Reaching Every Student

by Natalie Rowlandson

The beginning of February brought in the second semester for all secondary school students in Ontario. This is undoubtedly an exciting time for the Reaching Every Student program as an increasing number of teachers are submitting requests for the new term. Examples of sessions that have been requested include: genetics, quantum mechanics, ecology, and the solar system.

Dava Slater, a Victoria Park Collegiate Institute teacher at the Toronto District School Board, has requested a session on genetics for her grade 11 and 12 biology classes. A new researcher to VROC, Dr. Andrew Krahn is excited to have the opportunity to connect with Dava Slater’s biology class through videoconferencing. Dr. Andrew Krahn is a cardiologist at the London Cardiac Institute and a professor in the Division of Cardiology at the University of Western Ontario. Dr. Krahn is an engaging speaker who will provide an insightful and interactive session for each class. Therefore, these sessions will certainly be an educational experience for all students involved.

In next months VROC E-News I look forward to telling you more about a session that will occur on March 1st in Kay Stephen’s biology class at St Pius X High School in Ottawa, ON. We are in the process of finding a researcher who can conduct a demonstration on how to prepare and complete a gel electrophoresis. This is another session that will certainly engage students and provide a unique learning opportunity.
Another VROC program that I need to mention this month is On The Fly. On The Fly allows for a class to connect to a researcher in their lab instantly through videoconferencing. Students will be able to ask the researcher, assigned to their class, curriculum questions that will broaden their knowledge of science, math, and technology topics. The On The Fly program is being launched this month in schools in Southern Ontario.

University of Toronto Schools Partnership Announced

The Virtual Researcher On Call (VROC) educational program by Partners In Research is pleased to welcome the University of Toronto Schools (UTS) as its latest educational partner.

“UTS has a long history of academic excellence and I’m positive their students will benefit greatly from this partnership” indicated Kevin Cougler, Interim Executive Director. “I’m very excited to welcome them as the latest addition to the VROC family.”

This partnership will specifically provide grade 5-12 UTS students opportunities to interact and/or form mentorship relationships with Canadian experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Why Math? Plans Are Underway

by Nicole Tate-Hill

I am pleased to announce that “Why Math?” is starting to take shape. As the newest member of the VROC podcast family “Why Math?” will focus on careers that use math on a daily basis. The level of math involved in the careers we showcase will vary as we wish to provide examples of jobs across the spectrum of mathematics; ranging from jobs that require a minimal level of university math to jobs that require a math degree. We seek to answer “Why Math?”, or more importantly, “why should I continue to take math when I have no interest in majoring in it?” By demonstrating careers that require
different levels of mathematics, we hope to encourage students to continue their pursuit of mathematics in any capacity. We are currently making arrangement to film at various locations.

If you think your occupation is suitable for “Why Math?” and you’re interested in becoming involved, please contact ntate@pirweb.org for more information. I look forward to discussing our exciting schedule of filming locations within the coming months!

New Logo for VROC

The Virtual Researcher On Call educational program by Partners In Research has a new look.

“This new design is more appealing, vibrant and eye catching”, indicated Kevin Cougler, Interim Executive Director, Partners In Research. “It has a look and feel that is fresh and I think accurately reflects all of the new exciting programming offered through VROC initiatives this academic year and our new direction.”

The new logo will begin to be utilized immediately on all media for the VROC program.

June Callwood Essay Award Winner

I am deeply honoured to have been selected as the winner of The Scientific Journey: Pathways to Discovery 2011 essay competition. As I was unable to attend the Toronto Evening gala, I have received the June Callwood Essay Award delivered to me in Waterloo by my father with your congratulations. Attached are some pictures that I have taken with the award at my residence and the framed certificate has been delivered to my high school. Thank you very much for your consideration and I greatly appreciate having won this prestigious award. I am currently a first year Mathematics student at the University of Waterloo and, though I am currently in Undeclared Math, I am looking to specialize in Combinatorics and Optimization in my second year. Also, I am interested in studying at and obtaining a Master’s Degree from the University of Toronto and pursuing my interests in chemistry and French. Outside of the classroom, my hobbies include archery, piano and hip hop. The money that I won will go to funding my post secondary education and I hope I can use it to achieve my personal and academic goals. I’m hoping that this success is one of many more to come and I greatly welcome your acknowledgement in my abilities. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need any further information and once again, thank you.

Sincerely,

-Sharon Lee

VROC Receives FedDev Ontario Funding

I am pleased to announce the Virtual Researcher On Call (VROC) program at Partners In Research has received a contribution from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. The contribution, which totals almost $1M over the next three years, is specifically tied to entrepreneurial activities, a strong focus on math, and an escalation of current VROC educational activities within Southern Ontario schools.

This is a very exciting time for the VROC team as the number of students who will be reached will number in the tens of thousands over the next three years. Partners In Research would like to acknowledge and thank the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario for making this investment in the VROC program which ultimately is an investment in our future leaders within the health and natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

Thank you on behalf of Partners In Research!

Kevin R. Cougler, Interim Executive Director
Partners In Research

FedDev News Release:  English

FedDev News Release:  French