Media Releases

Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues – August 2025, Issue 2

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 09:04:58 -0300

We are thrilled by the incredible response to the launch of Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues! In less than two weeks, we received over 30 heartfelt submissions—each one highlighting the generosity, dedication, and positivity that make our University such a special place.

Because of this tremendous response, we will be sharing the submissions across the next three issues of Campus Connector. Read the second set of submissions (organized in alphabetical order) below.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your stories and celebrate your colleagues. It is inspiring to see our community come together to shine a spotlight on the people who go above and beyond every day.

Submissions for next month are now open! Share your note of recognition by the last Friday of the month, and let’s continue celebrating the amazing colleagues who make our campus shine. For more details on the program, including how to make a submission, please click here.

Cathy Hennessey, Faculty of Arts

This summer, a major ventilation upgrade, planned to be carried out over several years, began in SDU Main Building. Three floors of Main were packed up and closed to all but the work crews. An enormous amount of logistical work fell to Cathy Hennessey, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Arts. From soliciting, gathering and distributing information, identifying supplies and assistance needed by faculty, instructors, and staff, arranging offices for people who needed on-campus space to work, placing bundles of work orders and space change requests, and a thousand other things, Cathy has demonstrated strategic foresight and dogged determination in the face of many significant challenges. In addition to this, Cathy carried out her own Admin responsibilities and graciously helped chairs in a context where there have been three Administrative Assistant vacancies in Arts this summer. Kudos to Cathy for her unwavering dedication and deep commitment, her seemingly unbreakable sense of humour, and her grace under enormous pressure. Thank you to Cathy from the Faculty of Arts.

Jonathan Hewitt, Manager of Student Culture and Community Standards; as well as the members of his unit: Inara Bhalesha, Susie Zavala, Sister Sue Kidd, Dayana Balqis, Jolene Rolle, and their two welcome week coordinators, Kaitlyn and Shema

This unit does amazing things every day with not enough budget or resources. The work they do on welcome week, and student engagement alone is just amazing! Also, the staff in the Food Bank, Mawi'omi Centre, and the Chaplaincy Centre do such great work for students as well! They all have such great attitudes and go the extra mile at all times! They all care about doing what is best for students so much! This unit does NOT get enough recognition or even acknowledgement!

Whitney Jenkins, UPEI Bookstore

For her outstanding work coordinating all the textbooks, eBooks, lab manuals and other materials needed for each course at UPEI. She does this on top of ordering all the clothing, giftware, snacks, supplies, games and more. She does so much for us here and we would be lost without her. Thanks Whitney!

Belinda Johnson, Administrative Assistant, International Relations Office

Belinda goes above and beyond to make everyone on the 4th floor of Dalton Hall feel special. She never misses a birthday and is always supplying treats! She is always thinking of others. Belinda shows up to work with a smile and always has her door open to help solve any problems or a helpful chat. When a holiday or special occasion rolls around, Belinda is full of ideas on how to decorate the office and participate in a fun way. Thanks Belinda!

Akhilesh Kaullysing, Registrar’s Office

Akhilesh has been a tremendous extra support to students, faculty, and staff—particularly with course registration and scheduling!

Ashley MacKenna, Facilities Management

Ashley goes above and beyond daily, making herself available to support the various needs on campus. She excels at providing customer service.

Chris MacLauchlan, Robertson Library

In every interaction with Chris and her work with IslandScholar.ca at Robertson Library, she is always so helpful, knowledgeable, positive, and solves every challenge we've thrown at her. Quick to reply, and even quicker to get things done, Chris is truly a remarkable colleague we're lucky to have at UPEI. Thanks for being there for us!

Megan MacLean, Interim Associate Vice-President Students

Megan stepped in as Interim AVPS after a gap in leadership and has brought a lot of care and dedication to the role. She has ushered through some challenging but needed restructuring, addressing people's concerns and needs with patience, thoughtfulness, and transparency. She makes a point to understand the work of people within the portfolio with a very human lens, without losing sight of strategic opportunities for the University to enhance student experience. She is a humble but impactful force on this campus, and I know many of us are grateful to have her leadership through this transition.

Martine McMillan, Administrative Assistant, Dean's Office, Faculty of Science

I would like to recognize Martine for her outstanding contributions and support. She is an absolute pleasure to work with—always kind, approachable, and willing to lend a hand to her colleagues across the Faculty of Science. Her pride in her work shines through in her meticulous attention to detail and her constant efforts to improve and streamline processes that benefit us all. Beyond her professional excellence, Martine is a strong advocate for fostering a healthy, supportive workplace culture. She actively encourages her fellow admins to take time for themselves—whether by attending workshops, participating in campus events, or simply stepping outside for a walk at lunch. Her leadership reminds us that caring for our own well-being helps us thrive as a team. Martine’s dedication, positivity, and advocacy make a meaningful impact every day, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work alongside her.

Dr. Tess Miller, Faculty of Education

Dr Miller goes the extra mile for her colleagues and students. She gives so much of her talent in research and writing to every endeavour. She is exceptional in her ethics and integrity. I don’t know a person with better character. She is a leader in the field of mathematics, research, program evaluation and psychometrics. These are the reasons I would like to recognize this fine person. - Cindy Wood

Updated Rubin Thomlinson report following review of redactions

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 14:54:03 -0300

In June 2023, the 91��㶮�� publicly released the Rubin Thomlinson report, formally titled the 91��㶮�� Review. The report was published in a redacted form after a legal review to protect the identity of individuals, and to avoid potentially defamatory comments.

Following the publication of the redacted Rubin Thomlinson report, the Faculty Association filed a grievance. As part of the pre-hearing document production process, the Arbitration Board ordered the disclosure of the Rubin Thomlinson report, subject to appropriate redactions made to protect the identity of individuals and to avoid potentially defamatory comments. The Arbitration Board Chair reviewed the Rubin Thomlinson report and found that the majority of the redactions made by UPEI were appropriate, ordering that eight redacted areas be unredacted. In accordance with the Arbitration Board’s order, UPEI is sharing as of September 2025 an updated version of the Rubin Thomlinson report—the 91��㶮�� Review—with those eight additional areas unredacted.

In the lead-up to this release, UPEI took time to carefully review this matter with regard to its promise, and Rubin Thomlinson’s promise, to safeguard the identities of those who participated in the review process. UPEI exercised due diligence and made every effort to assess the impact of the removal of those eight redacted areas on affected individuals, who remain unknown to current members of the UPEI administration. We know that preserving the integrity of confidential reporting is essential. It is critical that we carefully balance the protection of individual dignity and privacy to foster a safe environment for reporting with the transparent sharing of key information to help shape the culture we aspire to at UPEI.

Building a culture of trust at UPEI, grounded in transparency, accountability, and meaningful action, is UPEI’s utmost priority. We will continue to update the community on these efforts. UPEI acknowledges that, during the time period examined in the Rubin Thomlinson report, UPEI failed to create a safe, respectful, and positive environment for working and learning for all members of the community, violating UPEI’s collective agreement with the Faculty Association, as well as the PEI Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The University has been clear in its commitment to change. We continue our work to implement the recommendations contained in the Rubin Thomlinson report and to drive progress with the implementation of our five-year UPEI Action Plan.

AVC resident to present research at international surgery summit

Apryl Munro — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 12:56:34 -0300

This October, Dr. Yoko Nakamae, a large animal surgery resident at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the 91��㶮�� (UPEI), will travel to Seattle, Washington, to present her research at the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) Surgery Summit, the premier surgical conference for veterinary professionals worldwide.

Dr. Nakamae is one of five surgery residents selected to receive the ACVS Resident Education Travel Grant, allowing her to share findings from her master’s research project, “Comparison of Alcohol-and Chlorhexidine-Based Antisepsis for Surgical Site Preparation in Equine Arthroscopy.” While the project may have Dr. Nakamae’s name on it, she emphasizes that it was a collaborative effort with strong support from her mentors and colleagues.

“I’m the one who is presenting the research, but so many people helped me,” she says, crediting Dr. Aimie Doyle, Dr. Yvonne Elce, as well as Matt Saab and Dr. J. McClure, for their guidance and collaboration.

For Dr. Nakamae, the opportunity is both exciting and humbling.

“I’m excited and nervous at the same time,” she admits. “Many well-known and highly regarded surgeons will be there—people I’ve read about or learned from. It feels incredible to be in the same room with them.”

The ACVS Surgery Summit brings together veterinary surgeons, residents, and researchers from around the globe to share new knowledge, refine surgical techniques, and explore emerging innovations in the field. Presenting at such a high-profile event offers Dr. Nakamae the chance to showcase her team’s work while also connecting with leading experts.

“Of course, I’m presenting my research, but it’s also about meeting so many people and making good connections for the future,” she explains. “Hearing what others are working on and exchanging ideas is really inspiring. It gives me motivation for what I want to do next in my career.”

Her participation at the Surgery Summit reflects not only her dedication, but also the strong mentorship and collaboration that is at the heart of the AVC. Residents, faculty, and researchers work closely together to advance veterinary medicine and train the next generation of specialists to serve both animals and their communities.

Dr. Nakamae will take the stage in Seattle on October 23–25, with her AVC team cheering her on.

Rowan Gallagher and Isaac Sommerville named UPEI Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:56:05 -0300

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The UPEI Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week for September 8–15 are Rowan Gallagher (women’s rugby) and Isaac Sommerville (men’s soccer).

Gallagher is a chemistry student from Halifax, Nova Scotia. The first-year fullback turned in a strong performance against the Acadia University Axewomen on September 13, scoring two tries in a hard fought 28-14 loss.

“Rowan is a phenomenal athlete whose rugby IQ gets her in the right spot at the right time more often than not,” said UPEI Women's Rugby head coach Curtis Lauzon. “She's a threat on both sides of the ball and has been in excellent form this year.”

Sommerville is a first-year psychology student from Memramcook, New Brunswick. The rookie was tested against two of the most experienced and competitive teams in the conference—St. Francis Xavier University on September 12 and Cape Breton University on September 14—and held his own, playing fearless in the midfield.

“Despite being one of our youngest players, Isaac consistently rose to the occasion. He showed bravery in receiving the ball in high-pressure spaces and often took on the responsibility of marking the opposition’s most dangerous threats. His maturity, resilience, and fearlessness stood out, making him one of the bright sparks in both performances,” said UPEI Men's Soccer head coach Jed Davies.

Go Panthers Go!

UPEI hosting events during Sexual Assault Awareness Week

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:22:35 -0300

This year, PEI’s annual Sexual Assault Awareness Week takes place from September 18 to 24, 2025. This is a dedicated time to raise awareness about sexual violence, to educate on sexual violence prevention, and to show compassion and offer support to survivors of sexual violence in our community.

To recognize this important week, the UPEI Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SV-PRO), the UPEI Student Union, and Robertson Library have organized a series of events on the UPEI campus.

Sexual Assault Awareness Week Display (September 15–26): Robertson Library and the SV-PRO are hosting a Sexual Assault Awareness Week (SAAW) Display in the Robertson Library lobby. Members of the campus community are encouraged to drop by to learn more about SAAW and to take part in Love Letters to Survivors. Write a message of compassion, care, and support to individuals who have experienced sexual violence. Messages will be included in a collage of community care, which will hang in the SV-PRO. Survivors visiting the Office will see and feel the solidarity.

PhotoVoice, The Art of Thriving (September 18; September 22–26): Women’s Network PEI and SV-PRO partnered to offer a creative, community-based space for survivors of gender-based violence and individuals navigating life after trauma. Participants were guided through a process of reflection, story-telling, and visual expression, culminating in this digital exhibit. Each photo is a window into a personal journey. Some speak to recovery, others to silence, safety, freedom, or inner growth. Together, they are a reminder that healing takes many forms and every voice matters. The art will be on display in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre concourse on September 18 and in the Robertson Library lobby from September 22 to 26.

Another event this week is the Venus Envy Workshop and Sex Toy Bingo (September 17, 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm) in The Fox & Crow, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, hosted by the UPEI Student Union and Halifax’s Venus Envy.

Other events that took place this week included Consent Pizza on September 15, and Scatter Stones on September 16, both hosted by the UPEI Student Union and SV-PRO.

For information about events happening off-campus, please check out the PEI Rape and Sexual Assault Centre’s Sexual Assault Awareness Week webpage: https://www.peirsac.org/saaw.

If you experience sexual or gender-based violence, the UPEI Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office is available to help. You can reach them at 902-620-5090 or sv-pro@upei.ca or visit them in Rooms 115–118 in the Kelley Memorial Building from 8:30 am–4:00 pm, Monday–Friday.

UPEI Panthers this Week (September 15–21)

Ron Annear — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 09:06:13 -0300

The UPEI field hockey, rugby, and cross country teams are looking forward to a week of competition at home and away.

Friday, September 19
AT HOME
5:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers play the St. Francis Xavier University X-Women on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field.
7:30 pm: The UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers play the St. Francis Xavier University X-Men on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field.

This is “Kick for the Cure” night! Pink hats will be sold at the games with all proceeds being donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Society. There will also be a donation jar available for those who prefer to make a monetary donation of their choice to the cause.

Saturday, September 20
AT HOME:
The Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) Tournament #1 will be hosted by the UPEI Panthers at MacAdam Field (UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place). Visiting teams include Acadia University Axewomen, Dalhousie University Tigers, Mount Allison University Mounties, Saint Mary’s University Huskies, St. Francis Xavier University X-Women, and University of New Brunswick Reds.

12:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Field Hockey Panthers play the Saint Mary’s University Huskies
6:45 pm: The UPEI Women’s Field Hockey Panthers play the Dalhousie University Tigers.

AWAY:
12:00 and 1:00 pm: The UPEI Cross Country Panthers compete at the Dalhousie University Invitational in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
2:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers play the Saint Mary’s University Huskies in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Sunday, September 21
AT HOME:
9:45 am: The UPEI Women’s Field Hockey Panthers host the Acadia University Axewomen at MacAdam Field (UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place).
1:30 pm: The UPEI Women’s Field Hockey Panthers host the St. Francis Xavier University X-Women at MacAdam Field (UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place).

Ticketing
Tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

Gold Rush
UPEI Panthers Gold Rush can be played through the app—UPEI Panther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

Name that Building! Help choose a name for our new building

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:27:18 -0300

The 91��㶮�� is excited to be approaching completion of the new 140,000 square-foot building, which supports the UPEI Faculty of Medicine and medical learners in the regional campus of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine, as well as UPEI students in nursing, psychology, nutrition and dietetics, kinesiology, paramedicine, and other programs. It will also have a Patient Medical Home, the provincial Adult ADHD Clinic (both operated by Health PEI), and allow for collaborations with others at UPEI—like the Atlantic Veterinary College—and in the broader community.

But this state-of-the-art facility does not yet have a formal name! While some have referred to the facility informally by a variety of handles, it is time to consider an official name in advance of the building’s official grand opening in March 2026.

The Vice-President Academic and Research and Vice-President Administration and Finance would like to engage the creativity of the University community to consider some of the latest proposed names and offer feedback—or suggest potentially a new name altogether.

Help us choose the name! The finalist options include the

Health Education Facility
Interprofessional Health Education Facility
Faculty of Medicine and Health Education Centre
Medical and Interprofessional Health Centre.

Criteria for a great name:

Name should be inclusive of major functions/tenants of the building (i.e., their mission and scope)
Name should enhance the profile and image of the University
Name should work in a variety of applications and ‘roll off the tongue,’ (i.e., short, and succinct) so it is easy to use in conversation, on signage and directories, and in print and digital materials.

What is your opinion?  Email your thoughts about one or more of the above—or an even better name—to  vpaf@upei.ca. A steering committee will review this feedback as part of its selection process. Please send all feedback by 11:59 pm on September 29, 2025.

UPEI celebrates 2025 Homecoming Week from September 19 to 27

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:43:34 -0300

From September 19 to 27, UPEI alumni and the campus community are invited to take part in UPEI Homecoming Week! It’s a wonderful opportunity to come together and enjoy a fun and engaging line-up of activities and events.

Homecoming Week kicks off with a Piano Gala Celebration on Friday, September 19, at 7:30 pm in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall. The Department of Music invites alumni, donors, and friends to help celebrate their new Yamaha CFX concert grand piano with a piano recital. The event features UPEI piano professor Dr. Magdalena von Eccher, along with invited guests Professor Emerita Dr. Frances Gray and PEI-based pianist Glen Montgomery. Alumni are eligible for 20% off tickets with a special Homecoming promo code. Request the ticket promo code.

As part of the UPEI Homecoming tradition, the UPEI Panthers will play a number of home games. On September 19, UPEI women’s and men’s soccer teams will take to the pitch. At 5:00 pm, the UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers will take on the St. Francis Xavier University X-Women on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field, and the men’s team will play the St. FX X-Men at 7:30 pm.

On Wednesday, September 24, at 6:30 pm, the UPEI Alumni Association will present its 2025 Distinguished and Inspiring Young Alumni Awards at Alumni Hall, 618 University Avenue. Receiving Distinguished Alumni Awards are Dr. Janice Keefe, BA 1984; and Dr. Lesley Steele, DVM 1997. The Inspiring Young Alumni Awards recipients are Dr. Derek Schipper, BSc 2006; Katie Arsenault, BBA 2007; and Alexia Riche, BA 2020. RSVP before September 17 for the awards celebration.

There will also be Homecoming trivia at 7:00 pm on Wednesday with UPEI alumnus Owen Shaw (BBA’21) at The Fox & Crow, W.A. Murphy Student Centre. The evening will feature food and drink specials. All are welcome!

On Thursday, September 25, the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship and TD Small Business Insurance will present “A Speaker Spotlight and Entrepreneurial Showcase” featuring From Idea to Impact: The Woveo Story” at 5:00 pm in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall. The showcase and networking reception will be followed by a special presentation by 2024 Inspiring Young Alumni Award recipients Jonah Chininga, BBA 2018, and James Muhato, BBA 2013. RSVP for the Speaker Spotlight.

Friday, September 26, is Green and White Day. Show your UPEI pride and support your Panther athletes by wearing green and white or any UPEI gear, no matter where you are in the world. Take a photo of yourself wearing UPEI gear and post it to social media with the hashtag #UPEIHOCO for a chance to win a new Pride the Panther mini mascot.

Both UPEI women’s and men’s soccer and basketball teams have home games on Friday, September 26. At 5:00 pm, the UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers will take on the Saint Mary’s University Huskies on the UPEI Artificial Turf Field. At 6:00 pm, the UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers take to the court in the Mickey Place Memorial Tournament. At 7:30 pm, the UPEI Men’s Soccer squad plays Saint Mary’s, while at 8:00 pm, the UPEI Men’s Basketball team closes out the evening’s Panther action at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.

Also on Friday, starting at 9:30 pm the Take The Mic band, which includes UPEI alumni Todd MacLean (BA 2001) and Deryl Gallant (BMus 2002), will bring its unique Take the Mic Live Band Karaoke to the Fox & Crow. Alumni and students can hit the stage and belt out their favourite hits with an incredible backing band!

The Atlantic Veterinary College will host its annual AVC Open House starting at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 27. The AVC opens its doors and invites the public to come in and get a “behind-the-scenes” taste of the fascinating world of veterinary medicine.

Also on Saturday—the final day of Homecoming Week 2025—the UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers will play the St. Francis Xavier University X-Women at 2:00 pm at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place.

Later that day, former men’s basketball star Sherone Edwards will be inducted into the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame on September 27 at 4:00 pm at McMillan Hall in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. One of the most dynamic players in program history, he is being recognized for his outstanding career and lasting contributions to Panthers basketball from 2002 to 2007. The ceremony is open to the public, giving the community a chance to share in honouring his legacy.

Edwards’ induction is held in conjunction with the annual Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament, which will take place from September 26 to 28. Learn more at gopanthersgo.ca.

UPEI holds decentralized energy and active learning workshop on September 24

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:27:24 -0300

Dr. Nicholas Mercer, assistant professor of environmental studies and island studies, will host a decentralized energy and active learning workshop on September 24 from 2 to 4 pm in the Grant Thornton Lecture Theatre (Room 329), Don and Marion McDougall Hall, UPEI.

The goal of the workshop is to demonstrate the benefits of radical cross-disciplinarity: bringing together leading technical and social experts from the academic fields of “community/decentralized energy” and pedagogical experts in the space of “active learning,” to assess how these seemingly disparate disciplines can inform and enhance one another.

“What do renewable energy transitions and student-centered teaching strategies possibly have in common?” said Mercer. “An overarching goal of decentralizing authority, a deep commitment to transparency, building trust amongst participants, and an active role for supporting institutions, to name just a few possible parallels.”

“Community/decentralized energy” challenges the traditional centralized model of energy systems where distant and corporately-owned large-scale energy facilities—fossil fuels, nuclear, for example—simply “transmit” energy to passive consumers. Decentralized energy systems push for deep community ownership, leadership, and benefits from localized renewable energy projects. Similarly, “active learning” strategies challenge a dominant teaching model where instructors passively “transmit” content to students and instead empower students as active participants in their own learning through reflection, discussion, and in-class engagement.

During the workshop, leading national and regional experts in the fields of “decentralized energy systems” and “active learning pedagogies” will participate in a facilitated discussion about potential synergies between their fields. There will be a mix of in-person and virtual presentations.

The workshop will be of interest to policymakers, private developers, and non-profit groups involved in renewable energy, and people in the post-secondary and secondary education sectors who are interested in climate action. Audience participation will be encouraged throughout, and a question-and-answer session will be held.

The workshop is open to the public. Pre-registration is not required.

Home turf, higher stakes: UPEI Field Hockey Panthers chase national glory

Ron Annear — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:12:42 -0300

After three straight Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) championships, the UPEI Field Hockey Panthers have firmly established themselves as the region’s benchmark for success. Yet, despite this dominance, there remains unfinished business on the national stage.

That challenge will take on added weight this fall when UPEI hosts its first Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship in program history. For a team that has been building toward this moment, the opportunity is as big as the spotlight.

Head coach Lacey MacLauchlan knows the magnitude of what’s ahead but is urging her players to keep perspective.

“We’re focusing on the opportunity in front of us and controlling what we can both individually and as a group,” she said. “It’s an exciting time, but our best chance at success comes from staying grounded in our process.”

Building on nationals experience

UPEI made its national championship debut last season, and while the Panthers came up short, the experience was invaluable. Instead of being discouraged, the group left with a sense of motivation to elevate their game to the next level.

“We had a respectable showing last year, and we’re going to continue to build on the experience we’ve gained,” MacLauchlan explained. “That opportunity showed us what the best in the country look like, and it gave us a clearer picture of what we need to do to close the gap.”

That exposure has already shifted the team’s mindset. Winning AUFH titles is still an expectation, but it is no longer the finish line.

“Our experience at nationals last year has kept the group motivated to improve and hold one another to a higher standard,” MacLauchlan said. “We’re no longer just focused on success in the Atlantic; we’re pushing ourselves to achieve it on the national stage as well.”

Star power and depth

This year’s Panthers feature proven game-changers who embody the team’s speed, skill, and competitive edge. Livi Lawlor, last season’s AUFH Most Valuable Player and a U SPORTS All-Canadian, anchors the midfield with her vision, stamina, and leadership.

Joining Lawlor in the midfield is veteran Kali Smith. An AUFH All-Star, she is equally effective, disrupting opposing attacks and jumpstarting UPEI’s transition game. Her versatility makes her a cornerstone of the Panthers’ structure in both directions.

Up front, Kayla Batchilder is the finisher every team dreams of. The AUFH All-Star and U SPORTS All-Canadian led the league in scoring as a rookie and returns as UPEI’s most dangerous attacking weapon. Her knack for finding the net will once again be central to the Panthers’ offensive identity.

Together, these three form the backbone of a roster that blends veteran leadership with promising young talent. Surrounding them is a deep and balanced lineup. In goal, Alexis Marshall and Bria Matthews provide reliability, while the defence is anchored by Charlotte Thompson, Katie Grace Noye, Ella MacDougall, Sophie Crabbe, and Leah MacPhail.

The midfield is strengthened by Miah Lawlor, Sarah Peters, Olivia Lea, and Molly MacNeill, who bring energy and flexibility around the core trio. Up front, Jenaya Ross, Carly Acorn, Melia Mason, and Rachael Campbell add speed and secondary scoring options to support Batchilder’s finishing touch.

A Player’s Perspective

For veterans, hosting nationals is about more than competition—it’s about legacy and pride.

“As a fourth-year player, I couldn’t ask for a better way to finish than hosting nationals on our home turf,” Lawlor said. “With such a short season, we don’t get many games, especially at home, so this is a rare chance for our family and friends to see us in some of the biggest games we’ll ever play. Having them there will give us that extra boost of energy we need to find success.”

This year holds special meaning for Lawlor, who will line up alongside her younger sister, Miah, for the first time.

“This year is especially meaningful because my sister joined the team,” she said. “Getting the chance to play alongside her for the first time, in front of our family, and to share the experience of nationals at home feels like the perfect way to close out my field hockey career.”

Eyes on the bigger prize

As the season unfolds, UPEI’s mission is twofold: extend its run of dominance in the AUFH and prove it can translate that success nationally. The players know the spotlight will be brighter than ever, but they also know this is exactly the kind of moment they’ve been building toward.

Hosting the national championship is both an honour and a challenge. For the Panthers, it’s also an opportunity, one they believe they’re ready to seize.

UPEI Women’s Field Hockey kicks off their season on Saturday, September 13, with two games against the University of New Brunswick Reds in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

UPEI Basketball legend Sherone Edwards earns Hall of Fame induction

Ron Annear — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:29:24 -0300

The 91��㶮�� is proud to announce that former men’s basketball star Sherone Edwards will be inducted into the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame. One of the most dynamic players in program history, Edwards is being recognized for his outstanding career and lasting contributions to Panther basketball from 2002 to 2007.

Edwards will officially take his place among UPEI’s greats at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, September 27 at 4:00 pm at McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre. He will be honoured not only for his remarkable achievements on the court but also the enduring impact he made on the Panther program and its fans.

The ceremony is open to the public free of charge, giving the community a chance to share in honouring his legacy. It will be held in conjunction with the annual Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament, which will take place from September 26 to 28.

“Sherone Edwards is one of the most accomplished and exciting players to ever represent UPEI,” said Jane Vessey, Director of UPEI Athletics and Recreation. “His skill, competitiveness, and leadership elevated our men’s basketball program and inspired fans across the Island. We are proud to celebrate his induction into the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame and recognize the incredible legacy he left behind.”

A gifted and natural athlete, Edwards electrified Panther basketball fans from the moment he arrived on campus. In his debut season in 2002–03, he was named AUS Rookie of the Year and helped lead UPEI to a conference championship, setting the stage for a remarkable career. Known for his explosive quickness, leaping ability, and clutch play in big moments, he became one of the most decorated players in UPEI Men’s Basketball program history.

Across 99 career games, he ranks among UPEI’s all-time leaders in nearly every category—second in points (1,698, which is also sixth all-time in AUS), field goals (678), minutes played (3,133), and steals (167) while also ranking among the top five in rebounds, free throws, and blocks. He finished his career averaging 17.2 points, 51.4% shooting, 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.8 blocks per game.

When the stage for the Panthers was at its brightest, Edwards always rose to the occasion, setting the UPEI record for most career playoff points. His excellence was recognized with three AUS All-Star selections (First Team in 2004–05 and 2005–06, and Second Team in 2006–07) and national honours as a CIS First Team All-Canadian (2004–05) and Second Team All-Canadian (2005–06). He proved himself as one of the nation’s top scorers in 2004–05, capturing the first of back-to-back AUS scoring titles and earning AUS Men’s Basketball MVP honours.

Consistent, dependable, and a dynamic force who could do it all, Edwards stands among the best to ever wear the green and white.

Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues – August 2025, Issue 1

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:02:39 -0300

Because of this tremendous response, we will be sharing the submissions across the next three issues of Campus Connector. Read the first set of submissions (organized in alphabetical order) below.

Suzette Acorn, Atlantic Veterinary College

Suzette has been a beacon of support for everyone in the department of biomedical sciences. She is always extremely helpful and cares about everyone. For example, my mother and mother-in-law recently passed away. Not only did Suzette take the time to figure out what bereavement time I would have (with two burials out of province, a tragic accident, and the deaths) with my part time work—no easy feat—she also represented the department in purchasing flowers, cards, and organizing people in the department to drive one hour away to come to my mother's visitation. That's compassion in action. Suzette has the remarkable ability to cultivate community. Our department would not be the same without her. She has won similar awards multiple years in a row for a very good reason! I highly recommend Suzette be recognized for her outstanding contributions to the UPEI community.

Thomas Becker, Athletics and Recreation

Thomas Becker is being recognized for his outstanding work as UPEI Athletics’ Sports Information Officer. Through creative storytelling, high-quality content, and consistent coverage, he has elevated the profile of UPEI’s varsity teams and student-athletes on local, regional, and national stages. His efforts have strengthened fan engagement, enhanced sponsor visibility, and showcased the achievements of Panthers Athletics in a professional and impactful way. - Bruce Donaldson

Dr. Andrea Bourque, Diagnostic Services, Atlantic Veterinary College

Andrea is a delight to work with, and I know for a fact that this is her overall reputation. She always has a pleasant demeanour, always super funny, lighthearted and the room lights up when she enters. I admire her positive impact on our workplace, her professionalism and dedication to clients. I know she could be going through a tough time or having a bad day, and one would never know it. I strive to be more like her. She's always been this way, and I think it needs official recognition ;) Thanks for considering! - Darlene Jones

Colin Bowley, Marketing and Communications

Colin Bowley is a cornerstone of UPEI’s success, leading transformative initiatives such as the Brand Resource Hub and Digital Asset Management Platform, which have significantly improved brand consistency and operational efficiency across campus. His meticulous planning, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to timelines make him indispensable. Colin demonstrates exceptional project management skills, consistently delivering high-quality results under pressure while juggling multiple high-profile initiatives. From major events like U Sports and Convocation to critical projects such as Faculty accreditation reports, alumni campaigns, and complex marketing deliverables like the UPEI Viewbook, Colin ensures every task is completed on time and to the highest standard. His work touches nearly every department on campus, reflecting his collaborative spirit and ability to unite diverse perspectives. Known for his adaptability and responsiveness, Colin handles shifting priorities with ease while keeping long-term goals in focus. He fosters an inclusive, supportive work environment and recently enhanced team efficiency by sharing his expertise through an Asana tutorial. His dedication to continuous improvement and innovation sets a standard of excellence that inspires trust and confidence across the University. As Kathy Weatherbie, Senior Development and Donor Relations Officer, affirms: “Colin’s unwavering support has been transformative for our department. His quick responses, thoughtful advice, and attention to detail exemplify service excellence. I am thrilled to nominate him for this well-deserved recognition.” In sum, Colin’s leadership, collaboration, and consistent excellence have left a lasting impact on UPEI, making him an outstanding candidate for recognition as a remarkable colleague. – Emi Abou Wafia

Dr. Anne Marie Carey, Atlantic Veterinary College

I don't think it's known the impact Dr. Carey has on the students at the AVC. From being there for them when they need to talk, to finding solutions to their concerns, to empowering them every time she sees them, and that's just the front facing stuff. Behind-the-scenes, she works tirelessly for them. She ensures they get the externships and works to get them across the finish line if they're struggling. She advocates on their behalf to ensure they have study permits and information they need if they're traveling for externships. Her impact creates lasting change at the AVC. When a trans student spoke to her about the lack of gender-neutral change rooms and washrooms, she worked to establish some within the building. When a student has to drop out because of personal issues or grades, she never closes the door on them. She keeps it open and encourages them to try again. More often than not, they come back, fueled with the desire to do well because Dr. Carey believed in them. She works hard and puts in more hours than seems humanly possible, but for this recognition, it's her impact that deserves a special call out, because those things she does for each individual student often go unnoticed, but they are important.

Dr. Mitchell Carr, Atlantic Veterinary College

I am recognizing this person because he has been over and beyond in his help with the Community Practice team. He has an attitude that is always "how can I help" and does not differentiate between roles and is just a person you can work with and count on to support you during stressful work days. He is also very genuine, straightforward, and compassionate with all his clients and co-workers. There is so much for me to learn from him as I work with him more.

Lisa Coady, Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development

Lisa is the administrative assistant for the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD), and she is truly the glue that keeps our Office together. Not only does she handle all administrative tasks (registrations, printing, invoicing, bookings internal documentation, et cetera) will ease and efficiency, she is a friendly and helpful face when participants need any assistance at one of our courses, she is beloved by facilitators that work with her, and she keeps the whole building (UPEI Alumni Hall) smiling with her infectious laugh and positive attitude. Administrative assistants often don't get the recognition they deserve, unfortunately. However, Lisa deserves all the plaudits she receives, and she truly is an integral part of the OCEPD team.

Laura De Villiers, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Atlantic Veterinary College

Consistently works to better systems and processes for the overall organization. Strong advocate for patient and staff personal wellbeing. Genuinely cares while also being highly efficient and capable. Laura is a pleasure to work with!

Bruce Donaldson, Athletics and Recreation

Bruce is an amazing person. Our department is surviving partly due to his hard work and dedication to improving our programs (i.e., varsity, club), our facilities, our connection on campus, in the community, in our region and on a national stage. He was recognized in May 2024 as Volunteer of the Year by Event Atlantic, but our university and community should be recognizing him for all that he has done and is continuing to do for our department, our campus, our community and our Province. – Koren Glenn

Richelle Greathouse, International Relations Office (Two submissions!)

She is not only my supervisor but also someone I deeply admire. She is incredibly hardworking and has been a tremendous support in my personal and professional growth. Even after ten years of working with students, her passion and empathy for international students remain as strong as ever. Moving from Saskatchewan to PEI for this job was a big decision, but Richelle is one of the key reasons I feel it was worth it. - Sarah Cheng

Richelle is an example of dedication and lifelong learning. She is always on top of all the immigration changes and keeps our students well-informed of what they need to do to be successful in their journey as international students. Richelle is always rolling out new initiatives and ways of doing things to improve our reach to students. Not to mention, she is a great team lead to Sarah and I. - Erica Stanley

Awards presented for the 2025 AVC Summer Research and Leadership Program

Apryl Munro — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 08:38:21 -0300

Students who participated in the 91��㶮��’s Atlantic Veterinary College’s (AVC) Summer Research Leadership Program (SRLP) presented their posters to faculty, staff, and students on August 26th and 27th.

The SRLP is designed to introduce doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) students to career opportunities in research. Students work under the guidance of a faculty mentor, are supported by a graduate student mentor, and take part in supplemental group sessions. The program ends with a poster presentation and competition.

Winning first place in the poster competition was Yan-Ru Chen, Class of 2028, for her poster titled “Impact of Vaccination Temperature on Atlantic Salmon Resistance to Infectious Salmon Anemia Virus.” Chen was supervised by Dr. Mark Fast, and her graduate student mentor was Emily Pope. She received a $350 prize for her work.

Second place, with a $250 cash prize, was awarded to Brady Sweeney, Class of 2027, for his poster “The Fox-inating tale of Echinococcus Mutilocularis on Prince Edward Island.” Sweeney was supervised by Dr. Nina Germitsch, and his graduate student mentor was Laura Leaman.

Placing third, and receiving a $150 cash prize, was Michaela Green, Class of 2027, for her poster “Investigating the Seroprevalence of Equine Arteritis Virus Among Standardbred Racehorses on Prince Edward Island.” Green was supervised by Dr. Ben Stoughton, and her graduate student mentor was Dr. Ahsan Raquib.

“We had a total of 17 students take part, and I am so impressed,” said Dr. Laurie McDuffee, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. “Hopefully, their experience this summer inspires some students to consider future careers in research.”

In addition, SRLP participants Sabrina Valdes Ramos and Jon Klymchuk, both Class of 2028, were selected to present their research at the Canadian Emerging Veterinary Scholars Summit, taking place October 23–25, 2025, at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Congratulations to all award recipients and to every student who contributed to this year’s program.

To see all of the posters in the competition, visit /avc/dvm/summer-research-and-leadership-program/student-posters

Institute of Island Studies presents lecture by Dr. Doug Sobey on September 16

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:36:38 -0300

The Institute of Island Studies’ Island Lecture Series will present an illustrated talk by Dr. Doug Sobey about the historical forest composition of PEI in the mid-1800s on September 16, 2025, at 7 pm, in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI.

Sobey’s lecture is based on the survey books of Alexander Anderson (1795–1884), government surveyor for Prince County from the 1830s to the 1870s. Because many of Anderson’s survey lines, especially his road lines and township boundary lines, ran over land that had not yet been cleared of forest, his more than 2,700 forest descriptions are a valuable body of information on the composition of the Island’s pre-settlement forests, especially in the area west of Summerside.

Sobey’s analysis of the survey books resulted in the identification of 18 distinct pre-settlement forest types, most of which no longer occur in the region: nine are in “upland” habitats and nine in “lowland.” Upland refers to the region’s drier well-drained soils, and lowland to its imperfectly and its poorly drained soils. Sobey will reveal how the forest that Anderson encountered bears no comparison to the remnant degraded woodland of today.

Sobey has taught at various institutions in Northern Ireland for 30 years, including the University of Ulster. Eleven of his monographs on the present and historical forests of the Island have been published by the provincial government, along with historical papers in the Island Magazine. He co-authored a book on Samuel Holland’s 1765 survey of Prince Edward Island, and he contributed a chapter on the Island’s forest history to Time and a Place: An Environmental History of Prince Edward Island.

The lecture is free, and all are welcome. For more information, contact Bren Simmers at Island Studies Press, 902-566-0386, or ispstaff@upei.ca.

Grace Richard and Luc Doucette named UPEI Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 10:35:35 -0300

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The UPEI Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week for September 1–7 are Grace Richard (women’s cross country) and Luc Doucette (men’s cross country).

Richard is a fifth-year science student from Charlottetown, PEI. She turned in a strong performance in the season opener on September 6 at Odell Park in Fredericton, New Brunswick, placing sixth overall with a time of 30:36.

“Grace ran really well considering she’s still recovering a little from a solid Canada Games,” said coach Mike Peterson. “She is working hard and has lofty goals for the season.”

A first-year arts student from Charlottetown, Doucette impressed in the afternoon race at Odell Park on September 6, finishing second overall with a time of 25:40 to kick off the season in style.

“Luc is probably no longer the best kept secret in the AUS. We had a conservative race plan for him, but he closed very, very well. He has a high ceiling to say the least,” said Peterson.

Go Panthers Go!

UPEI Panthers this Week (September 8–14)

Ron Annear — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:53:25 -0300

The UPEI Soccer, Rugby, and Field Hockey Panthers are looking forward to a week of competition at home and away.

Friday, September 12
AWAY:
5:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers play the St. Francis Xavier University X-Women in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

7:30 pm: The UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers play the St. Francis Xavier University X-Men in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Saturday, September 13
AT HOME:
2:00 pm: The UPEI Women’s Rugby Panthers play the Acadia University Axewomen for their season home opener at MacAdam Field (UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place).

AWAY:
2:30 and 4:30 pm: UPEI Women’s Field Hockey Panthers play two games against the University of New Brunswick Reds in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Sunday, September 14
AWAY:
11:00 am: The UPEI Women’s Soccer Panthers play the Cape Breton University Capers in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

1:30 pm: The UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers play the Cape Breton University Capers in Sydney, Nova Scotia.

Ticketing
Tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

Gold Rush
UPEI Panthers Gold Rush can be played through the app—UPEI Panther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

Winners of 2025 UPEI Student Program for Research Engagement and Excellence poster competition announced

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:15:03 -0300

Undergraduate and graduate students who participated in the 2025 UPEI Student Program for Research Engagement and Excellence (SPREE) poster competition presented their posters on August 27 in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

Three winners in each category—undergraduate and graduate—were recognized equally with an Outstanding Research Poster Award and a $300 prize. Twenty-five of the 45 undergraduate and graduate students who participated in the program this year took part in the optional poster competition.

Winners in the undergraduate student category were Riley Arsenault, Biology, for their project titled “Prenatal sweet tooth, postnatal brain shift: Tyrosine hydroxylase changes in the reward circuit”; Abby Chapman, Sustainable Design Engineering, for “Patient-specific breast cancer modeling for optimizing power delivery in microwave ablation”; and Breanna Ing, Biology, for “Determining phytochemical interactors of the protein peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase.

Winning the graduate student category were Lauren Gaudet, MSc, Human Biology, for “Using human cell models to test lipid nanoparticle response”; Shelby Squires, PhD candidate, Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences, for “Using CRISPR to overexpress muscle disorder gene Pde10a in mouse muscle precursor cells”; and Atif Zahoor, PhD candidate, Environmental Sciences, for “Impact of climate variability on water needs of wild blueberry in Atlantic Canada.”

New this year was a People’s Choice Award category. Undergraduate students Leah Meister, Applied Climate Change and Adaptation, and Annalena Mauz, Biology, who competed as a pair, won the award for their project titled “Orchids: The charismatic canary” and shared the $300 prize.

Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Associate Vice-President of Research and Dean of Graduate Studies, was very impressed by the quality of the work done by all of the students in the SPREE program.

“The SPREE program is a meaningful way to advance our strategic research plan,” she said. "Through involvement with faculty members and fellow participants, the students gain first-hand experience with inquiry, engage in self-directed learning, and explore potential career pathways in research. I am very proud of everyone who participated this year, and I thank the faculty and staff who guided them through the program.”

Fourteen UPEI faculty and staff members were the judges for the undergraduate and graduate competitions. The People’s Choice Award was voted on by student researchers, UPEI campus community members, and the public.

During the program, which began in June, the students conducted research across a range of disciplines including sustainable design engineering, biology, foods and nutrition, chemistry, physics, psychology, island studies, environmental sciences, education, biotechnology, and applied health sciences. They learned from experienced researchers about designing and managing a research project, effectively communicating research, research-focused careers, and more.

Fireside Chat with Board Chair and University President, September 26

Nicole Phillips — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:04:07 -0300

Please "save the date" for our next town hall featuring a conversation with Board of Governors Chair Shannon MacDonald and President Wendy Rodgers on Friday, September 26, at 9:30 am in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

Board Chair MacDonald will lead a 'fireside chat' with President Rodgers, touching on goals and priorities and opportunities and challenges as we pursue the coming year and our strategic plan for the next five years.

This event will be similar to past ones where there will be an opportunity to ask questions. You will be able to attend in person (always preferable) or online. If you are unable to participate in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams Town Hall link.

We look forward to seeing you!

Quiet confidence: UPEI Cross Country Panthers poised for breakthrough season

Ron Annear — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 08:59:31 -0300

There’s a new energy pulsing through the UPEI Panthers cross country program.

The team has steadily grown year after year, and head coach Mike Peterson believes this season’s group is deeper, stronger, and hungrier than ever before. With an influx of new talent and veterans who are ready to take the next step, the Panthers enter the 2025 campaign with quiet confidence and a legitimate chance to make noise on both the men’s and women’s sides.

“Depth,” Peterson said without hesitation when asked what excites him most about this year’s roster. “This is the deepest roster we’ve ever had on both sides. If everything comes together, we could see multiple AUS all-stars and even put ourselves in the mix for team podium finishes.”

Blue chip additions

That optimism stems in part from a recruiting class that Peterson calls the strongest in the history of the UPEI program. Among the headline arrivals are Joel Gallant, Luc Doucette, and Bridget Keedwell—athletes with the pedigree to immediately elevate the Panthers to another level.

Gallant, a native of Mont Carmel, PEI, returns home after two decorated years at St. Francis Xavier, where he was a two-time Atlantic University Sport (AUS) all-star and finished fourth at last year’s AUS Championships. His presence alone signals a turning point for the men’s team.

“This team is ready to put the work in,” Gallant said. “My goal is to bring energy and confidence from my experience, and hopefully, that helps us land on the podium this season.”

Behind the headliners, UPEI also welcomes a rookie class full of promise. Mathew Young, Riley Webber, Jake Chapman, Lucy Power, and Sarah Irwin have impressed early, and Peterson expects them to make their presence felt right away.

Balancing youth and experience

The Panthers will lean on a strong mix of veterans and newcomers to reach their goals. On the men’s side, Gallant, Doucette, and Jack Roberts form the core, with Peterson eager to see returning athletes like Benji Dueck, Baley Wolfe, Ryan MacDonald, Campbell Brown, and Jacob Dalton take steps forward. Injured runner Max MacIsaac could also be a factor by the championships if healthy.

For the women, the depth is equally exciting. Katie and Grace Richard, Stefania Angona, and Keedwell are already in prime shape, while Anna Harris and Katie Gautreau add even more strength. Gautreau, in particular, has made dramatic strides in training, while the talented rookie group only adds to the depth.

Angona, one of the team’s vocal leaders, believes the program is on the cusp of something special.

“With the foundation we’ve built and the new additions this year, we have a real chance to make history and reach the podium on both the men’s and women’s sides,” she said. “We’ve been patient in building this program, and now we’re ready.”

Podium ambitions

The Panthers’ goals this year are as ambitious as they are attainable: multiple all-stars, team podium finishes, and strong showings at the U SPORTS championships.

For Peterson, it all comes down to staying healthy, competing hard, and maintaining the steady cultural growth the program has built over the past five years.

“There’s a humble mindset with this group,” Angona added. “But behind it is a big dream.”

If early signs are any indication, that dream might not be so far away.

The Panthers begin their journey on Saturday, September 6, at the University of New Brunswick Invitational in Saint John.

Lydia Hamill and Jahmal Boursiquot named UPEI Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 12:11:10 -0300

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The UPEI Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week for August 25–31 are Lydia Hamill (women’s soccer) and Jahmal Boursiquot (men’s soccer).

Hamill is a fourth-year science student from Searletown, PEI. Her presence in the midfield was undeniable this past weekend. Against Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues on August 29, she was everywhere, breaking up plays, keeping possession, and driving the Panthers forward to help secure a valuable point. On August 31 against perennial powerhouse Cape Breton University Capers, Hamill used grit and composure to keep UPEI in the game, battling through pressure and refusing to let the Capers dominate the middle.

“Lydia was relentless this past weekend. She threw herself into every challenge, covering every inch of the pitch like it mattered more than anything else. Kicked, fouled, knocked down—she just got back up, again and again, with the same fire in her eyes,” said head coach Jed Davies. “On the ball, she was composed, intelligent, always scanning, always available—the product of months of quiet, determined work behind the scenes. Watching her out there, inspiring those around her through sheer will and quality, it felt like a privilege to be part of her team.”

Boursiquot is a second-year business student from Ottawa, Ontario. The striker was pivotal in UPEI’s historic 3-0 win over the Cape Breton University Capers on August 31, scoring twice. His first goal came from a strong run where he beat the last defender one-on-one, and his second was a well-placed header off a cross from teammate Chase Bell.

“Jahmal didn’t just score two big goals this weekend—he set the standard. He showed what it means to defend from the front and dictated exactly what it should feel like to come to UPEI and play against us,” said head coach Davies. “He is a striker who is aggressive, hard-working, and relentless. He forced mistakes, created momentum, led by example, and set the tone for the season.”

Go Panthers Go!

All for one: Panthers Women’s Rugby forging new winning culture

Ron Annear — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 11:37:10 -0300

Family. Community. Connection. Those are the pillars of a new era for the UPEI Panthers women’s rugby team as they aim to build on recent success and establish a sustainable foundation under first-year head coach Curtis Lauzon.

“Words like family and community are exactly what I hope people feel when they first step into our environment,” Lauzon said. “For me, connection is at the heart of everything—we can only grow, push boundaries, and succeed when we’re truly connected to each other.”

That philosophy is crucial this season as the Panthers carry a massive roster of 49 players and one of the deepest coaching staffs in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference. Lauzon believes it’s not just about depth on the field but about making every athlete feel valued.

“With a large roster, the key is making sure that contribution isn’t defined only by minutes on the field,” he explained. “I want athletes to feel that they’re part of something bigger than their playing time in any given week.”

Stronger together

The Panthers’ staff reflects the same “all-for-one” mentality. Ellen Murphy, a highly respected figure in Atlantic rugby, joins as lead assistant coach, bringing experience from both U SPORTS and the Canadian Rugby Championships. Performance coach Owen MacWilliams returns in a refined role after gaining endorsements from players as an essential voice in the program. UPEI also welcomes back Nicole Davies, while adding several specialist coaches including Panther alum Mia Fradsham and Olivia McLeod, as well as Ryan Lloyd.

Supporting them is an expanded sports science and support team, encompassing strength and conditioning, mental performance, and video analysis. It’s a structure Lauzon hopes will ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

“I feel really fortunate to be stepping into a program that has had so much success,” Lauzon said. “Winning an AUS championship and making three straight trips to nationals shows the standard that’s been set here. For me, that’s not pressure as much as it is a reminder that we’re part of something special.”

Key players and new faces

On the pitch, the Panthers will lean on veterans like fifth-year veteran Emma MacLean, who brings both leadership and impact as flanker.

“The team is feeling locked in and excited to get the season started,” MacLean said. “Like always, we’re hunting for another AUS banner, and I expect us to continue to be a threat to each team in the league.”

Lauzon also highlighted forwards Adrianna Platis, pushing for a potential U20 Canada call-up, and rising contributors Madeline Landry, Deirdre Studer, and Jasmine Mohtadi. In the backs, the scrum half trio of Lauren Misener, Laurence Cormier, and Aby Walsh will dictate tempo, while Jorja Cook is set to take on a bigger role as a playmaker. Out wide, threats like Sarah Bain and Rowan Gallagher add speed and firepower.

The rookie class is also drawing attention, with front row Finlay MacPherson and flanker Robyn Moffat already turning heads in camp. With more than 20 additions this season, competition for spots is fiercer than ever.

Building Something Lasting

Lauzon isn’t shying away from the goal of winning a championship. He wants the Panthers to play with pace and creativity, keeping opponents under constant pressure. Still, he insists success in year one isn’t defined solely by results.

“For me, success goes beyond wins and losses,” he said. “It’s about building a strong foundation—creating a culture where players feel connected, valued, and proud to be part of the program. If by the end of the year we’ve established clear standards, built trust, and our players believe in the direction we’re heading, then I’ll consider that a successful first season.”

That foundation, MacLean believes, is already taking shape.

“Despite our large roster and new coaching staff, it already feels like a tight-knit group,” she said. “This season there’s a strong emphasis on teamwork, building confidence, and creating a positive environment that pushes our growth as a team."

For a program fresh off its most successful stretch in history, the present feels like the beginning of something bigger, rooted in connection, fueled by ambition, and built to last.

The Panthers will kick off their season on Friday, September 5 at St. Francis Xavier University at 7:00 pm. The UPEI squad will host the Acadia University Axewomen for their home opener on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 pm at MacAdam Field (UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place).

Season and game tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

UPEI researchers receive funding to study impact of environmental change on PEI Eastern oysters

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 10:21:56 -0300

A UPEI project titled “Exploring change in PEI Eastern oysters to understand resilience and inform restoration” has received $25,000 from the Ocean Frontier Institute’s (OFI) new community climate adaptation fund.

The project is led by Dr. Emma Ladouceur, assistant professor of biology and climate change and adaptation (Conservation Ecology Lab). Also involved are Madeleine Lafrenière, biology honours student, and Dr. Pedro Quijón, professor of biology (Coastal Ecology Lab) at UPEI. The team is working closely with a community partner, Jesse Kerr, an aquaculture biologist in the Aquaculture Division, PEI Department of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture.

“Populations of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) build shellfish reefs that support biodiversity in fisheries, filter water, and stabilize coastlines,” said Ladouceur. “Many areas, such as New York City, once famous for traditional wild fisheries, have lost these ecosystems, and are now adopting ecological restoration approaches to initiate recovery. On PEI, the Eastern oyster supports both a traditional wild fishery and an aquaculture industry, despite past devastating effects of disease and overharvesting. Environmental change can cause unpredictable trajectories in species, and growing evidence suggests oysters are at risk due to global and local pressures.”

The PEI government has been monitoring oyster growth rates throughout the province for more than 12 years, she said. But while the monitoring data are rich in information, they have not been fully analyzed. The threat of Multinucleate sphere unknown (MSX), first detected in oysters on PEI in 2024, makes the examination of the data all the more important.
The data will be examined to identify natural and human-caused factors that explain changes observed in these populations leading up to the arrival of MSX, examine how the discovery of the disease changes these long-term dynamics, and investigate restoration approaches used elsewhere that may lead to favourable results on PEI.

The findings will be used to understand the long-term dynamics and growth of wild and farmed oyster populations and how they correspond with environmental changes and MSX. Ladouceur said that in future research, they hope to learn how oyster populations might be strengthened and supported after major disturbances, possibly through techniques used in restoration ecology.

Lafrenière has been working with the provincial aquaculture team this summer and autumn, helping them in the field and in the lab, collecting and processing samples, and getting hands-on experience with the approaches used to gather monitoring data every year. The data analysis will begin this fall and will be the basis of her honours research project.

Research funding was provided by the Ocean Frontier Institute, led by Dalhousie University.

UPEI acknowledges the assistance of Canada’s tri-council of federal granting agencies—Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)—through its Research Support Fund, which helps fund services and infrastructure that support research activities at the University. In 2025–2026, UPEI’s RSF allocation is $1,168,176.

Free Meningitis B vaccine clinics for UPEI students starting September 2

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:28:51 -0300

The UPEI Health and Wellness Centre is offering free meningococcal B (Men-B) vaccinations to undergraduate students at the start of the school year at various locations on the campus.

Students must provide their PEI health card or proof of international insurance, and their student ID when they get their vaccine. There is no cost to them for the vaccine.

Students can book an appointment at the UPEI Health and Wellness Centre for their vaccination by emailing healthcentre@upei.ca. They can also get their vaccine at the following:

a walk-in clinic, September 2, 8:30 am to noon, UPEI Health and Wellness Centre
a pop-up vaccination clinic, September 4, 9 am to 3 pm, UPEI Health and Wellness Centre lobby and board room, as part of the Welcome Week Panther Prowl Bingo event
a pop-up vaccination clinic, September 8, 10:30 am to 3:00 pm, McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre

Information about meningococcal B and the vaccine will be available to students at the Back-2-School Fair on September 3 in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.

For full protection, students must receive two doses administered at a minimum of 28 days apart. Future clinics will be held, and information about dates and times will be shared with the campus community.

The vaccine provides protection against a type of meningococcal disease that targets the lining of the brain and spinal cord and is potentially life-threatening. With a high mortality rate (10 per cent), meningococcal disease is a medical emergency. It can cause death within days if prompt antibiotic treatment is delayed. The infection typically triggers symptoms such as severe headache, sudden high fever, skin rashes, vomiting, and a stiff neck. Among survivors, 10 to 20 per cent have long-term complications, which may include hearing loss, neurologic disabilities, and digit or limb amputations.

The disease spreads between people through saliva and respiratory fluids. Engaging in activities with infected people, such as sharing drinks and vapes, or kissing, may put people at risk. The risk is higher for young adults up to the age of 25 years and those who are living in a dormitory or crowded space as the bacterium spreads quickly through large groups.

Vaccination against Men-B is highly recommended to protect students from this vaccine-preventable disease. To learn more about Men-B, visit Meningococcal vaccine: Canadian Immunization Guide - Canada.ca.

Atlantic Veterinary College welcomes Class of 2029 at annual Blue Coat Ceremony

Apryl Munro — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:40:50 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the 91��㶮�� (UPEI) proudly welcomed 70 incoming students—the Class of 2029—into its Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) program during the annual AVC–Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Blue Coat Ceremony on Friday, August 22.

The event, held at UPEI’s Performing Arts Centre, is one of AVC’s most meaningful traditions. The presentation of the blue lab coat symbolizes the beginning of each student’s journey to becoming a veterinarian. During the ceremony, students were invited on stage to receive their coats from family members, friends, or mentors. They will wear the coats during labs and clinical training until graduation, when they receive their white coats as a symbol of their successful transition into the profession.

“This milestone represents more than just the start of your studies—it is the start of a lifelong commitment to animal health, scientific discovery, and compassionate service,” Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of the AVC, said to the class. “We are honoured to accompany you through this journey and look forward to watching you grow into leaders in veterinary medicine.”

The ceremony included remarks from UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Wendy Rodgers, who extended greetings on behalf of the University community. Dr. Anne Marie Carey, AVC’s associate dean of academic and student affairs, announced the names of the students as they were presented with their coats. Second-year students Hannah Johnston and Rachel Ching also shared encouragement and advice with the students, as peers who had recently stood in their shoes.

“I know you’re nervous and you probably have imposter syndrome right now, but you are exactly where you need to be,” said Johnston. “You were selected to be here because of your hard work and dedication, and that imposter syndrome will eventually wear off.”

The Class of 2029 represents a diverse and talented group of future veterinarians, with students from across Canada, the United States, and India.

Atlantic Veterinary College hosts specialized training in large animal emergency rescue

Apryl Munro — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:36:14 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the 91��㶮�� (UPEI) recently welcomed 27 participants from Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia for a Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue (TLAER™) training course held on August 18.

The intensive full-day program brought together first responders, veterinarians, horse owners, and veterinary students to learn practical skills for handling emergencies involving horses. The training team from Equine Guelph, University of Guelph and TLAER INC., Dr. Rebecca Husted, Dr. Chris Riley, and Victor MacPherson, guided participants through real-world rescue scenarios using life-like horse models and specialized equipment.

Throughout the day, participants learned safe animal-handling techniques, how to create and use an emergency halter, and practiced simulated rescues across different terrains. Scenarios included overturned or damaged trailers; animals caught in mud, ice, or water; entanglements with farm equipment; and natural disaster situations.

“This course is invaluable for anyone who works with or responds to emergencies involving horses,” said Dr. Molly Mills, ambulatory equine veterinarian at the AVC. “It provides participants with the tools and confidence to respond effectively, helping to prevent injury—or even loss of life—for both animals and people in emergency rescue situations.”

The morning focused on lectures and demonstrations, while the afternoon gave participants the opportunity to apply what they learned in hands-on rescue simulations. By the end of the course, attendees left with enhanced skills, a better understanding of safety protocols, and improved confidence in managing high-stress emergency situations involving large animals.

History at UPEI: Panthers welcome Canada’s best in university field hockey

Ron Annear — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:00:44 -0300

For the first time in its history, UPEI will be the centre of Canadian university field hockey this fall. From October 30 to November 2, the UPEI Field Hockey program will welcome three visiting teams for the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational, a national championship that will decide the country’s best.

For Panthers head coach Lacey MacLauchlan, the chance to bring an event of this scale to Prince Edward Island is about more than just competition.

“I think it’s a great opportunity for us to showcase not only our university but also the Island’s well-known hospitality,” she said. “It’s a chance to shine a spotlight on our sport and the incredible talent we have right here at home.”

The Panthers will arrive on the national stage with momentum. A year ago, the UPEI team captured their third consecutive Atlantic University Field Hockey title and competed in the inaugural Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational. MacLauchlan believes that experience has given her players the poise and preparation needed to take the next step, especially with the backing of a home crowd.

“Last year’s championship gave us invaluable experience,” she said. “We’re using that experience to build on our performance and come out even stronger on home turf. The athletes have been working hard, and we’re excited to get started.”

The roster is a blend of stalwart veterans and rising talent. All-Canadians Livi Lawlor and Kayla Batchilder will once again anchor the attack, while reliable returnees Kail Smith, Charlotte Thompson, Carly Acorn, and Katie Grace Noye will round out a formidable core. In the net will be two promising rookies, goalkeepers Alexis Marshall and Bria Matthews, who both impressed on the national stage at this summer’s U18 Field Hockey Canada Nationals.

For fans, the tournament is a rare opportunity to see some of the country’s best in action, and MacLauchlan says there’s something extra special about watching local players compete on the biggest stage.

“With so many Islanders and Maritimers on our roster, it’s always special to play in front of friends and family,” she said. “And to do it while showcasing some of the best field hockey athletes in the country makes it even more exciting.”

Jane Vessey, Director of Athletics and Recreation, says hosting the national championship is a milestone moment for the UPEI program.

“This event is a testament to the growth of field hockey at UPEI and in our province,” said Vessey. “It’s an incredible opportunity to showcase the talent of our student-athletes while welcoming the nation to our campus. We couldn’t be prouder.”

As the Panthers chase their first national medal, MacLauchlan’s message to the community is clear: the team needs its fans behind them.

“We’re counting on the Panther and Island community to be behind us every step of the way as we chase our first U SPORTS medal,” she said.

University seeks member for the UPEI Board of Governors

Nicole Phillips — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 12:31:05 -0300

The 91��㶮�� invites expressions of interest or recommendations of individuals, external to the University, who may be considered for appointment to the UPEI Board of Governors. The Board of Governors is currently seeking nominations for one volunteer appointment to commence in Fall 2025 for a three-year term.

Candidates should possess knowledge and competencies that would be valuable to the Board of Governors, preferably including expertise in one of the following areas:

Human Resources—particularly individuals with a professional background in Human Resources
Infrastructure and Capital Projects—including capital planning, execution, and oversight
Environmental Sustainability—with expertise in environmental strategy and impact.

Please submit your interest by September 5, 2025, using this online form: UPEI Board of Governors Expression of Interest. Recommendations may be provided in confidence by email to board@upei.ca.

Nominations and expressions of interest from individuals who may be suitable for future appointment to the UPEI Board of Governors are welcome at any time and normally will be kept on file for at least three years from the date of submission.

UPEI is committed to equity in its policies, practices, and programs, and supports diversity and inclusion in its teaching, learning, and work environments. The University is also committed to accessibility in all its forms. The Board welcomes expressions of interest from candidates from underrepresented groups including women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

More information about recruitment for the UPEI Board of Governors may be found at upei.ca/boardrecruitment

UPEI Professor Emeritus launches book of poems for a lost time

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:51:04 -0300

A new book of poetry titled The Geography of Home: Poems for a Lost Time, by Dr. Edward MacDonald, Professor Emeritus of history at UPEI, will be launched on September 7, 2025, at 2 pm, in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI.

Through the poems in the book, MacDonald traces rural Prince Edward Island where he grew up from the late 1950s through the early 1970s—a landscape on the cusp of far-reaching change.

In the introduction, he writes that “home is a place in the heart. It is part actual and part invented, part remembered and part reconstructed, part learned and part inherited.”

He goes on to say the depiction of an era offered in the book is a mixed-media portrait, combining prose and poetry, history and memory. Each poem takes as its touchstone a place, person, or practice and is paired with a short reflection that unpacks facets of the culture being explored. Archival photos woven throughout add another layer to this portrait.

MacDonald writes that while history attempts to trace changes over time, “memories are the little, coloured stones that we collect to assemble a mosaic of our lived past.”

The Geography of Home is published by Island Studies Press with the support of a SSHRC Exchange Publication Award from the Office of the Vice-President, Academic and Research at UPEI. Island Studies Press thanks Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, associate vice-president research and dean of graduate studies at UPEI, for supporting faculty publications.

MacDonald is the author of If You’re Strong-hearted: Prince Edward Island in the Twentieth Century and co-author of The Summer Trade: A History of Tourism on Prince Edward Island, and has written, compiled, or co-edited nine other books. In 2023–2024, he was appointed to the Order of Canada and then the Order of Prince Edward Island for his work as an Island historian and teacher.

The event is free, and all are welcome. Thanks to the Bookmark, books will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Bren Simmers at Island Studies Press, 902-566-0386 or ispstaff@upei.ca.

Welcome Week is almost here! Calling all Panthers to participate!

Nicole Phillips — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:43:07 -0300

The Office of Student Culture and Community Standards is excited to share details with the campus community about Welcome Week 2025, UPEI’s new, more inclusive version of student orientation week.

Welcome Week 2025 will be held from August 29 to September 7 and, this year, is open to all Panthers, not only incoming students:

Undergraduate and graduate students, including those at the Atlantic Veterinary College and in other professional programs,
Incoming students, whether they living on- or off-campus,
Returning students across all UPEI programs,
Family members and supporters, and
Faculty, staff, alumni, and friends

Welcome Week 2025 includes new events such as the first-ever UPEI Music Fest and brings back favourites, such as the President’s Welcome Back BBQ on Tuesday September 2.

Kaitlyn Smith and Ruboneka Shema Alvin (Shema), 2025 Welcome Week Coordinators, encourage faculty, staff, and students from all years to join in the fun. They both say, “Whether you’re looking for fun, connection, or a way to kick off the new academic year with Panther Pride, you’ll find it during Welcome Week 2025!”

For details on all the exciting events planned for Welcome Week 2025, click here.

If you have questions about Welcome Week programming, please email the Welcome Week Coordinators at welcomeweek@upei.ca.

Stay connected with all Welcome Week updates by following:

Instagram: @upei_studentaffairs
Facebook: UPEI Welcome Week
Website: UPEI Welcome Week 2025
Welcome Week Discord Server: Welcome Week 2025 Communication

Donor Spotlight: The Legacy of the Arlie Parks Scholarship in Memory of Dr. Kenneth McIntyre

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:09:14 -0300

Marjorie and Arlie Parks, lifelong friends of Dr. Kenneth McIntyre and Donald McLaren, made a generous lasting gift through their will to establish a scholarship in memory of Dr. McIntyre at the 91��㶮��. The four friends shared deep ties to Montague, Prince Edward Island, where Dr. McIntyre’s father, Dr. Preston McIntyre, was a highly respected community physician.

Dr. McIntyre graduated from Prince of Wales College (one of UPEI’s founding institutions) in 1958 and earned his medical degree from Dalhousie University in 1964. He came from an Island family devoted to health care.

Mr. McLaren, executor of Marjorie and Arlie Parks’s estate, fulfilled their wish to support future doctors by creating an annual award for a UPEI student entering a medical school. This vision became reality through a generous $60,000 endowment to the University in 1995.

Over the years, the Arlie Parks Scholarship has helped many UPEI students pursue their education in medical schools across Canada.

Marjorie and Arlie Parks

This year, the story comes full circle with Island resident Lauren Reid (MSc’25), the 2025 recipient of the scholarship. Lauren is one of the first 20 Island students to begin their doctor of medicine (MD) studies in August 2025 at the new regional campus of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine right here at UPEI—a historic milestone. (The UPEI site will operate as a regional campus of Memorial until a joint degree is established in the future.) For Lauren, the scholarship provides financial support and meaningful encouragement as she begins her journey to become a doctor. She has expressed deep gratitude for the scholarship and the legacy of generosity it represents.

When the scholarship was created to honour Dr. McIntyre, few could have imagined that the UPEI campus would one day host a medical degree program and establish a cutting edge interprofessional health education facility. Marjorie and Arlie Parks’s vision, and the friendship that inspired it, now plays a part in shaping the future of medical students studying to become physicians right here at home.

UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers reload: Jed Davies ushers in bold new era

Ron Annear — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 11:06:59 -0300

There’s a new energy buzzing around UPEI Men’s Soccer, one that signals the dawn of a new era.

At the centre of it is head coach Jed Davies, who wasted no time reshaping the program into one built for both immediate impact and long-term success. His first recruiting class is among the most ambitious in program history, stacked with players carrying professional academy experience and the hunger to build something special at UPEI.

“We want to be a team that plays with bravery, intensity, and intelligence—a side that’s committed to the work, respects the game, and never hides from a challenge,” Davies said. “From day one, our identity will be built on earning respect through our performance and the way we carry ourselves.”

Of course, blending so many new faces into a cohesive unit will be a challenge, but it’s one the Panthers are embracing.

“Turning a new group into a team that plays as one isn’t just about tactics,” Davies explained. “It’s about building trust, connection, and a collective identity. Those bonds are what make winning teams.”

Talent across the pitch

This year’s roster boasts depth from front to back, and with fierce competition even in training, Davies expects the standard to remain high throughout the season.

One name drawing plenty of attention is goalkeeper Javier Zaragoza, a 20-year-old who has trained with the Halifax Wanderers’ first team and carries professional academy experience from Real Salt Lake, Real Monarchs, and Union Omaha. Anchoring the backline once again is Riad Jaha, last season’s team MVP who sharpened his game in League1 BC with Kamloops FC, earning multiple Team of the Week and Team of the Month honours. In the attack, sophomore striker Jahmal Boursiquot returns after a breakout campaign that earned him U SPORTS All-Rookie honours in 2024, while newcomer Vardy St. Fleur has quickly impressed as a midfielder with the control and vision to dictate matches.

Leadership will also be crucial, with veterans like Max VanWiechen and Jaha setting the tone in training and competition. And then there are the young newcomers already making waves—none more so than 18-year-old Isaac Sommerville who finished top three in the mile test, notched a goal and assist in his first intersquad, and has matched every challenge with commitment.

Building bonds, chasing goals

For the returning players, helping so many newcomers integrate has been a priority. Midfielder Will Campbell said the veterans have worked hard to ensure the culture stays strong.

“One of the main roles we’ve had is making sure the team creates strong relationships on and off the field,” Campbell said. “That’s in line with our values, and it’s already making a difference. The level of depth and dedication has been unreal this year. Training has been intense, and it makes me excited to see what the season has in store.”

That culture has made an immediate impression on the incoming class. St. Fleur said the transition has been seamless thanks to the environment created by both players and staff.

“From the start, everyone’s humble, respectful, and committed, and it just feels like a great environment to be a part of,” St. Fleur said. “My expectation is to help the program improve on last year’s results, reach nationals, and hit that milestone.”

A relentless identity

On the pitch, fans can expect to see a team that plays with purpose and personality. In possession, UPEI will look to attack quickly, break lines, and create chances through intelligent movement. Out of possession, the Panthers plan to press high and force mistakes to regain the ball quickly.

“We want fans to see a team that’s relentless, plays with courage, works for each other, and never takes a moment off,” Davies said. “Win or lose, you’ll see a group that competes with passion and leaves everything on the pitch.”

With a roster built on talent, discipline, and shared values, UPEI enters this season with both belief and ambition. A new era of Panthers’ soccer has begun, and it has all the makings of something special.

Both UPEI soccer teams play their home openers on Friday, August 29, against the Université de Moncton on UPEI’s Artificial Turf Field, with the women taking to the field at 5:00 pm and the men at 7:30 pm.

Go Panthers Go!

Unfinished Business: UPEI Women’s Soccer chasing playoff breakthrough

Ron Annear — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:55:03 -0300

Change has come to UPEI Women’s Soccer, and with it, renewed fire and drive for success.

At the heart of this transformation is new head coach Jed Davies, who has already left a profound imprint on the program. Last season, the Panthers finished 1-8-3 and scored just eight goals. For many programs, those numbers would be discouraging. For Davies, they represent opportunity.

“What excites me most is the hunger within this group,” he said. “Yes, this is a program that has struggled, but that also means there’s incredible room for growth. The opportunity to reshape a culture, to build belief, and to chase a bold dream together—that’s exciting.”

Since taking charge in December, Davies has demanded more from his players, and they’ve responded. The Panthers have logged more than 75 hours of training and classroom sessions, with many players shaving significant time off their fitness tests and embracing a new culture of accountability. Regular one-on-one video sessions, structured leadership development, and a focus on curiosity over ego are already reshaping the team’s identity.

“The group may look similar on paper,” Davies explained, “but mentally and physically, this is a completely different team.”

Leaders at the core

The Panthers’ veterans are central to the culture shift. At the back, Emma Parker and Olivia James provide both defensive stability and a competitive edge that raises the standard daily. At the same time, goalkeeper Claudia Mazzei will serve as the last line of defence.

“The thing that gives me the most confidence is our coaching staff, especially Jed,” Parker said. “He’s given us a clear vision and built a culture that pushes us to grow each day. I’m excited to see how our focus and hard work translate to success.”

In the midfield, co-captain Lydia Hamill has been equally influential. After spending part of her summer participating in The Soccer Tournament (TST), a high-stakes 7v7 world championship that pitted her against NCAA and professional players, Hamill returned to Charlottetown with a renewed drive, something she sees reflected across the squad.

“Last season came with its challenges, but there’s a completely different energy in the team now,” Hamill said. “Over the past eight months, more than 20 players have been showing up four days a week at 6 am. That kind of commitment says a lot. There are more smiles, more belief, and a real sense that we’re enjoying the game.”

Second-year midfielder Juliette Bader is another player to watch. She made an immediate impact as a rookie with a two-goal debut against Memorial and competed in TST to further elevate her game. Her blend of creativity and determination could help unlock the offence that UPEI lacked a year ago.

Fresh faces, fresh belief

The Panthers also welcome seven new players this fall, each bringing experience and ambition that will raise the standard across the roster. Headlining the class is Olivia Chen, who spent time with Vancouver Rise, trained with the Canada Soccer National Development Centre, and earned an invitation to train with Bayern Munich. Dounia El Abdi, who has trained with Moroccan national team players, adds another level of intensity and hunger as she pursues her professional dreams.

“These players already feel inspired by the environment we’re building,” Davies said. “And soon, they’ll be the ones inspiring others.”

Eyes on the future

For UPEI, the goal of making the playoffs this year is within sight. But Davies is equally clear that success will be measured by more than standings.

“Success for us is about transformation, proving to ourselves that with the right culture and the right habits, we can change the narrative,” he said. “If we can look back and say we worked with relentless commitment, stayed curious, and didn’t let fear define us, then that will be a success, regardless of where the standings place us.”

With a new coach, a new culture, and a locker room buzzing with belief, the Panthers are ready to write the next chapter.

Go Panthers Go!

AVC Vet Camp wraps up another exciting summer

Apryl Munro — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 13:48:11 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the 91��㶮�� (UPEI) recently wrapped up five unforgettable weeks of summer camps, welcoming 240 enthusiastic campers from across the globe. During four weeks of the Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp and one week of Indigenous Vet Camp, young animal lovers explored the world of veterinary medicine, made lasting friendships, and discovered new passions.

This year’s campers traveled from near and far—from across Canada and the United States, and as far away as Chile, South Africa, and Japan. Each week was filled with fun, hands-on activities that gave campers a behind-the-scenes look at life as a veterinarian. From learning how to use a stethoscope, to practicing bandaging techniques, to exploring anatomy and performing dissections, campers left camp with new knowledge and big smiles.

A highlight of the summer was the second annual Indigenous Vet Camp, which welcomed Indigenous youth from Cape Breton for a week of fun and learning—and memories they will never forget. The camp was designed in partnership with Mi’kmaw Kina’Matnewey, an organization that advocates for the educational interests of twelve Mi'kmaw communities in Nova Scotia.

These camps would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. AVC extends heartfelt thanks to NVA Canada, P3 Veterinary Partners, IKERAS, Dairy Farmers of PEI, Dana Hospitality, Ren’s Pets, and Vet Care Canada. Their commitment to inspiring future veterinarians helped make this summer’s camps an enriching and memorable experience for every participant.

With another successful summer in the books, we can’t wait to welcome the next wave of aspiring veterinarians in 2026! The application process will begin in January.

UPEI’s Student Program for Research Engagement and Excellence poster competition takes place on August 27

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 08:57:56 -0300

Twenty-five participants in UPEI’s 2025 Student Program for Research Engagement and Excellence (SPREE) will compete for top honours at the research poster competition on Wednesday, August 27, at 1:00 pm, in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

Members of the public and the campus community are welcome to attend this event, which celebrates the work of undergraduate and graduate student researchers who have participated in SPREE 2025. Of the 45 students who participated in the program this year, 17 undergraduate and eight graduate students chose to participate in the optional poster competition.

Since the program started on June 19, the students conducted research across a range of disciplines including sustainable design engineering, biology, foods and nutrition, chemistry, physics, psychology, island studies, environmental sciences, education, biotechnology, and applied health sciences. They learned from experienced researchers about designing and managing a research project, effectively communicating research, research-focused careers, and more.

During the competition, attendees can view research posters, connect with student researchers, and learn about the diverse projects happening on campus. A panel of judges will evaluate the posters with prizes awarded to top undergraduate and graduate entries. This year, a new People’s Choice category has been added; the winner will be decided by ballots cast by student researchers, UPEI campus community members, and the public.

For questions about the 2025 SPREE Research Poster Competition, please contact Rosetta Shokunbi, SPREE Student Coordinator, at tshokunbi@upei.ca

UPEI Foods and Nutrition program to host Open House

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 14:01:23 -0300

The UPEI Foods and Nutrition program will host an Open House on Tuesday, September 9, from 4:30–5:30 pm in the third-floor dining room of the Health Sciences Building, UPEI.

UPEI students are welcome and encouraged to attend to learn about the Foods and Nutrition program streams within the Faculty of Science and to connect with faculty and staff. Attendees will also hear about academic pathways, dietetic internship opportunities, and honours research experiences. Tours of the department and foods lab will be provided.

The open house event is also an opportunity to explore how a degree in Foods and Nutrition can lead to diverse and rewarding career opportunities. It is designed to give students a clear picture of what the program has to offer and how it can support their academic and professional goals.

About the UPEI Foods and Nutrition program:

What students learn in Foods and Nutrition:

Nutritional Assessment
Determinants of Dietary Behaviour
Quantity Food Production
Clinical Nutrition
Food Product Development

Hands-on Learning:

Perform nutrition assessments
Analyze dietary patterns
Apply clinical nutrition skills
Develop and test food products

Careers and Pathways:

Registered Dietitian
Nutritionist
Public Health Educator
Food Scientist
Food Policy Analyst
Food Safety Inspector
School or Clinical Nutrition Aide

UPEI students to collect batteries and electronic devices during Welcome Week

Melanie Taylor — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 12:13:17 -0300

During UPEI Welcome Week from September 1–5, 2025, students will take part in a collaborative initiative titled “Becoming Sustainable Panthers.”

UPEI will team up with Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC), Call2Recycle Canada, and Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) to collect used batteries and small electronic devices to promote sustainability, help the environment, and provide a valuable service to the neighbouring community.

On Monday, September 1, from 2:30 to 4:00 pm, students, wearing UPEI Welcome Week t-shirts, will visit homes in Sherwood and Brown’s Court to collect used batteries, using bags and boxes of the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program powered by Call2Recycle. They will also hand out extra bags and pamphlets promoting recycling to each household.

“I am extremely excited to being hosting Becoming Sustainable Panthers as a part of Welcome Week events,” said Kaitlyn Smith, co-coordinator of Welcome Week. “I am in the sustainable design engineering program at UPEI, so it feels right to be hosting an event to improve sustainability here on the Island. I am excited to help the community recycle their batteries, improve their knowledge about this process, and teach them why it is important.”

On Thursday, September 4, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, representatives from IWMC, Call2Recycle Canada, and EPRA will be on campus in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, to promote their recycling initiatives. They will also host games to share information on sorting waste aimed at students, faculty, and staff who live off-campus, hand out recycling bags and boxes for batteries, and also collect used batteries and electronic devices from members of the campus community for recycling.

Many electronic products can be recycled through this program, including

office equipment such as computers, laptops, tablets, printers, monitors, keyboards, mice, and cables;
communication devices such as telephones, cell phones, and pagers;
entertainment equipment such as stereos, gaming devices, cameras, and GPS units;
small household appliances such as toasters, coffee makers, vacuum cleaners, scales, clocks, irons, fans, and hair dryers;
fitness and activity equipment such as smart watches, e-bikes and e-scooters, and treadmills.

For the list of accepted items for drop-off, visit RecycleMyElectronics.ca.

“Students play a vital role as changemakers in their communities,” said Joseph Chung, VP Account Management at Call2Recycle. “By recycling their used batteries through the Recycle Your Batteries, Canada! program, UPEI students are doing the right thing for the environment and helping build a circular economy where valuable materials are given a second life. Their leadership sets an example for others and demonstrates how small actions can add up to a big impact.”

Welcome Week Co-Coordinator, RUBONEKA Shema Alvin said he is excited to host this event because batteries power so much of people’s daily lives, but many do not know how to recycle them.

“This event is about making it easy for our community to do the right thing by collecting used batteries and showing people how simple it is to keep them out of the landfill,” he said.

PEI is a leader in responsible electronics recycling. EPRA/Recycle My Electronics has been operating in PEI since 2010 and is the only government-approved electronics recycling program in the province. To date, PEI residents and businesses have recovered nearly 8,000 metric tonnes of electronic devices, successfully diverting them from landfill and illegal export.

“EPRA/Recycle My Electronics warmly welcomes students, faculty, and the UPEI community back to campus,” said Maylia Parker, Executive Director, Atlantic, EPRA. “We are proud to provide safe, secure accessible drop-off locations here on the Island for diverting end-of-life electronics from the landfill, keeping valuable resources in the economy. This Welcome Week event is a fun and engaging way to share our program with the UPEI community and beyond, and answer any questions they may have. We’re thrilled to be part of it!”

“As UPEI welcomes its community back to campus, we’re thrilled for the opportunity to share information about PEI’s own Waste Watch Program and the positive impact each one of us makes through participation," said Tyson Bradley, CEO of Island Waste Management Corporation. "Waste Watch isn’t just curbside collection, it includes the proper and safe disposal of many special items, like batteries and electronics. We’re pleased that EPRA and Call2Recycle, two of our national stewardship program partners, are joining us at the event to bring awareness to the important work they do.”

About Island Waste Management Corporation (IWMC)
IWMC is a provincial crown corporation responsible for operating a cost-effective and environmentally responsible waste management system on Prince Edward Island. For more than 20 years, IWMC’s made-in-PEI sorting program, Waste Watch, has required residents, businesses, and visitors to separate the waste they produce.

About Call2Recycle Canada
Call2Recycle is Canada’s leading battery collection and recycling program, serving as a trusted steward for 400+ members. Operating provincially-approved programs across eight provinces and territories, and as a registered Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO) in Ontario and Alberta, Call2Recycle collects household, e-transport, and EV batteries through 15,000+ locations nationwide. Since 1997, it has safely diverted more than 50 million kilograms of batteries from landfills, while upholding globally recognized standards for environmental stewardship. For more information, visit call2recycle.ca.

About Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA)
ERPA is a national, not-for-profit organization providing proven program management for electronics recycling across Canada. On behalf of industry nationwide, EPRA/Recycle My Electronics programs provide critical e-waste management services to businesses and residents. This includes several universities and colleges across Atlantic Canada.

UPEI nominee awarded prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

Anna MacDonald — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 09:56:46 -0300

Dr. Katie Koralesky, nominated by UPEI for a prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship, has been awarded one of the 2024–2025 fellowships, valued at $140,000 over two years. She will work with Dr. Caroline Ritter, Canada Research Chair in Social Epidemiology for Healthy Animals at UPEI.

The Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships were included in an announcement earlier this summer by the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, and the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, of over $1.3 billion in funding in support of over 9,700 researchers and research projects across Canada.

Only 70 Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships were awarded across the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The award attracts and retains top-tier postdoctoral researchers in Canada and helps position them as leaders in the future. Dr. Koralesky’s Banting Fellowship, which officially starts on October 1, is one of 24 awarded out of 152 applications received by SSHRC.

“We are very proud that our nominee has been awarded a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship,” said Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Associate Vice-President Research and Dean of Graduate Studies. “Working alongside Dr. Ritter, Dr. Koralesky will make important contributions to agriculture and veterinary medicine that will ultimately benefit animal, environmental, and human health and welfare.”

Drs. Ritter and Koralesky will focus their research on the role people play in animal health and welfare. Farmers, veterinarians, advisors, and others responsible for animal care make decisions daily about how to feed, breed, handle, and manage their animals. Engaging with these individuals to understand their values, attitudes, and animal care practices is critical for improving animal health and welfare. In particular, they will explore the role of policy in animal care practices, on-farm interventions to improve animal health and welfare, and links between animal and human welfare.

Initially, Drs. Ritter and Koralesky will examine decision-making around antimicrobial use (AMU) on dairy farms.

“Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), whereby microorganisms like bacteria can withstand antimicrobial medicines, is a significant threat to human, animal, and environmental health,” Dr. Koralesky said. “In dairy farming, AMR has been observed in animals suffering from bacterial infections, and inappropriate AMU may speed up the emergence of new resistant microorganisms. Thus, this is one area where understanding human behaviour is critical.”

In collaboration with researchers from the Ontario Veterinary College, they will also explore training veterinarians to train farmers on responsible antimicrobial use on dairy farms, using the educational train-the-trainer model.

“Veterinarians are trusted farm advisors and may be uniquely positioned to encourage behaviour change and responsible AMU,” said Dr. Koralesky. “The train-the-trainer model whereby—in this case—experts from industry and academia teach veterinarians who then teach farmers, can spread knowledge efficiently and build local capacity.”

Collectively, the research can be used to develop concrete recommendations for improving farmer-veterinarian communications as well as for policy on AMU and other on-farm animal care practices. The recommendations can lead to policies that will be acceptable to farmers and veterinarians, and lead to health and welfare improvements for animals.

Dr. Koralesky is currently a postdoctoral research and teaching fellow in the University of British Columbia’s Animal Welfare Program.

UPEI launches Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues program

Nicole Phillips — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 10:05:22 -0300

We’ve heard you—and we know our campus community is eager to celebrate the individuals, teams, and initiatives that make a difference every day.

We’re excited to launch Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues—a new monthly feature in the Campus Connector, appearing on the second Tuesday of every month. This is your opportunity to share words of recognition and appreciation for UPEI faculty and staff across campus.

Every day, our colleagues go above and beyond to make our university a vibrant, supportive, and inspiring place to work and learn. Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues is your space to give a shout-out to those who embody our mission and values—whether they’re championing a new initiative, supporting student success, lending a hand to a teammate, or bringing positivity to the workplace. You can also use this program to congratulate a colleague on a new role or wish them well in retirement.

Let’s celebrate the big and small wins that make our campus shine! Submit your note of recognition, and let’s cheer on our amazing colleagues together.

How to submit:

Complete this short form: https://forms.office.com/r/766cg9JsT6
You’ll be asked to share:
>Who are you recognizing? (Name and department/faculty)
>Why are you recognizing them? (Briefly describe what they did or the impact they made)
>Your name

Submit your form(s) by the last Friday of each month (the first submission deadline is August 29, 2025). Human Resources will collect the submissions and work with UPEI Communications to feature them in the Campus Connector.

Please contact Human Resources at hrengage@upei.ca should you have any questions. Stay tuned for additional future recognition opportunities.

Women golfers support UPEI female varsity teams

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 15:40:43 -0300

UPEI’s Department of Athletics and Recreation raised over $19,000 on Friday, August 15, at the second annual “Women Leaders of Today Supporting Women Leaders of Tomorrow” Nine-Hole Golf Social at Fox Meadow Golf Course in Stratford. Thanks to the generous contributions of the 92 women golfers who participated, the funds raised will directly benefit UPEI’s eight female varsity teams: Basketball, Curling, Field Hockey, Hockey, Rugby, Soccer, Track & Field, and Distance.

A highlight of the event was that participants were able to meet many of the benefactors—UPEI women student-athletes were stationed at every hole.

“On behalf of our female varsity teams, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the incredible participation last Friday,” said Jane Vessey, Director of Athletics and Recreation. “This support from women in our community is invaluable to our Panther programs and helps us create meaningful experiences for all involved.”

Bruce Donaldson, Sponsorship and Strategic Partnerships Officer for UPEI Athletics and Recreation and event organizer, said, “We are extremely grateful to Fox Meadow Golf Course as our presenting sponsor. We also greatly appreciate our many generous sponsors who contributed prizes and silent auction items.”

He added, “While we were thrilled to hear that many had a great experience, we welcome suggestions for next year as we are eager to ensure the annual event’s future success—save the date for Friday, August 14, 2026!”

Longest Drive and Closest to the Hole—Emma Weatherbie
1st place—Fore the Girls
2nd place—Stewart McKelvey
3rd place—Designated Drivers
4th place—Toxic Waster
5th place—High Bankers
Best Dressed—UPEI Office of the President, with honourable mention to The Catitude Caddies (from the Atlantic Veterinary College)
Most Entertaining Team—High Bankers

Inge Dorsey receives University Award for Exemplary Service

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:24:26 -0300

Inge Dorsey, recently retired coordinator of both the Bachelor of Integrated Studies and the University 100 programs, received a University Award for Exemplary Service. This award is presented to a UPEI employee who has demonstrated outstanding service and/or made significant contributions to the University community beyond that normally expected of their position. In the faculty category, Inge exemplified this spirit through her extraordinary dedication to student success and university service. As coordinator of both programs, she played a pivotal and multi-faceted role in supporting students from across the University, particularly mature learners and those returning to complete their degrees. In addition to the two coordinator roles, she taught 3.5 courses annually and modelled a deep commitment to student success that far exceeded the expectations of her formal role.

Widely recognized by students for her dedication and impact through awards such as Faculty of the Year from the UPEI Student Union and the Hessian Award for Teaching Excellence, Inge brought the same enthusiasm and care to her extensive service contributions. From organizing the Faculty of Arts Showcase, Dean’s Honours Night, and student-centered events like Fall Fikas and Soup for the Soul, to organizing and leading student teams for Global Brigades in Guatemala and Ghana, she contributed to the building of a vibrant culture of engagement and belonging at UPEI.

Described by colleagues as the de facto student engagement coordinator for Arts, Inge consistently prioritized student well-being, connection, and achievement. Whether supporting students who have gone on to apply for prestigious scholarships, supporting their wellness and academic navigation, or simply being a reliable and compassionate presence, she has left a lasting impact on individual lives and the broader university community.

In the words of one student: “I can assure you Inge’s impact on me will be everlasting as I cannot imagine someone else comparing to the time and effort she has put towards helping pursue my best interest…” Her extraordinary service reflects the highest ideals of the 91��㶮�� and is truly deserving of this recognition.

Congratulations, Inge!

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation hosts Climate Forum 2025

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 08 Aug 2025 15:27:05 -0300

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation (CCCCA) in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI, is hosting Climate Forum 2025 from August 18 to 20.

Conference chair Dr. Xander Wang, professor in the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, said research scientists, academics, graduate and undergraduate students, post-doctoral fellows, and government officials will come together to discuss climate smart technology and policy—the main themes of the forum—as well as challenges and opportunities in future climate change and pursuing a professional career in this field.

The conference will open on August 18 with a ceremony involving Dr. Judy Clark, UPEI Elder in Residence, Advisor to the Dean of Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies; Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President, Academic and Research; and Dr. Wang.

Following the ceremony, there will be keynote presentations and a tour and demonstration of a lab-scale coastal-inland flood simulator, which is part of a coastal hazard monitoring, modeling, and testing system. The only one of its kind in Canada, the system includes 360-degree cameras that will record storms in real time and the indoor flood simulator to test protective measures in a simulated coastal environment.

The keynote presentations are

“Parametric Uncertainty in Earth System Modeling and Potential of Deep Learning as a Tool in Reducing Uncertainty,” by Dr. Qingyun Duan, Hohai University, China
“Human Dimensions, the Climate-Poverty Nexus and Smart Climate Policy,” by Dr. Anthony (Tony) Charles, Saint Mary’s University, Nova Scotia
“Building a Resilient Cropping System Amidst Climate Change,” by Dr. Mumtaz Cheema, Memorial University-Grenfell Campus, Newfoundland and Labrador

In the afternoon, Dr Yulin Hu, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, will give a presentation titled “Engineered Biocarbon Materials for a Sustainable Future.” Her presentation will be followed by a panel discussion about the challenges and opportunities for future climate research and pursuing a professional career in climate change.

On August 19, graduate students will give presentations about their research. The forum will conclude on August 20 with field trips to the MacInnis Pond Monitoring Site, East Point Lighthouse, Basin Head Provincial Park, and Greenwich National Park.

The CCCCA is hosting the event through partnerships with Sigma Academy, a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and technology in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (PEI Section). Sponsors include the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council and Core Case.

For more information, go to https://sigma.academy/climate2025/

UPEI biology professor named Jeanne and J.-Louis Lévesque Research Chair in Human Health

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 12:17:54 -0300

Dr. Désirée Seib, assistant professor in the UPEI biology department, has been awarded the Jeanne and J.-Louis Lévesque Research Chair in Human Health at the 91��㶮��, effective April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2028.

As chair, Dr. Seib will receive a $25,000 grant per year, plus an annual award of up to $25,000 to provide a replacement for teaching or other duties.

Dr. Seib is interested in how diet, stress, and the gut microbiome—bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites that live in the intestines—affect brain development and function. Specifically, she is investigating how a maternal diet high in sugar alters the physiology and brain of offspring. She is also studying the effects of a high-fat diet on physiology and the adult brain.

In her research, she uses custom-made diets to ensure that the effects are specific to fat content or sugar type and content in the diet and not due to a lack of other nutrients or micronutrients.

More broadly, she is examining how acute or long-term exposure to environmental challenges during early life or adulthood impacts the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. She is specifically focused on the brain’s mesocorticolimbic system—the brain’s reward circuit—which drives complex forms of behaviour, such as decision-making. It is also the region of the brain that plays a role in psychiatric disorders like depression, addiction, autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia, depending on the developmental age.

“Dr. Seib is an exceptional scientist whose research has long-term implications for the improvement of human health,” said Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Associate Vice-President Research at UPEI. “We are grateful to the Fondation J-Louis Lévesque for supporting Dr. Seib and for its ongoing support of the University’s nutrisciences and human health research programs.”

With the funding from the Fondation J-Louis Lévesque and the release from her teaching duties, Dr. Seib will be able to establish new collaborations with the University and provide her students with training in animal research, microscopy, mass spectrometry, and data analysis.

Dr. Seib completed her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees at the University of Heidelberg, Germany. She joined UPEI in 2023 and was awarded the UPEI J.-Louis Levesque Research Grant in 2024.

The Fondation J-Louis Lévesque is a generous supporter of health research at UPEI and other universities and institutes across the country. The late J.-Louis Lévesque graduated from Saint Dunstan’s University—one of UPEI’s founding institutions—in 1934 and was awarded an honorary doctor of laws from his alma mater in 1964.

Save the Date: President’s Town Hall on August 20, 2025

Nicole Phillips — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 08:58:16 -0300

The following message was also issued to UPEI students, faculty, and staff by email on August 7, 2025.

Dear UPEI Community,

Please "save the date" for our next town hall on August 20:

August Check-In and Update
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
2:30–3:30 pm
Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, Don and Marion McDougall Hall (MCDH 242)

This event will be similar to past events where brief updates will be given with an opportunity to ask questions. You will be able to attend in person (always preferable) or online. If you are unable to participate in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams Town Hall link.

We look forward to seeing you!

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

91��㶮��

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

Tyler Gallant receives University Award for Support of Student Success

Melanie Taylor — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:47:29 -0300

UPEI held its annual Celebration of Colleagues on May 29, 2025, to recognize the achievements of faculty, librarians, clinical veterinary professionals, clinical nursing instructors, sessional instructors, and staff members. UPEI Communications is profiling the winners of the University Awards of Excellence in summer editions of the Campus Connector newsletter.

Tyler Gallant, a sessional instructor in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE), received a University Award for Support of Student Success. His unwavering commitment to student learning, development, and well-being has left an extraordinary impact on the FSDE and beyond.

For nearly a decade, Tyler has played an integral role at UPEI, most recently as engineering projects coordinator, where he annually supports third- and fourth-year student design teams across 24 diverse clinic projects, helping them navigate complex, real-world client projects. His work blends technical mentorship, logistical coordination, and hands-on support. Whether in the lab, the classroom, or behind the scenes managing operations and safety, Tyler ensures students have the resources and guidance they need to succeed.

A skilled and approachable educator, Tyler has taught 19 undergraduate classes, including some of the most challenging theory and lab-based courses. His ability to demystify difficult concepts earned him exceptional student feedback and the UPEI Student Union Faculty of the Year Award in 2021–22. Students consistently describe his lectures as clear, engaging, and empathetic, and his mentorship extends beyond the classroom. As one student shared, “He taught us breathing exercises for test anxiety—I still use those to this day.”

Beyond the FSDE, he contributes to student success through his involvement with initiatives such as the SHAD program, the Future City Competition, and Engineers PEI’s Student Outreach Committee.

Tyler is described as a “cornerstone” of the FSDE and “a wonderful influence on learning and experience at UPEI.” His daily contributions, many of which are quiet, behind-the-scenes, and well beyond his formal role, reflect an exceptional dedication to student success and institutional excellence.

Congratulations, Tyler!

UPEI hosts “Music and the Mind Maritimes: Access to Music Education” conference

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 10:51:10 -0300

The fifth annual UPEI “Music and the Mind Maritimes: Access to Music Education” conference will take place on Wednesday, August 6, from 1:30 to 4:30 pm in Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, Room 142.

This event brings together researchers, educators, students, and community members to explore topics such as music and emotion, music and adolescence, music and autism, and access to music education. There will also be a short musical performance, featuring bass clarinet and saxophone.

Members of the UPEI campus community, the general public, and others interested in music from different disciplinary perspectives are invited to attend.

The conference is free, but registration is required. For more details, go to https://musicog.discoveryspace.ca/events/music-and-mind-maritimes-2025. For information, please contact Liz Pan at paneli@upei.ca or 902-628-4331.

Dr. Trevor Jain receives Order of St. John

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:36:04 -0300

Dr. Trevor Jain, director of UPEI’s Bachelor of Applied Health in Paramedicine program, was among 25 individuals presented with the Order of St. John at a ceremony held in the Senate of Canada Building, Ottawa, on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

A Royal Order of Chivalry, the Order of St. John recognizes meritorious service and dedication to duty by the volunteers of St. John Ambulance, Canada’s leading authority in first aid training and community-based health and safety programs. The Order of St. John is part of the Canadian Honours system, and as such, all appointments are sanctioned by the Governor General of Canada, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, on behalf of King Charles III.

Dr. Jain is a disaster medicine expert and has been featured in two books on leadership and teamwork. In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was asked to visit various areas of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital to reduce people’s fears and talk with them about their anxiety and concerns. Eventually, these coffee talks became so popular that different units asked him to visit them. He was appointed the disaster medicine consultant for the Department of Health and was tasked with helping to prepare the provincial referral centre for an influx of patients, which he accomplished in just seven days.

He was later appointed to advise the Emergency Operations Centre for Health PEI. He is a regular guest on CBC Compass where he shares his medical knowledge with the public. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he created the COVID Warrior Coin Award to thank people who did amazing things for PEI.

Dr. Jain is a 36-year veteran and lieutenant colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces and continues to serve in the army as the 36th Canadian Brigade Group Surgeon. He recently completed a PhD in disaster medicine at the University of Brussels. He works in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s emergency department and teaches paramedicine at UPEI and emergency medicine at Dalhousie University and Memorial University. An early champion of the UPEI medical school project, he serves as a medical consultant to the Faculty of Medicine at UPEI.

He has received numerous awards, including the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians’ Emergency Physician of the Year (East-Urban) Award and the Dr. Alan Drummond Advocacy Award in 2023; the Canadian Medical Association’s John McCrae Memorial Medal in 2021; and the Order of Military Merit in 2018.

Congratulations, Dr. Jain!

Dr. Xander Wang receives University Research Excellence Award

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 13:27:23 -0300

Dr. Xander Wang, Professor in the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation and Director of the Climate Smart Lab at the UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation, received a University Research Excellence Award for his outstanding research and scholarly accomplishments and significant contribution to advancing the University’s national and international reputation for research excellence.

Since joining UPEI in 2018, Dr. Wang has made transformative contributions to climate change research, positioning UPEI as a national and international leader in this field. His research excellence is reflected in his remarkable record of external funding—over $17 million since 2018—including prestigious awards such as UPEI’s first NSERC CREATE project and the CFI Innovation Fund. He has published more than 130 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered over 60 conference presentations, and given 30 invited talks.

Dr. Wang was elected a Member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars in 2022 in recognition of his pioneering research in climate change. He also received the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering’s E. Whitman Wright Award for Excellence in Information Technology in Civil Engineering in 2023and the American Geophysical Union’s prestigious Charles S. Falkenberg Award in 2024.

Dr. Wang has made significant contributions to graduate student and postdoctoral supervision and serves on national and regional advisory committees. His research has been featured extensively in national and international media, and his innovative outreach initiatives, such as the Climate Smart Lab and Sigma Academy, underscore his commitment to knowledge mobilization and public engagement.

These accomplishments represent only a snapshot of Dr. Wang’s exceptional contributions in his field.

In recognition of his exceptional scholarly achievements and his impact on the global stage, UPEI was proud to present Dr. Xander Wang with the University Research Excellence Award.

Congratulations, Dr. Wang!

Draft Framework of the UPEI Strategic Plan (2025–2030)

Nicole Phillips — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 11:34:53 -0300

The following message was also emailed to faculty, staff, and students on August 1, 2025.

Dear UPEI Community Members,

In September 2024, UPEI launched a five-phase process to develop our next five-year strategic plan.

Each phase of the process has been anchored in consultation with our University and community members. In total, more than 700 participants have provided us with input, ideas, and candid feedback to help shape UPEI’s focus for the future.

Since our last consultation session, the UPEI Strategic Plan Steering Committee and team members have worked to review input and develop the draft UPEI Strategic Plan (2025–2030).

In keeping with our commitment to transparency, we are sharing the draft strategic plan framework with you for reflection and further input. Feedback on the draft can be provided through the feedback form linked in the document or by email to strategicplan@upei.ca. Input will be collected until August 14, 2025.

The online draft is a work in progress. In addition to our existing University mission, it includes our draft

vision;
values;
strategic pillars (3); and
high-level goals associated with each strategic pillar.

Actions and progress metrics are not outlined in the draft. Once the strategic plan is finalized over the coming weeks and approved by the Board of Governors, institutional teams will develop clear actions, outcomes, and measures of success within operational planning to support implementation of the strategic plan. An evaluation framework will also be developed, and progress will be shared on an ongoing basis.

Thank you again to all our University partners—faculty, staff, students, alumni, and members of our broader communities—for your ongoing commitment to helping UPEI build a strong future.

Thank you,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

91��㶮��

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

Atlantic Canada’s Inaugural Sustainable Agriculture Conference to be held at UPEI

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 10:41:43 -0300

The 91��㶮�� will host Atlantic Canada’s Inaugural Sustainable Agriculture Conference on August 5 and 6, 2025.

The purpose of the conference is to advance climate-smart farming through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices across Atlantic Canada. Indigenous researchers, industry leaders, academic experts, and government policy makers will discuss key challenges and explore innovative solutions for the Atlantic Canadian agriculture production system.

The conference will include seven keynote speakers, two panel discussions, and multiple poster presentation sessions where over 50 young researchers from Canada will showcase their research findings on different aspects of sustainable agriculture.

“This inaugural conference marks a significant milestone for Atlantic Canada, with a focus on advancing transformative precision agriculture technologies that enhance food security and address strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change,” said conference chair Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, associate dean and professor of precision agriculture, UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, and director, UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation.

The conference is rooted in a major four-year national initiative supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), bringing together over 20 partner organizations and 10 universities across Canada, with more than 30 co-applicants and collaborators. With the generous support of partners, co-PIs, and collaborators, the project has established a multidisciplinary network connecting academia, industry, government, Indigenous communities, growers, and NGOs. It also provides a strong foundation for training highly qualified personnel, equipping them with practical skills to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Topics of discussion at the conference will include

integration of Indigenous and traditional knowledge for sustainable agriculture
the role of effective knowledge and technology transfer in adopting sustainable agriculture
ways to improve soil health
best management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
variable rate technologies and robotics for efficient farming
sustainable water management
remote sensing and drone applications in agriculture
profitability mapping
machine learning and artificial intelligence for agricultural and environmental stewardship
bio-circular economy and waste into value-added for sustainable production

Registration for the conference is open to the public, but space is limited.

Dr. Kathleen MacMillan named President-Elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association

Apryl Munro — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 10:25:14 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the 91��㶮�� (UPEI) is proud to share that Dr. Kathleen MacMillan, equine ambulatory veterinarian and Associate Professor, has been named president-elect of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). Her appointment was announced at the CVMA’s annual convention held in Victoria, British Columbia, in July.

Dr. MacMillan graduated from AVC in 2001, after completing a master’s degree in equine exercise physiology, and in 2013 became a Diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Equine Practice. She has a passion for education and equine sports medicine and has mentored many veterinarians to pursue equine medicine in her role at AVC.

“I am deeply honoured to serve the CVMA and my colleagues in this new capacity,” said Dr. MacMillan. “The veterinary profession is continuously evolving, and I look forward to contributing to efforts that support veterinarians, veterinary professionals, educators, students, and the well-being of the animals and communities we serve.”

In her new role, Dr. MacMillan will help guide the CVMA’s strategic direction, support advocacy efforts on national issues affecting the veterinary profession, and represent Canada’s veterinary community at both national and international levels. She will assume the role of president at the CVMA Convention in Charlottetown in July 2026.

“Dr. MacMillan’s appointment reflects her outstanding dedication to veterinary medicine, education, and animal welfare,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, AVC Dean. “We are proud to have her representing the College and the profession on the national stage, and we know she is going to shine in this role.”

The CVMA is the national voice for veterinarians in Canada, supporting more than 7,000 members through leadership, advocacy, and professional development.