 p.m. Saturday, June 29 Commedia Crew Chester New Hall Courtyard, 2 p.m. Poetry and High Tea University Club Hollow, 4 p.m. As You Like It University Club Hollow, 7 p.m. Please note that all evening shows begin at 7 p.m. and afternoon performances at 2 p.m. Under rainy conditions, all performances will move into Robinson Memorial Theatre. Admission is free, however, donations will gladly be accepted.

June 13, 2002

McMaster Bond Issue Capital Financing Strategy 1. Why does the University need to raise money through a bond issue? McMaster is one of Canada's leading . . .

June 11, 2002

Come see this special collaborative exhibition featuring images of sacred women from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance period selected from the Museum of Art . . .

June 11, 2002

It is Canada's premier conference for higher education. It draws premier minds in post-secondary education and it is coming to McMaster. The 22nd annual Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) Conference begins tomorrow and runs till Saturday. Co-chairs of the organizing committee, Dick Day and Sylvia Riselay, from the Centre for Leadership and Learning, hope that this year's theme will be particularly memorable and relevant. Explains Day, "All of the conferences have themes, but they haven't related strongly to conference events." McMaster's theme, Fostering the Spirit of Inquiry, shapes many of the presentations being given over the four-day event. Organizers have encouraged participants to submit proposals that address the theme of inquiry. Along with the sessions, this STHLE conference is offering a new experience for certain participants - a chance to participate in the inquiry experience first hand. Applicants had the opportunity to sign up to participate as inquiry students. "Inquiry students will be meeting together in groups based on their primary interest in education, and they will form an important question about an issue in education, and will use conference sessions and lecturers to answer that question," Day explains. "We're showing, not telling. It's hands-on experiential learning at its best."Nearly half of the conference's participants, 177 people, signed up for the inquiry experience. When McMaster University last hosted a STLHE conference in 1988, 234 people participated. This year, more than 400 people are registered to attend, and there are nearly 200 sessions.