Welcome to the third annual research conference here at the University of Regina.  Last year’s research conference was a great success featuring presentations and poster exhibits by over one hundred graduate students and upper-year undergraduate students.  The conference is a public event and all students (graduate and undergraduate), staff and faculty, members of the community, as well as high school students who are considering University career choices will be invited to view the posters and listen to the oral presentations.  There is not cost associated with community participation in this event.

This conference is unique in because it is a student-organized, student-focused, conference for communicating student research to the community.  It offers students an opportunity to showcase their research for students and Saskatchewan residents alike.  It provides an affordable option for local students to improve their curriculum vitae and a chance for everyone to keep on top of the world-class research being done here at the University of Regina. The conference planners hope that resounding support and attendance from the University of Regina and the community will help to make the conference a National destination for student research over the next few years.

Beginning with an opening keynote speech from Joe Muldoon on the Uranium Industry in Saskatchewan, this year’s conference will be held April 11th and 12^th and presentations will include everything from New Petroleum Technology, Building Better Roads, Social Issues, and even Harry Potter! This is an opportunity for the community to learn more about the ongoing research at the U of R.  We are also very pleased to present keynote Speaker Bob McDonald, host of CBC’s “Quirks and Quarks.” McDonald has been communicating science internationally through television, radio, print and live presentations for more than 30 years. He is the host of CBC Radio’s Quirks and Quarks, the award-winning science program with a national audience of nearly 500,000 people.

 
In addition to the presentations, there are several social events, most notably the Friday poster session and the Gala conference dinner – both of which were huge successes last year due in no small part to the food.  Also, student volunteers who support the organization and running of the conference attended a fabulous free brunch at the Hotel Sask last year, and rumour has it the same is planned for this year on Sunday April 13th!  The conference seems to get better with each year, as the planners continue to review and improve, so we hope to see a huge turn out from the University of Regina, demonstrating our school spirit and commitment to excellence.  See you there!

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Friday, April 11th

ED 191: 1:00 pm

"Nuclear Power: Good Environmental Policy or Not?"

Joe Muldoon is an expert in uranium and nuclear energy policy, particularly in relation to Saskatchewan. He has 28 years experience in the environment and resource management field working within the Saskatchewan, Ontario and Federal governments. His education background includes a Masters of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science (Biology) and he is currently completing a Doctorate in Public Policy with research into uranium and nuclear energy policy. Under the auspices of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, Joe has chaired national committees to develop environmental strategies and standards. He has been directly involved in the environmental regulatory management system in Saskatchewan, including the uranium industry.

Some of Joe’s recent positions include:

-- Assistant Deputy Minister, Environmental Division and Policy and Planning Section of the Ministry of Environment

-- Executive Director, Environmental Protection Branch, Saskatchewan Environment

-- Senior Manager, Public Involvement and Aboriginal Affairs Branch, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

-- Manager of Regional Fisheries Management Program, Fisheries Branch, Saskatchewan Environment and Resource Management

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Key Note Speaker: Bob McDonald

Saturday, April 12th

Education Auditorium: 4:00 pm

"Perspectives on the Planet: Science as I've Seen It"

Bob McDonald has been communicating science internationally through television, radio, print and live presentations for more than 30 years. He is the host of CBC Radio’s Quirks and Quarks, the award-winning science program with a national audience of nearly 500,000 people. He is also a regular reporter for CBC Television’s The National as well as host and writer of the Gemini-nominated children’s series Head’s Up.

As a print journalist, McDonald has authored two science books for children and contributed to numerous science textbooks, newspapers and magazines including The Globe and Mail, Owl Magazine and many others. His latest book is Measuring the Earth With a Stick.

McDonald has been honoured for his outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada as the 2001 recipient of the Michael Smith Award from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, the 2001 Sir Sanford Fleming Medal from the Royal Canadian Institute, Canada’s oldest scientific institution; the 2005 recipient of The McNeil Medal for the Public Awareness of Science, through The Royal Society of Canada. He has received two honourary Doctorates, from the University of Guelph and Carleton University.

He is constantly in demand to speak for a variety of audiences across Canada.