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The Conversation: Recent Topics

For more information, please contact Steven Reid at: steven.reid3@carleton.ca. Updated October 22, 2026 Arts: Halloween: Seeking pitches across literature, film and popular arts related to scary themes. Deadline:  ASAP Business + Economy: Airbnb is cracking down on excessive clean-up and checkout requirements for guests who’ve already paid cleaning fees that are often hefty. What will it mean for the future of the home-share company? Have those requirements already pushed people back to hotels and more traditional lodgings? Why the change now? Deadline: ASAP Culture/Indigenous Affairs: Looking for several scholars to write a series of articles on how food sovereignty intersects with Traditional Ecological Knowledge or intergenerational knowledge and cultural revitalization. For example, NL lobster fishing, ON wild rice harvesting, salmon…

Practical Learning Powers Success in Science

Innovative, demanding research and co-op opportunities have helped three Carleton Faculty of Science students to achieve impressive success within their specialized undergraduate studies – the kind of practical learning that can make all the difference in future careers. As someone who played piano since the age of five, Avery Vine thought he would study music when he went to university. But a Grade 10 computer science course intrigued him and by Grade 12 he had decided he was as passionate about programming as he was about music. Vine chose to attend Carleton University’s computer science program because of its mobile computing stream. “I already had a hunch that I wanted to develop iOS (Apple operating system) apps,” says Vine. “The…

Carleton Experts Available: Alzheimer’s Awareness Month

January is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and Carleton experts are available to discuss related topics. Matthew Holahan Professor, Department of Neuroscience Phone: 613-520-2600, ext. 1543 Email: Matthew.Holahan@carleton.ca Holahan’s research interests include learning and memory, development, neurodegeneration, psychopharmacology, toxicology and concussions. The Holahan Lab’s current research includes the effects of low doses of phthalates on hippocampal development; pre-clinical models of Parkinson’s disease and novel treatments; the role of nucleus accumbens and deficits in behavioral inhibition; remote spatial memories during the juvenile period and how glutamate receptor blockade during development can effect spatial memories; as well as concussion research. Holahan has taught the course Neurodegeneration and Aging, which includes the topic of Alzheimer’s. Bruce Wallace Adjunct Professor, Department of Systems and Computer Engineering…

Carleton Students Pitch Solutions to Pet Ownership Barriers

It is widely accepted, especially by pet owners, that pet ownership can make you feel better. On top of anecdotal evidence, there is scientific research demonstrating that companion pets can reduce stress and anxiety, and lower your heart rate and blood pressure, offering physical, mental and social health benefits. Studies also show the benefits are mutual: pets of all kinds—from dogs and cats to birds and small beasts—can also feel a sense of comfort and security from their companion human. However, it can be a challenge for people who are elderly, disabled, homeless or victims of domestic abuse to care for a pet, especially in an inner-city environment – the very people who could benefit the most from companion pets.…

The Future of AV: Carleton Alum Paint the Scene

Technology in autonomous vehicles (AV) is developing at top speed. But major changes in transportation infrastructure will be required before smart cars fully replace traditional ones. Rahul Singh, head of Autonomous Vehicle Software Development at Ford Motor Company, likened the emergence of AV in the early 21st century to the appearance of the Ford Model T in the early 20th. Roadways designed for horses and buggies had to change before cars took over. "We have to think about how it's all going to come together," he said. "I don't think this is going to happen over decades, but over a generation." Rahul Singh Singh spoke at Carleton University’s Fall Leadership Luncheon on Nov. 14, 2019 in Kanata. This lunch theme…

Fall Convocation: Athlete Finds Inspiration at HIV Clinic

David Roy first realized he wanted to pursue a master’s degree when he looked around the HIV clinic where he worked for nine months in Johannesburg, South Africa. He understood the need for research that would help improve the lives of the mothers and children he served. Now, he is the first MSc graduate from the Health Sciences program. In researching programs, Roy connected with Health Sciences Prof. Edana Cassol, whose focus on HIV was a good match for his interests. “I originally approached her and we had a lot to talk about. She decided to take me on and I was fortunate because I had a steep learning curve in the field of immunology,” says Roy. Having attended Union…

Minding the Brain Podcast Voted Favourite Canadian Science Site

Carleton University Neuroscience Prof. Kim Hellemans and Cognitive and Computer Science Prof. Jim Davies are well known for their innovative and enthusiastic approach to teaching and extensive expertise in their fields. Now the duo’s podcast Minding the Brain has won the People's Choice Award for Favourite Canadian Science Site from the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC). The podcast, selected from a group of five finalists, focuses on the science behind the human mind and brain. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImctxEaLCR4 The podcast, which started in January 2018, has focused on such topics as trauma, pet therapy and morning people versus night people. In the near future, the monthly podcast will discuss close relationships, gender and the brain, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder…

Carleton Experts Available: World Mental Health Day

Oct. 10 is World Mental Health Day and Carleton experts are available to comment. Alfonso Abizaid Professor, Department of Neuroscience Phone: 613-520-2600, ext. 1544 Email: Alfonso.Abizaidbucio@carleton.ca Abizaid can speak to a variety of topics, including stress, diet, coping, exercise, vulnerability and resilience. Abizaid is an expert in how the brain integrates sensory and hormonal information to modulate eating, reproduction and activity rhythms. He researches the hormonal regulation of circadian behavior. Abizaid’s work examines the impact of metabolic hormones and aging on the circadian system, which could lead to treatments that maintain biological and behavioral rhythms functioning optimally for a longer period of time. Marina Milyavskaya Associate Professor, Department of Psychology Phone: 613-520-2600, ext. 7490 Email: Marina.Milyavskaya@carleton.ca Milyavskaya's research interests include…

Air pollution in global megacities linked to children’s cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s and death

In megacities across the world, including Mexico City, Jakarta, New Delhi, Beijing, Los Angeles, Paris and London, humans are polluting air at a rate that Earth can no longer sustain. Most human-made air pollution is like dust, as tiny as the diameter of hair (particulate matter) or even smaller (ultrafine particulate matter). The link to respiratory conditions such as pneumonia, bronchitis and asthma is well known. Almost one million children die from pneumonia each year, more than half of which are directly related to air pollution. Being so small, particulate matter can also travel from our lungs into the blood and circulate into the brain. Once there, it can promote brain inflammation, which contributes to cell loss within the central…

Carleton Reduces Stigma at Recovery Day Ottawa

Each year, Recovery Day Ottawa (RDO) celebrates the pathways people follow to recovery from substance use, fosters hope for those still suffering, reduces the barriers of stigma, engages the broader community and builds a platform for dialogue among existing services. Carleton University President Benoit-Antoine Bacon was master of ceremonies at a lunch-time rally on Friday, Sept. 13, 2019 to promote the RDO mandate and introduce people who shared their personal journeys to recovery. Carleton University President Benoit-Antoine Bacon speaks at Recovery Day Ottawa. Bacon introduced himself as a professor of psychology, a university president and a person in recovery. "As some of you will know, it's possible to make progress alone, but it's so much easier when you have the…