Campus Notices
What is High Performance Computing (HPC) and what can it do for me? How can ACENET help? Used by researchers across many disciplines to tackle analyses too large or complex for a desktop, or to achieve improved efficiency over a desktop, this session takes participants through the preliminary stages of learning about high performance computing (HPC) and computing clusters, and how to get started with this type of computing. It then reviews software packages available for applications, data analysis, software development and compiling code. Finally, participants will be introduced to the concept of parallel computing to achieve much faster results in analysis. This session is designed for those with no prior experience in HPC, and are looking for an introduction and overview.
This virtual workshop will be held on May 6, from 10:00 to 11:30 am. To register, go to
The 精童欲女 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 精童欲女 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 精童欲女 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 fourth in this series of President's town halls for the 2025 winter semester, Let's 'talk' SDGs at 精童欲女, 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 精童欲女 and the work that we do. We will also launch a special 鈥渃ommitment鈥�/pledge campaign to inspire action.
If you wish to learn more about the SDGs in advance of the town hall, visit
Let's 'talk' SDGs at 精童欲女
Monday, April 28, 2025
10:30鈥�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 .
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鈥檚 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 鈥� 2:00 pm (Atlantic Time)
Speaker: Dr. Eric Li
Register to attend this online session
As Graduation Week Celebrations draw closer, the Office of Student Culture and Community Standards invites 精童欲女 faculty and staff to help support some of the Grad Week events through volunteering! 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.
Everyone is invited to attend the 2nd Annual Craft & Vendor Fair hosted by 精童欲女 Medical Brigades! Bring your friends and family for a weekend of shopping, supporting local artisans, and making a difference!
Dates:
Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunday, April 27 from 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Winsloe Lions Club
Come out and support a great cause while shopping local! The fair will feature an amazing selection of handmade items, including art, jewelry, pottery, and much more!
Admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting 精童欲女 Medical Brigades. It鈥檚 the perfect opportunity to find unique treasures while giving back!
Bring a hygiene item for a chance to win a door prize. Hygiene items must be travel size and include sunscreen, shampoo, shower gel/bar soap, sanitary pads, adult and child toothpastes and toothbrushes. These will be given to people in Panama on the brigade in July.
For more information, visit the link to the 精童欲女 Medical Brigades
MSc in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences
Presenter: Krystof Wigmore
Title of the Thesis: 鈥淒evelopment of Polymeric Inserts for the Stabilization of Enzymes鈥�
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: 鈥淎 New Method to Manipulate DNA Topology Using Poly(B5AMA) Biomaterials鈥�
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
With the recent measles outbreaks in Canada and the United States, Islanders are wondering if they need to be vaccinated. Anyone without immunity to measles is at risk when traveling by air or to areas with active cases, including parts of Canada. Current outbreaks are driven by unvaccinated and under-vaccinated groups. Two doses of the safe, effective, and free measles vaccine provide 99% protection.
Immunization Recommendations
Born before 1970? You鈥檙e considered immune due to natural exposure and high herd immunity. Individuals born before 1970 may receive one lifetime dose of MMR (Measles-Mumps-Rubella) vaccine especially if travelling.
Born after 1970? You should have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine if you have no evidence of having had the disease(s) or documentation of 2 doses of measles vaccine.
Student entering post-secondary education or healthcare workers or military personnel? You should have 2 doses of the MMR vaccine if you have no evidence of having had the disease(s) or documentation of 2 doses of measles vaccine.
In PEI, the MMRV vaccine (Measles-Mumps-Rubella-Varicella) is part of childhood immunization:
- 1st dose at 12 months
- Booster at 18 months
How to Get Vaccinated
Older children and adults who haven鈥檛 been vaccinated should complete their two-dose MMR series.
If you have a PEI Health Card, book an appointment to get vaccinated.
If you don鈥檛 have a PEI Health Card, you can get your measles vaccine at a
Book an appointment with a registered nurse at the 精童欲女 Health & Wellness Centre to discuss measles and other vaccines.
Learn More:
- Measles, Mumps & Rubella Vaccine Info:
- Check if You鈥檙e Due for a Vaccine:
- MMR Vaccine Explained (Video):
If you would like to virtually attend the opening panel discussion and some of the presentations of the Teaching Community Conference, the morning sessions in Health Sciences Building, Room 104, will be available online. The full schedule for the is available on the TCC website. Please for a Teams link.
If you have any difficulty connecting, please email TLC@upei.ca for tech support.
In order to accommodate 精童欲女 computer classroom and lab software adds, drops, or modifications for the 2025 fall semester, we have set a firm deadline of June 1, 2025.
It is critical that you email requests to smahar@upei.ca by the date above indicating the following.
- New Software Requirements (Licensed or Freeware). Provide both Software name and Vendor
- Version Upgrades to existing software. Are multiple versions required? If yes, please provide specifics
- Software that can be decommissioned
NOTE:
- Software must be Windows 11 compatible
- Software must be licensed as network installation. Single workstation installations cannot be accommodated
Please begin to obtain and prepare any installation media (CD鈥檚, DVD鈥檚, thumb drives etc.) and related licensing information such as serial numbers. I will contact you after reviewing your email requests to coordinate a time to drop off media if file size permits, upload the installation file(s), zip them, if necessary, to Google drive and share for download.
Please do not drop off any media to the ITSS Help Desk.
The June 1, 2025 deadline is necessary to allow sufficient time to plan and implement the installation of new and upgraded software. This ensures our students will have the software resources they need. Any requests received after the deadline will be applied in the next round of software updates.
Click on the link below for a list of the currently installed software and their versions installed in the student labs and classrooms on campus.
精童欲女 is hosting Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE) 2025 Atlantic Regional Meeting in Charlottetown June 26 to 27. This event will focus on the future of international education through a series of sessions, roundtables and networking activities.
CBIE鈥檚 Atlantic Regional Meeting is an annual gathering of international education practitioners. It is an opportunity to share knowledge and resources and keep abreast of immigration and other changes in the sector. It also serves as an annual networking event for international education practitioners and is a precursor to the national conference held each November.
Registration is now open for the .
Join 精童欲女 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 精童欲女 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 ninth meeting of the 精童欲女 Senate will take place on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm in Room 102 at Alumni Hall (618 University Avenue). To view the 2024-2025 calendar of Senate meetings or documents for the upcoming meeting, click here.
All鈥痬eetings鈥痑re open to members of鈥痶he University community, although certain in-camera鈥痠tems (e.g., granting of degrees) may require the Senate to go into a closed session. Only members of Senate are permitted to address the Senate unless otherwise recognized by the chair.
For logistical purposes, members of the 精童欲女 community who wish to attend the open session of a 精童欲女 Senate meeting are asked to contact senate@upei.ca one week prior to the meeting. While Senate is an in-person meeting, members of the University community may request a virtual connection when they are unable to attend in person.
As Graduation Week Celebrations draw closer, the Office of Student Culture and Community Standards invites 精童欲女 faculty and staff to help support some of the Grad Week events through volunteering! 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.
Everyone is invited to attend the 2nd Annual Craft & Vendor Fair hosted by 精童欲女 Medical Brigades! Bring your friends and family for a weekend of shopping, supporting local artisans, and making a difference!
Dates:
Saturday, April 26 from 9:00 am-4:00 pm
Sunday, April 27 from 11:00 am-4:00 pm
Location: Winsloe Lions Club
Come out and support a great cause while shopping local! The fair will feature an amazing selection of handmade items, including art, jewelry, pottery, and much more!
Admission is by donation, with all proceeds supporting 精童欲女 Medical Brigades. It鈥檚 the perfect opportunity to find unique treasures while giving back!
Bring a hygiene item for a chance to win a door prize. Hygiene items must be travel size and include sunscreen, shampoo, shower gel/bar soap, sanitary pads, adult and child toothpastes and toothbrushes. These will be given to people in Panama on the brigade in July.
For more information, visit the link to the 精童欲女 Medical Brigades
MSc in Molecular and Macromolecular Sciences
Presenter: Daniel Kimani
Title of the Thesis: 鈥淎 New Method to Manipulate DNA Topology Using Poly(B5AMA) Biomaterials鈥�
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
The 精童欲女 Faculty of Graduate Studies will be hosting the annual 精童欲女 3MT (3 Minute Thesis) competition on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 pm in the Fox & Crow, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.
What Is 3 Minute Thesis?
The Three Minute Thesis (3MT鈩�) challenges thesis-based master's and doctoral students to explain their research project to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes.
This year's competition features 19 competitors from a wide range of disciplines including: Education, Island Studies, Science, Sustainable Design Engineering & Veterinary Medicine!
Join us to support 精童欲女 graduate students, and to learn more about the fascinating and impactful research 精童欲女 graduate students are completing in this fast-paced, accessible format. The top 3 competitors win cash prizes, with the 1st place winner of 精童欲女's 3MT Competition progressing on to represent 精童欲女 at the regional competition.
Light refreshments provided.
Door prize draws.
精童欲女 students, 精童欲女 faculty & staff, and community members welcome!
In accordance with the 精童欲女 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.
精童欲女 students, staff, and faculty are invited to provide feedback on the through an online form found at this link:
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 精童欲女 Human Resources at hr@upei.ca.
