Dr. Javier Sanchez, an associate professor of epidemiology at the Atlantic Veterinary College, has been selected to be part of the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Meetings on Microbiological Risk Assessment Roster of Experts (JEMRA) for a five-year term.

JEMRA is an international scientific expert panel that is administered jointly by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide scientific advice on microbiological hazards, including expert advice on risk management options aimed at improving food safety.

Dr. Sanchez’s appointment makes AVC the only Canadian veterinary college to be represented on the panel.

Food-borne pathogens are an increasing challenge to those working in food safety, says Dr. Sanchez. JEMRA is tasked with identifying risks to consumers from food products contaminated with bacteria such as E coli, salmonella, or listeria.

The experts on the panel assess the probability of people being exposed to food products contaminated by bacteria and the likelihood that they will be harmed. They then use that data to help decision-makers develop policies to best protect consumers.

The JEMRA panel is also dealing with antimicrobial resistance—the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics—a major topic of concern in both veterinary and human medicine.

“Antimicrobial resistance is an increasingly serious threat to public health across the globe,” says Sanchez. “Using new molecular technology, we are working to identify the transmission pathways to quantify how antimicrobial resistance genes are being transferred by the consumption of food products. Being part of this panel will help in identifying the correct analytical approaches to estimate the risks to people.”

Dr. Greg Keefe, dean of AVC, congratulated Dr. Sanchez on his appointment.

“To address concerns regarding resistance development, the stewardship of antimicrobial use in veterinary medicine is one of the top priorities of the profession,” said Dr. Keefe. “We are pleased that Dr. Sanchez has been recognized as an international leader in this field.”

University of Prince Edward Island Women’s Basketball head coach Greg Gould announced at a team meeting on Thursday that he will be retiring from the University. 

Coach Gould joined the Panthers in 2012, taking over a team that had a three-year, 2-58 record. He leaves the Women’s Basketball program with a 43-57 record, qualifying for the playoffs each year and leading the team to one of its most successful seasons in the last decade.

This year, the UPEI women’s squad went 11 and 9 during the regular season, beating every team in conference, and then went on to defeat the University of New Brunswick Varsity Reds in the quarterfinals and the Cape Breton University Capers in the semi-finals at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women's basketball championship. They came up just short against the U SPORTS third-ranked Acadia Axewomen to take home the silver medal.   

“Greg Gould is an experienced, committed, and highly successful coach. We thank him for taking our program through two growth cycles, both resulting in the women’s team reaching the AUS finals,” said UPEI Director of Athletics and Recreation Chris Huggan. “In addition to the team’s success, with Greg at the helm, many of our student-athletes achieved individual recognitions both at the AUS and U SPORTS level.”

Gould said he did not want word of his retirement to be released before he could tell his players, so he did so in person before team members disperse for the summer.

“After 48 years of coaching, it is time to retire and spend more time with family and friends. I have so many great memories of my players and I have met so many wonderful people through my time coaching,” said Gould. “I would like to thank everyone who helped me during my five years here at UPEI, especially my assistant coaches who contributed so much to the success of the program. It is satisfying to know that I am leaving the Women’s Basketball team in better shape than I found it, and I believe the foundation has been laid for the program to challenge for AUS championships for years to come.”

Hailing originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, Gould coached the Panthers from 2012–14 and from 2015–18. Prior to that, he led girls’ basketball teams at Moncton, Fredericton, and Riverview high schools, taking them six times to the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association (NBIAA) AAA provincial championships. He also coached at the post-secondary level, including the St. Thomas University and New Brunswick Teachers' College women's teams, and for a variety of provincial basketball teams. Gould is a recipient of the Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association (ACAA) Coach of the Year, Basketball New Brunswick Coaches Award, and the NBIAA Women's Coach of the Year award.

“We will have big shoes to fill,” added Huggan. “On behalf of UPEI Athletics and Recreation, I wish Greg the very best as he enters retirement. He will always be a member of our Panther family, and we hope to carry on his legacy.”

A search for a new coach will begin immediately.

UPEI’s School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences is hosting a second year of the IgniteCS@UPEI camp aimed at young students interested in computer science. The free weekly camp begins the week of May 14 and runs through July 4.

After the success of last year’s inaugural IgniteCS@UPEI, organizers have broken the camp into two streams. Beginners will meet Monday evenings from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Intermediate campers will meet Wednesday evenings, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Students will participate in “unplugged” activities to learn important computer science concepts away from the computer. Students will also have the opportunity to do some real coding and develop their own Java programs—some which are similar to first-year computer science assignments at UPEI. The camp will also have an Oculus Day, where students will have the opportunity to try out virtual reality through Oculus Rift.

IgniteCS@UPEI is primarily targeted at junior high students, but is open to all young students interested in computer science.

Registration closes on May 11, 2018; students can sign up by clicking here.

The L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) at the University of Prince Edward Island is marking a major milestone today—April 26.

On this date 25 years ago, the LMMI was launched with the goal of promoting research into, and celebrating, the life, works, culture, and influence of Prince Edward Island-born L.M. Montgomery, one of Canada’s most famous authors. During her lifetime (1874–1942), Montgomery wrote over 20 novels, numerous poems and short stories, and 10 volumes of personal journals. She is most famous for her first novel, Anne of Green Gables, with its iconic character, Anne Shirley, whose life in fictional Avonlea continues to delight millions of readers around the world. While Montgomery moved to Ontario after her marriage to the Rev. Ewan MacDonald in 1911, she set all but one of her novels in her beloved Island.

“A 25th anniversary is a time for celebrating all that has been accomplished over these years,” says Dr. Philip Smith, chair of the LMMI. “But even more important is the opportunity to look ahead, to advance new ways of learning about and shaping Montgomery's influence at home on the Island, across Canada, and around the world.”

A long-held dream of Montgomery scholar Dr. Elizabeth Epperly, the LMMI has developed a strong scholarship base over the past 25 years through conferences, publications, and academic courses. The Institute brings together Montgomery scholars and enthusiasts from countries around the globe for biennial conferences on various themes related to or found in Montgomery’s work. The next conference, “L.M. Montgomery and Reading,” will be held at UPEI from June 21–24 of this year.

Housed in the University’s Robertson Library, the Institute has developed its own collection of Montgomery-related artefacts, sponsored courses on Canadian culture, published essay collections based on the conferences, and developed multi-media products to further scholarly discussion of the author’s work.

With 25 years behind it, the LMMI is not resting on its laurels. Last year, UPEI announced the appointment of Dr. Kate Scarth as the inaugural Chair in L.M. Montgomery Studies and Applied Communication, Leadership and Culture. She will create public engagement activities to advance the Institute’s scholarly mission and develop even stronger links with scholars and enthusiasts in PEI, Canada, and internationally.

This fall, the LMMI will embark on a new venture with the creation of the first-ever journal dedicated to Montgomery. A refereed, open digital space, the Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies will use new technology to bring together interdisciplinary and international authors and readers, including Montgomery scholars and the broad community of enthusiasts. Papers will be accepted starting September 1, 2018.

For a more detailed look at the LMMI’s history and its future, please read LMMI at 25: Looking Back. Looking Forward by Melanie Fishbane, the Institute’s web coordinator.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

On Thursday, April 26, Mi’kmaq Elder Junior Peter-Paul released an eagle that had been recovering from injury at AVC for about a month. Before he released the eagle, Elder Peter-Paul, joined by members of the Abegweit First Nations community and others, conducted a smudging and drumming ceremony. It was a very moving experience!

The eagle was found in a field in Bedford, PEI, on March 31. Unable to fly because of severe injury to its left wing, it hopped across the highway in front of a car driven by Melissa Peter-Paul, Elder Peter-Paul’s daughter. Melissa stopped and stayed close to the eagle until it was captured by her father and Chief Conservation Officer Wade MacKinnon. The bird was brought to the AVC Wildlife Service, where a physical examination revealed that its wing was badly bruised and swollen, with a hairline fracture in one of its digits. During its stay at AVC, it received wound care, fluids, antibiotics, and pain medication. After recovering, it was released near Donaldston, PEI. It was a beautiful sight to see the eagle take flight!

Read more about the release in The Guardian and on CBC. Click here to watch a video of the event.

Nova Scotia veterinarian Helene Van Doninck is the winner of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s 2017 Award of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care.

Dr. Greg Keefe, dean of AVC, presented the award to Dr. Van Doninck at the Atlantic Provinces Veterinary Conference in Halifax on April 21.

“Dr. Van Doninck’s compassion and care for injured and sick wildlife exemplify what veterinary medicine is about,” said Dr. Keefe. “She is an inspiration to veterinarians, veterinary students, and others concerned about the health and welfare of wild animals.”

Dr. Van Doninck is an award-winning veterinarian, a member of AVC’s Class of 1991, and a lecturer at AVC and other educational institutions.

She dedicates her life to helping animals, particularly wildlife. She and her husband, Murdo Messer, established the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation in 2001, where they provide care for approximately 300 animals each year. Their bald eagle flight recovery centre—a large oval-shaped cage that allows eagles to fly naturally—is the first of its kind in Canada.

In addition, she is leading the charge in educating hunters about the dangers of lead shot to animals—many are now switching to non-lead ammunition and fishing tackle, reducing the amount of lead poisoning in wildlife.

She also works as an oiled wildlife response and emergency preparedness consultant and trainer. She works part-time at several veterinary clinics in Nova Scotia and contributes her knowledge to non-profit organizations, including the Nova Scotia Bird Society, Clean Seas, and the Federation of Nova Scotia naturalists. She has been a contributor to Nature Canada and has made a documentary titled “Saving Birds of Prey.”

Dr. Van Doninck was nominated for the award by Dr. Jane Corkum, with support from Dr. Ernie Prowse and Dr. Jennifer McKay.

A special guest lecture in the Island Studies Lecture Series takes place Thursday, May 3, at 7:00 pm in the Faculty Lounge in UPEI’s SDU Main Building. The lecture features David Earl from Alderney, in the Channel Islands, speaking about “Alderney: Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats!”

Alderney is the third largest of the British Channel Islands, which are UK crown dependencies. According to the results of a census carried out in 2013, 50 per cent of the population (less than 2,000) is now aged 55 or over, while the number of young working-age persons on the island has dropped by 47 per cent since 2001. More worrying, the number of children under 15 has dropped by 50 per cent over the same period. Despite a 17 per cent drop in the Island’s population in the period 2001‒2013, the States of Alderney (the Island’s government) has, so far, failed to reverse the decline.

The aim of this lecture is to paint a picture of the island and its people, as well illustrating its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The lecture will be followed by an opportunity for questions, answers and suggestions.

David Earl began his working life in the world of advertising and marketing but has spent much of his professional life in broadcast television and communications. He was recently awarded an MA in Modern War Studies from the University of Buckingham. David is visiting Prince Edward Island in order to learn more about the Island and the work of the Institute of Island Studies.

Admission to the lecture is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Laurie at iis@upei.ca or (902) 894-2881.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) has been granted full accreditation by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Council on Education (COE) for the next seven years.

“This achievement by the College is a testament to the quality of our program and the people engaged in its delivery,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, dean of AVC. “This is an important milestone--one that will drive us forward as we strive to continuously improve.”

Dr. Keefe thanked the AVC faculty, staff, and students who helped prepare for or participated in the AVMA COE site visit last fall and those who ensure the quality of the College’s program.

“The accreditation process is rigorous and lengthy,” said Dr. Keefe. “To prepare for our site visit last fall, we began to prepare 16 months in advance. Last summer we submitted a detailed self-study to the AVMA COE. This was followed up by a week-long visit by a team made up of representatives from the AVMA COE, the AVMA itself, and the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, who interviewed faculty, staff, and students, and conducted a detailed evaluation of our programs and inspection of our facilities.”

While the actual site visit is important, said Dr. Keefe, accreditation is an ongoing process. The College’s programs are reviewed each year by the AVMA COE, and AVC works continually to achieve the high standards set by the accrediting body. AVC has achieved full accreditation since it was first eligible in 1990 with the graduation of its first class of veterinarians.

Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, president and vice-chancellor of UPEI, expressed his pride in AVC’s achievement.

“On behalf of the entire UPEI community, I congratulate everyone at AVC for achieving full accreditation,” said President Abd-El-Aziz. “Our veterinary medicine program, research agenda, and teaching hospital are second-to-none, and this reaffirmation by the AVMA is a testament to the excellence of the College’s programs and people.”

The accrediting body for veterinary colleges in North America, the AVMA COE assures that minimum standards in veterinary medical education are met by all AVMA-accredited veterinary colleges, and that students receive an education which will prepare them for entry-level positions in the profession.

The final presentation in the 2018 Island Studies Lecture series takes place on Tuesday, May 15, at 7:00 pm in the Faculty Lounge of UPEI’s SDU Main Building. Dr. Kate Scarth, Chair of L.M. Montgomery Studies and Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture, will present “Anne of Charlottetown and Summerside: L.M. Montgomery’s Urban PEI.”

This presentation follows Anne of Green Gables to Charlottetown and Summerside. In Anne of Green Gables, Anne goes to Queen’s College—a fictional version of Prince of Wales College—and in Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne is the principal of Summerside High School. Of course, Anne of Green Gables and its author L.M. Montgomery usually conjure up images of rural Avonlea and Cavendish, the beaches and farms of PEI’s north shore. Montgomery’s rural Island is reflected in her own writings, and later film and TV adaptations from Kevin Sullivan’s 1980s miniseries starring Megan Follows to CBC/Netflix’s recent Anne with an E, and the many tourist sites like Green Gables that celebrate the author. While the rural looms large in her life and work, Montgomery was also a chronicler of urban Canada. She wrote journals and letters about her life in Charlottetown, Prince Albert, Halifax, and Toronto, while three novels, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, and Jane of Lantern Hill, have significant urban settings.

In the early twentieth century, Canadian cities and their suburbs were growing and offered amenities and possibilities—electric lights, fashionable shops, ice cream parlours, secondary and post-secondary education—not available in the countryside. Montgomery’s towns include these urban offerings and as harbourside island towns, Charlottetown and Summerside are particularly linked to the wider, modern world; the ferry, for example, which brings Anne to the Island for the first time, comes and goes from the provincial capital. At the same time, Charlottetown and Summerside are at their best in the Anne books when they showcase PEI nature and rural life. Avonlea permeates Charlottetown: the capital’s exhibition showcases Avonlea goods and talents and the city’s newspapers describe Avonlea residents’ accomplishments. Anne continually seeks out the towns’ parks, graveyards, and the sea, reflecting a wider late-nineteenth-century and early-twentieth-century movement towards public green spaces and suburbanization. This presentation then asks: how does one of the most insightful writers of PEI and Canada’s literary landscapes grapple with the tensions between modernizing, globally linked, and growing towns and a traditional rural, agriculturally based island? The presentation also offers an urban dimension to a writer usually steeped in rural tradition, but who was writing about a Canada starting to become the urban nation it is today.

Dr. Kate Scarth is the Chair of L.M. Montgomery Studies and Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture (ACLC) at UPEI.  Her research focuses on English and Canadian literature written from the eighteenth to the early twentieth century, and she is particularly interested in fiction about urbanism and the environment. Her book, Romantic Suburbs: Sensibility, Ecology, and Greater London, is under contract with the University of Toronto Press. She is also leading a digital humanities, public engagement project about literary Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Admission to the lecture is free. Everyone is welcome to attend. For more information, please contact Laurie at iis@upei.ca or (902) 894-2881.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.