Craigdarroch Research Awards 2012
Passion, enthusiasm, a commitment to making a difference in our lives—these are the qualities that are shared by all winners of the Craigdarroch Research Awards, and this year’s “class” is no exception. The 2012 Craigdarroch Research Awards, which honour achievement in research at UVic, were presented at a celebration event on May 1.
Gibbons given Tait McKenzie Award
Dr. Sandy Gibbons (exercise science, physical and health education) has been recognized by Physical and Health Education Canada with its most prestigious award: the R. Tait McKenzie Honour Award. This award is named after the distinguished Canadian physician, sculptor and physical educator Dr. R. Tait McKenzie, and is given to Canadians who epitomize his professional ideals, service to humanity and dedication to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of physical and health education. Gibbons is one of two Canadians honoured this year. She is being recognized for her outstanding teaching career as well as her school-based scholarship and research in physical education.
McKinnon named CIS All-Canadian
Vikes guard Ryan MacKinnon was named as a second-team CIS All-Canadian March 8, becoming the first Vikes men’s basketball player since Chris Trumpy (2005/6) to earn All-Canadian recognition and the 21st winner in the program’s history. A fifth-year education student from Comox, BC, MacKinnon had a stellar final season, leading UVic to the Canada West Final Four. With plans to explore options as a professional player, MacKinnon finishes his career with 204 career three-pointers, good for fifth all-time in Canada West play.
Film explores soldiers' PTSD, transitions home
Canada’s military may have left Afghanistan, but the toll of their tours of duty is still having an impact. According to Judy Jackson’s new documentary War in the Mind, 15 per cent of the country’s soldiers are affected by post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There will be a free public showing of the film on March 14 at 7 p.m. in MacLaurin A144 (David Lam Auditorium).
Yore honoured
Dr. Larry Yore (education) was awarded the 2012 Distinguished Contributions to Science Education through Research Award by the Virginia-based National Association for Research in Science Teaching (NARST). “This award is a nice way to end a formal career,” said Yore, who retired from UVic this year and is now a Distinguished Professor Emeritus. “It also encourages me to stay active in research and validates the area of research that looks at language’s roles in constructing, reporting and persuading others about the importance of making science accessible to everyone.”
Batman, Iron Man and me
The tipping point for me was a Friday afternoon five years ago. I was sitting in my office searching Google Scholar for publication information on one of my recent papers. My most heavily cited paper at the time had about 150 citations. In my scientific domain, anything over 100 was considered a very high-impact paper. But what if that number really means that only 150 people read my paper? Was 150 readers an acceptable impact?
Local students benefit from after-school outreach
Just over two years ago UVic’s Faculty of Education learned that an anonymous graduate of Victoria College, a former teacher, had left the faculty an estate worth $700,000. The only instructions—spend it to enhance the education of children.
Honouring this year’s top teachers
At Convocation, the University of Victoria celebrates the accomplishments of our students and the great promise that they bring as they enter on a new stage of their careers. It is also an occasion when we recognize the outstanding talent, dedication and creativity of the faculty members and other teaching staff who provide such a high quality of education to our students.
Education dean reappointed
Dr. Ted Riecken has been reappointed for a three-year term as dean of the Faculty of Education. “Dean Riecken is a strong advocate and ambassador for the faculty,” says Reeta Tremblay, vice-president academic and provost. “He is highly regarded within the university community and amongst the government ministries and agencies that oversee education.” Riecken holds an MEd in curriculum from University of Saskatchewan and an EdD in curriculum and instruction from UBC. He is an accomplished teacher and scholar in areas related to educational technology, school culture, youth violence, participatory research and Aboriginal education. His term took effect on July 1, 2011.
Board gives green light to CARSA facility
UVic’s Board of Governors has approved funding for the construction of the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities and the renovation of the McKinnon Building. Among other features, the $59-million project will include a performance gymnasium, field house and a state-of-the-art fitness and weight-training space. It will greatly enhance UVic’s health-related research and educational programs by providing room for teaching and research for the Department of Exercise Science, Physical and Health Education.
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