Campus Notices
Title of the Thesis 鈥淟actone-based Nanogel Composition Dictates Cryopreservation Efficacies in Mammalian Cells"
Cryopreservation is essential across clinical, biomedical and food sciences, as it facilitates long-term storage of biological materials at sub-zero temperatures. Cell permeating cryoprotective agents (CPAs) like dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) are traditionally used to mitigate freeze-induced injuries, providing exceptional protection against osmotic stress, ice formation, and cell membrane damage. Due to the toxicity and clinical limitations of small molecule CPAs, interest has shifted towards the development of safer, non-permeating macromolecular CPAs, including vitamin B5 analogous methacrylamide (B5AMA)-based nanogels. Previous studies show that amphipathic properties of macromolecules are crucial for their membrane interactions and dictate ice recrystallization behavior during cryopreservation. In an effort to improve cryopreservation efficacies of poly(B5AMA) nanogels, this work synthesized three hydrophobic lactone-derived comonomers obtained by ring-opening aminolysis of 纬-butyrolactone, 纬-valerolactone and 纬-heptalactone, to tailor amphipathicity within poly(B5AMA) nanogel networks. Sub-100nm nanogels prepared via free-radical polymerization were used to cryopreserve mammalian cancer cells. Amphipathic formulations demonstrated enhanced ice recrystallization and improved cryoprotective performance over hydrophilic controls, with select nanogels performing comparably to DMSO. Cytotoxicity and uptake assays confirmed favorable biocompatibility and minimal cell internalization of nanogels. Overall, this work provides a structure-function framework for lactone-modified nanogels and highlights their potential as next-generation cryoprotectants capable of reducing reliance on conventional permeating CPAs.
December 15, 2025 at10:00 am via web conferencing
If you wish to attend the public presentation, please contact the Graduate Studies Coordinator at gsc@upei.ca to receive the link.
Everyone is Welcome
Classes are over; you just have to make it through exams! The library is here to help, and not just with books and research advice. On Wednesday, December 10 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm join us for Library Coffee Break, co-sponsored with Dana Hospitality. Follow @RobertsonLibrary on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a pop-up surprise.
Please be advised that the 秀色短视频 Health and Wellness Centre will be closed on Wednesday December 10 for professional development. Regular services will resume on Thursday December 11.
If you need support during this time:
- If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the closest .
- If you require immediate medical care, please access a , or call 811 to speak with a nurse.
- Need to talk to someone right now? The is a free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call 1-833-553-6983.
The Teaching and Learning Centre is calling for proposals for Internal Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Research Grants - VALUE: up to $2,000 for a two-year term. The Internal SoTL Research Grant (ISRG) program provides funding for SoTL research at 秀色短视频. The scholarship of teaching and learning involves the systematic study of teaching practices and learning experiences that are grounded in context and methodologically sound. SoTL research is frequently conducted in partnership with students with findings made appropriately public. This call is open to all faculty, sessionals, lab instructors, CNIs, etc. in all faculties at 秀色短视频. Applications are due by January 16, 2026, by 4 pm. Please review the general information in the guidelines for eligibility considerations. Support in developing proposals for these grant programs is available through the 秀色短视频 Teaching and Learning Centre.
Program guidelines and application instructions can be found on the 秀色短视频 Internal Funding webpage.
The annual call for applications for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program is open.
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a program under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy that aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market.
Applicants are able to seek funding to hire youth (people aged 15-30 years) between April 20, 2026, and August 29, 2026. Work placements must be full-time (30-40 hours per week) quality jobs with a minimum duration of six weeks and a maximum of 16 weeks.
Approved employers will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 50 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage of $16.50/hour.
For additional information and application information for this program, please click
To apply for this program, you will need to contact Human Resources:
Gabe Blunte at staffing@upei.ca or (902) 620-5431
The closing date for applications is December 10, 2025.
Dr. Wendy Rodgers, President and Vice-Chancellor invites you to attend the 2025 President's Holiday Social for faculty and staff.
Date: Wednesday, December 17
Time: 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Location: Lower Lobby and Concourse, Performing Arts Centre and Residence
Celebrate with your colleagues and enjoy complimentary appetizers and refreshments while listening to festive songs of the season.
DONATIONS TO THE 秀色短视频 CAMPUS FOOD BANK WILL BE MATCHED! You are encouraged to bring food and monetary donations for the 秀色短视频 Campus Food Bank鈥攖he Office of the President will match the value of your support up to $10,000! Tuna, black beans, pasta, pasta sauce, and $25 gift cards are popular items.
Looking forward to seeing you all at this special time of year!
As 2025 comes to a close, let鈥檚 take a moment to celebrate the people who make our workplace shine. Here鈥檚 to ending the year with gratitude and the joy that comes from seeing the good in those around us
How to submit:
Complete this short form:鈥��&苍产蝉辫;
You鈥檒l be asked to share:
- Who are you鈥痳ecognizing?鈥�(Name and department/faculty)
- Why are you鈥痳ecognizing鈥痶hem?鈥�(Briefly describe what they did or the impact they made)
- Your name鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Please note, we now have a dedicated page for this program on the Human Resources SharePoint:鈥�.
Not a current subscriber to Campus Connector? Click鈥�痜or information on how to subscribe.
The deadline for our next issue is Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Please contact Human Resources at鈥�hrengage@upei.ca鈥痵hould you have any questions.鈥�&苍产蝉辫;
Believe in the potential of your idea? As an aspiring entrepreneur, you might wonder if your concept holds promise in the entrepreneurial landscape. Enter Collide Validate 鈥� where you鈥檒l gain the skills necessary to test your idea directly with your customers, shaping the destiny of your entrepreneurial vision.
This 7-week program includes:
- One pre-training session 鈥� Understand program expectations and master customer interview techniques.
- Six core sessions 鈥� Explore the nine key building blocks of the Business Model Canvas through expert-led workshops.
- 1-on-1 personalized coaching 鈥� Get tailored guidance to refine your approach.
Collide Validate helps you navigate through the nine critical building blocks of the business model canvas. With a keen emphasis on Customer Segments and Value Propositions (desirability), you will emerge equipped to discern whether to pause, pivot, or propel your venture forward, decoding if company creation stands as your next entrepreneurial evolution.
by December 10!
The Robertson Library鈥檚 is accepting grant applications for the creation or adaptation of open educational resources (OERs). The grant types include:
- Open Educational Resource or Textbook Grant: up to $7000
- the development of a new open textbook on a topic that is currently not covered by an existing open textbook, or major adaptations of existing textbooks;
- Open Textbook Adaptation Grant: up to $4,500
- the adaptation of one or more open educational resources or open textbooks to create a new version or edition of a resource (i.e. a Canadian edition of an existing open textbook);
- Supplementary Resources Grant: up to $2,500
- the creation of ancillary materials for existing open textbooks, including, but not limited to test banks, slide decks, recordings, or interactive media, etc.
All applications will be reviewed and considered, however, applications that meet either/both of the following criteria will be prioritised:
- Applications that support first-year courses (as they reach the greatest number of students); and/or
- Applications with evidence of consultation with the TLC and/or a Librarian.
Applications close January 7, 2026.
For more information, or to apply, visit .
Questions about the grants, OERs, Pressbooks, or any other related topics can go to Keri McCaffrey, One Health and Scholarly Communications Librarian at knmccaffrey@upei.ca or Charlene VanLeeuwen in the Teaching and Learning Centre at cvanleeuwen@upei.ca.
The deadline for the employee and spouse/dependent tuition waiver forms for the Winter 2026 semester is January 9, 2026. We encourage you to have your tuition waivers submitted as soon as possible to assist in timely processing. Tuition waiver forms must be submitted electronically.
The online tuition waiver fillable forms can be found on the HR Portal of the my秀色短视频 site, under Training and Development.
Please note that the employee or spouse/dependent must be registered in the course prior to applying for the tuition waiver.
If you have any questions, please contact Human Resources at (902) 566-0514 or hrgeneral@upei.ca.
The deadline for Animal Care Protocol Submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, January 9 for the January 2026 meeting.
Please note that as of June 1, 2020 all animal user protocols must be submitted through 秀色短视频 Researcher Portal at https://upei.researchservicesoffice.com/Romeo.Researcher/
For new protocols select 鈥榓pplications鈥� and for renewal or amendment protocols select 鈥榚vents鈥�.
To view any 秀色短视频 ACC SOPs and Codes of Practice, they can be accessed through my秀色短视频 at .
Those protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month. The Committee requires at least one month for processing applications.
Note: All investigators are reminded that any deviations in animal use, including unexpected mortality, must be reported to the ACC and University Veterinarian Jonathan Spears at 902-620-5026.
The Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD) at 秀色短视频 is offering an exciting lineup of Certificates and courses to help you build skills, advance your career, and make an impact in your workplace.
秀色短视频 Staff, Faculty, and Alumni save 15% on tuition!
Winter 2026 Offerings:
- Certificate in Project Management 鈥� Starting January 12, 2026
- Certificate in Collaborative Leadership 鈥� Starting January 14, 2026
- Certificate in Case Management 鈥� Starting January 28, 2026
- Certificate in Professional Communications 鈥� Starting February 9, 2026
- Certificate in Motivational Interviewing 鈥� Starting February 10, 2026
- The Adult Learner 鈥� Course Design and Facilitation Workshop 鈥� Starting February 24, 2026
Learn more and register: upei.ca/professional-development
Email: pdp@upei.ca
The thesis defence for Bailey Clark, a candidate in the Master of Arts in Island Studies program, entitled 鈥淚f we had not that gentleman鈥檚 authority鈥�: Domestic politicians, foreign promoters, and the narrow-gauge railway on Prince Edward Island, 1871, has been rescheduled to December 16, from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.
The defence will be held in Memorial Hall, Room 104.
Supervisors: Dr. Josh MacFadyen and Dr. Ed MacDonald
Everyone is welcome!
Classes are over; you just have to make it through exams! The library is here to help, and not just with books and research advice. On Wednesday, December 10 from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm join us for Library Coffee Break, co-sponsored with Dana Hospitality. Follow @RobertsonLibrary on Instagram and Facebook so you never miss a pop-up surprise.
Please be advised that the 秀色短视频 Health and Wellness Centre will be closed on Wednesday December 10 for professional development. Regular services will resume on Thursday December 11.
If you need support during this time:
- If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the closest .
- If you require immediate medical care, please access a , or call 811 to speak with a nurse.
- Need to talk to someone right now? The is a free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call 1-833-553-6983.
The annual call for applications for the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program is open.
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) is a program under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy that aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help all young Canadians develop the skills and gain paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market.
Applicants are able to seek funding to hire youth (people aged 15-30 years) between April 20, 2026, and August 29, 2026. Work placements must be full-time (30-40 hours per week) quality jobs with a minimum duration of six weeks and a maximum of 16 weeks.
Approved employers will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 50 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage of $16.50/hour.
For additional information and application information for this program, please click
To apply for this program, you will need to contact Human Resources:
Gabe Blunte at staffing@upei.ca or (902) 620-5431
The closing date for applications is December 10, 2025.
Believe in the potential of your idea? As an aspiring entrepreneur, you might wonder if your concept holds promise in the entrepreneurial landscape. Enter Collide Validate 鈥� where you鈥檒l gain the skills necessary to test your idea directly with your customers, shaping the destiny of your entrepreneurial vision.
This 7-week program includes:
- One pre-training session 鈥� Understand program expectations and master customer interview techniques.
- Six core sessions 鈥� Explore the nine key building blocks of the Business Model Canvas through expert-led workshops.
- 1-on-1 personalized coaching 鈥� Get tailored guidance to refine your approach.
Collide Validate helps you navigate through the nine critical building blocks of the business model canvas. With a keen emphasis on Customer Segments and Value Propositions (desirability), you will emerge equipped to discern whether to pause, pivot, or propel your venture forward, decoding if company creation stands as your next entrepreneurial evolution.
by December 10!
The deadline for Animal Care Protocol Submissions (new, renewal, or amendment) is Friday, January 9 for the January 2026 meeting.
Please note that as of June 1, 2020 all animal user protocols must be submitted through 秀色短视频 Researcher Portal at https://upei.researchservicesoffice.com/Romeo.Researcher/
For new protocols select 鈥榓pplications鈥� and for renewal or amendment protocols select 鈥榚vents鈥�.
To view any 秀色短视频 ACC SOPs and Codes of Practice, they can be accessed through my秀色短视频 at .
Those protocols received after the deadline will be reviewed the following month. The Committee requires at least one month for processing applications.
Note: All investigators are reminded that any deviations in animal use, including unexpected mortality, must be reported to the ACC and University Veterinarian Jonathan Spears at 902-620-5026.
Please be advised that the 秀色短视频 Health and Wellness Centre will be closed on Wednesday December 10 for professional development. Regular services will resume on Thursday December 11.
If you need support during this time:
- If this is an emergency, please call 911 or go to the closest .
- If you require immediate medical care, please access a , or call 811 to speak with a nurse.
- Need to talk to someone right now? The is a free, confidential, and available 24/7. Call 1-833-553-6983.
The Teaching and Learning Centre is calling for proposals for Internal Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Research Grants - VALUE: up to $2,000 for a two-year term. The Internal SoTL Research Grant (ISRG) program provides funding for SoTL research at 秀色短视频. The scholarship of teaching and learning involves the systematic study of teaching practices and learning experiences that are grounded in context and methodologically sound. SoTL research is frequently conducted in partnership with students with findings made appropriately public. This call is open to all faculty, sessionals, lab instructors, CNIs, etc. in all faculties at 秀色短视频. Applications are due by January 16, 2026, by 4 pm. Please review the general information in the guidelines for eligibility considerations. Support in developing proposals for these grant programs is available through the 秀色短视频 Teaching and Learning Centre.
Program guidelines and application instructions can be found on the 秀色短视频 Internal Funding webpage.
