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Lassonde PhD students recognized for environmental research

Award stock image banner from pexels

Three Lassonde School of Engineering PhD candidates in civil engineering have been recognized – two with awards and one with publication approval – for work in environmental research that promises to help right the future.

The award-winning students are:

Gurpreet Kaur, third-year PhD candidate

Gurpreet Kaur
Gurpreet Kaur

In May 2023, Kaur presented research focusing on microorganisms to degrade harmful contaminants in groundwater at the International In-Situ Thermal Treatment (i2t2) Symposium in Banff, Alta., where she was honoured with a Best Presentation Award.

More than nine million people in Canada depend on groundwater as their primary source of drinking water. If groundwater is contaminated, pollutants can reach consumers and cause harmful effects like cancer and other diseases,” she says. Kaur specifically studies biomediation, a process that uses microorganisms that are naturally present in the subsurface to degrade environmental pollutants. However, the activity of these microorganisms may be hindered by cool temperatures below ground. To solve this issue, some remediation strategies supplement the subsurface with heat, but that can be an expensive process.

“My work analyzes the effect of geothermal heat pumps on bioremediation,” says Kaur. “This is a sustainable and cost-effective solution that can help enhance the growth and activity of microorganisms.” In addition to improving the efficiency of bioremediation, geothermal heat pumps can be used to provide heating and cooling to surrounding buildings, thereby serving two functions at once.

To explore the effects of geothermal heat pumps on bioremediation, Kaur isolated and analyzed two pollutant-degrading bacteria strains from geothermal borehole soil samples. Her analysis showed the strains have the ability to degrade Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylene (BTEX), four common chemical contaminants found in groundwater. She also applied heat to these pollutant-degrading bacteria, which resulted in significantly increased bacterial growth and BTEX degradation rate, suggesting the inherent beneficial effects that geothermal heat pumps may have on bacteria. The results of Kaur’s work demonstrate the great promise of this modified method for bioremediation, which could ensure clean drinking water for millions of Canadians.

Michael De Santi, second-year PhD candidate

Michael De Santi
Michael De Santi

De Santi received an award for an outstanding presentation, given at the European Geosciences Union General Assembly in Vienna, about his research focusing on developing the Safe Water Optimization Tool (SWOT) using machine learning methods.

De Santi’s research aims to develop and implement data-driven solutions for water safety issues in refugee and internally displaced person (IDP) settlements with SWOT. Primary sources of drinking water in these settlements are highly susceptible to contamination, which creates a risk for people to contract waterborne disease upon consumption.

To decontaminate drinking water and mitigate disease risk, free residual chlorine is used as a water treatment; however, this can significantly alter its odour and taste. Using data collected from a refugee settlement in Uganda called Kyaka II, the SWOT generated a risk model to help determine an optimal concentration of free residual chlorine that allowed for a balance between water safety, as well as favourable odour and taste. This work suggests the SWOT can be effectively used in real-world scenarios, to help water system operators satisfy both water safety and consumer standards in refugee and IDP settlements.

De Santi’s ongoing research and aspirations are supported by his PhD supervisors, Professor Usman Khan and Research Fellow Syed Imran Ali, as well as the Lassonde community, and reflects engineering’s potential to impact the world. “Engineering isn’t just about learning; it’s also about solving problems,” says De Santi. “The reason I was drawn to civil engineering is because I think it can be used to tackle the most global challenges and help the most people.”

Rodrigo Alcaino Olivares, fourth-year PhD candidate

Rodrigo Alcaino Olivares
Rodrigo Alcaino Olivares

Olivares recently had an article, titled “Thermally assisted deformation of a rock column above Tomb KV42 in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt,” accepted for publication in the journal Rock Mechanics and Rock Engineering.

The article is an extension of his PhD thesis, supervised by Professor Matthew Perras, which has primarily involved geological field campaigns based in Egypt. His research focuses on the thermal effects of crack growth in rocks. Examining such growths is important, as climate change in post-glacial and arid regions can significantly progress rock damage over time, leading to altered function and behaviour.

The publication summarizes Olivares’ ongoing work in the Valley of the Kings, located within a large landscape and UNESCO World Heritage Site called Theban Necropolis in Luxor, Egypt. Along with his research team, he monitored the transient conditions of a micritic-limestone rock column above a tomb, as well as an existing fracture, while investigating thermomechanical displacements with various tools. Data gathered throughout this study will enhance understanding of environmentally-driven fracture growth mechanisms and help inform approaches to preserve and protect the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Discover more about student research at Lassonde.

New locations for student services and offices at Glendon

aerial_glendon-FEATURED

La version française suit la version anglaise. 

Hello Glendon community members:

As we begin a new academic year, we are writing to announce several new locations for our offices, with the hope of increasing accessibility and visibility for our various services.

The Office of Student Affairs (previously located in C Wing, York Hall), Accessibility Services and Counselling Services (previously in Accessibility, Well-Being and Counselling Centre in the Manor) are now located in the new Student Success Centre, located on the main floor, B Wing of York Hall, where the recruitment offices were previously situated. This more central and accessible location will better serve the diverse needs of our students in an integrated manner. (Note: the alternate exam drop-off box will remain the same, York Hall C133.)

The recruitment team’s welcome desk has opened its doors at York Hall A118. This new location at the front of the Centre of Excellence will serve as the first point of contact for prospective students and families. Other recruitment offices, for non-student-facing services, are in York Hall’s C Wing.

The Career Development Centre and Writing Centre, previously located at York Hall A118, have now moved to York Hall A224, on the second floor. Services will continue to be offered both in person and virtually.

If you have questions, please contact Yuko Sorano at yuko.sorano@glendon.yorku.ca.

Yuko Sorano
Director, Student Affairs

Nouveaux locaux pour les Services aux étudiants et les bureaux à Glendon

Chers membres de la communauté de Glendon :

Alors que nous entamons une nouvelle année universitaire, nous vous informons que les Services aux étudiants ont déménagé dans de nouveaux locaux, dans le but d’améliorer l’accessibilité et la visibilité de nos différents services.

Le Bureau des affaires étudiantes (précédemment situé dans l’aile C de York Hall), les Services d’accessibilité et les Services de counseling (précédemment situés dans le Centre d’accessibilité, de bien-être et de conseil au Manoir) sont maintenant situés dans le nouveau Centre pour la réussite étudiante, situé au rez-de-chaussée de l’aile B du Pavillon York, où se trouvaient auparavant les Bureaux de recrutement. Cet emplacement plus central et plus accessible permettra de mieux répondre aux divers besoins de nos étudiants de manière intégrée. Veuillez noter que la boîte de dépôt des examens adaptés restera la même et se trouve au C133 Pavillon York.

L’accueil de l’équipe de recrutement est maintenant située dans A118 Pavillon York. Ce nouvel emplacement, situé dans l’entrée du Centre d’excellence, servira de premier point de contact pour nos futurs étudiants et leurs familles. Les autres bureaux du recrutement se trouvent maintenant dans l’aile C du Pavillon York.

Le centre de développement de carrière et le centre de rédaction, qui se trouvaient auparavant dans le A118 Pavillon York, ont déménagé dans le A224 Pavillon York situé au deuxième étage. Les services continueront d’être offerts en personne et virtuellement.

Si vous avez des questions, veuillez contacter Yuko Sorano à yuko.sorano@glendon.yorku.ca.

Yuko Sorano
Directrice, affaires étudiantes

OsgoodePD expands construction, infrastructure offerings with two new programs

A modern bridge lit up at night with a cityscape behind it

In response to a growing demand for construction-related legal education, Osgoode Professional Development (OsgoodePD) is launching a new Certificate in Public-Private Partnership (P3) Law and Practice in Canada next month, with a new Professional LLM program in Construction Law set to launch in September 2024.

For more than a decade, OsgoodePD’s popular Certificate in Construction Law has offered professionals in the industry intensive, practical education on the legal issues impacting construction. Meanwhile, elective courses in construction law have been available to Professional LLM students in Osgoode’s Energy & Infrastructure Law and Business Law programs. Andrea Lee, a co-founding program director of the new Professional LLM in Construction Law alongside Osgoode Professor and Chartered Arbitrator Janet Walker, has witnessed an increased demand for legal expertise in her construction niche, in both her private practice and her role as an OsgoodePD instructor. She says the new LLM program will help relieve some of that pressure.

“There is certainly an appetite for more construction law courses, so it’s great that Osgoode is taking things to the next level,” Lee says. While lawyers who deal regularly with construction law issues or advise industry professionals are obvious candidates for the new program, Lee says it is also likely to appeal to lawyers looking to gain insight into construction law to complement their existing practice, or even transition into this area on a full-time basis.

Chris Bennett, one of three Chairs of OsgoodePD’s new Certificate in Public-Private Partnership (P3) Law and Practice in Canada, shares a similar sentiment regarding the new certificate program. The coming-of-age process for P3 projects has proven turbulent, he says, with many private-sector players struggling to get projects done within the rigid structure and risk-transfer profile of a traditional P3 model.

While traditional P3s continue to be used, the risk is too much for many, says Bennett, leaving public owners with a dwindling number of private-sector partners willing to bid on them. As a result, he says the public sector is increasingly open to new methods for delivering large and complex infrastructure projects, with innovative models emerging to reflect the changing market conditions.

“We’re entering a very evolutionary phase of P3, where different types of partnership are available, so we’re reassessing what risk allocation looks like, and testing new models,” Bennett says, adding that this makes the timing perfect for the launch of Osgoode’s new certificate.

“It’s all about keeping Canada on the leading edge of infrastructure globally,” says Bennett.

OsgoodePD’s Certificate in Public-Private Partnership (P3) Law and Practice in Canada is an open-enrolment course, accepting registrations now. Applications for Osgoode’s LLM in Construction Law open Oct. 1. Fill out this form to receive program updates.

To view additional construction and infrastructure offerings, visit the OsgoodePD website.

Fall orientation continues with welcome events for all students

A group of five York University students walking down York Boulevard in the fall

The new academic year at York University begins on Sept. 6, which means York’s 2023 Transition and Orientation programming is already underway, welcoming new community members with a mix of fun and informative events.

In addition to the orientation sessions YFile highlighted last week for Black, mature, transfer and international students, here are the details about the remaining 2023 Orientation events – all with a focus on decolonization, equity, diversity and inclusion to ensure all students feel welcome and supported at York.

Open Doors York

Open Doors York will bring the entire University community together in a large, festival- and exploration-style day, on Sept. 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Key partners on the Keele Campus will open their office doors for new and returning students to visit, learn and maybe even walk away with some freebies. And that’s not all – in the York University Commons, expect a carnival-style atmosphere featuring music, games, snacks and giveaways.

Yorklicious

From Aug. 26 to Sept. 8, York students, staff and faculty can enjoy specially priced meals from participating campus food vendors. Yorklicious is a great opportunity to explore the wide variety of food options on campus and get a great meal for $10 or less. Participating vendors include:

  • Sushi Shop
  • Campus Bubble Tea
  • Z-Teca
  • Great Canadian Bagel
  • Mac’s Sushi
  • Break Café
  • 416 Grill
  • Rasoi
  • ChopD and WrapD
  • Grill House
  • Chef’s Table
  • Crepe Delicious
  • Chungchun Rice Dog
  • Insomnia Cookies
  • Basil Box
  • Osmows
  • Orange Snail
Students enjoying a meal together on York University’s Keele Campus

Indigenous Student Orientation

The Centre for Indigenous Student Services (CISS) will welcome incoming Indigenous students to York with three days of specialized events and activities from Aug. 23 to 25, including a harbourfront boat cruise. Students will meet CISS staff and learn about the services and programs offered by the centre. For more details and to register, visit the CISS Events & Activities page.

York University students learning about Indigenous culture

Move-in Day and Parents & Family Orientation

Aug. 26 is the official residence Move-in Day. Parents and/or guardians can drop students off at their specific residence, where student volunteers will be waiting to help them move in. More details are available on the Housing Services website.

As the move-in is happening, parents, guardians and family members can attend the Parent and Family Orientation. There, they will receive a welcome from University staff and students, and they can take in a play performed by Vanier College Productions. The performance offers a humorous but heartfelt glimpse into the first-year university experience, while simultaneously introducing the audience to many of the supports and services that are on offer for students.

Afterwards, a services fair will allow parents and guardians to speak directly with University staff and learn about the resources that will be available to their students. There will be additional sessions available for parents of international students, plus a generic session on student finances that is open to everyone.

Orientation Week

This year, Orientation Week will run from Aug. 27 to Sept. 4. The week will include a variety of events, workshops and icebreakers designed for first-year students to get to know each other, as well as upper-year students in their colleges and Faculties.

A York University student participating in Orientation Week celebrations

For complete details and to register, visit the Orientation Week Events page. Students can use the college finder tool to determine which session they should sign up for based on their academic program’s college affiliation. Participating colleges and Faculties include:

  • Bethune
  • Calumet
  • Founders
  • Glendon
  • Lassonde
  • McLaughlin
  • New College
  • Schulich
  • Stong
  • Vanier
  • Winters

Academic Orientation Days

Academic Orientation Days will take place on Aug. 29 and 30. These mandatory sessions for all new students introduce their specific degree program and the resources available within their affiliated college and Faculty. They also touch on academic services, financial support and other vital tools to help facilitate a smooth transition into university life. Students can refer to the Transition and Orientation Events page for complete details and registration information.

YorkFest 2023

Each year, the York Federation of Students (YFS) aims to make YorkFest the largest back-to-school orientation festival held on a Canadian university campus. Details for this year’s YorkFest haven’t yet been released, but keep an eye on the YFS website for updates.

For more information about what’s happening at York in the lead-up to September and beyond, visit the Transition and Orientation 2023 website, which includes a schedule of events, the new student checklist, a college finder tool, student support services, information for parents, housing details and more.

AMPD students experience multi-national theatre production

actors rehearsing on theatre stage

Students from the Department of Theatre at York University travelled to Budapest to collaborate with the Hungarian National Theatre on a multi-national production of The Tragedy of Man, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Hungarian writer, Imre Madách.

The University of Theatre and Film Arts in Budapest invited several foreign theatre programs to participate in the play, which tells the story of Adam and Eve who, after being expelled from Paradise, travel the world guided by Lucifer, in search of humanity’s purpose on Earth.

The play is divided into 15 different scenes, and for the production each scene was performed by theatre students from a different country, with their own imagined set decorations, costumes and in their native language. Among the 11 countries invited to Budapest, the School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) York University cohort was the only North American program included.

Prof. Tereza Barta, Kate Counsel, Mercedes Clunie, & Stéphane Arcand
Tereza Barta, Kate Counsel, Mercedes Clunie, & Stéphane Arcand

When Tereza Barta, a film production professor in the Department of Cinema & Media Arts, was approached by two representatives of the University of Theatre and Film Arts from Budapest at a conference and asked about York undergraduate students participating, she didn’t hesitate. “I thought it would be an absolutely incredible opportunity for the students,” she says and accepted the offer to direct “The Space” scene, which had been assigned to York. The rehearsals lasted for almost a month with York student Mercedes Clunie in the role of Lucifer, Stéphane Arcand in the role of Adam and Kate Counsel cast as The Voice of Earth’s Spirit.

Each country prepared their assigned scene in advance, in their own country, and on June 8, the cast of almost 200 students and 22 faculty members met in Budapest in the Eiffel Art Studios (Hungarian State Opera) to present their work. For the next two weeks, the Hungarian theatre director Attila Vidnyánszky worked with the multi-national cast to weave the scenes into one homogeneous show, with students often rehearing for 12-hour stretches. “There was an absolutely incredible commitment,” Barta says.

During that time, the students were afforded unique experiential opportunities. For one, Vidnyánszky is a celebrated theatre director in Europe, and many of the York students made the most of working with him. “They would try to absorb as much as possible form his direction and methods,” says Barta. “The common denominator that they all had, was this burning passion for this art.”

Rehearsal of "The Space" scene in the The Tragedy of Man mounted at Eiffel Art Studios in Budapest.
Rehearsal of “The Space” scene in the The Tragedy of Man mounted at Eiffel Art Studios in Budapest.

The multi-national nature of the production also meant the York AMPD students met and collaborated with colleagues from outside Canada, gaining experience with different perspectives and approaches to the craft. “Openness, exposure to other stage concepts, more availability for empathy, understanding various cultures more deeply,” Barta says were outcomes she hoped for the students when she agreed to take part in the project, and she was pleased to see her expectations met. “There was a lot of exchanging points of view about the world about, about the meaning of their art, about the meaning of their lives,” Barta says. “It was quite enriching.”

The play – which lasted over seven hours – was performed live in Budapest on June 23, but plans are in place to allow others to screen it later this year and allow others to see the result of the experiential experience the AMPD students participated in.

Stéphane Arcand as Adam & Mercedes Clunie as Lucifer

“This whole theatrical experiment brought us the certainty that the ardour and dynamism with which creators devote themselves to artistic expression is irreplaceable. And on the same occasion, Europe also learned that the future of Canadian theatre remains steadfastly in the hands of the talented and passionate,” says Barta.

New this fall: cross-disciplinary certificate in children’s literature

Two people exchanging a stack of books

A new certificate program launching this fall through York University’s Department of Humanities answers a request from students to have their coursework in children’s literature recognized.

Students in the program, offered by the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LAPS), will have the opportunity to complete a cross-disciplinary certificate in children’s literature while completing a major or minor degree in children, childhood and youth studies; humanities; or English.

Alison Halsall
Alison Halsall
Cheryl Cowdy
Cheryl Cowdy

“We offer a breadth of courses in children’s literature few other departments at York University or in Canada can match,” explains Alison Halsall, a professor in the Department of Humanities, who together with Professor Cheryl Cowdy led the development of this certificate. “Many students in the Children, Childhood & Youth (CCY) Program also complete courses in children’s literature administered by the departments of English at the Keele and Glendon campuses. All these courses have high student demand and enrolment.”

The undergraduate certificate will recognize and value the importance of children’s literature in the study of constructions of children, childhood and youth, says Cowdy. It will review many of the methodological approaches that have governed and continue to govern the literature intended for young people.

This cross-disciplinary certificate in children’s literature is designed to allow students to engage with texts in the field to examine how modes of representation shape perceptions of children and youth in the contemporary world.  

Students will take a total of 24 credits in courses reflecting the certificate’s specific humanities approach. Two of the core courses for this certificate ensure that students have the opportunity to work with materials that are part of the Children’s Literature collection housed in the Clara Thomas & Special Collections Archive in Scott Library.

In 2020, the CCY program launched a unique 3000-level research methods course in children’s literature scholarship, CCY 3998: The Child and the Book: Research Methods, and a 4000-level honours research project, CCY 4998, that makes use of the Scott Library collection while providing students with valuable experiential education opportunities and training in the distinctive methods of children’s literature research.

The certificate will be housed in the LA&PS faculty’s department of Humanities, administered by the CCY program, and offered as a concurrent option.

“This certificate will be particularly useful for students entering into the communication or media industries, education, advertising and the arts, as well as those interested in careers in children’s book publishing and library studies,” says Cowdy.

Those interested should contact Elena Selevko at lapsccy@yorku.ca and/or Alison Halsall at ahalsall@yorku.ca for more information.

Osgoode student earns scholarship for disability advocacy

Equity, diversity, inclusion

Third-year Osgoode Hall Law School student Angela Dittrich was awarded a Legal Leaders for Diversity Trust Fund Scholarship in recognition of both her academic excellence and her work to improve accessibility to legal education. The fund, created through donations from general counsel and law firm managing partners across Canada, was established in 2015 to promote equal access and diversity in law schools.

As an advocate for people with disabilities, Dittrich has always understood that there is strength in numbers. That’s why she is actively campaigning to create the first national organization representing law students with disabilities. Her brainchild, the Canadian Coalition for Law Students with Disabilities, has so far brought together students from all 23 law schools across Canada.

Angela Dittrich
Angela Dittrich

“My disability advocacy work has been the most challenging and fulfilling work I have done during my law school career,” she said. “While some progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to tackle the many challenges and inequities that disabled law students and lawyers continue to face across the country.”

Dittrich, a native of Hamilton, Ont., and an active leader with the Disability Collective of Osgoode (DisCO), has been diagnosed as neurodivergent and has had a variety of neurological, chronic pain, cardiac and connective tissue disorders since early childhood.

Being a law student ith disabilities poses numerous challenges and barriers, she said. But the most frustrating challenge, she noted, is that many of these barriers could easily be eliminated through the development of equitable policies, more thoughtful planning approaches and a system that prioritizes the creation of a more diverse, inclusive profession.

It was in her role as DisCO’s outreach co-ordinator last year that Dittrich said she saw the need for a national organization to advocate for law students with disabilities. The idea took shape during discussions with disability advocates from local law schools about advocacy strategies for COVID-19-related accommodations.

“I realized that our advocacy efforts would be amplified if we were working collectively, and began to build this network alongside other disability advocates at Canadian law schools,” she said. “The coalition is still in its early stages of formation, and I hope for it to be fully established within the Fall 2023 term.”

This year, her third year in the combined Juris Doctor/Master in Environmental Studies program, Dittrich will serve as co-president of DisCO. She said she plans to build on the organization’s work in creating an important sense of community and engaging with the law school’s administration to implement key equitable policy measures.

New online workshop supports Black graduate student success

Woman laptop computer FEATURED

York University’s Faculty of Graduate Studies (FGS) is hosting its inaugural Fostering Black Scholars Scholarship Success Workshop for incoming and current graduate students on Monday, Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to noon. This online event aims to create a welcoming space to share experiences and resources and build peer-to-peer connections.

One of the goals of the workshop is to share new funding opportunities that support Black scholars, including the Bennett Family Graduate Scholarship for Black and Indigenous Students, as well as many other scholarships and awards. Attendees will learn how to complete award applications and leverage all the resources available at York, both internally and externally. Additionally, the workshop will provide attendees with resources and guides for developing successful grant proposals, writing reference letters for scholarship applications and making their applications stand out.

Students will also learn about the self-identification forms and questionnaires implemented by FGS. The optional self-identification questions in award applications are important to determine eligibility for funding opportunities targeting specific equity-deserving groups and to implement funding equalization measures. Students can include relevant information in the Special Circumstances form on their applications to explain any personal circumstances (including gender, race, diversity, ability, sexuality, health disparities, educational access etc.) that have played a role in shaping their path, to allow for a fair assessment of their research productivity.

The workshop will feature talks from seasoned Black faculty members, including: Professor Andrea Davis, Department of Humanities; Professor Jude Dzevela Kong, Department of Mathematics & Statistics; and Professor Tokunbo Ojo, FGS associate dean of students.

Attendees will also hear from a panel of graduate scholars who hold prestigious awards, including: Joseph Agyapong, a PhD student in mechanical engineering and a 2023 Susan Mann Dissertation Awardee; Balikisu Osman, a PhD student in environmental studies and a 2020 Vanier Scholar; and Danielle Washington, a PhD student in nursing and a 2023 Canadian Institutes of Health Research Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral Program awardee. The panellists will answer questions and speak about their personal experiences, scholarship successes and how to make the most of available resources.

This online event is hosted by the FGS Scholarships & Awards team, led by Richolette Freckleton, associate director of research, scholarships and awards. York University faculty and staff are encouraged to share event details with their incoming and current graduate students. For more information and to register, visit: tinyurl.com/572pp67v.

New website lists resources to address student food insecurity

Black man eating noodles while working at computer

Food insecurity is a persistent public health issue in Canada, and it is also evident at York University. The 2022 Canadian Campus Wellbeing Survey data identified food security as a challenge for York students.

To help address food insecurity within the York community, the Food Insecurity Roundtable, which consists of students, student groups, faculty and staff, launched a bilingual food resources website. The website provides users with a list of resources and information to help navigate food supports across York’s campuses.

Nona Robinson
Nona Robinson

“I’m delighted the roundtable came together quickly to provide students and the community with these resources and information, and to develop new ones,” says Nona Robinson, vice-provost students. “York and our student groups have many food resources available, although students sometimes don’t know how to find them. It was important for us to have the information readily available and in one centralized location for all members of the York community to access.”

Robinson adds that the construction of the website was a way to take immediate action while simultaneously working on longer-term strategies. “We are continuing to work with partners across the University to provide additional food supports, and I’m encouraged that so many people are coming together to help with these initiatives to support York students,” she says.

The website shares food initiatives like the York Federation of Students Food Support Centre, the Glendon Campus Food Bank, and the Student Counselling, Health & Well-being (SCHW) Open Fridge program, which provides free food to those on campus who need it. There are also links directing users to information on funding and financial aid, including emergency bursaries.

Tina Ranta, assistant director of well-being for SCHW, says talking about food security may be difficult for students, and the website serves as a valuable tool to help tackle this. Food insecurity can impact multiple areas of an individual’s well-being, she adds.

“It’s difficult for students to learn in class if they are hungry. Undernourishment and insufficient access to food can have a significant effect on your mental health and overall well-being,” Ranta says.

SCHW also offers programming to assist students in developing good eating habits. A link to SCHW’s web page, which includes information about Canada’s Food Guide, nutrition labelling, dietitian services and other resources, is also available on the website.

Other initiatives on campus, in addition to the website, have also been launched, including a $6.99 Value Meals program led by Food Services, and Yorklicious led by Student Community & Leadership Development. Yorklicious includes specially priced orientation meals at participating campus food vendors from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8. Jair Kallidumbil, manager of student life, says they are available to all students, faculty and staff.

“Yorklicious will contribute to the University’s efforts in combating food insecurity on campus and help bring awareness to some of the food options we have at York,” he says, adding that community members are encouraged to visit one of the many participating food vendors to enjoy a meal priced at $10 or less.

Faculty and staff are encouraged to use the feedback feature on the right-hand side of the web page to share details about other initiatives or food supports they think should be included. Community members are also welcome to join the Food Insecurity Roundtable by emailing vpstudents@yorku.ca for more information.

Student wins prestigious crystallographic award

Award stock image banner from pexels

Nicholas Bragagnolo, a PhD student in the Department of Chemistry’s Audette Lab at York University, won the 2023 Etter Student Lecturer Award from the American Crystallographic Association (ACA), which represents those working in the branch of science concerned with the structure and properties of crystals.

Nicholas Bragagnolo
Nicholas Bragagnolo

The ACA houses 14 scientific interest groups (SIG), each representing a specific crystallographic discipline or area of interest. Among them is the Canadian Division SIG, which had the opportunity to – along with all other groups – invite one student to present a lecture at an ACA conference and receive an award.

Bragagnolo was selected and – after receiving transportation funding from the ACA Travel Award and the Canadian National Committee for Crystallography’s Larry Calvert Award – attended an ACA meeting in Baltimore in July.

There, he presented a 20-minute lecture titled “Solution characterization of the dynamic conjugative entry exclusion protein TraG,” as part of a session about the future of light sources, and won the Etter Student Lecturer Award. He also received honourable mentions for a three-minute thesis presentation.

The event, and the award, are part of the ACA’s initiative to provide young students and scientists with opportunitues to demonstrate their research achievements and work.

“Overall it was a very successful conference and I’m grateful to my lab members Arnold Apostol and Christina Rodriguez and my supervisor Gerald Audette for their support,” Bragagnolo wrote in a LinkedIn post following the event. “I made many valuable connections as well as new friends and gained a lot of insight into new techniques to help complete my thesis.”

Earlier this year, Bragagnolo was recognized by York University’s Association for Graduate Students in the Biological Sciences (AGSBS) with the People’s Choice Student Talk Award (Session 2) during the AGSBS 49th Annual Biology Symposium. Bragagnoloa presented a talk titled “Structural Studies of the Conjugative Entry Exclusion Protein TraG.”

In 2021, he was awarded a York Graduate Scholarship by the Faculty of Science.