A research team led by Dr. Melina Jobbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the PaleoSed+ lab in the Department of Earth Sciences of the Clayton H. Riddell Faculty of Environment, Earth, and Resources, have named a new genus of placoderm fish, named Elmosteus lundarensis. Placoderms are one of our oldest ancestors with jaws and are pivotal to understand the origin of jaws and teeth in the evolution of life. This new research is published in the Journal of Systematic Palaeontology.

Elmosteus lundarensis lived just under 390 million years ago in Manitoba. Its head and thorax are known from fossils and made of a dermal bony armour while the rest of the skeleton is made mainly of cartilage, like in sharks, which is not well-preserved in the fossil record. Fossil remains were found in quarries along the east side of Lake Manitoba.

One of the quarries near Lake Manitoba, where Elmosteus was found. Fossils were collected from the layer where the hammer is placed. Dr Jobbins for scale.

Elmosteus was first described by a UM graduate student back in 1996, under another name. Since then, additional material has been found both in the collections of the Manitoba Museum and from new discoveries in the field, which allowed for a better understanding of the animal and the introduction of Elmosteus, named after the Elm Point Formation, the rock formation it was found in.

You can see fossils of this new fish in the Geological Sciences Museum, next to the Ed Leith Cretaceous Menagerie, in the Wallace Building on the Fort Gary Campus. The museum is open 8:30-4:30 on weekdays.

The new exhibit as displayed in the Geological Sciences Museum.

Check out the coverage for this story from the following outlets:

• CTV News National
• CTV News Winnipeg
• City News 
• Radio Canada
• Radio Canada Manitoba
• Radio Canada Saskatchewan
• CBC radio Saskatchewan

Read more in the Brandon Sun.

You can read more in the Pembina Valley Online.

Prof. Mostafa Fayek had spent time trying to establish a lithium consortium in Manitoba to share best practices when federal academic funding body NSERC opened applications for an Alliance Mission grant that allows private-sector participants.

To read the full article, please visit the Winnipeg Free Press.

Due to Dr. Brink’s involvement with this study, Ace Burpee (Host, Ace Burpee Show, 103.1 Virgin Radio) has recognized her as one of the top 100 most fascinating Manitobans in 2023. The full list can be found here.

Dr. Brink was recently interviewed about this accomplishment and discussed the inspiration behind her research.

She started her career with the University of Manitoba at the beginning of 2020 with a focus on vertebrate paleontology. Her interests include the evolution and development of teeth and bones.

“This is the only scientific field where you can ask the questions of ‘how’ and ‘why’ the planet is the way it is,” states Brink. “I always found it interesting how paleontologists study evolutionary life on Earth. When we look back in deep time, we are able to question why the planet became the way it is, and how we can project that information into the future. Can we predict what might come?”

When asked about her career and line of research, Dr. Brink was enthusiastic to share what makes it most exciting.

A juvenile Edmontosaurus disappears into the enormous, lipped mouth of the Tyrannosaurus. Illustration created by and in the copyright of Mark P. Witton.

“Being a paleontologist attracts the interest of younger generations, especially when you work on dinosaurs,” Dr. Brink said. “Often, dinosaurs are the first introduction to science, and it encourages curiosity when students start asking qualifying questions.”

The study of dinosaur lips has been an ongoing project throughout Dr. Brink’s academic career.

“The hypothesis behind this research came from looking at the media in 1993,” says Dr. Brink. “At the time, some other grad students and I were questioning the depiction of dinosaur teeth in Jurassic Park. We started by gathering data from a student who was working on Komodo Dragon teeth. I was researching the internal structure of the mouth and used some of the gathered information to figure out how the outer layer, the enamel, needed to stay wet with saliva in order to function. Most species have lips to help with that.”

Dr. Brink and her team investigated the evolutionary line of other similar reptiles with exposed teeth, like the crocodile, to find more evidence.

“Crocodiles live in water to keep their teeth wet, and they have a lot of scratches,” states Dr. Brink. “Dinosaurs have very beautiful teeth that are not scratched on outer surfaces. Instead, there are marks found on the inner surfaces, which would come from rubbing against food inside the mouth. This was a piece of evidence that their teeth had to be protected.”

Dr. Brink and the team were satisfied with their findings, stating that it was an expected outcome.

“Looking back, early iterations just looked and felt wrong. We had a hunch it should not be exposed, and everything made sense when we put it all together.”

T-Rex skull and head reconstruction. Illustration created by and in the copyright of Mark P. Witton.

When looking to the future, Dr. Brink is excited to start on her next big research undertaking. Her interests now lie in tooth pathologies, also understood as the development of teeth.

“There are lots of developmental things that happen in human teeth, which have been documented thanks to dentistry,” says Dr. Brink. “There is similar development that occurs with reptile teeth, but it hasn’t been researched or documented much before.”

Dr. Kirstin Brink is also the Adjunct Curator of Fossil Vertebrates at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden, MB. Find out more about her research and other members of her lab here.

This story has been featured in headlines globally, including Globe and Mail, Wall Street Journal, New York Times, CBC, National Geographic, CNN, CBS and NBC, and more.

Full team list:

• Kirstin Brink: Assistant Professor of Palaeontology in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Manitoba; Adjunct Curator of Vertebrates at the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre
• Thomas Cullen: Assistant Professor of Paleobiology in the Department of Geosciences at Auburn University, Scientific Affiliate at the Field Museum of Natural History
• Derek Larson: Collections Manager & Researcher, Palaeontology at the Royal BC Museum
• Mark P. Witton: University of Portsmouth

Paul Durkin, Assistant Professor, Department of Earth Sciences – Award of Excellence for Undergraduate Teaching

Dean Stephan Pflugmacher Lima (left) pictured with Teaching Award recipient Paul Durkin (right).

Paul Durkin is a hard-working and patient educator within the Riddell Faculty’s Department of Earth Sciences. He is passionate about a field-based approach to learning through the use of innovative and analytical technologies.

Dr. Durkin’s research aims to extract vital information from the sedimentary record to resolve and understand the temporal and spatial context of the significant discoveries and time periods throughout Earth’s history. 

Dr. Durkin is also the lead investigator for the Rivers to Rocks research group. They tackle projects spanning across the globe. This includes research from the “badlands” of Dinosaur Provincial Park, where they study the evolution of Late Cretaceous rivers in context to dinosaur discoveries. Rivers to Rocks also analyzes the impact of extreme flooding on the Assiniboine River in southwestern Manitoba, and the paleoenvironmental reconstructions of habitats in rift-basin sediments of Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania.

“I like to be challenged, so [Paul Durkin’s] teaching strategy keeps me motivated and almost always, I would come out of our discussion with much more knowledge.” -Katrina, Honours Student

Congratulations, Paul! The Riddell Faculty is honoured to have your drive and expertise as a part of our team.

Karen Alley, Assistant Professor, Department of Environment & Geography – Award of Excellence for Graduate Teaching

Dean Stephan Pflugmacher Lima (left) pictured with Teaching Award recipient Karen Alley (right).

Karen Alley is an enthusiastic and thoughtful educator within the Riddell Faculty’s Department of Environment & Geography. In her research, she is passionate about understanding how the world’s glaciers and ice sheets are contributing to sea-level rise in a warming climate.

Dr. Alley is fascinated by the ice-ocean interactions that control the stabilization of the Greenland and Antarctic Ice Sheets. This includes many small ice caps and glaciers. Her work has focused on the nature of melting beneath the floating ice shelves surrounding the Antarctic continent, which alters the rate of ice delivery to the ocean.

Currently, Dr. Alley’s interests have expanded to include other processes from different ice-stream boundaries. Most of her work is carried out through satellite remote sensing techniques and through the collection of field data.

“Dr. Alley was one of the best instructors I’ve ever had. She is very clearly dedicated to teaching and puts a lot of time into preparing. She is passionate about the subject and more than happy to share her own experiences with different cryospheric features, whether it be Thwaites glacier or just rock rings that she found near town in Resolute.” -David Babb, Research Associate

Congratulations, Karen! It is a privilege for the Riddell Faculty to learn from you.

The prestigious title of Distinguished Professor is conferred on academic staff members who have demonstrated outstanding distinction in research, scholarship, creative endeavours, professional service and teaching. Up to three people may receive this honor each year, and not more than 25 full-time professors may hold the title at one time. Distinguished Professors are appointed by the University’s Board of Governors on the recommendation of a Distinguished Professor Selection Committee, chaired by the University’s President and Vice-Chancellor.

Read more about the 2021 recipients, whose received their new titles effective May 19, 2021.

Dr. Mostafa Fayek, Geological Sciences

Distinguished Professor Mostafa Fayek

Dr. Mostafa Fayek is a scientist of exceptional distinction in the Department of Geological Sciences (recently renamed Department of Earth Sciences), University of Manitoba. He was the first to develop a method for accurately and precisely dating uranium ore minerals using secondary-ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). His seminal work on the geochronology of uranium ore systems has greatly impacted academia, industry and government agencies. He is one of the top researchers in the world in uranium-resource management, and has worked with numerous national and international organizations. His research has attracted over 5 million dollars in research grants and contracts. He has authored or co-authored over 350 peer reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and books. Mostafa is an outstanding teacher who has taught 14 different courses, supervised over 40 undergraduate and graduate student theses, and supervised over 30 summer research assistants, post-doctoral fellows, and visiting scientists in the last 14 years at the University of Manitoba. In addition to his research and teaching, he contributed significantly to university administration as a Department Head, Associated Dean of Research and currently as Graduate Student Chair. He is member of several professional and technical societies where he has held numerous leadership positions.

Dr. Thomas Hack, Nursing

Distinguished Professor Thomas Hack

Dr. Thomas Hack holds positions of Professor in the College of Nursing in the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Manitoba, Director of Psychosocial Oncology and Cancer Nursing Research at St. Boniface Research Centre, and Senior Scientist at CancerCare Manitoba. He is a world-renowned researcher in psychosocial oncology, having conducted the largest research trials worldwide examining the utility and effectiveness of providing cancer patients with audio-recordings of pivotal medical consultations. This research resulted in the implementation of consultation recording as acceptable, routine practice at cancer centres around the globe.

He has earned millions of dollars in grant funds, and has authored or co-authored over 178 scientific journals, conference proceedings, and book chapters. He has held national and international research posts, and received two University Merit Awards for Research. His research efforts have been lauded with awards and induction as a Fellow in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Dr. Hack is an exemplary teacher who has developed/taught graduate courses in quantitative research methods and received a University of Manitoba Graduate Teaching Award.

Dr. Hack contributes significantly to the University and to professional societies worldwide by holding many leadership positions, including current President-Elect of the International Psycho-Oncology Society.

Dr. Sandra Kouritzin, Education

Distinguished Professor Sandra Kouritzin

Dr. Sandra Kouritzin is a tenured, full professor in the Faculty of Education. She has devoted the past 20+ years at the University of Manitoba to the education of teachers in Teaching English as a Second Language, to Qualitative Research Methodologies and to Post-Secondary Education. Her research on first language loss, immigrant mothers and mothering across colour lines has had significant impact in areas of research that are currently gaining momentum in the field. A T. Falconer Rh Award winner, she has over 50 peer-reviewed publications and has attracted over 2 million dollars in research funds to the University of Manitoba. Her leadership as editor for the TESL Canada Journal for over 6 years had a significant impact on the availability of quality Canadian research in second language education nationally and internationally. As the President of TESL Canada she was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, the development of new working relationships with the many organizations involved in second language learning and the maintenance of continuing relationships with government, NGOs and educational institutions involved in second language education. Dr. Kouritzin has served as valued chair or committee member at all levels of governance at the University of Manitoba.

“As the study of the Earth has evolved, the Department is constantly exploring the dynamics and processes of these changes,” says Dr. Stephan Pflugmacher-Lima, Dean of the Riddell Faculty. “The updated name recognizes this evolution in the field beyond classical geology and geophysics. The scientists in this Department combine geology, chemistry, physics, biology and mathematics to advance our knowledge of the processes that have shaped our dynamic planet. They seek a better understanding of how the Earth was shaped to better understand future changes and how humans impact the environment.”

The new name also better reflects the department’s current curriculum and future direction and fits perfectly with the vision of the Riddell Faculty.

The name change becomes effective July 1, 2021. Students who were studying in the department will not see a change in courses or degrees at this time.

“I congratulate the Department of Earth Sciences on this recent name change and wish them great success,” Adds Dr. Pflugmacher-Lima.

Congratulations to Luc Le Léannec who has been recommended for the 2021 Undergraduate Thesis Prize for his thesis titled “Apatite as a petrogenetic indicator in the Fen carbonatite complex, southern Norway”! Le Léannec is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences – Geology (Honours) degree and was also the recipient of the 2021 Philip and Marjorie Eckman Scholarship and the GAC-MAC Winnipeg Undergraduate Scholarship.

Le Léannec developed an interest in minerals that contain elements used for renewable forms of energy and advanced technologies and intends to continue his studies in rare-earth elements and their deposits. 

Finishing his Honours thesis has been Le Léannec’s proudest moment, and he cherishes the networking and mentorship between faculty members and students that was very common in the Earth Science program. Le Léannec notes that his thesis advisor, Anton Chakhmouradian, has been a support throughout his degree but also names Karen Ferreira as a valued source of advice and mentorship, and Stefanie Brueckner who genuinely cares for each student’s success in her classes. Moreover, Le Léannec notes that he was provided with meaningful mentorship from Russel Hiebert, Paul Durkin, Nancy Chow and Jeff Young throughout his undergraduate studies.

Le Léannec also contributes his success to his life partner, Megan Chabluk, who supported him during the highs and lows of his degree and his dad, Hubert Le Léannec, whose encouragement was instrumental during his time at university. 

Le Léannec’s advice to new students is “to ask questions often and form those connections with the faculty members, [as] they are the key to success during and after your degree.”

This is not the last we have heard of Le Léannec: “For those who don’t know me, I’m not going to stop. I’m happy to have graduated but there is still plenty of learning and work for me to do out there.”

Congratulations Luc!

University Gold Medal

Erin Wieler, Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Honours Co-op)

The University Gold Medal is an opportunity to honour the best in the undergraduate graduating class of each faculty. A gold medal is awarded to the undergraduate student in the Riddell Faculty who has achieved the highest standing. The 2021 recipient is Erin Wieler. Wieler is graduating with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (Honours Co-op) with a Focus Area in Conservation & Biodiversity and a Minor in Biological Sciences.

Riddell Faculty General Program Medal

Devan Vercaigne, Bachelor of Environmental Studies

Devan Vercaigne is the 2021 recipient of the Riddell Faculty General Medal, awarded for highest standing in a three-year General Degree Program. Vercaigne completed a Focus Area in Policy and Law. Growing up in Winnipeg, Vercaigne set his goals on a career in the environmental field in grade 12. He achieved that goal by graduating with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies (General) degree – Vercaigne’s proudest moment as a Riddell student is the completion of his degree in three years!

Vercaigne has been accepted into the University of Manitoba’s Law program and hopes to eventually practice in the environmental law field.

While Vercaigne achieved Dean’s Honours list status multiple times, he is also proud of his extra-curricular achievements as he received many scholarship awards from his hockey league and team, the St. Vital Jr. Victorias of the MMJHL. Vercaigne hopes to still play for his hockey team while attending law school.

Vercaigne credits his great professors for creating a “fun and interactive learning experience that made me happy I chose this path over others”. Vercaigne notes that he was offered an education that covered all aspects of the environmental body of knowledge, which allowed him to gain a great understanding and specialization in this field.

An exceptional student throughout his time at UM, his advice to future students is non-academic in nature. “Don’t be shy! Try to get involved and make connections with not only other classmates, but your professors as well. It makes your 3rd and 4th year a lot more enjoyable when you have many familiar faces around you helping each other reach their goals.”, Vercaigne says.

Congratulations to the Riddell class of 2021!

For more information and messages to the Riddell class of 2021, check out the Riddell Faculty convocation website here.