Message from AVP Research – Dr. Kelly Vodden
It is a pleasure once again to share news on the exciting and impactful research happening right here at Grenfell Campus. Our team at the Office of Research and Graduate Studies is happy to profile some examples of the many research projects and accomplishments of our faculty who are working across Newfoundland and Labrador and beyond. Insight-FELL is designed to do just that, and to help connect people with common research-related interests on- and off-campus.
This newsletter is also a vehicle for the Office of Research and Graduate Studies to update readers on some of our own initiatives. Our office, and the Grenfell Office of Engagement, are located together on the fourth floor of Grenfell Campus's Forest Centre, facilitating our collective efforts to foster research and collaboration at Grenfell.
I would like to thank my fellow members of the Grenfell Campus Research Committee for their invaluable support and advice to the Research and Graduate Studies Office regarding strategic planning, planning of events and activities, developing procedures and application reviews for the Vice-President's (Grenfell Campus) Research Fund, and in their role as liaisons between the member representatives' Schools, Library Council, and the Office of Research and Graduate Studies. Many thanks to Dr. Daniel Nadolny and Dr. Garrett Richards as well for continuing to organize Grenfell's Friday FLIRT talks and to all of the presenters who have contributed to this important venue for research-related discussions.
A big thank you also to the members of the Graduate Studies Working Group. Exciting new developments continue in graduate studies. We reached an all-time high of 75 registered graduate students in September 2019. Our first cohort of Master of Fine Arts students began their program in the spring of 2019 and proposals for the Master of Management, Master of Applied Geomatics, and PhD in Sustainability Science continue to move forward. Proposals are also under development for a PhD in Boreal Ecosystem and Agricultural Sciences, Master of Arts in Applied Literary Studies and Master of Fine Arts in Theatre. At the same time, our Master of Science in Boreal Ecosystem and Agricultural Sciences and Master of Arts in Environmental Policy graduates continue to establish their careers in academia and in the workforce throughout the world. The success of our students is, of course, aided by our faculty members and staff across campus.
Following Memorial University's vision to become one of the most distinguished universities in Canada and beyond, Grenfell makes every effort to connect with the community through partnerships with outside organizations. These collective efforts have resulted in the expansion of research facilities in our campus. The Aging Research Centre – Newfoundland and Labrador (ARC-NL), which opened its doors on December 2018, is fostering collaboration between Grenfell and St. John's campuses of Memorial University and creating a provincial network of researchers studying late life issues in Newfoundland and Labrador. In addition, ARC-NL will prioritize knowledge mobilization and engagement with older adults.
The Food Sensory Lab, a space dedicated for student and community research, opened its doors in February 2019 thanks to collaboration of the government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Atlantic Aquaponics, Memorial University, and Grenfell Campus. The Functional Foods Sensory Laboratory examines food products with known health benefits beyond basic nutritional needs, such as the antioxidants in blueberries, eggs enhanced with omega 3 fatty acids, or the probiotics associated with yogurt. The lab is also a key component of Grenfell's participation in The Way Forward, Newfoundland's strategic plan to promote a healthy and prosperous province by focusing on growing the agriculture, forestry, and renewable energy sectors. The Office of Research and Graduate Studies is also involved in two Regional Innovation Systems Pilots which aim to enhance regional competitiveness in forestry and agriculture in Corner Brook, and tourism and fishery on the Northern Peninsula and in Southern Labrador.
On Oct. 24 and 25, the Bay St. George Mi'kmaq Cultural Revival Committee and Grenfell Campus hosted "Msɨt No'kmaq/All My Relations: A Collaborative Symposium on Indigenous Research Ethics and Methodologies". This unique two-day session was developed to identify avenues for conducting research with Indigenous communities and groups in a good way. Sessions were held in St. George's and at Grenfell Campus. Approximately 20 members of the Grenfell community and 15 Mi'kmaw Elders, community members, and leaders came together for the event. In the spirit of collaboration and openness, participants shared their experiences with research in university and community contexts.
Four recommendations emerged out of this symposium:
1. The establishment of a community-based research ethics committee
2. The establishment of an Indigenous Resource Centre at Grenfell Campus
3. The creation of a course on Indigenous Research ethics and methodologies
4. Having an Elder in residence at Grenfell Campus.
We look forward to continuing to support respectful and reciprocal academic and research partnerships between researchers at Grenfell Campus and Indigenous peoples.
Finally, I would like to congratulate the 2018-2019 Vice-President (Grenfell) Research Fund Awards recipients: Dr. Todd Hennessey, Dr. Julie Sircom, Dr. Dmitry Sveshnikov, Prof. Peggy Hancock, Dr. Robert Scott, Dr. Raymond Thomas, Dr. Rainer Baehre, Dr. Mano Krishnapillai, Dr. Rie Croll, Dr. Brad Harding, Prof. Ingrid Percy and Dr. Bonnie White. Information on their projects can be found here.
The deadline to submit an application for the 2019-2020 VP Research Fund Award end of day, Nov. 15. The application is available online.
I hope this newsletter provides insight into the vibrant research landscape at Grenfell Campus. Please do not hesitate to contact the office, or your school representatives on the Research or Graduate Studies Committees (see members listed in Office of Research and Graduate Studies) with your ideas or feedback, and continue to let us know about your inspiring research activities and accomplishments so that we can share them with others.
We cordially invite you to attend Research Week 2019, a university-wide event showcasing research, innovation, and collaboration by Grenfell faculty and students. Research Week kick starts on Tuesday, November 12 and will culminate in the launch of the Powered by Grenfell: Research and Graduate Studies Report 2016-2018 at 2 p.m. in the Fine Arts Atrium.
Sincerely,
Kelly Vodden
Associate Vice-President (Grenfell Campus) Research and Graduate Studies
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