Department of Biological Sciences Newsletter
“from biomolecules to the biosphere”
No. 36
November 14, 2014
Announcements
Congratulations to Matt Vijayan who was awarded an NSERC
Strategic Grant.
Congratulations to our two Killam Annual Professors recipients:
Peter Tieleman, biological sciences
Gerrit Voordouw, biological sciences
http://www.ucalgary.ca/utoday/issue/2014-10-21/killam-scholars-andaward-winners-celebrated-annual-reception?utm_source=UToday&utm_
medium=Email&utm_campaign=October-21-2014&utm_term=Killam%20Scholars%20
and%20award%20winners%20celebrated%20at%20annual%20reception
Recent Publications
M.N.-Y. Leung, C.A. Paszkowski, A.P. Russell. 2014. Genetic structure of the endangered Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) in Canada: evidence
from mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 2014, 92(10):
875-883, 10.1139/cjz-2014-0079.
Kevin Jagnandan, Anthony P. Russell and Timothy E. Higham. 2014. Tail autotomy and subsequent regeneration alter the mechanics of locomotion in lizards. JEB 217, 3891-3897
Aizen, M.A., C.L. Morales, D.P. Vázquez, L.A. Garibaldi, A. Sáez and L.D. Harder.
2014. When mutualism goes bad: density-dependent impacts of introduced bees
on plant reproduction. New Phytologist 204: 322-328.
Veerle De Wever, Isha Nasa, Delphine Chamousset, David Lloyd,
Mhairi Nimick, Hui Xu, Laura Trinkle-Mulcahy and Greg B.G.
Moorhead (2014) The human mitotic kinesin Kif18A binds protein
phosphatase one (PP1) through a highly conserved docking motif (Biochem. Biophys. Research Comm. In press).
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Dylan Silver, Oliver Kötting and Greg B.G. Moorhead (2014) Phosphoglucan phosphatase function sheds light on starch degradation (Trends Plant Sci. 19: 471-478.
Minnkyong Lee, Amy M. Dworkin, Derek Gildea, Niraj S. Trivedi, NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Tyra G. Wolfsberg, Greg B. Moorhead, Nigel P.S. Crawford (2014)
RRP1B is a metastasis modifier that regulates the expression of alternative mRNA isoforms through interactions with SRSF1. Oncogene 33:1818-27.
Ribeiro, A.S., Eales, B.A., Lloyd-Price, J., Biddle, F.G. (2014) Predictability and
randomness of paw choices are critical elements in the behavioural plasticity of
mouse paw preference. Animal Behaviour 98: 167-176.
Chu, B.C., Otten, R., Mulder F.A.A. and Vogel, H.J. (2014) “The solution
structure, binding properties, and dynamics of the 34 kDa bacterial siderophore binding protein FepB” J. Biol. Chem. 289: 29219-29234.
Arias, M., Nguyen, L.T., Kuczynski, A.M., Lejon, T. and Vogel, H.J. (2014)
“Position-dependent influence of the three Trp residues on the membrane activity of the antimicrobial peptide tritrpticin” Antibiotics 3: 595616.
Palmnäs, M.S.A., Cowan, T.E., Bomhof M.R., Su, J., Reimer, R.A., Vogel, H.J., Hittel, D.S.,
Shearer, J. (2014) “Aspartame consumption differentially affects gut microbiota – host
metabolic interactions in the diet-induced obese rat” PloS One 9(10):e109841.
De Buck, J., Shaykhutdinov, R., Barkema, H. and Vogel, H.J. (2013) “Metabolomic profiling in cattle experimentally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. Paratuberculosis”
PLoS One 9(11): e111872.
Seminars
EEB seminar - Friday at Noon in BI211
Nov 14 -John Bertram- Faculty of Medicine
Implying form from function: the (underlying) dynamics of terrestrial locomotion
EEB 601 seminar - Monday at 12h00 in BI 211
Nov 17 - Oscar Aleuy - TBA
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BCEM 601 seminar - Monday at 16h00 in BI 211
Nov 17 - Suriakarthiga Ganesan - Phosphatidic acid binding proteins sense membrane alterations induced by anticancer lipid drugs
Micro 601 seminar - Wedsnesday at 12h00 in BI 211
Nov 19 - Alexander Elliot - Impact of microbes on shale gas
Sigma-Xi seminar - Thursday at Noon in BI211
Nov 20 - Katheen Ruckstuhl - The importance of long-term studies in behavioural
ecology and conservation: The Sheep River bighorns
ICB 601 seminar - Thursday at 13h00 in BI 211
Nov 20 - Chinmayee Das - TBA
EEB seminar - Friday at Noon in BI211
Nov 21 - Jana Vamosi - Insights from the Tree of Sex: why so many ways of doing
it?
ICB seminar - Tuesday at 13h00 in BI 211
Nov 25 - Lisa Neville - Postdoctoral Fellow Geological Survey of Canada
Ecologic tools for:Defining Background Environments, Creating Reclamation
Strategies, Creating Trajectories and Endpoints
ICB seminar - Tuesday at 15h00 in BI 211
Dec 10 - Enrico Scarpella - University of Alberta
Control of vein network formation by auxin transport
Graduate Student Affairs
Research Proposals
None scheduled at this time
Ph.D. Candidacy Oral Examination - Candidacy Exams are Closed Exams.
Ilona Ruhl (Supervisor: P. Dunfield), will be holding her Candidacy Examination, in the
area of “Environmental Microbiology” on December 2, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in BioSciences
room 246. (Neutral Chair: S. Vamosi).
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Sabine Scandola (Supervisor: M. Samuel), will be holding her Candidacy Examination, in
the area of “Developmental Biology”, on December 4, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in BioSciences
room 389. (Neutral Chair: H. Habibi).
Yan Liu (Supervisor: J. Vamosi), will be holding her Candidacy Examination, in the area
of “Evolutionary Biology” on December 5, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. in BioSciences room 312.
(Neutral Chair: D. Hansen).
Navreet Suri (Supervisor: G. Voordouw), will be holding her Candidacy Examination, in
the area of “Environmental Microbiology”, on December 8, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in BioSciences room 312. (Neutral Chair: John Cobb).
Jessica Duong (Supervisor: D. Storey), will be holding her Candidacy Examination, in the
area of “Host Pathogen Interacations”, on December 9, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. in BioSciences
room 389. (Neutral Chair: M. Samuel)
Sibapriya Chaudhuri (Supervisor: G. Moorhead), will be holding her Candidacy Examination, in the area of “Environmental Microbiology” on December 15, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in
BioSciences room 542. (Neutral Chair: M. Hynes).
Jaspreet Mand (Supervisor: G. Voordouw), will be holding her Candidacy Examination in
the area of “Environmental Microbiology”, on December 16, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. in BioSciences room 389. (Neutral Chair: H.J. Vogel).
Thesis Oral Examinations - Exams are “Open” unless otherwise noted.
Please note: Pre-defense seminars are a degree requirement for all M.Sc. and Ph.D. students in
Biological Sciences. Typically, the seminar will take place immediately preceding the Oral Defense Exam.
Room bookings for Student Meetings - It is the student’s responsibility to book the necessary
com-media equipment with either Carol (403-220-5261 [email protected]) or David (403220-8307) for their examination. Please book the equipment as soon as you have the date set
for your exam/proposal meeting. (defense seminars are held one hour before the stated defense
time in BI 211 unless noted otherwise)
Lindsay Clothier (Supervisor: L. Gieg), will be holding her M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination,
in the area of “Environmental Microbiology”, on November 17, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in BioSciences room 499. (Neutral Chair: D. Hansen).
Yuan “Fiona” Xue (Supervisor: G. Voordouw), will be holding her M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Environmental Microbiology”, on November 25, 2014 at 10:00
a.m. in BioSciences room 499. (Neutral Chair: G. Chua).
Mitra Mojtahedi (Supervisor: G. Chua/S. Huang), will be holding her Ph.D. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Developmental Biology” on November 18, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. in
MLT 215. (Neutral Chair: J. Theodor). Mitra’s exit exam will be held in MLT 215 at Noon.
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Ji Huang (Supervisor: M. Fraser), will be holding his M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination, in
the area of “Biochemistry”, on December 2, 2014 at 14:00 p.m. in BioSciences room 389.
(Neutral Chair: G. Voordouw).
Stanley Neufeld (Supervisor: J. Cobb), will be holding his Ph.D. Thesis Oral Examination,
in the area of Developmental Biology on December 4, 2014 at 9:30 a.m. in BioSciences
room 312. (Neutral Chair: C. Shemanko).
Dawson Fogen (Supervisor: S.-L. Wong), will be holding his M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Molecular Microbiology” on December 10, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. in BioSciences room 389. (Neutral Chair: R. Cartar).
Elysabeth Reavell-Roy (Supervisor: D.K. Ro), will be holding her M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Biochemistry”, on December 15, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in BioSciences
room 312. (Neutral Chair: W. Wildering).
Guillaume Beaudoin (Supervisor: P. Facchini), will be holding his Ph.D. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Biochemistry”, on December 16, 2014 at 10:00 am. in BioSciences
room 246. (Neutral Chair: R.Turner).
Stefano Liccioli (Supervisor: K. Ruckstuhl/A. Massolo), will be holding his Ph.D. Thesis
Oral Examination, in the area of “Ecology”, on December 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in BioSciences room 389. (Neutral Chair: L. Jackson).
Donald Dinsmore (Supervisor: P. Facchini), will be holding his M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Molecular Microbiology”, on December 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in BioSciences room 499. (Neutral Chair: K. Ng)
Joey Lockhart (Supervisor: D. Morck), will be holding his M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination,
in the area of “Host Pathogen Interactions” on December 18, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. in BioSciences room 561. (Neutral Chair: TBD)
Shaelen Konscuh (Supervisor: H. Habibi), will be holding her M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination, in the area of “Physiology”, on December 19, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. in BioSciences room
389. (Neutral Chair: P. Vize).
Sarah Akierman (Supervisor: A. Buret), will be holding her M.Sc. Thesis Oral Examination,
in the area of “Host Pathogen Interactions”, on January 27, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. in BioSciences room 389. (Neutral: H. Habibi).
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“Piled Higher and Deeper” by Jorge Cham
www.phdcomics.com
Positions / Opportunities
Title: PhD positions available to study mobile antibiotic resistance genes in wastewater treatment plants
and effluent.
Description:
Two PhD positions are available for a collaborative project involving researchers at Dalhousie University and the University of Regina. Each University will host one of the PhD
positions and both students will be collaborating together throughout the project. Funding for this project is through the Strategic Projects Grants program of NSERC.
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) may represent a critical control point in the reduction of antibiotic resistance reservoirs. The proposed research will be in collaboration
with municipal WWTP partners in three provinces (SK, PEI and NS), and one territory (NU)
whereby the PhD students will measure the diversity and quantify the release of clinically
relevant mobile resistance genes from different WWTPs in Canada. Results from the PhD
research will help to determine if certain treatment processes either enhance release of new
antibiotic resistance plasmids, or if certain processes, such as membrane technology can
help to reduce release of these mobile resistance elements in the effluent.
Qualifications:
Suitable candidates will have previous experience in molecular microbiology techniques and
strong academic success. Ideally, candidates will have experience or an interest in fieldwork
and water sampling. An interest in the application of bioinformatic tools within environmental microbiology is required.
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Instructions for application:
Applicants should send a digital application package which includes a cover letter, highlighting relevant experience and interests, a CV that includes contact information for 3
professional references, and unofficial transcripts.
Applications sent to the University of Regina should be addressed to Dr. Christopher
Yost, Department of Biology; [email protected]
Applications sent to Dalhousie University should be addressed to Dr. Lisbeth Truelstrup
Hansen and Dr. Rob Jamieson, Department of Process Engineering and Applied Science;
[email protected]; [email protected]
2 tenure-track faculty positions are at the Assistant Professor level in Biochemistry and
in Developmental Biology with the Department of Health Sciences at Carleton University.
Areas of particular interest for the position in Biochemistry include mechanism(s) of metabolic or cellular regulation in humans and the biochemical basis of metabolic, genetic or
chronic diseases.
Areas of particular interest for the position in Developmental Biology include
mechanism(s) of genetic, epigenetic or cellular regulation of human development and
the developmental basis of health and pathology, including metabolic, genetic or chronic
diseases.
The Health: Science, Technology and Policy graduate program and the new Bachelors of
Health Sciences undergraduate program, both housed within the Department of Health
Sciences (https://healthsciences.carleton.ca/), illustrate the opportunities available in this
area of growth and strategic importance at Carleton. Both are broadly trans-disciplinary
programs that leverage expertise from multiple disciplines to engage students and external partners to translate research findings into real world solutions and provide training
relevant to the rapidly changing health sector.
We are currently accepting applications from qualified candidates for tenure-track appointments in Biochemistry and Developmental Biology at the rank of Assistant Professor. The closing date is February 15, 2015. Please forward the attached job posting to any
qualified candidates who may be interested in these positions.
Links to job postings:
Biochemistry - http://carleton.ca/facultyrecruitment/2014/department-health-sciencesbiochemistry-assistant-professor-applications-closing-date-february-15-2015/
Developmental Biology - http://carleton.ca/facultyrecruitment/2014/department-healthsciences-developmental-biology-health-disease-assistant-professor-applications-closingdate-february-15-2015/
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UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY
FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
DVM ADMISSIONS & INFORMATION SESSION
WITH DR. ALASTAR CRIBB, DEAN
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Date:
Time:
Place:
Monday, November 17th
5:00pm-6:00pm
Foothills Campus, TRW 2E23
.
.
•
FACULTY OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
P: 403.210.3961| F: 403.210.8121
[email protected] | www.vet,ucalgary.ca
3280 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 4Z6
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Behind the Leaf
News from the BGSA
• Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
The Alberta Society of Professional Biologists will be hosting a FREE seminar
on Nov 27 from 12-1 pm regarding upcoming opportunities and accreditation.
All are welcome but must RSVP to ensure there is enough pizza for
attendees. Those who fail to RSVP will not be guaranteed lunch.
• Laser-Tag
Thank you everyone who came out to our Laser Tag event against the
chemists. We would like to congratulate our rival department for games
well played!
• Intramural Volleyball Team
The BGSA facilitated volleyball team is having fun and taking out frustration
on the volleyball court.
• Department Swag Mug
Mugs to show off your school spirit are now available! These mugs can now
be pre-ordered for $15, but if you preorder with your Holiday Party ticket you
save! Only $13! With that $2 savings you might be able to afford coffee to put
in it! These puppies wont last long.
• Winter Party
Everyone is encouraged to come out to this awesome event. The festivities
will include a 3 course meal, activities and a chance to win door prizes. Must
be bought in advance, $30 each. We encourage you to bring your significant
others, favorite support staff and professors. Vegetarian options available
on request. Tickets on sale now.
BGSA – University
of Calgary
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www.ucalgary.ca/bgsa
“from biomolecules to the biosphere”
@biogsa
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Council of Foothills DGA’s &
Biological Sciences Graduate Students Association
Winter Wonder-Lab Semi-Formal
December 5th, 2014
The Danish Canadian Club of Calgary
(727 - 11th Avenue SW)
Tickets: $30
Everyone Welcome
Students, Staff, and Faculty!
Food, Festivities, DJ and Prizes!
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