Algoma U and forestry institute get all cuddly-wuddly

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

************************* New collaboration will help local biology students

Ontario Forest Research Institute and Algoma University sign memorandum of understanding

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON ­- (JANUARY 25) - Algoma University biology students and science research innovation in Sault Ste. Marie received a boost from a new document signed on Friday, January 25, by the Ministry of Natural Resources¹ Ontario Forest Research Institute (OFRI) and Algoma University College (Algoma U).

The memorandum of understanding pledges the two institutions to work more closely together to share expertise and resources in the fields of life science development.

The memorandum was signed in an afternoon ceremony held at OFRI by Dr. Arthur Perlini, academic dean of Algoma U and by Paul Ward, acting manager of OFRI.

The final document was the result of much hard work and negotiation spearheaded by Dan Puddister, science management coordinator at OFRI and Dr. Istvan Imre (pictured), assistant professor and biology department chair at Algoma U.

The new memorandum has many potential benefits for Algoma U biology students.

"Potentially having courses taught by OFRI scientists would present students with up-to-date applied scientific information in the areas of forest management research, plant ecology, landscape ecology and forest pest research," says Imre. "Students may also have the opportunity to partner with research scientists and undertake honours thesis projects under their supervision."

"We think this agreement is important and beneficial to both the university and the Ontario Forest Research Institute," says Paul Ward, acting manager of OFRI. "We¹re looking forward to having more interaction with the university, pursuing partnerships and collaborative research programs together, and providing opportunities for Algoma U students to benefit by accessing our staff and research facilities."

Algoma U¹s Perlini agrees. "OFRI¹s commitment to groundbreaking research in healthy and sustainable forest management impacts all Ontarians," Perlini says. "The university is privileged to become a partner with this innovative research institute in order to enrich and enhance our life sciences programs."

The areas of collaboration outlined in the memorandum include: seeking opportunities to partner on funding proposals; examining the possibility of making OFRI greenhouse and laboratory space available to Algoma U for teaching and research purposes; and encouraging OFRI scientists to participate at Algoma U as adjunct faculty, advisers and student mentors.

Algoma U has similar agreements already in place with the nearby Great Lakes Forestry Centre.

"With the university, our institute and the Canadian Forest Service¹s Great Lakes Forestry Centre so close together, there is an exciting opportunity for Sault Ste. Marie¹s Queen Street to become a nexus of leading-edge research in natural resource biology," states Ward.

To learn more about Algoma U and the Ontario Forest Research Institute, please click here and here respectively.

About Algoma U

Algoma U is home to approximately 1,200 students.

Offering more than 30 degree options - including programs in computer science, business administration, fine arts, community economic & social development, and biology.

Algoma U is committed to offering a personal education experience unlike any university in Ontario.

About OFRI

The Ontario Forest Research Institute (OFRI) is the main forest research unit of the Ministry of Natural Resources.

OFRI's research helps to ensure that provincial forest management policies, planning, guides, and practices are based on sound science to help sustain healthy forest ecosystems and benefit the people of Ontario.

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