Shauna Rempel

Four U of T Mississauga grads reflect on their academic journeys

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 18:50:37 +0000

Four U of T Mississauga grads reflect on their academic journeys

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 06/11/2024 - 14:50

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Clockwise from top left: Reid Fournier, Loridee De Villa, Scott Warren and Lovelle Pong (all photography and videography by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Shauna Rempel

Topic

Our Community

Convocation 2024

U of T Mississauga

Subheadline

“I came to learn that ... if I wanted to pursue something – if I wanted to go after something – I could”

Graduating students from the University of Toronto Mississauga kicked off the university’s spring convocation season earlier this month, with thousands crossing the stage inside Convocation Hall over the course of five ceremonies.

They were among the 16,000 U of T students expected to graduate this spring.

Here’s what four of them had to say about their time at the university.

Lovelle Pong was involved in a number of campus clubs and groups, holding executive positions in the pre-law organization, the Canadian Asian Students Association and the UTM Forensics Society.

Yet, joining the extracurriculars initially posed a challenge for Pong, who studied forensic biology with a minor in psychology.

“Getting involved was really hard because I was just originally really shy and introverted,” she says.

“But I think through these experiences, I got more confident and more extroverted.”

Her decision to get involved paid off in other ways. This spring, Pong was honoured with a UTM Student Leadership Award.

She advises new students to get outside their comfort zone, whether it be to join a club, tackle a major assignment or pursue a new academic opportunity.

“It’s always hard to push yourself past the fear of starting something,” she says. “Just take the first step.”

Reid Fournier says his personal progression sometimes resulted from academic and career setbacks.

“I had faced a lot of rejection that I think I didn’t anticipate when I was coming from high school,” he says. “It led me to certain things that I would later go on to cherish.”

Fournier majored in criminology and communications, culture, information & technology (CCIT), with a minor in ethics.

In his first year, Fournier applied to be part of the residence student staff, but wasn’t chosen. “I saw people acting in a leadership role and I sort of resigned myself to think that I could leave that to other people – that it was just something you had to be born with, or just something that came calling.”

But Fournier ultimately decided to apply again in fourth year and was hired as a Living Learning Community program facilitator.

“I came to learn that if I wanted to be that, I could. If I wanted to pursue something – if I wanted to go after something – I could.”

Loridee De Villa majored in biology for health sciences with a double minor in psychology and religion and conducted research in a variety of topics related to her scholarly interests.

For a research opportunity program, she co-produced a 12-part podcast called Fish Outta Water that acts as an “unofficial university survival guide” for students.

De Villa picked up some survival skills herself when getting used to the hustle and bustle of university life.

“One thing I learned here at UTM is for me to succeed, I really need to prioritize myself and my emotional and mental well-being.”

For De Villa this includes a good night’s rest, a solid morning routine and eating properly.

She says students who worry about making mistakes shouldn’t overthink it.

“Be less self-critical,” De Villa advises. “Everybody makes mistakes and there’s always ways to improve them.”

Scott Warren travelled far beyond campus during his time at U of T Mississauga: he went on a student exchange to the University of Mannheim in Germany. It was a chance to step away from familiar settings and routines.

“It’s cool when you’re stuck behind a computer like me, and now you’re kind of thrust into the thick of it somewhere else,” he recalls of the international experience.

For Warren, U of T Mississauga was a place to push the bounds of his creativity. He was involved in the annual campus film festival as an organizer and a filmmaker. As part of his interest in video game development, he created a single-and-multiplayer game called “Drench.”

Double majoring in CCIT and technology, coding and society (TCS), Warren explored unconventional writing and presentation styles for his school assignments.

"By the end of school, I feel like I really understood how I could be myself not just in school but in a workplace," he says.

“If I had to describe my time at UTM in one word it would be ‘rewarding.’ All the times this school let me be myself and to experience new things and try new things – and often times be rewarded for it."

In photos: Under cloudy skies, U of T community gathers to experience near-total solar eclipse

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 14:22:01 +0000

In photos: Under cloudy skies, U of T community gathers to experience near-total solar eclipse

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 04/09/2024 - 10:22

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The April 8 solar eclipse in the skies over U of T Mississauga, where the clouds parted just in time to give watch party attendees a thrilling spectacle (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics

Faculty of Arts & Science

Skies darkened and temperatures dropped as the solar eclipse swept across the University of Toronto’s three campuses Monday, bringing community members together to marvel at the celestial spectacle.

Hundreds of community members gathered outside and donned safety glasses to gaze skyward in hopes of witnessing the eclipse from the three campuses, which were adjacent to the path of totality. Others tuned into a livestream hosted by U of T’s Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics.

While gathering clouds obscured the sun around Greater Toronto, the skies cleared just in time to give a lucky few a clear view of the rare astronomical alignment – including those who gathered for a free viewing party at U of T Mississauga.

Here’s how the day unfolded through the lenses of photographers at the university:

(photo by Matthew Volpe)

On U of T’s St. George campus, hundreds pulled out their phones to capture the CN Tower as the city lights pierced through a blackened mid-day sky.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Clouds gave way to clear skies at just the right moment for hundreds of people gathered at U of T Mississauga to witness the solar eclipse.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

While Mississauga was not in the path of totality, the near-total eclipse turned the sky slate grey and deep blue, while a chill in the air cooled the warm spring day.

(photo by Dan Weaver)

At U of T Scarborough, community members convened outside the Science Wing as overcast skies loomed over the Ma Moosh Ka Win Trail.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

A station set up by Vera Velasco, a U of T Mississauga plant physiologist at Growth Facilities research greenhouse and growth chambers, walked attendees at the viewing party through an experiment tracking how the eclipse impacts photosynthesis. As the eclipse occurred, Velasco and fellow researchers also showed its colours using a spectrometer.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Astronomer Marta Bryan, an assistant professor in U of T Mississauga’s department of chemical and physical sciences, spoke to the crowd about the science behind the solar eclipse, complete with a demonstration from some of the younger audience members playing sun, moon and Earth.

(photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

While it's possible to see a total solar eclipse from somewhere on Earth every few years, it will be another 120 years before viewers in southern Ontario are treated to an eclipse as total as the one on April 8. "It's truly a once-in-a-lifetime event for all of us," Bryan says.

Read a Q&A with astrophysicist Laurie Rousseau-Nepton about Indigenous perspectives on the eclipse

U of T Mississauga event to spotlight Anne Innis Dagg, the founder of giraffe science

Christopher.Sorensen — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 17:20:53 +0000

U of T Mississauga event to spotlight Anne Innis Dagg, the founder of giraffe science

Christopher.Sorensen Tue, 10/10/2023 - 13:20

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Widely considered the founder of giraffe science, U of T alumna Anne Innis Dagg is a passionate advocate for equity in academia (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

Topic

Subheadline

This year's virtual Snider Lecture includes screening of an award-winning documentary about the esteemed zoologist followed by a Q-and-A

At the age of 23, as a recent University of Toronto alumna, Anne Innis Dagg defied the naysayers and set off alone for South Africa.

The year was 1956 and a young woman travelling solo overseas was unusual. She faced multiple obstacles, but Innis Dagg was driven by her lifelong curiosity about the world’s tallest mammal: the giraffe.

“I just wanted to see them and be near my beloved giraffe. I didn’t really think about it being unusual,” Innis Dagg said recently during a conversation at her home in Waterloo, Ont. “It was just something I wanted to do.”

Today, she’s widely considered to be the founder of giraffe science.

Innis Dagg will be the focus of this year’s virtual Snider Lecture at U of T Mississauga, which includes the screening of an award-winning documentary – the Woman Who Loves Giraffes – followed by a pre-recorded question-and-answer session with the esteemed zoologist.

Anne Innis Daag (photo by Nick Iwanyshyn)

“We are excited to bring a special presentation to our remote audience,” says Lawrence Switzky, associate professor in the department of English and drama at U of T Mississauga and chair of the Snider Lecture Committee. “For the past 49 years, the Snider Lecture Series has brought together members of our community to learn about, question and reflect on some of the most important issues around us.”

The documentary the Woman Who Loves Giraffes recounts Innis Dagg’s time in Africa and her subsequent publications, which formed the basis of giraffe study. The film also details her struggles as a female academic in the 1960s and 1970s, which prompted her to call out sexism in academia and champion feminist causes.

Innis Dagg’s ties to U of T are numerous and enduring, dating back generations. Her mother, Mary Quayle Innis, was a former dean of women at University College. Her father, Harold Adams Innis, was a renowned political economist and the namesake of Innis College. He was interested in biodiversity and was an avid adventurer and explorer, once travelling by canoe to the Arctic to observe beavers, moose and bears.

“I inherited those traits from him,” Innis Dagg said.

Innis Dagg earned an honours bachelor of biology degree from U of T in 1955 and later went on to earn a master’s degree in genetics from the university. She also has a PhD from the University of Waterloo.

During U of T’s spring 2021 convocation season, she was recognized with an honorary degree. The same year, she was named an Alumni of Influence at University College.

In her convocation address, Innis Dagg recounted the “demoralizing” experience that helped propel her passionate advocacy for equity in academia.

In 1968, she was hired as an assistant professor in the zoology department at the University of Guelph, where she taught courses on mammals and wildlife management – but she did not receive a tenured faculty position.

“My career was sidetracked by the institutional sexism that was rampant in academia,” said Innis Dagg, who has tackled gender issues in several of her more than 20 books.

She acknowledged that the fight for equality isn’t over. “Women should continue to demand their place in science. I encourage them to reach out to mentors and peers to develop a support network and continue to push forward, even if it feels uncomfortable.”

Now 90, Innis Dagg is working to ensure the future of giraffes via a foundation she runs with her daughter, Mary Dagg.

“One of the philosophies of my foundation is that education equals conservation. The more people know about giraffes, the more they want to become engaged in their survival.”

For children aged seven to 17, the Anne Innis Dagg Foundation offers the Junior Giraffe Club to engage and inspire a new generation of giraffologists.

More importantly, she wants to instil a sense of determination and engagement: “Get involved in whatever your passion is.”

U of T kicks off Pride Month with flag-raising ceremonies across its three campuses

siddiq22 — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 19:26:13 +0000

U of T kicks off Pride Month with flag-raising ceremonies across its three campuses

siddiq22 Thu, 06/01/2023 - 15:26

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Flags were raised at U of T Mississauga, the St. George campus and U of T Scarborough to mark the beginning of Pride Month (photos by Angelia Meffe, Polina Teif and Don Campbell)

Topic

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education

LGBTQ

Pride

Sexual & Gender Diversity Office

St. George campus

U of T Mississauga

U of T Scarborough

The University of Toronto kicked off Pride Month celebrations on its three campuses Thursday with flag raising ceremonies and associated events.

As the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) prepared for its annual flag-raising on the St. George campus, Ivan Canete thought back to when Toronto hosted WorldPride back in 2014 – in particular, the flags that lined Bloor Street.

The event prompted the assistant manager of merchandise, apparel and ticketing sales for the KPE’s sport and recreation department to suggest a flag at Varsity Stadium. So, Beth Ali, U of T’s director of athletics and physical activity, tasked him with developing an accompanying ceremony.

“I drafted a modest model and we held the inaugural ceremony in 2016,” Canete said. “We added the Trans flag in 2017 and transitioned to the Progress Pride flag – which includes black and brown stripes to represent marginalized LGBTQ+ communities of colour, along with the colours pink, light blue and white, which are used on the transgender Pride flag.

(photo by Polina Teif)

KPE’s annual event, hosted in collaboration with the Sexual & Gender Diversity Office, takes place alongside similar ceremonies at U of T Mississauga and U of T Scarborough, as well as other Pride-related events at the university throughout the month.

At U of T Mississauga, the Pride Month launch barbecue and flag-raising opened with a performance by Danielle Migwans, an Indigenous drummer from M'Chigeeng First Nation and the community of Wikwemikong.

For the first time on the campus, U of T Mississauga is displaying a 2-Spirit flag alongside the More Colour, More Pride flag.

(Photo by Angelia Meffe)

Professor Nicholas Rule, incoming vice-principal, academic and dean, said the chance to speak at the U of T Mississauga’s kickoff event was meaningful in multiple ways.

“As someone who identifies as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, [I] recognize that in many parts of the world – including in my own place of origin in the U.S. – issues such as anti-Trans bills and attacks on gender-affirming care continue to be pervasive,” he told a crowd gathered in front of the U of T Mississauga Student Centre.

“Many people are suffering, dying and fighting for rights of equality – something that a lot of us in Canada take for granted. But today I want to focus on the positive by reflecting on how fortunate we all are to be able to gather here on this beautiful campus – on a beautiful day, in the spirit of comradeship – to commemorate and honour this month.”

(photo by Don Campbell)

At U of T Scarborough, the More Colour, More Pride flags were raised for the fifth year in a row.

“By raising this flag, we honour the experiences and resiliency of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and queer people and the experiences of Black, Indigenous and racialized people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Additionally, we raise the Trans Pride flag to represent 2-spirit, trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people,” said Nadia Rosemond, U of T Scarborough’s assistant dean, co-curricular programs and student leadership, during her opening remarks.

“I want to pause and express gratitude and love to our 2SLGBTQ+ students, staff, faculty and librarians at UTSC. I don’t know how often you hear or feel this outside the month of June, but I want you to know that you belong here. You are welcomed here.”

The ceremony was followed by a courtyard celebration in front of the Arts and Administration Building with snacks, a unique floral mural marking Pride Month and a welcome table set up by the Positive Space Committee.

(photo by Don Campbell)

Back at the Varsity Stadium event, Sport and Recreation aquatics instructor Alex Jung was selected as the KPE staff guest of honour for his dedication to improving trans pool hours and launching upcoming trans swim lessons.

“As we swim through eliminationist policy and transgender athlete bans, I look to the spaces we trans folk grow for us,” Jung said. “I’m excited for more of us to be in the pool, comfortable in our own skin and in the water.”

Allison Burgess, U of T’s acting executive director of equity, diversity and inclusion, reminded guests that June is also National Indigenous History Month and said raising the Progress flag should be viewed both as a gesture of support for 2SLGBTQ+ communities and a stand against all oppression.

“All of this might feel like ancient history – but we know that, sadly, the fight for equity is not over,” said Burgess, adding that Pride is a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of 2SLGBTQ+ members of the U of T community and get involved in Pride Month initiatives across the three campuses.

“Simply being here today to help us raise the Pride flag is a political act, but I hope this won’t be the only action you take during Pride Month.”

Is misinformation killing us? Author Timothy Caulfield to tackle the 'infodemic' at U of T event

Christopher.Sorensen — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 13:56:39 +0000

Is misinformation killing us? Author Timothy Caulfield to tackle the 'infodemic' at U of T event

Christopher.Sorensen Mon, 09/19/2022 - 09:56

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The University of Alberta's Timothy Caulfield will discus the issue of misinformation on Sept. 22 at the U of T Mississauga’s annual Snider Lecture (photo by Curtis Trent)

Shauna Rempel

Topic

Our Community

U of T Mississauga

Shortly after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic due to the coronavirus in March 2020, officials at the United Nations agency began discussing a different scourge: an “infodemic.”

According to the WHO, which popularized the term in recent years, “an infodemic is too much information, including false or misleading information, in digital and physical environments during a disease outbreak.”

The term isn’t new to Timothy Caulfield. The author, professor and researcher has been writing about misinformation for years – in all its forms. Two of his books focus on health and wellness myths.

“When I first started working in this space, it seemed like a fringe topic,” says Caulfield, a professor in the Faculty of Law and School of Public Health at the University of Alberta who will be tackling the topic on Sept. 22 at the University of Toronto Mississauga’s annual Snider Lecture, which will be held live online via YouTube.

Caulfield, who is Canada Research Chair in Health Law and Policy and research director of the U of A’s Health Law Institute, says that an issue once considered niche has now become front and centre in society.

“I think more and more people are taking this topic very, very seriously. Whether you’re talking about the United Nations, the World Health Organization, the federal government – this topic matters.”

In his latest book, Relax: A Guide to Everyday Health Decisions with More Facts and Less Worry, Caulfield delves into a common misinformation trap: equating causation with correlation. That is, expecting one event to cause another, when in fact there’s only a correlation linking the two events. For example, while there have been studies indicating a correlation between cancer and stressful lives, as the Canadian Cancer Society notes: “research has not proven a definite cause-and-effect relationship between stress and cancer.”

So why does the misconception persist?

“It’s just so intuitively appealing to people,” Caulfield says of the phenomenon of correlation/causation confusion. “We're all sort of psychologically hard-wired to see connections when maybe they don’t exist.”

That’s not to say correlation data is irrelevant, Caulfield says. For example, early on it helped suggest the detrimental effects of smoking and added to the body of research that eventually included evidence of causation.

Avoiding correlation/causation confusion is just one way we can help combat misinformation in our lives. Caulfield also recommends asking yourself what kind of evidence is being used to support a claim – especially one that sounds outrageous or too good to be true.

And he recommends taking a beat. Pause before reacting.

“With such a chaotic information environment, we have a tendency to react emotionally to headlines. If you just pause, there’s this growing body of evidence that tells us that you’re less likely to believe misinformation, that you’re less likely to spread misinformation.”

We need to arm ourselves, Caulfield says, because he predicts the infodemic is going to get worse.

Caulfield says increasingly sophisticated technology such as deepfake videos will continue to pose a challenge for all of us as we go about our busy lives.

The good news? We’re going to get better at responding to it. “We have more and more research into how to respond, what the nature of the misinformation is and how it spreads,” Caulfield says. “So it’s getting worse but people are taking it more seriously and I think the response is going to get better.”