NEWS & EVENTS

May 4, 2023

Simon Fraser University respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose unceded traditional territories our three campuses reside.

 

UNIVERSITY NEWS

PHYSICS PROFESSOR RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED NATIONAL AWARD

Congratulations to Sarah D. Johnson, SFU Physics lecturer and Associate Dean in the Faculty of Science, who is one of only ten recipients of the 3M fellowship granted by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. This is Canada's most prestigious recognition of exceptional contributions to education at the post-secondary level.

Among several feats, the award celebrates her remarkable efforts in breaking the barriers that prevent young women from pursuing education and careers in physics and founding SFU's Science and Math Peer-Tutoring Program.

 

RESEARCH TO IMPROVE HOUSING CONDITIONS IN DOWNTOWN EASTSIDE

A.J. Withers, the Ruth Wynn Woodward Junior Chair of SFU's Gender, Sexuality and Women's Studies Department, is leading research to address the homelessness crisis in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES).The project will inform and empower the advocacy work of Our Homes Can’t Wait, a coalition of DTES organizations. Withers hopes that understanding these lived experiences will lead to more affordable, accessible and dignified housing in the area.

 
 

DAVID LEE WINS 2022 SFU STAFF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

SFU Physics laboratory technician David Lee is rarely the centre of attention, but he deserves to be with his most recent accomplishment. In celebration of his contributions to the Trottier Observatory, teaching and learning and fostering a positive work environment, he was honoured with the 2022 SFU Staff Achievement Award for work performance.

Over the years, David has designed and built multiple experiments and props for public events such as Science Rendezvous and Science Spooktacular. When asked why he likes to help out, Lee simply says it is because he loves to see kids smile.

JUVENILE SALMON EXPERIENCE MOOD SWINGS IN RESPONSE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change has led to earlier spring blooms for wildflowers and ocean plankton but the impacts on salmon migration are more complicated.

A new research paper, led by Sam Wilson with the Salmon Watersheds Lab in the Faculty of Science, notes salmon have a varied response to climate change. Researchers emphasize the importance of long-term monitoring data collection and collaboration to understand how salmon respond to climate change impacts.

 
 

RESOURCES + OPERATIONAL UPDATES

CONVOCATION ASSISTANCE NEEDED | JUNE 6 - 9

Convocation is a significant milestone for SFU graduands, their families and friends as well as the university community.

Spring Convocation will happen Tuesday, June 6 to Friday, June 9. There are eight ceremonies (two per day) and you can select your available times when you register.

REMINDER - ASSOCIATE VICE-PRESIDENT, LEARNING AND TEACHING SEARCH CALL FOR APPLICATIONS OPEN UNTIL MAY 12

The search for SFU's next vice-provost and associate vice-president, learning and teaching (AVPLT), is open for applications until May 12. You can find the complete search schedule as well as the position description and candidate profile on the Provost and VPA website.

If you know of qualified internal candidates who may be interested, please encourage them to apply. Applications should be addressed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Dr. Wade Parkhouse, Provost and Vice-President Academic, pro tem, and sent to vpasrch@sfu.ca by 2 p.m on Friday, May 12.

SFU BURNABY CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION NOTICE

On Saturday May 6th and Saturday May 13th, South Sciences Building will be closed for maintenance of the HVAC system between 7:00 a.m and 7:00 p.m. Lab users are advised that all chemicals in fume hoods must be capped off and removed to another appropriate storage. For questions, contact: Kaylene Milliken, kaylene_milliken@sfu.ca.

 

FEATURE EVENT

JEWISH HERITAGE MONTH

May | Hosted by SFU Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

This month, across the university we celebrate Jewish history, culture and contributions to SFU. You are invited to check out this compilation of activities and resources.

RED DRESS DAY WITH THE FACULTY OF EDUCATION

May 5 | Hosted by Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education's Office of Indigenous Education invites everyone to visit their installations in the Education building at SFU's Burnaby campus until May 8th. Explore their virtual space and learn more about Red Dress Day and ways to show your support for the Indigenous community. 

You are invited to wear red on May 5th to remember stolen sisters, raise awareness of colonial and gender based violence, and honour grieving families and communities.

BURNABY FESTIVAL OF LEARNING

May 5 - 9 | Hosted by SFU and Burnaby

The Burnaby Festival of Learning is a festival by the community, for the community. It will be in person for five full days of free, thought-provoking, community-led events, taking place in various venues in Burnaby.

DRUM FOR MOOSE HIDE CAMPAIGN DAY

May 10 | Hosted by SFU Office for Aboriginal Peoples, Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office and External Relations

Join the SFU community to raise awareness about the ongoing impacts of gender-based violence in our communities and the path to wellness and healing. Staff, faculty and students are invited to take part and drum in solidarity. Coffee, tea and bannock will be served. 

SFU BLACK BRILLIANCE GRADUATION CELEBRATION

June 5 | Hosted by SFU Black Caucus and SOCA

SFU, in partnership with the SFU Black Caucus and the Students of Carribean and African Ancestry (SOCA), will be hosting the second Black Graduation Celebration to celebrate the brilliance of black students.

All black-identifying students graduating in 2023 from any undergraduate or graduate degree are invited to register. Graduates may bring two guests. The deadline for registration is Friday, May 5th.

 

EVENTS AND WEBINARS

May 5

May 6

May 9

May 10

 

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