LU biology prof honoured for work with kids

Laurentian biology professor David Lesbarrères has been honoured with this year’s Partners in Research Virtual Researcher on Call (VROC) Expert Participation Award.

The award was presented at a ceremony celebrating the Partners in Research 2015 National Award recipients May 26 in Ottawa.

VROC brings Canadian university researchers and other experts into elementary and secondary school classrooms through video-conferencing, giving students direct access to some of the world’s leading scientists.

Many of these discussions are available as podcasts through the VROC video library, and through YouTube and iTunes.

The VROC program was launched in 2006 by Partners in Research, a London, Ontario-based registered charity promoting science education, with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as fields of discovery and study for Canadian students.

“Dr. Lesbarrères has a gift for making his research relevant and meaningful to young people,” said VROC executive director Kevin Cougler, in a press release. “He has been generous with his time, and his enthusiasm for research in biology has certainly caught on with students.”

Lesbarrères, the acting dean in the faculty of graduate studies, is head of the Genetic and Ecology of Amphibians Research Group (GEARG) at Laurentian University.

In 2013, Lesbarrères took part in a six-week mentorship experience with a Grade 6 class at Aqsarniit Ilinniarvik Middle School in Iqualuit, Nunavut.

“Being in a remote location makes it difficult to have speakers and experts come into the classroom, especially with a biology background.
With David, we got to see cells under a microscope,” said the Grade 6 teacher, Caryn Conley.

“His presentations clarified ideas for many students. They also got the students excited about science time and most importantly encouraged their curiosity.”

“I am pleased to accept the award from Partners in Research, and delighted to be part of a program bringing university research into classrooms across Canada through the VROC program,” Lebarrères said.

“If there is a gene for curiosity, let's make sure our children get the environment for its expression.”

Other Laurentian faculty who have participated in VROC programs include Daniel Campbell, Tammy Eger, Scott Fairgrieve, Jacqueline Litzgus, Thomas Merritt, David Pearson and James Watterson.

Partners In Research’s (PIR) mandate is to educate the public about the importance and significance of research within the biomedical and natural sciences, technology, engineering and mathematics domains.

Through its National Awards program, Partners in Research celebrate leading Canadian research, its promotion to the public through outreach activities and recognize the impact of this research on the lives of Canadians.