Lakehead University media release
THUNDER BAY -- Lakehead University researchers are receiving $384,374 from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for several research projects that will have an impact in various areas of Ontario.
Some of these projects will establish a network of collaborative campus-based “living laboratories” to examine issues of importance to people and their environments in the Lake Superior watershed, and use Indigenous research methodologies to develop new understanding of children’s self-regulation and literacy development.
Dr. Charles Levkoe, Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Food Systems and Associate Professor in Health Sciences at Lakehead University, is leading a partnership that will receive $188,106 over the next three years.
These community-campus collaborations will explore how postsecondary institutions might play a stronger role in advancing sustainability goals (including health and social and environmental justice) in the Lake Superior Watershed by turning higher education institutions into hubs for interdisciplinary “living laboratories” that integrate teaching, research, place-based experiential learning, and community engagement.
The project brings together three universities to serve as hubs (Lakehead University, University of Minnesota Duluth, Algoma University) and numerous community organizations and First Nations as partners through the new Lake Superior Living Labs Network. More information is available at livinglabs.lakeheadu.ca.
These partners are all situated on the Lake Superior watershed and are already pursuing projects that tackle social and environmental problems. The Lakehead Superior Living Labs Network will lead to greater collaborations between these organizations, and more integrated, systemic and impactful solutions to shared questions around water, land, climate, energy, and community and individual wellbeing in the region.
Dr. Sonia Mastrangelo, Associate Professor in Education (Orillia) and co-investigator Dr. Meridith Lovell-Johnston are receiving $196,268 to spend three years using Indigenous research methodologies to develop new knowledge and understanding of self-regulation practices and literacy development, in partnership with the Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre (Monika Orzechowska) in Sioux Lookout and the Self Regulation Institute (Dr. Lisa Bayrami). Self-regulation is a framework for understanding stress and managing tension in order to cope with the challenges of daily life.
Being able to self-regulate is crucial to healthy child development including mental health, learning, resilience, and caring relationships in families, schools and communities. When self-regulation is compromised, so is literacy development.
Literacy rates in the north are lower than provincial averages and there are a rising number of students dealing with mental health challenges that impact academic achievement. This project will investigate whether promoting self-regulation through culturally appropriate techniques such as storytelling will help to improve well-being, literacy outcomes and overall school success. The research study adopts a holistic approach, engaging teachers, children and community members.
“Thank you to the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for funding these important projects,” said Dr. Andrew P. Dean, Lakehead’s Vice-President, Research and Innovation.
“They will provide new opportunities for collaboration and unique opportunities for student involvement and will also have a direct impact on wellbeing in Ontario.”
Funding from SSHRC also generates support from the federal Research Support Fund to offset the indirect costs of research incurred by universities.
In 2018/19, Lakehead University will receive nearly $2 million in assistance from the Research Support Fund to support the indirect costs of research, which includes costs for supporting the management of intellectual property, research and administration, ethics and regulatory compliance, research resources, and research facilities.
Partnership Development Grants – three years
Charles Levkoe, Department of Health Sciences, Lake Superior Living Labs Network: Enhancing Capacity for Regenerative Social-Ecological Systems, $188,106
Co-investigator(s)
· Alison Aune, University of Minnesota Duluth
· Brian E. McLaren, Lakehead University
· Constance L. Russell, Lakehead University
· David A. Greenwood Lakehead University
· Elizabeth L. Edgar-Webkamigad, Algoma University
· Emily Onello, University of Minnesota
· Joseph Bauerkemper, University of Minnesota Duluth
· Joshua T. Barnett, University of Minnesota Duluth
· Kathryn Milun, University of Minnesota Duluth
· Kristen N. Lowitt, Brandon University
· Laura Wyper, Algoma University
· Lindsay P. Galway, Lakehead University
· Martha G.M. Dowsley, Lakehead University
· Michael D. Rennie, Lakehead University
· Nairne Cameron, Algoma University
· Randel D. Hanson, University of Minnesota Duluth
· Robert M. Stewart, Lakehead University
· Steve Sternberg, University of Minnesota Duluth
· Thomas H. Beery, University of Minnesota Duluth
Collaborator(s)
· Lana Ray, Lakehead University
· Ledah P. McKellar, Lakehead University
· Mindy Granley, University of Minnesota Duluth
· PhebeAnn M. Wolframe, Lakehead University
Partner(s)
· Algoma University, Sault Ste. Marie, ON
· City of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay, Ont.
· Duluth Folk School Duluth, MN
· EcoSuperior Thunder Bay, Ont.
· Food Bank Farm Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
· Lakehead University Thunder Bay, Ont.
· Lake Superior College Duluth, MN
· Lake Superior Sustainable Farming Association Duluth, MN
· Roots to Harvest Thunder Bay, ON
· Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.
· Thunder Bay and Area Food Strategy Thunder Bay, Ont.
· United Way Sault Ste Marie, Ont.
· University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN
· Zeitgeist Center for Arts & Community Duluth, MN
Sonia Mastrangelo, Faculty of Education, Supporting the Development of Young Children's Self-Regulation Capacities and Literacy Skills in Ontario's Northern Communities: Engaging Families and Educators, $196,268.
Co-investigator(s)
· Meridith A. Lovell-Johnston, Lakehead University
Partner(s)
· Kwayaciiwin Education Resource Centre Sioux Lookout, ON (Monika Orzechowska)
· Self Regulation Institute (Dr. Lisa Bayrami)
Collaborator(s)
· Cynthia C. Wesley-Esquimaux, Lakehead University
· Barbara Parker, Lakehead University
· Heather J. Hill, Georgian College of Applied Arts and Technology
