The Dean's Office Dispatch is the Faculty of Science's weekly e-newsletter sent out to students, faculty and staff. 

Please note that Dalhousie University will be closed on Monday, October 2 to recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.

Introducing the Dal Science Spotlight: Dr. Boris Worm

The first edition of the Dal Science Spotlight features Dr. Boris Worm of the Department of Biology. Dr. Worm was recognized for his ‘Communicating Science for Societal Impact’ course by an anonymous graduate student. “Effective communication with different audiences is a critical skill for students to learn as they develop into scientists that will shape how society moves forward,” the student says. “Boris brought in many great guest lecturers to the course, representing different groups outside of the academy. It was fantastic to hear tips and tricks for creating positive change in the world, stemming from science communication in different formats.”

We love hearing about our students learning to create positive change in the world, so keep up the impactful work, Dr. Worm! 

The Dal Science Spotlight highlights the contributions of instructors and advisors in the Faculty of Science. Recognize an outstanding instructor or advisor by filling out our nomination form. A new submission will be featured weekly in the Dean’s Office Dispatch.

Listen to Dr. Melanie Zurba on Sciographies

The third episode of the fifth season of the Sciographies podcast features Dr. Melanie Zurba, a social scientist and associate professor in the School for Resource and Environmental Studies and the College of Sustainability. Listen to the episode on SoundCloud or find it on most podcast apps.

New episodes are released on Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. AST on CKDU 88.1 FM in Halifax as well as on SoundCloud and most podcast apps. Visit our website to learn more about Sciographies and listen to previous episodes.

Sustainable Labs Canada Student Short Film competition

Sustainable Labs Canada is conducting a #LabLife student short film competition  Cash prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500 will be awarded to the top three videos. Winners will also receive admission to the 2023 SLCan Conference in Halifax and a one-year SLCan membership. See complete details on the SLCan website - the intent to submit a video deadline is October 3, with the final submission deadline on October 17.

Multiple choice questions wanted for junior high science contest

The Atlantic Science Links Association (ASLA) is holding its second annual science contest for junior high students in Nova Scotia on December 5. The contest consists of a multiple-choice test featuring questions covering topics in biology, chemistry, geology, and physics. 

A question bank is being created based on submissions from the Dal Science community, in particular instructors in those four subject areas. For more information, please see this post on the Faculty of Science myDal site (login required) or contact ASLA@Dal.ca. 

Blood donation clinic on campus: Oct. 3-5

Canadian Blood Services will be holding a blood donation clinic in the McInnes Room of the Student Union Building from October 3 through 5. Check your eligibility and book an appointment online at blood.ca and select 'Dalhousie University Student Union Building' as your appointment location. Additional information can also be found on the Dalhousie Blood Society Instagram page and in this Today@Dal notice. Appointments can be made on the following dates and times:

• Tuesday, October 3 (12 to 3 pm, 5 to 8 pm)
• Wednesday, October 4 (12 to 3 pm, 5 to 8 pm)
• Thursday, October 5 (10 am to 2 pm)

Pain Education Day from Solutions for Kids in Pain

Pain Education Day is a Patients Included event hosted by Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) in partnership with the Centre for Pediatric Pain Research (CPPR) and the Pain in Child Health (PICH) training program.

The special topics Education Day will provide a deep dive into knowledge mobilization about how to bridge the gaps between research and practice, and policy. This event is for researchers, health professionals (from all disciplines), administrators, policymakers, trainees, patient partners, and others. Anyone from around the world or locally who wants to learn how to make a difference is encouraged to register.

Pain Education Day will be held on Sunday, October 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Halifax Convention Centre. To register please visit: https://ispp.arinex.one/pages/pain-education-day

Would you like to make a submission to the Dean's Office Dispatch? Email communications.science@dal.ca with a brief summary of your notice, a supporting link or email address, and a photo/image if you have one.