Author: Jennie Bartosik

Leaders Wanted!

Interested in more than just a degree? Gain invaluable experience and skills by joining the UVSS Board of Directors. We’re looking for Faculty of Science students to join the board to maximize academic diversity!

Why You Should Run

• Professional Development: Gain real-world experience in governance, financial planning, and project management.
• Networking: Connect with professionals, faculty, and fellow students in various disciplines.
• Skill Building: Develop leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills you’ll use throughout your career.

How to Run

1. Gather Support

Collect names and Vnumbers from 15 undergrad students who back your nomination.

2. Submit Nomination

The clock is ticking! Get your form in by Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00pm.

3. Campaign 

Online voting is from Oct 22-25. Get your message out there!

Additional Resources

• Candidate Handbook — your guide to success
• Nomination Form (Google login required)— access your key to entry by Wednesday, October 11 at 5:00pm
• UVSS Elections website and Instagram

Contact Us

DM, email, or book a meeting

— UVSS Elections
uvsselections.com

Looking for a summer internship in life science research?

The 2024 IRIC Next Generation Competition program offers undergraduate students an enriching opportunity to conduct a 12-week or a 16-week summer internship in research at IRIC at Montreal.

+ Details, projects and eligibility criteria

Want to know more? Join our virtual information session!

• November 14, 12:00 pm (EST) in French> Click here
• November 15, 12:00 pm (EST) in English> Click here

No registration necessary, just click on the link at the date and time of the meeting.

This program is open to students enrolled in the following programs:

Bioinformatics / Biochemistry / Biomedical Engineering / Biomedical Sciences / Chemistry / Informatics / Molecular Biology / Microbiology and Immunology / Pathology and Cellular Biology / Pharmaceuticals Sciences / Pharmacology / Physics

Value of the funding:

$5,316 – 12-week internship
$7,088 – 16-week internship

> List of projects offered in Summer 2024

APPLICATION DEADLINE: MONDAY, DECEMBER 4th, 2023, 9:00 A.M. (EST)

Apply now

The University of Victoria Optical Society (UVOS) is a student based group founded in 2013 that promotes student research in optics and photonics. We currently have two sponsors; Optica and the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). Currently, we are run by a group of graduate students across three faculties (Chemistry, Physics, and Electrical Engineering) with biweekly meetings, chalk talks, and other events.

As a student member of either SPIE or Optica you get access to a free journal subscription, opportunities for scholarships and financial assistance for conferences, and all the events we put on here at UVIC! We are searching for any students interested in optics and photonics from any faculty. If you are interested, send us an email at uvicos@uvic.ca.

We will be hosting the first event of our chalk talk series on Friday, Sept 29 at 4:30 pm in the Grad house (in the Side project room). Light refreshments will be provided. The goal of the chalk talks will be to provide an overview of an area within optics without any graph or equations. This week’s talk will on optical fiber sensors! Drop by if you are interested in exploring fascinating optical phenomena. See attached poster!

Thank you,
Layla Haddad and Arthur Giron
SPIE/ OPTICA Secretaries
University of Victoria Optical Society

Caroline Gibson Scholarship in Marine Studies
Academic Year 2023 – 2024

Inviting Applications September 1, 2023

ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP
In honor of Caroline Gibson’s enduring love and commitment to the Salish Sea, the Northwest Straits Foundation is pleased to invite applications for the Caroline Gibson Scholarship in Marine Studies. Scholarships support current college students pursuing academic studies in marine science, policy, education and management of the Salish Sea.

Three scholarships of $3,500 will be awarded to undergraduate or graduate students in the Salish Sea region of Washington and British Columbia. Applications are being accepted until October 1, 2023. Scholarship recipients will be announced on October 14, 2023.

During her career in the Northwest Straits, Caroline served as Director of the Northwest Straits Foundation, as Marine Program Manager at the Northwest Straits Commission, and as a member of the Jefferson Marine Resources Committee. Her spark and passion inspired others to not just talk about marine conservation, but to roll up their sleeves and do it!

Caroline Gibson worked tirelessly protecting and restoring the Salish Sea. One of her greatest contributions was raising attention to bull kelp and creating a monitoring network to greatly expand availability of data for its protection.

Caroline used her knowledge of the fishing industry and strong personal relationships to assist NOAA in driving an effort to engage commercial fishers in ways preventing lost derelict fishing gear. The candid conversations she fostered, and insights she gathered, led to improved fishing practices and reduced net loss. Caroline passed away in July, 2021 so we’re carrying on her work by supporting the next generation of marine conservationists.

ABOUT THE NORTHWEST STRAITS FOUNDATION
Our mission statement is to protect and restore the health of the marine ecosystem by promoting and implementing science-based restoration and stewardship, enhancing collaboration and attracting resources for the work of the Northwest Straits Initiative.

Since our founding in 2001, the Foundation has invested millions of dollars of public funds and private contributions in marine conservation, restoration and education across the seven-county region comprising the Northwest Straits of the Salish Sea.

The Caroline Gibson Scholarship is made possible by the generous support of her friends, family and donors like you. To learn more, please visit: http://www.nwstraitsfoundation.org

APPLICATION PROCESS
Please submit a completed application comprised of the essay questions and supporting details listed below:

1. Your name, mailing address, phone and email.
2. Education information: university attending; degree program and major; anticipated graduation; and, why you chose this school or program.
3. Tell us what makes you a good candidate for this scholarship.
a. Essay 1: What is the most important environmental issue facing the Salish Sea today?
(500 – 1000 words)
b. Essay 2: How do you hope to be involved in marine conservation as a result of your studies? (500 – 1000 words)
c. Essay 3: Please describe a marine or terrestrial conservation project you’ve been involved in and how it was successful. (250 – 500 words)
4. Please provide three references with at least one being academic. Include name, title,
address, email and phone.

Email your completed application to don@nwstraitsfoundation.org titled “Caroline Gibson Scholarship Application.”

You may email don@nwstraitsfoundation.org with questions about the scholarship application. Please allow one-to-two days for a response.

Thanks for sharing our commitment to a healthy and resilient Salish Sea!

We want to let you know about an exciting new support opportunity for students who were the first in their family to attend university, sometimes referred to as “first generation” or “first-gen”. Over the past year, we have created a mentorship program called “First in Class”. It consists of faculty all across campus who were themselves first gen students, who want to offer extra support and guidance to students who are navigating the unfamiliar world of the university. We know first hand how challenging it can be to not have family to turn to for advice about courses, careers, and all of the unfamiliar rules and norms of higher education.

If you are interested in joining our program and finding a mentor, please go to: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/J9J523V  This short survey will tell you a bit more about our program and also invite you to sign up. Once we receive your email address/survey responses, we can put you on our contact list and advise you how to seek your mentor.

We are also planning faculty/student social events through the year, and the first one is on October 12th from 5-7pm (on campus). Details will be provided when you contact us! We look forward to hearing from you!

Catherine Léger (FRAN), Colette Smart (PSYC), and Su Urbanczyk (LING)

The Division of Medical Sciences is offering MEDS 410: Functional Human Neuroanatomy in the up-coming Spring 2024 semester.

Starting in January 2024, this course examines the neuroanatomy of the brain and spinal cord, using specific case studies to elucidate our current understanding of brain-function relationships. The coursework is supplemented by an intensive laboratory component.

Please visit the course description on the UVic calendar for additional details. If you require assistance with registration for this course, please email Karinna Vasquez Castro at dmsadmin@uvic.ca.

My name is Ashley Howald, and I am the Vice President of Outreach for the Canadian Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (CPVMA). The CPVMA is a not-for-profit organization to unite those considering a career in veterinary medicine. We aim to create enduring connections between pre-veterinary students, undergraduate veterinary clubs, veterinary schools, veterinarians, and other veterinary professionals through innovative laboratories, workshops, educational seminars, and networking opportunities.

We are excited to announce that Canada’s second annual Pre-Veterinary Symposium will occur virtually from August 11th to 13th, 2023. The symposium’s theme will center on One Health & the Human-Animal Bond and will showcase 18 speakers from diverse fields. To view the current list of speakers, kindly refer to this link: https://cpvma.ca/our-guest-speakers-2023/.

This symposium will allow students in veterinary medicine to gain knowledge from leading experts in various fields of veterinary medicine, delve into the latest research and engage in meaningful discussions. The One Health theme is essential for students interested in veterinary medicine, as it recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. It also emphasizes the importance of disease prevention and control measures as it highlights the transmission of diseases between animals and humans. Veterinary medicine professionals play a significant role in detecting and monitoring diseases, providing valuable insights into potential human outbreaks. Additionally, they promote responsible animal agriculture practices and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Embracing One Health principles in veterinary medicine can improve public health and well-being.

It would be greatly appreciated if you could kindly share this information with your students. To access all three days of this event, there will be a cost of $10 CAD per person. For registration, please see this link: https://site.pheedloop.com/event/cpvma2023/register#category.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you,

Ashley Howald
Vice President – Outreach
–
The Canadian Pre-Veterinary Medical Association | L’Association des pré-médecins vétérinaires
Website: cpvma.ca
Email: cpvma.acpmv@gmail.com
Instagram: @cpvma.acpmv
Facebook: @cpvma.acpmv

Position: Research Assistant

Salary: $18 per hour
Hours: Part-time (approximately 8-10 hours per week)
Timeframe: August-October, with possibility of renewal
Location: Hybrid remote and in-person based at the University of Victoria

Job Summary:
The research assistant will be based at the Digital Health Lab within the School of Exercise Science, Physical & Health Education (University of Victoria). The research assistant will help conduct research studies focused on physical activity promotion and mobile health technology. Responsibilities include participant recruitment and data collection.

Duties:
• Assist with participant recruitment (e.g. calling or emailing participants).
• Download and track research surveys and other data.
• Assist with mailing FitBit devices and other study materials to research participants. • Work with Research Lab Manager to ensure project is on track and meets the expected milestones, outputs, and deliverables.
• Coordinate documentation and communication for the research study. • Contribute to developing research protocols and standard operating protocols.
• Other responsibilities as required.
Qualifications: • Working toward or completed an undergraduate degree in a health science-related field (e.g., kinesiology, psychology, biology, medical science).
• Demonstrated high level of attention to detail (e.g., accurate data management).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Functional knowledge of regulations relating to conducting research (e.g., research ethics, information security/confidentiality). • Ability to effectively use Excel, Teams, Word, and Zoom at an advanced level.
• Previous experience as a research assistant or with recruitment phone calls is an asset.

Please submit CV and cover letter by July 30, 2023 to:
Rebecca Jantzen
Research Lab Manager
Digital Health Lab
digitalhealthstudies@uvic.ca

Anticipated start date: August 8, 2023

Have you considered adding an international exchange to your degree?

The UVic International Centre for Students Exchange Program allows you to study at one of our 70+ partner universities around the world while gaining UVic credits and paying UVic tuition fees!

Our next application deadline is August 1, 2023 for a Spring 2024 exchange.

Any questions? Reach out to us at goglobal@uvic.ca and we would be happy to discuss with you!

An invitation for research (below) is being sent on behalf of Jada Huang, and Miguel Nacenta. Your email has not been shared with them. Please email them if you are interested in participating in the study. Thank you.

Hi, I’m Jada Huang, a fourth-year Psychology and Computer Science student at the University of Victoria. My area of interest lies in the field of information request methods, such as surveys, questionnaires, and other similar forms. I am particularly interested in how individuals manage and respond to such requests. Understanding this process could lead to improvements in software and tools used by survey participants and creators. Developers might know the need of actual users and they may add new features to facilitate the needs.

Please note that some conditions apply to participation and that you will be screened before the experiment takes place.

You must be:
• An adult aged 19 years or older who uses computers
• Have completed or are enrolled in a minimum Bachelor’s degree
• Proficient in reading and understanding the English language
• Have experience answering or creating information requests such as surveys, questionnaires, etc.

You are being invited to participate in this research study. We would be delighted if you would be willing to: (A) Go through a screening process for participation, (B) Read the consent form, and (C) Complete the survey.

We estimate that this will take 20-25 minutes of your time. Please let us know if you would be willing to participate and any questions you might have for our study.

We will openly publish the results as a thesis and/or papers so everyone can benefit from them, all the information we are collecting will be anonymous. We will handle all the responses and data confidentially. This is a purely academic study.

Thank you for your interest!

Jada Huang and Miguel Nacenta, University of Victoria
Email: jadahuang@uvic.ca, nacenta@uvic.ca

Rhodes Scholarship applications open June 1

Rhodes Scholarships support students to complete a graduate program (or second undergraduate program) at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom.  Funding includes course fees, an annual stipend, a settling in allowance, and two economy class flights for the beginning and end of studies in Oxford.  A variety of programs are supported (e.g., 1- or 2-year master’s, second undergraduate, or 3-year doctoral program).  Rhodes Scholarships are open to domestic and international students with a minimum GPA of 8.0 who meet the eligibility criteria set out by the Rhodes Trust.

Important note:  Rhodes scholarships have different eligibility criteria, application instructions, and deadlines for each constituency.  Visit the Faculty of Graduate Studies Rhodes Scholarship page for application instructions and more information.  Applicants to the Canada, United States, and Global constituencies must provide a copy of their complete application to the Faculty of Graduate Studies by the UVic internal deadline in order to be considered for an endorsement (nomination) from UVic.

Constituency	Applications open	UVic internal deadline	Rhodes external deadline
Canada	June 1, 2023	August 1, 2023	September 28, 2023
United States	July 1, 2023	August 1, 2023	October 4, 2023
Global	June 1, 2023	June 23, 2023	August 1, 2023
Other constituencies	Varies	Not applicable	Varies

For questions or more information please contact Lisa Pender at fgsaward2@uvic.ca

Ocean Wise is excited to invite you to two World Oceans Week Events that will be hosted in Victoria on Saturday June 10^th!

Saturday, June 10^th 1:00-3:00 – Ocean Wise Shoreline Cleanup

• Location: Meet at Songhees Park Plaza
• Register here

Saturday, June 10^th 5:00-7:00 – Building Bridges Networking Victoria

• Location: KWENCH – 2031 Store St, Victoria, BC V8T 5L9
• Register here for free!
• Connect with like-minded ocean loving people to learn, support, and empower each other’s work.
• Free food will be provided, and you will have the opportunity to participate in the open mic portion where you can share anything related to our ocean!

To learn more about Ocean Wise Youth opportunities, check out this Trello Board! For any follow up questions please contact Francesca.marquez@ocean.org