ON CAMPUS NEWS news.usask.ca

MAY 14, 2021 Volume 28, Issue 9

A USASK CLASS LIKE NO OTHER In this special edition of On Campus News, we focus on the Class of 2021, a class like no other at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). Never before has a graduating class of students finished their entire final year studying remotely, during the ongoing pandemic. In this issue, we feature a number of these outstanding undergrad and graduate students from a variety of USask colleges and schools. We also feature five remarkable individuals receiving honorary degrees during this year’s virtual USask Spring Convocation, with the online celebrations scheduled for May 31 to June 4.

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— 2 — — 4 —­ — 17 — SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY CELEBRATION OF TEACHING HUSKIE ATHLETICS

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USask adopts first Sustainability Strategy  SARATH PEIRIS The University of Saskatchewan Sustainable Development Goals (USask) has adopted its first (SDG) by 2030, among them zero Sustainability Strategy as a key On Campus News is published 12 times hunger, good health and well- per year by University of Saskatchewan pillar of guiding what President being, clean water and sanitation, Marketing and Communications. It is Peter Stoicheff describes as “unapol- and strong peace and justice insti- distributed to all USask faculty, staff, ogetically ambitious and appropri- tutions. Many of the SDGs align graduate students and members of ately impatient actions” to become closely with USask’s signature areas governing bodies, as well as to others The University the World Needs. of research, including food security, in the university community, related “As both a large organiza- organizations, some Saskatchewan water security, and One Health. government officials and news media. tion with a lot of infrastructure “If I were to boil down the and, more importantly, a place of spirit of this whole plan, I would Subscriptions are available for $24 learning with an academic and per year. Story and photo ideas say that it moves the sustainability are welcome. Advertising rates are research mission, we can do a lot in agenda across every aspect of available online or on request. support of environmental and other the university,” said Stoicheff. “If forms of sustainability that other sustainability is to be a pillar of the - organizations can’t,” Stoicheff said. university, ongoing governance and On Campus News aims to provide “We can train people. We can operational sustainability efforts a forum for the sharing of timely do research that promotes and USask President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff.  DAVID STOBBE have to be connected with the whole news, information and feature makes sustainability possible. We academic and research side as well, stories about people and events of interest to the USask community. can develop and influence public approved by University Council, his vision for the future, noting because we are more than a collec- policy. We graduate people who the Board of Governors, and—as the foundational walls would tion of facilities.” - will become public servants and of April 24—University Senate, the be sustainability, connectivity, Stoicheff said sustainability members of governments, and are needs to be built into a broad We acknowledge we are on Treaty 6 new comprehensive strategy is a diversity, and creativity—princi- Territory and the Homeland of the part of local and national conversa- major step forward in the president’s ples that remain at the heart of the spectrum of courses and degrees, and Métis. We pay our respect to the First tions on this important issue. This commitment to sustainability after University Plan 2025 to be a globally become part of the student experi- Nation and Métis ancestors of this is why it’s imperative to be strategic being appointed USask president relevant. ence, with specific support earmarked place and reaffirm our relationship about all of this at our university.” in 2015. In his first address to the The inaugural sustainability for sustainability research. with one another. Informed by the president’s university’s General Academic plan commits USask to action on - Sustainability Advisory Circle, and Assembly in 2016, Stoicheff outlined achieving the United Nations’ 17 SEE USASK, PAGE 18

EDITOR James Shewaga

WRITERS Jacquie Berg, Shannon Boklaschuk, IN CASE YOU MISSED IT John Grainger, Georgia Hurry, Kylie Kelso, A lot happens at the USask during the weeks when On Campus News isn’t published. Brett Makulowich, Kristen McEwen, Sarath Peiris, Inalie Portades, Here are a few of the top stories from news.usask.ca: James Shewaga, Sarah Trefiak.

DESIGNER USask in top 100 Student satellite New LFCE director Cree helping Cree Pierre Wilkinson For the second year in a row, the A group of USask students Dr. Scott Wright (PhD) has been USask researcher Dr. Holly Graham University of Saskatchewan (USask) developing the province’s first cube named the new director of USask’s (PhD) has been awarded $2.5 ranked in the top 100 overall and satellite (RADSAT-SK) is getting Livestock and Forage Centre of million over five years by Public higher in select categories in The closer to sending their project Excellence (LFCE), effective May 19. Safety Canada to implement a crime Times Higher Education (THE) into orbit. The student team has Wright succeeds Dr. Bruce Coulman prevention program called nehiyaw rankings of universities around the successfully completed a critical (PhD), whose last day as interim LFCE wicihitwin (Cree helping Cree), using world for their social and economic design review of the satellite with director is May 28, enabling a week culture as the intervention. The impact, and for taking action to the Canadian Space Agency and the and a half transition period. Wright’s project was initiated by two Elders— combat climate change and its construction of the first satellite- career started in beef and forage Austin Tootoosis of Poundmaker impacts. USask ranked 13th in grade clean room in the USask research and he has held numerous Cree Nation and the late Jacob Pete Canada for making cities inclusive, College of Engineering building. leadership positions in agriculture, from Little Pine First Nation. They ISSN: 1195-7654 safe, resilient, and sustainable, The satellite is entirely designed including executive director of the approached Graham, assistant PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065156 ranked ninth in the country in the by the student team, with minimal USask Feeds Innovation Institute and professor in the College of Nursing Return undeliverable addresses to: Zero Hunger category and placed faculty oversight. The satellite is director positions with Agriculture and USask’s Indigenous Research UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN fifth in the category of Good Health expected to launch in 2022, making and Agri-Food Canada. Wright Chair in Nursing, to work with MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS and Well-Being. The 2021 Impact it Saskatchewan’s first satellite in obtained his master’s degree in them and apply for a federal grant to G16 THORVALDSON BUILDING 110 SCIENCE PLACE Rankings rated 1,115 universities space. The team has raised $100,000 animal science and his PhD in plant help address a pressing community SASKATOON, SK S7N 5C9 from 94 countries. for the project. breeding from USask. problem. Email: [email protected] FOR MORE UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS, VISIT: news.usask.ca @usask

2 MAY 14, 2021 2021 USask adopts first Sustainability Strategy USask honours major research award recipients

cations (quanTA), where he serves as founding director. QuanTA is helping to advance a new generation of quantum innovations including quantum computing and novel ener- gy-efficient technologies, and aligns USask with the federal government’s push to make quantum material innovation a national priority. At the invitation of Canadian Science Policy Centre, Rayan wrote an article on quantum innovation as a scientific grand challenge for Canada in the next decade, which was published in the November 2020 Canadian Science Policy Magazine Dr. Julita Vassileva (PhD) Dr. Safa Kasap (PhD) Dr. Steven Rayan (PhD) Dr. Kerry McPhedran (PhD) alongside submissions by Dr. David Suzuki (PhD) and other prominent intellectuals. • “This recognition is very  SARATH PEIRIS, FOR RESEARCH PROFILE AND IMPACT exciting,” said McPhedran, “and and Science Distinguished Scientist raphy machines today use Se I want to stress that it wouldn’t The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has Award last year. She has super- detectors, whose superior resolution be possible without my excellent announced its four major research awards for 2021. vised 50 graduate students, and and greater sensitivity are improving research collaborators, partners was awarded USask’s Distinguished cancer detection rates and reducing and students.” Graduate Supervisor Award in 2014. radiation doses received by patients. His most significant recent USask’s Distinguished Researchers knowledge or artistic creativity. Vassileva was recognized in Kasap has trained 25 post-doc- research contribution has been a are computer science professor Dr. Vassileva, who has earned 2015 with a Saskatoon YWCA’s toral fellows and five research asso- project co-developed and co-led Julita Vassileva (PhD), internation- accolades for her diverse, prolific, Women of Distinction Award for ciates. In 2012, he was awarded the with USask toxicologists to monitor ally recognized to be among the and influential research interests, science and technology. The “Science Institute of Electrical and Elec- COVID-19 viruses in Saskatoon top two per cent of artificial intel- and passion for improving the Ambassador” program she initiated tronics Engineers’ J.M. Ham Medal, wastewater and project upcoming ligence (AI) and image processing underrepresentation of women and as Natural Sciences and Engineering Outstanding Educator Award. He surges of infection so that health researchers, and Dr. Safa Kasap minorities in computer science, is Research Council/Cameco Chair is a Fellow of the Royal Society of officials and citizens alike can be (PhD), distinguished professor in “honoured and happy for the huge of Women in Science and Engi- Canada and a Life-Fellow of IEEE. prepared. Wastewater surveillance electrical, computer and biomed- recognition.” neering for the Prairie Region today • “I am humbled by this award, can also provide information on ical engineering, whose pioneering Her groundbreaking research reaches 2,000 children in six remote and thankful for the unwavering such things as opiate-related surges research to advance X-ray tech- areas include: AI in education and northern communities annually. support that the university has and health-related micropollutants. nology has had global impact. intelligent tutoring that incorporates • “I’m delighted to be recognized, offered me as I developed my McPhedran was named USask’s New Researchers personalization and user modelling; especially because it’s a univer- research program,” said Rayan. Centennial Enhancement Chair in Award recipients are Dr. Steven multi-agent systems that build trust sity award. I love working here,” He is lauded as a collabo- Water Stewardship for Indigenous Rayan (PhD), associate professor to ensure technology is seen as bene- said Kasap, whose research rative researcher and mentor by Communities in 2018, and provides in mathematics and statistics, ficial, not to be feared, and collab- since joining USask in 1986 to USask colleagues and students, and strong research leadership that internationally recognized for oration in machine-to-machine enhance the electrical proper- is respected by prominent inter- not only contributes to improving his contributions to the growing interactions; designing incentive ties of selenium (Se) for use in national scholars as a visionary access to safe drinking water on First field of quantum materials that mechanisms that encourage partic- medical X-ray imaging has revo- mathematician at the forefront of Nations, but is community-centred intersects geometry with physics, ipation in online communities; and lutionized the field. His work geometry and quantum materials and respectfully done as a true part- and Dr. Kerry McPhedran (PhD), persuasive technology that facilitate on direct conversion flat panel research. He was recognized by the nership. McPhedran is also recog- associate professor in civil, geolog- behaviour changes that benefit users X-ray imaging detectors has led College of Arts and Science with nized as an outstanding mentor ical and environmental engineering, and their communities. to the use of these detectors in a New Teacher Award in 2018, and and trainer of highly qualified acclaimed for innovative research Vassileva was among the first mammography and tomosyn- by the University of Saskatchewan personnel, and highly regarded in on wastewater and clean water for to publish papers in the growing thesis. The research involved Students’ Union with a Teaching Canada and abroad for numerous Indigenous communities. field of adaptive hypermedia, where 25 years of collaboration with Excellence Award in 2017. papers in high-impact journals. The awards are presented hyperlinks offered to a user are Analogic Canada and Dr. John Among Rayan’s far-reaching annually to faculty and research based on a model of that person’s Rowlands (PhD) at the University initiatives has been establishing Sarath Peiris is a former USask community members to recognize preferences, goals and knowledge. of Toronto. the interdisciplinary Centre for communications specialist and their significant contributions to She was awarded the College of Arts About 70 per cent of mammog- Quantum Topology and Its Appli- Saskatoon-based freelance writer.

NEWS.USASK.CA 3 Celebration of Teaching MASTER TEACHER AWARD Here are the 2021 recipients of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) teaching awards. The award winners were announced at the Celebration of Teaching event in April, hosted by the Gwenna Moss Centre for Teaching and Learning.

PROVOST’S COLLEGE AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING TEACHING DR. LEE SWANSON (EDD) EDWARDS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Dr. Lee Swanson (EdD) has been a professor in management and marketing in the Edwards School Business at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) since 2008. He has become the lead entrepreneurship scholar and teacher and has impacted the curriculum, culture, and outreach of Edwards and has published teaching and research materials that have impacted the teaching DR. RANDY KUTCHER (PHD) DR. ULRICH TEUCHER (PHD) DR. JORY LONGWORTH (DMD) DR. LAUREEN MCINTYRE (PHD) of entrepreneurship across universities. His COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY, COLLEGE OF DENTISTRY COLLEGE OF EDUCATION championing of entrepreneurship for more than AND BIORESOURCES COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE a decade resulted in his Comm 447 elective being adapted into a core course. He led the development of the university-wide initiative InVenture, to provide opportunities for Edwards students and across campus to engage the entrepreneurship community. Swanson has built authentic relationships with Indigenous communities, which has impacted greatly on the school and students across the university. Through a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council-funded project titled Building Northern Capacity through Aboriginal PROF. BRANDY MACKINTOSH DR. JOEL FREY (PHD) DR. MARK EPP (PHD) PROF. ROBIN HANSEN Entrepreneurship, Swanson employed and mentored EDWARDS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING COLLEGE OF KINESIOLOGY COLLEGE OF LAW 27 graduate and undergraduate students as they worked with northern Indigenous communities. Swanson creates a unique learning environment for students, helping them map their lives forward from the classroom into their careers. Life-mapping, as he calls it, involves mentoring students throughout the learning process and for years after and ensuring they have experiential learning opportunities to enhance their skills and networks and test their aspirations. Swanson is regarded as a teacher who impacts the lives of students through mentorship that extends for years after they have taken his class. His students DR. GREG MALIN (MD, PHD) PROF. PATRICIA KING DR. KATELYN HALPAPE (PHARMD) DR. BRUCE WOBESER (DVM, PHD) assert that his commitment and personal approach COLLEGE OF MEDICINE COLLEGE OF NURSING COLLEGE OF PHARMACY WESTERN COLLEGE to teaching made their learning positive and AND NUTRITION OF VETERINARY MEDICINE transformative.

PROVOST’S THEMED AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING TEACHING

OUTSTANDING NEW TEACHER SUPPORT OF TEACHING GRADUATE CGPS DISTINGUISHED AND LEARNING STUDENT TEACHER GRADUATE MENTOR AWARD

DR. SARAH DONKERS (PHD) DR. JOANNE LEOW (PHD) PROF. LISA KROL EMMA CHEN DR. JEANETTE LYNES (PHD) SCHOOL OF REHABILITATION SCIENCE, DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, USASK LANGUAGE CENTRE DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM STUDIES, DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH, COLLEGE OF MEDICINE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE

4 MAY 14, 2021 Every month in On Campus News, we highlight exceptional graduates of the University of Saskatchewan (USask) in our Alumni Spotlight series. In this issue, we profile Dwayne Drescher (BEd’16), who teaches Inuvialuktun to children in Inuvik.

University of Saskatchewan alumnus Dwayne (Adjgaliaq) Drescher is a graduate of the Indian Teacher Education Program (ITEP) in the College of Education.  SUBMITTED Educator honoured for giving language back to his people

JOHN GRAINGER At 34 years old, Dwayne (Adjgaliaq) I felt honoured that he respected moved back to Inuuvik to teach I’ve seen you teach people how to him to start teaching his language to Drescher is not exactly a senior my namesake so much, that he reading and writing skills to all ages skateboard. I’ve seen you teach his people. citizen. So it’s no wonder Drescher nicknamed me his grandfather. I of elementary school children. He is people how to play hacky sack. It just “Just give me a job because I was surprised when an Elder gave guess what he was saying was that Inuvialuk and teaches Inuvialuktun, comes natural to you.’” want to teach in my community him the nickname “grandfather.” there is no age to wisdom. That’s the native language of the area, at Drescher’s father laid it out to my people,” he said. “That was “I often questioned him why he what I took from it. Grandfather was East Three School in Inuvik. to him, telling him he had a gift always one of my goals—to educate would say that and he would never a wise man.” Drescher followed the teaching with language, and teaching was and to inspire my people.” answer. He was always very quiet With that trait, no one should footsteps of his father, who also something that should be nurtured. He was urged to not return and he would giggle about this,” said be surprised that Drescher, who graduated with a Bachelor of “In that moment, I kind of had home until he had experience Drescher, who lives in Inuvik with was born in Fort Smith, N.W.T., Education in 1998 from USask. an epiphany,” recalled Drescher. teaching somewhere else, but the his wife Deanna and three young and raised in Tuktuuyaqtuuq and Drescher’s Inuvialuktun name “Knowing that not many people draw back home was too strong. daughters. Inuuvik (Inuvik), was recently Adjgaliaq was passed to him from speak the language, I wanted there When Drescher did put his signature Finally, one day, the Elder presented with a Northwest Territo- his grandmother, who saw similar to be change. I wanted lots of people to the job offer to be a language provided the answer. ries Ministerial Literacy outstanding traits in him as an infant that to start learning the language.” teacher in Inuvik, he almost felt a Drescher’s nickname “grand- education award. The award is given Carpenter had shown. The name Before long, Drescher sense of relief. father” was given because he was to teachers who contribute greatly to Adjgaliaq translates into English as embarked on his teaching path “I felt like I had succeeded. This named after Freddie Carpenter, teaching and enhancing literacy in “created by hands.” Where Drescher through a local college and did is what I wanted to do.” who bore the Inuvialuktun name the territory. lives now, the local dialect translates a two-month summer program After Drescher received the Adjgaliaq. Carpenter was a well- Drescher was also the Most his name into “big hands.” through the University of award this winter, he admits to being known hunter/trapper in the Outstanding Graduate in the “Now, when people say my Alberta, the Canadian Indigenous a little surprised by the recognition. territory who often travelled from College of Education during his fall name, they look right at my hands to Languages and Literacy Develop- “I was really humbled because I Tuktuuyaqtuuq (Tuktoyaktuk) to graduation for the bachelor’s degree see if they match my name,” he said. ment Institute, before applying to know of so many educators out there Ikaariaq (Sachs Harbour) by boat to he received with distinction at the Ironically, Drescher really does USask’s ITEP program. While he that I think work much harder than trap and trade Arctic fox fur. University of Saskatchewan (USask). have large hands. He can palm a spent the majority of his youth in I do that without a doubt deserve the Dwayne’s grandmother Not only did he excel at the theoret- basketball. the Northwest Territories, he spent award far more than I.” knew Freddie Carpenter and gave ical aspects of education, but now It was Drescher’s father who a year in Saskatoon while his dad Drescher’s reaction to receiving Dwayne his Inuvialuktun name with the practical aspects as well. pointed out that teaching was was in university, so the USask the prestigious award speaks Adjgaliaq (pronounced Uhj-gul- Becoming a teacher was a something that came naturally to campus was not foreign to him volumes about his passion and ee-ak), after him. direction the USask alumnus said him. when he arrived. maturity far beyond his years— “The Elder told me I reminded came naturally to him. After grad- “He said to me, ‘You know, After graduation, he started almost like he was a grandfather. him so much of Adjgaliaq uating from the Indian Teacher Dwayne, you’ve always been a applying for teaching positions. (Carpenter), his grandfather, that Education Program (ITEP) program leader. You’ve always taught people, Drescher was eager to get going John Grainger is a communications he would just call me ‘Ataataga.’ at USask, Drescher eventually no matter what you have been doing. because it was very important to officer in University Relations.

NEWS.USASK.CA 5 UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN

TREVOR HERRIOT Honorary Doctor of Letters

An award-winning writer, social CONVOCATION justice activist and influential natu- ralist from Regina, Trevor Herriot is passionate about protecting CELEBRATION: Canadian grasslands and prairie habitats for future generations. Herriot earned a bachelor’s In this year’s virtual University of Saskatchewan (USask) Spring Convocation celebration degree with honours in English from May 31 to June 4, the university will honour more than 3,000 graduating students, from the University of Saskatch- and pay tribute to five remarkable individuals by awarding honorary degrees to Maria ewan (USask) in 1979, and was cele- the Regina Public Library. He is a brated in 2018 as a distinguished popular lecturer and speaker, deliv- Campbell, Ed Ratushny, Trevor Herriot, Dr. Bryan Harvey (PhD) and Dr. That Ngo (PhD). alumnus of St. Thomas More College ering keynote addresses on envi- USask President and Vice-Chancellor Peter Stoicheff said he is looking forward to the at USask. A celebrated author, he has ronmental and cultural topics. A received multiple awards, including passionate prairie conservationist, university recognizing the extraordinary achievements of this year’s recipients. the prestigious Cheryl and Henry The Walrus describes Herriot as “the “We are proud to celebrate the impact these honorary degree recipients have made Kloppenburg Award for Literary pre-eminent prairie naturalist of his throughout their remarkable careers,” said Stoicheff. “Their respective achievements Excellence in 2017 for his body of generation.” acclaimed literary work. His first As a writer of European span a broad spectrum of fields and disciplines, and most importantly, they have all book, River in a Dry Land: A Prairie heritage, Herriot has made it his been committed to the concept of community and service. We are grateful to have Passage earned the Saskatchewan life’s work to discover what it means this opportunity to bestow the University of Saskatchewan’s highest honour on them Book of the Year Award and several to be a settler in a place where the during this year’s Spring Convocation celebration.” national honours, in addition to land and its Indigenous people being nominated for the Governor continue to suffer under persistent Here is a closer look at this year’s recipients: General’s Award for Non-Fiction. colonialism and racism. He One of the province’s most advocates for Indigenous voices to distinctive literary voices, Herriot take a central place in all conversa- has written six books, and has had tions about land use and protection, and the rights of women and 2008, receiving the Distinguished several essays and articles published and is a member of the Treaty Land children for more than 40 years, Canadian Award in 2006, named in the likes of the Globe and Mail and Sharing Network, a group of settler Campbell opened doors for Métis to the Saskatchewan Order of Merit Canadian Geographic magazine, as land stewards beginning the crucial writers when she authored her in 2005, and selected for a National well as in several anthologies. He has work of honouring the treaties. In best-selling autobiography, Half- Aboriginal Achievement Award in produced radio documentaries for his writing and work with Indig- breed, in 1973. She has since written 1995. In 2012 she received the Pierre the CBC, is a regular guest on media enous activists to protect Crown eight books and dozens of stage Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellow- broadcasts, and has appeared in and land, he defers to those with expe- plays, including Flight, the first ship, and in May of this year was consulted on video/film documen- riential and community knowledge, all-Indigenous theatre production awarded the Saskatchewan Lieu- taries including The Nature of Things such as Elder Norman Fleury of in Canadian history and Jessica, tenant Governor’s Lifetime Achieve- with David Suzuki. USask’s College of Education, co-written with Linda Griffiths, ment Award in the Arts. Herriot has taught creative whose voice is heard throughout which won the Floyd S. Chalmers For the past 30 years, Campbell writing courses at St. Peter’s College, Herriot’s fifth book, Towards a Award for best new Canadian play has been a mentor for young people, led workshops at the Banff Centre, Prairie Atonement, telling the and the Dora Mavor Moore Award including University of Saskatch- and has served as writer-in-resi- story of Ste. Madeleine, a Métis for Outstanding New Play. She ewan (USask) students. She is dence at the Roderick Haig-Brown community forced off the land in the has also been inducted into the currently the cultural advisor at House on Vancouver Island and at 1930s. Saskatchewan Theatre Hall of Fame. USask’s College of Law and at An inspiration for Indige- Athabasca World University. Previ- MARIA CAMPBELL nous writers across the country, ously, Campbell was an Indigenous Honorary Doctor of Letters award-winning author, poet and scholar and writer in residence at playwright Daniel David Moses has USask, where she was also a lecturer homestead in Batoche, on the banks the Saskatchewan Aboriginal Justice She is a celebrated award-win- referred to Campbell as “the mother for seven years and an assistant of the South Saskatchewan River. Commission, and is a founding ning Métis author, playwright and of us all.” professor for 10 years in the College Campbell speaks three Indige- member of the Grandmothers for filmmaker but first and foremost, Campbell’s contributions to of Arts and Science. nous languages—Cree, Michif and Justice Society, a group of Indige- Elder Maria Campbell prefers to be community and culture have earned Campbell, born in Prince Saulteaux—and has had her books nous grandmothers who brought known as a community worker. her multiple major awards and Albert National Park, celebrated her translated into German, Chinese, attention to and advocated for an A dedicated volunteer, activist accolades, including being made an 81st birthday on April 26. She spends French, Italian, Spanish and inquiry into the freezing deaths of and advocate for Indigenous rights Officer of the Order of Canada in her summers at the old Dumont Catalan. She serves as an Elder on Indigenous men in Saskatchewan.

6 MAY 14, 2021 UNIVERSITY OFUSASK SASKATCHEWAN CONVO in the 1960s opened up a whole new patients to this day. establishing the That Ngo Fund for and four cookbooks, in addition to CELEBRATION: world of opportunity. Ngo went on to earn numerous Study Abroad in the College of Arts authoring his 2013 memoir titled Barred from applying to state awards and honours, including being and Science. Ngo’s endowed fund Chinese-Indonesia: An Odyssey schools back home in Indonesia by named a fellow of the American provides financial support for USask through Racism, Ethnicity and the Suharto regime military dicta- Institute of Chemistry, the National students who want to have the chance Science. The autobiography is his torship, Ngo headed overseas to Academy of Clinical Biochemistry, to experience international learning deeply personal account of leaving Saskatoon where he would graduate and the Royal Australian Chemical opportunities, as he did 55 years ago. his home in Indonesia in search of with honours in 1970 and earn his Institute, as well as earning the Ngo has also become a prolific new opportunity in Canada, and PhD in biochemistry in 1974 at Society of Chemical Industry Merit writer of poetry, newspaper articles finding his future at USask. USask. Ngo went on to become a Award. Ngo was named a member celebrated biochemist, researcher of the American Association of scientist and innovator, serving as Clinical Chemistry, and earned the the Office of the Vice-President president and CEO of a number of 1992 Most Innovative Biotechnology Research at USask, serving as co-or- companies in Canada, the United Product award by the University of dinator of agriculture research, States and China, including firms California-San Diego. acting vice-president research, that he founded. Ngo published In 2016, he was selected one and special advisor to the VP-re- more than 140 researcher articles, of the College of Arts and Science’s search. Harvey was also the author edited seven books, and went on to Alumni of Influence, and in 2020 of eight books and book chapters hold 14 different industry patents. received the Honoured Supporter on cultivar development, and close Ngo was the co-inventor of Award from the Saskatoon chapter to 50 refereed journal publications THAT NGO the Ngo-Lenhoff Assay, a ground- of the Association of Fundraising during his prolific career. Honorary Doctor of Science breaking technological procedure Professors. A popular guest speaker, Harvey’s efforts earned him that benefits diabetes patients Ngo has delivered numerous multiple awards and accolades, Studying abroad at the University worldwide. The development led to national and international lectures. including being appointed to the of Saskatchewan (USask) changed the home-based OneTouch blood Now retired and living in Cali- Order of Canada in 2007, recog- everything for Dr. That Ngo (PhD), glucose test that became the industry fornia, Ngo continues to open doors nizing his lifetime of outstanding whose decision to leave Indonesia standard and is still used by diabetes for other enterprising students after achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. He was inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of BRYAN HARVEY Fame in 2020, and was one of only He received his Bachelor of Canadian government today. Honorary Doctor of Science 57 Saskatchewan residents to receive Arts in 1964 and law degree in 1965 In 1990, the Canadian Judicial the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond at the University of Saskatchewan. Council retained him regarding the A world-renowned barley breeder, Jubilee Medal in 2012, awarded in He articled and briefly practised questionable conduct of appellate Dr. Bryan Harvey (PhD) spent four recognition of significant contribu- law in Saskatoon before pursuing judges in the matter of the wrongful decades contributing to the field of tions to Canada. graduate studies and his lifetime conviction of Donald Marshall Jr., plant science and to the Canadian Harvey was inducted into the career as a professor. and Ratushny continued to serve agriculture economy through his Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall In some respects, his career as advisor and counsel regarding work with the Crop Development of Fame in 2006, and received the has been unique in its diversity, but federal judicial conduct for more Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan Order of Merit in always had the common pattern than 25 years. His book on Self-In- Saskatchewan (USask). 2005. He earned honorary lifetime of extending academic research, crimination has been cited frequently During his time at USask memberships from the Saskatch- writing and expertise beyond the by the Supreme Court of Canada starting in 1966 until his retirement ewan, Alberta and Canadian classroom and journals, to provide and his award-winning book The in 2005, Harvey bred or co-bred Seed Growers Associations and expert advice and guidance to a Conduct of Public Inquiries appears more than 60 varieties of barley, the Saskatchewan Agricultural broad range of public institutions. frequently in commission reports. leading pioneering research that Graduates Association, and has He became a trusted advisor to He established one of Canada’s benefitted the brewing industry in received fellowships in the Agricul- public servants, administrative first courses on sports law and has North America, Latin America, Asia tural Institute of Canada, the Crop tribunals, cabinet ministers and acted frequently as an arbitrator and South Africa. His work contrib- Science Society of America, and the Chief Justices from across Canada. in amateur sports issues such as uted significantly to Canada’s American Society of Agronomy. ED RATUSHNY In turn, these symbiotic relation- doping. He has contributed signifi- leading role in world malting barley Harvey earned an Alumni Honorary Doctor of Laws ships imported broader experi- cantly to women’s hockey develop- exports and resulted in hundreds Achievement Award from the ence and deeper understanding ment and is a certified NHL hockey of millions of dollars in trade each USask Alumni Association and Professor Ed Ratushny was born into Ratushny’s classrooms and his agent, and was retained by the year. Two of his barley varieties, an Outstanding Contribution to and raised in Kamsack, Sask., in related academic writing. NHLPA during its transition from Harrington and CDC Copeland, Industry Award from the Canadian a vibrant community 20 minutes When his USask College of the Alan Eagleson regime. earned Seed of the Year honours in Seed Trade Association and the from the family cottage at Madge Law Dean, Otto Lang, became His professional achievements 2009 and 2019, highlighting their Master Brewers Association. The Lake. He describes his childhood as Canadian Minister of Justice, he have been recognized by the Order importance in the seed industry and Canadian Seed Growers Associ- idyllic, playing high school football, saw the void of any rational process of Canada, the Order of Ontario, to crop production in Canada. ation presented Harvey with the curling and basketball, as well as or support structure for assessing an honorary doctorate from the The highly regarded professor Clark-Newman-Clayton Award for local senior hockey and baseball the suitability of potential judicial Ontario Law Society and a variety emeritus also served as assistant for exceptional contribution to teams. He played saxophone in a appointees. He created the position of other prestigious awards. He has dean of the College of Agriculture, Canadian pedigreed seed produc- dance band (including university of Special Judicial Advisor to the also been the Canadian represen- director of the CDC and chair of tion and he received the Presiden- summers) that covered his univer- Justice Minister and appointed tative in legal events around the the Department of Horticulture tial Award from the Crop Science sity expenses. Ratushny to a role that continues in world. Science. Harvey later moved into Society of America.

NEWS.USASK.CA 7 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE USask graduate values interdisciplinary research I knew that I definitely wanted to honoured with the Best Thesis Prize said. “I ended up continuing the pursue music and mathematics, but in Mathematics (Interdisciplinary) toxicity project for my computer I had also recently taken a computer from the Department of Mathe- science honours research, and just

USASK CONVOCATION science class and really loved it, and matics and Statistics. Her thesis finished writing a paper about that.” 2021 I couldn’t envision myself giving was co-supervised by Dr. Steven Outside of her busy academic it up,” said Reid, who was born in Rayan (PhD), from the Department schedule, Reid still found time Saskatoon and raised in Yorkton. of Mathematics and Statistics, and to perform as a member of the “As luck would have it, I found some Dr. Jennifer Lang (PhD), from the Greystone Singers choir, the information on the USask website Department of Music. Saskatoon Opera chorus, and the about their second-degree program, “My thesis was about the USask concert band, as well as to which meant that I could do both different ways we can mathemat- enrol in ballet classes. She is grateful a BMus and a BSc double honours ically model the singing voice— for the guidance and support she degree at the same time, which was basically, how we can either received throughout her studies perfect for me.” represent what is going on physi- from Rayan, Lang and Mandryk, as “I’ve always felt like there are cally when someone sings, like the well as from her voice instructor, Dr. a lot of connections between these movement of their vocal folds, or Garry Gable (DMA), and pianist and three areas, though sometimes how the sound waves produced vocal coach Kathleen Lohrenz Gable. people find that surprising,” she during singing can be modelled “I would say the best part added. “But really, there is structure directly,” Reid said. “These models about studying here was being able to music that can be expressed can be useful for a lot of things, to pursue all the things I love in a through mathematics, especially like understanding voice patholo- really supportive environment,” when it comes to music theory and gies, as visualization tools for voice said Reid. “I was able to work with the nature of sound itself. And there pedagogy or even to create sound great professors and research super- are many ways to be creative in both effects and totally artificial singers. visors, and I met a lot of talented math and computer science, even So, it is important to understand and passionate students who just by figuring out how to solve how the different types of models helped to inspire me to do my best.” interesting problems. So I think it work and which are best suited to After receiving her degrees, has been very rewarding to study different modelling tasks.” Reid plans to continue performing all three areas, and further explore Another highlight of Reid’s and singing whenever she can. She some of the connections between undergraduate experience was will also begin a master’s degree in them.”Reid, who first became a working as a summer research computer science at the University USask student in 2015, has excelled assistant in the lab of Dr. Regan of British Columbia, with a focus on Elizabeth Reid is graduating with a Bachelor of Science double  SUBMITTED throughout her studies. She has Mandryk (PhD), a faculty member HCI, in the fall. honours degree in computer science and mathematics, made the Dean’s Honour List and in the Department of Computer “I really like interdisciplinary and a Bachelor of Music individualized degree in voice. received numerous scholarships and Science, in 2018, 2019 and 2020. research. There are so many awards—the David L. Kaplan Music Reid had the opportunity to work overlaps between different subjects SHANNON BOKLASCHUK Scholarship, the James G. and Edith on several projects in the lab related that are just waiting to be explored, Elizabeth Reid has “always been cation with a Bachelor of Science Duthie Memorial Scholarship, the to the field of human-computer and seeing how it all comes together interested in a lot of things,” double honours degree in computer Judy Peachey Memorial Scholar- interaction (HCI), including one is very rewarding,” she said. “I also including both the arts and science. science and mathematics and a ship, and the Linda Carmichael that involved gamifying cognitive believe that you can learn a lot from That made choosing a single Bachelor of Music individualized Recognition Award for Women in psychological tasks. other disciplines, like new ways to major at the University of Saskatch- degree in voice. Computational Sciences—as well as “Last summer I started solve problems or think about the ewan (USask) a difficult task—so she “When I was in Grade 12 and Natural Sciences and Engineering working on a project about toxicity world.” didn’t. Instead, Reid—who opted trying to decide what I wanted to Research Council of Canada under- in games, specifically how we can to pursue two degrees in USask’s study in university, I had quite a hard graduate student research awards in use machine-learning techniques to Shannon Boklaschuk is College of Arts and Science—is set time narrowing my interests down 2018, 2019 and 2020. identify toxic behaviour automat- a communications officer in the to graduate during Spring Convo- to choose just one or two subjects. In April 2021, Reid was also ically from voice chat data,” Reid College of Arts and Science.

8 MAY 14, 2021 COLLEGE OF NURSING Becoming a mom while completing a nursing degree degree,” she said. “Jackson was sick a around with,” said Chase. “Luckily, lot and it made for some long nights, I have a very supportive spouse and but my classmates were always friends and family who were able to willing to work around my schedule. visit and alleviate some stress for USASK CONVOCATION 2021 I remember one night, a classmate me, while completing my program. came over to study and my son had Although there was lots of studying been crying and unwilling to sleep. I and homework, I still managed to was exhausted, so my classmate held find a way to prioritize family time.” him for the majority of our study Now that her degree is complete, session. My instructors were also Chase has to balance being a mom very understanding and as long as I and trying to study for the national was transparent about missing class, licensure exam to become a regis- they would send me the class notes.” tered nurse (RN). Chase is thankful for the USask “I am not writing until after Access & Equity Services (AES) the summer, as my spouse will be program that helped her complete away for work. My full-time job this her degree. summer is being a mom to Jackson.” “During the last part of my Once she passes her exam and pregnancy and into Jacksons first becomes an RN, Chase hopes to eight months, I needed the AES work in community or home care/ program to help get me through. palliative nursing. One day when I was trying to write “I cannot say enough about my a final exam, I had to rely on an nursing school experience with the invigilator, who was set up through USask College of Nursing through AES, to play with him in the room Parkland College,” she said. “It was while I wrote my final.” a great program to make friends, Although it definitely made as you all know what you’re going Yorkton nursing student Veronica Chase with her son Jackson and spouse Dominick.  SUBMITTED her post-secondary experience through as students and those difficult at times, becoming a mom friends can support you in ways KYLIE KELSO has helped her think differently as a others cannot. It feels like it’s been “The nursing program is difficult on school, but I was too reluctant to “The nursing program is a chal- nursing student. a long journey and of course mine its own, let alone becoming a first- register. Thank goodness my friends lenging one, so I wasn’t sure how “I was able to offer a different was a bit different than others, but time mother in the middle of it.” decided to apply for me and help me everything would turn out,” said view in some situations, as I was my classmates are some of my best For Veronica Chase, that has through the registration process, or Chase. “I had a lot of breakdowns, able to see the family and patient friends and I’m so grateful for the been the challenge she has faced my university journey would have stress, and exhaustion in school perspective, as I had been a patient opportunity to have completed head-on for the past four years. never begun.” before I had a baby. It was heavily only a few months prior. During this program with some of the best Chase grew up in a house where Chase has just completed her exacerbated having a newborn who my obstetrical rotation, I had class- future nurses I know!” her mom was a nurse and her dad Bachelor of Science in Nursing was colicky and thought sleep was mates asking for advice on how to Is Chase done with school? was a physician. Working previ- (BSN) degree through the Univer- unnecessary.” hold newborns or take care of their She would love to become a nurse ously in the hospitality industry, sity of Saskatchewan (USask) Chase credits the smaller class specific needs. It was nice to be able educator one day. she loved making a difference for nursing program at Parkland sizes in Yorkton and her under- to facilitate some of my classmates “I always enjoyed training in people and taking care of them. College in Yorkton. standing instructors for her ability learning, outside of the academic my work places and I think teaching That’s when she decided she wanted During the pre-professional to complete the nursing program, side of things.” others is a great way to reinforce to become a nurse. year of university, she found out she while becoming a first-time mom. “The USask College of Nursing your own learning.” “Helping people has always was expecting. Her little boy Jackson “It was because of my holds themselves to high standards been important to me,” said Chase. was born during her first year in the supportive classmates and instruc- and the workload in the BSN Kylie Kelso is a communications “I knew I wanted to go to nursing nursing program. tors that I was able to finish my program is not something to mess officer in USask’s College of Nursing.

NEWS.USASK.CA 9 COLLEGE OF MEDICINE Graduating medical student ready to start residency

way I wanted to go.” and education works.” Initially from Swift Current, When entering the college, first- Arwini decided to pursue medicine year medical students are paired at the USask College of Medicine with students in years above them in USASK CONVOCATION Regina campus, located at the a peer-to-peer mentorship program. 2021 Regina General Hospital. Studying After her participation in the in the Queen City allowed closer program as a mentee, Arwini took proximity to her family and offered on the role of mentor throughout additional opportunities. Each year her second and third-year. approximately 40 out of a class of “Your idea of medical school 100 medical students study at the before coming in, and actually being Regina campus. in medical school, is completely “I really liked the idea of different,” Arwini said. “It’s really connecting with a smaller group nice to be able to go through those of people, and the available oppor- experiences in Year 2 and 3 as tunities for hands on-training and you start being with a mentor, get getting to know your preceptors and to know your mentees and their other health professionals,” she said. interests.” During her first year of medical As a fourth-year student, she school, Arwini volunteered with also had the opportunity to mentor the Student Medical Society of learners as they entered their Saskatchewan (SMSS) as one of the clerkship in Year 3. class-year representatives. “I try to listen and really try to “You get to know your class- hear where they’re coming from and mates, you get to advocate for them try to offer advice that makes sense,” and get to know the faculty and how Arwini said. “I really enjoyed being the College of Medicine works,” she a mentor and giving back in that said. sense.” In Year 2, she took on the role Arwini looks forward to her of SMSS Vice-President Academic, upcoming residency with the  SUBMITTED which focuses on student interests Department of Obstetrics and Gyne- Regina-based medical student Balsam Arwini is set to graduate at USask’s virtual Spring Convocation celebration. from an academic point of view, cology in Regina and has advice for including navigating challenges like the incoming cohort of medical changing requirements for students students. KRISTEN MCEWEN in the medical education program, “Don’t be afraid to try new Fourth-year Regina-based medical a combination of my interest in communities throughout Regina, learning concerns, personal circum- opportunities or new initiatives,” student Balsam Arwini has always science but also seeing how people and worked with families of victims stances, and ensuring student voices she said. “You may think you might been interested in learning about have been affected by different who have experienced intimate are heard. not be suited for the role, but it will science and advocating on the behalf factors in their lives and improving partner violence. “You get to know where be helpful for you in finding out of others. their quality of life,” she said. Through working with vulner- everybody comes from, the different what physician you want to be and As she prepared for Spring Arwini discovered her love of able populations, she learned about issues that happen in their lives, what you want to do, in addition to Convocation with the University of science and biology in high school people’s stories and the factors that my classmates would come to me,” providing care for patients.” Saskatchewan (USask) Class of 2021, and went on to earn a biochemistry impacted their day-to-day lives. Arwini added. “It’s a really nice Arwini reflected on what brought degree at the University of Regina. “I wanted (a career) that could experience to gain their trust and Kristen McEwen is a her to the path of medicine. While completing her education, put those two together,” Arwini help them as much as I could with communications co-ordinator “Coming to medicine has been Arwini volunteered in different said. “At the time, medicine was the my knowledge of how the system in USask’s College of Medicine.

10 MAY 14, 2021 COLLEGE OF LAW

Archer Bell: From reality TV to completing his law degree

there and leading a Western life. “I still try to meet with my I wanted to completely immerse friends and classmates in as safe a myself and learn.” way as possible. The other day we Since moving back to Saskatoon, biked downtown and went for a walk USASK CONVOCATION Bell has remained connected to the down by the river,” he said. “We’ve 2021 Chinese community through his also held some Zoom parties where involvement with the Confucius we can all get online and chat.” Institute at USask, where he served Due to the closure of the law as student club president and helped building in March 2020, Bell is to organize Chinese language and already well aware of what he is cultural activities on campus. going to miss most about law school Following his first year of law once he graduates. school, Bell was granted the oppor- “I mean the whole experience, tunity to travel back to China after but if I had to pick one thing that qualifying to compete in Chinese I’m really going to miss, it would be Bridge—a popular reality television the law library,” he said. “I literally show in the country. He finished spent more time there than I did in top 10 among 150 students from 122 my own home. I love that place, and countries in the competition that I think that’s a common sentiment tested participants’ knowledge of across the law school populace.” Chinese language, poetry, history, “In general I’ve just had such geography and more. a great experience,” he added. “So Bell’s other involvements many professors have made a really in law school have included profound impact on my life, espe- working as a teaching assistant cially professors like Michaela Keet in the legal research and writing who just go above and beyond. I  SUBMITTED course, competing as part of the didn’t have that experience in my After learning Mandarin and becoming a reality TV star in China, Archer Bell is now completing his law degree at USask. Kawaskimhon and International undergraduate degrees. So many Academy of Dispute Resolution faculty members at the College of moot teams, and participating in Law take the time to connect with SARAH TREFIAK  the 2020 Global Negotiation Confer- students and make it a great experi- On June 2, 2021, Archer Bell will when each Sunday he would go to a “I originally applied to go for ence where he and his teammates ence. I’m going to miss that.” graduate with a Juris Doctor degree local Chinese school for three hours one year, but I ended up just loving received the top honour of Most Bell will move to Calgary in July from the University of Saskatch- to study. it so much that I stayed and finished Constructive Team. where he will spend the next year ewan (USask) College of Law, the “I really loved the language,” he the rest of the program,” he said. Bell, along with most other articling at Stikeman Elliott LLP. culmination of a global academic explained. “I’ve taken a few different Along with focusing on his graduating students at USask, At the moment, he is still unsure of journey that took him overseas to language classes, but Mandarin language studies, Bell taught completed his final year of studies which area he would like to practice earn a degree in Mandarin from the really stuck.” English to children and worked as completely online. While at first he in, but he looks forward to experi- University of Xiamen, and featured During his undergraduate a translator and interpreter while was optimistic things would return encing the wide range of opportuni- a return trip to China to become a studies at USask, a professor in China. He also made an effort to to normal within months, he has ties that await him at the firm. reality TV star. suggested the idea of moving to and integrate himself in Chinese culture learned to temper his expectations Bell began learning the Chinese studying language in China as a way and society as best he could. and make the best out of a less-than- Sarah Trefiak is the communications language when he was 15 years old, to become fully fluent in Mandarin. “I didn’t want to just be living ideal situation. officer in the USask College of Law.

NEWS.USASK.CA 11 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND BIORESOURCES: Budding plant scientist thrives in USask PhD program

said Taye. “I was looking to match In January 2021, Taye success- my academic goals with a place fully defended his PhD thesis, titled where I can raise my young family— Beneficial Plant-Microbe Interaction only Canada and USask provided in Agroecosystems: Deciphering the USASK CONVOCATION that. At USask, there is opportunity Rhizosphere Microbial Community 2021 for everyone to excel.” in Field Grown Brassica napus L. Taye made the journey to Canada His research into the rhizosphere in 2016, with his wife Kalkidan, son bacterial community will provide Amen and daughters Haleluya and insights to design new strategies Barkot joining him later in 2017. that combine both biocontrol and “My international travels breeding approaches to address throughout my academic journey challenges in canola production and have shaped my world view and other agricultural challenges. crafted me, said Taye. “I believe this Although unsure about will be my children’s experience as defending his thesis online, Taye’s well.” defence went well—very well. He was met with innova- “My PhD thesis defence tive learning methods at USask. was one of my best presenta- Automated Agricultural Analysis, a tion experiences,” said Taye. course led by professors involved with It was so good that Taye was P2IRC, brought together computer nominated for a USask PhD Thesis science, engineering and plant science Award. He also received the 2019/20 students for the first time. award for the Outstanding PhD “This collaborative courseStudent in the Department of Plant broke down boundaries among the Sciences, the USask Teacher-Scholar disciplines and pushed students to Doctoral Fellowship, and the find common ground to tackle chal- Saskatchewan Wheat Development lenges in agriculture,” said Taye. Commission Graduate Scholarship.  SUBMITTED When the pandemic began, Currently, Taye is working as Taye was thrown into remote a post-doctoral research fellow in USask PhD student Zelalem Taye with his family; wife Kalkidan, son Amen, and daughters Haleluya and Barkot. learning, as a student, teacher and the Department of Plant Sciences at parent. He was a sessional lecturer USask. His goal is to obtain a faculty BRETT MAKULOWICH teaching PLSC 423: Landscape position. Taye’s academic journey Ecology and Vegetation Manage- has taken him across the globe and Zelalem Taye studied in Africa, Ethiopia, he discovered USask when Centre (P2IRC). ment, while writing his thesis and to his new home in Canada. Asia and Europe before making he saw a PhD vacancy posted by Excited by the project, Taye homeschooling his two oldest “I am grateful for Canada the journey to the University of Dr. Eric Lamb (PhD). Lamb was contacted Lamb, who connected children during the shutdown. and for one of the best universities Saskatchewan (USask) for his PhD. looking for students for his project him with current and previous “My advice for remote learners in agriculture—the University of Taye will officially receive his titled, Linking Soil Microbes to students in his group, to see what is to set small goals within the day Saskatchewan.” doctoral degree in Plant Sciences Crop Productivity which is under the lab experience was like. It was a accompanied by short breaks to at USask Spring Convocation, cele- the Phenotyping the Plant Micro- unique selling point he didn’t receive help with focus and to differentiate Brett Makulowich is a communica- brated online May 31 to June 4. biome theme in the USask Plant with other potential PhD programs. between work and non-work time,” tions co-ordinator in the College of Originally from Harar, Phenotyping and Imaging Research “I knew I was in the right place,” said Taye. Agriculture and Bioresources.

12 MAY 14, 2021 COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND BIORESOURCES:

Kanawayihetaytan Askiy graduate supports First Nation communities’ land management

Askiy (KA) Certificate to help with improving the quality of life.” his role as a consultant supporting Due to the pandemic and First Nations to improve environ- remote learning, Bear was able to mental issues and support economic complete the one-year KA Certif- USASK CONVOCATION development. icate, at home in Yorkton, Sask. 2021 “I realized there is a need to While his classes were online, he build capacity within First Nations still had opportunities for hands-on communities on land management learning experiences, such as and business practices,” said Bear. collecting soil samples for his “Having effective land manage- ecology class taught by Dr. Melissa ment and economic development Arcand (PhD). governance in place will allow our “The course load was well communities to grow and create blended,” Bear said. “My experience sustainable practices for future with the College of Agriculture and generations.” Bioresources and USask was very As a consultant, Bear has positive.” participated in solid waste feasi- Bear is following in his family bility studies with several First footsteps by attending USask. Nation communities. Working with “I have been honored to have Indigenous Services Canada, he my two eldest children attend meets with communities, accesses USask and while supporting my their needs, and writes reports to children in chasing their dreams, improve their solid waste manage- I realized that I’m not too old to ment. To build upon his knowledge further my education to support to help First Nations, he enrolled in my First Nation and surrounding the KA program with funding from communities,” said Bear. Indigenous Services Canada. After graduation, Bear will “My studies at USask have support Ochapowace First Nation developed my knowledge base, and surrounding First Nations in skills and leadership,” said Bear. land management and share the “I now have an enhanced under- knowledge gained from the KA  AVERY BEAR standing of government and legis- program. lation as it relates to First Nations, “I encourage all First Nations to Graduating College of Agriculture and Bioresources student Robby Bear collects soil samples for his ecology class. how the implementation of a land participate in educational programs code supports self-governance, and such as Kanawayihetaytan Askiy BRETT MAKULOWICH  proper research and business plan and USask as well as other capacity Robby Bear is graduating at Spring means “let us take care of the planning, land use planning, tradi- techniques.” development initiatives to improve Convocation with the Kanaway- land” in Cree. The program tional knowledge, resource manage- “During my classes, it became our communities for future gener- ihetaytan Askiy Certificate from examines environmental, legal ment, intellectual property law and quite clear that no matter what ations.” the College of Agriculture and and economic aspects of land and project management. region your First Nation community Bioresources at the University of resource management in Indige- Bear is a proud member of is located, there are so many similar- Brett Makulowich is a communica- Saskatchewan (USask). nous communities. Students learn Ochapowace First Nation. He chose ities with respect to Aboriginal title tions co-ordinator in the College of Kanawayihetaytan Askiy about Indigenous rights, strategic to pursue the Kanawayihetaytan and striving for self-governance and Agriculture and Bioresources.

NEWS.USASK.CA 13 ST. THOMAS MORE COLLEGE: STM graduate facing the future focused on the common good

of Education, her parents and grand- “Completing a degree in a parents attended STM, and her great pandemic year was challenging, and grandmother served as the curator at a little disappointing in the student the college. So, although from Lloyd- experience lost,” said Lucas. “Living USASK CONVOCATION minster, there was no questioning in a basement suite, isolated from 2021 whether Veronica would follow her friends, and making the best of sister to Saskatoon upon graduation. online learning, I was thankful for While Lucas started out the chance to go in person to STM enrolled in studies to become a to study and escape. Although there nutritionist, a Newman Centre (the was only limited access, I needed Catholic student club on campus) that campus experience to feel more retreat ended up changing her like a typical student.” direction. “Maintaining connections with “I realized more than anything, student clubs during COVID was I wanted to help people. I felt also a challenge, but an opportunity connection more with the sociology to get creative,” Lucas shared. “While courses, and since my existing some events had to be cancelled, electives applied, I forged ahead.” others survived by converting to Awarded a high school scholar- virtual initiatives and through social ship for social justice, and as STM’s media. It was exciting that we were Basilian Scholar award recipient still able to host from STM a national SUBMITTED  in 2019, recognizing application conference virtually—making of the student’s gifts in meeting connections with Catholic students community needs, Lucas joined from across Canada.” STM’s Service and Justice Project— “My work at Sherbrooke volunteering to serve marginalized Community Centre continued last community groups—in her first year summer amidst COVID-19 restric- JACQUIE BERG St. Thomas More student Veronica Lucas will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.  at USask. Some of these projects tions,” Lucas added. “In these chal- included services support at Luther lenging times, you become family JACQUIE BERG Care, weekly visits and card playing for many of the residents. I took Coming from a family of teachers, with her Bachelor of Arts degree in of Arts and Science. with Sherbrooke Community Centre them to appointments, was there to Veronica Lucas was always aware of sociology, with a minor in Critical “I was attracted to the overlap residents and serving as a peer listen, and shared unique learning the value of education. Perspectives on Social Justice and between the two programs, with a mentor at the college for the Service experiences.” “Educating yourself is always the Common Good. focus on the common good. With and Justice Project in her third year. “Looking to the future, I hope a good thing. Period,” said Lucas. The minor is described as “an my grandmother as inspiration, I Lucas’s college extracurric- to spend some time gathering real “You never stop learning. I found interdisciplinary course of study saw much that I could learn from ular activities extended to Newman work and life experience and then the opportunity to advance human designed to prepare students to be her, but also the areas of vulnera- Centre, STM Just Youth, Peer Health, perhaps go back to university for a connection skills in my degree most responsible critics of contempo- bility for seniors and elderly. I would STM Strategic Planning Committee, social work degree. I would like to be valuable, with many of my liberal rary societies and effective agents like to be the voice of those that reading at college liturgies, and as a social worker in long-term care to arts courses additionally serving for positive social transformation.” cannot advocate for themselves— student representative for the STM help elderly patients transition.” as important training for critical This program is co-ordinated by St. whether in areas of care, finances, or corporation retreat. Social life and thinking—helping me to under- Thomas More College (STM) at the their health,” Lucas said. human interaction—a key focus of Jacquie Berg is the director of stand and connect with people on University of Saskatchewan (USask) There is a lot of Lucas family study in sociology—became collat- communications, marketing and another level.” and can be completed in conjunc- history with STM and USask. Veron- eral damage of required COVID-19 student recruitment at St. Thomas This spring, Lucas will graduate tion with any degree in the College ica’s great grandfather was the Dean restrictions. More College at USask.

14 MAY 14, 2021 history about us and this celebration is a great vehicle for us all to learn the impact the drama department USask has had on so many people,” said Orosz. “When you are a student, you do not realize there was this history before you arrived. I have so much drama department joy listening to stories from days in the Hangar Building and what life was like here so many years ago.” Orosz, who is part of the celebrates committee organizing the anni- versary celebrations, said all are welcome to attend the online events.  SUBMITTED Current drama student James Miller 75th anniversary is putting together a website to Carla Ortiz document the department’s history, including taking Greystone Theatre photos and playbills out of storage and presenting them digitally. Attendees at the anniversary events can expect to reminisce about the past, and also hear about the depart- ment’s future plans. Orosz noted that the Depart- ment of Drama is a close-knit community because of its relatively small size. The professors get to know their students “as more than just students and, once graduated, they quickly become colleagues,” she said. “The drama department also  SUBMITTED has a great connection to the theatre Moira Day community in Saskatoon,” said Orosz. “You do not need to look online. On June 17, viewers are very far to see the leaders here in invited to attend a pre-show discus- Saskatchewan theatre are all mostly  UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, A-9682 sion with Brandon and history and USask alumni. Their training theatre scholars as they explore the prepared them to either get work at University of Saskatchewan students rehearse a play in Greystone Theatre in 1968. interconnection, similarities and established companies or take the differences between the human, leap and create their own. If it were SHANNON BOKLASCHUK  cultural and artistic responses to the not for our alumni, we would not A series of online events will be held largely followed the British model following the Second World War— Spanish flu pandemic in 1918 and to have Live Five in Saskatoon or—if in June to celebrate the 75th anni- of teaching dramatic literature as and our department was designated COVID-19 in 2020-21. we look even further back—25th versary of the Department of Drama a part of other humanities litera- as the model for university-based Brandon is one of many notable Street Theatre. These companies at the University of Saskatchewan ture courses, and confining theatre theatre training in Canada,” she Department of Drama alumni, are vital to the arts and culture in (USask). production to campus theatre said. including Alumni of Influence Saskatoon and the USask drama Established in 1945, it is known clubs or societies. We were the The drama departmentAward winners Kim Coates and department was a part of that. That as the oldest degree-granting drama first Department of Drama of the turned 75 in 2020, but anniversary Gregory Nelson. Prof. Carla Orosz, a is something to be proud of and department in the British Common- American model established in plans were put on hold due to the drama faculty member and associate something that we strive to continue wealth. That historical significance is Canada and the British Common- COVID-19 pandemic. The depart- department head, is another highly in our current students. They are the what sets it apart from its Canadian wealth,” said Day, who joined the ment didn’t want the milestone to respected graduate. She called the future, and they will be the ones to counterparts, said department head College of Arts and Science as a go uncelebrated, however, so a series 75th anniversary a huge milestone shape our city and our province.” Dr. Moira Day (PhD). faculty member in 1991 and became of virtual events will now take place in the department’s history. “Unlike the States which, head of the department in 2017. from June 1–19, 2021, including “When I started as a student in For more anniversary event information, go online to in the early decades of the 20th “Just as significantly, our Greystone Theatre performances 1999, I had no idea the history of the artsandscience.usask.ca/drama/ century, began to develop indepen- founding in 1945 corresponded with of Kevin Kerr’s play Unity (1918). drama department, nor did I know anniversary. dent departments of theatre that the establishment of the Massey The show, directed by College of I would still be a part of the depart- combined academic and applied Commission meant to bring the Arts and Science graduate Skye ment so many years later. As a rela- Shannon Boklaschuk is practical courses in theatre leading Canadian arts and performing Brandon will be performed live in tively new professor in the depart- a communications officer in to a degree in the area, Canada arts fully into the professional era Emrys Jones Theatre and streamed ment, I am still learning so much the College of Arts and Science.

NEWS.USASK.CA 15 USask scientists probe tick-borne Lyme disease

GEORGIA HURRY While most people dread dealing and other hosts. strain diversity of B. burgdorferi with ticks, University of Saskatch- In addition, many different for different regions of Canada, ewan (USask) researchers are strains of B. burgdorferi circulate Voordouw adds that the WCVM keen to work with the parasite as in North America. These strains team’s research findings may have they investigate the host-pathogen differ in their genetics, their clinical the potential to fine-tune diagnostic system responsible for Lyme disease symptoms, and potentially, their tests for Lyme disease that target in Canada. transmission from different hosts. western Canadians and their pets. Dr. Maarten Voordouw (PhD) – second from left –  EMILY JENKINS “[Lyme disease] is something Voordouw and his team want to Voordouw is also interested and his WCVM research team search for ticks near that people care about. ... They are understand the factors that explain in the effects of Borrelia infections Saskatoon, pre-pandemic in 2019. worried about ticks and tick-borne why some strains are common in on the tick vector. Parasites are diseases,” explained Dr. Maarten North America, while other strains constantly evolving and can eventu- Could the same be true for so it can infect a host.” Voordouw (PhD), assistant are rare. ally “learn” to manipulate the phys- ticks infected with the Lyme disease Voordouw and his WCVM professor in the Western College “One of the big questions in iology and behaviour of their hosts. bacterium? Voordouw believes team received financial support of Veterinary Medicine’s (WCVM) ecology and evolutionary biology is “Research has repeatedly vector manipulation is less likely for from the Natural Sciences and Department of Veterinary Micro- what explains species diversity (or shown that mosquitoes infected Lyme disease due to the constraints Engineering Research Council biology and the research team’s strain diversity): why do we have so with malaria are more aggressive on the life cycle of hard ticks. of Canada and the Saskatchewan leader. many strains of Borrelia burgdor- and bite more,” said Voordouw. “From my perspective, the Health Research Foundation. Lyme disease, the most feri in the same ecosystem?” said “[The manipulation] makes it much interests of the bacteria and the tick common vector-borne disease in the Voordouw. more favourable for the pathogen to are largely aligned. The tick wants Georgia Hurry of Summerland, northern hemisphere, is caused by His team is studying several invade the host. Parasites capable to get a blood meal so it can become B.C., is a fourth-year biology a tick-borne spirochete bacterium strains of B. burgdorferi commonly of manipulation are smarter and an adult and mate, and Borrelia student in the USask called Borrelia burgdorferi that found in Canada. By introducing harder to eradicate.” wants the tick to take a blood meal College of Arts and Science. requires a tick vector and a suitable the different strains into labora- vertebrate host so it can replicate tory mice (via tick bite), and then and persist in nature. The transmis- infesting these mice with ticks to sion cycle begins when a tick picks compare the host-to-tick transmis- up the bacterium while taking a sion success between strains, the Major funding for VIDO at USask blood meal from an infected host, researchers can gain information such as a small mammal or bird. on the “fitness” of each strain in a UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS People and companion animals are laboratory model system. accidental hosts for the bacterium, As well, their research will The Government of Canada has ment that will protect the health and respond to emerging human which can cause Lyme disease in hopefully provide useful infor- announced $59.2 million to the safety of all Canadians. Combined and animal infectious diseases humans and dogs. mation about which B. burgdor- University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) with the support from both the and supports vaccine develop- Compared to the rest of feri strains are most common in Vaccine and Infectious Disease Saskatchewan government and the ment including COVID-19,” Canada, the risk of contracting Western Canada—details that are Organization (VIDO) to support the City of Saskatoon, VIDO can now said VIDO Director and CEO Lyme disease in Saskatchewan still unknown for this region. development of its vaccine candidates begin its important work as Canada’s Dr. Volker Gerdts (DVM, PhD). is low. Blacklegged ticks (Ixodes “In Canada, there is a percep- and the expansion of its research centre for pandemic preparedness.” Part of the funding— scapularis and Ixodes pacificus), tion that the diagnostic tests are not facilities, including a National This is in addition to commit- announced April 19—will support which transmit B. burgdorferi in adequate. [These tests] are based Centre for Pandemic Research. ments made by the Province of new animal housing. In addition, Canada, aren’t common in this on well-defined strains that are “This major investment in Saskatchewan ($15 million), City of VIDO is looking to upgrade areas province. Most ticks in Saskatch- found in the eastern United States, USask’s VIDO will help Canada Saskatoon ($250,000), and private of its containment Level 3-agricul- ewan are the American dog tick and we know that we have different address COVID-19 and be well donors. The centre will expand ture facility to biosafety Level 4. (Dermacentor variabilis), which strains here in Western Canada,” prepared for future infectious disease VIDO’s research capacity and “This funding commitment is cannot transmit the Lyme disease said Voordouw. “So, we will be outbreaks,” said USask President help strengthen Canada’s response a strong signal of confidence in the bacterium. able to test whether these diag- Peter Stoicheff. “We are very grateful to emerging infectious diseases University of Saskatchewan’s ability However, the situation can nostic tests can detect the dozen for this crucial federal government including future pandemics. to deliver discovery the world needs quickly change since ticks can different Canadian strains that we support. It signals Canada’s recog- “We are excited about this to ensure health of humans and migrate to new geographic locations are working with.” nition of VIDO’s global prominence announcement as it allows VIDO animals,” said USask Vice-President once attached to migratory birds With more clarity about the in vaccine research and develop- to expand our capacity to rapidly Research Baljit Singh.

16 MAY 14, 2021 Lokombo joins elite list of Huskie football draft picks Nelson Lokombo JAMES SHEWAGA After making Huskies history, Nelson Lokombo is B.C., set a Huskie record in 2019 While Lokombo said he would now focused on his football future in Saskatchewan. by racking up 197 return yards on love to sign with Saskatchewan, four interceptions, returning two his agent is also exploring free- The University of Saskatchewan Huskies drafted this year, along with for touchdowns. After the 2020 U agent opportunities for him in the (USask) kinesiology student and offensive lineman Connor Berglof, a Sports football season was cancelled National Football League. Huskie football All-Canadian was College of Arts and Science student due to the pandemic, Lokombo ran a “Signing is the next step, but selected second overall by the selected in the third round by the 4.66 in the 40-yard dash in pre-draft right now I am kind of taking a few Saskatchewan Roughriders in the Ottawa Redblacks, and safety Josh testing this year and quickly began weeks off here and I am going to see May 4 Canadian Football League Hagerty, an Edwards School of moving up the draft rankings. what my agent says and we will see (CFL) draft on a night he won’t forget. Business student picked in the sixth “As the night approached, I had what the (Roughriders’) contract “It was just very exciting, and round by the Toronto Argonauts. a feeling that (the Roughriders) were looks like,” he said. definitely a nice night with my “Often we throw around a lot interested, so I am glad it worked When the CFL resumes— Connor Berglof family,” said Lokombo, who was of superlatives about athletes, like out,” he said. pandemic permitting—Lokombo named the U Sports defensive player tough, resilient and smart, but that Lokombo hopes to play is poised to join three other Huskie of the year in 2019. “I know fans in absolutely does describe these guys. professionally this season, while first-round draft picks with the Sask are definitely going to be happy Having their 2020 season taken continuing to work towards his Roughriders. Lokombo’s teammate with a university kid staying in the away from them and missing out on Bachelor of Kinesiology degree Mattland Riley, an offensive province. So I am excited to get an opportunity to really shine has in the off-season. Looking back, lineman, was drafted seventh overall going.” been tough,” Huskies head coach Lokombo said he is happy that he by the Roughriders in 2020 and Lokombo is one of four Huskies Scott Flory stated. “These guys have decided to study at USask and suit signed his first contract in January. to be selected either first or second fought through, they’ve battled. up for the Huskies. Meanwhile, the Roughriders also overall in the modern history of the They are humble, hard-working, “I am definitely happy with my signed free agent former Huskies CFL draft, joining Ben Heenan (first low maintenance guys and I’m so choice,” said Lokombo. “As a high offensive lineman Evan Johnson overall in 2012), Dylan Barker (first proud of how focused they’ve been.” school player, deciding to come to in February after playing three overall in 2008) and Dan Farthing Lokombo, who studied kine- Saskatchewan for university was seasons with the Redblacks, who Josh Hagerty (second overall in 1991). siology remotely in 2020/21 while definitely a great choice for me and drafted him in the first round (ninth Lokombo was the first of three training at home in Abbotsford, I’m glad that it worked out this way.” overall) in 2017.

HUSKIE HIGHLIGHTS

Chinn new Huskies chief athletics officer Cote named men’s hockey associate coach Dally rejoins women’s basketball team Stage set to resume Canada West sports Shannon Chinn has been named chief athletics Brandin Cote has been named the first Former U Sports All-Canadian Laura Dally has The USask Huskies joined all Canada West officer for Huskie Athletics at USask, effective associate coach in the history of the Huskie been named the new full-time assistant coach conference members in affirming their June 15. “It is an incredible honour to come men’s hockey team. On July 1, the former to Lisa Thomaidis with the Huskie women’s commitment to return to play in 2021/22. home and join such a historic and successful assistant with the WHL’s Swift Current basketball team. The Canada West player of During the virtual annual general meeting athletic program,” said the former U Sports Broncos joins new head coach Mike Babcock. the year helped lead the Huskies to their first May 4-5, universities approved alternate regu- student-athlete, who was director of Look Sport “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join national title in 2016, scoring 25 points and lar-season and playoff formats beginning this and has worked with the NHL, CFL, TSN, Canada an institution as prestigious as the Univer- named most valuable player. A former national fall, focusing on regional play where possible. Games, Pegasus World Cup, Carleton Univer- sity of Saskatchewan,” said Cote, who has a team and professional player, Dally earned a Resumption of play is still dependent upon sity, and is a Football Canada board member. Bachelor of Education degree. Bachelor of Arts degree at USask. public health approval in all four provinces.

NEWS.USASK.CA 17 Thanks to donors’ gener- osity, students may reuse these Engineering remote lab experience circuit boards for other classes. “Our boards are commonly used throughout a number of our classes and we have a sequence of classes that build upon one made possible thanks to USask donors another,” Berscheid added. If the class is online again this fall, the department plans to follow INALIE PORTADES a similar approach by sending circuit boards to students at home. In the beginning of the fall 2020 term, donated $25,000 to help purchase “The students all spoke the computer engineering depart- DE2-115 circuit boards for all 64 very positively about how these ment at the University of Saskatch- students signed up in the CME 341 boards helped them make the ewan (USask) faced a dilemma. class. These circuit boards were connections between what Due to the remote delivery of delivered to students and replicate the they are learning in class and classes, students in CME 341 (Logic quality and experience they would the real world,” said Berscheid. Design Using FPGAs) class could normally get in a lab on campus. In a survey sent out to CME not access laboratory equipment Alumni like Dr. Hugh Wood 341 students to collect responses on campus essential to their labs (PhD), also a retired USask engi- about their experiences with the and studies, such as circuit boards. neering professor, said he knows boards, one student stated: “I “We didn’t want to compro- the importance of hands-on honestly couldn’t imagine doing mise the quality of these labs— learning and was pleased to this year without the DE2-115 it’s very important for students help students navigate their to have that hands-on connec- labs in a remote environment. board. It provides utility and a tion with the hardware even in a “The department was quite great learning experience where remote learning environment,” concerned that students’ labora- we get to debug out code using the said Dr. Brian Berscheid (PhD), tory experience would suffer, so we physical switches and hex displays.” professor in the College of Engi- decided to work with them and find a Other students also spoked neering who teaches CME 341. way to deliver the same quality of labs highly about the DE2 boards: “I have used the board in three of Considering the increased while staying at home,” said Wood.  SUBMITTED financial challenges that some Before the transition to remote The DE2-115 is a development board containing a Field my classes. Being able to work students have faced due to the learning, Berscheid noted that the Programmable Gate Array chip that is configured by the with the physical device has made students to implement various digital circuits. pandemic, purchasing their own DE2 boards were set up and main- my lab experience a lot better … I boards was not a viable option. tained by the department’s lab would like to thank all the donors The department of computer engi- support staff, who ensure every- home and learning to the fullest, A strong sense of collaboration was for their generous contribution.” neering decided to find a source thing is ready to go for students the department provided detailed demonstrated by the students in of funding to provide at-home when they walk in to the lab. instructions online through Canvas, CME 341 as they learned together Inalie Portades is a circuit boards for students. To ensure that students are the online learning management and provided helpful tips to each communications co-ordinator in University Relations. USask alumni collectively supported using the boards at system provided by the university. other while using the boards. USask strategy supports sustainable development goals

FROM PAGE 2 and if I wasn’t part of it, they would COMMITMENT 1 is to be responsive and cutting-edge discoveries to help the campus community to create Stoicheff said it’s not surprising be leading it some other way,” he said. to the university’s social, economic, develop energy-efficient solutions, knowledges focused on designing that leaders of the University of While there’s concern that miti- environmental and cultural and to reach net zero by 2050. and implementing innovative and Saskatchewan Students’ Union gation measures are unaffordable, settings, and to influence and be COMMITMENT 3 is empowering workable solutions to sustainability approached his office in 2016 to Stoicheff said: “One way or another, influenced by them as solutions action by supporting a generation challenges. sign a memorandum of under- we are going to have to come to to sustainability challenges are of learners and achievers to shift COMMITMENT 5 standing that commits to working terms with the university being created, mobilized, and shared. is to catalyze social mindsets and expand skillsets to together to support, promote and more environmentally sustainable. change by promoting, engaging, COMMITMENT 2 is to foster an accelerate action to achieve the champion sustainability initiatives That’s going to cost more money no and supporting the sharing of entrepreneurial campus spirit, SDGs. The goal is to create new on campus—a request he was happy matter how you look at it. It’s going knowledge, expertise, and expe- and use campus operations and forms of teaching and learning to oblige and fund. to cost a lot less money if you can be community as a living laboratory to riences to effect needed social that produce engaged, enlightened, “That was a very influential strategic about it.” develop, scale up, and share sustain- changes. empathetic, ethical and empowered moment for me, when I realized that USask’s Sustainability Strategy ability solutions. The goal by 2030 is citizens. although I was saying some things is framed around five commitments, to reduce university greenhouse gas Sarath Peiris is a former USask about sustainability, the students five goals and 17 actions geared to emissions by 45 per cent from 2010 COMMITMENT 4 is to capitalize communications specialist and were really behind this commitment achieving the SDGs: levels, leveraging USask’s research on strengths by bringing together Saskatoon-based freelance writer.

18 MAY 14, 2021 INNOVATION AND EXPERIMENTATION: STRAW GAS CAR

JAMES SHEWAGA The University of Saskatchewan (USask) has a long history of exploring alternative energy sources.  DIEFENBAKER CANADA CENTRE

More than a century ago, one of the most ambitious and audacious attempts to develop alternative fuel on campus was the creation of the infamous straw gas car, a 1918 invention still on display in Saskatoon’s Western Development Museum (WDM). Making use of the mounds of straw created in the process of threshing wheat and usually burned after harvest, USask researcher Dr. R.D. MacLaurin (PhD), head of the Department of Chemistry, built a small extraction plant to power a motorized vehicle using straw for fuel.

At a time when gasoline, kerosene and coal, among others, were all being tested as the most feasible fuels to power piston engines, the straw gas process proved promising at first. USask strategy supports sustainable development goals However, the early USask researchers soon determined that the amount of usable fuel produced was too small and the mileage for vehicles powered by straw gas was much lower than other fuel options. UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES AND SPECIAL COLLECTIONS, A-2925

That early research project was abandoned a year later after USask’s unique experimental straw fuel car—the McLaughlin Motor Car Model D45—on campus in 1918. MacLaurin and three other faculty members were dismissed in a dispute with President Walter Murray over research “Universities are the engine of innovation in Canada and USask that unique USask vehicle is featured in the WDM’s Fueled by funding, leading to the “University Crisis of 1919.” The crisis has led the way in a variety of fields. New innovations build Innovation exhibit, which features a variety of early alternative aside, researching the story of this innovative investigation of on the foundation of earlier innovations. Breakthroughs grow fuel vehicles from Saskatchewan and around the world. alternative fuel sources is a fascinating aspect of Patrick Hayes’ from past efforts. Many of our present areas of expertise and position as an archives technician in University Archives and excellence grew out of work started in the first few decades.” That innovative spirit continues today in research from the Special Collections. likes of distinguished engineering professor Dr. Ajay Dalai The USask straw fuel car—the McLaughlin Motor Car Model (PhD)—USask’s Canada Research Chair in Bioenergy and “The University of Saskatchewan was created not just to D45—featured a large gas tank mounted above the roof that Environmentally Friendly Chemical Processing since 2001 educate the people of the province, but also to make life better housed the gas used to power the experimental vehicle, which —to young doctoral student Tumpa Sarker, who recently through innovation. Straw gas is but one example of exploring made its public debut on a test drive from the university discovered a method for creating better biomass fuel pellets ideas for the betterment of the wider community,” Hayes said. campus to downtown Saskatoon in August of 1918. A replica of as an environmentally friendly energy source.