ON CAMPUS NEWS news.usask.ca

JULY 9, 2021 Volume 28, Issue 11

USASK AT THE OLYMPICS In this edition of On Campus News, we take a look at current and former University of students, staff and coaches preparing to represent at this year’s Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. From defending national champion Huskie women’s coach , to of Education student Shelby Newkirk, to College of Kinesiology students Rylan Wiens and Keely Shaw, and alumna Rhonda Shishkin, USask will be well-represented on the world stage this summer.

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—3-4 — — 9 —­ — 12 — WATER SECURITY FINDING FOSSILS SLEEP STUDY

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USask research: Improving

On Campus News is published 12 times per year by University of Saskatchewan cardiac surgery recovery Marketing and Communications. It is distributed to all USask faculty, staff, graduate students and members of  KRISTEN MCEWEN governing bodies, as well as to others in the university community, related A multidisciplinary University of “With the pandemic, we found Saskatchewan—virtually met to organizations, some Saskatchewan Saskatchewan (USask) research that cardiac surgery numbers discuss how surgical care teams government officials and news media. team is working to improve recovery dropped across the province,” could maintain high quality care  SUBMITTED Subscriptions are available for $24 for patients of cardiac surgery when Clunie explained, citing there were while preserving limited resources. per year. Story and photo ideas faced with limited health care nearly 200 fewer surgeries in 2020 Clunie and Pikaluk are based in Dr. Michelle Clunie (MD) of USask's are welcome. Advertising rates are resources during the pandemic. compared to the year before. More and Regina, respectively. College of Medicine. available online or on request. Led by Drs. Michelle Clunie than 800 Saskatchewan patients “Cardiac surgery is a major type - (MD) and Ryan Pikaluk (MD), require heart surgery annually. of surgery,” Pikaluk said. “Everyone assistant clinical professors in the “COVID patients and cardiac involved on a surgical team is based methods, research and On Campus News aims to provide USask College of Medicine Depart- patients share a lot of the same looking at ways to work together to a forum for the sharing of timely audit, to improve surgical care and news, information and feature ment of Anesthesiology, the research resources – including intensive care make the most meaningful change, recovery. stories about people and events of team recently received a Saskatch- unit beds,” she added. “When beds rather than implement (changes) on By following these guidelines, interest to the USask community. ewan Health Research Foundation filled up, surgeries were cancelled their own.” health care teams and patients can (SHRF) Research Connections (or rescheduled).” The research team looked improve outcomes by taking extra - grant for their project, “Introducing A group of health-care profes- to ERAS guidelines for cardiac steps for care before, during and We acknowledge we are on Treaty 6 Cardiac Enhanced Recovery After sionals from across medical disci- surgery. ERAS is a global society of after surgery. Territory and the Homeland of the Surgery (ERAS) Best Practices for plines—including anesthesiologists, health-care professionals that focus Métis. We pay our respect to the First COVID-19 and Beyond.” surgeons and nurses from across on patient-centered, evidence- SEE COLLABORATION, PAGE 15 Nation and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. -

EDITOR James Shewaga IN CASE YOU MISSED IT WRITERS A lot happens at the USask during the weeks when On Campus News isn’t published. Shannon Boklaschuk, Ashleigh Mattern, Here are a few of the top stories from news.usask.ca: Kristen McEwen, Chris Putnam, Erica Schindel, James Shewaga, Rachel Sloane, Alyssa Wiebe.

DESIGNER VIDO vaccine waniska Centre Muir WCVM dean Pierre Wilkinson The Vaccine and Infectious Disease The decommissioning process of the A new regional centre for More than three decades after Organization (VIDO) at USask has potential pandemic field hospital Indigenous research on HIV, graduating from the Western College announced positive interim results at USask’s Merlis Belsher Place is Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and of Veterinary Medicine (WCVM), from their Phase 1 clinical trial expected to begin August 1 and take sexually transmitted blood- Dr. Gillian Muir (DVM, PhD) was for COVAC-2, VIDO’s COVID-19 about four weeks. In April of 2020, borne illness (STBBI), based at appointed the college’s dean, effective subunit vaccine candidate. The USask made the state-of-the-art the University of Saskatchewan July 1. Muir, who served as the interim data from the study multipurpose complex available to (USask), was officially launched interim dean for the past 12 months, led by the Canadian Centre for the Saskatchewan Health Authority on June 21. The waniska Centre for was appointed to a five-year term by Vaccinology (CCfV) demonstrates to house coronavirus patients on HIV, Hepatitis C Virus and sexually the University of Saskatchewan. She COVAC-2 is safe and well tolerated. an emergency basis, if necessary. transmitted blood-borne illness, is the first WCVM graduate as well Importantly, even the lowest vaccine Recently, the 120,000-square foot which will serve Saskatchewan and as the first female to be named dean dose tested significantly increased complex was being used as an , celebrated its start lived- of the western Canadian veterinary ISSN: 1195-7654 the participants’ antibody levels, immunization clinic. The facility is streamed from the Wanuskewin college. She joined WCVM in 1996, PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO. 40065156 including neutralizing antibodies home to Huskies hockey as well as Heritage Park. The centre is funded and is a professor in the Department Return undeliverable addresses to: against SARS-CoV-2. Participants basketball practice facilities with by the Canadian Institutes of of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences. UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN continue to be recruited for the two full-sized ice rinks and two Health Research and partners with Muir has served as department head MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS clinical trial in Halifax, with a basketball courts, and the Ron and community, academics and others and graduate chair, and WCVM’s G16 THORVALDSON BUILDING new clinical trial site opening in Jane Graham Science and to address the issues of HIV/HCV/ acting associate dean (research) and 110 SCIENCE PLACE SASKATOON, SK S7N 5C9 Saskatoon later this summer. Health Centre. STBBI in Indigenous communities. interim dean. Email: [email protected] FOR MORE UP-TO-THE-MINUTE NEWS, VISIT: news.usask.ca @usask

2 JULY 9, 2021 NSERC CREATE for Water Security leaves lasting impact

 CHRIS PUTNAM As a unique water security training program wraps up at the Univer- sity of Saskatchewan (USask), the program’s leaders look back on the past six years as an overwhelming success. “The students went beyond even what I and the rest of the team members ha d imagined,” said Dr. Cherie Westbrook (PhD), director of the NSERC CREATE for Water Security.  ROBIN HEAVENS  SUBMITTED The NSERC CREATE for Water Security is a USask-led initiative Dr. Cherie Westbrook (PhD) is Dr. Bram Noble (PhD) is a professor funded through the Collabora- director of the NSERC CREATE in the Department of Geography tive Research and Training Expe- for Water Security at USask. and Planning at USask. rience (CREATE) program of the federal Natural Sciences and Engi- university in Canada for water they did going into the course.” neering Research Council (NSERC). resources research—was well suited Although the NSERC Launched in 2015 with a $1.65- to lead the unique-in-Canada CREATE is ending, Noble and million NSERC grant, the program program. Faculty members from the Westbrook want to carry some provides career-focused skills College of Arts and Science, Global of its innovations forward into training to graduate students and Institute for Water Security, School future graduate training at USask. post-doctoral fellows studying water of Environment and Sustainability, “I think across campus, and security. College of Engineering, College of within the College of Arts and “What we’re trying to do is train Agriculture and Bioresources, and Science especially, there’s a real people across the broad field of water Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School opportunity to develop courses security—kind of blurring those of Public Policy all assisted with the of this nature that push students lines between research and practice NSERC CREATE. beyond the boundaries of science and helping students develop Westbrook and fellow and scholarship, and expose them Geography and planning PhD candidate Caroline Aubry-Wake  ROBIN HEAVENS personal and professional skills geography and planning professor to different career opportunities and is pictured on the Athabasca Glacier in July 2020. so that they’re ready for whatever Dr. Bram Noble (PhD) co-taught the skills,” said Noble. career in whatever sector they’re final course in the program in March For some NSERC CREATE interested in,” said Westbrook, a “I think PhD programs do a have gone on to jobs with govern- 2021. The intense one-week online graduates, the program confirmed professor in the College of Arts and great job at training us to become ments, First Nations, non-profits course featured guest speakers from their love for academia, while others Science’s Department of Geography scientists, but there’s not always an and private companies. Others industry and government. Students “realized there are other pathways and Planning. emphasis on developing the other have accepted faculty positions at were challenged to work as an that they hadn’t explored,” said Originally planned to conclude skills that we need as professionals. universities or founded their own interdisciplinary team to respond Westbrook. in 2021, the NSERC CREATE for The CREATE program allows you consulting firms. to a mock request for proposals Aubry-Wake hopes to find a Water Security has been extended to get that hands-on training that USask partnered with the addressing an issue in urban water faculty position after she completes until March 2022 due to COVID-19. is really helpful,” said Caroline , Univer- security. her PhD. However, most of the program’s Aubry-Wake, a PhD candidate in sity of Waterloo, University of “It’s just amazing to see how the “I really enjoy academia,” she activities will wind down by this fall. the Department of Geography and , McMaster University and students can respond, think on their said. “But it’s been really nice to Students in the program Planning who is nearing completion industry collaborators to offer the feet, work together as a team,” said know that I have other options and take practical courses and are of the NSERC CREATE for Water program. Students in water security Noble, a co-applicant on the NSERC that I have a network that could help provided funding to expand Security. programs at any of the partner CREATE. “I think they come away me achieve those career goals.” their skills through professional More than 60 students and four universities could participate and from a course like this and learn development training, intern- post-doctoral fellows have partic- earn a certificate of completion. that they actually have a lot more Chris Putnam is a ships and laboratory exchanges. ipated in the program. Alumni USask—the No.1-ranked to offer than what they thought communications officer in USask’s College of Arts and Science. NEWS.USASK.CA 3 The effects of climate change and population growth are stressing freshwater resources around the world.  SUBMITTED  SUBMITTED Managing water supply in changing times Population growth, climate change threatens world water security

 ASHLEIGH MATTERN people at municipal, provincial, managers to answer tough questions and national level who ensure water more easily, such as, ‘Should we let When talking about future water issues, Dr. Jay Famiglietti (PhD) says there are treatment facilities are working, the the water out of the Lake Diefen- two main concerns: Population growth and climate change. infrastructure is up-to-date, and baker reservoir because we need reservoirs are properly managed. room to store water to come?’ Famiglietti, executive director times the global rate and northern unmanaged. “What a water manager strives “Imagine if you could accu- of USask’s Global Institute for Water Canada at four times the global rate. “Over half the world’s aquifers to provide and what we as consumers rately predict the weather every Security and the Canada 150 Chair “The way we experience are being depleted. In Australia, want is a completely reliable water day, or even better, every month— in Hydrology and Remote Sensing, climate change is through water; it’s Africa, the Middle East, South supply; we want to turn the faucet then water management would be says that the water availability the messenger that delivers the bad America—literally on every on, and not worry about it,” he said. simple,” Famiglietti said. we’ve been counting on the past 50 news about climate change to your continent,” he said. “Water problems “When the water cycle becomes He added the challenge is to 100 years is changing—and the front door,” he said. touch virtually every person.” more variable with more flooding daunting when he looks at the Saskatchewan River Basin is just one Increasing world population is As the water cycle becomes and drought … water managers global nature of the problem, but he example of that change. putting even more pressure on these more impacted by climate change must make their decisions under feels optimistic when he sees how “We’re going to get less precipita- systems. and population growth, access greater uncertainty. They don’t know places like Canada are approaching tion stored as snow in the mountains, According to the United to water is going to become an what’s going to happen tomorrow, the issue. so they do their best to provide a and therefore greater river flows in Nations, there are about 7.7 billion important issue. “This government has recog- reliable water supply. But it is going the spring and lower flows in the people in the world today, and that “It’s going to pose greater nized the huge scope of the problem, summer,” he said. “The timing of number is expected to grow to about challenges for access to water for to be far more difficult for them in and that it has a bunch of smart available streamflow will change, 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in different groups, especially margin- the future.” people in research labs, universi- and the difference between the peak 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100. The alized groups, like Indigenous It is these water managers who ties and as future students. Canada and low flows, the maximum and growth has largely been driven by communities, poor communi- are on the front line of the water has wisely invested a tremendous minimum, will increase.” an increasing number of people ties, and communities of colour,” challenges the world is facing. amount of in research to help People used to think the avail- surviving to reproductive age—the Famiglietti said. “Equitable access “We’re not going to solve develop solutions to help better ability of water from sources like global lifespan was 64.6 years in the to water should be a fundamental climate change, but we can manage rivers and groundwater would early 1990s, and 72.6 years in 2019. human right.” our way through,” Famiglietti said. predict climate change and how always be reliable, but that’s no Famiglietti said there are huge, “We can make better predictive it’s going to impact Canada’s water longer the case, and that change is water-driven challenges all over the MANAGING THE WATER SUPPLY models, make better observations security down to the local level.” happening rapidly. Famiglietti notes world—places that are experiencing The pace of change is now so from ground and space. There is a that Canada is warming at twice prolonged droughts, or places rapid, Famiglietti said it poses big lot of room for improvement.” Ashleigh Mattern is a USask alumna the global rate, the Prairies at three that rely on groundwater that’s challenges for water managers—the Better models would allow and journalist in Saskatoon.

4 JULY 9, 2021 have been provided with mobility in her limbs, as well as her vaccinations prior to the Games, torso, neck and face. However, the giving Newkirk a sense of security pool proved to be her new sanctuary, heading overseas, with the pandemic as she dove into the sport and not over yet. starting setting national and world “I was able to get my second records. (vaccination) and we have great However, preparing for the protocols around masks and bubbles Paralympics proved challenging, PARALYMPIC GAMES: and daily testing, so I definitely feel as qualifying events were cancelled very confident in the protocols put in and pools closed, forcing Newkirk place,” said Newkirk, who clinched to switch to dryland training and her spot on the Canadian team by build a home gym to prepare for winning a silver medal at the 2019 the biggest competition of her life. USask education student World Para-swim Championships Canada’s 2017 and 2018 in London. Female Para-swimmer of the Year, Unfortunately, Newkirk’s Newkirk will compete in the 50m family and friends will have freestyle in the S6 category (one to watch her compete over the of 10 classifications for physical set for the Paralympics internet, with Japan banning out-of- impairment) on Aug. 25 and will country visitors from attending any close out competition in the 100m JAMES SHEWAGA Olympics and Paralympics events. backstroke—her best event—on It took a year longer than she had building,” said Newkirk, a 25-year- “When Canada withdrew, that “They are not allowing out-of- Sept. 3. hoped, but Shelby Newkirk is finally old University of Saskatchewan was the moment that I thought I country spectators, but I totally “We haven’t been able to have counting down the final days to (USask) student in the College of was going to be left behind,” said understand from a safety aspect,” competitions in so long, but based living her dream of competing for Education. “This has been a dream Newkirk, whose father, Dr. Rex said Newkirk, who will be joined on my times in training it is defi- Canada in the Paralympic Games. of mine for since 2014, when I think Newkirk (PhD), is a professor in by her Saskatoon Lasers Swim Club nitely going well and I am really Delayed a year by the pandemic, I first said out loud that my goal was USask’s College of Agriculture and coach Eric Kramer in Tokyo. “My excited to see what I can do in the Tokyo Paralympics are to make the Paralympics. The closer Bioresources. “That was a day I took parents are going to be up in the Tokyo,” said Newkirk, who has been scheduled to begin August 25, with it gets, it’s really exciting to see that off to take care of my mental health, middle of the night watching the taking part-time education classes Newkirk having her first chance to it is within arm’s reach after so long.” but I was definitely glad to hear a livestream with my grandma from remotely and has two practicums make a splash on the international Newkirk never imagined a couple of days later that the decision home.” remaining to complete her USask scene in her very first race on the global health crisis would derail a had been made to postpone. The Newkirk’s Lasers teammates degree. opening day of competition. dream years in the making, with world had to get to a place where will also be closely following her So what would it mean to come “I have been working so long Canada the first nation to pull out we had this under control and I am as she completes a journey that home with a medal? for this and it took a little bit longer of 2020 Tokyo Games, two days happy that all the safety protocols began a decade ago when Newkirk “It would mean so much to me,” to get here, but it is so close now before the International Olympic are in place now to hold this event began para-swimming after being she said. “It is something I have been that it is definitely starting to feel Committee officially postponed the and it is finally happening.” diagnosed with dystonia, a rare working towards for so long. When real and the excitement just keeps Games until 2021. All Olympic and Paralympic neurological disorder that affects I first set this goal to make it to Tokyo, I didn’t want to tell too many people just in case it didn’t happen. USask College of Education student But when it got to the point where I Shelby Newkirk will compete for Canada was ranked in the top five, top three, in the Tokyo Paralympics next month. top two in the world, I knew it was a realistic goal. It is something I have  SUBMITTED been working towards for years and I know I am so close. I just have to get in the water and race now.”

USASK ALUM ALSO NOMINATED Newkirk’s Lasers teammate Nikita Ens has also been provi- sionally nominated for Canada’s Para-swim team, which will be offi- cially announced in August. Ens, a 32-year-old former Huskie student- who earned a Bachelor of Science at USask in 2011, was provisionally selected on May 11, after advancing to two finals at the 2019 world championships. Ens, who has also set national records, lives in Saskatoon and trains with the Lasers swim club coached by Kramer.

NEWS.USASK.CA 5 OLYMPIC GAMES: Nurse, Bridget Carleton and Natalie Huskies women’s basketball coach Lisa Thomaidis Achonwa, who were not available addresses members of the national women’s while continuing to play for their basketball team during a timeout. WNBA teams. Thomaidis’ team was disappointed to finish fourth at the  BASKETBALL CANADA AmeriCup, but was happy to have had the chance to get back on the court, tinker with some offensive sets and work some new players into the national team picture. “There has definitely been some different athletes introduced into the mix while we have a bunch that are still in the WNBA, so it was definitely a different team,” said Thomaidis. “But it was certainly great to get some games in Puerto Rico so that we get a chance to evaluate and see where we need to adjust and we had time to do that. The most important part was to be tested by being in some close games and we had a number of those. So while we were disappointed not to win it, as far as the big picture, it was a good tournament.” Thomaidis leads With their WNBA stars returning and Kim Gaucher possibly re-joining the team if she wins her appeal to bring her newborn baby with her to the Olympics, Thomaidis’ team will be Team Canada to Tokyo looking to make a medal run after advancing to the quarter-finals at JAMES SHEWAGA the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janiero. So what would it mean to lead Back on March 8, 2020—just days ball gold-medal games and closing 26 to open what will be a tightly our whole team from training for Canada to an Olympic medal? before the World Health Organiza- ceremonies on Aug. 8. While the controlled Summer Olympics, with 10 days and if it happens closer to “It would mean everything,” tion declared the COVID-19 global pandemic is far from over in some strict athlete village and venue the Olympics, it could completely said Thomaidis, who took over as health crisis a pandemic—coach countries, those 17 days hold the quarantines and full pandemic eliminate an athlete, or a few, or an national team head coach in 2013. Lisa Thomaidis guided the Univer- promise of bringing back some protocols in place, and no foreign entire team. So we are taking it very “This is what we have been working sity of sense of normality to the world, fans allowed to attend the Games. seriously. We just have to stay disci- towards for a very long time. In the women’s basketball team to the particularly to the world of . However, that will be nothing new plined and know that there is a big not-so-distant past, I am not sure gold medal at the national “It has certainly been for Thomaidis’ team, which has goal in sight and we just have to be saying that would be realistic in championship. something none of us could have been in health and safety “bubbles” smart and stick to it.” any way, shape, or form, thinking On August 8, 2021—precisely imagined,” said Thomaidis. “There for months now while training It has been a whirlwind prepa- of Canadian women’s basketball 17 months later—Thomaidis is were so many unknowns when the at the Raptors practice ration period for Canada, after as a medal contender. And now, to hoping to have the chance to lead Olympics were postponed and our facility in Tampa and playing in sitting idle for 16 months between be in that conversation is really a Canada to an Olympic medal at the (university) season was cancelled. Puerto Rico. games before ramping up by privilege. It really says a lot about Tokyo Summer Games. But we have been anxiously waiting “It has been bubble after playing seven games over eight days the work that has been done to get “It would be truly a dream come for this and now, I can’t believe how bubble after bubble, so it has been at the FIBA AmeriCup in Puerto to this point, and the commitment true,” said Thomaidis. “There’s no quickly it has come. It is getting something else,” said Thomaidis. Rico in June. and dedication that our athletes and question about that.” very real very fast, so the excitement “But we all know it’s of the utmost Under Thomaidis, Canada has staff have had to this goal. So it is Postponed for a year by the certainly is building.” importance to keep our team and climbed the rankings to fourth in pretty exciting to be where we are to pandemic, the Olympic Games Thomaidis and Team Canada our staff healthy and be able to the world, but struggled at times put us in the best position possible open in Japan in two weeks on July flew overseas on July 4 and face compete. With it being a team sport, in Puerto Rico without four key to compete for a medal and we can’t 23 and close out with the basket- Serbia in their first test on July even one positive test could sideline players, including starters Kia wait to get started.”

6 JULY 9, 2021 OLYMPIC GAMES: how different groups of people will USask alumna and Team Canada physiotherapist or will not mix. We are expecting Rhonda Shishkin tapes the hand of Olympic that we will be at our Team Canada women’s basketball player . accommodations and at the basket- ball venue and that’s it. So, they are  BASKETBALL CANADA making sure we have access to TVs to see the other Canadians perform, but it won’t be like past Games where if you did have a day off you could maybe go see another Canadian team play. That won’t happen this time, but that’s what it takes to make sure we can do this safely.” Shishkin said she is proud to represent her alma mater and Huskie Athletics at the Olympics, with her work at USask helping prepare her for this opportunity. “I am certainly bringing my years of experience with Huskie Athletics to the services that I can give to these athletes and the Shishkin things that I learned at Huskie Athletics about supporting athletes and communicating with athletes, has served me extremely well at this level,” she said. “And certainly serving as physiotherapist Huskies provided me all the oppor- tunities in the world to be on these types of stages, by supporting me going to a World University Games for Olympic basketball team and supporting me when I was spending time with Basketball Canada. And that is something that I will be forever grateful for.” JAMES SHEWAGA Canada is ranked fourth in the world going into the Olympics, and She has been to the Pan-Am Games, Huskie Athletics for 21 years from women’s basketball coach Lisa an added bonus.” one of the favourites to make the Commonwealth Games and the 1997 to 2018. “I have been fortunate Thomaidis. Shishkin, who is now the medal round that begins Aug. 4. World University Games, but this to be involved with Basketball “A few years ago Lisa said they director of physiotherapy at Craven For Shishkin, helping Canada win month Rhonda Shishkin gets to Canada in the past, and have been had a training camp coming up SPORT services, left Saskatoon two a medal is the ultimate goal, but her experience the pinnacle of sport. to the Pan Am Games with them. and needed a therapist and asked months ago to begin her latest stint focus is simple: keep the athletes as The former Huskie Athletics I have been involved with Athletics if I was interested and I said sure,” with the national team, moving healthy as possible. physical therapist and University Canada and been to a Common- said Shishkin, who has known from one pandemic protocol quar- “We work with the athletes of Saskatchewan (USask) alumna wealth Games, and through my Thomaidis for more than two antine “bubble” to another. After to make sure they are as healthy will be wearing Canada’s colours work with the Huskies I have been decades through working together starting training camp at the as possible to perform their best while serving as the physiotherapist to the World University Games. with Huskie Athletics. “That door practice facility on that stage on that day,” said with the national women’s basket- “But the Olympics is different. was opened for me and I was able in Tampa, Fla., the Canadian team Shishkin. “Ultimately, if I have ball team at the Tokyo Summer The Olympics are special. When you to spend this last five years with headed to Puerto Rico to compete everybody on the court to perform Olympic Games, July 23 to Aug. 8. look at a lifetime of opportunities, them, so I am really fortunate to in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup the best of their ability and see great For Shishkin, it will be the highlight it is one that really want to have on be with this team. Basketball has from June 11-19, before returning to performances by our athletes, for of her career. your list.” been a love of mine and I feel very Tampa for final preparations prior me that’s my success. I have one job “It is coming up fast and it For Shishkin, it has been fortunate to work with Lisa, who I to flying to Japan on July 4. to do and that is to make sure that is starting to feel more real now,” a five-year journey of spending worked with at the university since “When we travel, we re-es- they are available to play each day. said Shishkin, who earned physical summers with the national team, an 1998. To be with a coach that you tablish our bubble,” said Shishkin. And if they get a medal out of that, therapy and physical education opportunity opened to her by Team know so well and that you respect “Tokyo will have really strict rules I will celebrate it as much as any degrees at USask and worked with Canada head coach and Huskie and that you work well with, is just about where you can and can’t be and athlete.”

NEWS.USASK.CA 7 OLYMPIC GAMES: USask kinesiology student dives into Olympics ALYSSA WIEBE University of Saskatchewan (USask) helped Canada clinch a second qual- further my education because I USask kinesiology student Rylan Wiens student Rylan Wiens will compete ifying spot in the 10m event in the really enjoy living in the country in clinched a spot in the Tokyo Olympics for Canada in diving at the Tokyo Olympics by earning a bronze medal Saskatchewan. I know a few of the with his sixth and final dive at Summer Olympics. at the Diving World Cup in Tokyo. older divers went through the kine- the national championships The 19-year-old College of A member of the Saskatoon siology program at USask and they on July 1 in Toronto. Kinesiology student from Pike Lake, Diving Club, Wiens starting diving had a great experience.”  DIVING CANADA/VAUGHAN RIDLEY Sask., saved his best for last at the competitively when he was only Although the COVID-19 Canadian Olympic team trials on seven years old. Wiens won his first restrictions won’t allow for his July 1 in Toronto, clinching a berth junior national title at the age of 10 family members to travel to Tokyo in the Summer Games on his sixth and stepped into the international with him, he knows they will be and final dive of the competition. spotlight in 2018 when he repre- watching on television throughout “It feels surreal qualifying for sented Canada and reached the finals the night, cheering him on. the Olympics. It was a great relief in the World Cup, the Common- “I know it will be a unique to finally achieve a goal I have had wealth Games, and the world junior Olympics, and I am excited to say since I was very young,” said Wiens. championships. that I was there and got to take part Wiens qualified for the Opportunities to dive compet- in it,” he said. Olympics for the first time by earning itively elsewhere continued to be Wiens is scheduled to compete 983.05 points to finish second to presented to him throughout his in the 10m event at the Tokyo national champion Nathan Zsom- career. However, Wiens chose to stay Olympics on Aug. 6-7. bor-Murray in the men’s 10-metre close to home and push himself and individual platform final in Toronto, teammates, helping put Saskatch- Alyssa Wiebe is the communications with both divers booking their trips ewan diving on the competitive map. and advancement officer in the to Tokyo for the Summer Games, “I chose to stay at home in College of Kinesiology at USask. July 23 to Aug. 8. In May, Wiens Saskatoon to continue diving and USask graduate student picked for Paralympics

University of Saskatchewan (USask) Shaw, who is from Midale, Sask., Shaw earned bachelor’s and candidate to be named to Canada’s graduate student Keely Shaw is has been a national team member master’s degrees at USask, and is Paralympic track and field team, going to the Paralympics. for four years and earned a silver currently pursuing her PhD in which will be announced July 22. The College of Kinesiology medal at her first world champion- exercise physiology and sports Brown was the F38 discus champion PhD candidate was one of ships in 2019. Shaw, who was named nutrition. at nationals June 27 with a throw of nine racers named on July 7 Saskatchewan’s female athlete of the Brown in consideration 28.49 metres, which met one of the to Canada’s Para cycling year in 2019, is scheduled to race Former USask Huskie standards to make the Paralympic team in the C4 class. from Aug. 25 to Sept. 3 in Tokyo. student-athlete Jennifer Brown is a team.

 JEAN-BAPTISTE BENAVENT

8 JULY 9, 2021 USask museum’s tour focuses on fossils found in local buildings

SHANNON BOKLASCHUK Did you know that Saskatoon’s downtown area is filled with fossil- ized creatures that are much older than the dinosaurs? This summer, the Museum of  SUBMITTED Natural Sciences at the University Dr. Erica Bird (PhD) manages the of Saskatchewan (USask) is encour- Museum of Natural Sciences, which aging residents to get outside and is housed in USask’s College of Arts explore this fascinating history. and Science. Dr. Erica Bird (PhD) is one of the collaborators on the On Safari Downtown Saskatoon Tour, which Natural Sciences and campus to the highlights local buildings that were public, I was looking for something built with Tyndall Stone. This type new and unique that would of sedimentary rock built up over encourage people to get outside time, trapping the remains of plants and explore the Tyndall Stone and animals that were preserved as fossils I knew we had in downtown fossils inside it. Saskatoon. I ended up finding “All the fossils are basically the and meeting Jody, and this virtual same age: 450 million years old,” said version was born. Bird, who manages the Museum of “As well as digitizing every- Natural Sciences, which is housed in thing so that the tour can be done USask’s College of Arts and Science. on a phone, we updated it with “They are all part of the Tyndall SUBMITTED  more information on the fossils and Stone, which is a limestone formed Tyndall Stone, turned the scavenger at that time in what is now known as A close-up of one of the 450-million- hunts into an app-like experience the Selkirk Member of the Red River year-old fossils embedded in the Tyndall with photos and hints and collab- Formation,” she said. “Back then, Stone in the MacMillan Building. orated with partners, like the what is now southern Saskatchewan Museum of Antiquities, to add some and southern Manitoba was covered tour, people will see nautiloids, cultural content.” in a warm and shallow sea just south corals, stromatoporoids, gastropods Bird hopes that when people of the equator. A diverse community and receptaculites. There are other see the fossils, they will come to of animals and plants lived at the fossils also found in Tyndall Stone, understand a bit more “about the bottom of this sea in a muddy such as brachiopods, bryozoans, amazing and very, very long history carbonate platform, similar to the crinoids, trilobites and calcareous of life on our planet.” For example, Caribbean today. After they died, algae, but they can be difficult to A look at the front of the historic MacMillan Building, one of the first big gastropods—inverte- they were buried in the sediment spot because they are small, less the stops on the On Safari Downtown Saskatoon Tour. brate mollusks related to snails and and, over time, they were fossilized.” common or are more susceptible to slugs—appeared on Earth around Tyndall Stone is named after the splitting when the stone is cut. see them, they will always notice late husband, Dr. William Sarjeant 495 million years ago. In compar- small community in Manitoba where Using the museum’s online them as they pass by—and it will be (PhD), a former faculty member in ison, Homo sapiens—modern-day it is found. It was a major building resources as a guide, people can a reminder that we are all part of the USask’s Department of Geological humans—have only existed for stone in the early days of Saskatoon, “hunt” for the fossils at several incredible history of the intercon- Sciences who passed away in 2002. around 300,000 years. in part because the rail line made it downtown landmarks, including the nected natural world.” “Then, in 2016, Jody Cason “Humans are such a tiny part of easy to get it here. Canada is the only Avenue Building, the Odd Fellows The fossil tour was recently with the Saskatoon Heritage Society Earth’s history and understanding source in the world for this stone. Temple, the MacMillan Building created for the museum’s website, created and printed a hard-copy that puts a lot of things in perspec- There are many kinds of fossils and more. but it has “actually been a labour guide and colouring book with tive, I think.” found in Tyndall Stone, the same “People walk by these buildings of love for many years” in various more information and fossils to type of limestone that is featured all the time, and many have told me forms, said Bird. She noted that the find,” said Bird. Shannon Boklaschuk is on buildings throughout the USask they never knew about the fossils,” original tour was created in 1982 by “When the COVID-19 a communications officer in campus. On the downtown walking said Bird. “I hope that once people Peggy Sarjeant, with help from her pandemic closed the Museum of the College of Arts and Science.

NEWS.USASK.CA 9 USask ornithologist Dr. Karen Wiebe (PhD), a faculty member in the Department of Biology, with a rare stuffed passenger pigeon dating back to 1875.

 MEDIA PRODUCTION

in incubation and hatching patterns, and sex roles during reproduction. While it is difficult for Wiebe to choose a favourite species, she is particularly fond of the northern flicker—a bird she has studied for two decades. “The flicker is a colourful woodpecker and a great example of hybridization of subspecies which exist in different plumage colours—a process called introgression,” she said. “I’ve added several unusual hybrid flicker specimens from my field site in to the department’s collection over the years. I’ve especially tried to add species from British Columbia that were missing from the collection, birds like Steller’s jay, barn owls, varied thrush—things that I find Bird collection as road kills or window strikes out here.” In the summer, Wiebe travels to B.C. to conduct fieldwork. Until the wildfires of 2017 burned down her a feather in the cap long-term study site at Riske Creek, B.C., her primary focus was on the behaviour and ecology of northern flickers—a 20-year study of a colour- for USask ornithologist banded population. “I’m now doing fieldwork on SHANNON BOKLASCHUK other cavity-nesting birds—mainly mountain bluebirds and tree A stuffed specimen of a now-extinct tragic,” she said. to add more samples. Wiebe has in plumage colour, which can be swallows—which use the approxi- passenger pigeon dating back to The passenger pigeon is one of curated the collection since she was signals of individual quality or envi- mately 250 nest boxes I’ve put up in 1875 is one of the highlights of the the oldest and rarest stuffed bird hired at USask in 1997. ronmental stressors,” said Wiebe. the area. My main research questions bird collection amassed over more specimens at USask. It is one of The collection is mainly used “On the teaching side, the study include the effects of habitat alter- than a century at the University of about 2,500 birds currently found by faculty members and graduate skins and/or skulls of birds and ation—clearcutting—on prey avail- Saskatchewan (USask). in the university’s vertebrate collec- students studying the morphology mammals are used in the labs for ability and reproductive success. I’m “There are estimated to be tion, which also includes about and evolutionary ecology of verte- upper-level biology courses to teach also studying competition for nest 1,500 stuffed passenger pigeon 3,000 specimens of mammal skulls brates. For example, tissue samples about morphological variation, sites among species of cavity-nesting specimens at institutions around and stuffed mammals. Stored in the from the toenails or feathers of adaptations and evolution of verte- birds,” she said. the world, but I’m not sure how teaching wing of the W.P. Thompson the stuffed birds have been used to brates. The biology labs are so much “In the winter, when I’m in many other Canadian universities Biology Building, the bird collection obtain stable isotope profiles, which more vivid and engaging with real Saskatchewan, I study snowy owls have specimens—certainly not very is highlighted in a new video on the are useful for determining the birds’ specimens to show students and not by tracking their movements with many. We are lucky to have one,” website of the Museum of Natural diets and geographical origins. just photographs or videos.” satellite transmitters.” said ornithologist Dr. Karen Wiebe Sciences. “I am currently using DNA As an ornithologist, Wiebe More videos featuring (PhD), a faculty member in the The bird collection was started samples from snowy owl feathers studies the behaviour, reproduc- Wiebe’s research can be found on Department of Biology in USask’s in 1917, near the founding of USask, for phylogenetic analyses and tion and ecology of birds. Much the Museum of Natural Sciences College of Arts and Science. when early biology professors began to determine genetic similarity of her work focuses on factors that website. “Passenger pigeons were once accumulating deceased birds. Since between populations and subspe- determine the reproductive success the most numerous bird species in then, it has been gradually growing cies. Bird specimens in the collec- of individuals, such as predation risk, Shannon Boklaschuk is North America and their story of for more than a century, as students tion have also been used to study food supply, and habitat and nest site a communications officer in the being hunted to extinction is very and faculty members continue fault bars in feathers and variation selection. She is especially interested College of Arts and Science.

10 JULY 9, 2021 USASK RESEARCH: Examining how therapy dogs support well-being

RACHEL SLOANE A University of Saskatchewan and comforted by visiting therapy (USask) sociology researcher is dogs. Studies have also demon- studying how St. John Ambulance strated visits with therapy dogs therapy dog-handler teams can lower people’s levels of stress and further support people—including anxiety in various settings. Therapy Indigenous people—dealing with dog visiting programs do not replace substance use concerns and/ essential health programs or services or mental health concerns when but rather complement them. visiting online, and in the future, When McKenzie began her in-person. Post-Doctoral Fellowship, her Dr. Holly McKenzie’s (PhD) plan was to study how St. John new research project is supported Ambulance therapy dog-handler by a $140,000 Banting Post-Doctoral teams support and comfort women, Fellowship. McKenzie is a commu- including Indigenous women, nity-engaged and patient-oriented who seek assistance for mental researcher and has been working health concerns and/or substance alongside her Great Dane, Opal, use concerns at Saskatoon’s Royal who is a therapy dog in training. University Hospital emergency McKenzie’s main supervisor is Dr. department. The hospital was the Colleen Dell (PhD), the Centennial first in Canada in 2016 to introduce Enhancement Chair in One Health therapy dogs to support people and Wellness, and an advisory group waiting for emergency services. that includes patient and family Due to the pandemic, McKenzie advisors, therapy dog handlers, had to adjust her project. In March health care decision-makers, 2020, St. John Ambulance suspended You can read more on the project and find results at: researchers, a Knowledge Keeper in-person therapy dog visits nation- hollyannmckenzie.wordpress.com/fostering-pawsitive-wellbeing/ and a local dog trainer. ally, with some programs, such as McKenzie said a study like this USask’s PAWS Your Stress, transi- is relevant to both Indigenous and tioning online. In-person therapy non-Indigenous people who deal dog visiting is still suspended. with mental health concerns and/or She worked with the project’s substance use concerns. advisory group to figure out ways USask professor Dr. Holly McKenzie (PhD) with her Great Dane, Opal, a therapy dog in training. MAKI FOTOS “I’m trying to make sure that to achieve similar aims to what she  Indigenous peoples’ experiences had originally planned, even though and perspectives are included in in-person therapy dog visiting was within this study is important, as Opikokew Wajuntah, and addic- when she will release her findings this project,” said McKenzie. “One suspended. research has shown that a service or tions expert Sharon Acoose. through community products like of the ways I’m doing that is taking The redesigned project focuses support that is effective for the popu- Due to the pandemic and infographics, training resources guidance from a Knowledge Keeper, on how policies, training and lation overall, may not be true for having to redesign the study, or policy checklists. She will also Betty McKenna, who is from the resources can facilitate therapy dog Indigenous peoples, who are a large McKenzie’s project has been delayed. publish the results in academic Anishnaabae Nation, Shoal River handlers’ support of people. This part of Saskatchewan’s population. She is currently conducting inter- journals. Band, and is a member of the project also considers therapy dog Other Indigenous members of views with therapy dog handlers advisory group.” welfare and handler well-being. the advisory group include patient and service providers as well as Rachel Sloane is In previous research led by Dell, McKenzie said the inclusion and family advisor Paulete Poitras, reviewing policies. She plans to hold a communications intern at the people reported feeling supported of Indigenous peoples’ perspectives health policy expert Cassandra a community presentation in the fall University of Saskatchewan.

NEWS.USASK.CA 11 vascular health, and the Heart & were able to keep a higher speed. Stroke/CIHR Indigenous Early Next was grip strength to test USASK RESEARCH: Career Women’s Heart and Brain their musculoskeletal fitness. They Health Chair at USask. had participants hold a device in Sleep plays an important role their hand and squeeze it as tightly in our health. As women enter as they were able. The device menopause, which typically happens measured how many kilograms each between the ages of 40 to 50, they participant was able to squeeze. This Sleep and fitness could experience a decrease in their was done on both hands to get an sleep quality. overall total for their grip strength. Physical activity has been asso- Participants also filled out a ciated with improved sleep among questionnaire to measure their level older people. The purpose of this of physical activity. The results from study was to determine if physical each test helped divide the partici- go hand-in-hand activity and/or physical fitness are pants into two classifications—those associated with sleep quantity and who were more fit and those who weren’t—to provide a more accurate RACHEL SLOANE quality in middle-aged women. This study recruited 114 healthy represexntation of the relationship The University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Dr. Heather Foulds (PhD) and her team women, aged 30-55 from Saskatoon, between each participant’s fitness Saskatchewan, from 2015-2019. level and their sleep experience. of students have conducted a new study which confirms the connection between Participants were classified on Both sleep quantity and quality sleep and physical activity among middle-aged women. their aerobic fitness, grip strength were evaluated through question- and how physically active they were. naires. Sleep quantity was measured The study has shown a significant Although this study was “There’s more underlying stress The aerobic fitness test was based on by noting the number of hours slept. difference between women with conducted prior to the pandemic, and more challenges,” said Foulds, walking. Participants were asked to Sleep quality was measured through higher aerobic fitness levels getting Foulds believes this research is still an assistant professor in the College walk as far as they can, as fast as they the answers the women gave in more sleep each night and feeling applicable to women experiencing of Kinesiology who specializes can in six minutes. Women who the questionnaire. The questions more rested. the pandemic. in Indigenous health and cardio- were more fit could walk farther and surrounded the ability to fall asleep, staying asleep, waking up earlier than intended, and if they felt restful when waking up or if they felt tired Dr. Heather Foulds (PhD) is an assistant or fatigued. professor in USask’s College of Kinesiology From thinking about which who specializes in Indigenous health activities are possible to do safely and cardiovascular health. and won’t put your family’s health at risk to juggling responsibilities  SUBMITTED between working from home and looking after their children, the pandemic was also relevant to the study “All of these things can contribute to a lack of sleep,” said Foulds. However, overall, the study has shown that women who are more physically active and have a higher aerobic fitness level tend to have better sleep. The high aerobic fitness group had a greater mean sleep duration of 7.04 hours compared to the low fit group of 6.61 hours after adjusting for age, Body Mass Index, waist circumference and menstrual status. The percentage of high aerobic fitness women who felt rested was calculated at 67 per cent compared to low aerobic fitness women at just 45 per cent.

Rachel Sloane is a communications intern at the University of Saskatchewan.

12 JULY 9, 2021 of operations, keeping in mind that co-ops always have multiple bottom lines.” Co-operatives are democrati- cally controlled, with each member receiving one vote. In most co-oper- atives, governance is delegated to an elected board of directors, who are chosen from the general member- ship. Co-ops in the CRS, which include grocery stores, gas stations, cardlocks, feedlots, hardware stores, and more, may be Canada’s best- known co-operative organizations, with their trademark red-and-white CO-OP logo. Because these organi- zations are responsible to thousands or hundreds of thousands of indi- Dr. Jen Budney (PhD) is a professional research associate in DAVID STOBBE Dr. Marc-André Pigeon (PhD) is the executive director of DAVID STOBBE vidual members and manage the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives at USask. the Canadian Centre for the Study of Co-operatives at USask. operations generating millions to hundreds of millions of dollars for their local communities, it is essential that they are governed well. John Stevenson, board USask celebrates expansion president of Sherwood Co-op, which serves the greater Regina area, was one of the 48 graduates of the 2021 Advanced Co-operative Gover- nance program. of co-operatives programming “Our Co-op, like all Co-ops, brings a social contract as well as a ERICA SCHINDEL financial contract to our members In May 2021, when Miranda Flury around the world were busy helping lished at USask in 1984 as the Centre (CRS) and Federated Co-operatives and our communities,” he said. received a certificate recognizing her communities meet their needs and for the Study of Co-operatives, is Limited (FCL), who all received “We as board members know that as a certified co-operative director, aspirations in areas as diverse as committed to strengthening the the Co-opD.D designation, which our communities are changing and she was one of the first 48 Canadians health, agriculture, production, co-operative sector, nationally and stands for Co-operative Director. evolving. We need to make sure our to ever receive such a designation. retail, finance, housing, employ- internationally, by providing co-op- The certificates were issued by JSGS, governance is staying relevant and Flury, the secretary of the ment, educati on, and social erative organizations and policy- a provincial policy school with representative of our communities, board of the Fort St. John Co-op services. Canada’s nearly 6,000 makers with the data and concep- unique ties to both USask and the and that includes a regular eval- in northeastern British Columbia, non-financial co-operatives and tual tools they need to continue . uation of the effectiveness of our was a member of the first cohort of close to 700 credit unions are a part developing solutions to complex Everyone who received the governance.” graduates of the Advanced Co-op- of a global movement of more than challenges facing the world today. Co-opD.D designation participated Plans are underway to expand erative Governance program, three million co-ops and a billion To that end, the CCSC in a three-day online workshop on the program to co-ops outside the offered by the Canadian Centre for members. developed Canada’s first-ever board Advanced Co-operative Gover- CRS, while also continuing to work the Study of Co-operatives (CCSC) Co-operatives are businesses director designation tailored to nance created and facilitated by with FCL on workshops designed at the University of Saskatchewan collectively owned by the people who co-operative board members. Pigeon and Budney, along with JSGS specifically for the CRS. (USask), in collaboration with the use them, rather than faraway share- “There are quite a few advanced Executive-in-Residence and former Flury, like Stevenson, found Johnson Shoyama Graduate School holders seeking returns, focusing training programs for corporate Saskatchewan Deputy Minister the course stimulating as well as of Public Policy (JSGS) Executive on member and community needs board directors in Canada, but Ken Acton. As part of the program, practical. Education unit. Within hours of before profits. none of them consider the co-op- students were required to complete “The practical takeaways I got receiving her certificate, she had “In uncertain economic times, erative business model, which has a a three-hour multiple-choice and for the co-operative board I sit on added her new designation to her co-operatives have proven to be host of governance challenges that long-answer exam, and score at least are unmatched,” she said. “I have LinkedIn profile. more stable than investor-owned investor-owned firms don’t have,” 70 per cent. already updated my governance “I’m very proud to be in the firms, because they make decisions explained CCSC Executive Director “The exam wasn’t easy!” said committee annual plan to incorpo- business of supporting co-opera- differently,” said Dr. Jen Budney Dr. Marc-André Pigeon (PhD). “We Budney. “Participants were given rate the discussions we had during tives, and the designation provides (PhD), professional research saw a need for a different kind of very complex scenarios that a co-op the workshops.” additional credibility in this space,” associate at the CCSC. “This is education, and that’s what we’ve in the CRS might face, and they had Flury explained. why interest in the co-operative created.” to demonstrate their understanding Erica Schindel is communications As the United Nations cele- movement is growing today, not just In June 2021, the CCSC issued of the role of governance in these and marketing manager with brated International Day of Co-op- in Canada, but globally.” 48 certificates to directors from scenarios and what a board should the Johnson Shoyama Graduate eratives on July 3, co-operatives The CCSC, originally estab- the Co-operative Retailing System do to ensure the long-term viability School of Public Policy.

NEWS.USASK.CA 13 USask students thrive in career transition program JOHN GRAINGER

With aspirations to be a military be what the world needs,” he said. oping many foundational skills that emergency surgeon, Mikayla RBC Regional President Kim are critical for career success,” said Steadman, a fourth-year University Ulmer believes creating connec- Turner. “None of this would have of Saskatchewan (USask) student in tivity and collaboration builds a been possible without the support the College of Kinesiology, knows solid foundation that enhances the of RBC.” she needs as much knowledge and students’ career options. She said students who have preparation as possible as she strives “RBC is fortunate to have the finished the RBC Learn to Work, toward achieving her dreams. University of Saskatchewan as an Work to Learn program have come “I knew the skills I needed to innovative partner and friend in away with a sense of growth and are build upon were along the lines of preparing Canada’s next genera- ready to tackle a real career after leadership and knowing how to tion of leaders for a dynamic future graduation. deal with different situations,” said that awaits them,” said Ulmer. “We “Additionally, the experience Steadman. feel strongly that it is important has helped them identify career Much like Steadman, David USask students Mikayla Steadman (left) and David MacTaggart. SUBMITTED to not only give back, but show up paths, become more skilled in the MacTaggart, a current USask in meaningful ways, contributing process of getting a job, and ease graduate student, knew he needed to however we can.” into work,” said Turner. develop specific professional skills opment, practical work experience quite universal because we’re all so Nancy Turner, director of Both Stoicheff and Ulmer as he moved into the Department and mental well-being supports different.” teaching and learning enhance- believe students will leave the of Plant Sciences master’s program and services, the initiative aims to The successful pilot program ment at USask, has been thrilled program positioned to succeed in the College of Agriculture and help break down the barriers facing began with an initial $300,000 with the program thus far, having in their future endeavours, and Bioresources to eventually work in young people. investment from RBC, and over had the opportunity to work closely Steadman knows she has an the agriculture industry. The RBC Learn to Work, Work the two-year period, the program with many of the staff and students advantage over others because of her “My primary interest is to Learn program is designed to reached more than 2,000 students. involved. participation in the program. communication and agriculture and give students a taste of life in the Building on that success, RBC “This program has been very “I would say to RBC, thank you being able to get messages across to workplace before their university has since generously committed $1 well received by students and our very much for the opportunity of our farmer audiences, so they can classes are over, while at the same million to expand the program at industry partners alike, adding to participating in such a wonderful adopt innovation faster and in a way time building transferrable skills USask to students in other colleges. and amplifying the skills acquired program. I believe it has improved that’s meaningful for their farm,” like communication, collaboration “RBC has been a committed during employment and devel- my life greatly.” said MacTaggart. and enhanced critical thinking that partner and long-time supporter of Through their professors, both would ultimately lead to improved the University of Saskatchewan and Steadman and MacTaggart heard employability. our students,” said USask President about a pilot program called the Upon completion of the Peter Stoicheff. “At the core of their RBC Learn to Work, Work to Learn program, Steadman worked at a generosity has been a desire to see Because of this generous gift, USask is program, which had been initiated Saskatoon seniors’ care home, while our students succeed.” expanding the RBC Learn to Work, Work to Learn through a partnership between MacTaggart landed a position with Stoicheff believes the universi- program to more colleges to be able to reach USask and RBC Future Launch in Bayer Crop Science at a field site in ty’s role is to provide students with 2019. rural Saskatchewan. the knowledge and skills they need more students across the university. To find out RBC Future Launch is a “It helped me to develop that to succeed after graduation and go more about the program, contact Program Lead 10-year, $500 million commit- confidence to be able to communi- on to make a difference in commu- Alicia Wehrkamp at [email protected] ment to empower Canadian youth cate effectively with those people nities, both here and around the for the jobs of tomorrow. With a that I work with,” said MacTaggart. world. focus on networking, skills devel- “And I think that’s a skill that’s “In that way, our students can

14 JULY 9, 2021 Collaboration for knowledge translation

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The multidisciplinary team improving the preparedness of the decided to focus on five key recom- patients for their heart surgery will mendations to educate surgical improve the patient experience and health-care professionals and outcome.” cardiac patients. The guidelines With nearly $7,000 in funding focus on surgical care steps, such from SHRF for knowledge transla- as removing breathing tubes earlier tion, matched by funding from the than six hours, managing pain with Department of Anesthesiology and alternative painkillers to opioids, in-kind contributions from medical mobilization, fluid management experts, the research team intends and pre-habilitation—ensuring to create and distribute educational patients improve nutritional defi- tools on the benefits of ERAS to ciencies, understand the impor- health-care workers and patients tance of stopping smoking, diabetes across the province. These tools control and and learn about pain will include education sessions for Dr. Ryan Pikaluk (MD) is an goals and expectations. physicians and nurses, an online assistant clinical professor in Having received training in platform to host information, as the USask College of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology. implementing ERAS guidelines well as animated videos to explain with general surgery in Regina, the benefits and impact of cardiac Pikaluk has had experience imple- ERAS guidelines. menting ERAS, such as decreasing The cardiac surgical patients centres, however the collaboration the time patients are taking to wake in Saskatchewan were “impacted between health care teams in both up, decreasing and changing medi- in care delivery due to lack of ICU cities allows the functionality of a cations to manage patient pain. capacity at tertiary sites,” said Lori bigger centre. Cardiac surgeon Dr. John Garchinski, provincial executive “I don’t know of another Tsang (MD), an assistant professor director of Tertiary Care at the place in Canada that exists like in the Department of Surgery and a Saskatchewan Health Authority. this,” Pikaluk said. “To have our key supporter of the project, noted “This project will help drive our teams in smaller separate cities he has observed ERAS projects strategic goals and priorities related work together and pool resources working in other surgical areas. to access to health services and together, we end up with better “In Regina, there was work ensure that we continue to provide results than either of us could have on an ERAS project for colorectal connected care for the people of done by ourselves.” surgery,” Tsang said. “It has Saskatchewan,” Garchinski said. improved patient care for this “It is very exciting seeing both improvement goals for this patient project is the potential for collabo- Kristen McEwen is a communica- group of patients. I am hopeful the Saskatoon and Regina teams population.” ration in Saskatchewan. Regina and tions co-ordinator in the USask that increasing education and work together to strive for quality An additional benefit to the Saskatoon are both smaller tertiary College of Medicine.

NEWS.USASK.CA 15 USASK’S RESEARCH FACILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY STATE-OF-THE-ART

JAMES SHEWAGA When it comes to advanced USask’s Saskatchewan Centre for Cyclotron Sciences (SCCS). The SCCS, owned by USask technology and specialized and managed by the Sylvia Fedoruk Canadian research centres, the University Centre for Nuclear Innovation, is home to the province’s first cyclotron, which has produced of Saskatchewan’s (USask) medical isotopes for nuclear imaging scans of cluster of extraordinary thousands of Saskatchewan patients at Royal equipment and unique University Hospital since 2016. facilities is unmatched among Saskatchewan’s research-intensive medical- Canadian universities. doctoral university also features social science and epidemiology research hubs, global It’s not exactly the best-kept secret on institutes for food and water security, and the the Prairies, as researchers at USask and Livestock Forage and Centre of Excellence the scientific community have known for (LFCE), a unique world-class complex of field years. However, the university’s reputation and science laboratories. is growing across the country and around the globe as a prime destination for world- Research scientists at the CLS have also built leading researchers. the first linear accelerator in the world that is dedicated to producing molybdenum 99 “Our unique array of advanced research —the medical isotope that is used the most— facilities on campus give USask researchers in a safe and cost-effective way that does and visiting scientists throughout the not create nuclear waste. CLS also features province, across the country, and around the the unique Biomedical Imaging and Therapy globe the opportunity to conduct world-lead facility, designed for the study of humans and research,” said USask Vice-President Research full-sized animals. This is another life sciences CHRISTINA WEESE Baljit Singh.  advancement, adding to USask’s collection A dog receives a scan in the new PET-CT unit in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at USask. of research facilities and technology on USask is well-known as home to three campus that is unmatched among Canadian national research centres. These include (SuperDARN) Canada, part of an international the Western College of Veterinary Medicine universities. the (CLS)—featuring scientific network of 35 high-frequency (WCVM). This is Canada’s only PET-CT unit Canada’s only synchrotron—and the Vaccine radars. But CLS, VIDO and SuperDARN are only dedicated to animal-human research and to “From the Canadian Hub in Applied and Social and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO). some of the features that make USask unique. clinical use in animals. Research, new PET-CT scanner at WCVM and VIDO had the first lab in the country to the BioPETx and cyclotron at the SCCS, to isolate the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes One of the latest additions to USask’s The university also recently installed a new Canada’s only synchrotron national research COVID-19 and was the first in the country to impressive assortment of research assets made-in-Saskatchewan BioPETx, a first-of- facility, no other university in the country has test a vaccine in animal models. USask also is the new positron emission tomography- its kind nuclear imaging detector designed all of these state-of-the-art facilities located leads the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network computed tomography (PET-CT) scanner in specifically for plant and soil research in right on campus,” said Singh.