lakehead grad presents research poster

lakehead graduate presents research at international conference

(orillia, on - june 18, 2010) when michael thorn enrolled at 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 's orillia campus four years ago, his intention was to become a teacher. it was the school's concurrent education program that had attracted him, in addition to the entrance scholarship it offered - that was more enticing than those offered by other universities. it was also an easy commute from his home in midhurst.

this past june 5, thorn was among the 312 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 who received degrees at the lakehead - orillia convocation. but it wasn't a bachelor of education degree that he earned. instead, he graduated with an honours bachelor of arts & science (hbasc) degree. thorn graduated with first class standing and was the recipient of the prestigious president's award.

it was the opportunity to do undergraduate research and the practical application of biology that motivated thorn to switch from the education program to arts and sciences. "once i was exposed to research opportunities, i was hooked," he says. "i think the small class sizes at lakehead helped give me the kind of experience that brought out my true interests. professors were accessible and had the time to provide the kind of information i needed to learn about specific areas of study."

thorn began working as a research assistant and during the past two years worked alongside his professor, dr. nandakumar kanavillil, on projects funded by environment canada and a grant from the senate research council of lakehead university. the focus of the research projects is to improve the water quality of lake simcoe and the surrounding watershed.

this week, thorn presented a poster at the canadiansociety of microbiologists conference held at mcmaster university. the presentation was a summary of research findings, to date, on a study that looks at the dynamics of biofilm communities in freshwater ecosystems. findings will help determine the potential of diatoms (a significant living component of biofilms) as indicators of water quality. earlier this spring, a scientific abstract on this study was accepted by the international association for great lakes research. thorn presented a poster, summarizing the findings of research conducted by lakehead - orilllia last summer, to the participants at the association's conference.

a group of 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 - orillia faculty members, including dr. nandakumar kanavillil, nominated thorn for the president's award. according to kanavillil, thorn has all the attributes that make him worthy of the award. "michael did exceptionally well in all of his courses, and he demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in his volunteer and research-related activities within the university."

the president's award is given annually to "graduating 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 who have occupied positions of responsibility in student organizations and who, by their activities and achievements, have earned the gratitude of the university."

dr. kanavillil said that thorn, like many 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 , was a bit hesitant to embark on research activities because of his unfamiliarity with the process. "he picked it up quickly and became very comfortable about what to do and how to do it. in fact, michael is now taking the lead among newer 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 in our programs."

in addition to his research responsibilities, thorn acted as student ambassador for two years and assisted with orientation and other student affairs' activities. he also volunteered at the campus' writing centre. in this role, thorn assisted 世界杯2022赛程表淘汰赛 with their writing projects by reviewing their papers and offering suggestions for improvements.

thorn says he hopes to continue working in a research setting and is looking forward to pursuing research activities in the area of wildlife biology. he reaffirms that 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 - orillia gave him a unique university experience, and is grateful for the undergraduate-research opportunities he received. "i'm not sure i would have come out of a larger institution with nearly as much experience as i've gained here," thorn says. thorn plans to study at 阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 's thunder bay campus next year to prepare for post-graduate studies.