News

Emilia Traxler is a fourth year student in the BBRM program majoring in Environmental Management. She enjoys engaging with nature and often finds herself in the outdoors doing activities like camping, kayaking, hiking and canoeing. She was drawn to the University of Guelph (U of G) by the incomparable natural beauty surrounding the campus, and by its unique environmental program which seamlessly blends aspects of science and business management.

It is with sympathy that we share the passing of Gerry Friars on June 19, 2020. He was a professor at the Ontario Agricultural College and University of Guelph from 1963-1985 in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science. More details are available here. 

The OAC Dean’s Office is pleased to announce Carie Devitt as the B.Sc. (Env.) and A.D.T.M Program Counsellor, effective immediately.

In this role, Devitt provides support to students studying in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences and Associate Diploma in Turfgrass Management programs. Since April 2019, Devitt has been the acting program counsellor for the B.Sc. (Env.) and A.D.T.M students; prior to this she was the OAC Program Counsellor’s Assistant from 2013-2019.

It is with sympathy that we share the passing of Kenneth Phipps, OAC '51, on June 13, 2020. After graduating with an Honours Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph and a teaching degree from the University of Toronto, he taught science, agriculture and horticulture at Banting Memorial High School for 35 years. More details are available here. 

It is with sympathy that we share the news of G.M. Mac Coutts' passing on June 14, 2020. He was a member of the Class of 1953. Coutts was the first employee hired by the Grand Valley Conservation Authority (GRCA) in 1953 following his graduation from OAC. In 1966 when the GVCA and the Grand River Commission amalgamated, he became the first General Manager of the GRCA, a role he served until his retirement in 1991. Further details can be found here.

With the recent release of the University’s Research Phase-in Framework (central U of G login required), OAC researchers can begin to plan for the increased phase-in of research activities beginning on June 29.

It is important to note that this does not signal a full return to normal research activities, but a gradual scale-up of research activities based on the principles and guidance included in the Research Phase-in Framework.

The Department of Animal Biosciences is pleased to welcome Prof. Marcio Duarte as a new assistant professor in meat science and muscle biology. He begins in the role in January 2021.

“We are very happy to welcome Marcio to the department,” shares Prof. Jim Squares, department chair. “His experience in the molecular and cellular aspects of meat production, combined with his understanding of practical applications for industry, are a perfect fit for our department.”

Abdou Fall is a third year student in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program majoring in Honours Agriculture. He is passionate about developing pathways to increase food security. Drawn in by the University of Guelph’s high-standing reputation for agricultural research and innovation, he hopes to use the knowledge he’s gaining to help create more self-sustaining food systems in Africa.

The School of Environmental Sciences is pleased to welcome Jacqueline Goordial as an Assistant Professor in Environmental Microbiology. Goordial will begin in the role on June 15th, 2020.

Goordial will lead a comprehensive research program in environmental microbiology, while teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students.

The School of Environmental Sciences is pleased to welcome Andrew Young to the department as an Assistant Professor in Systematic Entomology. Young began in the role on June 1, 2020.