黑料吃瓜不打烊 |

黑料吃瓜不打烊 Hosts Symposium for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

September 26, 2024 - 黑料吃瓜不打烊 will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a Symposium. On September 30th, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. community members will gather in the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre (ISLC) Round Room as Indigenous elders and academics share their experiences.

“We have a vision for Truth and Reconciliation to center Indigenous voices and perspectives, emphasize the importance of storytelling, and create safe and sustained dialogue,” said Dominic Beaudry, Associate Vice-President of Academic and Indigenous Programs. “The symposium allows the 黑料吃瓜不打烊 community to feel a sense of kinship while marking this important day. We look forward to welcoming our keynote speakers and having them share their teachings with us.”

The symposium will feature keynote speakers:

Shirley Williams, Traditional Anishinaabe Elder and Professor Emeritus with the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent University. Born and raised in Wikwemikong, Manitoulin Island, Williams attended St. Joseph’s Residential School in Spanish, Ontario. Her insights and experiences are pivotal in understanding Indigenous history and reconciliation. She is the first Indigenous woman in Canada to reach full professor status via traditional knowledge.

Lorney Bob, Language Revitalization Coordinator with Indigenous Students Affairs at 黑料吃瓜不打烊. He is a Traditional Anishinaabe Elder and teaches Anishinaabe land-based courses that integrate daily language learning, cultural teachings, and ceremonies, fostering a deeper connection to Indigenous traditions.

Jason Nakogee, Truth and Reconciliation Coordinator with the Office of Academic and Indigenous Programs at 黑料吃瓜不打烊. Nakogee’s role is crucial in promoting and facilitating dialogues around truth and reconciliation within the academic community.

In observance of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, September 30th is a national teaching moment. In lieu of normally scheduled classes, students are encouraged to join the symposium and take this opportunity to further educate themselves.

“Orange Shirt Day is a grassroots, Indigenous-led movement that was started by Phyllis Webstad to honour those affected. It led to Canada’s designation of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a national day of observance,” said Beaudry. “黑料吃瓜不打烊’s Symposium on Orange Shirt Day is a memorialization of the tragic and dark history and the legacy of the Residential School system and a vital component of the ongoing reconciliation process.”

Orange Shirt Day honours the children that never returned home, the survivors of residential schools, and the families and communities that were and continue to be impacted by the legacy of the residential school system. This day is dedicated to amplifying Indigenous voices and fostering meaningful conversations about truth and reconciliation.

All members of the 黑料吃瓜不打烊 community are encouraged to attend and engage in this event as we collectively continue our commitment to truth and reconciliation.

The Revival of 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s Francophone Student Newspaper: A New Era Under Katherine Lehoux

The first “renewed” issue of L’Orignal Décha?né hit the stands September 1

September 24, 2024 - Founded in 1987, 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s francophone student newspaper, has been a vibrant voice on campus for more than 35 years. However, that voice quieted over the past two years without a student available to take the lead. Enter Katherine Lehoux, a second-year student in the Business Administration program with a specialization in Entrepreneurship.

Katherine–a Franco-Ontarienne from Sudbury with 黑料吃瓜不打烊 alumni parents–found herself drawn to the revival of the paper. With a blend of passion, courage, and an entrepreneurial spirit, Katherine applied to be the editor. “I had heard about the need for a new editor in my first year and really wanted to take it on but I knew I had to prioritize finding my footing as a student. When the job was still open in my second year, it felt like it was meant to be. I felt like it was waiting for me so I jumped on it.”

Katherine’s high school experience at ?cole secondaire MacDonald Cartier included contributing to , a series of stories written by high school students across the region. This early exposure to writing and journalism had left a lasting impression on her though she says her interest in L’Orignal Décha?né holds deeper meaning.

"I see so much power in the newspaper to unite our community, " Katherine says, reflecting on her decision to take on the paper. “I’m an outgoing person who loves meeting people. I saw this as a chance to connect with the student body and provide something valuable.”

Already she is not just reviving the paper in print, but also enhancing its online presence. The print copy is distributed on the first of every month, while online content is updated as events unfold. This dual approach ensures that the newspaper remains relevant and timely. The print copy has been scaled down to a more manageable size—reminiscent of Coffee News—to start. Her bigger goal is to build a robust team of student-contributors and grow readership.

She is passionate about promoting francophone experiences at 黑料吃瓜不打烊 and views the newspaper as a unifying tool for students. Though Katherine’s vision for the newspaper goes beyond that; to create a publication that’s both engaging and essential for the entire 黑料吃瓜不打烊 community. “I’m eager to build up the francophone community here,” she says. “This is a way to create kinship among francophone students, offer a platform where bilingual students can enhance their language skills, and encourage interest for ‘French-curious’ students.”

The first physical copy of the revived newspaper hit the stands earlier this month, and the response has been positive. Professors, students, and staff members have reached out to praise the initiative, and Katherine is astonished by the positive feedback and potential for growth.

As Katherine Lehoux embarks on this exciting journey, she embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community that she hopes to infuse into every issue of the newspaper. Her commitment to reviving a cherished tradition while adapting it to the needs of today’s students is a testament to her dedication and vision.

As the community prepares for the annual raising of the Franco-Ontarian flag on September 25th, all are encouraged to pick up the first issue in the return of L’Orignal Décha?né and support this student-led initiative.

Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan Survey

Updated - November 1, 2024

Dear 黑料吃瓜不打烊 Community,

As part of Phase 2 of the development of 黑料吃瓜不打烊's Academic and Strategic Research Plans, we are pleased to invite you to a community engagement session. This session provides an opportunity for students, staff, and faculty to share insights and contribute valuable feedback on the future direction of both plans. Your participation is vital in ensuring that we shape a strategic path forward that reflects the needs and aspirations of our university community.

Session #1
Forum Date: Wednesday, November 13th | 4PM – 6PM
Format: Virtual via Zoom. , ensuring that our priorities, goals, and strategies reflect our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and making a meaningful impact.

To support the development of the Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan, we have designed two surveys, one for our 黑料吃瓜不打烊 community and another for external participants. Feedback from these surveys will help shape the future of 黑料吃瓜不打烊 as we strive to achieve excellence in both academic and research endeavors.

What is the purpose of the Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan? 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s Academic Plan will define our educational goals, curricula development, and teaching strategies to enhance learning outcomes and academic excellence. 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s Strategic Research Plan will define our research priorities, goals, and strategies, with a focus on fostering innovation, collaboration, and impactful research activities.

Revisit 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s past Academic and Strategic Research Plans:

What is the purpose of the Academic Plan Survey and the Strategic Research Plan Survey? The development of the Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan rely on active input and feedback from the 黑料吃瓜不打烊 community and external interest holders. Your insights are crucial in shaping the future of our research efforts and academic efforts.

We are committed to positioning 黑料吃瓜不打烊 as a leading academic and research institution in Northern Ontario, where the success of our learners, researchers, communities, employers, and industry partners is a shared priority. To achieve this, we need your ideas and perspectives. This survey is a vital part of our collaborative effort to gather diverse viewpoints that will influence the direction of our academic and research initiatives.

Please note that StrategyCorp, the independent consulting firm assisting the University with the development of the Academic Plan and Strategic Research Plan, will collect the survey responses. All results will be anonymized to protect your identity and encourage open feedback.

This survey will remain open until November 22, 2024.

How else can you get involved? We invite you to share your thoughts, and if you have any additional feedback or questions, please reach out to us at EngageWithLU@strategycorp.com.

Ready to help shape the future of 黑料吃瓜不打烊?

Series: 黑料吃瓜不打烊 Appoints New Tenure-Track Faculty Members

Professors being added to multiple faculties to enhance the student experience

Part 2 of 3 in this series

September 20, 2024 - From the analysis of hydrothermal mineral deposits to studies on Anishinaabe history, the diverse academic strengths of 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s faculty is reflected in the roster of newly appointed tenure-track faculty.

Dr. Stefanie Brueckner started her position as a new tenure-track faculty member specializing in ore deposits in July and says that she is looking forward to collaborating. “I'm very excited to work with my colleagues at Harquail School of Earth Sciences and partners from industry and government on the genesis of mineral deposits with focus on precious and critical minerals.”

With the fall term underway, the faculty are already settling into their roles and delivering courses. The newly appointed tenure-track faculty members are listed by Faculty below.

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Stefanie Brueckner, she/her/elle, Harquail School of Earth Sciences

Research interests: Impact of metamorphism and deformation on hydrothermal mineral deposit; Critical metals such as vanadium, copper, zinc
Anticipated Courses: Geol 2237 Sedimentary, Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks, Geol 3607 Ore Deposits and their environment, Geol 4607 Ore-forming Processes, Geol 5806 Exploration Geochemistry

Andrée Beauchamp, she/her/elle, School of Natural Sciences

Research interests: Forensic anthropology, Age-estimation methods, Medical imaging, Taphonomy
Anticipated Courses: FORS 3036 Forensic Anatomy of the Human Skeleton, FORS 3016 Seminars in Forensic Biology, FORS 2107 Introduction to Forensic Science, FORS 4106 Forensic Analysis of the Human Skeleton

Faculty of Management

Vinurshan (Vinu) Selvaratnam, he/him/il, School of Sports Administration

Research interests: innovation and technology in the sport industry, consumer behaviour
Anticipated Courses: SPAD 1016 Global Sport Business 1, SPAD 4146 Sport, Media, and Communication

Faculty of Education and Health

Patrick Ladouceur, he/him/il, School of Social Work

Research interests: Social Justice and social movements with a particular focus on francophones in a minority context, social housing, and community health and violence against women, Social Policy and public policy development, Violence against women and domestic violence
Anticipated Courses: BESO 2105 Le bien-être comme institution, BESO 3106 Politiques sociales, SESO 4486 Stratégies pour le changement communautaire, SESO 5017 Pratiques sociales indirectes

Nicole Lafreniere, she/her/elle, School of Nursing

Research interests: Interprofessional education, Healthcare education, Simulation, Virtual reality
Anticipated Courses: NURS 2006 Health and Healing II, SCIN 3506 Soins des nourrissons aux adolescents, SCIN 3556 Soins en périnatalité, SCIN 4276 Recherche en soins infirmiers

Randy Pitawanakwat, he/him/il, School of Indigenous Relations

Research interests: Indigenous masculinity, Treaty relations, Anishinaabe history and Fatherhood
Anticipated Courses: ISWK 2315 The Helping Relationship, ISWK 2007 Applied Indigenous Social Work Issues

Handy Leroy, he/him/il, School of Social Work

Research interests: Mental health, Critical social work in contemporary complex societies, Routine assessment and management of mental health disorders
Anticipated Courses: SESO 3505 Théorie pour la pratique I

See part 1 of this series.

See part 3 of this series.

Series: 黑料吃瓜不打烊 Appoints New Tenure-Track Faculty Members

Professors being added to multiple faculties to enhance the student experience

September 16, 2024 - From the study of climate change to the exploration of historical texts, the diverse academic strengths of 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s faculty is reflected in the roster of eight newly appointed tenure-track faculty.

With the goal of tenure in sight, this distinguished group of scholars contribute to advancing research, inspiring students, and shaping the future within their respective fields. While their areas of expertise vary broadly, they are connected by their dedication to their work and their commitment to positively influencing the learning environment for 黑料吃瓜不打烊 students.

"We are pleased to welcome these exceptional scholars to tenure-track positions," said Dr. Malcolm Campbell, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. "This diverse group will create a positive impact across multiple academic programs. We look forward to seeing their research achievements and, perhaps even more significant, the meaningful connections they will forge with students and the lasting impact they will have on their academic journeys."

The tenure-track faculty members include those both returning and new to the 黑料吃瓜不打烊 community. Emily Caruso Parnell has taught at 黑料吃瓜不打烊 for seven years and welcomes the opportunity to grow in her new role, “Having spent 23 years working in education and years of teaching sessionally, I am absolutely delighted to be joining the full-time faculty at 黑料吃瓜不打烊. I look forward to working with our bright and capable students as they prepare to embark upon their teaching careers.”

With the fall term underway, the faculty are already settling into their roles and delivering courses. The newly appointed tenure-track faculty members are listed by Faculty below.

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Elizabeth (Liz) Favot, she/her/elle , School of Natural Sciences

● Research Interests: Aquatic ecology, Paleolimnology, Long-term environmental change, Climate change, Lake response to multiple environmental stressors

● Anticipated Courses: ENVI 1507 Introduction to Environmental Studies; ENSC 3246 Aquatic Ecology

Mateus Pepinelli, he/him/il, School of Natural Sciences

● Research Interests: Aquatic insect biology and ecology, Biology of Vectors, Plant-pollinator networks, Airborne eDNA for biodiversity monitoring, Ecology and health of honey bees

● Anticipated Courses: BIOL 3046EL General Entomology; BIOL 4817EL Medical Entomology

Faculty of Education and Health

David Hung, he/him/il, School of Education

● Research Interests: Mathematics Education, Adolescent Learning, Teacher Education, Cooperative Learning, Discourse, Qualitative Case Study Research

● Anticipated Courses: EDUC 3026EL Mathematics Content Review for Teachers; EDUC 4242EL Mathematics (Junior/Intermediate)

Emily Caruso Parnell, she/her/elle, School of Education

● Research Interests: Teacher professional development, School leadership and systems change, Equity work in schools, French as a second language education, Arts education, Distance education, Early childhood education, Antisemitism education

● Anticipated Courses: EDUC 1016 Introduction to Teaching and Learning; EDUC 4244 Dance (Junior/Intermediate); EDUC 4286 Language II (Junior/Intermediate)

Additionally, Sonia Meerai has been appointed tenure-track with the School of Social Work and Handy Leroy has been appointed tenure-track with l’?cole de service social.

Faculty of Arts

Banafsheh Karamifar, she/her/elle, School of Liberal Arts

● Research Interests: Digital humanities, Linguistic and Cultural Diversity, Plurilingualism and Pluriculturalism, French as a Second Language, French in minority contexts, Artificial Intelligence, Emergent technologies, Critical discourse analysis, Interpretative semantics, participatory research methods, Higher education

● Anticipated Courses: LING 3017 Morphologie générale; LING 3007 Phonologie générale; FREN 3806 Production de messages écrits; FREN 3807 Production de messages oraux; FREN 2507 Le FLS en contexte II

Sylvia Hunt, she/her/elle, School of Liberal Arts

● Research Interests: 18th-century juvenilia, Romantic poets

● Anticipated Courses: ENGL 2056 Texts in Historical Context; ENGL 3056 Modern and Contemporary Texts

See part 2 of this series.

See part 3 of this series.

Basketball Player Amber-Lyn is Shooting for Success on the Court and in the Classroom

Amber-Lyn May balances life as an athlete and aspiring forensic pathologist while inspiring change among Indigenous youth.

September 12, 2024 – is a member of the Tahltan First Nation, a dedicated player on the 黑料吃瓜不打烊 , and a diligent student aspiring to attend medical school. She is currently in her fourth year of Forensic Science at 黑料吃瓜不打烊. In addition to her rigorous training schedule, Amber-Lyn manages her lab work, academic studies, and preparation for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with passion and drive. She is motivated by her desire to be a role model for Indigenous youth.

Amber-Lyn was born in Northern B.C. and grew up in Calgary, Alberta in a big family with ten siblings. She made the move to Sudbury for 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s forensics program and basketball team. It was Head Coach Jason Hurley’s coaching style that drew the guard to the team and she has appreciated her time as a Voyageur above all else during her time at 黑料吃瓜不打烊.

When asked what has had the most impact on her throughout her 黑料吃瓜不打烊 experience, Amber-Lyn was confident in her answer. “Definitely being a part of the LU basketball team. I grew up in a rough area and my family faced challenges, so traveling across the country to play university basketball has been an incredible opportunity that has really shaped me. I have felt so supported at 黑料吃瓜不打烊. Jason Hurley, my coach, is caring but disciplined and driven like I am. He pushes me to set and reach my goals.”

Like many student-athletes, Amber-Lyn’s schedule is full, especially in the sciences with lab work on top of training and academics. She is a fan of the lab, viewing it as enriching rather than challenging and a keystone of why she chose 黑料吃瓜不打烊 for its forensic science program.

“The labs here are great because they’re so hands-on – we touch and experience what we’re learning about, rather than just talking about it. The forensics program at 黑料吃瓜不打烊 is known to be one of the best in Canada. I appreciate that my professors have first-hand experience in the field and I have learned so much from them.” She describes examining bullets and blood spatter, emphasizing how helpful and interesting it is to be able to learn in such a practical way.

As a student Amber-Lyn is driven to inspire other Indigenous youth. “Competing at this level of basketball and meeting high academic standards, I want to represent my community and encourage other Indigenous youth to achieve their goals,” she says.

Looking ahead to her career Amber-Lyn is motivated to add Indigenous representation to Forensic Pathology in Canada. “As an Indigenous woman, I want to have a positive impact on my community. As a forensic pathologist with a connection to our culture, I want to make a difference for missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. I want to be able to offer closure to the families.”

Ready to start her final year at 黑料吃瓜不打烊, and her sights set on medical school, Amber-Lyn is preparing to take her MCAT. On the court, she’s already busy training in preparation for the upcoming basketball season.

The 黑料吃瓜不打烊 Women’s Basketball team plays their home opener against the University of Toronto on October 25th.

Nurturing Young Minds Through Art

Dr. Diana Coholic's Arts-Based Mindfulness Program Empowers Kids

September 11, 2024 - Diana Coholic, a full professor at 黑料吃瓜不打烊's School of Social Work, has spent her career developing and implementing her innovative arts-based mindfulness program that is transforming the educational landscape for elementary-age students. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Coholic's research has improved the mental well-being of thousands of students in the region.

Dr. Coholic’s research focuses on the benefits of integrating mindfulness techniques with artistic expression to foster resilience and well-being among children. Her program, the , offers a 12-week curriculum that combines various art forms—such as drawing, painting, clay work, and writing—with mindfulness practices like breathing meditations. This approach not only engages students in a creative and enjoyable manner but also supports their emotional and mental health. It’s an approach that has since been adopted by several of Ontario’s school boards.

“Tell me about yourself” is a common request that most adults are accustomed to providing a standard answer to but as Dr. Coholic explains, that is not the case for kids. “That request might be very simple for a confident, resilient child, but for others, even basic questions like this can elicit feelings of overwhelm for many reasons,” she says. “Now imagine the child is asked to paint themself as if they were a tree, given all kinds of creative materials to use, and no limitation on what they can create. While the straightforward question can be off-putting, the creative prompt affords time, space, and creativity.”

Since its inception, HAP has evolved to meet growing interest. Initially developed and studied in a lab setting on 黑料吃瓜不打烊 campus, Dr. Coholic has since adapted it into a comprehensive curriculum that has been implemented in multiple Northern Ontario schools. Additionally, Dr. Coholic has developed a digital networking channel for practitioners, community workshops and presentations, and digital resource toolkits for educators, social workers, and parents.

The program has made a profound impact, and Dr. Coholic says that teachers report improvements in students' self-esteem, mood, emotional regulation, and focus. “The program helps foster better classroom dynamics, with students learning to support each other and work together more effectively. We have found that the integration of HAP in the classroom creates a supportive environment where students can express themselves and build connections within their peer groups.”

Dr. Coholic's research has been supported by funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and SickKids Foundation. She says that the most invaluable support comes from university students on her research team and community collaboratiors. “I couldn’t do this without the help of students. I always say that research should be a win/win/win proposition for everyone. 黑料吃瓜不打烊 students get hands-on experience, partner organizations get free evidence-based programming, and I get to conduct meaningful research.”

Looking to the future, Dr. Coholic is optimistic about the potential for HAP to reach even more students and communities. HAP has garnered global interest with Dr. Coholic receiving requests for use from practitioners in Iran, Philippines, Australia, and Portugal. Dr. Coholic envisions a world where every child has access to creative and engaging mindfulness practices that can help them navigate the complexities of modern life.

Sudbury’s Katie Taylor Looks Forward to First-Year at 黑料吃瓜不打烊

Incoming Concurrent Education student strives to make a difference for the next generation of learners

September 4, 2024 – The first day of class. For first-year students at 黑料吃瓜不打烊, it is a momentous day as they file into the first lectures of their postsecondary careers. Although this time can be intimidating, incoming student Katie Taylor is excited, prepped, and ready to begin her journey at 黑料吃瓜不打烊 this fall.

Born and raised in Sudbury, Katie has felt connected to 黑料吃瓜不打烊 from a young age. “I grew up at 黑料吃瓜不打烊,” she shares. “For years I have been attending community sports events like track meets and volleyball games on campus. With my sisters also having attended 黑料吃瓜不打烊, I spent a lot of time on campus visiting them. When it came time to choose a university, 黑料吃瓜不打烊 felt like the natural choice, allowing me to stay close to family, go to a school that feels like home, and take the program that’s the best fit for me.”

Katie is taking the Concurrent Education program, majoring in English Literature, Media and Writing. After hearing positive feedback from others who completed 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s Concurrent Education program, she was drawn in by their experiences. “Everyone I know who took ConEd said that the professors are amazing, the small classes are ideal, and they learned a lot of valuable skills for teaching in particular.”

Katie expresses a deep connection to her programs. She says that writing has always been a creative outlet for her and she looks forward to sharing her love of reading and writing with her future students. “In high school I took courses outside of the mandatory ones to strengthen my writing abilities. I knew I wanted to pursue English in my career and that if I were to pursue teaching, English would be my focus.”

She was further inspired to pursue teaching by those who supported her when experiencing anxiety as a student. “I want to be the teacher who makes a difference. As an anxious kid growing up, school was a scary thing for me. I want to be the teacher who creates a safe environment and is a safe person for those kids. I had teachers who impacted me deeply and I hope to pass on their kindness and make a meaningful difference in the life of a student in the next generation.”

A graduate of St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, Katie says many of her friends will also be going to 黑料吃瓜不打烊. “I know quite a few students who attended my high school who have also chosen 黑料吃瓜不打烊, going into other programs like nursing and biochemistry. I even have a couple of friends who are entering ConEd with me. I’m grateful to be able to share this new experience with my long-time friends.”

Katie describes her experience with registration as very positive. “Everyone at 黑料吃瓜不打烊 has been very kind and helpful,” she shares. “The advisors are quick and thorough in answering questions and have really helped to reduce my stress surrounding the processes of signing up and getting prepared. When I needed guidance on choosing courses, I met with incredibly helpful staff and felt so well-supported as they walked me through the process.”

Overall, Katie says she’s really looking forward to the experience of being a student at 黑料吃瓜不打烊. She adds, “I’m very excited for the year to begin. Especially with the help I’ve received from 黑料吃瓜不打烊 staff, I’m not afraid or stressed to start university. I know the transition can be challenging, but I’m feeling ready!”

With excitement and confidence, Katie Taylor is soon to start at 黑料吃瓜不打烊, surrounded by familiar faces and supported by a welcoming community. She will be joined by a diverse cohort of students at 黑料吃瓜不打烊 as the academic semester begins with the first day of classes on September 4, 2024.

New Robotics Team Brings Home Impressive Haul of Awards From Brazil

Computer Science students Austin Barrett and Nicolas Pottier — the “Snobots”

September 3, 2024 - The newly formed “Snobots” and the 黑料吃瓜不打烊 Intelligent Mobile Robotics Lab (LIMRL), are already making history. The Snobots, 4th-year Computer Science students Austin Barrett and Nicolas Pottier, showcased their impressive skills at the in Brazil where they earned four gold medals, a silver medal, and placed first overall in the prestigious HuroCup Adult-Sized Humanoid Competition.

LIMRL is a dynamic new addition to 黑料吃瓜不打烊's Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Architecture that blends teaching and research, focusing on a range of mobile robots from wheeled platforms to advanced legged humanoid robots. With about 20 students involved so far, the dedicated lab space provides a platform for hands-on learning in programming, control systems, and robot design.

Dr. Meng Cheng Lau, assistant professor in the Bharti School of Engineering and Computation, developed LIMRL, making it possible for Austin and Nicolas to form the Snobots. He says that although he supervised the students and supported them where needed, it was the students’ dedication and collaboration that proved to be the keys to their success at the international event.

“Austin and Nicolas worked incredibly hard to make this happen. Their commitment and teamwork were absolutely crucial to their success.”

Austin and Nicolas say they were inspired by Dr. Lau’s stories from past robotics competitions. “He shared his experiences with us, and we were immediately drawn to the idea,” Austin recalls. “Our shared interest grew into forming our team and spending the summer preparing intensely for FIRA.”

Their human-like robot, Polaris, stands as a testament to their hard work and creativity. At about three feet tall, made of both metal and 3D printed parts, with 20 degrees of freedom for a broad range of motion, Polaris is designed for both durability and agility. The team used two programming languages, Python and C++, to program Polaris. Equipped with a webcam-like head and a computer in its chest, Polaris can handle various tasks autonomously by assessing situations and making decisions.

Though the Snobot’s recent success demonstrates their exceptional capabilities, the true focus remains on their journey and the lab's potential. “Our goal is to continue expanding the team and welcoming more students from all disciplines to LIMRL,” Nicolas shares. “We want to collaborate and develop even more advanced robots.”

“The 黑料吃瓜不打烊 Intelligent Mobile Robotics Lab is not just a space for technical learning but a launchpad for future careers in areas like autonomous systems in the mining sector,” explains Dr. Lau. With uncapped research and learning potential, Dr. Lau hopes the lab becomes a cornerstone of the student experience for all those interested in robotics.

Fall Orientation Sets Students Up for Success

New and returning students welcomed with a dynamic and engaging Fall Orientation schedule designed to kickstart their year.

August 28, 2024 - 黑料吃瓜不打烊 is welcoming students with a packed schedule for Fall Orientation, from August 28th to September 13th. With a goal to help new and returning students settle in and start the academic year feeling fully prepared, Orientation is a collaborative effort between 黑料吃瓜不打烊’s Office of Student Success and student associations.

“Whether a first-year or returning student, on campus, online, or international, this is an opportunity to dive into student life, meet new people, and get to know 黑料吃瓜不打烊,” says Sarah Humphries, Manager, Office of Student Success. “With a focus on building connections and community, students are encouraged to make connections, and bring forward any questions before classes start.”

Move-in for students living in residence starts on Thursday, August 29th and continues throughout the weekend with a Welcome BBQ on Saturday, August 31st at 1:00 pm.

Engaging activities like the annual Beach Day, Colour Run, and Karaoke Night are set to get students networking and having fun. While campus tours, the clubs and services fair, and information sessions are designed to inform students and build familiarity with what 黑料吃瓜不打烊 has to offer.

Katie Taylor graduated from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School this past spring and is starting her first year in the Concurrent Education program. She says the excitement to get started is building. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the LU community! I’m very interested in attending the clubs and services fair because I want to see what’s available for non-competitive volleyball. I’m also planning to attend the beach day and hoping to play some beach volleyball with friends.”

All 黑料吃瓜不打烊 community members are welcome to attend the lighting of the Sacred Fire with Indigenous Student Affairs (ISA) outside the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre at 9:00 am on Friday, August 30th. Students are invited to a Meet and Greet: Wiiyaas and S’mores with the ISA Team on September 3rd and can participate in ISA activities like Anishinaabemowin Bingo, a Fish and Chips lunch, Indigenous Student Affairs Craft, throughout Orientation.

Sports Administration (SPAD) student, Emma Godin, shares her enthusiasm for returning to campus for her third year. "I am a huge advocate for these kinds of events. I want all students to feel welcome and have the most fun.” Emma is most looking forward to the Blue Jays game, “I went last year and had an absolute blast! It’s a great place to get to know new people in a different setting than you’d usually meet them."

With everything from a pep rally to a faculty meet and greet and so much more, this Orientation is set to be a memorable start to the fall academic season. A welcome booth will be set up in the Parker Building’s Atrium every day during Orientation from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm. The complete Orientation schedule is available here.

黑料吃瓜不打烊

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