Honours defenses start this week!

Honours defenses in Biology have kicked off this week! We have 19 defenses in total over the next few weeks. Defenses are open to the public! If you're interested in the honours program feel free to drop in and see what interestoing work students in our program have been working on!

Getting the hint: Biology lecturers send students on a hunt to remember!

First year Biology students were introduced to the QEII Library in a new way earlier this semester

After learning of a similar activity being run at Queens University, Biology 1002 instructors Drs. Yolanda Wiersma and Tom Chapman, worked with librarians and library staff to develop questions and challenges specifically designed for their course and to help students get to know the QEII. The idea was to get them to engage with the resources available at MUN's larges library, while also learning a little about the course material. 

You can learn more here: https://gazette.mun.ca/teaching-and-learning/getting-the-hint/

The professors highlight Dr. Laura Jean Cameron, a professor at Queen’s University, who developed and kindly shared the scavenger hunt template.

Congratulations to 3MT participants!

Biology is commending the outstanding performance of our students who showcased their work at this year’s Faculty-level 3-minute thesis (3MT) competition. We are excited that Biology has now won FoS competition two years in a row. Yvonne He was selected as the winner and will go on to compete in the University-wide competition very soon!

Congratulations to (pictured from left-to-right):

Arshad Shaikh (PhD, Tahlan lab)

Jeremy Hussey (MSc, Wiersma lab)

Yvonne He (PhD, Lang lab)

Hayley Paquette (PhD, Wiersma lab)

Biology Science Reporter Program 2023-24

Students progress from top 5 in international competition to published authors

Fifth place out of 250 international teams.

It was a strong performance by Memorial biology students Ali Tawfiq Salman, Sarah Ahmed Duraid, Basel Mohamed and Abedalaziz Mohammad Altawabini at IgNITE 2022, one of the most diverse and prestigious medical research competitions in North America.

Bonne Bay, biology and beer: community partnership exploring marine yeasts

Imagine sitting back on a hot summer day and cracking open a locally produced beer made with all N.L.-sourced ingredients.

Faculty of Science researchers hope to get one step closer to that ideal by searching for wild yeasts from an unexpected source: the oceans around Newfoundland and Labrador.

Convocation 2023

Staff and faculty from the departments of Biology and Ocean Sciences were thrilled to welcome over 90 recent Bachelor of Science graduates and their families back to campus for convocation! It was great to celebrate with them in the Whale Atrium. This cohort faced many challenges with having to complete large parts of their degree work during COVID, so they are to be commended. Congratulations from everyone in Biology for achieving this milestone!

Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Prize

Congrats to Biology undergrad Benjamin Constantine Wall for being awarded the Pro Vice-Chancellor’s Prize for his paper in BIOL 4405: Applications of the Gradient, a Versatile Model in Landscape Ecology”.

Bridging the Gap Between Physics and Biology with Dr. Jeanette Wheeler

What do you want to be when you grow up? No matter how many times an adult would ask this question, I would consistently give a different response; maybe a pilot, or an officer, but I also love traveling and have this overwhelming need for adventure. Although the question seems simple, it never failed to get my heart racing. Oftentimes
managing and completing daily tasks seemed very unpredictable, nevermind deciding on a lifelong commitment. The pressure of choosing one sustainable career path from
the many professions that you won't lose interest in after decades can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be. After meeting with Dr. Jeanette Wheeler from Memorial University I saw a new way of approaching work where careers can follow an unfamiliar and peculiar road, as did Dr. Wheeler’s journey through the many disciplines of science. Science, like life, is not divided and compartmentalized, but intertwines and interconnects, each breakthrough peeling back new layers of understanding. Approaching education through an interdisciplinary perspective creates the flexibility and freedom to explore and experience many different career paths in one lifetime.

Community Matters - Science Rendezvous 2023 a huge success

Staff from Memorial’s Biology department were very excited to see the return of Science Rendezvous this weekend past! From native Newfoundland Fauna and the importance of trees, to the basic anatomy of cells and extracting berry DNA, we had an amazing time running activities for adults and children alike! The event, aimed at engaging children in STEM from a young age, is a perfect opportunity to engage with our community and demonstrate what Science at MUN has to offer!

Oceans as a Lab

Off the shores of the Bonne Bay Marine Station, you can find Dr. Suzanne Dufour standing on a boat with a device called a grab sampler that’s diving into the depths of the ocean below. Dr. Dufour then takes these prized samples back to her lab where she analyzes them to study the beneficial interactions between bacteria and organisms. If you are baffled as to what organisms someone could find in a pile of mud, and how you would go about studying them along with something as tiny as bacteria, you would not be the only one.

Newfoundland and Labrador’s Carnivorous Symbol

Every province has a floral symbol that represents something about their province or territory. Newfoundland and Labrador is unique compared to all others in its choice of a provincial symbol. While Alberta chose a Wild Rose and Saskatchewan chose the Western Red Lily, Newfoundland appointed a carnivorous plant; the Pitcher Plant.

The Newfoundland Pitcher plant, named for its pitcher-like shaped leaves at the base of its stem, lures in insects by using its brightly coloured red veins as a means of attraction. The lips of the leaves have hairs that face downwards, making it easy for the insect to crawl towards the pool formed at the base of the leaves, but harder for them to crawl out. After a certain point, the hairs stop, and the leaf’s waxy surface causes the organisms to fall into the deadly pool contained within. This mechanism of feeding makes them quite unique as a floral emblem.

https://www.mun.ca/biology/community/the-pitcher-plant/

Oh honey, there are bees on Memorial University’s Campus!

There are three colonies of honeybees on Memorial University’s campus, housing about 15-20,000 bees per colony. They are located near the Alumni Affairs building and monitored under Dr. Tom Chapman's guidance. Dr. Chapman highlights the importance of bees as a teaching opportunity. However, due to construction in the area, the bees may be in danger.

https://www.mun.ca/biology/community/bees/

Congrats to the Biology Awards Winners in the 2023 NL Science Fair

Congratulations to the recent Biology Award winners from the 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Science and Technology Fair.

Spencer McGrath (Junior) – St. Bonaventure's College – Does Nicotine Vapor Affect Bacterial Growth
Elli Barker (Intermediate) – Lakecrest Independent School – Rethink Your Drink
Chaturrvi Maruthireddy (Senior) – Holy Heart of Mary High School – The Effects of An Additional Supplement of Iron on Pisum Sativum

https://www.mun.ca/biology/community/eastern-nl-science-and-technology-fair/

Faculty of Science SEA Conference

We are happy to announce a number of award winners from Biology at this year's Faculty of Science SEA Conference!

Brendan Carswell - Best graduate student oral presentation

Jordan Wight - Best graduate student poster presentation

Julia Ball - Best undergraduate student presentation

Gretchen McPhail awarded an Honorable Mention for Best Talk

Congrats to Gretchen McPhail who was awarded an Honorable Mention for Best Talk by a BSc student at the 50th Annual Meeting of the Pacific Seabird Group at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography in San Diego.

Congrats to our Biology majors in the Science Atlantic – Atlantic Universities Undergraduate Biology Conference

Congrats to 5 of our Biology Majors who participated in the 2023 Science Atlantic – Atlantic Universities Undergraduate Biology Conference. The first in-person meeting in 4 years (2019).

Watch Dr. Yolanda Wiersma in the “Habitats” series

Dr. Yolanda Wiersma is the latest faculty member to be profiled in the “Habitats” series. She discussed lichen, including the rare boreal felt lichen, and the importance of protected areas in the central Avalon. Watch it here: https://f.io/htetmOPF

Marine Institute chair, Qikiqtani communities team up on inshore fisheries

A Marine Institute research scientist has been named the Qikiqtaaluk Corporation chair in Qikiqtani inshore fisheries science, training and education.

Dr. Scott Grant has been appointed to the role.

He holds a bachelor of science degree from Wilfrid Laurier University, a master of science degree from Trent University and a doctoral degree from Memorial University. He is also cross-appointed with the Department of Biology in Memorial’s Faculty of Science.

Science field courses return to Newfoundland's West Coast

Ashley Nickson completed four courses at the Bonne Bay Aquarium and Research Station this summer — the first time they were offered since 2019.

Ms. Nickson says the two-week long field courses in Norris Point, N.L., on Newfoundland’s West Coast, gave her the opportunity to be in the field almost every day.

Students, staff and faculty honoured at Faculty of Science awards

The Faculty of Science held its annual Dean’s Awards Ceremony recently, recognizing the top 10 per cent of its students.

In addition, the awards honour the service, scholarship and teaching of faculty and staff.

Happy Retirement Shena!

Congrats to our general office staff member Shena Quinton who will be retiring on October 3rd after 40 years here at Memorial. We feel very forturnate to have had her with us for so long. Your collegues here in the Biology department will miss you dearly and wish you the best for your retirement.

Congratulations to two recent PhD's from Leroux Lab!

The journal Oecologia’s Hanski Prize is awarded to Matteo Rizzuto, from the Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada. Dr. Rizzuto completed his PhD degree as part of the Terrestrial Ecology Research Group in 2021. Dr. Rizzuto conducted this work while a student in Dr. Shawn J. Leroux’s laboratory and this work was also mentored by Dr. Yolanda Wiersma and Dr. Eric Vander Wal. The Hanski Prize is awarded to the best student paper published in the journal Oecologia in 2021.

The Ecological Society of America’s Canada Chapter has awarded the inaugural Excellence in Canadian Ecology award to Anne McLeod, from the Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, Canada. Dr. McLeod completed her PhD degree in 2020 and conducted this work while a student in Dr. Shawn J. Leroux’s laboratory. The Excellence in Canadian Ecology award recognizes the best recent student paper published in the Ecological Society of America’s journals.

Dr. Amy Hurford awarded the Dean of Science Distinguished Teaching Award

The Departments of Biology and Mathematics and Statistics are jointly thrilled to announce that our colleague, Dr. Amy Hurford has been awarded the Dean of Science Distinguished Teaching Award.

Click to Read More....

Thinking critically about past, present and future technological innovations

The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences’ (HSS) new certificate in the history and philosophy of science and technology is of broad interest to students of science, engineering, medicine, humanities and social sciences.

The program will challenge students to think critically and analytically about the consequences of past, present and future technological innovations on human existence, and the world we inhabit.

Memorial graduate students create STEM programming for northern school

In 2021, a family friend, who was teaching at a small school in northern Quebec, reached out to Roshni Kollipara and Evan Langille for help coming up with fun science experiments for her Grade 5 class.

Ms. Kollipara, a PhD student in the Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, and Mr. Langille, a PhD student the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, quickly got to work.

Nearly $8 million invested to accelerate diverse research discoveries

Memorial researchers, including those in the Faculty of Science, have secured nearly $8 million in competitive funding for research projects ranging from childhood amnesia to ocean biodiversity to renewable energy systems.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) announced the results of its 2022 Discovery Research Programs competition on June 23.

In total, NSERC is investing $7,900,226 at Memorial.

Thinking about underrepresented scientists and cultural contributions to science

A creative assignment in a chemistry class got students learning about how scientific concepts are viewed by other cultures, or how scientists from other cultures contribute to scientific knowledge.

Chemistry 1051 students were asked to present a biography of an Indigenous; person of colour; a woman, trans or non-conforming or non-binary scientist; or how a science concept is relevant in their culture or another culture.

Biology students rank high in international medical case competition

A team of Biology students made an impressive showing at a recent international medical case competition.

IgNITE is one of the most diverse and prestigious research competitions in North America, hosting students from across the world.

Faculty of Science Scholarships 2021-2022

The Department of Biology would like to offer Congratulations to four of our Undergraduate Biology students who received a Faculty of Science Scholarship in 2021-2022!

Congratulations Dr. Yolanda Wiersma for her book ‘Experimental Landscape Ecology’

Congratulations are in order to Yolanda as her book ‘Experimental Landscape Ecology’ is now out in the electronic version https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-95189-4

To Read more Click the Title.....

Dr. Eric VanderWal receives 2021 President’s Award for Outstanding Research

President’s Award for Outstanding Research

Congratulations to Biology's Dr. Eric VanderWal who was one of three individuals to receive the 2021 President’s Award for Outstanding Research (PAOR). The PAOR recognizes young researchers who have made outstanding contributions to their scholarly disciplines. 

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The President's Award for Outstanding Teaching

Last month, President Timmons recognized longtime lab instructor Ed Whelan with the President’s Award for Outstanding Teaching in the Lecturers and Instructional Staff category. Dr. Yolanda Wiersma was motivated to spearhead the nomination after working closely with Ed, and the team of first-year instructors in the early days of the pandemic to implement quantitative training in our first year courses. Dr. Hurford, who has been leading the effort to increase quantitative training across the curriculum supported the nomination, saying “Ed Whalen’s contributions to the launch of our quantitative training program in BIOL 1001 go beyond the traditional view of what it is to be an exceptional teacher: this contribution will open a world of opportunities for our students…”

Click to Read more....

Science Atlantic Communication Award

Congratulations to Biology student Keshia Noseworthy who recently attended the 51st Science Atlantic Biology Conference hosted virtually by University of Prince Edward Island.

She received the Science Atlantic Communication Award for her Poster "Inferring the level of mixotrophy and endosymbiotic success through radular wear in a hydrothermal vent snail ".

For more information on Science Atlantic and on her Award visit https://scienceatlantic.ca/divisions/biology/winners/

The Biology Undergraduate (B.U.G.) Mentorship Program

The Biology Undergraduate (B.U.G.) Mentorship Program offers guidance for biology students interested in pursuing further education after their undergraduate degree. Organized by Jillian McGroarty, a current biology master’s student, this program matches undergraduates to graduate student mentors from various disciplines. Through this program, students are offered the chance to apply to graduate school while receiving insight into the day-to-day activities and practical skills; not covered in typical academic advising.

https://themuse.ca/biology-undergraduate-mentorship-program/

Return to campus update

The initiative to return staff to campus will resume in the new year, based on public health directives and COVID alert levels. 

Delayed winter 2021 semester start

The official start date of winter 2021 classes in most programs at the St. John's campus, Grenfell Campus and Marine Institute will be moved to Monday, Jan. 11, 2021.

Return to campus postponed

Due to rising cases of COVID-19 throughout Newfoundland and Labrador at this time, Memorial University is postponing the return to campus initiative for non-academic staff scheduled for this week.

This applies to all campuses and locations. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Reminders for employees gradual return to campus

All employees should already have discussed their gradual return to campus plans with their supervisor starting the week of Nov. 23.

Winter fees

Memorial students will not be charged the Distance Education Administration Fee and Recreation Fee for the upcoming semester.

Return to campus

Memorial University is adopting a gradual approach to bringing staff back to campus.

Update on international students

Memorial approved to welcome new international students, oversee travel and isolation requirements

Update to employees on Memorial's COVID response

The following message is being sent on behalf of Dr. Mark Abrahams as chair of Vice-Presidents Council.

Earlier this week, Memorial announced the winter 2021 academic semester will remain primarily remote. Many employees who continue to work from home may wonder what it means for you. As well, units may be considering how this announcement impacts operations.

Update on winter 2021 semester

Memorial will continue to operate in a primarily remote teaching and learning environment for the winter 2021 semester. This decision was taken in a special meeting of the university Senate today. Read more in the Gazette.

Help limit the spread: Memorial endorses COVID Alert app

Recently the province of Newfoundland and Labrador adopted the new COVID Alert app to help prevent the spread of the virus. The app is designed to let Canadians know whether they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Memorial is endorsing the app and encourages faculty, staff and students to voluntarily download the app for free to help protect yourself and others.

Fall 2020 Course Information

Information on the Fall 2020 semester and the remote delivery of all Biology courses is now available. Information will be added or updated on this page as needed.

Non-medical face masks mandatory beginning Aug. 24

Since early July, Memorial has strongly encouraged wearing non-medical masks while on campus. Beginning Monday, Aug. 24, 2020 masks must be worn in public indoor spaces in Newfoundland and Labrador as issued in a special measures order by Newfoundland and Labrador’s Chief Medical Officer. Therefore, non-medical masks will be mandatory beginning on Monday for Memorial faculty, staff, students and visitors.

Remote learning technology requirements for fall 2020

Memorial University has developed general technology standards for remote/online learning across Memorial’s campuses in fall 2020.

New tools and resources hub for students: MUNUp

Memorial launched MUNUp, a new online tools and resources hub to help students succeed while learning remotely. With transition and orientation programs, services, virtual events and community engagement opportunities, the sky’s the limit.

Update on university travel outside of Newfoundland and Labrador during COVID-19

Memorial University continues to actively monitor the evolving situation regarding COVID-19. Requests for university travel within and outside of Canada deemed essential for student academic progression, research purposes, and faculty and staff activities, will be supported with certain key elements in place (e.g. proof of health insurance coverage) in advance of the travel, and travel request approval from the dean or director of a unit.

COVID-19 prevention best practices

The province has been successful at flattening the curve of COVID-19. It’s important to continue to be vigilant and ensure we keep in mind that preventing another outbreak or minimizing impacts will depend on our collective adherence to best practices.

Update on fall semester

On July 14 undergraduate students of Memorial University will begin the course registration process for the fall semester. In preparation for this task, we would like to remind the university community that teaching and learning will take place in a primarily remote and online teaching and learning environment in fall 2020.

Laboratory instructors get creative to teach remotely

Instructors in the Faculty of Science are getting ready to teach laboratory courses online this fall.

In May, Memorial University confirmed in-person, on-campus classes wouldn’t resume before January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That meant new and returning students would be continuing remote learning in place of face-to-face classes in September.

Correction: Update on fall semester

Students in designated courses in Engineering will have limited forms of in-person, on-campus lab activities which will be communicated separately from the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science to students. Incorrect information appeared in an earlier Newsline message.

Fall fees

Suspension of two student fees to continue in fall semester

Alert Level 2 update: living in our campus communities with COVID-19

As the province moves to alert level 2, Memorial has completed the process to provide faculty access to their individual offices on the St. John’s campus, the libraries are moving to expand services in all six of their branches and the Botanical Garden has opened for the season with health and safety measures in place.

Campus access: remaining buildings on St. John`s Campus

As a follow up regarding building access for faculty on St. John’s campus, beginning tomorrow, Wednesday, June 24, all remaining buildings including Physical Education, St. John’s College, Music, Spencer, Coughlan College and Ocean Sciences Centre will be ready for faculty members to return to their individual offices from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Doors will remain locked and access will be by key or card access, which can be coordinated with your unit's key requester.

Faculty access to additional buildings on St. John’s campus

As a follow up regarding building access for faculty on St. John`s campus, beginning Monday, June 22, buildings for Faculty of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Education, Queen’s College, Business, Henrietta Harvey and Biotechnology will be ready for individual faculty members to return from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Doors will remain locked and access will be by key or card access.

Faculty access to Bruneau, Engineering and Earth Sciences buildings starts Thursday

As a follow up to last week’s message regarding building access for faculty on St. John`s campus, beginning Thursday, June 18, Bruneau Centre for Research and Innovation, Engineering and Earth Sciences buildings will be ready for individual faculty members to return from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Plan for faculty return to campus

As a follow up to last week’s message, we want to provide an update regarding the plan to enable faculty to return to individual offices on a more regular basis.

AUS suspends competition until January 2021

Atlantic University Sport has announced the decision to suspend all conference regular season and postseason competition until January 2021. 

Update: Guiding Principles for Living with COVID-19 in our communities and more

Newfoundland and Labrador continues to operate under Public Health COVID-19 Alert Levels, which outline services, businesses and functions allowed to operate at each alert level. The province is currently scheduled to move to Alert Level 3 on Monday, June 8. Work is ongoing at Memorial to implement a phased resumption of on-campus academic, research and administrative activities, in consideration of government’s five-level approach.

Memorial's Pension Plan during the COVID-19 pandemic

We are living in unprecedented socio-economic times. As a result, many pension plan members, both retired and still working, may be concerned about their pension and their own long term financial security.

As you might expect, the Memorial University Pension Plan, like many others across the country, has experienced some financial challenges due to the investment market turmoil brought on by the combined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and world oil prices.

Memorial to offer remote program delivery for fall 2020

Memorial University will welcome new and returning students to a primarily remote teaching and learning environment for the fall semester. Full in-person, on-campus courses will not resume before January 2021.

COVID-19 update to university

As we approach Monday, May 11, and the scheduled move to COVID-19 Alert Level 4 as outlined by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, many of you may wonder what that means for Memorial. At this point, none of the restrictions currently in place at Memorial will change if the Level 4 status is implemented by the province on May 11.

Update from the Department of Human Resources

Further to previous messaging from the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) regarding the ramping up of remote work, managers should now be engaging with all staff to determine work that can be completed remotely.

Guide to Financial Supports and Programs

Student Life has created a comprehensive Guide to Financial Supports and Employment Programs.

Self-Service Grading Option page extended for 24 hours

As this has been an unprecedented semester and some instructors will not be able to submit Winter 2020 grades until April 25, the Student Self-Service Grading Option page will remain available to students for an additional 24 hours, closing on Sunday, April 26 at 12:00 p.m. (NDT).

Status of fall 2020 semester

Memorial University is actively considering scenarios for innovative program delivery for the fall 2020 semester. We are committed to providing students with full access to our quality academic programs, despite the challenges that may come.

Building update April 16: Further building access controls for all campuses

Message from the President and Provost

Due to the unprecedented emergency situation that has resulted in the declaration of a Public Health Emergency in Newfoundland and Labrador, Memorial University is enacting further measures related to buildings access on all our campuses to enhance social distancing and keep our community safe. By ensuring we are aware of who is on campus, we are better able to protect the health and safety of our faculty, staff and students who must come to campus.

Update on general admissions for 2020-21 academic year

On Tuesday, April 14, Memorial’s Senate waived the undergraduate general admission overall average requirement of 70 per cent for Newfoundland and Labrador high school students in the graduating class of 2020 who apply to attend Memorial University in the 2020-21 academic year (Fall 2020, Winter 2021, or Spring 2021).

Reminder: Personal protective equipment (PPE) collection

As a reminder, Memorial continues to identify and collect personal protective equipment (PPE) which may be held by units throughout the university.

St. John's campus revised building hours

Effective April 9, Memorial is phasing in reduced building access on St. John's campus, beginning with reduced building hours. Buildings will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday and will be locked on weekends and holidays. 

Student emergency funds

Many students are facing a range of stressful disruptions in their lives as a result of the worldwide health pandemic. Cancellation of all in-person classes, a full move to remote learning and having to quickly vacate residences – combined with isolation measures, job loss and travel bans – have created particular hardships for students who lack other supports.

A message from Dr. Vianne Timmons

As we start the week, I wanted to pause for a moment to express a sincere thank you to the hundreds of critical employees who have been working tirelessly and constantly since the start of Memorial’s COVID-19 response.

Update on student fees and PAS/FAL choice

Suspension of two student fees for spring semester and update on PAS/FAL choice

Spring registration update

Information on revised start date for Spring registration for graduate and undergraduate students

Bonne Bay Marine Station Public Aquarium postpones opening

To assist with proactively preventing the spread of COVID-19, the seasonal re-opening of the Bonne Bay Marine Station’s Public Aquarium, which was previously scheduled for May 16th, has been postponed until further notice.

Message to the university community from Dr. Gary Kachanoski

This has been a momentous week at Memorial as the first week of remote instruction draws to a close. I want to send a heartfelt thanks to all of our students, faculty and staff for your patience, hard work and perseverance in making this transition happen. It has taken an army of people to get us here, and the job is certainly not over yet. We must continue to work together toward the successful completion of the winter 2020 semester for our students.

Update on Feild Hall residence, research and the Writing Centre

Update on Feild Hall residence; on-campus research and scholarly activities, fieldwork and interaction with research participants; and the Writing Centre

Statement on Feild Hall residence

The health and safety of our students is our primary concern during these unprecedented times. In consultation with Memorial University, The Graduate Students’ Union (GSU) has given notice to Feild Hall residents notice to vacate the building. This decision was made based on health and safety considerations. Memorial has made an offer to relocate students to another residence, MacPherson Hall. The university is providing each of the residents a room at a discounted rate so that they will pay no additional rent. As well, the university will provide the students, at a discounted rate, access to the university meal plan.

Direct deposit forms required by March 27

A reminder to employees and pensioners who are currently paid by cheque, you are required to move to direct deposit to ensure pay cheques continue during this uncertain and evolving situation.

Identification and collection of PPE

Memorial’s emergency operations centre (EOC) is identifying personal protective equipment (PPE) which may be held by units throughout the university.

Student Update

Information on counselling services and computer labs

Faculty and staff update on critical functions, remote work and prioritizing work assignments

Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to work together to transition our operations while maintaining our commitment to support students, faculty and staff. Over the past week you’ve likely had questions about what you should be working on from home. The Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) and your managers have been working to identity what functions are most critical at this time, and how we continue our work during this uncertain time.

Updates on enrolment verification, remote academic advising, bookstore resources

This update includes information about Registrar's Office and School of Graduate Studies processing times, remote academic advising options at all campuses and resources available for students from the bookstore.

Processing and service times for Registrar's Office and School of Graduate Studies

Most of the Registrar’s Office staff and School of Graduate Studies staff are working remotely. As a result, processing and service times for many of our services have increased, including requests for enrolment verification letters, official transcripts, supporting admission documents, etc. As we continue to practice social distancing, we are discouraging students from coming on campus at this time to drop off or pick up documents. Please do not visit our offices at this time.

Health Research Ethics Authority Research Ethics Office

The Health Research Ethics Authority (HREA) Research Ethics Office (REO) has been closely monitoring the developments related to COVID-19. In light of recent restrictions, the REO of the Health Research Ethics Board (HREB) wishes to advise researchers that, effective immediately, their research protocols must be modified or delayed to avoid face-to-face personal interactions with research participants.

UPDATED INFORMATION: Classrooms, teaching labs and study rooms closing on all campuses

Updated opening hours and occupancy limits for computer labs that remain open for students who do not have personal computer access for remote learning.

Update on spring semester, spring convocation and MUNSafe

Memorial’s spring semester, including intersession and summer session, will continue with remote instruction of all courses at all campuses. This means in-person on-campus courses will not resume before September 2020 Additionally, Memorial will will postpone Spring Convocation 2020 ceremonies that were scheduled for May 14 in Corner Brook and May 26-29 in St. John’s.

Science researcher creates app to explain math behind social distancing

A Memorial expert in theoretical ecology, evolution and epidemiology created an app to communicate some of the basic concepts behind the impact social distancing has on flattening the curve.

Using protective practices, such as deliberately increasing the physical space between people, is believed to help slow the rate of infection so hospital resources don’t get overwhelmed.

But many ask: Does it really work?

Classrooms, teaching labs and study rooms closing on all campuses

Effective tomorrow, Monday, March 23, instruction at Memorial University officially resumes remotely.

Accessible remote teaching and learning guidelines

The Blundon Centre has developed guidelines to assist faculty and instructors with incorporating accessibility into remote teaching and learning approaches.

Message from the President to the University Community

This has been an unprecedented week for our university and our communities. I hope you are each taking care of yourselves, practicing social distancing and hand washing, and doing your part to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Course Evaluation Questionnaires

Memorial will not administer Course Evaluation Questionnaires (CEQs) for the winter 2020 semester. 

Supporting research activities during COVID-19

As Memorial and the world assess the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Memorial is committed to supporting our researchers in continuing their research activities.

Academic updates

Spring semester registration, waived regulations and more information for students

Update for students, employees and instructors

Information for instructors, remote workers, students and employees.

Update on final exams for Winter 2020 semester

Students are advised that there will be no final exams taking place on campus in April. This includes both on campus and online invigilated exams. A proposal regarding final exams has been approved.

Update from the Office of the Vice-President (Research)

Activities for faculty, staff and students (undergraduate and graduate) in all research laboratories will be suspended from 8 a.m. Wednesday, March 18, onward.

Update for employees regarding work arrangements

Following the message earlier today regarding suspension of classes, employees should consult with their managers immediately regarding their work arrangement.

Update on suspension of classes and change in library hours - 12:55 p.m.

Based on ongoing consultation with units and a determination of their ability to be responsive, and the evolving public health environment, Memorial University has moved up the timeline for suspension of all classes. As of end of day Tuesday, March 17, all classes (in person and online) on all campuses will be suspended. Unless your individual instructor has advised otherwise, all academic programming, including midterms and evening classes, will go ahead today, March 17. Remote delivery of classes is scheduled to resume on Monday, March 23, as previously announced. Students with questions about their classes should contact their instructor.

Update on COVID-19 response - March 16

This important update includes information for students, faculty and staff. Of particular note: all students who reside on the island of Newfoundland are required to vacate student residences by end of day, Friday, March 20. Childcare Centre is closed immediately until further notice. Memorial is encouraging remote work with the understanding that university priorities are the health and safety of students, faculty and staff; maintaining the academic integrity of the semester; and critical university operations. To allow for social distancing and to help employees manage the current demands, employees are asked to work with their supervisor to facilitate remote work arrangements where operationally feasible. Unless you currently have arrangements with your supervisor, report to work as scheduled.

Glenn Roy Blundon Award Recipient

The Department of Biology is honoured to be recognized as the 2019 recipient of the Glenn Roy Blundon Award.

This award is presented annually to individuals or groups who contribute to the ongoing development of equitable and accessible learning and living environments for students at Memorial.

Remembering Judy: Thirty-nine years since tragedy on the parkway

Memorial has unveiled a storyboard in memory of Judy Lynn Ford, a Faculty of Science student who was killed crossing the Prince Philip Parkway on Oct. 17, 1980.

The unveiling event took place on Oct. 17, 2019, the 39th anniversary of the accident. The new storyboard is located in the pedway to the Chemistry-Physics building near the University Centre food court.

Eighty-year old convocation gown worn by fourth generation graduate

When Tiffany Small crosses the St. John’s Arts and Culture stage to pick up her B.Sc.(Hons.) in biology (marine) on Oct. 17, she will be literally carrying decades of family history on her shoulders.

The 80-year-old black robe she’ll be wearing has made an appearance at convocation many times by several members of her family.

Biology Co-op Information Session

Are you currently in Second Year of Biology?

Would you like to gain valuable work experience?

Do you want to see how your courses can relate to a real job?

There will be a Biology Co-op Information Session will be on Wednesday, October 30th, 2019 at 1:00pm in room SN-3125a (Cater Andrews Seminar Room). 

For further information on our Co-op programs please visit www.mun.ca/coop/programs/biology 

Students, staff and faculty honoured at Faculty of Science awards

The dean of the Faculty of Science recognized 283 students representing the top 10 per cent in the faculty during the annual Dean’s Awards ceremony recently.

During the event, Dr. Mark Abrahams also presented the Dean of Science Book Prize; the Lou Visentin Award, recognizing students who have held a place on the Dean's List for four consecutive years; the Co-op Student of the Year Award; as well as the Dean's Distinguished Service, Scholar and Teacher awards.

Congrats to Gustavo Diaz Cruz on being awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal,

Congratulations to Gustavo Diaz Cruz (PhD student, Bignell lab) for winning the Governor General's Academic Gold Medal, which is awarded to the student graduating with the highest academic standing at the graduate level.

More than $5.5 million in federal funding to focus on enhancing oil spill response measures

The federal government is investing more than $5.5 million into multidisciplinary research led by Memorial that focuses on techniques and technologies to aid in oil spill response in Canada.

Six new projects, funded under Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Multi-Partner Research Initiative (MPRI), aim to ensure Canadians have access to the best scientific information and methods available to respond to oil spills by supporting collaborative research among oil spill experts both in Canada and worldwide.

York vision program 'totally reshapes' science students career planning

Two science students have new insight into the wide range of research areas involved in vision research.

Biology alum releases his third book

Don MacLean (MSc. Biology ’85) is releasing his third book, With These Hands: Traditional Arts, Crafts, and Trades of Atlantic Canada. 

The retired Director of Inland Fisheries with the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture has published two other books, Discover Nova Scotia Sportfishing in 2003 and A Little Thing I Tied Myself: Atlantic Canadian Fly Tiers and Their Flies in 2006.

Improving fisheries monitoring, bycatch policies for emerging Arctic fisheries

Dr. Brynn Devine is starting the next chapter in her fisheries science career.

Armed with a Memorial University doctorate in biology and a 2019 Liber Ero post-doctoral fellowship, she’ll build upon some of the research she did at the Marine Institute’s (MI) Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research (CFER), where she completed her PhD work.

Biology PhD Student awarded the Nature NL Wild Things Scholarship for 2019

Nature NL is pleased to announce that Travis R. Heckford (St. John’s, NL) has been awarded the 2019 Wild Things Scholarship. Travis’ application stood out among his peers this year for his volunteer efforts on behalf of the biological communities of NL, and for his enthusiastic support for sharing his knowledge with the broader public and, especially, the young people of this province.

The Wild Things Scholarship is a scholarship that recognizes the enthusiasm and efforts of a student whose volunteer activities have helped to conserve or enhance nature in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Capelin at risk from dispersants used to treat oil spills

Two new papers on the toxicological effects of chemical dispersants on capelin reproduction have shown that capelin are at high risk if oil spills occur near spawning areas — and not just from the oil.

The first paper was released in October, while the more recent was published last month. Both stem from experiments led by Dr. Craig Purchase, an associate professor with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, at Memorial, in the summer of 2016.

Biology students create first-of-its-kind provincial biodiversity report

A group of Memorial students have created a comprehensive biodiversity report of wildlife in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The report was launched at an event on campus on Thursday, April 4.

Modeled after the Living Planet Index created by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the report details changing population trends and explanations for why these changes are occurring.

'From MDs to basic chemists': Researchers tackle antimicrobial concern

Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928 was one of the greatest scientific advancements of the 20th century.

The laboratory-curiosity turned life-saving drug has saved countless lives. However, over-prescribing and over-use is decreasing its effectiveness and antibiotic-resistant diseases are on the rise.

Rethinking the conservation value of old-growth forests

New research from two Canadian biologists, including one from Memorial University, is recommending a paradigm shift in how old growth forests in North America are assessed and managed.

Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, a landscape ecologist in the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, and Dr. Troy McMullin, a lichenologist at the Canadian Museum of Nature, are proposing a lichen-focused system in a paper published in the Ecological Society of America journal, Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment.

Graduate student video up for national NSERC prize

A video by a Memorial graduate student is in the running for a national contest.

Science, Action! is a video contest organized by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). It challenges post-secondary students to film a 60-second video of NSERC-funded research about the people, research and innovations that are transforming the way Canadians live and work.

Zoe Zrini is a marine biology master’s student at the Ocean Sciences Centre at Memorial. Her video – Life of a Lumpfish Under Pressure – is one of 40 chosen to go forward for public voting. Watch the video below.

Genetic analysis gives insight into island caribou population

A genetic study has given Memorial researchers new insight into the origin and evolution of the Island of Newfoundland’s caribou population.

Their findings are available in a recently published paper based on Corinne Wilkerson’s (M.Sc.’10) thesis and co-authored with Dr. Steve Carr, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, and Shane Mahoney (B.Sc.(Hons.’77), M.Sc.’80), a conservationist/wildlife manager.

Biologist publishes research on animal influence on the carbon cycle

Animals influence carbon cycling across landscapes in ways that could impact climate change.

That’s the finding of a new paper published today in Science magazine.

Montevecchi featured on Funk Island research and education website

Ever wonder what it would be like to study seabirds on an isolated seabird island?

Funk Island, a small ocean rock outcrop, is a spectacular and remote seabird breeding site in the North Atlantic. Located 40 kilometres off the northeast coast of the island of Newfoundland, it is home to massive colonies of murres and gannets.

Science students recognized for commitment to environment

A provincial conservation organization has recognized two Memorial University science students for their volunteer efforts.

NatureNL presented scholarships to Alexandra Hayward, a fourth-year biology student, and Kelly Young, a recent biology graduate and current environmental science master’s student, at a recent event on the St. John’s campus.

SeminarAnnouncement - Dr. Irene Wagnet-Dobler

Please join the Biology Department in welcoming Dr. Irene Wagner-Dobler from the Microbiology Department Technical University of Braunschweig. She will be presenting a seminar on Tuesday June 26th in SN2105. The seminar is titled "HOT news - the evolution of photosynthesis in Proteobacteria".

For more information please contact Dr. Andrew Lang.

Seminar Announcement - Dr. Rosie Redfield

Visiting professor Dr. Rosie Redfield from the Department of Zoology at UBC is currently visiting MUN for the next couple of months.

Dr. Andrew Lang of the Department of Biology here at Memorial invites you to attend her seminar titled "Do Bacteria Have Sex?" here on Tuesday, June 12th @ 11:00am in SN2105.

Biology master's degree graduate mentors, inspires young women in science

Maegwin Bonar is a “wild” woman – a wildlife biologist, that is.

As one of few women in a field still very much dominated by men, the new master of science spring graduate has been a positive example for young women interested in biology and ecology, says her supervisor, Dr. Eric Vander Wal.

Lichen love

Lichens play an important role in Newfoundland and Labrador’s approximately 38 million hectares of boreal forest.

Since moving to the province to begin a master’s degree in biology under the supervision of Dr. Yolanda Wiersma, Rachel Wigle has been involved in a number of rare lichen projects.

Ms. Wigle’s research has taken her all around the Central Avalon region, investigating lichen communities on trees — their abundance, how much of a tree they cover and identifying the different species that can be found.

Biology, CITL Recognized for Interactive Program Materials

Memorial’s Department of Biology and the Centre for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) are being acknowledged for their efforts to integrate active learning in the introductory biology class.

The 2018 Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE) has chosen them to receive a program award in their Credit Over 48 Hours category.

The award recognizes excellence in university continuing education programs in Canada and aims to nurture the concept of scholarship of practice inherent in the program development process. It will be presented at their annual conference in Halifax on May 29.

Power line corridors and how they affect wolf-moose interactions

Daniel Dupont wears many hats.

The Métis man is a part-time PhD candidate in the Faculty of Science’s Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology program who also works as a provincial wildlife biologist in Manitoba.

For the past few years, Mr. Dupont has been working with that province’s Indigenous and other communities to find out why Manitoba’s moose population is on the decline in some areas.

Science Atlantic Aquaculture & Fisheries and Biology Conference

Memorial University hosted the Science Atlantic Aquaculture & Fisheries and Biology conference on March 9-11. This conference is held at one of 14 universities in Atlantic Canada each year and celebrates the research undertaken by undergraduate and graduate students across Atlantic Canada.

Top honour for student cancer researcher

Third year Biology undergraduate student Junbum (Kevin) Im, researches DNA-mutating enzymes that cause and exacerbate cancers including lymphomas, breast, ovarian, lung cancers and melanomas.

These enzymes work by mutating the DNA of cancer cells which causes cancers to become drug-resistant, therefore much harder to treat and more aggressive.

Congrats to Justin Drover

Congrats to student Justin Drover on recieving the Pro Vice Chancellor's Prize for his paper "Stayin' Alive: The Role of Tympanal Hearing in the Detection and Evasion of Predators by the Insect Family Noctuidae".

Psychology student Memorial's latest Killam recipient

As Memorial University’s latest Killam fellow, Lauren Winsor will begin a cross-border adventure at Wellesley College in Massachusetts in January.

Students, staff and faculty honoured at Faculty of Science awards

The annual Faculty of Science Dean’s Awards ceremony was held on Memorial’s St. John’s campus and saw Dr. Mary Courage, dean of the Faculty of Science, recognize 271 students representing the top 10 per cent in the faculty.

Biology Co-op Information Session

Are you currently in Second Year of Biology?
Would you like to gain valuable work experience?
Do you want to see how your courses can relate to a real job?

Please attend an information sesion on
Wednesday, October 11th, 2017 @ 1 p.m.
SN 3125a (Cater Andrews Room)

For further information:
Check: www.mun.ca/biology/undergrad/programs/co-op/

Science alumna finds opportunities in ocean mapping

When Sarah Walsh finished her bachelor of science with a focus in marine biology at Memorial in 2013, she wasn’t sure what her next move would be.

She did know, however, that ocean technology would be part of her future.

Co-operative Education: Testing the career waters

Biology co-op student Kieran Lacey tries on careers in marine sciences, animal care and health research.

N.L. Beekeeping Association seeking research collaborators

Newfoundland and Labrador is one of a few places on Earth still unaffected by many of the diseases and other problems affecting honey bee populations elsewhere.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Beekeeping Association (NLBKA) has identified several research priorities concerning honey bees and wild pollinator species in Newfoundland and Labrador and is interested in working with researchers at Memorial University to fill in knowledge gaps and help address current apicuture challenges.

Memorial study says songbirds being left behind by climate change

A new paper co-written by Memorial University researchers argues that some migratory birds are failing to keep pace with a rapidly changing climate.

Bonne Bay Marine Station, Grenfell Campus receive $1 million

The provincial and federal governments announced an investment of more than $1 million in projects for Memorial University’s Bonne Bay Marine Station and Grenfell Campus May 13.

Tender awarded, construction to resume on Core Science Facilty

Memorial University has awarded the main construction contract for the Core Science Facility to Marco Services Limited.

The contract, known as CP-3R, is for the remaining work on the building. Construction will resume on the project this spring. It is slated to open for the fall semester in 2020.

Co-operative Education: Working out the bugs, one field at a time.

Student Shannon Anderson (Biology) & employer Dr. Suzie Blatt (Agriculture and Agrifoods Canada) discuss the benefits of Co-operative Education.

Joint degree in science, humanities and social sciences approved

Students with a strong interest in arts and science no longer have to choose between the two degrees.

Memorial’s Senate recently approved a proposal from the Faculty of Science and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences for a new joint degree program.

Biology Open House

The Department of Biology will host our annual Open House on Wednesday, March 8, 2017 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM in the C.W. Andrews Room (Science Building - 3125A) and adjoining lobby.

Our Open House will provide an opportunity for potential and current Biology students to meet and speak with individuals from diverse, biology-related career fields. It also provides an opportunity to learn more about summer employment opportunities and options in graduate and post-graduate studies.

Federal funding empowers researchers, brings new equipment

Eleven Memorial researchers working on five diverse projects will receive more than $680,000 in new federal funding, allowing the teams to purchase sophisticated new tools, technology and equipment.

Biology professor breathing new life into Memorial's herbarium

An assistant professor in the Department of Biology is hoping to give new life to an old collection.

Dr. Julissa Roncal has been given responsibility for Memorial’s herbarium, the largest in the province.

Researcher not allowed to test oil spill cleaner

Dr. Craig Purchase was recently interviewed on CBC regarding his attempts to research the effects of an oil spill cleaning agent. You can listen to the article by clicking the link below, http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/863187011861/

A Q&A with fish expert and national committee volunteer

Spawning season is a busy time in Dr. Craig Purchase’s world.

But despite a near around-the-clock schedule ferrying salmon gametes from the lab to the river, the evolutionary ecologist sat down with the Gazette recently to share some insight into another one of his roles: volunteer for a national organization dedicated to the scientifically sound classification of wildlife species at risk.

Science alum intern puts education to work under the sea in the Philippines

Christa Sandall may hail from landlocked Alberta, but salt water seems to run through her veins.

Since graduating from Memorial with a bachelor of science in marine biology last June, she has been living and working in the island country of the Philippines.

Valuable and unique insight to academic literature on climate change

A new book, co-edited by Memorial biology PhD candidate Laura Siegwart Collier, adds a valuable and unique insight to the academic literature on climate change.

In The Caribou Taste Different Now: Inuit Elders Observe Climate Change, Inuit elders and knowledge holders from eight Canadian Arctic communities — Kugluktuk, Baker Lake, Pangnirtung, and Pond Inlet in Nunavut; Umiujaq, Kangiqsujuaq, and Kangiqsualujjuaq in Nunavik; and Nain in Nunatsiavut — share their observations of climate change, including how it is affecting traditional ways of life.

Faculty serving in voluntary capacity to establish N.L. nature reserves

As researchers and educators in the Faculty of Science, Drs. Luise Hermanutz, Bill Montevecchi, Yolanda Wiersma and Len Zedel contribute to the global body of scientific knowledge every day.

Biology professor co-authors paper about bird and dinosaur vocalization

While not the typical Hollywood sound effect, new research co-authored by a Memorial University professor shows that dinosaurs could likely coo–in a manner similar to how male pigeons, doves, and even ostriches produce sounds.