Killam Fellowship recipient spends semester as U.S. exchange student

Word came late on a Friday night in April 2022.

Katherine Dibbon, a joint bachelor of arts/bachelor of science student at Memorial, had been waiting to hear back on her application letter to the Killam Fellowships Program.

Federal grants open doors to discoveries, collaborations and training

Breakthroughs in everything from improvements to prosthetic hands to the identification of emerging environmental pollutants.

Six of the seven Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) grants provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Council (NSERC) through its 2022 Discovery Research Programs Competition to researchers at Memorial were in the Faculty of Science.

U.K.-based STEM program guides first-year science students

Demonstrations from leading scientists. Visits to world-class laboratories and science universities. International cultural interaction.

This past summer, two Memorial science students participated in a science “camp” they’ll never forget.

Jake Breen and Charlotte Campbell represented Memorial University at the 63rd annual London International Youth Science Forum (LIYSF) from July 27–Aug. 10.

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.

More than $285,000 in federal investment for high-performance research infrastructure

Three research teams in the Faculty of Science are kicking off the fall semester on a high note.

They have secured a total of $286,834 in funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) for cutting-edge scientific tools and equipment.

The investment will enhance research facilities and labs with sophisticated infrastructure for studies broadly focused on mineral exploration, climate change and nanoparticles.

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.

A day of family fun and education under the blue whale skeleton

On Saturday, May 14, everyone is invited to an open house event that will take place under and around the blue whale skeleton that hangs in Memorial's new Core Science Facility.

Come learn the story of the whale skeleton and take part in interactive learning opportunities, and have lots of fun along the way.

Faculty of Science holds interdisciplinary research conference

The Faculty of Science held its first interdisciplinary research conference April 8-9.

Scientific Endeavours in Academia (SEA) brought together undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and faculty from across the faculty’s nine departments and five interdisciplinary graduate programs.

Interdisciplinary teams awarded nearly $500,000 for high-risk, high-reward research

On April 4, the results of the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) 2021 Exploration competition were released. The program supports high risk, high-reward and interdisciplinary research.

Here at Memorial, projects are being led by Dr. Sohrab Zendehboudi, associate professor and research chair, Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and co-principal investigators Drs. Karl Jobst and Lindsay Cahill, assistant professors, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science.

Terra Nova Young Innovator studying link between environmental toxicants and chronic disease

An analytical chemist is launching an ambitious research study focused the effects of indoor pollution, the first of its kind in Canada.

Dr. Karl Jobst, assistant professor, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, is the 2021 recipient of the Terra Nova Young Innovator Award, valued at $50,000.

Faculty of Science, Landwash Brewery partner on unique new beer

Everything is science … including making beer.

Before that first delicious sip is ever tasted, a complex series of biochemical reactions must take place to convert barley to fermentable sugars, and to get yeast to grow and multiply, converting those sugars to alcohol.

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.

This year, 363 students made the Dean’s List — the largest number in the faculty’s history.

A Q&A with 2021 Alumnus of the Year Dr Liqin Chen

When Dr. Liqin Chen (PhD’93) arrived in St. John’s in 1990 to complete his PhD in chemistry under the supervision of Dr. Laurence Thompson, he had very little.

Thirty years after he left China for a new life in a new country, Dr. Chen is now head of TLC Pharmaceutical Standards, a multimillion-dollar international pharmaceutical company with customers in 75 countries.

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.

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. Essential university-related travel within the four Atlantic Provinces can proceed without restriction or self-isolation requirements upon entering one province and exiting another.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Chemistry team develops 'intelligent' material to test for bee-harming pesticides

More than a decade after beekeepers first raised the alarm about a dangerously low global bee population, much progress has been made in understanding the mystery of colony collapse.

A report from the European Food Safety Authority, published on Feb. 28, points squarely at neonicotinoids, some of the world’s most widely used insecticides, as a major cause — and is expected to lead to a total ban on their use when European Union nations vote on the issue next month.

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.

Core Science Facility website

Looking for the latest news on the Core Science Facility?

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.