Algoma University’s Department of Biology recently hosted its inaugural Graduate Symposium, marking what the school said was an exciting milestone for the first cohort of Master of Science students in the thesis-based program.
Held as a half-day event, the symposium featured student presentations that explored a wide range of biological and environmental research critical to today’s ecological challenges, the university said.
A highlight of the symposium was the virtual keynote by Dr. Roberta Bondar, Canada’s first female astronaut, originally from Sault Ste. Marie.
Dr. Bondar shared insights from her career as a neuroscientist and astronaut, encouraging students to stay curious, creative, and confident.
She emphasized the powerful connections between the arts and sciences and shared her ongoing research on bird migration, highlighting the vulnerability of migratory habitats and the urgent need for conservation.
“The success of our inaugural Graduate Symposium is a testament to the passion, talent, and curiosity of our students,” Dr. Pedro M. Antunes, graduate officer responsible for the M.Sc. program, said in a news release.
“It’s our hope that this becomes an annual tradition, one that not only showcases the remarkable work of our graduate researchers but also positions Algoma University as a leader in advancing biological sciences in the region and beyond.”
The symposium not only celebrated the achievements of Algoma U’s first graduate cohort but also underscored the Department of Biology’s commitment to advancing research and innovation spanning molecular, organismal, and ecosystem-level biology, the university said.