TORONTO, ON -- In a white paper envelope on Stephen Fratpietro’s desk are three teeth that once belonged to a dog named Thor. The teeth, now well over 40 years old, await DNA analysis at Lakehead's Paleo-DNA Laboratory as part of a groundbreaking test from canine genetics testing company, DNA My Dog.

Back in the 80s when Thor was just a puppy, the Irwin family had saved a few of his baby teeth after they’d fallen out and decided to submit them for DNA analysis after hearing about the Deceased Dog DNA Test from a friend. Being unfamiliar with the service, they did some research and were astounded to discover that they could, indeed, have Thor’s DNA tested - even four decades after he’d been gone.

In fact, the Paleo DNA Laboratory was specifically designed to test old and degraded DNA samples, making them uniquely equipped to perform these tests. After successfully extracting DNA from a 2,000-year-old mummified human hand, analyzing DNA from a 40-year-old dog tooth is a walk in the park for Fratpietro and the Paleo-DNA team. The only commercially available test of its kind, the Deceased Dog DNA Test is made possible by the partnership between DNA My Dog and the highly accredited Paleo-DNA Laboratory. The two have been in partnership for well over a decade and have since provided closure and insight to dozens of pup parents around the world.

In Thor’s case, the Irwin family obtained valuable information that provided both closure and answers to questions they’d always had about his unique quirks, behaviors, and his health.

Thor was a big, old, rough-and-tumble farm dog that they’d always believed to be a German Shepherd, based on his pointed ears, black & tan coat, and loyal, protective nature.

But where did his massive size, webbed paws, and the bluish-black spots on his tongue come from? They believed these traits would remain a mystery – until now.

It turns out they were right about the German Shepherd bit, but had no idea there was also Newfoundland Dog and Chow Chow in Thor’s genetic ancestry. The breed identification report provided by DNA My Dog revealed that Thor’s giant size and webbed paws were inherited from the Newfoundland Dog while the Chow Chow genetics were responsible for the blue-black spots on his tongue.

The results also indicated that all three breeds in Thor’s DNA are prone to hip dysplasia, an inherited genetic health condition from which Thor suffered in his later years.

Astonished that all this information was obtained from just one little baby tooth, and incredibly glad that they’d kept it all these years, the Irwin family was finally given a sense of closure by knowing what made Thor so special.

But teeth aren’t the only type of sample Lakehead and DNA My Dog can test. Ideal samples include items the dog has had oral contact with (that haven’t been washed or used by another dog) and biological samples like teeth, blood, and nails. The Paleo-DNA Laboratory has successfully extracted DNA from:

• Toys (20+ years old)
• Collars
• Pieces of fabric from dog bedding, sweaters, etc.
• Vomit
• Feces
• Teeth
• Toenails
• Scabs
• Blood on blood card or medical syringes
• Organs/tissue

Upon purchase, customers will be sent detailed instructions on how to send their samples of choice. Up to three samples can be sent for analysis, and items will always be returned upon request. Results are available online roughly two weeks after the sample is received at Lakehead’s laboratory in Thunder Bay, ON. Additional information can be found here.

About DNA My Dog:

DNA My Dog is a Canadian-owned and operated company that has been providing DNA testing services for dogs since 2008. The company provides a range of tests including a Canine Allergy Test, Essential and Premium Breed ID tests, and a patent-pending Genetic Age test that provides a dog’s accurate biological age.

May 17, 2024 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

Lakehead University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jarmo Peltola as the next endowed Chair in Finnish Studies.

An associate professor and senior researcher in economic and social history at the University of Helsinki, Dr. Peltola is the 12^th Finnish scholar to hold this position. He will hold the position from September 2024 until the end of April 2025. In addition to providing lectures at the undergraduate level and conducting research, he will participate in the intellectual life of the university and the Finnish community and explore the development of partnerships.

“This opportunity offers me a trip to my own past,” said Dr. Peltola. “Many of my relatives left for “America" at the beginning of the twentieth century. Some of them settled in the Great Lakes region. This visiting professorship allows me to explore this past and will provide me with an excellent opportunity to complete my research database, which I have collected from the population of the industrial city of Tampere.

“Many workers from Tampere ended up going to Canada and the United States between 1900 and 1940. The reason for leaving was sometimes the desire for adventure, but very often the pursuit of a better standard of living. Political reasons also often influenced the departure.”

Prior to joining the University of Helsinki, Dr. Peltola spent 13 years as a senior researcher at the University of Tampere. He has also been a visiting researcher at Umeå University and Uppsala University in Sweden and at the International Institute of Social History. Dr. Peltola’s publications include 18 monographs and 36 articles/book chapters exploring a wide range of Finnish economic, labour, and social history.

"The Department of History is pleased to host Dr. Peltola,” said department chair Dr. Michael Stevenson. “His distinguished interdisciplinary research record on the economic, political, and social history of Finland, as well as the history of the Finnish diaspora in North America will be of great interest to Lakehead students and the general public in the Thunder Bay region.”

“Dr. Peltola’s appointment is another example of the university’s close relationship with the Finnish communities in Thunder Bay, across Canada, and overseas,” added Dr. Michel S. Beaulieu, Associate Vice Provost (Academic).

Established in 1996, the Chair in Finnish Studies is an endowed appointment at the Thunder Bay campus created and sustained by the generous support of the Finnish community of Thunder Bay and its organizations, particularly the Canadian Suomi Foundation.

More information about the Chair in Finnish Studies can be found at www.lakeheadu.ca/chairs/finnish-studies.

(SAULT STE. MARIE, ON – May 8, 2024): Algoma University joins forces with Lakehead University for an international exchange of Indigenous cultural knowledge in Belize, immersing students in a one-of-a-kind educational experience.

Read the full story at https://bit.ly/3UTjAkn. 

(pictured from left) John Zussino, lecturer, and Dr. Isabelle Lemee, associate professor, from the Department of Languages, Michael Fayrick, Rhapsody Shepard, Mark Piovesana, president of the IISLU, and James Aldridge, Vice-Provost, International. 

April 25, 2024 - Thunder Bay, Ont.

Two Lakehead University students will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live and learn in Italy this summer thanks to the Institute of Italian Studies at Lakehead University (IISLU).

Third-year political science student Michael Fayrick and second-year concurrent education student Rhapsody Shepard have each received a $2,000 bursary from the IISLU. This bursary will allow them to participate in a transformative four-week program in Siena, Italy in May, organized by the University for Foreigners of Siena in collaboration with Lakehead International.

The program offers students from diverse backgrounds a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Italian language and culture through structured language study, extracurricular activities, and excursions.

For Fayrick, a third-generation Italian Canadian, this is the opportunity to discover more about his heritage and culture. “My mother’s side of the family came to Thunder Bay from Italy so having the opportunity to go abroad to learn about my culture and the language is going to be awesome.”

Learning how to read and speak Italian will also support two of his passion projects: research into the rise of early Fascism in Italy and the translation of his Nonno’s Second World War Italian Army service records.

“I wouldn’t have considered this opportunity without the support of the Italian Institute,” said Fayrick. “It’s incredible and I love the principle of why they are supporting a program like this – to promote Italian language and culture and ensure that it carries on across generations.”

Shepard always wanted to learn as many languages as possible. Initially quite shy, learning languages allowed her to feel like part of a community but also allowed her to keep a sense of independence.

“As the only one in my family who can speak more than one language (English), I see multilingualism as something of my own that I can make something of and decided to keep pursuing it in university,” she explained. “I think language is fun and I want to make it fun for others.”

“I’m excited about the experience and cultural aspects of studying abroad in Italy. While you can learn a language anywhere, truly understanding its depth requires immersing yourself in that culture and actively learning and hearing it over an extended period.”

Shepard believes this experience will greatly enhance her comprehension of Italian and support her ambitions of becoming a high school language teacher. “Grazie! I want to thank all the language professors at Lakehead, and the Italian Institute for their passion and for providing this opportunity. It motivates me to continue learning languages, knowing that these opportunities for development are possible.”

Mark Piovesana, president of the IISLU, said the Institute is pleased to partner with Lakehead International to offer this opportunity to students.

“Our mandate is to promote and preserve Italian language, culture and history in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario,” Piovesana said. “These bursaries are just the beginning, igniting interest and opportunities for Lakehead students eager to embrace Italian language and culture. We hope that this bursary will encourage other students, whether they are studying art or engineering, to enroll in language courses at Lakehead.”

According to James Aldridge, Vice-Provost, International, global mobility programs, such as the one in collaboration with the University for Foreigners of Siena, help students build critical global and intercultural competencies.

“As we continue to foster a culture of internationalization on our campuses, we are grateful to partners like the Institute of Italian Studies for supporting scholarship opportunities that allow our students to have language and cultural immersion opportunities where they not only learn new language skills, but hopefully gain the critical intercultural competencies that we know are important for job success and navigating the modern globalized world,” he said.

“Thank you to the Board of the IISLU because without this support we wouldn’t be able to offer this outstanding opportunity for students.”

(Thunder Bay, ON – April 19, 2024) – Confederation College and Lakehead University have signed an agreement that allows students who complete an Honours Bachelor of Kinesiology or Bachelor of Kinesiology degree to receive advanced standing in the college’s Paramedic or Medical Radiation Technology diploma programs.

Shane Strickland, Dean of Health, Negahneewin, and Community Services at Confederation College, emphasized the strategic design of the Paramedic program to address the immediate needs of Northwestern Ontario. "This program not only meets the urgent demand for paramedics in the region but also incorporates vital field experience, allowing students to gain hands-on learning in real medical situations," said Strickland. Highlighting the program's significance, Strickland noted that it is recognized as a priority by the Government of Ontario, with students eligible for the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, which covers the cost of tuition and books for students who commit to serving in the region post-graduation.

The Medical Radiation Technology program, similarly, stands out with its Accreditation Canada seal of approval, preparing students for the Canadian Association of Medical Radiation Technologists (CAMRT) certification exam. Successful graduates find rewarding careers in diagnostic imaging across hospitals, clinics, and various medical settings. "Our programs are meticulously designed to ensure graduates are not just qualified but are ready to excel in their professional roles," Strickland added.

Lakehead University kinesiology graduates will be well-positioned to seek a career in both health program areas.

Lakehead University's Associate Vice-Provost (Academic), Dr. Michel Beaulieu, highlighted the mutual benefits of this agreement. "This partnership not only acknowledges the value of prior learning, optimizing health care education pathways, it also actively reduces barriers to student mobility within Northwestern Ontario."

Echoing the sentiment, Dr. Ian Newhouse, Director of Lakehead University’s School of Kinesiology, pointed out the versatility of kinesiology graduates.

"Our graduates are discovering that their skills are immensely beneficial in various health care roles,” he explained. “This collaboration with Confederation College opens doors for them to further their careers in meaningful ways."

Aaron Skillen, Vice President Academic at Confederation College, elaborated on the synergy between the two institutions. "This initiative is part of Confederation College’s ongoing commitment to innovating educational pathways in collaboration with partners like Lakehead University. Together, they aim to equip students with practical skills and knowledge, preparing them for the dynamic world of work in Northwestern Ontario and beyond.”

Skillen also added that the pathways offer an especially good fit for students. “We have observed that students with a kinesiology degree transition smoothly into these programs, as they come equipped with a robust foundation of knowledge. This agreement formally recognizes their prior learning, streamlining their educational journey by reducing the number of courses they need to undertake with us."

Students interested in learning more about this pathway can visit the Confederation College website www.confederationcollege.ca/pathways

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Confederation College has been serving the citizens of northwestern Ontario since 1967 meeting the educational needs of students in a catchment area of some 550,000 square kilometres. Along with its main campus in Thunder Bay, Confederation College has seven regional sites located in Dryden, Fort Frances, Greenstone, Kenora, Marathon, Sioux Lookout and Red Lake, as well as a growing Distance Education division.    

Confederation College delivers exceptional education and training to an average of 7,000 combined full- and part-time students per year and currently has a total of 600 full- and part-time employees. Confederation’s regional economic impact and contribution is valued at $707.3 million annually.  

Lakehead University is a fully comprehensive university with approximately 9,700 full-time equivalent students and over 2,000 faculty and staff at two campuses in Orillia and Thunder Bay, Ontario. Lakehead has nine faculties, including Business Administration, Education, Engineering, Graduate Studies, Health & Behavioural Sciences, Law, Natural Resources Management, Science & Environmental Studies, and Social Sciences & Humanities. Lakehead University’s achievements have been recognized nationally and internationally, including being ranked in the top half of Times Higher Education's 2023 World Universities Rankings for the fourth consecutive year, and the number one university in the world with fewer than 9,000 students in THE’s 2023 Impact Rankings (which assesses institutions against the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals). Visit www.lakeheadu.ca.

Innisfil, ON – The Town of Innisfil and Lakehead University will be hosting the first ever Lakehead University South Simcoe Innovation Week from April 30 to May 2, in partnership with Nottawasaga Futures, the Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury and the County of Simcoe. The event, funded in part by the County of Simcoe Entrepreneurial Innovation Fund, will bring together entrepreneurial thinkers from across Simcoe County to access business and innovation oriented workshops and events.

“Our community is fortunate to have world-class post-secondary partners, like Lakehead University, who are able to educate and empower business leaders to innovate within their own organizations,” says Mayor Lynn Dollin. “Through this partnership, we're thrilled to support entrepreneurs and even more thrilled that Lakehead will involve students from secondary schools in an innovation competition that will include future changemakers.”

The inaugural initiative will include an Adaptive Leadership and Design Thinking Workshop for business leaders who are looking at helping their teams incorporate entrepreneurial practices into their organization. A Business Model Canvas Workshop will support current or aspiring entrepreneurs capture their business idea in a simple yet structured business plan which can be used as a foundation to build or scale a business. Experts from Lakehead’s business accelerator, Ingenuity, will also host a student-only event at Nantyr Shores Secondary School to teach students about the entrepreneurial journey and engage them through an innovative competition.

This initiative aligns with Innisfil’s new Economic Development Strategic Plan, and in particular supports the goal of building an innovative and investment ready business community. The purpose of South Simcoe Innovation Week is to connect entrepreneurs with supports like those available at Lakehead’s Ingenuity business accelerator and showcase the expertise available through Lakehead faculty and students. As part of the festivities Lakehead will update the community on valuable and innovative research taking place at Innisfil’s Circle Park.

“Lakehead is proud to be part of a such a creative and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Dr. Linda Rodenberg, Interim Principal of the Lakehead Orillia Campus. “We’re excited to be able to bring this programming to the South Simcoe community, and to empower the entrepreneurs of the future.”

South Simcoe Innovation Events will take place between April 30 and May 2, 2024, and registration is required. For more details, and to register, visit these links: 

Business Model Canvas Workshop (in-person)

Business Model Canvas Workshop (virtual)

Adaptive Leadership and Design Thinking Workshop

To learn more about Economic Development in Innisfil, entrepreneurial supports and to stay up to date on news and events, subscribe to our email list.

(from left) Wadika Faisal, Nadine Elmehriki, Ibrahim Shaheed, Mohamed Abi, Lovely Faith Donaldson, Karl Prentice, Zachary Morgan, Cory Hubbard, Kailash Bhatia, and Dr. Yanglin Gong.

April 18, 2024 – Thunder Bay, Ont.

The Lakehead University steel bridge team achieved top prizes at the annual American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Western Great Lakes Student Symposium in Chicago from April 4 to 6.

The Lakehead team won three awards including first place in lightness, second place in aesthetics and third place in construction economy, and were ranked fourth place overall among the 16 universities competing.

The team was made up of third- and fourth-year civil engineering students: captain Zachary Morgan, co-captain Karl Prentice, Lovely Faith Donaldson, Ibrahim Shaheed, Mohamed Abi, and Wadika Faisal.

In this year’s competition, students were challenged to design and fabricate a 1:10 scale model steel bridge spanning 21 feet over an extra-wide eight-foot river and subject to height restrictions to minimize interference with its surroundings. The bridge was then tested under 2,500 pounds of weight to confirm its stability, strength and stiffness.

“Ever since I started at Lakehead, my goal was to be on the steel bridge team,” said Morgan. “I have had an amazing experience learning skills that will impact my life and my future career.”

The competition experience included conceptual design and details design, fabrication, erection, and testing.

“Every challenge we faced was not just an obstacle, but a valuable opportunity for growth and learning, guiding us to redefine success through perseverance and ingenuity,” Prentice explained. “As a team, we embraced the unpredictable knowing that tenacity fuels innovation and resilience.”

“The competition weekend was a fantastic experience, especially seeing the diverse designs and innovations from many different universities,” added Donaldson.

In addition, third-year civil engineering student Nadine Elmehriki participated in a paper competition, representing the Lakehead ASCE student chapter.

The Lakehead delegation was led by faculty advisor Dr. Yanglin Gong and supported by technologists Cory Hubbard and Kailash Bhatia. Construction company Facca Inc. and the Iron Workers Local 759 in Thunder Bay were the major sponsors for the team.

“The bridge competition challenges our students to extend their classroom knowledge to a practical, hands-on design and construction project that grows their professional and interpersonal skills,” said Dr. Gong.

Dr. Jian Deng, chair of civil engineering in Lakehead’s Faculty of Engineering added, “The Department of Civil Engineering is incredibly proud of our students. Their performance was exceptional and they once again demonstrated that Lakehead can compete and win against tough competition from top U.S. universities in the region.”

Ascend Accelerator graduates (from left) Joshua Sanchez, Aliss Chavarri, Lesly Gunasekara, and Bryan Wong are pictured with Ingenuity manager Alyson MacKay. 

April 9, 2024 – Thunder Bay and Orillia, Ont.

Lakehead University recently celebrated graduates from its fourth cohort of the Ascend Accelerator program, hosted by the Ingenuity incubator space.

This year’s cohort saw four student-led Thunder Bay and Orillia-based ventures navigate their way through the entrepreneurial journey. The businesses range from augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) software development to sustainability consulting services, and Airbnb cleaning solutions.

Along with funding from the John Dobson Foundation, students were provided with a platform to transform their ideas into tangible realities. Participants received mentorship and weekly workshops and were held accountable to milestone goals created over the 10-week program, which ran from January to March.

Ingenuity manager Alyson MacKay said it was exciting to help the students develop their businesses. “I continue to be amazed at the talent that we are seeing in our students. The level of commitment and passion I have seen from these participants is incredible and I look forward to continuing to work with them,” she said.

Nestar is one of four new businesses supported through Ascend. Created by Joshua Sanchez and Aliss Chavarri, the Thunder Bay-based business specializes in providing rental solutions that enhance the renting experience for both landlords and tenants.

Nestar’s user-friendly website provides automatic payment facilities, electronic lease signing, and a sophisticated matching system with integrated background checks to connect the right tenants with the right landlords. The business is committed to setting new standards in the rental industry and transforming the way people rent and manage properties in Thunder Bay.

“The Ascend Accelerator program has had a profound impact on our company, allowing us to navigate challenges and seize opportunities we never thought possible,” Sanchez said.

“Their spaces, webinars, and connections provided us with the resources and knowledge needed to develop, launch and grow our business. We are truly grateful for their dedication to our success and recognize the countless entrepreneurs who would greatly benefit from this program. Thank you for believing in us and helping us turn our vision into reality.”

Sidney Howlett started Sidney Howlett Consulting in Orillia to help organizations navigate the complex landscape of climate action. Her firm delivers a comprehensive suite of services including consultation on climate action and sustainability strategies, professional development workshops, public speaking engagements, and informed research support.

“From access to a lawyer to review my service contracts to guidance in developing my website, the mentorship, funding, and workshops have been instrumental in establishing my business,” Howlett said. “I have already had my first successful climate action consultation with a school board and can't wait to see the impact my services have thanks to the support of the Ascend Accelerator Program."

Bryan Wong’s venture, Sprout Circle, is pushing the boundaries of technology by developing cutting-edge interactive AR/VR solutions that revolutionize education, offering students and professionals alike an unparalleled opportunity to explore and comprehend complex concepts in an immersive 3D environment.

Lesly Gunasekara’s Lavender and Luxe Cleaning Services specializes in premium cleaning services exclusively for Airbnb hosts. From swift turnovers to deep cleaning between guest stays, they ensure Airbnb properties maintain the highest standards of cleanliness.

Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation, congratulated the five graduates of the program, wishing them luck with their businesses.

“The graduating entrepreneurs have demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills by addressing market gaps with their unique products and services. Their contributions are meeting consumer needs but also fostering regional economic growth,” Dr. Dean said.

“I would like to congratulate all the graduates. I wish you all the best as you take your businesses to the next level in your entrepreneurial journey.”

For more about Ingenuity, visit www.lakeheadu.ca/centre/ingenuity.