Daily News

Posted on Oct. 15: Chair in Aging puts issues of care at forefront of teaching, research

Grant B. Walsh, president & CEO of St. Peter's, today announced the appointment of world-renowned gerontologist William Molloy to the St. Peter's McMaster Chair in Aging in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University. William Molloy, who will be working at the new St. Peter's Centre for Studies in Aging, located at St. Peter's Hospital, is internationally recognized for his contribution to research in aging. His responsibilities will include the development of academic programs related to aging and working with relevant organizations that are responsible for the care of older adults. "I am thrilled to be working at St. Peter's; there's a great can do' attitude here," says Molloy, who has authored several research studies, articles and books such as Vital Choices: Life, Death and the Health Care Crisis. "This jointly funded $2-million chair appointment is important to both St. Peter's and McMaster University," says Grant Walsh. "It puts issues associated with aging at the forefront of teaching, research and service in Hamilton, and will help to improve the lives of those entrusted to our care. St. Peter's is delighted to welcome such a prestigious researcher as Dr. Molloy to the St. Peter's family." John Kelton, dean and vice-president, Faculty of Health Sciences, says, "With a growing population of seniors, appointing an international leader in aging and health to this Chair demonstrates our joint commitment to research and education in this area." The appointment contributes to St. Peter's leadership in providing a continuum of service and care for older adults and the chronically ill.

Posted on Oct. 11: Future scientists, engineers compete at McMaster

Whether in the physics paper triathlon, photonic puzzles or the software engineering challenge, the engineering and science skills of 600 high school students were put to the test in the annual McMaster Engineering and Science Olympics and Open House. Students from 41 secondary schools across Ontario competed in Thursday's event that showcased McMaster's engineering and science programs. "It is an opportunity for students to meet faculty and students in the engineering labs, view the numerous displays and demonstrations and tour the McMaster campus," says Bob Loree, director of Engineering I. "It also shows students that engineering and science is very broad."

Posted on Oct. 10: McMaster biologist discovers link between mice and humans

It drives advertising and launches wars, and now a Canadian population biologist says scientists have seriously underestimated a central force in the origin of new species - sex. According to McMaster's Rama Singh, new evidence is revealing that sex and reproduction-related genes are the overlooked supercharged engines for the evolution of new types of animals and plants. "Most species live in a stable environment, and therefore in my mind, the force of natural selection is smaller than sexual selection. This is because sexual selection involves two components - males and females - and they always have to adjust to changes in the other sex regardless of whether those changes are due to selection or chance," says Singh, a biology professor at McMaster University. A species is any group of animals or plants that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Posted on Oct. 9: Strategic business studies institute opens in McMaster’s new AIC wing

McMaster University announced the official grand opening of the AIC Institute of Strategic Business Studies at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Business today. Michael Lee-Chin, chairman and chief executive officer of AIC Limited, was on hand for the ceremonies. "The importance of instilling within business leaders a sound intellectual framework to allocate capital prudently has become even more apparent in today's environment," explains Lee-Chin. "AIC is proud to play a role in educating the business leaders of tomorrow through the AIC Institute for Strategic Business Studies." In June 2001, Lee-Chin announced a $5-million gift to the DeGroote School of Business on behalf of his company, AIC Limited, to establish the specialized institute. Although he graduated from McMaster with an engineering degree, Lee-Chin soon discovered he possessed an inherent business savvy. A classic success story recognized in Forbes and other media, Lee-Chin has gone from enterprising student to one of Canada's wealthiest men. AIC Funds commenced operations in 1985 and has grown to become Canada's largest privately held mutual fund company, servicing more than one million investors. Assets under management total more than $11 billion. McMaster University President Peter George hails the establishment of the institute and the creation of the AIC wing as a generous investment in the future of outstanding teaching and research in the business school. "This exciting partnership with AIC allows the University to pursue a new direction in business studies," says President George. "It contributes in a significant way to McMaster's ability to deliver exceptional educational programs and research in the field of investment management and ensures our students will continue to be recipients of innovative, interdisciplinary teaching and scholarship."