As part of the Grad Week celebrations, the Grad Week Committee will be organizing a CAMPUS CLOSET. The Campus Closet aims to allow students the opportunity to shop for free clothing, accessories, and footwear to add to their wardrobe and get work-ready!

The committee is now accepting donations for the Campus Closet. Please feel free to donate gently used clothing, accessories, and footwear for all genders. We will also accept children's clothing for our students with young children. Remember, jobs may be indoors, outdoors, in offices, and in all sectors. 

Donations can be dropped off at Dalton Hall, Room 209, or fifth floor reception, from now until April 30, or you can contact Sandra Griffin, Manager of Accessibility Services at sgriffin3@upei.ca, to arrange for items to be picked up!

Please contact Sandra Griffin at sgriffin3@upei.ca if you need any additional information. 

The ACENET Embedded Technical Support program is designed to assist researchers in any discipline at Atlantic Canadian post-secondary institutions to adopt or improve their use of advanced computing techniques and resources in their research.

These tools have the potential to accelerate discovery in almost any discipline. However, the expertise necessary to optimize code, successfully migrate workflows from a desktop to an HPC cluster, build a cloud platform, or simply explore the capabilities and benefits of advanced computing may not be readily available, especially in smaller projects.

This program pairs our technical experts with innovative projects that have high potential for success and impact and require advanced computing resources, programming support, and/or in-depth technical expertise. Some examples of areas we can help are

• code parallelization and performance optimization for HPC systems 
• scientific or data visualization
• data analytics
• workflow migration from the desktop to a cluster
• applying research data management practices
• tailored training

Successful projects under this program are able to access focused and dedicated support from one to two of ACENET’s research consultants for a period of two to four months. During this period, the ACENET staff member will spend up to 50 per cent of their time working on the project.

The current call is open from 14 April until 18 May 2025.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at applications@ace-net.ca.

More information and submission form: https://ace-net.ca/consulting-support.html 

The national systems use a job scheduler called “Slurm”. In this session you will learn how Slurm works and how it allocates jobs, helping you to: minimize wait time by framing reasonable requests; ask for only the resources you need to improve efficiency; increase throughput; run more jobs simultaneously; and troubleshoot and address crashes. This workshop is designed for new HPC users familiar with Linux and Shell Scripting, or for experienced users transitioning to Slurm or seeking to improve efficiency with the scheduler.  

This virtual workshop will be held on May 9, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. To register, go to https://www.acenet.training/courses

Shell scripting helps you save time, automate file management tasks, and better use the power of Linux. You’ll learn how to use the command line to carry out repetitive tasks, extract information from files quickly, combine commands in powerful ways, learn about job scripts, shell variables and looping commands, and capture a workflow so you can re-use it easily. Save time, reduce errors, and use Linux more effectively. This workshop is designed for either new High Performance Computing (HPC) users who are familiar with working in a Linux environment, or for experienced users seeking to get more out of shell scripting.  

This virtual workshop will be held on May 8, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. To register, go to https://www.acenet.training/courses

The UPEI Bookstore will be closed on Tuesday April 29 and Wednesday April 30 for our annual inventory count. To keep up with our hot new items and latest promotions follow us on Facebook and Instagram! 

Join UPEI President Wendy Rodgers for casual "coffee chats" at the Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall on Wednesday, April 30 from 8:00-9:00 am.

These coffee chats offer a relaxed setting where any member of the UPEI community can drop by, grab a drink, and chat with Wendy about anything on your mind. Whether you want to share ideas, ask questions or simply say hello, these chats are a great way to connect with the president in a comfortable and informal environment.

The National Day of Mourning (or Workers’ Mourning Day) is marked annually in Canada on April 28 to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy. The day of observance originated in Canada in 1984 and is now recognized annually in over 100 countries. It is also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

UPEI's Health, Safety, and Environment department promotes an internal responsibility system that expects all workplace parties to collaborate on identifying, assessing, and managing all workplace hazards and risks. UPEI Health, Safety, and Environment provides oversight and guidance to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation on PEI.

The University of Prince Edward Island will observe the National Day of Mourning by flying the flags near Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place at half-mast.

More information about the National Day of Mourning can be found on the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website.

The fourth in this series of President's town halls for the 2025 winter semester, Let's 'talk' SDGs at UPEI, will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025. For this town hall, there will be a broad introduction to the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) along with a discussion on how they relate to UPEI and the work that we do. We will also launch a special “commitment”/pledge campaign to inspire action.

If you wish to learn more about the SDGs in advance of the town hall, visit https://sdgs.un.org/goals 

Let's 'talk' SDGs at UPEI
Monday, April 28, 2025
10:30–11:30 am
Amphitheatre, Performing Arts Centre and Residence building (PAC121S)  

If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams Town Hall link.

The UPEI Board of Governors has completed its response to the July 2024 External Review of UPEI Board Governance.

This response outlines both implemented and planned changes to Board procedures and includes updates to the terms of reference for the Board’s standing committees.

The Response to the UPEI Governance Review is now available for review on the Board of Governors' webpage.

The UPEI Philosophy Reading Group will meet on Wednesday, April 30, from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. in the Lady Slipper Room, Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, 97 Queen Street, Charlottetown. All are welcome.

During this gathering, we will discuss Hannah Arendt's "Labor, Work, Action" from The Human Condition. 

The following is a brief bio:

"Hannah Arendt (1906–1975) was one of the most influential political philosophers of the twentieth century. Born into a German-Jewish family, she was forced to leave Germany in 1933 and lived in Paris for the next eight years, working for a number of Jewish refugee organizations. [...] She is best known for three works that had a major impact both within and outside the academic community. The first, The Origins of Totalitarianism, published in 1951, was a study of the Nazi and Stalinist regimes that generated a wide-ranging debate on the nature and historical antecedents of the totalitarian phenomenon. The second, The Human Condition, published in 1958, was an original philosophical study that investigated the fundamental categories of the vita activa (labor, work, action). The third, Eichmann in Jerusalem, reported on the trial of a major Nazi perpetrator and coined the controversial term “banality of evil”. In addition to these important works, Arendt published a number of influential essays on topics such as the nature of revolution, freedom, authority, tradition and the modern age. At the time of her death in 1975, she had completed the first two volumes of her last major philosophical work, The Life of the Mind, which examined the three fundamental faculties of the vita contemplativa (thinking, willing, judging)." - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

If you would like to attend, please reach out to Dr. Max Schaefer at mschaefer@upei.ca for more information.

There will be a basic biosafety training session on Tuesday, May 13, at 1:00 pm in AVC 287N. Topics will include basic biosafety principles and how they are applied at the University of Prince Edward Island, as well as biosecurity training. This session is open to everyone, including graduate students.

To attend, you must pre-register by contacting Jacky Buell by the end of the day on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, via email (hse@upei.ca) or phone (902-566-0901). 

Please provide:

• Your name 
• Your supervisor’s name (if applicable)
• Department
• Email address
• Phone number
• Whether you're an employee or graduate student  

NOTE: An online biosafety training refresher course is available for those who completed basic biosafety training previously. Training must be renewed every three years. Please contact us for information on how to register for this training. 

Join the Faculty of Education for a research talk "Winners and Losers of Education Privatization" by Dr. Sue Winton, York University. Dr. Wilson will introduce The Public Education Exchange an initiative that invites researchers, educators, and other members of the public to create and share knowledge about education privatization and to advocate for robust public education systems.

Monday May 5, 2025, at 4:00 pm in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall.

Refreshments will be served.

Abstract:
The concept of food system resilience is increasingly central to addressing global concerns around food security and climate change. Food systems spanning production, processing, distribution, consumption, and disposal are embedded within complex socio-ecological networks. Resilience refers to the capacity of these systems to provide sufficient, appropriate, and accessible food over time, despite disruptions. Although this definition has been critiqued as overly broad, research on food system resilience is growing rapidly. Scholars have conceptualized food systems at varying scales local, national, regional, and global each involving different actors such as farmers, consumers, industry leaders, and policymakers. Climate change poses both gradual stresses (e.g., rising temperatures) and acute shocks (e.g., floods, droughts, wildfires), with significant implications for food production, particularly in vulnerable regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. Major staple crops such as wheat, maize, and rice face projected yield declines of up to 25% by the century’s end. Meanwhile, food demand is expected to rise by 51% by 2050. These pressures underscore the urgent need for effective climate risk mitigation strategies. This talk outlines practical strategies to enhance climate resilience in agriculture, addressing the gap in outcome-oriented research. 

Date: May 2, 2025

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 pm (Atlantic Time)

Speaker: Dr. Eric Li

Register here to attend this online session

As Graduation Week Celebrations draw closer, the Office of Student Culture and Community Standards invites UPEI faculty and staff to help support some of the Grad Week events through volunteering! Sign up here by clicking through the tabs and entering your name and email into a corresponding shift date and time. Volunteer task descriptions for each event can be found in each of the tabs. We're looking for volunteers for the following: 

• setting up and staffing the Campus Closet (April 28th to May 8th)
• decorating for Panther Pride - Now & Forever (May 2nd)
• decorating for Grad Gala Celebration (May 9th)

If you have any questions regarding the Campus Closet, contact Manager of Accessibility Services Sandra Griffin at sgriffin3@upei.ca. For all other events, contact Student Engagement Officer Inara Bhalesha binara@upei.ca. 

We would like to recognize and appreciate the support and dedication of the Graduation Week Committee members from departments across the campus in organizing, and planning the Grad Week programming. 

UPEI Medical Brigades is hosting a 5K (and 1.6K) Colour Run + Walk on Saturday, May 3, 2025 (Rain date: May 4). The event is open to all ages, fitness levels and is family friendly!

• 5K and 1.6K options — run or walk your way! (5K walk will begin at 10:00 am; 1.6K walk will begin at 10:15 am; 1.6K run will begin at 10:45 am; and 5K run will begin at 11:00 am)
• Enjoy a vibrant colour powder experience, BBQ after, and good vibes!
• Multiple registration levels to fit your budget and to be as inclusive as possible
• On-site sign-in opens at 9:00 AM — start times vary

Full event details are in the REGISTRATION FORM and registration is open until the day of the event.

Want to volunteer? Hit us up at upeimedicalbrigades@upeisu.ca

*This event is not affiliated with “The Color Run.”

Link to our Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/share/1EUAcyDh8v/ 

MSc in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences

Presenter: Krystof Wigmore

Title of the Thesis: “Development of Polymeric Inserts for the Stabilization of Enzymes”

Proteins are essential macromolecules with various functions, such as hemoglobin for oxygen transport and collagen for structural support. Enzymes, a type of functional protein, speed up chemical reactions and are important in biological, industrial, and in research settings. To function properly, enzymes must maintain their folded, tertiary structure. If unfolded, often due to external factors like heat, enzymes may aggregate and become inactive. This is a major concern in the processes involved in food industries and for pharmaceutical production, where temperature fluctuations are common. To address this, materials that inhibit enzyme aggregation are needed. Herein, vitamin B5 analogous methacrylamide (B5AMA) was used to synthesize polymeric constructs: nanogels (P(B5AMA)-NG), hydrogels (P(B5AMA)-HG), coated vials (P(B5AMA)-Vials), and silica nanoparticles (P(B5AMA-NG)-SiO2). These constructs were characterized and tested for their ability to protect lysozyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and esterase from heat-induced aggregation of proteins. Our results demonstrate that B5AMA like materials can serve as external chaperones and prevent the aggregation of enzymes at elevated temperatures.

April 30, 2025, 2:00 pm in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 328

Everyone is welcome

MSc in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences 

Presenter:  Daniel Kimani

Title of the Thesis: “A New Method to Manipulate DNA Topology Using Poly(B5AMA) Biomaterials”

Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) topology plays a critical role in regulating vital biological processes such as replication, transcription, and recombination. Plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (pDNA) can exist in various structural configurations such as supercoiled DNA, open circular DNA, and linear DNA, each exhibiting unique functional properties, rendering them indispensable in various applications. Supercoiled DNA, the prevalent form harvested from Escherichia coli bacteria, serves as the primary research material. However, different DNA topologies offer advantages for specific therapeutic interventions, such as targeted gene delivery or expression regulation. Open circular DNA presents enhanced accessibility for gene expression studies, while linear DNA facilitates precise gene editing and integration. Natural enzymes such are topoisomerases and restriction endonucleases are used to convert the topology from supercoil to open circular (nicked) or linear DNA. Enzymatic DNA topology manipulation poses limitations due to their specificity, instability and storage challenges associated with these enzymes. While natural enzymes have traditionally been employed to conduct this transformation, the use of synthetic biomaterials as alternative tools for DNA topology conversion remains largely unexplored. Recent studies have highlighted the potential of ozone treatment and alcohol precipitation, such as isopropanol, in converting supercoiled DNA to open circular or linear forms. However, these methods are complex procedures and exhibit lower efficiencies.

This study demonstrates a more efficient method by employing poly vitamin B5 analogous methacrylamide (poly(B5AMA)n) materials such as hydrogels and nanogel to convert supercoiled plasmid DNA to other DNA topologies as a function of temperature. Hydrogels and nanogels were synthesized through free radical polymerization and different molecular weights and chirality of (poly(B5AMA)n) were synthesized through reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and were all evaluated for their effect on DNA topology. The findings were consistent with previously reported methods involving enzymatic or chemical treatments but demonstrate a novel, enzyme-free approach using biocompatible materials. This novel method holds promise to streamline plasmid DNA topology conversion process, offering potential advancements in therapeutic applications and research endeavours. This study also provides new insights into the application of synthetic biomaterials for DNA topology manipulation and opens avenues for their use in gene therapy.

April 29, 2025, 9:00 am in AVC 286A

Everyone is Welcome

In accordance with the UPEI Action Plan: Building A Culture of Trust, Safety and Inclusion, the University has committed to developing a new Harassment and Discrimination Policy and Sexual Violence Policy (to replace the current Fair Treatment Policy and Sexual Violence Policy). The Fair Treatment Policy Redevelopment Committee has been meeting since December 2024, and has been collecting feedback for the new Harassment and Discrimination policy through in-person and online consultations.

UPEI students, staff, and faculty are invited to provide feedback on the draft UPEI Harassment and Discrimination Policy through an online form found at this link: https://forms.office.com/r/C6xaZJrwte 

Feedback will be accepted until 11:59 pm, Monday, April 28, 2025.

If members of the campus community require accommodation with completing the online form, they may contact UPEI Human Resources at hr@upei.ca. 

As part of the Grad Week celebrations, the Grad Week Committee will be organizing a CAMPUS CLOSET. The Campus Closet aims to allow students the opportunity to shop for free clothing, accessories, and footwear to add to their wardrobe and get work-ready!

The committee is now accepting donations for the Campus Closet. Please feel free to donate gently used clothing, accessories, and footwear for all genders. We will also accept children's clothing for our students with young children. Remember, jobs may be indoors, outdoors, in offices, and in all sectors. 

Donations can be dropped off at Dalton Hall, Room 209, or fifth floor reception, from now until April 30, or you can contact Sandra Griffin, Manager of Accessibility Services at sgriffin3@upei.ca, to arrange for items to be picked up!

Please contact Sandra Griffin at sgriffin3@upei.ca if you need any additional information. 

Linux is the terminal interface used to enable you to use the ACENET and the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) HPC clusters from your desktop. It's the tool you need to get your data on the clusters, run your programs, and get your data back. In this session, learn how to get started with Linux, how to create and navigate directories for your data, load files, manage your storage, run programs on the computing clusters, and set file permissions. This workshop is designed for those with no prior experience in working with a terminal interface.

This virtual workshop will be held on May 7, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. To register, go to https://www.acenet.training/courses