UBC student wins 15th annual Okanagan Short Story Contest Feather in his cap for UBC creative writing student Joe Dermo Stringing words together to create a powerful story is what Joe Dermo likes to do. He also hopes to make it a career one day. So the third-year creative writing student is thrilled to be named winner of the 15th annual Okanagan Short Story Contest. More than 160 stories were submitted for the annual competition, organized by the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. Erín Mouré, award-winning Canadian poet and essayist, announced Dermo's win at a public reading at the Okanagan Regional Library. Dermo wrote his 1,500-word winning story, Salmon at Night, last semester for a creative writing course with UBC instructor/writer John Lent.
Celebrate Research Week lineup announced Annual Research CelebratION promises to Resonate From March 4 to 8, UBC's Okanagan campus will be immersed in a celebration of research. Themed Resonate, this year's Celebrate Research Week showcases the extraordinary knowledge being created in the Okanagan and how its impact is being felt at home and around the world. A new event will be featured on March 4 -- Research Matters -- which will showcase four UBC experts, each delivering a short talk on their research and why it matters. Mid-week, 12 undergraduate and 12 graduate students will compete for fun, fame and prizes at the Research Rodeo. The week culminates with the Celebrate Research Gala, an inspirational afternoon of presentations and awards, including Researcher of the Year and the Research Rodeo winners. This year will also feature exhibitions, discussions, a lab opening, a new research mapping tool, PechaKucha presentations and more.
Engineering students CAN make a difference at CANstruction Canstruction, an international fundraising event, takes place in more than 140 cities worldwide by bringing together community teams of designers, builders, businesses and engineers to create remarkable structures from canned food, while raising donations for local food banks. Kelowna's event was held in Orchard Park mall with nine teams competing to build designs out of canned food, which were displayed for public viewing before they were deconstructed and donated to local food banks. School of Engineering students are regular participants in Canstruction, submitting designs and building a themed structure out of cans; but this year engineering students Arianna Siebert-Timmer, Sandra Iroegbu, Heather Mallory, Rubal Heer, Meaghan Ormrod, Mariah Newman, Tyler Siegrist and Matt Matier helped with the set-up and take-down of the competition..
The Canadian Conference on Student Leadership is an opportunity for student leaders to come together and share ideas, to become inspired, and to leave determined to make a difference on their own campus or in their community. This year's conference is hosted by UBC's Okanagan campus and takes place March 7 to 9. Keynotes at the conference include:
Anyone looking to register a group should contact Jacqueline Beaulieu, acting Campus Life manager. To find out more, visit the Canadian Conference on Student Leadership website or Facebook page.
Graduate and undergrad students invited to participate in annual competition All students are invited to giddy-up to the Research Rodeo stage on March 6 to compete against other students for academic fame and great prizes. The challenge: in three minutes or less, students are asked to tell the world why their research matters. They are only allowed one slide, their research knowledge and their passion to engage the judges and audience. The top three undergrads will be awarded $100 each and the People's Choice Undergraduate Award recipient will be awarded $50. For graduate students, the top three performers will be awarded $125 each and the People's Choice Graduate Award recipient, $75.
Gigantic exhibition of tiny artwork on display this week North America's largest international miniature print exhibition features 199 artists exhibiting 395 works Everyone is invited to take in the Biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition (BIMPE), a unique and exciting survey of original printmaking on a truly international scale. This year's collection, entitled BIMPE VII, features 199 artists from more than 50 countries exhibiting 395 small-scale works with images measuring no more than 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 inches). BIMPE VII is open until Friday, Feb. 22, in the Creative and Critical Studies (formerly Fine Arts and Health) Building's FINA Gallery.
New tool helps towns assess resources need for For BC communities considering investing in a bioenergy heating system, it can be expensive and time-consuming to weigh the pros and cons. Researchers at UBC have partnered with the Community Energy Association and the Wood Waste to Rural Heat project to create a tool that evaluates if local forest waste wood can support these systems, which then have the added benefit of reducing the risk of forest fires and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. As energy costs rise, communities are looking for alternative renewable heating fuels for large buildings like schools, hospitals, and libraries. Bioenergy heating systems, like the one at UBC's Bioenergy Research and Demonstration Facility, use wood waste to produce clean heat.
President's Service Award for Excellence nominations for UBC staff now open UBC faculty, staff, and students are invited to submit nominations for the 2013 President's Service Award for Excellence, the top award presented to UBC staff in recognition of contributions to the university and excellence in personal achievements. Up to five recipients are selected annually, and awards are presented during graduation ceremonies. Each recipient receives a medal and $5,000. Permanent staff members with 10 years or more of UBC service are eligible for nomination. Okanagan University College service is counted in nominees' years of UBC service. The deadline for nominations is Friday, April 5. To find out more about award criteria and the nomination process, visit the Focus on People website. If you have any questions, please contact Grace Wang. Official new name: Creative and Critical Studies building What used to be the Fine Arts and Health building is now the Creative and Critical Studies building. UBC's Board of Governors approved the name change recently, and while exterior signs won't be updated until warmer weather arrives, the prefixes on room numbers in that building have already been changed to CCS. With the formal dedication of the Reichwald Health Sciences Centre last year, room number prefixes for that building are now RHS (formerly HSC). Latin American Studies talk and book launch being held February 26 On February 26, the Latin American and Iberian Studies program has organized a talk by Molly Todd, post-doctoral fellow at the University of Washington, and book launch for Jessica Stites Mor, assistant professor of history. Todd will present her talk, The Fifth Front: Refugee Retorno, Transnational Solidarity, and the Transition to Peace in El Salvador, 1986-1992. This will take place at 2 p.m. in the Arts building (room ART386). After the talk the event will move to the Faculty and Staff Lounge (room ADM115) to celebrate Mor' recently published book, Human Rights and Transnational Solidarity in Cold War Latin America.
Basso soars, Heat sizzle as they grab the right to host a playoff series after win over Bobcats It was an iconic moment that told the story of an entire career, as fifth-year outside-hitter Alex Basso put down the final kill to win a 15-7 over the Brandon University Bobcats for a fifth set and match win to complete the weekend sweep on February 9. The night marked the final regular season game for Alex Basso, who will be graduating with a Bachelor in Human Kinetics this spring. When asked about her time at UBC , an emotional Basso was quick to direct attention away from herself. "I love all my teammates and my head coach. It's been an amazing ride and I couldn't have asked for a better time."
UBC students participate in Model United Nations events Student delegations attend three different model UN conferences While they are students today, they may well be the leaders of tomorrow. A group of students from UBC's Okanagan campus has just returned from the Harvard National Model United Nations conference in Boston, Mass. Model United Nations is an international, academic simulation of the United Nations, notes Tim Krupa, who founded the club in September 2011. Krupa, a fourth-year science student, was the head delegate for the Harvard conference.
Okanagan Mission Secondary netminder commits to Heat The Heat men's soccer team has added a championship keeper for the fall of 2013. Michael Sexton, the netminder of the undefeated provincial champion Okanagan Mission Secondary Huskies, has committed to the program at UBC's Okanagan campus.
Smoke signals: Medical marijuana in Canada Zach Walsh, assistant professor of psychology, is co-director of the Centre for the Advancement of Psychological Science and Law and recently completed a major study on medical cannabis. UBC Reports asked him to shed some light on the Canadian medical marijuana debate. Why is medical marijuana such a hot topic in the news? Recent developments in the U.S. and Canada, and across the globe really, have prompted a fresh look at cannabis use and the social, legal and medical status of the ancient and controversial plant. After decades of stigma and marginalization, superstition surrounding cannabis is being replaced by scientific research.
Fashion is a feminist issue Early 20th century fashion designers were the crème de la crème of society. They were cutting-edge and popular, representing all that was new and modern. They influenced the world around them through their style, words, clothes and actions. Ilya Parkins, assistant professor of gender and women's studies, says this is just one example of why fashion is an essential area of academic research -- it can bring unique perspectives to history and the evolution of politics, culture and society, especially when viewed through a feminist lens. "I would say most of my career has been spent working to get people to take fashion seriously as a site of knowledge production, certainly in the early 20th century but more broadly as well," says Parkins, adding that fashion is strongly connected to femininity, and to trivialize it is, in a sense, to trivialize women.
Healthy measures assessments Health assessments will be conducted on March 5 by Safeway pharmacy staff, with the assistance of UBC nursing and human kinetics students. Assessments will take approximately 15 minutes and there is no charge for this confidential service. Date: Tuesday, Mar. 5 To schedule an assessment, please contact Deb Deorksen in Human Resources. Aligning potential: performance management As a manager, coaching people to reach their full performance potential is one of the most important leadership roles. Learn more about how to set meaningful expectations, provide ongoing feedback and foster development in this day-long workshop. The registration deadline for this workshop is March 15. To register, visit the Human Resources website. To find out more about this session, contact Nicole Udzenija, organizational development and learning consultant. Project management skills Participants will be exposed to a live, simulated project in this session. They will have to build a physical structure within an allotted time. As the project management methodology is introduced through the day, participants apply it to the simulation over successive rounds, and the difference in project execution becomes evident in a compelling way. Date: Thursday, Apr. 11 The registration deadline for this workshop is March 28. To register, visit the Human Resources website. To find out more about this session, contact Nicole Udzenija, organizational development and learning consultant. Workshops at a glance Here are some professional development workshops for faculty and staff at UBC's Okanagan campus over the next few weeks: For a full listing visit the Okanagan campus events calendar. |
OKANAGAN CAMPUS News • UBC student wins 15th annual Okanagan Short Story Contest People • Basso soars, Heat sizzle as they grab the right to host a playoff series Research Spotlight • Medical marijuana in Canada
Asperger's Syndrome awareness session The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) has organized a disability awareness session on Asperger's Syndrome for all members of the campus community. Topics covered will include:
The student perspective and experience will be shared, with a question and answer session to follow. Date: Wednesday, Feb. 20 (today) Don't stay in your office for coffee on Friday Sponsored by the Faculty of Education, all faculty and staff are invited to the next Pitstop for coffee on Friday. The Pitstop will take place in the Faculty's new Innovative Learning Centre. Coffee, tea and a variety of pastries will be served for only $2 per person. All proceeds will be donated to the Okanagan campus United Way campaign. Date: Friday, Feb. 22 Third annual African Awareness Week African Awareness Week is a week-long event series that continues to challenge the homogenous representation of Africa through the engagement of UBC students, faculty, and staff in critical dialogue.
African Awareness Week has been organized by International Programs and Services and the African Student Club. To find out more, visit the Facebook event page. First Library Leader in Residence presentation being held Feb. 26 To know ourselves What is the future of libraries, and what role do they play in advancing strategic agendas and supporting high-performing students, faculty and communities? Join the Library's first Leader in Residence, Ernie Ingles -- Vice-Provost and Director, School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta -- to discuss and explore these issues. Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26 To find out more, contact Deputy Chief Librarian Heather Berringer at 250-807-9127.
Okanagan Symphony Orchestra to bring Mozart to campus The Okanagan Symphony Orchestra (OSO) will be on campus February 27 as part of the Minds and Music series to perform a Mozart rehearsal concert at no charge for the campus community. They will be performing Mozart's Symphony No. 36 in C major. Date: Wednesday, Feb. 27 This rehearsal concert is free and open to everyone. To find out more, visit the Minds and Music website. The TCARE project: Trail Castlegar Augmented Response Enhancing supportive services for persons and families living with life-limiting chronic illness Barb Pesut, Canada Research Chair in Health, Ethics and Diversity, and her TCARE team will share new strategies they are using to work with hospice societies and other community organizations at this session on March 5. Their goal on this TCARE project is to offer a proactive palliative approach designed to enhance support for patients and families in rural areas living with life-limiting chronic illness. Date: Tuesday, Mar. 5 This session has been co-sponsored by the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention. To attend in person or via teleconference, RSVP via Eventbrite.
Hispanic Film Series: No sos vos, soy yo The Spanish program and the Latin American & Iberian Studies program present a screening of the film No sos vos, soy yo. There is no charge for admittance and the film will be presented with subtitles in English. Date: Tuesday, Mar. 5 To find out more contact Francisco Peña, assistant professor of Spanish, at 250-807-8044. Okanagan aesthetic what does our geography tell us? The Cultural Studies program's next AlterKnowledge Discussion Series event takes place on March 6 at the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art. The discussion at this event will look at the Okanagan Aesthetic Project, a community-based initiative designed by Creative Studies professors Nancy Holmes and Denise Kenney. Holmes and Kenney will introduce the project, discuss the idea, seek feedback for its development and facilitate a sharing of ideas regarding the concept of an Okanagan aesthetic. Date: Wednesday, Mar. 6 To find out more about this discussion, contact David Jefferess, associate professor of cultural studies and English.
From landworks to words in the land: 1970s to the present The Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies has organized a public talk on March 14 with environmental artist and poet Marlene Creates. At the talk Creates will trace her previous work that led to the development of her current practice. Date: Thursday, Mar. 14 To find out more about this talk contact Melissa McHugh.
Rule Out Racism Week March 16 to 22 Rule Out Racism is a week dedicated to building a mindful campus community which highlights and celebrates diversity, acknowledges place, examines privilege and encourages open, respectful discourse on and engagement with issues of race and racism. The week's events will feature an opening ceremony, cultural crafts, a film screening, a smudging ceremony, a panel discussion on diversity in the Okanagan and a 'Kebabeque'. For a full schedule of events, visit the Campus Life website or the Rule Out Racism Facebook page.
Barber School Undergrad Research Conference organized for April 4 Arts and Sciences students at UBC's Okanagan campus have been hard at work this year researching exciting topics for the annual Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference being held on April 4. The conference is an annual showcase of the diverse research projects underway by undergraduate students in the IKBSAS.
To find out more, visit the Undergraduate Research Conference website.
Exchange your information The Exchange is your newsletter. Let everyone know what's going on in your corner of campus. Send submissions to University Relations c/o Chris Guenard.
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