Science and Mathematics Education Research Group (SMERG) - News /smerg/channels_item/2 en McGill Education Named 3rd in Canada, 38th Globally /smerg/node/6317 <p>According to <a href="https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/by-subject">World University Rankings by Subject 2025</a>, released on January 22 by Times Higher Education (THE), McGill ranks among the top 90 in the world in all of the 11 subjects assessed, placing six subjects in the top 50. The University placed third in Canada in  in Education Studies and six other domains. THE’s subject rankings evaluate 11 disciplines based on five performance indicators: teaching, research environment, research quality, international outlook and Industry. </p> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 20:07:35 +0000 㽶Ƶ Celena Scheede-Bergdahl Comments on Prehab Impact on Patient Recovery /smerg/node/6298 <p>The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education's <a href="/education/celena-scheede">Dr. Celena Scheede-Bergdahl </a>was interviewed by CBC for an article, "Prehab' before surgery speeds up patient recovery, review suggests" regarding how pre-op exercise, nutritional changes, and psychological support could reduce complications.  Dr. Scheede-Bergdahl commented she sees high rates of participation in prehab at Montreal General Hospital's surgery program. "We're capturing them in a teaching moment," Scheede-Bergdahl said.</p> Thu, 23 Jan 2025 15:33:36 +0000 㽶Ƶ McGill researchers awarded funding from NSERC for quantum science /smerg/node/6290 <div> <div> <p><span><span>On January 21, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), announce<span>d<span> <span>over $74 million in funding to support 107 quantum science projects<span>, including fifteen to McGill researchers<span>. <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p></div></div> Tue, 21 Jan 2025 18:28:53 +0000 㽶Ƶ Dead galaxies, live signals: Astronomers uncover a fast radio burst’s surprising location /smerg/node/6297 <p>Astronomers studying the origins of enigmatic fast radio<a> </a>bursts (FRBs) have made a groundbreaking discovery that could transform our understanding of the universe’s most powerful and mysterious signals. The Canadian Hydrogen Intensity Mapping Experiment Fast Radio Burst (CHIME/FRB) collaboration has pinpointed the location on the sky of a repeating FRB, known as FRB 20240209A, outside a dead galaxy, a finding unprecedented in FRB science. The researchers believe the FRB may have originated in a cluster of old, dead stars orbiting the dead galaxy.</p> Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:41:09 +0000 㽶Ƶ Bieler School of Environment welcomes new director /smerg/node/6289 <p>The Bieler School of Environment (BSE) is thrilled to announce <a href="/biology/anthony-ricciardi">Professor Anthony Ricciardi</a> as its new director, effective immediately. An expert in invasion ecology and aquatic ecosystems, Ricciardi has been a key figure at the school since 2001 and now steps up to lead.</p> <p>“My vision for the School is to become the gateway of environmental research at McGill,” said Ricciardi.</p> <p>Founded in 1998, the BSE appoints directors for five-year terms.</p> Tue, 21 Jan 2025 15:50:18 +0000 㽶Ƶ Clouds have a surprising effect on surface warming, McGill climate researchers find /smerg/node/6275 <p>㽶Ƶ researchers have <a href="https://can01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41586-024-08323-x&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cclaire.loewen%40mcgill.ca%7C1aa187b701b5492b8a2a08dd30d48d35%7Ccd31967152e74a68afa9fcf8f89f09ea%7C0%7C0%7C638720411653005201%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=hAbOefehlKHoVxQELBFhl2SbManK7P767BMN7dbn5tw%3D&amp;reserved=0">discovered</a> that changes in clouds are slightly mitigating global warming.</p> Wed, 15 Jan 2025 16:07:07 +0000 㽶Ƶ Apex predators in prehistoric Colombian oceans would have snacked on killer whales today: McGill study   /smerg/node/6273 <p>Predators at the top of a marine food chain 130 million years ago ruled with more power than any modern species, McGill research into a marine ecosystem from the Cretaceous period revealed. </p> Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:09:21 +0000 㽶Ƶ Black History Month Opening Ceremony with Keynote Shane Laptiste /smerg/node/6264 <p>This year's Black History Month will launch with an Opening Ceremony on February 6 and keynote delivered by <b>Shane Laptiste, </b>principal and co-founder of the award-winning Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA).</p> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 20:21:25 +0000 㽶Ƶ Music Education Alum Melina Catalano Featured in Montreal Gazette /smerg/node/6262 <p>(The following is an excerpt from the Montreal Gazette by columnist Allison Hanes, published  January 10, 2025.)</p> <p> </p> <h2>Rosemount High music teacher is helping ‘fantastic human beings’ flourish</h2> <p>Melina Catalano has come full circle. She traces her musical beginnings to Rosemount High School, where she first learned to play the trumpet.</p> Fri, 10 Jan 2025 14:12:44 +0000 㽶Ƶ Lana F. Zeaiter Wins Bourse aux doctorant.e.s en sciences de l'éducation du ouvernement du Québec /smerg/node/6258 <p><a href="/plurilinguallab/lana-zeaiter">Lana F. Zeaiter</a>, PhD Candidate in Educational Studies in the Department of Integrated Studies at 㽶Ƶ and Plurilingual Lab member, has won the prestigious <strong>Bourse aux doctorant.e.s en sciences de l'éducation</strong>, which celebrates excellence in educational research awarded by the government of Québec.</p> Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:33:43 +0000 㽶Ƶ Studio 4 MTL: DISE Members Engage in New School Creation Project /smerg/node/6259 <p>DISE faculty members <a href="/education/michael-lipset">Dr. Michael Lipset</a> and <a href="/education/bronwen-low">Dr. Bronwen Low</a>, along with Dr. Habib Siam (DISE, ’17), are piloting two recording arts high school re-engagement programs in the Winter of 2025, in collaboration with community leaders, Education MA student Mohit Kumar and BEd student Marcus Pavico. Studio4 MTL is a French secondary education program for young people in Montreal who have been pushed and kicked out of the traditional school system.<br /> <br /></p> Tue, 07 Jan 2025 21:15:23 +0000 㽶Ƶ Researchers link mysterious cosmic signals to collapsed stars  /smerg/node/6260 <p>An international team of scientists led by 㽶Ƶ researchers has provided the clearest evidence yet that some fast radio bursts (FRBs) — enigmatic, millisecond-long flashes of radio waves from space — originate from neutron stars, the ultra-dense remnants of massive stars that have exploded in a supernova. This finding, based on an analysis of the radio signal of a single FRB, advances our understanding of one of the universe’s most perplexing phenomena. </p> Thu, 02 Jan 2025 13:05:40 +0000 㽶Ƶ King Charles III Coronation Medals awarded to 19 members of the McGill community /smerg/node/6257 <p>Nineteen members of the McGill community have been awarded the <a href="https://www.gg.ca/en/honours/canadian-honours/directory-honours/commemorative-medals/king-charles-iii-coronation-medal">King Charles III Coronation Medal</a>. The medal is conferred on individuals who have made significant contributions to Canada or to a particular province, territory, region or community, or have made an outstanding achievement abroad that brings credit to Canada.</p> <p>The recipients include Professor R. Bruce Lennox, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Tomlinson Professor of Chemistry.</p> Mon, 23 Dec 2024 14:51:39 +0000 㽶Ƶ TSI Outreach Program Administrator, Carolina Cruz-Vinaccia, wins President’s Award /smerg/node/6256 <p>Congratulations to Carolina Cruz-Vinaccia, the Outreach Program Administrator at the <a href="https://tsi.mcgill.ca/">Trottier Space Institute</a> and Physics Department for being awarded the <a href="/hr/awards/president-awards">President's Award for Administrative and Support Staff</a>! Winners of this award are honoured for the quality of their work, service to the community, innovation and initiative.</p> Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:16:26 +0000 㽶Ƶ Bellairs Research Institute going strong at 70  /smerg/node/6252 <p>To mark its 70th anniversary, McGill’s <a href="/bellairs/">Bellairs Research Institute</a> in Barbados hosted events Dec. 5-6 that brought together researchers, students, elected officials and community partners to celebrate its history and build momentum for the future.  </p> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:56:14 +0000 㽶Ƶ Bellairs brings science programming to Barbadian students  /smerg/node/6253 <p>Last week, hundreds of students in Barbados saw science come to life in a whole new way.</p> <p>As part of the celebrations marking its <a href="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/bellairs-research-institute-going-strong-at-70/">70th anniversary</a>, McGill’s Bellairs Research Institute opened its doors to the community Dec. 5. Three hundred students from five local schools were treated to free science kits, lunch and a day of hands-on activities.</p> Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:53:58 +0000 㽶Ƶ Armando Bertone and Jake Burack Host SCERT Conference on Neurodiversity /smerg/node/6247 <p>With the aim of fostering innovative and impactful research-based activities at Summit School and beyond, the Summit Centre for Education, Research, and Training (SCERT) serves as a hub for curating teaching and learning best practices related to the wellbeing of neurodivergent learners. On November 14 and 16, the SCERT held its 5th annual conference on neurodiversity, a keystone knowledge translation event designed to promote a holistic understanding and appreciation of neurodivergent learning in both academic and social contexts.</p> Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:35:10 +0000 㽶Ƶ A STEAM day to celebrate 70 years of McGill's Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados /smerg/node/6238 <p>To celebrate the 70th anniversary of McGill’s acclaimed <a href="/bellairs/">Bellairs Research Institute</a> in Barbados and to promote STEAM education to local students, McGill partnered with the <a href="https://cosi.org/">Center of Science and Industry (COSI)</a>, and the U.S. State Department for a full day of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) activities and presentations.</p> Mon, 09 Dec 2024 14:21:55 +0000 㽶Ƶ Our ECP Child and Adolescent Mental Health Expert, Dr. Tina Montreuil, Shares Her Insights to the Canadian Press on a Recent ISQ Report /smerg/node/6236 <p>Dr. Tina Montreuil, clinical (school) psychologist and associate professor in the department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, was called upon for her expertise in child and adolescent mental health to comment on the recent rapport issued by l’Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ). The report highlights the marked rise in mental disorders among high school students.</p> <p>Dr. Montreuil provides expert opinion on what could explain these increases among children and teens, but also provides insights on prevention opportunities that can arise from these findings.</p> Thu, 05 Dec 2024 19:35:14 +0000 㽶Ƶ Next stop, Oxford /smerg/node/6233 <p>For Vincent Wong, life truly is a journey.</p> <p>As a <a href="https://reporter.mcgill.ca/meet-mcgills-newest-loran-scholars-2/">Loran Scholar</a>, the Vancouverite moved across the country in 2021 to pursue his B.Sc. Honours in Neuroscience at McGill. He was drawn by The Neuro (The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital), Canada’s largest neuroscience research centre.</p> <p>In the summer of 2022, Wong traveled to Yellowknife to conduct a research project on the unique health-care challenges in the North, an experience that would shift his career trajectory.</p> Wed, 04 Dec 2024 13:59:58 +0000 㽶Ƶ West Island high schoolers participate in summer research at McGill’s Gault Nature Reserve /smerg/node/6227 <p>This summer, Gault Nature Reserve hosted four high schoolers from the West Island Black Community Association for this year’s Youth Biodiversity Internships Program. Led by Professor Bruno Tremblay, this collaboration brought together a diverse range of community members from McGill and beyond to connect on their passion for science. For 5 weeks, youth conducted fieldwork at Gault with McGill students, explored how scientific research happens in nature and made links to their own lives and future careers.  </p> Mon, 02 Dec 2024 19:08:20 +0000 㽶Ƶ Mapping the Benefits and Trade-offs from Natural Climate Solutions /smerg/node/6226 <p>A new study published today in <em>Nature Sustainability</em> uses advanced machine learning methods and large language models to assess the benefits and trade-offs of natural climate solutions (NCS). </p> <p>Led by The Nature Conservancy and co-led by Brian Robinson, Associate Professor of Geography at 㽶Ƶ, the researchers analyzed over 250,000 peer-reviewed publications to produce a global evidence map of NCS co-impacts. </p> Mon, 02 Dec 2024 16:47:30 +0000 㽶Ƶ Ratna Ghosh to receive Lifetime Achievement Award /smerg/node/6225 <p>Ratna Ghosh is being honoured with McGill’s <a href="/tls/instructors/awards/university/lifetime">Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership in Learning</a>, which recognizes sustained excellence in leadership and innovation, as well as the active integration of teaching and learning with inquiry, scholarship and research.</p> Thu, 28 Nov 2024 21:55:55 +0000 㽶Ƶ McGill-linked AXIS mission is one of two finalists in NASA selection process /smerg/node/6223 <p>NASA has selected the Advanced X-ray Imaging Satellite (AXIS) mission, co-investigated by 㽶Ƶ Professor Daryl Haggard, to advance to the next stage of its $1 billion <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-establishes-new-class-of-astrophysics-missions-selects-studies/">space probe competition</a>.</p> Thu, 28 Nov 2024 14:15:15 +0000 㽶Ƶ Unleashing Creativity at the McGill Physics Hackathon /smerg/node/6221 <p>On November 15<sup>th</sup> – 17<sup>th</sup>, the Trottier Space Institute and the Department of Physics hosted its 9<sup>th</sup> <a href="https://www.hackathon.physics.mcgill.ca/">Annual McGill Physics Hackathon</a>. This friendly coding competition brought together 163 people, from grade 10 high school students to graduate students. Participants had a total of 24 hours over the span of 3 days to create computing and physical science projects in teams. <a href="https://www.hackathon.physics.mcgill.ca/">Learn more here</a>.</p> Wed, 27 Nov 2024 14:01:01 +0000 㽶Ƶ DISE Language Education Soirée Celebrates Students and Faculty /smerg/node/6218 <p>On November 20, 2024, undergraduate and graduate students from diverse Language Education programs at McGill's <a href="/dise/">Department of Integrated Studies in Education</a> (DISE) marked the end of another successful term. The DISE Language Education Soirée, held bi-annually, brought together students and faculty for an evening of community building, collaboration, and fun at McGill’s Faculty of Education Learning Commons. Over pizza, snacks, and games, participants engaged in informal and enriching discussions about research, teaching, and future projects.</p> Mon, 25 Nov 2024 16:52:46 +0000 㽶Ƶ Saskatchewan’s first Centrosaurus and Citipes elegans fossils discovered by McGill researchers /smerg/node/6210 <p>Paleontologists and students from 㽶Ƶ have documented Saskatchewan's first confirmed fossil specimens of <i>Centrosaurus</i>, a horned dinosaur species closely related to <i>Triceratops</i>.</p> <p>The search, conducted in Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park along the South Saskatchewan River, also unearthed a rare mix of dinosaur and marine fossils, shedding light on a dinosaur fauna which existed on the edge of an ancient sea at a time of rising sea levels long before humans roamed the earth.</p> Tue, 19 Nov 2024 12:36:54 +0000 㽶Ƶ West Island high schoolers participate in summer research at McGill’s Gault Nature Reserve /smerg/node/6209 <h5><strong>by Christine Pallon, Communications Officer, Faculty of Science</strong></h5> <p>Every year, McGill’s Gault Nature Reserve in Mont-Saint-Hilaire welcomes a host of student researchers. This past summer, there was a new addition to the usual group of young scientists at the Reserve: four high schoolers from Montréal’s West Island. </p> Mon, 18 Nov 2024 19:12:16 +0000 㽶Ƶ Research Participation Opportunity for Non-Science Undergraduate Students /smerg/node/6208 <p>Dr. Anila Asghar, DISE, and Abdullah Najjar are looking for undergraduate students for their study that seeks to explore the relationship between scientific thinking, feelings about science, and achievement in science.</p> <p>This work will help to develop ways to assist teachers to effectively support the engagement and achievement of students in science.</p> <p>The study involves completing questionnaires and engaging in an online game about science concepts and taking multiple-choice tests at the beginning and the end of the learning sessions.</p> <p><strong>Full Details:</strong></p> Mon, 18 Nov 2024 15:46:28 +0000 㽶Ƶ Education's New Canada Research Chairs: Victoria Talwar & Marie-Hélène Pennestri /smerg/node/6203 <p>The Government of Canada awarded McGill 10 new and five renewed Canada Research Chairs Nov. 14, representing a total research investment of $13.8 million. The McGill awards were part of $182 million in funding for the <a href="http://www.chairs-chaires.gc.ca/media-medias/lists-listes/2024/spring-printemps-eng.aspx">Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program</a> the government announced, to support 224 new and renewed chair holders at post-secondary institutions across the country. </p> Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:44:16 +0000 㽶Ƶ Fifteen new or renewed Canada Research Chairs awarded to McGill /smerg/node/6202 <div> <div> <p><em><strong><span><span><span><span>$<span>13.8<span><span> <span><span>million <span>in federal funding <span>for<span> <span>McGill’s cohort of <span>10 <span>new<span>,<span> five renewed Canada Research Chairs<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></strong></em></p></div></div> Thu, 14 Nov 2024 17:05:33 +0000 㽶Ƶ Breathing Under Mechanical Load During Exercise: Join the Study! /smerg/node/6279 <p><strong>Are you a healthy non-smoking adult interested in contributing to cutting-edge research on breathing, breathlessness, and exercise?</strong></p> <p>Researchers at 㽶Ƶ’s <strong>Clinical Exercise and Respiratory Physiology Laboratory (CERPL)</strong> are seeking participants for a study examining how breathing mechanical loads affect inspiratory muscle activation and breathlessness during exercise.</p> <p>The study involves three lab visits, including lung function tests, cycling exercise, and safe, controlled breathing challenges, all in downtown Montreal.</p> Fri, 17 Jan 2025 15:01:58 +0000 㽶Ƶ Participate in a Research Study on Bone Health & Exercise Behaviours in Diabetes /smerg/node/6197 <p>The Gibbs Lab at McGill is looking for adults aged 50 and above, diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes to participate in a research study.</p> <p>Participation involves one audio-recorded interview conducted via Microsoft Teams or by phone.</p> <p>The study aims to identify preferences, information needs, and perceived barriers related to exercise for the management of bone health in older adults with diabetes. Adults over 50 with diabetes are often unaware of their increased risk of bone fractures, which can lead to disability, hospitalization, and significant healthcare costs.</p> Mon, 11 Nov 2024 20:02:31 +0000 㽶Ƶ Participate in a Research Study on Parents of Preschool Children with Attention Problems /smerg/node/6278 <p>Are you a parent in Quebec who is struggling with mental health and parenting challenges? Consider joining our research study for parents of preschool children.</p> <p>The Building Regulation In Dual Generations (BRIDGE) is a program designed to support the mental health and parenting needs of mothers with depression who are parenting a 4 to 6-year-old child with attention problems. This program brings together Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills Groups with therapeutic techniques to support positive parent-child interactions.</p> <p><strong>Procedure:</strong></p> Thu, 16 Jan 2025 14:56:18 +0000 㽶Ƶ The Redpath: a newly accredited museum! /smerg/node/6176 <p>In August 2024, the Redpath Museum was certified as an accredited museum institution by the ministère de la Culture et des Communications du Québec. The accreditation is a seal of quality confirming that the museum meets internationally recognized requirements and standards for governance, museological practices, and heritage presentation. With this recognition, the Redpath joined a network of 180 other accredited museums across the province.</p> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 20:36:52 +0000 㽶Ƶ Natalya Gomez and Daryl Haggard win Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships /smerg/node/6175 <p>Professors <a href="https://www.natalyagomez.com/">Natalya Gomez</a> (Earth and Planetary Sciences) and <a href="https://www.dhaggard.physics.mcgill.ca/">Daryl Haggard</a> (Physics) have been awarded 2024 Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).</p> <p>These awards recognize early-career academic researchers, providing them with a $250,000 research grant over two years.</p> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:29:49 +0000 㽶Ƶ Dean Venkatesh Named to the FRQ Scientific Committee /smerg/node/6174 <p>On November 5th, Quebec's Fonds de Recherche announced the composition of its three scientific advisory committees; one for each major research sector. Each committee is comprised of 10-15 members active in research, appointed by the FRQ, the majority of whom come from public research or higher education institutions, with at least one member from a college and one student representative. Committee members are appointed for a non-renewable term of one to three years.</p> Wed, 06 Nov 2024 15:53:48 +0000 㽶Ƶ Professor Henri Darmon elected to the 2025 Class of Fellows of the American Mathematical Society (AMS) /smerg/node/6172 <p><strong>Professor Henri Darmon</strong> has been elected to the 2025 Class of Fellows of the American Mathematical Society (AMS).</p> <p>"Forty-one mathematical scientists from around the world have been named <a href="https://www.ams.org/grants-awards/ams-fellows/ams-fellows">Fellows of the American Mathematical Society</a> (AMS) for 2025, the program's 13th year. Recognized by their peers, AMS members designated as Fellows of the AMS have made outstanding contributions to the creation, exposition, advancement, communication, and utilization of mathematics".</p> Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:32:04 +0000 㽶Ƶ Celebrating 10 years of Chemistry Outreach! /smerg/node/6086 <p>Congratulations to the Chemistry Outreach group, which celebrated its 10-year anniversary during <a href="/openhouse/">McGill’s Open House</a> on <b>October 27<sup>th</sup></b>! Over 250 people joined the festivities and enjoyed hands-on activities, magnificent demos, and chemistry-themed refreshments throughout the day.</p> Thu, 31 Oct 2024 13:55:35 +0000 㽶Ƶ Professor Christian Genest awarded Parzen Prize (2024) /smerg/node/6087 <p><b>Professor Christian Genest</b> has been awarded the 2024 prestigious <b>Parzen Prize</b>.</p> Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:12:17 +0000 㽶Ƶ From the Court to the Classroom: An Interview with Alumna Hélène Bibeau /smerg/node/6031 <p>From the Court to the Classroom: An interview with alumna Hélène Bibeau (B.Ed Kindergarten and Elementary Ed ‘13, M.Ed Educational Psychology ‘15). Originally from Saint-Bruno,  Hélène's journey has taken her from dominating the basketball courts in Montreal to inspiring young minds in classrooms at Stamford American School in Hong Kong and across the world. From her early beginnings in basketball to representing Hong Kong in netball, Hélène’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of dreams.</p> Thu, 24 Oct 2024 13:46:18 +0000 㽶Ƶ Call for Research Participants: Exciting Opportunity with Lululemon /smerg/node/6029 <p><a href="/cerpl/members">Dr. Camilla Illidi</a> from the <a href="/cerpl">Clinical Exercise and Respiratory Physiology Laboratory (CERPL)</a>, in collaboration with <a href="https://shop.lululemon.com">Lululemon</a>, is seeking healthy female volunteers for a research study investigating the effects of sports bras on exercise experiences, including motivation, adherence, feelings, anticipation, and enjoyment.</p> Wed, 23 Oct 2024 21:07:47 +0000 㽶Ƶ DISE PhD Students, Lana F. Zeaiter and John Wayne N. dela Cruz, Win Prestigious International Doctoral Dissertation Grant /smerg/node/6144 <p>Lana F. Zeaiter and John Wayne N. dela Cruz, DISE PhD Candidates in Educational Studies at McGill, are winners of the prestigious 2024 Doctoral Dissertation Grant (DDG) awarded by The International Research Foundation for English Language Education (TIRF).</p> Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:35:30 +0000 㽶Ƶ ECP's Tina Montreuil, Micah Tilley, and Jasmyn Skinner Publish Article in International Journal of School & Educational Psychology /smerg/node/6023 <p><a href="/education/tina-montreuil">Dr. Tina Montreuil</a> and two of her doctoral students, Dr. Micah Tilley, a recent graduate of the ECP department and current PhD student, Ms. Jasmyn Skinner, have published a very recent article in the International Journal of School &amp; Educational Psychology entitled "<em>Healthy minds, healthy schools: a school-based prevention program targeting child anxiety and emotion regulation</em>".</p> Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:35:10 +0000 㽶Ƶ Rosalie Bélanger-Rioux - Winner of President’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching in the category of Faculty Lecturer (2024) /smerg/node/6089 <p>Rosalie Bélanger-Rioux is the 2024 recipient of the <b>President’s Prize for Excellence in Teaching in the category of Faculty Lecturer.</b></p> <p>The President's Prize for Excellence in Teaching was established to recognize educators who have distinguished themselves both in their teaching abilities and in their ability to motivate their students.</p> Mon, 21 Oct 2024 15:26:14 +0000 㽶Ƶ Expert: Feathered dinosaurs appear to have used wings for speed  /smerg/node/6090 <p>Small, feathered dinosaurs appear to have used their wings to run at speeds previously thought impossible without flight, according to a new study by an international team of scientists, including McGill Biology Professor <a href="/newsroom/hans-larsson" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Hans Larsson</a>. The <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2413810121">study</a>, published in The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), sheds new light on the origins of bird flight.</p> Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:23:53 +0000 㽶Ƶ Family Science Day: McGill’s Family Friendly Foray into Science /smerg/node/6092 <h4><strong>by Phuong Hoang, Faculty of Science Communications Associate</strong></h4> Fri, 18 Oct 2024 19:14:40 +0000 㽶Ƶ $3.75 Million Gift from Daniel and Monica Gold to Establish Centre for Early Childhool Development /smerg/node/6145 <div> <h5>Helping Children get the Best Start in Life</h5> <div> <p><strong>A gift to establish a centre for early childhood development at McGill aims to reach more children with learning difficulties.</strong><br />  </p></div></div> Thu, 17 Oct 2024 19:19:14 +0000 㽶Ƶ Marie-Hélène Pennestri Named Prix du Quebec Finalist /smerg/node/6001 <p>The provincial government announced the winners of the Prix du Quebec today. Among them was McGill Education's Marie-Hélène Pennestri, a finalist for the Prix Hubert-Reeves - Relève scientifique, typically awarded to up-and-coming researchers who have distinguished themselves by the excellence of their work and have demonstrated the ability to establish and maintain constructive and lasting links with the research community.</p> <p> </p> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 18:33:01 +0000 㽶Ƶ Vitaliy Kurlin (University of Liverpool) /smerg/node/6093 <p><strong>Title</strong>:<b> </b>Can we geometrically sense the shape of a molecule?</p> <p><strong>Abstract:</strong> Can we hear the shape of a drum? This question was negatively answered decades ago by many authors including Gordon, Webb, Wolpert, who constructed non-isometric planar shapes that have the identical eigenvalues of the Laplace operator (Bull. AMS, v.27 (1992), p.134-138). The more general question: can we sense the shape of a rigid object such as a cloud of atomic centers representing a molecule?</p> Wed, 16 Oct 2024 14:12:04 +0000 㽶Ƶ Soup & Science event opens up research opportunities for undergraduate students /smerg/node/6094 <p><span><span><span>Twenty-two speakers <span><span><span>from the faculties of Arts, Science and Engineering <span><span><span>presented their research in “lightning talks” <span><span><span>to <span><span><span>more than 480 undergraduate <span><span><span>students <span><span><span>at <span><span><span>Soup <span><span><span>&amp;<span><span><span> Science, <span><span><span>a <span><span><span>biannual event.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p> Tue, 15 Oct 2024 18:48:23 +0000 㽶Ƶ Experts: 2024 state of the climate report  /smerg/node/6096 <p>A <a href="https://academic.oup.com/bioscience/advance-article/doi/10.1093/biosci/biae087/7808595?searchresult=1" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">new report</a> by some of the world’s top climate scientists examines key indicators and finds that the world is “on the brink of an irreversible climate disaster.” The authors found that 25 out of 35 indicators used to track the planet's climate risk, from ocean temperatures to tree-cover loss, are at record levels.</p> Tue, 08 Oct 2024 16:32:05 +0000 㽶Ƶ New global database of dams and reservoirs could transform water management /smerg/node/6098 <p>A groundbreaking <a href="https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03752-9">database</a> developed by the Global Dam Watch  (GDW) consortium is set to transform the global understanding of dams and reservoirs. </p> <p>Co-ordinated and led by members of a research lab at 㽶Ƶ, with funding from World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the World Bank, the database integrates existing global datasets to provide the most comprehensive resource for large-scale analyses to date.</p> Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:35:35 +0000 㽶Ƶ DISE Student Julia Minardi Featured in McGill en français: New Faces McGill – Why I Chose McGill /smerg/node/6146 <p>Whether in education, law, literature, or medicine, many French and Francophones of all walks of life have chosen McGill to surpass themselves.</p> <p>Julia Minardi, a B.Ed. PIF student from the Department of Integrated Studies in Education, was recently featured in the <em>McGill en français: New Faces McGill – Why I Chose McGill</em> article.</p> <div class="bl-tpl"><a class="button--outline" href="https://vivreenfrancais.mcgill.ca/nouveaux-visages-mcgillois-pourquoi-jai-choisi-mcgill/">Read the Full Article</a></div> Fri, 04 Oct 2024 21:50:37 +0000 㽶Ƶ When we cannot hear our own speech, even temporarily, ability to speak is impaired: McGill study /smerg/node/6099 <p>A 㽶Ƶ study has shown that hearing plays a crucial role in how people coordinate and control speech movements in real-time.</p> <p>Published in the <i>Journal of the Acoustical Society of America</i> (JASA), the research shows that when people cannot hear their own speech, even briefly, their ability to move their jaw and tongue in a coordinated manner is impaired.</p> Fri, 04 Oct 2024 12:50:35 +0000 㽶Ƶ New findings can help improve our understanding of winter weather in the St. Lawrence River Valley /smerg/node/6101 <p>A recent study at 㽶Ƶ provides new insights into how winter storms develop in the St. Lawrence River Valley, findings that could potentially improve the accuracy of winter weather forecasts in the region.</p> <p>“These findings are essential because even small temperature shifts, as little as one degree, can drastically change the type of precipitation, turning rain into freezing rain or snow,” said Juliann Wray, lead author and PhD student in the Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. </p> Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:15:23 +0000 㽶Ƶ Thomas C. Preston awarded grant from Alfred P. Sloan Foundation /smerg/node/6103 <p><i>Funding to support research on atmospheric aerosol particles and the emergence of life on Earth</i></p> <p> </p> <p>Professor Thomas C. Preston -- jointly appointed to the departments of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences and Chemistry -- has been awarded a grant of USD$800,000 by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The grant will support Professor Preston’s research on atmospheric aerosol particles, with the goal of advancing understanding of the origin of life's building blocks on early Earth.</p> Fri, 27 Sep 2024 15:20:42 +0000 㽶Ƶ Publication of Special Issue of LEARNing Landscapes “Towards new futures of youth development: Critical and sustainable approaches to youth wellbeing in complex times” /smerg/node/6147 <p>The twenty-eighth issue of LEARNing Landscapes, an online, peer-reviewed, open access journal edited by DISE's <a href="/education/lynn-butler-kisber">Lynn Butler-Kisber</a> and <a href="/education/bronwen-low">Bronwen Low</a>, and ECP's <a href="/education/jessica-ruglis">Jessica Ruglis</a>, <em>“Towards new futures of youth development: Critical and sustainable approaches to youth wellbeing in complex times</em>”, highlights the evolving landscape of educational and developmental research and practice, where traditional models</p> Tue, 24 Sep 2024 19:38:54 +0000 㽶Ƶ Mark your calendars! Family Science Day: September 28th /smerg/node/6105 <p><b>On September 28<sup>th</sup> between 9 am and 4 pm</b>, join McGill’s Office of Science Outreach, STEMM Diversity @ McGill, the Trottier Space Institute and McGill Physics Outreach, for free science activities for families. Activities will be held both indoors and outdoors at the downtown campus and are intended for children ages 6 and up.</p> <p>Registration is required for some activities.</p> <p>For more details and the full schedule, <a href="/science/outreach/upcoming-events">visit this link</a>.</p> Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:46:10 +0000 㽶Ƶ Sheryl Smith-Gilman Speaks to Parents on Handling the Back-to-School Rush /smerg/node/6148 <p><a href="/education/sheryl-smith-gilman">Dr. Sheryl Smith-Gilman</a>, Faculty Lecturer in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education (DISE), will be presenting an online workshop for McGill faculty and staff, offering practical advice to help parents support their children's smooth transition into the school year on <b>September 24 at 12 p.m.</b></p> <p>Topics include setting realistic expectations, establishing routines, managing challenges, and finding support. Offered by the McGill Human Resources Health and Wellness.</p> Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:28:48 +0000 㽶Ƶ Changes to MCGILL ALERT! Mobile Device Notifications /smerg/node/6149 <p>McGill’s Emergency Notification System allows you to opt in your mobile device to receive alerts during time-sensitive situations and disruptions in the use of various buildings on campus.</p> <p>In the past, some mobile phone carriers only allowed voice messages, not SMS text messaging. Today, all carriers support SMS, so we will switch Emergency Notification System messaging to SMS for all mobile phones starting <b>September 18</b>.</p> Wed, 18 Sep 2024 14:04:43 +0000 㽶Ƶ PhD Oral Defence of Mr. Renaud Alie /smerg/node/6106 <p> </p> <p><a name="_Hlk146115370" id="_Hlk146115370"><b>㽶Ƶ </b></a><b>DEPARTMENT OF MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS</b> </p> <p><b>PhD Oral Defence of Mr. Renaud Alie</b></p> <p><b>DATE:</b> Friday, October 18, 2024</p> <p><b>TIME / PLACE:</b> Defence 10:00 a.m. (BURN 1025)</p> <p><b>TITLE:</b><b> </b>Tractability and Scalability in Multitype Gaussian</p> <p>Cox Process Models</p> <p><b>CHAIR</b><b>: </b>Prof. Rustum Choksi</p> <p><b>SUPERVISOR</b><b>:</b> Prof. David A. Stephens</p> <p><b>INTE㽶ƵL MEMBER</b><b>: </b>Prof. Christian Genest</p> Mon, 16 Sep 2024 20:30:20 +0000 㽶Ƶ Jenna Gibbs, KPE, and Claudia Mitchell, DISE, Awarded CFI Funding /smerg/node/6150 <p>The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has awarded $5.5 million in funding to 㽶Ƶ researchers to support cutting-edge research facilities and infrastructure across various fields, including health sciences, environmental studies, and engineering.</p> Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:35:36 +0000 㽶Ƶ Using sunlight to turn two greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals /smerg/node/6107 <p>㽶Ƶ researchers have harnessed the power of sunlight to transform two of the most harmful greenhouse gases into valuable chemicals. The discovery could help combat climate change and provide a more sustainable way to produce certain industrial products.</p> Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:08:31 +0000 㽶Ƶ ‘This scholarship is truly life-changing’ - McGill’s 2024 Schulich Leaders /smerg/node/6108 <p>Daniel Valentini couldn’t believe his eyes when he read the letter informing him of his Schulich Leader Scholarship. </p> <p>“I called McGill to confirm, and they told me it was real. I think I was in shock,” says Valentini, a graduate of Dawson College in Montreal who is entering McGill’s Faculty of Science.</p> Thu, 12 Sep 2024 14:54:28 +0000 㽶Ƶ Digitally cataloguing archived plant specimens can transform conservation efforts /smerg/node/6109 <p>Digitally cataloguing the more than 300 million plant specimens preserved in museums worldwide could yield crucial insights into how to preserve biodiversity amid climate change, a study by 㽶Ƶ researchers has found.</p> <p>Digitally cataloguing, or digitizing, a herbarium specimen involves recording the species name and original location and uploading that record to a digital repository that is publicly accessible.</p> Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:47:33 +0000 㽶Ƶ McGill’s Computer Science Camp inspires next generation of coders /smerg/node/6112 <p>After a hiatus of about a decade, the <a href="https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~summcamp/english/Home.html">McGill Computer Science Summer Camp</a> once again welcomed students from Montreal high schools and CEGEPs to the downtown campus this summer. The camp was a group effort organized by students, staff and faculty across the computer science community. Students participated in four packed days of talks, hands-on activities and coding sessions, to learn about computer science.</p> Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:33:26 +0000 㽶Ƶ Professor David Stephens elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC) /smerg/node/6113 <p>Professor<b> David Stephens</b> has been elected a <a href="https://rsc-src.ca/sites/default/files/24_New%20Members_EN_0.pdf"><b>Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada</b>.</a></p> Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:14:19 +0000 㽶Ƶ Jacob Burack Named a Royal Society of Canada Fellow /smerg/node/5930 <p>Ten McGill professors researching in such areas as child trauma, memory and cardiovascular diseases are among the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) newest Fellows. They are among 104 new Fellows and 56 Members from across the country announced by the RSC on September 3, 2024. The Faculty of Education celebrates Professor <a href="/education/jacob-burack">Jacob Burack</a>, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology as a new Fellow for 2024. Dr.</p> Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:52:30 +0000 㽶Ƶ Twelve McGill professors honoured by the Royal Society of Canada /smerg/node/6114 <p>Ten McGill professors researching in such areas as child trauma, memory and cardiovascular diseases are among the Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) newest Fellows. Another two early-career professors at the University have been named Members of the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.</p> <p>They are among 104 new Fellows and 56 Members from across the country announced by the RSC on September 3, 2024.</p> Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:29:42 +0000 㽶Ƶ The Stanley Cup Follows B.Ed. Alum /smerg/node/5926 <p>Jamie Kompon (B.Ed.'89), an assistant coach with the Florida Panthers, became only the second coach in NHL history to win Stanley Cups with three different teams when his Panthers triumphed over the Edmonton Oilers in one of the most memorable finals in recent years.</p> <div class="bl-tpl"><a class="button--outline" href="https://mcgillnews.mcgill.ca/the-stanley-cup-follows-him-around/?utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=wn_Aug29_ENGLISH&amp;utm_source=whatsnewstaff&amp;utm_term=%241.45M-to-boost-Indigenous-youth-mental-health-services-">Read Jamie's Story in the McGill News</a></div> Mon, 02 Sep 2024 14:04:06 +0000 㽶Ƶ New Dean of Education a Man of Many Talents /smerg/node/6151 <p>As Dean Vivek Venkatesh settles into his role, the Faculty is exploring different outreach initiatives for the Education Community to get to know our new Dean. This August article in the McGill News alumni magazine serves as a great introduction:</p> <p> </p> Fri, 30 Aug 2024 18:43:20 +0000 㽶Ƶ Frederic Bertley receives honorary doctorate degree for his astounding work in science education /smerg/node/6116 <p>Frederic Bertley was amongst a group of leaders to receive an honorary degree from McGill this spring. For the past eight years, Bertley has served as the President and CEO of the <a href="https://cosi.org/">Center of Science and Industry</a> (COSI), which features the largest science outreach program in North America.</p> Fri, 30 Aug 2024 16:45:39 +0000 㽶Ƶ The power of face time: Insights from zebra finch courtship /smerg/node/6117 <p>A new study on songbirds sheds light on the power of social interaction to facilitate learning, insights that potentially apply to human development.</p> <p>㽶Ƶ researchers discovered that zebra finches deprived of early social experiences could still form strong bonds with a partner later in life. Once placed into cohabitation with a male, females that had never heard a mating song before could quickly develop a preference for his melody.</p> Thu, 22 Aug 2024 14:16:11 +0000 㽶Ƶ Celebrating International Pi Day with the Office of Indigenous Initiatives /smerg/node/6118 <p>Earlier this year, McGill’s <a href="/indigenous/">Office of Indigenous Initiatives</a> celebrated International Pi Day with a talk from mathematician Dr. Edward Doolittle followed by a student panel on Indigenous experiences in STEM and, of course, some delicious pie.</p> Mon, 12 Aug 2024 18:07:35 +0000 㽶Ƶ McGill’s Computer Science Camp inspires next generation of coders /smerg/node/6119 <p>After a hiatus of about a decade, the McGill Computer Science Summer Camp once again welcomed students from Montreal high schools and CEGEPs to the downtown campus this summer.</p> <p>The four packed days of talks, hands-on activities and coding sessions were all intended to strengthen students’ interests in coding and coding competitions, and to contribute to the development of computer science talent in Quebec.</p> Mon, 12 Aug 2024 13:11:19 +0000 㽶Ƶ New Course: Artificial Intelligence in Education with Dr. Maria Cutumisu /smerg/node/5887 <p>An exploration of the principles underlying the current practice of machine learning (ML) by focusing on fundamental ML algorithms applied to many domains. This course is designed to help students learn to think critically about data and models, understand the conceptual underpinnings of the basic ML algorithms and techniques, how they work, how to choose an algorithm for each kind of learning task, and how to visualize, evaluate, and interpret performance measures and results correctly.</p> Tue, 06 Aug 2024 20:09:39 +0000 㽶Ƶ From Windy City to wilderness champion /smerg/node/6120 <p>In the heart of Lanaudière, Quebec, a 233-hectare tract of wilderness stands as a living testament to the resilience of nature and the generous stewardship of McGill chemistry professor <a href="/chemistry/faculty/linda-reven">Linda Reven</a>.</p> Mon, 05 Aug 2024 15:46:46 +0000 㽶Ƶ Dr. Benoit Gentil, KPE, Advancing Gene Therapy for Rare Disease: Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay /smerg/node/5884 <p>The McGill Reporter recently published a story about KPE's Dr. Benoit Gentil and his work in developing gene therapy for a rare genetic disorder known as Ataxia of Charlevoix-Saguenay (ACS). This condition, which primarily affects individuals in certain regions of Quebec, leads to progressive loss of coordination and balance due to a genetic mutation.</p> Thu, 01 Aug 2024 20:45:55 +0000 㽶Ƶ 35 Indigenous Students Participate in OFNIE Annual Summer Institute /smerg/node/6152 <p>From July 2nd to the 23rd, 35 Indigenous students from Kawawachikamach and across Nunavik and Eeyou-Eenou Ischee participated in the Office of First Nations and Inuit Education (OFNIE) All-Partners Summer Programming at McGill’s downtown campus for the OFNIE Annual Summer Institute.</p> Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:34:46 +0000 㽶Ƶ