Featured in this issue:
- Planetary alignment expert
- What's in store for Island tourism?
- How honeybees are affected by climate change
- VIU's largest student research conference
Reach out to us for experts for your stories!
Featured experts
Dr. Gregory Arkos on planetary alignment
Five planets – Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Uranus and Mars – will line up near the moon this week. Dr. Gregory Arkos, a Professor in the Physics, Engineering and Astronomy department, can explain how to catch the show. Reach out by email to chat with him.
Salmon bacteria research
Dr. Spencer Russell is developing better tools to detect and manage bacterial infections in salmon. He has received NSERC and Mitacs grants to pursue this research. Learn more.
Island makes most beautiful places list
The secret is out! CNN has named Vancouver Island one of the most beautiful places in the world. What makes the Island a special place to visit? How's the tourism industry preparing for the summer season? Jenn Houtby-Ferguson, a VIU Recreation and Tourism Professor who served as Interim Executive Director for Tourism Nanaimo for the past two years, can share what’s happening now in the Island tourism industry and her predictions for what’s to come. Email her directly to arrange an interview.
- Dr. Jamie Gorrell, a VIU Biology Professor, is researching how to protect the Vancouver Island marmot, a species only found on the Island. The Vancouver Island marmot was on the brink of extinction and remains on the endangered species list.
VIU in the news
Honeybees and climate change
Fourth-year Geography honours student Sierre De Buysscher-Nailor is researching the impacts of climate change on the health and habitat of the western honeybee. Using climate modelling data, she has determined that honeybees can expect up to 30 fewer days of foraging activity by the end of the century under a high-emissions scenario. Learn more.
How does music affect the mind?
Psychology student and musician Mikaila Tombe is researching why people respond the way they do to different types of music. This could have impacts on how people learn and communicate with others. Learn more.
VIU psychedelic research centre on CBC Indigenous
“I feel that this is an opportunity to explore something that may be a response to some of the health issues that Indigenous people are facing.” VIU researchers were recently profiled by CBC Indigenous. VIU Professor Dr. Georgina Martin, the co-lead of the Naut sa mawt Centre for Psychedelic Research, says Indigenous knowledge is key to exploring how psychedelic substances can help treat a variety of disorders related to mental health. Read more in CBC Indigenous.
Campus events
VIU's largest student research conference
CREATE 2023 is happening April 3 to 6. Students will be showcasing their research from the entire year in the cafeteria (Building 300). Highlights include:
- SHORTS Film Fest in the Malaspina Theatre on Monday, April 3, 4 to 6 pm
- Photography exhibit (online)
- Poster & presentation sessions throughout the week
Visit the CREATE schedule of events page for more details.
Deep Bay seafood demo & tours
Join us at VIU’s Deep Bay Marine Field Station on April 1. Check out educational displays, kid-friendly science activities, touch tanks, the shellfish research facility and informal cooking demonstrations from local seafood companies. Learn more.
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