Updates, news and stories

Faculty Town Hall

  Thursday, September 24, 2020 9:30 to 11:00am  

Update on annual merit program for eligible staff

In June a UBC Bulletin was issued, advising that the university was postponing the decision to provide its annual merit program, due to the potential financial impact of COVID-19. Since that time, we have obtained more clarity around the financial impact of COVID-19, including data related to enrolment, tuition revenue and student housing occupancy. 

Enrolment figures higher or on par with previous years

This week the UBC Media Relations team reported on student enrolment numbers for UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan. The media release states: ‘At both UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan, total enrolment, in full-time equivalents, is up 2.4 per cent this year compared to last year, with 53,845 students enrolled this year.

New research finds people react better to both negative and positive events with more sleep

New research from UBC finds that after a night of shorter sleep, people react more emotionally to stressful events the next day—and they don’t find as much joy in the good things. The study, led by health psychologist Nancy Sin, looks at how sleep affects our reaction to both stressful and positive events in daily life.

Powerful, double-decker bus-sized microscopes help scientists uncover possible COVID-19 treatment

Researchers at UBC’s faculty of medicine are working with microscopes—some up to 13 feet tall—to help prevent and treat COVID-19. The research team, led by Sriram Subramaniam, a professor in UBC’s department of biochemistry and molecular biology, is using a powerful imaging technique known as cryo-electron microscopy to take pictures at near-atomic resolution to see how various antibody treatments bind to the virus.

Professors Marie Tarrant and Joan Bottorff named Fellows of Canadian Academy of Nursing

Two highly accomplished professors from the School of Nursing in UBC Okanagan’s Faculty of Health and Social Development are among the inaugural class of Fellows of the Canadian Academy of Nursing, announced Sept. 9 by the Canadian Nurses Association. Nursing Professor, Marie Tarrant, director of the School of Nursing, and Nursing Professor, Joan Bottorff, director of the Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention, will be officially inducted as inaugural Fellows at a virtual ceremony and celebration on Nov. 20.

Watch the video recording of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor & Principal’s Fall Town Hall

UBC researchers play pivotal role in confronting COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted challenges, exacerbated inequalities and sparked uncertainty for many. But one area of particular strength and inspiration is Canada’s research community and its response to the pandemic. According to UBC Vice-President Research and Innovation Gail Murphy, the support of successive federal and provincial governments has allowed Canada to cultivate a world-class university research community – one that is playing a critical role in confronting COVID-19.

Molecular architect

Isaac Li, a Michael Smith Foundation scholar, is focused on developing shapeshifting molecules to study the physical interactions in diseases and developmental processes. “Being able to watch and control the actions of biological molecules one at a time is a fascinating and fundamentally important problem,” he explains.  

2020 UBC Okanagan Staff Awards of Excellence announced

Congratulations to this year's winners of the 2020 UBC Okanagan Staff Awards of Excellence. They are: Jenny Janok (for customer service) Philipp Reichert (for global citizenship) Alanna Vernon (for leadership) Nancy Adams (for leadership) The School of Nursing lab team (for campus spirit) The winners were awarded their prizes virtually during the DVC Town Hall on September 3, 2020.

New UBCO study examines pain tolerance among cannabis users

Unlike opioids, long-term cannabis use does not increase sensitivity to pain A recent study examining pain among cannabis users suggests that—unlike long-term opioid use—regular cannabis use does not appear to increase pain sensitivity. Doctoral student Michelle St. Pierre, who conducts research in the psychology department at UBC Okanagan, recently published a study looking for differences in pain tolerance of people who frequently use cannabis compared to those who don’t.

30-second bio: Mike Marin

Meet Mike, and learn about his proudest work achievement, favourite quote, and interests outside of work.