Trent University Joins Rare Winter Sampling Of The Great Lakes

Trent University is joining Winter Grab, a first-of-its-kind coordinated winter research effort to collect and analyze ice and water samples from all five of the Great Lakes in order to paint a picture of water quality and life in and under the ice

Dr. Marguerite Xenopoulos, Canada Research Chair of Global Change of Freshwater Ecosystems and professor of Biology at Trent University, looks out over the ice-covered Lake Superior. Photo courtesy of Dr. Marguerite Xenopoulos

As one of 16 research institutions from Canada and the United states—and one of only three Canadian universities—Trent will venture onto the ice to support the largest coordinated winter sampling effort for these globally significant ecosystems.

“Not much winter research is done on lakes because the prevailing thought has been that everything is cold and frozen so there must not be much going on,” said Dr. Marguerite Xenopoulos, Canada Research Chair of Global Change of Freshwater Ecosystems and professor of Biology at Trent University. “However, several recent studies have now shown that life under the ice is abundant and diverse, and large lakes are increasingly vulnerable to climate change. No one is exactly sure what the consequences will be with ice cover losses and increasing air and water temperatures. The need for winter research has never been greater, particularly to help inform management decisions.”

Professor Xenopoulos, one of two Canada Research Chairs involved in the project, will be leading the analyses of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) for ice and water samples from every site of the Winter Grab collaboration. DOC is a major component of the Earth’s carbon cycle and an important player in the functioning of aquatic systems. Prof. Xenopoulos has spent the last 20 years studying this sentinel variable in lakes and rivers across Ontario and the Great Lakes.

“Among its many functions, dissolved organic carbon fuels aquatic food webs and microbes respire it into carbon dioxide,” said Prof. Xenopoulos. “But knowledge of this in winter is virtually unknown.”

Upwards of 30 locations are expected to be sampled by research teams across all five of the lakes during the week of Feb. 14 – the date that has historically marked peak ice cover extent on the Great Lakes. Trent University researchers will sample Lake Ontario’s Bay of Quinte and the southern part of Lake Huron’s Georgian Bay on the Canadian side.

Each research team will collect a large piece of ice and several litres of water for analyses of nutrients, carbon, phytoplankton and algae, and zooplankton. Teams will also submerge sensors to take on-site readings of water temperature, oxygen, chlorophyll and conductivity levels.

“Just looking at the number of sites that are being sampled, the distances being travelled, and analyses being completed, it is evident how significant this collaboration is,” said Dr. Nolan Pearce, a post-doctoral fellow working with Prof. Xenopoulos. “You need these partnerships to build a comprehensive understanding of what is happening across the Great Lakes because of the scale of area, but also because it brings together scientists with their own areas of expertise.”

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Trent University to Hold 46th Annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering Virtually

A virtual gathering for the 46th annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering for reconciliation through storytelling held by the First Peoples House of Learning (FPHL) and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University from Friday to Sunday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering is an important annual event that connects students, community members and Elders,” says Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, FPHL director. “This year’s theme focuses on Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth, which seeks to honour the voices, histories, and narratives of all our nations through sharing stories and teachings from Elders and knowledge holders.”

Each year, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering offers an opportunity for attendees to share in Indigenous knowledge through workshops, presentations, and performances.

This year’s gathering features keynote addresses from National Chief RoseAnne Archibald, Dr. Niigan Sinclair, Sylvia Maracle and Rick Hill, as well as an inspiring line-up of Elders and traditional knowledge keepers sharing their stories throughout the event.

Special for 2022, the three-day conference features an all-new Youth Panel featuring Shina Novalinga, Notorious Cree, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb, and Autumn Cooper discussing how Reconciliation through Restor(y)ing Our Truth and social change are possible through education via digital and social media content creation.

Indigenous Insights, the Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering pre-conference will be held virtually on Fri. at 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in collaboration with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society. T

his year’s event, Aging with Grace, is sponsored by the Provost’s Lecture Series for Reconciliation, featuring keynote speaker Cliff Whetung from Curve Lake First Nation and a panel discussion with Professor Emeritus Shirley Williams, Dr. Dan Longboat, and M.A. candidate Janette Corston to discuss their experiences combined with Cliff’s research.

Admission is free and all are welcome. Advanced registration for Indigenous Insights and the Elders Gathering is required.

Highlights of this year’s virtual events are listed below. Visit the Elders Gathering website to register and view the full schedule of speakers, workshops and presentations.

Pre-conference Indigenous Insights: Aging with Grace
Fri., Feb. 11, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• Keynote Address: Cliff Whetung, New York University’s Silver School of Social Work

• Panel featuring: Dan Longboat, Shirley Williams, Janette Corston and Cliff Whetung

Day One: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Fri., Feb. 11, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Elders Opening Prayer: Elder Doug Williams and Elder Shirley Williams

• Chief Welcome Addresses: Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations

• Open Comments: Metis Nation Ontario, Trent University, City of Peterborough, County of Peterborough, House of Commons and the Provincial Parliament of Ontario

• Keynote Address: National Chief RoseAnne Archibald

• Keynote Presentation: Dr. Niigaan Sinclair

• Simultaneous Panels: Two Spirit and Women in Leadership Panel

• Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel

Day Two: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sat. Feb. 12, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• Keynote Address: Sylvia Maracle

• Simultaneous Workshops:

  • Metis Finger Weaving and Inuit Throat Singing & Cultural Reclamation Urban Settings

  • Language & Drumming and Native Women’s Association

• Youth Panel: Notorious Cree, Shina Novalinga, Kendra Jessie, Zhaawnong Webb and Autumn Cooper

• Words of Wisdom: Elders Panel

Day Three: Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering
Sun., Feb. 13, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

• Keynote Address: Rick Hill

• Closing Words, Gratitude and Prayers: Elders, Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and FPHL

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Trent University Students Hold Walk Out And Online Petition In Reaction To Return To In-Person Learning

Trent students gathered on the Faryon Bridge Monday morning at 10 a.m. in an act of protest against the University’s decision to return to in-person learning.

Small group of students begin to gather on The Faryon Bridge at Trent University on Monday morning. Photo by Angela O’Grady.

On Dec. 17, Trent University announced that effective Dec. 20, exams would be moved online and the first week of classes would be online. The date of return to in-person was scheduled for Jan. 17, then got pushed to Jan. 31.

Students were informed Jan. 24 that they will be required to return to class on the following Monday (Jan. 31), at which point seminars and lectures will not be recorded or posted online.

“Some professors are offering online, but that’s just out of the kindness of their own heart,” said Ellie Wilson, a second year Trent student participating in Monday’s walk-out.

Wilson raised the issue that any student that comes into contact with COVID-19 and then has to isolate will potentially have no option to ‘attend’ class if an online option is not offered.

“They basically sent an email that said ‘if you have COVID, that kind of sucks because we’re not going to give you the option to learn online, if you are sick and can’t come to class - that sucks.”

Wilson noted that there are other Ontario Universities are offering a hybrid option, and she thinks that would be the best option.

“We’re not saying keep school fully online, because in-person classes work best for a lot of people. We’re just saying that the chance to learn online or in-person would be great,” she said.

The online petition, which had over 3,300 signatures as of Monday morning, raises a multitude of issues that may come with a return to fully in-person learning.

“Many students have expressed concerns over the return to in-person such as the lack of distancing in many classrooms, difficulty finding housing for 3 months, rising cases, long commutes to campus due to going back home and safety concerns among others,” the organizer stated online.

Students that attended Monday’s walk-out, and signed the online petition hope that Trent University will offer a hybris option to students. So those wanting to learn in-person have the option to do so, but those that prefer to learn online can continue to do so.

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Fleming College Joins Canada’s National Design Network

Fleming College announced on Friday that they will join CMC Microsystems, Canada’s leading hardware technology facilitator and manager of Canada’s National Design Network (CNDN).

File Photo.

As a member of CNDN, Fleming students, faculty, and researchers gain access to CMC Microsystems’ extensive offering of world-class platforms to design, make, and test their technology ideas.

These resources, as well as access to CMC’s ecosystem of researchers, start-ups and entrepreneurs will help students develop skills they need to thrive in the competitive, advanced technology marketplace.

Fleming College has a proven track record in applied science and research, tackling practical problems and developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. For example, The Centre for Advancement in Mechatronics and Industrial Internet of Things (CAMIIT), that was established in 2020.

“Joining CNDN and CMC Microsystems provides us with a complete innovation ecosystem. From accessing state of the art design and fabrication services, to partnering with a national community of businesses, organizations, and entrepreneurs, this is an important step for our students, researchers and start-ups at Fleming College,” said Dr. Fereydoon Diba, Lead Research Scientist at CAMIIT.

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Phoney Sale of St. Peter's Secondary School Posted on Kijiji Taken Down

A fake listing of the St. Peter’s Catholic Secondary School property for $1.7 million on Kijiji was taken down on Wednesday.

Screenshot.

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) was successful in having the post removed after issuing a complaint. The $1.7 million cost of the property was highly undervalued according to a PVNCCDSB Tweet.

An open house was listed in the description scheduled for next week.

The board urged the public not to call about the sale despite only receiving one call from a local realtor.

The unknown Kijiji account has been suspended as a result of the fake listing.

In case you were wondering, @StPeterCSS is not for sale.

Somebody thought it would be a funny idea to list the school on Kijiji, and for far below market value. We are not entertaining offers, so please stop calling the school. pic.twitter.com/HXEQPKQk6A

— PVNCCDSB (@PVNCCDSB) January 26, 2022

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Trent University Ranked in Top Ten Undergraduate Research Universities

Trent University has been ranked third in Ontario and sixth in Canada for undergraduate research according to the annual rankings by Research Infosource Inc. announced Wednesday.

Faculty and student researchers at Trent University examine the impact of global warming on tree swallows in the Trent Nature Areas and Lakefield Lagoons, Peterborough courtesy of Trent University.

This year’s rankings also place the University in the undergraduate Winner’s Circle in two categories – first in Ontario (second in Canada) for not-for-profit research income growth percentage and second in Canada for corporate research income growth percentage.

“Our faculty, graduate and undergraduate students work closely with diverse partners to conduct significant leading-edge research,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent acting vice president of research and innovation. “The 2021 Research Infosource rankings clearly reflect the growth and leadership of community-based and partnered research at Trent, with top-two honours in the corporate and not-for-profit research categories. Being number two in research income growth in our class is a testament to the dedication of Trent researchers and the engagement of our broader research community.”

Trent was ranked second among undergraduate institutions for the growth percentage of corporate and not-for-profit research income, increasing research income in these categories by nearly 300% and more than 3,000%, respectively, over the last 20 years.

Maclean’s has ranked Trent as the top undergraduate institution in Ontario for the past 11 years.

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Trent University and Fleming College Partner in Conservation Biology Transfer Pathway Program

Graduates of Fleming College’s Conservation Biology program can now transfer into Trent University’s conservation biology or biology programs in a new agreement between the two institutions announced Monday.

Trent University has been ranked number one in Canada for sustainability education and research by the 2021 UI GreenMetric World University Rankings. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent’s Conservation Biology program is among the first of its kind in North America. Students benefit from the mentorship of faculty experts,” said Dr. Erica Nol, Trent biology professor. “The new Conservation Biology transfer pathway between Trent and Fleming allows us to together build on the rich higher education opportunities available in the Peterborough region.”

With 11 on-campus nature areas, state-of-the-art laboratories and one of Canada’s top 20 Biology programs, the opportunities to explore innovative solutions to counteract the growing loss of wildlife and habitat are virtually endless at Trent. Students also benefit from the department’s unique on-campus partnership and connection with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry, enhancing interactions in teaching and research, as well as hands-on working experience through various field courses and placements with groups like provincial and federal ministries, local conservation authorities Nature Conservancy Canada, Toronto Zoo, and Parks Canada.

“Fleming’s Conservation Biology diploma is the only program of its kind in Ontario as it focuses on conservation efforts using the latest research and technology, including genetics and environmental DNA,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “Transitioning from our unique diploma program to the bachelor’s degree at Trent will provide students access to the latest tools and practical knowledge and give students a competitive edge when entering the job market.”

Through this agreement, graduates of Fleming College’s Conservation Biology diploma program can obtain either their B.Sc. (Honours) in Conservation Biology or B.Sc. (Honours) in Biology with an optional Specialization in Conservation Biology through Trent – graduating with both their diploma and degree in as little as five years.

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Local Retired Teacher With Cancer Ready To Take the Next Step

After being diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer and 30 years of teaching, local teacher Andrew Astrom is going from the classroom to the real estate world.

Astrom has played high school football with NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights insider and Peterborough native Gary Lawless. Photo courtesy of Andrew Astrom.

Astrom discovered his cancer on May 4 and had surgery on Aug. 5 where his thyroid and several lymph nodes were removed. He has lost most of his voice, has side neck pain and suffers nerve pain when he eats.

He retired from Holy Cross Secondary school in late December after the fall semester of last year following a 20-year tenure. He made his decision due to his cancer and influence from his recently retired colleague Andre Metivier.

Astrom retired from Holy Cross taking with him a lock, pictures of his sons and a Rubik’s cube. Photo courtesy of Andrew Astrom.

He spent his first five years teaching in Lindsay then worked at Immaculate Conception School in Peterborough for another five. The rest of his tenure was spent at Holy Cross teaching a variety of subjects but with a focus on social sciences.

"There were some tough days in education but most of it has been great,” reflected Astrom. “The kids you meet, the colleagues you have, just the added experiences of sports and all of those things. It's been an amazing run.

Astrom with his wife Tammie have three sons together with two of them as collegiate quarterbacks. Photo courtesy of Andrew Astrom.

Astrom is following in his wife’s footsteps as a real estate agent with Bowes & Cocks. He is close to having full certification as the next step of his life. He says he refuses to let his cancer hold him down from being a functional member of society.

“I've just said it's time to get going here,” remarked Astrom. “I'm not a good victim, I'm not a good patient so I had to find a way for me to get back to being useful.”

Astrom is scheduled for a follow-up surgery at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto later this year.

Some of his hobbies include woodworking and playing guitar. He has been the offensive coordinator for the Holy Cross football team during the school’s second season in 2003.

After 30 years of teaching, Astrom says he will miss all the students he has met over the years.

“I will always love being in front of kids,” he said. “There’s a lot of kids that have connected with my style and my personality and a lot who didn’t. I don’t take it personally but I will miss all the kids.”

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Peterborough Public Health Provides Guidance to Reduce COVID-19 Spread Schools to Families

Dr. Thomas Piggott, Peterborough Public Health’s (PPH) medical officer of health has outlined the steps he strongly recommends local school families take to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools in a letter released Thursday.

Dr. Thomas Piggott (pictured) became Peterborough Public Health’s medical officer of health on Dec. 1. Photo courtesy of Peterborough Public Health.

“This is a difficult time to be a parent and/or caregiver, and the return to in-person learning is a tough decision to make,” said Dr. Piggott. “I want to assure families that PPH, in partnership with district school boards, is working diligently to ensure protective measures are in place for the prevention of COVID-19 transmission in schools.”

The full letter can be read here.

In his letter, Dr. Piggott described the recommendations that were developed for Peterborough County and City schools in consultation with the Provincial Government’s Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. They focused on the following key areas: 

• Close monitoring of school absenteeism rates, and the results of rapid-antigen tests including those submitted to PPH through this online survey (https://chkmkt.com/RAT21). If indicators demonstrate the spread of COVID-19 exceeds set thresholds, unvaccinated students will be recommended for dismissal for five days to self-isolate. 

• Submitting rapid-antigen test results (positive or negative) to PPH’s confidential online survey at https://chkmkt.com/RAT21

• Getting vaccinated with at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccine for students aged 5 - 17 years. Second doses are available 56 days (eight weeks) after the first dose. Appointments are available through the provincial booking system https://covid-19.ontario.ca/book-vaccine/ or by calling for assistance at 1- 833-943-3900.

At all local schools, wearing masks, maintaining physical distancing, completing the daily screening tool and not attending school if students or a household member is symptomatic are key public health measures.

Dr. Piggott also encourages parents and caregivers to watch the webinar entitled “ABCs of Back to In-person Learning” he gave last Thursday answering their frequently asked questions about the reopening of schools to in-person learning.

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