ON CAMPUS NEWS news.usask.ca

JULY 10, 2020 Volume 27, Issue 11

REMOTE DELIVERY With summer classes and exams continuing to be offered through remote delivery, the once-bustling picturesque University of campus is quieter than usual these days. In this edition of On Campus News, we take a closer look at how staff across campus successfully worked together in order to quickly transition from in-class to online instruction in mid-March to online final exams in April and May and to virtual convocation celebrations in June. While some courses, labs and research projects are opening up again on campus, the majority of classes are scheduled to continue to be delivered remotely in the fall semester.

SEE PAGE 8-9

— 3 — — 7 —­ — 10, 11, 12, 15 — HERE TO HELP SUPERB SCHOLARS LOOKING NORTH

Publication Mail Agreement #40065156

University and city study food reclamation  KRISTEN MCEWEN What if unwanted food from grocery funding through the Research stores and restaurants could be Junction Development Grant On Campus News is published 12 times repurposed to not only save money, program, a jointly funded research per year by University of Saskatchewan but potentially create jobs? partnership between the univer- Marketing and Communications. It is This is one of the potential sity and the city, which began in distributed to all USask faculty, staff, graduate students and members of interventions a University of September 2019. governing bodies, as well as to others Saskatchewan (USask)-led research The idea for the food recla- in the university community, related team is studying as part of a food mation project started in 2016 organizations, some Saskatchewan reclamation project, which could when Engler-Stringer was working government officials and news media. save 13,000 tonnes of food and save with then Master of Public Health Subscriptions are available for $24 up to $138,000 in disposal fees at student Sylvana Tu. Now it is part of per year. Story and photo ideas the City of landfill. the training for Master of Sustain- are welcome. Advertising rates are available online or on request. Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer able Environmental Management (PhD), an associate professor in  SUBMITTED  SUBMITTED students Freda Atsunyo and Layane - the Department of Community Fenandes de Sousa Moura. What On Campus News aims to provide a Health and Epidemiology at USask, Dr. Rachel Engler-Stringer (PhD) Katie Burns is the community began with creating and distrib- forum for the sharing of timely news, is co-leading the project with Katie of the Department of Community leadership and program development uting information pamphlets about information and opinions about Burns, the community leadership Health and Epidemiology at USask. manager for the City of Saskatoon. the rights and responsibilities events and issues of interest to the USask community. and program development manager of donor businesses in partner- at the City of Saskatoon, and the ship with Population and Public The views and opinions expressed by writers of letters to the editor and Saskatoon Food Council. created social enterprises and orga- but it doesn’t address the under- Health in the Saskatchewan Health viewpoints do not necessarily reflect “There are interesting examples nizations, which hire people to turn lying issue of poverty, she added. Authority, has grown into a part- those of USask or On Campus News. in other parts of the world, there unwanted and “ugly” vegetables “This is a way to potentially nership with the city. - have been creation of economic into food products like soups, jams create an opportunity for good jobs “When the call for Research development and social enterprises or jellies that can be sold in grocery in the community,” said Engler- Junction proposals came out, it We acknowledge we are on Territory and the Homeland of the that have repurposed food,” Engler- stores and delis, Engler-Stringer said. Stringer. seemed like a good opportunity to Métis. We pay our respect to the First Stringer said. Donating food to the local food Engler-Stringer’s project was Nation and Métis ancestors of this Cities around the world have bank or soup kitchen is still good, one of five projects that received SEE REDUCING, PAGE 10 place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. - EDITOR IN CASE YOU MISSED IT James Shewaga A lot happens at the USask during the weeks when On Campus News isn’t published. WRITERS Here are a few of the top stories from news.usask.ca:

Megan Evans, Kim Fontaine, Jenna Fraser, Federica Giannelli, Jackie Martin, Kristen McEwen, NSERC awards Pozniak heads CDC Sustainability MOU GIFS sets strategy Chris Putnam, Erica Schindel, USask researchers have been award- Dr. Curtis Pozniak (PhD) began a Saskatoon Public Schools (SPS) Increased collaboration with part- Delaney Schofer, James Shewaga, ed $10.3 million by Canada’s Nat- five-year term on July 1 as the new and the Sustainability and Edu- ners to advance sustainable global Carlee Snow, Alyssa Wiebe. ural Sciences and Engineering Re- director of the Crop Development cation Policy Network (SEPN) at access to safe and nutritious food DESIGNERS search Council (NSERC) to support Centre (CDC) at USask. A faculty USask have signed a Memorandum is the focus of a new strategy by the Brian Kachur nearly 60 innovative science and member of the College of Agricul- of Understanding (MOU) to further Global Institute for Food Security Pierre Wilkinson engineering projects. USask facul- ture and Bioresources since 2003, sustainability and climate change (GIFS) at USask. The new strategy ty and students received more than Pozniak received his Bachelor of education initiatives. The agreement sets the direction for the next phase $9.3 million in Discovery Grants Science in Agriculture in 1999 and supports sustainability and climate of operations for GIFS, which was for long-term research, $600,000 PhD in plant genetics and breeding change education for SPS admin- established on campus in 2012. As to support early career researchers, in 2002 from USask. Pozniak is the istrators and teachers and develop- part of the new strategy, a Grow- ISSN: 1195-7654 $350,000 to purchase state-of-the- Ministry of Agriculture Strategic ing programming to help students er Advisory Panel will be created PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065156 art equipment, and $75,000 to sup- Program Chair in Durum and High- gain knowledge and be active in to provide expert advice on food Return undeliverable addresses to: port research in Canada’s North. Yield Wheat Breeding and Genet- sustainable living, engaged citizen- producers’ science and technolo- UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN The projects range from flood and ics, as well as a plant geneticist and ship and well-being. SEPN received gy needs, industry market trends MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS drought research to synchrotron wheat breeder with the CDC, which a $2.5-million grant from the Social and recommendations on how best G16 THORVALDSON BUILDING studies to artificial intelligence in has been developing new crops for Sciences and Humanities Research to translate science into impactful 110 SCIENCE PLACE SASKATOON, SK S7N 5C9 health care. nearly 50 years at USask. Council in June. solutions for producers. Email: [email protected] FOR MORE UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS, VISIT: news.usask.ca @usask

2 JULY 10, 2020 Supporting campus community  SUBMITTED  SUBMITTED Terri Peterson is the clinical practice Jocelyn Orb is the manager of lead and counsellor with the Student the Student Wellness Centre at during the pandemic Wellness Centre. the University of Saskatchewan.

 JAMES SHEWAGA Dealing with the stress and anxiety contracting coronavirus and Wellness Centre takes a We need to let students especially now when there is of living through a global pandemic prevention practices, Giesbrecht multi-dimensional approach a lot of anxiety and stress, it has not been easy for many members said common issues include the to supporting student health know that we are here and we is good to see an increase in of the University of Saskatchewan’s extremes of feeling isolated, or and well-being through have space and time for them. numbers because that means (USask) campus community. never being alone, as staff adjust to promotion, prevention and people are getting the help But while campus buildings working remotely with children at intervention. Using online We do want to support you in they need.” remain closed, USask wellness home. Clients are also struggling video and audio technolo- any way possible. For all wellness staff on support systems remain open for all with missing family and friends gies, the centre is providing campus, eliminating the students, staff and faculty struggling during important life events such the full spectrum of support — Terri Peterson stigma of seeking support for with the new reality of the COVID-19 as graduation, weddings and services for students, who mental health is a priority, era. Four months after the move birthdays, and missing interaction can see a doctor, nurse, social thing from nutrition and fitness, reminding all students, staff to remote teaching, studying and with co-workers. worker, psychologist, dietician, peer to financial and legal guidance, to and faculty that services are open working off campus, the university’s On the student side, spring and health mentor or the always-popular work-life solutions and work-from- online and over-the-phone. wellness practitioners and programs summer is traditionally a slower therapy dogs. home supports. “We need to let students know are providing virtually all support time of year for wellness services, “We have been able to translate Similar to the student centre, that we are here and we have space services online, covering everything and there has not been a spike in the majority of services online,” the wellness supports for employees and time for them,” said Peterson. from counselling and clinics to students seeking support during the said Jocelyn Orb, manager of the are also designed to provide preven- “We do want to support you in any workshops and webinars. pandemic. However, the clinicians Student Wellness Centre, which tative programming year-round, way possible.” “There has been a slight in the Student Wellness Centre are is now opening up some limited but are especially important during For Giesbrecht, the key message increase in the number of clients seeing some common themes with in-person services on campus. “We crisis like the pandemic. for the campus community is to that I am seeing for the same time their existing clients. have a lot of health and wellness “Anxiety and stress are the focus on the present, a one-day-at- period last year, but the big differ- “We know that COVID and information on the website, we have top reasons for EFAP usage in the a-time approach to limit anxiety ence is that the things that we’re social isolation impacts our well- been running some groups and campus community, so it does make over what may, or may not, happen talking about, almost every appoint- being,” said Terri Peterson, clinical workshops online, and are finding sense that we would see an increase in the future. ment someone brings up an impact practice lead and counsellor with new ways to engage students and during a global health pandemic,” “We need to focus on what of the pandemic, or of the COVID the university’s Student Wellness answer their questions in real time. said Carine Paley, a wellness team is happening right now, because guidelines, on their life,” said Kelly Centre. “We haven’t had an increase We are finding that for the vast lead at USask. “The EFAP program everything is changing so quickly,” Giesbrecht, a counsellor with the in students requesting services, but majority of clients, it has translated also provides support in times when she said. “I guess that would be my university’s Employee Family Assis- the students who we are already well to the virtual environment.” someone isn’t struggling, to help advice at any time, but especially tance Program. connected with are continuing to A full range of supports for staff build coping/resiliency skills. But now. Be present.” “There is a real fear of COVID reach out at this time, so most of and faculty are also offered online that people are reporting for them- us are busy supporting that work. and over the phone, including 24/7 selves, but also for people in their lives What I have noticed is students are confidential counselling provided HERE TO HELP: that are vulnerable. So, a lot of people doing some really good therapy through third-party therapists via Full faculty and staff supports are available online at: are reaching out and I am getting a work, so when they have support in the EFAP system. USask’s Wellness wellness.usask.ca lot of feedback of that validation and times of struggle or crisis, it can be a Strategy also includes online normalization of their concerns, and good time to make changes.” COVID-specific toolkits, mental Student supports are available online at: that it just feels good to talk.” While counselling is always health webinars and workshops, students.usask.ca/health/centres In addition to anxiety over a key component, the Student and video series covering every-

NEWS.USASK.CA 3 New research chair to explore ‘unique history’ of the Métis

 CHRIS PUTNAM Dr. Allyson Stevenson (PhD), the holder of the new said Stevenson. Stevenson has published articles Gabriel Dumont Research Chair in Métis Studies at the on the Sixties Scoop and Indigenous University of Saskatchewan (USask), wants to record women’s political activism, along with histories of Métis resilience and the untold story of the Métis in Western Canada. resistance. Her first book,Intimate Integration: A History of the Sixties “It’s a really unique history, a really leaders in Saskatchewan were partic- Scoop and the Colonization of Indig- important history that has yet to ularly important to the transfor- enous Kinship, will be published this be written,” said Stevenson, who mation—something she hopes to summer by University of Toronto began her five-year term as chair- understand better through her work Press. holder in the Department of Indige- in the coming years. Korinek, who supervised nous Studies on July 1. The Gabriel “It appears there is something Stevenson’s PhD and is now the Dumont Research Chair in Métis unique taking place in Saskatchewan College of Arts and Science’s Studies is a new position in the that really is fuelling the revitaliza- vice-dean of faculty relations, said it USask College of Arts and Science, tion of Métis people,” she said. was “a privilege” to recruit Stevenson created in partnership with the A Métis scholar with deep back to USask. Gabriel Dumont Institute of Native family roots in Saskatchewan, “Watching her take her place on Studies and Applied Research (GDI). Stevenson most recently held the role the national and international stage Stevenson plans to gather and of Tier II Canada Research Chair at various conferences over the past study oral histories, scrip records, in Indigenous Peoples and Global few years, it is amazing to see how homestead records and government Social Justice at the University of she has become an emerging leader documents to build a detailed history Regina. She earned her Bachelor in her field.” of 20th-century Métis communities of Arts, Master of Arts and PhD in Stevenson said her approach to in Western Canada. history from USask. the research chair position will be She said she hopes to connect During her time as a student holistic and grounded in her Métis with communities across Western in the Department of History, worldview. She plans to collabo- Canada and combine their local Stevenson said she was fortunate rate closely with Métis community histories into “a larger Métis story to work with “really exceptional members, USask researchers about maintaining our culture, revi- scholars” including Dr. Jim Miller and GDI, and hopes to recruit a talizing our culture, and remaining (PhD) and Dr. Valerie Korinek large cohort of Métis students to Métis in the present.” (PhD), who encouraged her to contribute to the work. A crucial transformation in continue in academia. Stevenson wants to explore Métis society occurred over the last “Just having that really ways of sharing her findings beyond century. Dispersed and devastated supportive environment—to be traditional academic circles. Métis communities re-emerged mentored, to be identified as someone “It’s going to be really important in Western Canada, changing the with promise—was really transfor- to ensure that it’s not just reaching political, cultural and intellectual mative for me and just fuelled my an academic audience, but that it’s Dr. Allyson Stevenson (PhD) started in the position of VICTORIA KERR landscape of the country. desire to continue to pursue history, reaching a community audience as Gabriel Dumont Research Chair in Métis Studies on July 1 Stevenson noted that Métis pursue questions about the past,” well,” she said. in the Department of Indigenous Studies at USask.

4 JULY 10, 2020 Every month in On Campus News, we highlight an exceptional graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in our Alumni Spotlight feature series. In this issue, we profile USask alumnus Dr. Ranjan Datta (PhD’16), a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow who examines reconciliation progress in his new book, Reconciliation in Practice: A Cross-Cultural Perspective.

MEGAN EVANS University of Saskatchewan (USask) alumnus Dr. Ranjan Datta (PhD) with his new book, Reconciliation in Practice: A Cross-Cultural Perspective.  Dr. Ranjan Datta: The road to reconciliation  MEGAN EVANS Dr. Ranjan Datta (PhD) believes contributions. As an immigrant, I our education, and our workplaces. for every person. Justice for Indig- only at the effects of pollution on everyone has a role to play in benefit from the colonial systems “I wanted to create this book enous people means justice for me. the natural environment, but also contributing to the ongoing recon- set up by Canadian settlers, even as a compilation of different experi- Everyone must participate if we are the spiritual, mental, and physical ciliation process in Canada. if I am a person of colour. I need to ences, because no one person has the to succeed in eliminating racism.” health implications for community The University of Saskatch- take responsibility to change these answers we need to move forward “As a researcher, I must take members. ewan (USask) alumnus was born in systems through my anti-racist and and everyone must contribute to care to ensure that I do not perpet- “When I am doing research Bangladesh and witnessed racism decolonial education and practice,” reconciliation in their own way. uate colonial or racist approaches on an environmental issue within a firsthand as his family suffered he said. Reconciliation is about meaningful to problem solving, by dictating community, I put that community persecution because of their Indig- His book, Reconciliation in collaboration, not a final destination. what someone else needs to do at the centre. Their experience enous and minority identity. Being Practice: A Cross-Cultural Perspective, And it is something of practice or an based on my own experience and with the problem, their knowledge on the receiving end of racism in is a compilation of essays, personal on-going process,” Datta explained. assumptions.” of the subject, and their needs in his home country, he decided to reflection and poetry written by “Being anti-racist is something I When Datta approaches a the solution cannot be left out or emigrate to Canada where Indig- immigrants, refugees and others. commit to everyday. Ending racism research problem, he tries to under- the solution will not be ultimately enous mentorship has helped him This compilation explores themes is not about ending discrimination stand it holistically. For instance, sustainable,” he said. “I have found and his family enjoy a healthy and like building respectful relationships against any one group—it is about when looking at an issue of land- that the community leaders are vibrant life. with Indigenous Peoples, respecting ending race-based discrimination water management, Datta looks not always willing to share what they Datta, a graduate of USask’s Indigenous treaties, learning the roles know, and that they also want School of Environment and Sustain- of colonized education processes, to learn from me. The combina- ability (SENS), was interested in and creating intercultural spaces for Dr. Datta’s book, Reconciliation in Practice: A tion of their historical and tradi- ways he could engage as a scholar social interactions. Cross-Cultural Perspective, is now available. Datta tional knowledge and my expertise with the recommendations from the His book also suggests that generates more comprehensive Truth and Reconciliation Commis- both Indigenous and non-Indige- is a Banting Postdoctoral Fellow in the Johnson answers to any question we tackle sion’s 94 calls to action, which were nous people need to do more than Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy at the together. The community shapes me released in 2015. just talk about reconciliation: Each University of Regina. He completed his PhD from as a researcher.” “It was only at the University of individual must learn how to take the School of Environment and Sustainability at the Megan Evans is a Saskatchewan that I had an oppor- responsibility for reconciliation in communications specialist in tunity to learn about Indigenous everyday life—within ourselves and University of Saskatchewan in 2016. the School of Environment and colonial history and Indigenous our families, in our communities, in Sustainability at USask.

NEWS.USASK.CA 5 I want to be able to break down the barriers of access for justice so that it is available for everyone. — Barbara Baker

Donor support helps law student connect with the community

 CARLEE SNOW Inspired by the lawyers who volun- in that,” she said. “I was able to As a scholarship recipient, Baker teered at the same non-profits as volunteer to present legal informa- said she now has more time to partici- she did during her undergraduate tion to survivors of sexual assault pate and give back to the community, English degree at the University of at the YWCA, which is something I something she is very passionate Saskatchewan (USask), Barbara don’t think I would have been able to about and a motivating factor for her Baker is now pursuing her dream of do if I was stressed about finances.” to pursue a career in law. practicing law to make a difference Baker found that it is quite “I have the time to help the in the community. the transition from having a steady community and give back in a mean- “I want to be able to break down income working in Calgary to being ingful way that I would not have been the barriers of access for justice so a student again. She noted that able to do if I had to be working,” she that it is available for everyone,” without the financial and emotional said. “It is because of donors that I explained Baker. support from donors it would have am able help the community and I “I have volunteered with the been a much larger hurdle for Baker can only hope it will make a mark on Pro Bono Students Canada program to overcome. someone else’s life.” as well as CLASSIC, the Community “I think being able to focus on Baker offered her most sincere Legal Assistance Services for volunteer opportunities and devel- Saskatoon Inner City Inc., and oping connections with community thanks to the donors who contrib- each of these committees has a members will assist me in the future, uted to her scholarship. She sees the lawyer that oversees everything. instead of focusing on how I am importance of their support and This is a position that I would going to make money and pay for explained how they inspire her to be really interested in pursuing expenses now,” she said. “The expe- also give back in the future. in the future. I believe it will riences I am gaining through volun- “All students want is to better be our duty as lawyers to help teering will be really positive in the themselves, but they often face a everyone in the best way and long run.” lot of barriers getting in the way of truly make a change.” Baker also noted how this them doing that,” she said. “I think Baker was the recipient of support has had a positive impact that donors who break down those the Morris and Jacqui Shumi- on her mental health throughout the barriers and make university acces- atcher Scholarship in Law, which is school year. sible to people who may not have awarded to one student entering the “This scholarship has helped the finances normally to be able to College of Law each year, based on me be less anxious and more do that, is really amazing. I cannot academic achievement. focused when it matters,” she said. thank them enough.” “The College of Law places a “I feel more confident in my abilities large emphasis on volunteering, and because I know there are people that Carlee Snow is a development thanks to the support of donors I really care about my well-being and communications co-ordinator in was able to really immerse myself the work I’m doing.” University Relations.

USask’s Barbara Baker was the recipient of the Morris and Jacqui Shumiatcher Scholarship in Law.  SUBMITTED

6 JULY 10, 2020  JAMES SHEWAGA JAMES SHEWAGA

USask's new Banting, Vanier researchers

Digital Epidemiology and Popula- trations, these natural levels are not tion Health Laboratory. always safe. Exposure to arsenic may cause health problems such as IMPROVING WATER SECURITY cancer, diabetes and heart disease. “Our filter, made from biochar Using the Canadian Light Source (activated carbon from agricultural synchrotron, Skierszkan will study waste) and highly arsenic-resistant how warming temperatures in microalgae, aims to remove the Northern Canada influence natural arsenic from water by combining uranium release from rocks and these two natural materials that sediments into water sources. have separately shown promise High uranium concentrations for capturing this metal,” said in northern water sources occur Zoroufchi Benis. frequently. Excessive exposure is Using the Canadian Light Bhawra Skierszkan Zoroufchi Benis known to be harmful to fish and Source, he will study the proper- human kidneys. ties of these materials and create a “Our research draws attention  FEDERICA GIANNELLI more efficient bio-filter that would to the need to monitor water quality be cheaper and safer compared to Three exceptional young University of Saskatchewan (USask) researchers have even in areas with no direct impact the current processes that rely on been awarded national Banting and Vanier Canada awards to advance research from industrial activities, and will chemicals. also help identify areas of concern “Our bio-compatible filter may focused on climate change and water security. for groundwater management,” have an impact around the world in said Skierszkan, who was attracted countries such as India and Bangla- USask health policy researcher Jasmin Bhawra and geological sciences researcher Dr. Elliott Skierszkan (PhD) to USask by the excellence of the desh where arsenic contamination have been awarded highly competitive Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships totaling $280,000 for climate change-re- university’s water research. is a big issue,” said USask chemical lated research. Chemical engineering PhD student Khaled Zoroufchi Benis will receive $150,000 over three years Climate change and thawing engineering professor Dr. Jafar through a Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship to advance water research. permafrost are causing shifts in Soltan (PhD), Zoroufchi Benis’ “These talented scholars will become research leaders of tomorrow and contribute through the impact of their groundwater chemistry and flow, co-supervisor. discoveries to Canada’s economic and social growth,” said USask Vice-President Research Dr. Karen Chad (PhD). but it is unclear how these changes Arsenic contamination in will affect the release of uranium water is an historic and ongoing from rocks and sediments. Canadian and worldwide human INVESTIGATING strategies Indigenous Peoples are community members.” “Understanding how these health issue, said engineering CLIMATE CHANGE using to cope with these changes The plan is to share the results changes happen will enable us to associate professor Dr. Kerry and develop community-driven with the communities months better predict future impacts on McPhedran (PhD), Zoroufchi Working with northern Indigenous adaptation policies.” before publication, so the communi- water security in northern regions,” Benis’ co-supervisor. communities, Bhawra will investi- While shorter winters may ties can make timely decisions based said USask geological sciences “Our team is confident this gate the impact of climate change mean longer growing seasons, it on this knowledge. professor Dr. Matt Lindsay (PhD). research will result in an effective on mental health and food security is less viable for many northern “Our research will provide bio-filter technology,” McPhedran using a new mobile phone SMART communities to acquire food in policy makers with the information DEVELOPING SAFER said. DRINKING WATER platform to gather population traditional fishing and hunting they need for ongoing monitoring Zoroufchi Benis, who came health data. grounds due to changes in wildlife and program planning to improve to USask from Iran, said, “Being a “Climate change and natural and the environment. food access for these communities Zoroufchi Benis is developing a Vanier recipient will help me reach disasters such as floods and “The Indigenous communities and elsewhere in Canada,” said “green” bio-filter to remove arsenic my dream of doing something for droughts contribute to anxiety will take center stage,” said Bhawra. USask public policy professor Dr. from water and help make drinking saving the environment.” and depression, and these issues “Using our smartphone-based Ken Coates (PhD), Bhawra’s super- water safer. are exacerbated among those who platform, they will provide direct visor at USask’s Johnson Shoyama One-third of Canadians rely on Federica Giannelli is a struggle with food insecurity,” she feedback on their mental health and Graduate School of Public Policy groundwater as a source for drinking PhD candidate and graduate said. “We will look at how climate food access issues and engage in where the smartphone platform water. While arsenic is naturally student intern with USask change affects the food system, and real time with researchers and other was developed through the school’s present in water at various concen- Research Profile and Impact.

NEWS.USASK.CA 7  DAVID STOBBE Russell Isinger is the university registrar in Teaching, Learning and SUBMITTED Student Experience.  Dr. Nancy Turner (PhD) is the director of Teaching and Learning Enhancement.  DAVID STOBBE Dr. Gordon DesBrisay (PhD) is vice-dean academic Going in the College of Arts and Science. staff provided support and help Arts and Science. “Both because I addressing issues when they arose. was concerned about COVID, but “The ingenuity of our faculty also because I felt that studying remote: and instructors, who so quickly from home might be better in some pulled together to implement ways. In the beginning, things felt major change in a time of need, a little hit-and-miss, but the college How USask rallied together was remarkable,” recalled Turner. did a really good job of keeping me “Unprecedented doesn’t seem a informed. I knew the university strong enough descriptor. It shone a was doing its very best to provide light on what we’re capable of when whatever support I needed.” in the face of the pandemic we need to mobilize.” As the winter term was drawing On Thursday, March 19, to a close, faculty had to next figure when classes resumed in this new out what to do about final exams.  KIM FONTAINE virtual world, faculty and staff had University Council passed a motion In March 2020, COVID-19 hit and how to best support faculty as they things and COVID is no exception,” to quickly figure out how to best that provided flexibility in faculty’s the University of Saskatchewan navigated this significant task, said Kuppenbender, who is working address the various challenges course syllabi (a binding contract (USask) took immediate action in especially those who were new to toward her Bachelor of Science in students were facing. Faculty and between faculty and students) making critical decisions that would teaching online,” said Director of renewable resource management. “I colleges played an important role allowing faculty to offer alterna- have a lasting impact on teaching Teaching and Learning Enhance- was worried about my fellow Indig- in keeping students informed tives to their final exams, including and learning. ment Dr. Nancy Turner (PhD). “Of enous students. I felt that even if and addressed concerns. Student open-book exams, final projects, In the days leading up to the central importance was thinking I could thrive in this new mode of wellness supports quickly came redistribution of grades for past March decision to quickly transi- about our students and what chal- learning, not all could. Whether online to provide counselling and work, pass/fail grades, etc. tion to remote teaching, the univer- lenges they would be facing. Our they were returning to their commu- medical care. According to Dr. Chris Todd sity’s crisis management team biggest concern was the diversity of nities and having to deal with unre- Crisis financial aid was made (PhD), head of the Department of worked closely with health officials student needs and internet access, liable internet, or their house was readily available for hundreds of Biology, the goal was to figure out and people from across campus to especially for those who would be full of people, making it difficult to students who needed to purchase how to best maintain academic inform the decisions made by the returning to remote communities concentrate, or if they couldn’t go equipment and address other integrity while limiting the number President’s Executive Committee. and reserves.” home and were stuck in isolation.” imminent expenses. As of June 22, of online exams—again addressing On March 13, USask announced Sydney Kuppenbender, a Over the course of the next more than $1.2 million had been challenges with connectivity and that classes would move to remote student in the College of Agricul- three days, Turner said faculty distributed to more than 500 recip- accessibility that would leave some delivery. How classes and final ture and Bioresources, said those executed a Herculean task of ients. students disadvantaged. exams would continue, with only concerns were very real, especially bringing more than 3,000 classes “When the campus closed, I “There was a lot of anxiety three weeks left in the term, had to for Indigenous students like herself. online, while teaching and learning felt relieved, honestly,” said Haydn around this,” said Todd. be figured out fast. “Northern communities are support units and Information and Harach, a third-year computer “We had to quickly determine extremely vulnerable to many Communications Technology (ICT) science student in the College of CONTINUES ON PAGE 9

8 JULY 10, 2020  SUBMITTED  SUBMITTED Sydney Kuppenbender is a student in the College of Kaitlyn Dilsner graduated with SUBMITTED Agriculture and Bioresources.  great distinction from Edwards SUBMITTED  Haydn Harach is a third-year computer science School of Business in June. Dr. Christoper Todd (PhD) is the head student in the College of Arts and Science. of the Department of Biology in the College of Arts and Science.

FROM PAGE 8 best interests at heart. We wanted to as though a whole new world of Kotyk sang the Year of the Métis Kaitlyn Dilsner, a marketing maintain that academic rigour for possibilities has just opened.” Tribute in The Bowl. Their songs student in USask’s Edwards School “A lot of our students are aiming for finals, but it wasn’t for our sake—it For all the heroic efforts of were shared far and wide as part of of Business, said that had it not been professional colleges, so it was crucial was for theirs.” faculty and staff, DesBrisay insists the #USaskClassof2020 celebration. for all the hard work of her profes- that final grades to be used in their By all accounts, the winter 2020 that the real heroes in all of this are The #USaskClassof2020 web- sors, she wouldn’t have been able to applications were as valid as possible. term was brought to a credible reso- the students. page could never replace the graduate. At the end of March, she Our most impending concern was lution. Was it perfect? How could “They hung in there,” he said. powwow or convocation ceremonies, was also hit with a family tragedy the nature and size of some classes, it have been? So many mitigating “It’s one thing for us to pivot. We according to University Registrar that forced her to put her education like Biology 120, with over 700 factors came in to play, decisions had know our stuff. We’re in the driver’s Russell Isinger, who oversaw the team on hold for weeks and she missed all students. What would happen if to be made swiftly and some of those seat. But for passengers who don’t tasked with finding ways to celebrate of her scheduled final exams. everyone logged on at the same time, decisions wouldn’t have been ideal know what’s going on, it must have the graduates. But on the day that “I’m so thankful my exams then got kicked off and lost their for everyone. But the consensus is been terrifying, concerning, anxi- convocation would have started at were remote,” she said, “and that exam? The local system’s robustness that without remote teaching and ety-making. Yet they rose to the Merlis Belsher Place, the celebra- my professors had more room to had never been tested for this.” learning, students would have never occasion.” tion website was populated with accommodate my situation without Todd reached out to ICT made it to the finish line. Close to 22,000 students were congratulatory messages and videos, deferring my finals.” and the Distance Education Unit “We’ve learned a lot,” said enrolled in the winter 2020 term student stories and a list of gradu- Dilsner successfully completed (DEU), and they started to probe Dr. Gordon DesBrisay (PhD), a and of those, more than 3,500 were ating students. Celebratory GIFs and her program and graduated with the system through a series of vice-dean in the College or Arts finishing their degrees. That last day other graphics were also available to great distinction. small quizzes, where students and Science. “We’ve learned our of in-person classes would be the be shared on social media. “As with every graduate this logged on together to test how well technical systems are more robust last time these graduating students Isinger said students received year, I’m disappointed that we had it would function. Todd said this than some of us feared and we’re would see all of their professors and celebratory posters, USask photo to postpone our ceremony, but I’m instilled confidence from both sides introducing new programs like classmates. To top off the disap- props and congratulatory letters thankful that the college worked (students and faculty) in doing a Canvas to help relieve that load to pointment was the postponement of with their parchments by mail. so hard to ensure that I would be final exam remotely. Staggering provide better access and tools that the Graduation Powwow and Spring USask spring graduates continue able to graduate and the university exam start times for groups of will significantly improve teaching Convocation. to share pictures on social media of did its very best to make us all feel 150-200 helped minimize strain on and learning.” On the day that would have been themselves and their parchments. honoured,” she said. “I’ve had four the system, while staff stood by in For Turner, having to go remote the Graduation Powwow, graduating “This was uncharted territory wonderful years on campus and real time to address any technical has exposed people to different kinds Indian Teacher Education Program for us,” said Isinger. “Our goal was look forward to the day we can all issues. of teaching and learning practices (ITEP) student Rollin Baldhead and not to replace convocation, but to come back together and have a real “It worked out phenome- that they might not have otherwise his group—the Walking Buffalo celebrate the accomplishments of goodbye.” nally well in that the vast majority encountered. Singers—recorded an honour song our graduates and show them how of students completed the exam “I think there’s now a different in the Gordon Oakes Red Bear proud we are of them. We look Kim Fontaine is a marketing without any issues,” said Todd. view of online teaching, which could Student Centre. Saskatchewan forward to inviting our graduates to co-ordinator with Teaching, “The thing that strikes me the most have only come about with the expe- Urban Native Teacher Education cross the stage at a future ceremony Learning and Student Experience is how everyone had the students’ rience in using it,” she said. “It feels Program (SUNTEP) student Tawnie when it’s safe to do so.” at USask.

NEWS.USASK.CA 9 Providing rural, remote dental care

 JENNA FRASER It’s common to hear about people serve priority populations through “We are exploring the Indige- only possible through collaboration.” being afraid to go to the dentist. developing innovative inter-sec- nous ways of knowing, constantly The college wants to ensure But for many individuals living in toral solutions. To date, the college engaging the communities to that when it opens a new clinic, it is rural and remote Saskatchewan, has launched five dental clinics understand their needs of care and sustainable and able to provide care a fear of the dentist is the least of in defined priority communities: to deliver effective and appropriate long-term. their worries. Cumberland House First Nation, care,” he said. “The sustainability and the For these individuals, visiting Yellow Quill First Nation, Kinistin Singh said the college has consistency of the services we a dentist is harder than most could First Nation, La Loche, and the future plans to expand this network provide is one thing I’m proud of,” ever imagine, due mainly to the Saskatoon core neighbourhood. of clinics. Singh said. “We are taking care to fact that the closest dentist is—at The college works with “Community readiness is where it historically hasn’t been.” minimum—a seven-hour drive community partners to determine important, and then there is broader away, and in some cases, individuals the schedules for the clinics that intersectoral collaboration that Jenna Fraser is the communications need to plan an overnight trip just run all year long. The schedule is is required to put the vision into officer in the College of Dentistry to receive oral health care. This is based on what the need is in each action,” he said. “These clinics are and the School of Public Health. something the College of Dentistry community, how often the dentist at the University of Saskatchewan is available to visit, and housing (USask) is trying to change. arrangements for the dental team. A part of the college’s strategic Due to COVID-19, there  SUBMITTED USask researchers to develop plan is to become a leader in has been some disruption in the inclusive community care. Dr. Amrinderbir Singh (DMD) delivery of dental care. However, new saliva-based COVID-19 test “Inclusivity to us means deliv- the operation of most of these ering holistic and culturally appro- a leader in inclusive community clinics is continuing with new University of Saskatchewan (USask) test for COVID-19 detection. Dr. priate dental care to a wide variety care is increasing access to dental infection prevention and control researchers are part of two projects Walter Siqueira (DDM) of the of groups—Indigenous Canadians, services. Individuals in remote and protocols in place, following the awarded federal funding from USask College of Dentistry will lead Elders, children, the LGBTQ rural communities in Saskatch- guidelines set out by the College of The Canadian Institutes of Health development of the new diagnostic community—and to redress oral ewan—often Indigenous popu- Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan. Research (CIHR) COVID-19 Rapid test, as part of a broader University health inequities among the most lations—don’t visit the dentist For Singh, an important Response Program. of Regina-led project. In a second marginalized and vulnerable in because there isn’t one in their consideration is providing rural Researchers in the USask project, Dr. Siqueira will work with society,” said Dr. Amrinderbir community, and it’s too difficult to and remote clinical care in a cultur- College of Dentistry and the USask McGill University researchers to Singh (DMD), assistant professor of travel to see one. ally appropriate manner, and gives Vaccine and Infectious Disease collect saliva samples from dentists Dental Public Health, and director Working to address this gap, the dental teams local and regional Organization-International across the country to determine the of Inclusive Community Care. the College of Dentistry is estab- orientation, background and Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac) incidence rate of COVID-19 as they A key component to being lishing a network of clinics that training. will develop a unique saliva-based return to work. Reducing landfill food waste in Saskatoon FROM PAGE 2 and economic benefits for our businesses in Saskatoon deal with that they will continue to work on work with the City of Saskatoon’s our landfill,” Burns said. ”To help community,” she added. surplus food. the environmental scan, as well as Sustainability Division as it works achieve this, businesses and orga- The funding for this project was “We’re starting to look at other interviewing food business owners on an Industrial, Commercial, and nizations that generate food or yard announced in February, a few weeks cities and using their programs as and management throughout the Institutional (ICI) waste diversion waste as part of their operations before COVID-19 arrived in the examples for common practices summer, until the practical side of strategy,” Engler-Stringer said. will be required to have organics province. Though the pandemic has that could be used in Saskatoon,” the project can move forward. The city’s team has a shared diversion in place by 2023.” disrupted many aspects of life, USask Engler-Stringer said. “We’re still continuing, just interest to create a strategy that will “This project will give busi- is able to move forward with aspects The next step of the project in a slightly different order than focus on reducing the amount of nesses and organizations an addi- of the food reclamation project. is implementing strategies in initially planned,” she said. food that is wasted and goes to the tional option to comply with The project is starting with Saskatoon, which may have to wait landfill. the new regulation, while at the environmental scans of existing until work is no longer required to Kristen McEwen is a “The city has the target to same time helping to reduce their food reclamation strategies in other be completed remotely. communications co-ordinator in divert 70 per cent of waste from disposal costs and realizing social cities and studying how food-based Engler-Stringer mentioned USask’s College of Medicine.

10 JULY 10, 2020 Making a difference: JSGS student supports Yukon First Nation  SUBMITTED JSGS master’s student Lauren Wallingham stands on top of Mount initiative to improve education outcomes Haldane in the Traditional Territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun in the Yukon.

 ERICA SCHINDEL It is a common belief that providing traditional roots and closing the their education. In December 2019, “There are many challenging After-School Program. The research young people with a good education educational gap within its territory. FNNND completed a community priorities within our community and framework will be shared with should give them a better chance The report reinforced the idea that, report on closing the socio-eco- in 2020, and COVID-19 brought the community. at life. This is especially true when “knowing the traditional cultural nomic gap between additional requirements and “Using best practices and trying to build human capacity way of life through seeing, knowing and non-First Nations residents in strains on our capacity. We have local knowledge, we will develop while narrowing the socio-eco- and doing and sustaining our Mayo. to maintain the health and well- a holistic framework that reflects nomic gap between First Nations [Yukon First Nations] identities, “Similar to other communi- being of citizens, and we need to the realities of living in the North and non-First Nations peoples in beliefs, laws, values, and morals ty-led reports, ours highlighted pursue opportunities to strengthen and the traditions of the Northern Canada. But what qualifies as good? should be the foundation upon educational programming as an programming and outcomes,” said Tutchone,” said Wallingham. “The “For generations, education which all learning is based.” essential component in meetings Tayler. “Lauren’s applied research was used by Canada to impose its It called on its partners and our goals,” said Dr. Anne Tayler project provides an opportunity goal is to re-engage our children dominance over Indigenous Peoples stakeholders—including Yukon (PhD), FNNND executive director. for us to build capacity and develop with their education.” and provide inadequate educational First Nations leaders, the Govern- “If we want the children to excel in pragmatic solutions to meet the The four components that opportunities. Slowly, the country ment of Yukon, the Government of both First Nations and mainstream needs of FNNND children.” she intends to cover within the came to realize that First Nations Canada, Elders, youth, education societies, we need to determine A recipient of USask’s Indige- framework are culturally focused education, far from being an directors and staff—to workhow best to include Traditional nous Graduate Student Scholarship programming, delivery models, advantage, was a tool of oppression,” collectively to empower present Knowledge, cultural practices, and a mother of two young children, accountability and evaluation, and said Dr. Ken Coates (PhD), Canada and future generations. However, histories and language in their Wallingham grew up with a deep support networks—community Research Chair in Regional Inno- despite Yukon-wide initiatives, education.” appreciation for her Traditional members, Elders, parents, students, vation and professor in the Johnson First Nations students continued Around the time the report Territory, culture and family. First Nation government, and Shoyama Graduate School of Public to achieve lower than non-First was released, JSGS Master of After researching educational inter-community. Policy (JSGS) at the University of Nations students. So, individual Governance and Entrepreneur- programs in Indigenous commu- “If these programs are going to Saskatchewan (USask). communities stepped forward. ship in Northern and Indigenous nities (Yukon, British Columbia, be successful, the control needs to “Yukon has emerged as an About 400 kilometres north of Areas student and FNNND citizen Alaska and Norway) experi- example of the benefits associ- the capital of Whitehorse and along Lauren Wallingham was looking encing similar challenges, Wall- come from our Elders, Knowledge ated with First Nations control of the Silver Trail and Stewart River, for an opportunity to build capacity ingham will provide examples Keepers and educators,” said Wall- education. The First Nations and is the small Village of Mayo. Home in her community through her of best practices to a community ingham. “I’m honoured to be guided the territory have been creative to the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak applied research project. In January working group comprised of local by my working group and I hope the and determined in improving the Dun (FNNND), it represents the 2020, she worked with FNNND to Elders, Knowledge Keepers and final framework will help strengthen educational system to better suit most northerly community of the develop a research proposal focused educators. Under their direction, our community.” Indigenous needs.” Northern Tutchone language and on implementing the community she will develop the framework for In 2014, the Yukon First Nations culture group. Like many northern report recommendations. Her three programs: Early Childhood Erica Schindel is the released its Action Plan 2014–2024 rural communities, Mayo is strug- proposal was approved by Chief and Education Program, In-School communications and marketing as a blueprint for strengthening gling to keep students engaged with Council in February. Learning Support Program, and specialist in JSGS at USask.

NEWS.USASK.CA 11 USask Rec supports northern communities with swimming and water safety courses

 ALYSSA WIEBE Many northern communities in Canadian Red Cross was an oppor- Saskatchewan are surrounded by tunity for me to become more bodies of water, which leads to a invested in relationship-building rise in concern over water safety with Indigenous communities, each year. join an effort that creates connec- Since 2016, USask Rec has tions and makes a difference, and offered the Indigenous Swimming to use my knowledge from kinesi- and Water Safety Program each ology, lifeguarding, First Aid, and summer in northern Saskatchewan, swimming to deliver programs that in partnership with the Canadian help to fill gaps in what is available to Red Cross. The program began in each community that brings us in.” Alberta in 2013, before branching Starting out as an instructor out to Saskatchewan, and for two years and taking over as Ontario, with plans to move further the co-ordinator in Saskatchewan, east this summer. Lemke has seen the impact it has “This has a tremendous impact had on the community. ALYSSA WIEBE ALYSSA WIEBE on our northern communities as Kinesiology students Sabrina Lemke  College of Kinesiology student  “This program offers courses it relates to Truth and Reconcil- (left) and Mason Beaulieau (right) with Jaimie Fiddler has been with the and opportunities that would iation,” said USask Rec Aquatics aquatics co-ordinator Kim Jones. program for the past two years. otherwise be unavailable to Co-ordinator Kim Jones. “The these communities, it encour- majority of Indigenous reserves are and running until the end of August, Northwest Territories. moving away from a dependen- ages knowledge sharing, and it is in, on, or around bodies of water. staff members are housed at hotels, “It is really important to teach cy-based model to a communi- intended to promote communi- The more we can do to impart the cabins, teacherages, or health-care children, at a young age, about ty-driven self-sustained learning ty-sustained programming that Prepare! Stay Safe! Survive model, accommodations in the communi- water safety and learning how to model. supports resiliency and safety.” the fewer drownings we will see in ties. In a few occasions, participants swim, since they have so many Kinesiology student Sabrina our northern communities.” also had the opportunity to partici- lakes and swimming areas with no Lemke of Saskatoon has been with Alyssa Wiebe is the communications The Canadian Red Cross pate in cultural camps. supervision.” the program since 2017. and alumni relations officer in employs one full-time staff member This year, due to the global Fiddler sees herself as a role “The program with the the College of Kinesiology. to continue the development of the pandemic, the program will have model because it allows children For more information on the Indigenous Swimming and Water Safety program and ensure its continued a different look. Three staff have to see someone of a similar back- Program and partnership, contact [email protected]. success each year. The goals of the been retained to help deliver virtual ground in a leadership position— program are injury prevention, programs, where possible. Although such as a swim instructor—and water safety, and preventing water not ideal, it is important to keep the encourage them to become involved fatalities, along with other prevent- information around swimming and in water safety, swimming and NORTHERN EXPOSURE: able incidents. To accomplish these water safety front of mind heading learning to take a leadership role in goals, participants teach swimming into the summer. their community. The northern communities the program has reached include: lessons, babysitter courses, stay safe, College of Kinesiology student “Being a role model in a emergency and standard first-aid Jaimie Fiddler of Warman has community for younger genera- Birch Narrows Dene Clearwater River Dene Lac La Ronge training, respect education, and been with the program for the past tions is so important, especially Nation (Turnor Lake) Nation and La Loche First Nation assistant lifeguard courses. two years and continues to see the in northern communities, and I Meadow Lake Cowessess First Nation Makwa Sahgaiehcan The program has employed importance of bringing water safety am hoping children that interact Tribal Council First Nation Cumberland House a total of 25 university students, training to northern communities. with the instructors who visit will Red Earth Cree Nation Black Lake Denesuline Cree Nation with 24 attending the University of “I got involved because it was begin to take on that role for their First Nation Sandy Bay Deschambault Lake Saskatchewan (USask), focusing on great opportunity to be a positive role siblings, friends, and even neigh- Buffalo River Dene Stanley Mission Fishing Lake First Nation the delivery of this program. Jones model to young Indigenous children bours,” she said. Nation and Dillon Stony Rapids Flying Dust First Nation collaborates with the Red Cross to and youth, and I love teaching Another focus is to provide Canoe Lake Cree Southend schedule and train all staff members swimming and working with youth in Indigenous communities First Nation Grandmother’s Bay Waterhen Lake and co-ordinate the logistics from children,” said Fiddler, a member of the opportunity to become instruc- Clear Lake James Smith Cree Nation First Nation week-to-week. Beginning in June the Salt River First Nations Band in tors and lifeguards themselves,

12 JULY 10, 2020 Record-setting season for Huskies sprinter

 JAMES SHEWAGA Coming off of a record-setting season, Karson Lehner was racing towards a possible spot in the 2020 Summer Olympics, before COVID-19 changed everything. The 22-year-old Huskie Athletics standout and Univer- was extremely humbled, just to be sity of Saskatchewan (USask) mentioned in the same sentence as computer science student from Cyprian. He was such a phenomenal Prince Albert shattered a 35-year- athlete, so it is pretty cool.” old record set by former Olympian Lehner went on to earn three and USask alumnus Cyprian medals at U Sports nationals in Enweani, and went on to be named Edmonton, placing second in the both Canada West conference and 300m (33.31 seconds) and third in the U Sports national male track athlete 60m, as well as earning a silver medal of the year. Lehner’s record run in as part of the Huskies 4x200m relay the 300 metres had positioned him team, after being named national Schell as a candidate for the Canadian male track athlete of the year. Olympic team trials in June that “Karson’s times, medals, and were postponed due to the global awards this year are the result of pandemic. lots of work and as a program we “I was going to go, before the are extremely proud of all that he world changed,” he said. “Every- achieved, because it hasn’t been easy one’s goal is to be in the Olympics for him,” said Huskies track and as a track athlete, and as time went field coach Jason Reindl. “He has on throughout the season and I had his share of injuries over the was putting up these results, it years, but with the help of personal became more of a possibility. So, coach Todd Johnston, he was able it’s definitely a little disappointing to stay healthy and put together a that everything changed and the tremendous season of success where Olympics were postponed, but Karson became the first male track there are plenty of people with more and field athlete to win a national serious things to worry about in the athlete of the year award. world right now.” “Karson’s performances this Indeed. While his national year have placed him amongst team hopes were put on hold, the best in nation and the world Huskie Athletics sprinter Karson Lehner broke a 35-year-old record in the 300 metres this year and  GETMYPHOTO.CA Lehner had plenty to celebrate this and he has a realistic opportunity was named both the Canada West conference and U Sports national male track athlete of the year. season, starting with his record-set- of representing Canada in future ting run in the Canada West international events, including the content to us and I could do it all in HUSKIE NOTES: conference championships at the Olympic Games.” the comfort of my own home, so it Saskatoon Field House on Feb. 21. Lehner wrapped up the 2019/20 wasn’t too bad. I spend most of my Lehner raced across the finish line academic year the way all USask days behind a laptop anyways, so it USask men’s hockey goalie Taran Kozun of Nipawin was one of four in 33.07 seconds to break Enweani’s students did, by writing his final wasn’t a major change.” finalists for the U Sports Lieutenant Governor Athletic Awards, honouring former Huskies and Canada West exams online after the university What has changed is Lehner’s the nation’s top male and female student-athletes. Kozun became the 300m record of 33.50 seconds set in moved to remote delivery of courses expectations as he prepares for his sixth Huskie in school history to be named Canada West male athlete of 1985, three years before he repre- in March and final exams in April. fourth year of Huskie eligibility, the year after his record-setting season … The Canada West conference sented Canada in the 1988 Summer “It was a bit of a change of with thoughts of taking a run at a will make a final decision by July 15 on whether cross-country champion- Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. pace for myself, as I’m sure it was spot on the Canadian team for the ships will be held this fall, with football and soccer already cancelled for “I remember crossing the finish for all of the other students,” said next Summer Olympics in Tokyo, 2020. A decision on whether hockey, volleyball and basketball can begin in January of 2021 will be made by October 8 … Huskie wrestlers Berit line during that race and seeing the Lehner, who started his academic now scheduled for 2021—pandemic Johnson, Carson Lee, Hunter Lee and Logan Sloan have all been named time pop up on the clock and I was so career in engineering before trans- permitting. to Wrestling Canada’s NextGen program for 2020/21, a program designed happy, because that was the goal that ferring to computer science. “But “That is written on my wall to train future Olympians … Due to the ongoing pandemic, the Huskie I was working towards,” said Lehner, my professors were really good at as my goal,” he said. “I just have to Football Foundation’s annual Dogs’ Breakfast spring fundraiser has been who also earned a silver medal in getting us everything we needed work that much harder next year to cancelled until 2021. the 60m at the championships. “I and communicating the course make it happen.”

NEWS.USASK.CA 13 Detecting bird flu before it’s ready to take off WCVM adjunct professor Dr. Chelsea Himsworth (DVM) and her research team have developed a genomics technique for detecting avian influenza virus in wetland sediment.  DELANEY SCHOFER

 DELANEY SCHOFER Canada is one of only 11 countries influenza testing],” said Dr. Chelsea failed to detect a highly patho- “Wetlands are Mother Nature’s worldwide that doesn’t have avian Himsworth (DVM), a University of genic strain of avian influenza outhouse,” said Himsworth. “A A wetland sediment sample collected influenza virus circulating within Saskatchewan (USask) alumna and that was circulating among wild little bit of pond scum can give us a for the research study. its domestic poultry flocks. diagnostic pathologist and leader for ducks in B.C. When this strain of lot of information.” Known as “bird flu,” avian veterinary science at British Colum- avian influenza got into the prov- However, the scientific process influenza is transmitted from bia’s Animal Health Centre, which ince’s domestic poultry population, isn’t as simple as developing a “There are a lot of pieces on wild ducks to chickens and other is a branch of the B.C. Ministry 240,000 birds died or had to be technique that works, dusting the board,” said Himsworth. “We’re domestic birds. While the virus of Agriculture. Himsworth is culled. wetland sediment off your hands, still talking about all the potential doesn’t cause any symptoms in also regional co-ordinator of the Frustrated by the inadequacy and moving on. The next step is models, including what it might ducks, it’s deadly for domestic birds Canadian Wildlife Health Cooper- of current avian influenza surveil- to iron out the remaining kinks so look like to have a health-agri- and can decimate entire flocks. ative B.C., and an adjunct professor lance methods, Himsworth and her sediment surveillance is a neatly culture partnership to support an Canada is committed to main- with the Western College of Veteri- team set out to find another way to packaged product that can be applied genomics centre.” taining its disease-free status to nary Medicine at USask. detect avian influenza in wild birds easily completed in a lab. The major Sharing resources and avoid trade restrictions being placed “The current method of passive before any further outbreaks in challenge is that the B.C. Ministry expertise would not only assist on the country’s poultry products. surveillance is like looking for poultry occurred. of Agriculture doesn’t have the provincial ministries in achieving To do so, Canada must screen for Ebola in car crash victims—the two In 2015, they developed a new genomics resources required to do their mandates, but a One Health avian influenza in wild birds so are not related,” she said. “It’s no genomics technique for detecting this. genomics centre could also be that veterinary and public health wonder we don’t detect it.” avian influenza virus in wetland Lacking the resources required a solution for the larger need to officials can prevent and control any The B.C. Animal Health Centre sediment—a rich source of material to create packaged products isn’t develop genomics capacity and outbreaks. The current screening is located in Abbotsford, part of because avian influenza virus is an issue that is unique to avian co-ordination. method involves testing live and the province’s Fraser Valley. Each shed in bird feces. Each sediment influenza. Other researchers within hunted birds, but this method isn’t year, Himsworth and her colleagues sample contains contributions from the province’s Ministry of Agricul- Delaney Schofer of Calgary very effective. witness the migration of wild birds multiple individuals and species, ture and Ministry of Health face is a third-year veterinary student “Wild birds that die naturally through the second-densest area of making sediment sampling more similar challenges when trying to in the Western College of of other causes are brought in [to poultry production in Canada. effective than traditional methods apply genomic technologies to their Veterinary Medicine at the the lab for necropsy and avian In 2014-2015, passive screening of sampling individual birds. own disease surveillance initiatives. University of Saskatchewan.

14 JULY 10, 2020 on the project, CASES offers a chance for her to contribute her Children run along the boardwalk in the unique perspective as a First Nations remote northern community of Kongiganak woman from the Siksika Nation in on Alaska’s Yukon Kuskokwim Delta where Alberta. wind energy combined with a battery storage “You can’t simply say it’s windy, system provides up to 100 per cent of the so turbines are the best solution,” said community’s electric needs. McMaster. “Some of the technology requires extensive socio-technical skills in order to develop, operate and maintain renewable energy systems at the community level. Therefore, I’m studying the specific socio-technological baseline capac- ities of the four Gwich’in commu- nities in the Northwest Territo- ries. What they may require for their respective energy transitions may look different than another community, even if those commu- nities share similar geographical or USask project other traits.” During the first phase of the CASES Partnership project, researchers are working to assess existing community energy systems supports northern as a baseline for the project and develop community energy profiles as a planning resource for commu- nities and utilities. Energy profiles will help communities chart their energy security own energy future and inform the sociotechnical design of energy systems that enhance values and  AMANDA BYRD reduce vulnerabilities to energy  JACKIE MARTIN insecurity. Imagine living in a remote ties can achieve energy indepen- northern and Indigenous commu- tions for successfully developing “Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation community that is dependent on dence and benefit economically and nities, each at different stages of renewables; facilitating co-learning faces significant energy security diesel generators or on an electrical socially by developing renewable renewables deployment. It facili- between sister communities; and challenges that requires transforma- grid that’s highly vulnerable to energy. tates the sharing of experience so creating a northern circumpolar tive research, co-designed with and harsh winter storms. Or spending “The transition to renewable that not all communities have to knowledge-sharing platform for by Indigenous communities, and more than half your income to heat energy in the North shouldn’t be go through the same challenges or energy transition tool-kits, and training opportunities for the next your home. That is the reality in based on outside solutions,” said recreate solutions, thereby acceler- sharing stories from international generation of Indigenous change more than 250 northern and Indige- Noble. “Renewable energy must be ating renewable energy innovation. experience to facilitate long-term agents to lead the energy transition nous communities in Canada today. community appropriate, reflecting “Reliable, sustainable, and capacity building. in northern communities,” said Now imagine if these commu- northern and Indigenous values renewable energy will be key to our “Working with our partners CASES co-investigator and Indige- nities were not only energy suffi- and interests for the future of their economic, social, and cultural well- to co-develop tools for communi- nous business leader Gary Merasty. cient, but able to leverage energy to communities.” being,” said Deputy Grand Chief ty-appropriate energy planning, “We are excited to be full partners generate social and economic oppor- The Community Appro- Jordan Peterson of the Gwich’in and establishing a network of sister in CASES, which is designed to meet tunity. Energy security is more than priate Sustainable Energy Security Tribal Council. “We believe the communities across the North for this critical and urgent objectives." infrastructure and technology, it is (CASES) Partnership, hosted by outcomes of this partnership will knowledge sharing, will facilitate To help meet these training also about communities. USask, is jointly led by an inter- help us in our goals to preserve energy transition and local capacity objectives, SENS plans to launch a Dr. Greg Poelzer (PhD) of national team of researchers from our lands, develop reliable energy building long beyond the life of this new master’s program this fall— the School of Environment and Canada, United States, Sweden, and supplies, and help us to protect our project,” said Poelzer. offered by distance delivery—with Sustainability (SENS) and Dr. Bram Norway. It is an $8.8 million interna- way of life.” The project will train the next a stream focusing on community Noble (PhD) of the Department of tional partnership project supported Working with northern and generation of researchers, policy energy planning and renewable Geography and Planning (GEPL) in part by funding from the Social Indigenous communities, the makers, practitioners and innova- energy in northern and Indigenous at the University of Saskatchewan Sciences and Humanities Research partnership is co-developing and tors to transform energy systems communities. (USask) are leading an exciting Council of Canada and public and applying tools to assess and enhance and reshape energy security in and ground-breaking initiative to private sector partners. the social and economic value of the North. For Rhys McMaster, a Jackie Martin is the CASES Project explore how northern communi- The partnership engages 15 renewables; identifying the condi- current graduate student working manager in GEPL at USask.

NEWS.USASK.CA 15 THORVALDSON AIRPLANE ROOM A JOURNEY BACK IN TIME

 CHRIS PUTNAM When the Department of Chemistry introduces newcomers to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) campus, one room is always part of the tour.  DAVID STOBBE “It’s a window into the past. It’s a classic room that really The University Archives and Special Collections makes you feel like you’re in a grand institution,” said Dr. David holds the original paper airplanes from the ceiling Palmer (PhD), professor of chemistry in the College of Arts and Science. of the Airplane Room, removed during renovations in 1995. The oldest of the planes is dated 1961. Since the day it opened in 1924, Thorvaldson Building Room 271—officially the Henry Taube Lecture Theatre, but commonly known as the Airplane Room—has been one of the defining features of the USask campus.

Palmer, a former head of the Department of Chemistry, said he has never been in a room quite like it. The stately auditorium, with its 68-foot domed ceiling and gothic styling, has been used as a set in several movies. One faculty member held his wedding there. Visitors to Saskatoon and returning alumni  A-8711  A-8715 often make a point to drop in. A look at the original paper airplanes embedded in the ceiling A panoramic look at the seating in the historic Airplane of the Airplane Room (Thorvaldson Room 271), in this archival Room (officially the Henry Taube Lecture Theatre) in the “You can tell it’s a special thing to them,” said Palmer. image by Wayne Eyre in 1994. Thorvaldson Building, photographed by Wayne Eyre. The lecture hall’s appearance has changed little in the past 96 years. Modern conveniences and electronics are cleverly The auditorium’s most unique and most famous feature is one more layer connecting the Airplane Room to the story hidden inside antique furnishings. The slate chalkboard and the assortment of paper airplanes embedded in its ceiling. of Saskatchewan. oak chart frames are original to the building. The original In a tradition going back at least 60 years, students toss the wooden chairs were replaced with replicas in 2014. planes—weighted with pens, pencils and the occasional “(The room) reminds people of the history of this place—that spoon—hoping to stick them in the soft acoustical material this university is more than just another school, especially to As many chatting students have discovered, the Airplane that lines the ceiling. the province. This is an historical artifact of this province, a Room has exceptional acoustics. monument to all of the people who have taken classes over Legend holds that the practice was started by pilots-in- the years,” Palmer said. “I think the students don’t realize how easy it is for the training during the Second World War, and that a falling person at the front of the room to hear them. You can hear airplane was an ill omen for a pilot gone to war. The legend Chris Putnam is a communications officer conversations going on in the 25th row in there,” said Palmer. probably isn’t true, but Palmer always enjoys hearing it. It’s in the College of Arts and Science.