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Book captures late cartographer’s passion for history

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When Alun Hughes passed away in 2013, he left behind a legacy — and a collection of rich historical research.

Believing his work deserves much more than to collect dust on a shelf, his Brock Geography colleagues came together recently to create a book of his essays to share with new audiences.

Hughes’ friends, colleagues, family members and supporters gathered to celebrate the release of the publication, History Made in Niagara, on Wednesday, May 29 at Pond Inlet.

Alun Hughes.

Although trained as a cartographer, Hughes had an enormous appetite for local history and wrote extensively on the geography and history of the Niagara region.

Hughes was a longtime member of the Department of Geography. Former colleagues, Professors Mike Ripmeester and David Butz and retired cartographer Loris Gasparotto, compiled the essays and oversaw production of the book.

“We assembled them into this volume to honour Alun’s memory, and because we think they deserve a second life,” said Ripmeester.

That opinion was obviously shared by those who attended the launch of History Made in Niagara to purchase their own copies and hear the tributes to the author.

Mike Pisaric, current Chair of Geography and Tourism Studies, considered Hughes both a colleague and a teacher, and credits Hughes for his own cartography skills.

He noted Hughes’ considerable contribution to the development of the department over his four-decade career, leading the transition of its program from traditional cartography methods to geomatics.

David Sharron, Head of Brock’s Archives and Special Collections, recalled his early days when Hughes, a well-known contrarian, would come into the library.

Ffion Hughes, daughter of the late Alun Hughes, thanked her father’s former colleagues on behalf of the family for their work putting together a book in his name.

At first, Sharron found Hughes intimidating. Later, the two became friends and Sharron would often consult Hughes as an authority on local history.

Hughes’ wife, Joyce Little, donated his extensive files to the Brock library, “so, in a sense, he is still our go-to guy,” said Sharron.

Ffion Hughes thanked her father’s former colleagues on behalf of the family and shared memories of growing up in a house where “historical research doubled as child care.” As a child, she often accompanied him on his field trips. Now studying history at McGill University, she admits to having “caught the history bug” from her father.

“We hope readers are left with a sense of our admiration for Alun’s historical research, our appreciation of his efforts to present it in a lively and accessible form, and our affection for him as a colleague,” said Ripmeester.

The editors hope to see History Made in Niagara for sale in local bookstores soon. For now, the book is available for $35 by calling the Department of Geography and Tourism Studies at 905-688-5550 x3514 or x3484.


CCOVI scientist’s grapevine virus research gets global recognition

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Grapevine virus testing research has earned a senior scientist at Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) international recognition.

Grapevine Virologist Sudarsana Poojari’s research has been evaluated by a French research group and published in the reputed EPPO Bulletin, the official publication of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO).

Poojari’s virus test is cited in the EPPO publication titled “Selection, optimization and characterization of molecular tests for the detection of Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV).”

The authors recommend the protocol published by Poojari and his co-authors be used in post-entry quarantine purposes as well as virus surveys on grapevines worldwide. TRSV is a quarantine virus in Canada that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has protocols in place to test imported grapevines for.

The recognition, Poojari said, helps to bring awareness to this area of research.

“Through CCOVI’s grapevine virology lab, we offer commercial virus testing and also work in collaboration with researchers across Canada,” he said. “Our main focus is to deliver better and accurate diagnostic services and having this kind of recognition is important for the Canadian grape and wine industry, as well as the research programs that we are carrying out.”

Poojari joined CCOVI last summer to establish the virus testing service and since then his team has performed almost 30,000 virus tests. Grapevines, like other plants, are susceptible to virus and virus-like agents that can negatively impact the health and quality of the vine and its products. They can be spread from plant to plant through virus-infected planting material as well as by some insect species.

CCOVI’s ongoing research and testing, in partnership with Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc., is helping grape growers detect and manage these diseases.

This laboratory work supports the federally funded Canadian Grape and Wine Science Cluster, a collaborative project which includes university researchers, federal research scientists, grape growers and industry partners in Ontario, B.C., Quebec and Nova Scotia. It’s overseen by the national grape and wine not-for-profit, Canadian Grapevine Certification Network, which is working to advance the $9-billion industry with a sustainable supply of quality grapevine material.

“In Canada, we don’t have a grapevine certification program. Now that the Canadian Grapevine Certification Network has been formed, the industry is moving forward to establish such a program” Poojari said. “It’s important to keep grapevines clean of viruses because once they are infected, there is no cure. Growers have to remove and replace them with healthy, virus-free ones.”

Poojari’s research paper that was cited was published in the Journal of Virological Methods entitled “SYBR® Green-based real-time quantitative reverse-transcription PCR for detection and discrimination of grapevine viruses”.

Grade 4 students learning the business of lemonade

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Local elementary students received a sweet introduction to entrepreneurship this spring while planning lemonade stands with the help of Brock University’s Goodman School of Business.

Goodman Lemonade is leading Grade 4 students from Glynn A. Green Public School in Fonthill through the process of building a for-profit business. After being guided through the entrepreneurship basics, the students have been designing lemonade stands that will be set up at Brock University from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 6 in Jubilee Court.

This is the third year the University has hosted Goodman Lemonade. Previously, Grade 4 students from Cardinal Newman Catholic Elementary School in Niagara Falls and Power Glen School in St. Catharines participated in the initiative run by Goodman Group Venture Development (formerly BioLinc) and student club Brock Innovation Group.

“We want to introduce the concept of entrepreneurship at a young age,” said organizer Cassie Price, Goodman Group Venture Development Co-ordinator. “It’s also a great opportunity to have our student leaders work with the community.”

Divided into seven teams, the students will compete to see which group can make the most profit with the $50 seed money they were given. The students will use the market research they completed to customize their product and stand to maximize their returns.

For Goodman Dean Andrew Gaudes, the event represents a chance to introduce basic business skills to young students early and get them exposed to what goes into running your own company.

“The creativity and energy that comes from children who are having their first experience with an entrepreneurial venture is inspiring,” he said. “It underscores the importance of presenting alternative career options, such as running your own business, as early as possible.”

The activity ties into the Grade 4 curriculum well, reinforcing concepts students have learned in class this year, including measuring volume, using decimal points, plotting data and making graphs.

Dierk Mueller, one of the teachers participating this year, said he’s surprised at how much his students have enjoyed participating in Goodman Lemonade.

“I knew they would like it, but they have taken it far more seriously than even I anticipated,” Mueller said. “My students ask me every day if they can work on their signs, the advertising and the planning.”

With their menus finalized and pitches practised, it all comes down to the sale. The public and Brock community are invited to support these young entrepreneurs Thursday, June 6 at Brock’s Backyard BBQ in Jubilee Court from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Scott Henderson saying goodbye after decades on campus

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Scott Henderson is preparing for the curtain to close on his lengthy Brock University career.

The Associate Professor of Communication, Popular Culture and Film (CPCF) has made his mark on campus as a dedicated teacher, Chair of the University’s Senate, a respected Oscar prognosticator and tireless administrator.

He will close his Brock chapter at the end of the month, moving on to become Dean and Head of the Durham campus of Trent University beginning July 1.

Henderson arrived at Brock in 1991 to teach in what was then called Film Studies, Drama and Visual Arts in the Faculty of Humanities. Within a few years, as interest in the program exploded, the need for a separate unit became clear and the Department of Communication, Popular Culture and Film was born.

“It was a unique program that just hit the right era and it became more significant as people were becoming aware of the importance of communications with digital and online media,” he said.

Technical advancements meant the 16-millimetre films of his early classes soon gave way to VHS tapes, then laser discs, DVDs, Blu-rays and now digital files.

“That’s one of the biggest changes,” he said. “It used to be that, in May, you’d be mapping out next year’s course, requesting films and hoping that they would come.”

Sometimes, he said, if copies were scarce, course schedules would have to be rearranged until the films were available.

Throughout his career, Henderson has enjoyed teaching, whether with small groups doing directed readings or in large lecture halls.

He has also held many service roles at Brock and participated in several committees. Before taking on the role of Chair of CPCF from 2013-16, he wanted to know more about the inner workings of the University and put his name forward for Senate.

“After 20 years of teaching, it was nice to be doing something different, and to see a different side of the University,” he said. Henderson held the role of Senate Chair from 2015-17, before being re-elected to the position for 2018-19. He will remain Senate Chair until the end of next week’s Convocation ceremonies, before passing the reins to Professor Don Cyr, Senate Chair for 2019-20.

Henderson was surprised to discover a passion for some of the minutiae of administration, “things like meeting minutes, Robert’s Rules and the Faculty Handbook.”

But, he said, the most rewarding thing about working on Senate has been the opportunity to meet colleagues outside his own department and to learn what different people are doing across the University.

“There’s a lot of really good people here at Brock, a really good energy,” he said. “There are moments when we’re uncertain about ourselves, but I think the big picture is that we’re going the right way. There’s a lot to be excited about.”

He is confident CPCF will continue to thrive after he leaves.

“I’m leaving behind a dynamic department,” he said. “We’ve been growing leaps and bounds. We’ve got some innovative faculty, and our recent hires have lots of great ideas.”

Brock President Gervan Fearon praised Henderson for making “significant contributions to the University and the broader community at numerous levels.”

“As a teacher with us for nearly 30 years, Professor Henderson has inspired and energized literally generations of students in ways that will enrich them for the rest of their lives,” he said.  

“He has also been a catalyst of renewal and change as an administrator, serving as Chair of his academic department as well as the Chair of Senate. As Chair of Senate, he was instrumental in helping to foster a collegial environment, as well as faculty and staff engagement in developing the University’s new Integrated Strategic Plan, and helping ensure its approval and implementation.

“We are saddened to see Scott go, but recognize the terrific opportunity for him to contribute to post-secondary education at another institution in Ontario and we all wish him the best in his new leadership role.”

Being involved in the development of the new strategic plan was a highlight for Henderson. “I’ll miss seeing some of that unfold,” he said.

“And I’ll certainly miss Niagara. It’s a great place to live with the access to the outdoors, to nature, to the Falls and the wineries; A nice mix of everything.”

Another change Henderson witnessed during his time at Brock has been the revitalization of downtown St. Catharines.

“It was a ghost town when I got here in ’91,” he said. “Now, there’s a different dynamic. Brock has been a significant part of that with the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts, with our engagement with the community and the role that students play. It’s a big population in a small city that has changed the dynamic for the better.”

Faculty of Social Sciences Dean Ingrid Makus surprised Henderson at a recent departmental reception held in his honour with a light-hearted poem she wrote for him.

“It was great,” Henderson says of the poem. “It’s definitely among my collection of mementos from Brock.”

Makus noted his “outstanding” teaching, writing and research as well as his many acts of administrative service for the University. 

When Henderson finally closes his office door in Scotiabank Hall, he will be sorely missed by students and colleagues alike, she said.

Until his departure from Brock, Henderson continues to chair Senate and will preside over the Convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Henderson experienced a lot of change in his 28 years at Brock. And there’s more change coming. Besides starting a new job, he’s also expecting his first grandchild in August.

COULTER: Painstaking veterinary forensics work helps combat animal abuse

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Kendra Coulter, Associate Professor in Labour Studies, wrote a piece recently published in The Conversation about the role veterinary forensics play in effective and comprehensive animal cruelty investigations.

Coulter writes:

Many people have seen dramatizations of forensics on shows likes Bones and CSI. Forensics is the application of scientific principles and methods to criminal investigations at crimes scenes and in labs.

In real life, forensic science is being applied to different victims: animals.

Front-line officers undertake the trying, risky and under-valued work of initiating investigations into suspected animal abuse. When crimes are committed against animals, their bodies become evidence. Veterinarians with forensic expertise undertake the intricate work of reading animals’ bodies in detail to find out exactly what was done to them.

At the urging of Beverly McEwen, animal pathologist and adjunct faculty in the Animal Health Laboratory at the University of Guelph, I attended the 12th Annual International Veterinary Forensic Sciences conference. This is not the sort of place you would expect to find a labour scholar.

But I am leading a team studying anti-cruelty enforcement work and policy. We are examining different practices and models to determine which will best protect animals, front-line officers, vulnerable people and public safety. It has become clear to us that veterinary forensics are essential for every jurisdiction committed to effective and comprehensive animal cruelty investigations.

Continue reading the full article here.

Be cautious of ticks on campus

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Ticks are a common problem in Niagara, especially in spring and fall when outdoor environments are moist and humid.

Although most ticks do not transmit the bacterium that causes Lyme disease, the blacklegged tick can — and the number of its findings in Niagara this spring is more prevalent than previous years.

With Brock University’s trails, fields and grassy areas busy this time of year with students, staff, faculty, visitors, school groups and campers, Occupational Health and Safety Specialist Daniel Pozzobon is advising the Brock community to take precautions.

“If possible, people should avoid areas with unkempt and high grass, spray insect repellent that contains DEET and dress in light-coloured clothing so ticks are more visible,” he said. “Ticks thrive in shady and damp environments, so it’s best to stay in sunny areas.”

Pozzobon also encourages hikers in wooded areas to walk in the centre of trails and wear clothing that covers arms and legs. Loose clothing should be tucked in and shoes should cover the entire foot.

People should check themselves, children and pets for ticks after outdoor activities, paying special attention to areas such as the scalp, groin and armpits.

If bitten by a tick, it should be immediately removed and saved in a sealed bag or container to be brought to a local public health office for identification and testing. Record the date and outdoor location of the bite.

To remove a tick:

  • Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
  • Pull upward with steady and even pressure. Do not twist or jerk the tick; it can cause the mouthparts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouthparts with tweezers, or if they do not remove easily, leave them alone and let the skin heal. Consult with a health-care provider.
  • After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub or soap and water.

Incidents of tick bites on campus should be reported to the University’s Health, Safety and Wellness team by submitting an injury/incident report and emailing it to besafe@brocku.ca

Brock summer camps offer kids an abundance of options

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Whether children want to spend the summer immersed in science, enhancing their sports skills or honing their creativity, Brock has a camp to meet their needs.

The University’s activity-specific camps offer the ultimate combination of fun and learning during July and August.

They have become a popular choice for parents looking to engage their children in outside-the-box learning activities during the summer break, said Michelle Leone, Program Manager, Youth Programs.

At the heart of these camps are Brock University students, who are selected for their drive to make a difference in kids’ lives, contagious enthusiasm and expertise in their respective field of study.

“Our Brock student instructors are what sets us apart,” said Leone. “They are compassionate, enthusiastic and eager to share their love of Brock with the young people of Niagara. They come from Faculties across the University and inspire our campers to see themselves as university students one day.”

Brock Youth University camps are crafted by professional educators who employ emerging trends and the latest methods of teaching in their curriculum.

The camps run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on a week-by-week schedule from July 2 to Aug. 30.

Campers participate in hands-on experiences related to their chosen camp, while also partaking in recreational activities such as climbing the 30-foot challenge course or swimming in the Brock pool.

In addition to favourites such as robotics, game design and science, Brock offers an array of sport and art camps.

For children who’ve completed senior kindergarten to Grade 6, art camps are held at Rodman Hall Art Centre. Participants explore artwork and techniques from all over the world such as ancient and medieval arts to the classics and surrealism of the 20th century.

Athletes in Grades 1 to 12 looking to sharpen their skills can sign up for Badgers Sport Camps. These sport-specific camps are designed to inspire and train young athletes to rise to the next level in basketball, hockey, volleyball, soccer, golf, baseball, fencing, rowing and cheerleading.

Teenagers can enrol in Leaders in Training camps and also receive a certificate for 30 hours of volunteer service.

Brock’s three types of summer camps include:

Badgers Sport Camps (Grades 1 to 8): Including athletic activities such as floor hockey, basketball, volleyball, handball and racquet sports. Afternoons are dedicated to outdoor recreation and swimming.

Sports and Aquatics Camp (Grades 1 to 8): Featuring activities in Brock’s aquatics centre with diving, lifeguarding, aqua-sport or synchronized swimming lessons. While also fun-filled, this camp is focused on technical improvement.

Youth University (Grades 2 to 8): A creative environment that explores invention and outdoor education. Campers will dive into the Makerspace and get creative with art. Afternoons include outdoor recreation and swimming.

Rodman Hall Art Camps (senior kindergarten to Grade 6): Camps at Rodman Hall introduce developing artists to methods such as painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture and mixed media.

To register, visit brocku.ca/kids. For help with online registration, phone 905-688-5550 x4060 or visit the Walker Sports Complex Welcome Desk.

Grades better predictor of academic success than SATs, says Brock researcher

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American students applying for a spot in university or college know the do-or-die, this-is-it sensation that comes when faced with standardized admissions tests. An “off” day could delay, or even end, the dream of pursuing higher education.

But it turns out that secondary school grades are a more accurate predictor of post-secondary success than the SAT (for universities) and ACT (for colleges) admissions tests, according to recent research.

“If you pit SAT or ACT scores against high school grades, you get more information from the grades than the scores,” says Brock Assistant Professor of Psychology Elizabeth Shulman. “Grades are better at predicting who is going to complete college on time and who is going to have higher marks in university.”

Shulman is a member of an international research team that released a study showing that grades reflect the presence of skills and aptitudes not necessarily captured in standardized tests.

Chief among these is self-regulation, which includes self-control, or “the ability to act, think and feel in ways that are more valuable in the long-run than momentarily more alluring alternatives,” says the study, titled “Why High School Grades Are Better Predictors of On-Time College Graduation Than Are Admissions Test Scores: The Roles of Self-Regulation and Cognitive Ability.”

“Grades have this large component of measuring how much you’re the kind of person who is able to do the hard thing, such as boring or tedious tasks, when there’s something more fun to do because you have a long-term goal of getting a good grade,” explains Shulman.

The research team, led by Brian Galla at the University of Pittsburgh, conducted two investigations. The first one aimed to confirm findings from earlier research that grades are a better predictor of on-time completion of a four-year degree than SAT/ACT scores.

The team’s survey of 47,303 students who applied for college admission in the 2009-10 academic year found (consistent with other studies) that secondary school grade point average outperformed the SAT and ACT in forecasting who would graduate within the four-year time frame.

Then, in their second study, the researchers sought to find out why this is the case. They recruited a sample of 1,622 high school seniors and several teachers in the Class of 2013 and had them fill out online questionnaires and complete several tasks.

The various exercises included several standard measures of intelligence as well as several questionnaires — administered to students and teachers — assessing students’ self-regulation.

“Our findings suggest that report card grades provide information about self-regulation not captured by admissions test scores,” says the study.

Shulman explains that the SAT/ACT standardized tests are designed mostly to measure cognitive traits such as logic, reasoning and memory recall. According to the study’s findings, only about seven per cent of the SAT and ACT score reflects motivation and self-control.

In contrast, up to half of a student’s grade point average reflects the self-regulatory skills needed for long-term success, says Shulman.

She says grades have been widely viewed as being a poor measure of post-secondary eligibility, as teachers and schools vary in their quality and standards, and because grades tend to be inflated.  Also, other factors, such as how much the teacher likes a student or how much support students get at home, may affect marks.

In contrast, the SAT and ACT tests were set up to provide a common, “apples-to-apples” comparison of intellectual ability and performance.

Despite the perceived limitations of grades, “college admissions officials should recognize that the grade point average has this wealth of information in it that the officials maybe didn’t fully appreciate before. You really can’t fake who you are for the four years of school,” says Shulman.

Shulman and her team are quick to point out that the study does not recommend doing away with SAT and ACT testing in the United States, as those tests are effective cognitive measurements.

Standardized admissions tests are not required in Canada’s public post-secondary system.


STEVENS: Is basketball replacing hockey as Canada’s favourite sport?

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Brock University Sport Management Associate Professor Julie Stevens wrote a piece recently published in The Conversation about the growing popularity of basketball in Canada, propelled by the recent success of the Toronto Raptors.

Stevens writes:

Don’t get me wrong — I love hockey. My involvement in the sport has included scholar, critic, fan, coach and player. But I have to wonder what the Toronto Raptors’ presence in the NBA final means to the great Canadian game.

Is this a transformational moment for both hockey and basketball? For a sport to become ingrained in Canadian nationalism, it must stir the collective imagination.

Hockey had Paul Henderson’s goal in the 1972 Summit Series.

A great deal of academic and popular work explores the glory of that moment.

But now basketball has Kawhi Leonard’s Game 7 buzzer-beater.

Will it replace Henderson and become this generation’s magical sports moment? Will it become the stuff of Canadian sports lore?

In order to answer this question we need to explore how the sport imagination of a nation is created.

Continue reading the full article here.

Archaeological research project invites public participation

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A ground-breaking research project on an abandoned plot of land will uncover an important part of St. Catharines’ past this summer, and the public is invited to participate.

Archaeological excavation at the historic Shickluna Shipyard along Twelve Mile Creek will start this July, and Brock’s Department of History is offering an archaeological fieldwork course open to students and community members.

“It will be an exciting research excavation and the first of its kind in Canada,” says Kimberly Monk, a maritime archaeologist and adjunct professor with the Department of History.

The fieldschool will run July 15 to Aug. 16. In addition to learning skills in archaeological survey and excavation, course participants will be trained in how to process artifacts and explore Niagara’s industrial heritage by visiting other key 19th century sites along the Welland Canal.

“We are delighted to involve Brock students and the Niagara community in our work at the Shickluna Shipyard,” Monk says. “They will be unearthing not only an important part of Niagara’s past, but one of Canada’s preeminent 19th century shipyards.”

“The fieldwork will answer key research questions about local and international trade, labour history, and the infrastructure of wooden shipbuilding, and highlight the connected legacies of port cities and their vital role in supporting community and economic development.”

The shipyard, one of two dozen established along the canal, was built by Maltese immigrant Lewis Shickluna, who is credited with building and repairing more than 200 ships between 1834 and 1894. In addition to the shipyard buildings and basin, he also built cottages for the workers.

Monk is hoping the team will find remains of the shipyard buildings, along with shipbuilding tools and possibly the hull of the schooner James Norris, a Welland Sailing Canal ship that was buried when the shipyard basin was filled in.

“The historic environment of the Welland Canals provides an ideal case study for understanding the maritime cultural landscape, with the potential for long-term research,” says Monk. Shipyards are an important part of the industrial landscape, where communities of skilled artisans participated in regional and global trade systems.

The two-year study of the Schikluna shipyard is being led by Monk and involves students and faculty from Brock, McMaster and Trent universities.

The project brings together experts in history, digital reconstruction and natural sciences. John Bonnett, Brock University Associate Professor of History, will be working with 3D modelling of artifacts and features found at the site. Colleen Beard, from Brock’s Map, Data and GIS library, will be contributing her extensive experience with Geographic Information Systems and the geovisualization of the historic canal.

Michael Pisarc, Professor with the Department of Geography and Tourism, will be examining paleoecological indicators to help understand climate change in Niagara. Joe Boyce, an Assistant Professor of Earth Sciences at McMaster University, will use geophysical and geo-archaeological methods to document coastline changes.

The project is funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Although the site will be closed to the public during excavations for safety reasons, Monk and the team are planning several open house days for interested members of the public to visit and learn more about Niagara’s important industrial heritage.

Details about the archaeological field school are available on the Department of History’s website.

DSBN students given a taste of University learning

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When Isaiah Taylor gets talking about brain function, you can spot a little flicker of excitement in his eyes.

In hopes of igniting that spark for neuroscience, the Grade 8 Harriet Tubman Public School student was recently invited to spend a day in a Brock University lab.

The visit was part of a new initiative between the University and the District School Board of Niagara that aims to fuel the passion of young learners in the region.

Over the past few months, a handful of Grade 8 students from various DSBN schools have been connected with Brock faculty members and grad students to gain hands-on experience in areas such as neuroscience, creative writing and business.

Taylor spent a day in Brock’s Centre for Lifespan Development Research, where he participated in an electroencephalogram test and was able to watch his own brain waves come to life on screen.

“It was cool to be able to see my brain activity,” said the 14-year-old St. Catharines resident, who was impressed by his time with Lifespan Director Sid Segalowitz, Psychology student Shelby Howlett and postdoctoral fellow Meghan Weissflog.

While he’s been to Brock on several occasions, this was his first hands-on experience in one of the neuroscience labs.

DSBN Experiential Learning Consultant Stephanie Minor, who has been co-ordinating the campus visits alongside Brock Recruitment Officer Courtney Keogh, called it “huge” for the Grade 8 students to be able to connect with the University at an early age.

“Showing students what the possibilities are for their future paths has been absolutely incredible,” she said.

The partnership is geared toward students who haven’t found a strong connection to subjects offered in their elementary school curriculum. Instead, they are asked if they could learn about anything at all, where their focus would lie.

“When you ask them, it’s almost like watching a lightbulb turn on,” Minor said.

“We want to engage them in a topic they’re passionate about, potentially putting them on a whole new path. That’s what this whole process is all about.”
Guidance teachers at the respective schools help to identify young learners who would be a good fit for the initiative.

“We want to take that spark and help it grow, showing students there’s more out there than traditional classroom topics they’re learning at the moment,” Minor said.

For Taylor, his interest in brain function stems from his love of sports and has created curiosity about how reflexes work.

Being able to ask questions related to his interests with professionals and students in the field proved to be a valuable experience, Minor said.

“I’m profoundly grateful for the work Brock has done to bring these opportunities together,” she said. “Isaiah will never forget this. He’ll be talking about this forever with his friends, which is so impactful.”

Prior to their more in-depth visits, the Grade 8 students came to campus to have lunch with a current Brock student in the program area of their choice.

“This initial meeting helped us learn more about why they were interested in a specific program and the types of experience they wanted to have in their visits to Brock,” Keogh said. “We were incredibly fortunate to have the support of many instructors, professors and campus partners, which allowed us to plan multiple visits.

“It was great to see each student so excited,” she said. “We hope their time on campus was great motivation for them to continue to pursue their passions.”

Keogh and Minor are both hopeful to see the initiative continue into the future.

“We’re happy it has been such a positive experience for everyone involved,” Keogh said.

Families needed to give international students a home away from home

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Julie Popovich knows first-hand what an enriching experience it can be to open your home to an international student.

And now, the St. Catharines mother of three is hoping to encourage other Niagara families to follow in her footsteps.

Popovich is sharing her experience with Brock’s Homestay program, through which she has welcomed many students from around the world into her home since 2012.

The long-standing University initiative connects Canadian families with incoming international ESL students as they adapt to the lifestyle and demands of studying in Canada.

Popovich, a licensed insurance advisor, learned about the program at an ideal time her life — just after her children moved out of the family home.

“I’ve been a mom for 33 years, so I’m used to having people around and providing instructions and guidance on getting through life,” she said.

She has since enjoyed having Brock students as part of her household.

In February, Popovich was matched with Ayaka Maeda, a Level 5 ESL student from Doshisha University in Japan, who came to Canada to improve her English-speaking skills.

While Maeda spends most of her days in classes increasing her language proficiency, she often spends her evenings with Popovich. The pair have dinner together, prepare lunch for the next day and share stories about Japanese and Canadian culture.

“She always asks me about my day,” Maeda said. “We talk about assignments and what I did after school.”

Popovich and Maeda, who will live together until December, have also spent time shopping at local outlet malls and plan to head to Niagara Falls for Canada Day to watch the fireworks display.

More than 400 students participate in Homestay each year, and Brock is always looking for new host families. The program offers a chance for St. Catharines and Thorold residents to learn about other cultures while also giving back to the community.

The program is not only rewarding, but also easy to navigate, Popovich said, as assistance is available for students and hosts every step of the way.

“It’s one of the best things that’s happened in my life,” she said. “Having students in my house has been eye opening. You really gain an appreciation for other cultures.”

Host families are also compensated with $800 per month to cover the additional cost of food and electricity throughout the student’s stay.

Most stays are 14 weeks in length and start in January, May and September, although a number of short-term opportunities, some as little as three weeks, also exist.

For instance, a recent agreement with Mexico through a government-funded program will see 150 Mexican learners attend Brock between July and November for a four-week program. Each student will require a Homestay host.

More information about becoming a Homestay family is available on the Brock University website. To apply, residents must complete an online application, followed by an orientation session, criminal records check and a home inspection to determine if the program is a good fit.

Questions about the Homestay program can be directed to homestay@brocku.ca or 905-688-5550 x5029.

Parking changes for Convocation week

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Brock’s 105th Convocation will be held next week from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14 and that means some changes to parking.

With a large number of guests expected to attend the ceremonies, Brock University staff, faculty and students who are able to do so are asked to park in Zone 2 during the week.

Portions of parking Lot Reserved B and Visitor Lot D will be closed for the week with only limited spaces available. Lot P will be closed for the week. Brock staff who typically park in Lots Q, R and F may still park in their permit lots, but please be aware that some delays will occur when driving on and off campus throughout the week.

Students get hands-on experience with high-tech anatomy table

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Brock University students will soon have access to the most technologically advanced visualization system for anatomy education thanks to the efforts of Kinesiology student James John Hall.

Hall envisioned Brock as the first comprehensive university in Canada to have an Anatomage Table for undergraduate anatomy classes and worked for more than two years to raise awareness and the funds needed to be able to give his fellow classmates the table.

“While other universities have the tables for their medical schools, the overall goal was to raise funds for a piece of technology that could set Brock ahead in terms of high-quality anatomy and experiential education,” said Hall, who will graduate Monday as part of Brock’s Spring Convocation.

Thanks to a generous donation from the Brock University Students’ Union and matching funds from the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, the learning environment for students will be enhanced starting this September.

More than 500 Applied Health Sciences undergraduate students in first and second year will benefit from the technology valued at more than $100,000.

“Our acquisition of sophisticated state-of-the-art anatomy teaching equipment was made possible thanks to the leadership and initiative of James John Hall, the hard work of the Kinesiology Students’ Association and the generosity of the Brock University Students’ Union,” said Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Dean Peter Tiidus at a reception held to recognize the donors on Monday, June 3.

“The new Anatomage Table will enhance the practical education of Kinesiology and Health Sciences students for years to come. This type of gift to the Faculty by undergraduate students is unprecedented and sets a standard that I hope future students and alumni will try to emulate,” he said.

The table features human micro and macroscopic 3D anatomy systems which enable students to interact with anatomy in a functional way.

“The breadth of learning from microscopic to whole body will allow students to see the organ, muscle and bone on the table, while at the same time seeing the tissues’ cellular structures. This is another tool we will use to give students the best experience possible,” said Department of Health Sciences Assistant Professor Rebecca MacPherson, who teaches anatomy.

She emphasized the new technology will enhance the current student experience.

“The opportunity for students to work in the cadaver lab, work with this table and compare what they are seeing with the newly purchased anatomy models provides a full range of learning resources that are unique to Brock’s undergraduate program,” MacPherson said.

In addition to the other funds used to purchase the table, additional funding was provided by a Teaching and Learning Innovation grant from the Centre for Pedagogical Innovation and Brock’s Experiential Education, which allowed the Faculty to upgrade the unit to one that can be positioned vertically for large audience presentations.

“This makes it much more versatile and functional for our instructor and students needs,” Tiidus said.

Reflecting on Monday’s reception and the fundraising efforts over the past two years, Hall recognized that support came from all facets of the Brock community.

“Being back in the Walker Complex Anatomy lab gave me a chance to appreciate the positive contribution we as undergraduate students were able to make to Brock,” he said. “We couldn’t have done it without the generous support of the entire community here. I’m grateful we have been able to grow together in this positive and impactful way.”

From left, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Dean Peter Tiidus; Kinesiology Professor Brian Roy; Brock University Students Union Vice-President Heidi Stricko; Brock University Students Union Vice-President Finance and Administration Asad Jalib; Brock University Students Union President Bilal Khan; Kinesiology Students’ Association President James John Hall; Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Graduate Student Robert Kumar (BScKin ’17) and Faculty of Math and Sciences graduate student Michael Tolentino (BSC ’18) pose with the new Anatomage Table as part of a donor recognition reception on Monday, June 3 to acknowledge the undergraduate students contributions.

DWIVEDI: From sports to politics, our brains are wired for tribalism

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Brock University Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience Veena Dwivedi wrote a piece published Thursday, June 6 in The Conversation about the way people act when they believe they’re part of a ‘team.’

Dwivedi writes:

Our neural hardware responds differently when we perceive people to be on “our team” (in-group membership). This hard-wiring allows for positive biases for members of our group, helping them, and us, survive — a clear evolutionary advantage.

My father, who came to Canada from India, loved watching hockey. Hockey Night in Canada was always on TV, whether we were home on a Saturday night or at someone’s house for dinner. His big jump — “SCORE!” — was a highlight. His contagious exuberance about the game gave life to us all. So you could say rooting for the Habs is a great memory that I’m hanging on to.

Our limbic system — our “emotional brain” — contains the hippocampus, the neural structure responsible for our memory. Those childhood connections between pleasure and pride are deep-seated in my identity. And those memories are not just about being a Montrealer.

I know it makes no logical sense to care about the Habs, 35 years after those Cup parades. But because I know which part of my brain cares about the Habs, I can rise above my limbic system and use my pre-frontal cortex to reflect about what I’m actually doing.

Continue reading the full article here.


Brock sees significant increase in first-year student applications

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After Brock University attracted record enrolment last fall of more than 19,000 full- and part-time students, indicators for this September suggest more Ontario high school graduates than ever are choosing Brock.

The numbers are now in from Monday’s deadline for Ontario secondary school students to accept their university admission offers, and again this year the increase in applicants to Brock exceeds the average growth rate for Ontario universities.

While the provincial average sees an increase of 3.1 per cent in first-year confirmations, Brock has received a 13 per cent increase in high-school applicant confirmations, and a 20 per cent increase overall from this time last year.

The data released this week by the Ontario Universities Application Centre (OUAC), which processes all applications for incoming secondary school students, shows Brock has more than 3,500 high school applicants confirmed for first-year undergraduate studies this fall. Overall, there are more than 4,400 students looking to start their University studies for the first time in September.

In addition, the number of students accepting their letters of admission after selecting Brock as their first choice on the OUAC application (when they’re able to rank their top schools), is up by 14.5 per cent.

“This steady growth in demand for admission to Brock is happening because more and more people — be it students, their families or their guidance counsellors — are becoming aware that we are a national leader among universities our size and we are meeting the needs of students right here in the beautiful Niagara region,” said Brock University President Gervan Fearon.

He said word is getting out about the Brock advantage.

“Our academic excellence is being matched by growing research, scholarly and creative activities that support student education at both the undergraduate and graduate levels,” Fearon said.

While some programs are now completely full, there are still some open spaces and the admissions process is ongoing.

Brock is seeing increases in applications across the University, but the biggest surges include Concurrent Education and the Faculty of Mathematics and Science, which are both up significantly. The University’s highly rated co-op education programs also continue to be in demand with another year-over-year increase in admission confirmations.

Continuing its trend of being a university with global appeal that remains rooted in the Niagara community, Brock is seeing another large contingent of high school students from across the region who have accepted their admission offers for the upcoming year.

Around the world, Brock attracts students from more than 100 countries. The number of international students confirming their attendance through the OUAC system is up from last year. Overall international student confirmations are up from 2018-19 by a remarkable 62 per cent, and that number will continue to rise as more students confirm their attendance in the coming weeks.

“Whether students are from Ontario, across Canada or around the world, they know Brock University can offer them a safe, affordable and high-quality post-secondary education experience that provides them with career-ready skills,” said Jamie Mandigo, Vice-Provost for Enrolment Management and International.

Brock set an enrolment record in 2018-19 with more than 19,000 full- and part-time students across its seven Faculties. For more information about enrolling at Brock, contact futurestudent@brocku.ca or visit brocku.ca

Young students learn about the sweet taste of business success

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With enthusiastic sales pitches and colourful booths, teams of students from Glynn A. Green Public School in Fonthill learned the basics of business in Brock’s Jubilee Court on Thursday, June 6.

The Grade 4 students were taking part in Goodman Lemonade, which teaches elementary school students about entrepreneurship and lets them compete to see which team can make the most profit from $50 in seed money.

Hosted by Goodman Group’s Venture Development, the students’ lemonade stands were packed with shoppers during Thursday’s weekly Backyard Barbecue.

Brock University set to celebrate 105th Convocation

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The exams have all been written, the final assignments graded and returned. Now, more than 3,500 Brock University students will cross the Convocation stage to close the book on the latest chapter of their post-secondary education journey.

Brock’s Spring Convocation will run from Monday, June 10 until Friday, June 14, with 3,100 undergraduate and more than 400 graduate students receiving their degrees in one of the nine ceremonies set to take place in the University’s Ian Beddis Gymnasium.

Brock University’s 105th Convocation will kick off at 10 a.m. Monday when Reggie Leach, a Stanley Cup-winning retired National Hockey League player, will receive an honorary doctorate during the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences’ ceremony.

Leach is one of the most prolific goal scorers in Philadelphia Flyers history, but in the years since he retired, he has been recognized for his efforts encouraging Indigenous youth to make wise life decisions.

Now living on Manitoulin Island, Leach will deliver the opening Convocation address Monday morning and will be followed throughout the week by speakers from both within and outside of Brock.

With the University known as a comprehensive post-secondary institution home to groundbreaking research, it’s no surprise that graduate students make up more than 13 per cent of the Class of 2019.

In addition to the hundreds of students set to receive master’s degrees, 14 students will graduate with a PhD next week. At Brock, PhD recipients have the honour of remaining on stage to sit with Faculty members, President Gervan Fearon, Chancellor Shirley Cheechoo, and other administrators and guests.

Among the graduands set to receive their degrees, 112 are student-athletes representing 36 teams and six academic Faculties. Among this group are Brock’s Male and Female Athletes of the Year, wrestlers Emily Schaefer (Education) and Jevon Balfour (Social Sciences).

All of the Convocation ceremonies are free to attend and no tickets are required. Parking is free for guests throughout the week. Free Wi-Fi is also being provided to guests throughout Convocation week. The BrockEvents Wi-fi network can be accessed using the username: BROCKGRAD and password: welcome2brock!

Each ceremony will also be streamed live online at brocku.ca/livestream

 

Below is a schedule of this year’s Convocation ceremonies along with some of the highlight stories:

Monday, June 10, 10 a.m. — Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

  • Retired NHL hockey player Reggie Leach to receive honorary doctorate and give the Convocation address.

Monday, June 10, 2:30 p.m. — Faculty of Applied Health Sciences

  • Kinesiology Professor and Research Excellence award recipient Baraket Falk to give the Convocation address.

Tuesday, June 11, 10 a.m. — Faculty of Social Sciences

  • Brock Badgers rower Laura Court will graduate with a degree in Psychology. Court was the first coxie to win an Ontario University Athletics Female Athlete of the Year award in rowing and made history on the national stage when she was named Outstanding Female Athlete at the Canadian University Rowing Championships.

Tuesday, June 11, 2:30 p.m. — Faculty of Social Sciences

  • Brock Badgers wrestler and 2018-19 Male Athlete of the Year Jevon Balfour will graduate. Balfour is the top-ranked wrestler in the country for his weight class (74kg) and is graduating having won five consecutive individual provincial and national titles.

Wednesday, June 12, 10 a.m. — Faculty of Education

  • Delivering the Convocation address will be Associate Professor of Educational Studies Dolana Mogadime, who served as the inaugural Visiting Scholar at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and is the Chair and Co-ordinator of the Teaching Nelson Mandela Advisory Committee.

Wednesday, June 12, 2:30 p.m. — Faculty of Education

  • Graduating from the Master’s Preparation Certificate in Education program will be Esther Wainaina, who came to Canada from Kenya in 2018 with her three children in order to study for a career in labour force development. While her husband remains in Kenya to work, Wainaina will continue her education at Brock in September in the Master of Education program.

Thursday, June 13, 10 a.m. — Goodman School of Business

  • Tek Thongpapanl will give the morning Convocation address as the recipient of the Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Thursday, June 13, 2:30 p.m. — Goodman School of Business

  • Delivering the Convocation address will be Mishka Balsom, President and CEO of the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce.
  • Graduating with a Bachelor of Business of Administration is Olivia Poulin, a Spirit of Brock recipient, outstanding student leader, entrepreneur and mentor. She represented Brock on the world stage, finishing in the Top 5 out of 204,000 applicants from around the world at Adecco Group’s Global CEO for One Month program.

Friday, June 14, 10 a.m. — Faculties of Humanities and Mathematics and Science

  • Adam Tonet will receive the Governor General’s Gold Medal Award, which is given to the graduate student with the highest academic average. Tonet is receiving his MSc in Computer Science and finished with a 96 per cent average.
  • The first students to complete their entire four-year degree at the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts building downtown will cross the stage. The state-of-the-art facility housing the Departments of Music, Dramatic Arts, Visual Arts and the Centre for Studies in Arts and Culture opened in 2015, thanks to an unprecedented $15-million gift from the late Marilyn I. Walker, famed fibre artist and philanthropist. The graduating class of 2019 includes 64 students.

Thesis defences — June 10 to 14

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The following is a list of thesis defences taking place at Brock from Monday, June 10 to Friday, June 14.

All are open for the University community to attend.

Master of Science thesis defence

Andrea Barker, a Master of Science candidate in the Department of Biological Sciences, will present her thesis defence on Monday, June 10 at 1:45 p.m. in PLZ 600F.

Her thesis is titledIdentifying the effect of clone and rootstock on viticultural performance, fruit composition and winemaking potential for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling, in Niagara, Ontario.”                       

Her examination committee members are Cheryl McCormick, Chair; Patricia Bowen, External Examiner (Summerland Research and Development Centre); Debbie Inglis and Jim Willwerth, supervisors and Committee Members; and Vincenzo De Luca and Belinda Kemp, Committee Members.

Psychology MA thesis defence

Master of Arts in Psychology student Jennifer Roters will defend the thesis “Responses to adversity in childhood: The effect of sex on attachment style and personality disorder traits” on Monday, June 10 at 10 a.m. in Plaza 600F.

The examination committee includes Dawn Zinga, Chair; Angela Book, Supervisor; Heather Chalmers, External Examiner (Associate Professor, Child and Youth Studies, Brock University); Michael Busseri, Graduate Program Director; and Carolyn Hafer and Andrew Dane, Committee Members.

Sociology MA thesis defence

Master of Arts in Critical Sociology student Sarah Marshall will defend the thesis “Whistleblowing and Moral Dilemmas in Policing: An Analysis of Police Culture and the ‘Blue Code of Silence'” on Tuesday, June 11 at 11 a.m. in WH 147.

The examination committee includes Rosemary Condillac, Chair; Tamari Kitossa, Supervisor; James Sheptycki, External Examiner (Department of Social Science, York University); Kevin Gosine, Graduate Program Director and Committee Member; and June Corman, Committee Member.

Social Justice and Equity Studies MA thesis defence

Social Justice and Equity Studies student Anella Bieteru will defend the thesis “Gendered Power Relations and Household Decision-Making in Rural Ghana: The Case of Zambo Community in the Lawra District of the Upper West Region of Ghana” on Wednesday, June 12 at 2 p.m. in STH 456.

The examination committee includes Dawn Zinga, Chair; Ifeanyi Ezeonu, Supervisor; Joseph Mensah, External Examiner (Department of Geography, York University); Mary-Beth Raddon, Graduate Program Director and Committee Member; and Andrea Doucet, Committee Member.

Master of Education thesis defence

Education student Nyasha Nyereyemhuka will defend the thesis “Student Equity and Inclusive Education Policy in Ontario: Perspectives of Three High School Principals” on Monday, June 10 at 2 p.m. in WH 147.

The examination committee includes Michael Mindzak, Chair; Alana Butler, External Examiner (Queen’s University); Renee Kuchapski, Supervisor; and Denise Armstrong and Louis Volante, Committee Members.

Co-op launches student towards dream teaching path

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Each step that led Meghan Monaghan toward the Convocation stage was carefully planned. That precision, made possible through Brock’s Co-op Education programming, has set her on a course to lead her own classroom.

The 22-year-old student is wrapping up her fifth year of co-op studies in the Math Integrated with Computers and Applications (MICA) program, while also minoring in French Studies, and will receive her degree during the Faculty of Mathematics and Science Convocation ceremony Friday, June 14. She will begin teacher’s college at Brock’s Hamilton Campus in the fall.

Having dreamed of being a teacher since she was five years old, the Niagara Falls native ensured throughout her co-op studies she was tying her work terms into her ultimate career goal. During her time at St. Catharines-based data analytics firm rel8ed.to, Monaghan worked her teaching skills into her daily duties and ran an initiative that led to her presenting its findings to the District School Board of Niagara.

Meghan Monaghan promoted a teacher survey she created during her co-op work term at analytics firm rel8ed.to, which aimed to find out how the company’s programs could be useful to teachers.

“I helped launch a pilot program where we prepared a five-week internship for students to use our analytics software, and I was also responsible for developing lesson plans,” she said. “It allowed me to work with students and see how I can make mathematics more relevant and meaningful in the classroom.”

Monaghan was also able to grow her teaching skills while working with adult learners during a work term in an administrative role with the Ministry of Transportation.

“I got to do more indirect teaching with my co-workers, showing them how to use Excel and acting as the donation lead on the office’s United Way campaign,” she said.

Co-op Employer Development Manager Jason Peng said Monaghan’s willingness to pursue work terms in two different environments while still focusing on her career aspirations set a great example for how to get the most out of Brock’s co-op programs.

“Though she had one direction, she didn’t close any doors,” said Peng. “Success can be seen in so many ways. For Meghan, it’s becoming a teacher. But she could also be a data scientist, a statistician or work in finance. She has had the chance to try out lots of different roles and take full advantage of the opportunities she is qualified to pursue.”

Monaghan said Peng and other members of the co-op team prepared her for some of the additional steps that will be necessary when she applies for teaching jobs in a few years.

“Co-op seminars helped me to develop a professional resumé with result-based bullet points and to gain the experience I needed through mock interviews,” she said.

Although she maintained jobs as a tutor and research assistant during her studies, Monaghan also received a financial boost through her paid co-op works terms.

“My co-ops were really well compensated and allowed me to contribute to my savings, which will help me pay off my OSAP,” she said.

With her Brock experience continuing next year in Hamilton, Monaghan said she will need to adjust to a new surroundings.

“I will miss my math family,” she said. “They are a big part of my life and are now moving on to so many different things.

“J-Block feels like a second home, but I’m ready to start the next chapter of my life as a teacher, and I already have a base knowledge of what I can do thanks to my co-ops.”

Monaghan hopes that other students will follow her lead and enrol in the co-op program.

“They should absolutely do it,” she said. “It gives you experience, you make money and you develop as a person while getting a peek into what is out there in the working world.”

More information about Brock’s Co-op Education programs can be found on Brock’s co-op website.

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