Daily News

Human resources unveils new learning program

Fine weather, good company, new programs and free food created the perfect atmosphere for the launch of a new staff learning and development series. More than 600 staff turned out yesterday for a lunch-hour launch of Doorways, a series of learning programs for staff organized by Human Resources. "We're very pleased with the turnout; frankly, it was more than we were expecting," says Cathy Emick, acting human resources officer. The large number meant extra trips to the kitchen for food services staff to fill the barbecues with enough hotdogs and hamburgers to feed a long line of staff gathered in front of Burke Science.

Eight new undergraduate positions for McMaster’s medical school

The Ontario government is investing almost $1 million to expand medical school enrolment this September, health and long-term care minister Elizabeth Witmer announced today. "We are expanding enrolment immediately to ensure that all Ontarians have better access to physician services in the future," Witmer said. "An appropriate supply of physicians is crucial to maintaining a high standard of patient care throughout the province." A total of 40 new undergraduate positions will be added at the province's five medical schools this fall with 13 positions going to the University of Toronto, eight to McMaster University in Hamilton, seven each to the University of Ottawa and the University of Western Ontario in London, and five to Queen's University in Kingston. The announcement is based on a recommendation from the Expert Panel on Health Professional Human Resources, chaired by McMaster University President Peter George. To view the full release, visit the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Web site

Researchers measuring distribution of contaminants in Hamilton Harbour

McMaster geology professors Bill Morris and Joe Boyce are "thinking dirty" these days dirty sediment that is. "Strong magnetic sediments are sitting on the bottom of Hamilton Harbour," says Morris. "Development of a remediation strategy requires a solid understanding of the depth and distribution of these contaminants." For years, Ontario's Great Lakes have been treated as a convenient dumping site for waste materials. With a long history of industrial activity and urban development, the harbour is considered a pollution "hot spot." Morris and Boyce, along with graduate student Matt Pozza, will be heading out on the lake on Aug. 22-24 to make the not so apparent, much more visible. They will be measuring the magnetic intensity across the harbour bed to determine the thickness and extent of the pollution particles that make up the core of the lake bed.