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(Wolfville,
NS) - The Social Sciences and Humanities Research
Council of Canada (SSHRC) announced today an investment of $243,240
to support four new faculty research projects at Acadia University.
The funded projects will investigate a range of topics including
Atlantic Canadian writers, fitness and health issues for seniors,
and environmental education.
Dr. Wendy Bedingfield,
Acting Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at Acadia University,
welcomed the announcement made today by SSHRC Council Member Dr.
Camille Limoges at an event in Montreal. “We are extremely proud of
the contribution Acadia faculty make through their research, and of
their reputation for excellence in the social sciences and
humanities,” says Dr. Bedingfield. “This support will enable Acadia
faculty to investigate issues relevant to our health, our culture,
and our environment. It will also provide opportunities for students
to gain valuable experience and training in research, which will
benefit them as they pursue advanced studies and careers in the
public, private and not-for-profit sectors.”
Acadia faculty
receiving Standard Research Grants are: Dr. Leo Elshof, School of
Education, $67,315 over three years; Dr. Antonio Franceschet,
Political Science Department, $47,102 over three years; Dr.
Christopher Shields, School of Recreation Management and
Kinesiology, $75,698 over three years; and Dr. Herb Wyile, English
Department, $53,125 over three years.
“Congratulations to
our Acadia faculty, and those who support our researchers by
creating a climate that is conducive to research. These awards
acknowledge the wealth of creativity and innovation that exists at
Acadia University,” says Dr. Gail Dinter-Gottlieb, President and
Vice-Chancellor of Acadia University. “The knowledge that will
result from this funded research will enrich the student experience
at Acadia, and will also benefit the quality of life of Canadians.”
Following a national
peer-reviewed competition, SSHRC’s Standard Research Grants program
awarded 969 research grants, worth a total of $81.3 million, to
individual researchers and small teams at 92 institutions across the
country. Information on the national announcement is available on
SSHRC’s webpage,
http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/
SSHRC is an
independent federal government agency that funds university-based
research and graduate training through national peer-review
competitions. SSHRC also partners with public and private sector
organizations to focus research and aid the development of better
policies and practices in key areas of Canada's social, cultural and
economic life.
Backgrounder - SSHRC Standard Research Grants at Acadia
• Dr. Herb Wyile, Department of English
$53,125 over three years
Despite increased national and international interest in Atlantic
Canadian writing, to date there has not been a great deal of
commentary on contemporary East Coast authors. Dr. Wyile’s research
aims to provide new critical commentary that examines the themes and
sensibilities of a wide range of Atlantic Canadian literature in the
context of the major economic, social and cultural shifts that have
taken place in this region over the past 25 years. This work will
result in a book and major website on contemporary Atlantic Canadian
literature.
• Dr. Leo Elshof, School of Education
$67,315 over three years
Working with a colleague in Ontario, Dr. Elshof will examine how
environmental sustainability and related concepts are integrated
into Nova Scotia and Ontario secondary school technology education
programs. This research will explore the views and knowledge of
technology education teachers as they relate to sustainability, as
well as the scope of sustainable technology practices taught in high
schools and in teacher education programs. Findings from this work
will provide insight into our social and cultural interpretations of
environmental sustainability and technology, and contribute to
school policies and curricula that promote environmental
sustainability.
• Dr. Christopher Shields, School of Recreation Management and
Kinesiology
$75,698 over three years
Dr. Shields is researching how exercise instructors influence older
adults’ confidence to be independently active and participate in
regular exercise. Although it is well known that physical activity
is important to health, it is estimated that 86 per cent of older
adults in Canada are not active enough to achieve health benefits.
By gaining an understanding of the interaction between exercise
instructors and older adults, Dr. Shields hopes that exercise
instructors will be better equipped to help older adults gain the
confidence to be independently active.
• Dr. Antonio Franceschet, Department of Political Science
$47,102 over three years
Dr. Franceschet’s research focuses on “cosmopolitan” morality, a
feature of global politics and international law that obligates
states to uphold human rights and humanitarian protections. He will
examine how this morality interacts with international laws and
reforms, through issues such as international criminal courts,
humanitarian interventions, and peacekeeping.
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