FOCUS ON MACDONALD E-NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2015 1

Meet Salwa Karboune, Macdonald’s new Associate Dean (Research), a role she took on September 1. A professor in the Department of Food Science and Agricultural Chemistry, Salwa teaches courses in food product development, food packaging, and sensory evalua on. Her main research exper se is in the design and development of new approaches for the synthesis of novel func onal food ingredients to improve the quality and func onality of food products. Salwa is also the mentor of several of Macdonald’s award-winning food development teams.

(Con nued on page 2)

3-Minutes with…Salwa Karboune,

Associate Dean (Research)

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NOVEMBER 2015

Focus on Macdonald is an electronic

publica on of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Macdonald

Campus, McGill University.

It is published online four mes a year and can be viewed at

publica ons.mcgill.ca/macdonald

November 2015 Edi on content contributors:

Helen Rimmer, Mehek Mehta, Roger Cue, Hector Delgado, Nadia Wendowsky, Anna

Duff, Ron Henry, Kathy MacLean

FOCUS ON MACDONALD E-NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2015 2

Q: You are much more than a university professor. How would you describe yourself? What are your hobbies and interests and why did you become a university professor?

I am a mom of two lovely boys, a caring daughter, a sister, a happy wife (married for more than 16 years) and a devoted friend. I am dedicated to making science educa on s mula ng and enjoyable.

As I tell my students, I am a demanding supervisor but I am a dedicated one. I would describe myself as being very determined, passionate, team driven and easy-going –and I love a challenge! I believe that learning is an endless process, and the university is the best place to be. I feel fortunate to have such a workplace and to have wonderful students and fantas c colleagues (scien sts) – I learn something new every day.

“Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.” ~Vernon Howard

I enjoy cooking, reading, hos ng friends and being out with my two boys and have always been interested in travel, and discovering new cultures/foods. The love of travelling started in my early childhood and must have come from my father, a passionate traveller himself.

Born in Morocco, I lived in France and Belgium before coming to Canada. Living in many countries has taught me to be open to others. I have always had a passion for science, knowledge and educa on. I was asked many mes by my students if I believed, when I was a student, that I would become a university professor. I realized that many decisions I made in my early educa on and career paths contributed to my efforts to succeed as a university professor. So certainly, it was the case!

Q: What do you hope to accomplish in your new role as Associate Dean (Research)?

I am tremendously proud of our Faculty’s dedica on to research and of the high research calibre we have in our Faculty. I feel fortunate to be part of this Faculty and to contribute to it.

In my new role, I want to work with my colleagues in a collegial and collabora ve manner to promote research excellence and to grow collabora ve, complementary research programs by engaging, empowering and involving faculty members in the process. It will be s mula ng and fun to build new, ac ve pla orms where colleagues and collaborators will interact like never before. I’m also looking forward to building and par cipa ng in mentorship programs for junior colleagues, providing top-notch research support to faculty members, promo ng Faculty interests within the University, expanding our research programs

interna onally, and increasing our visibility and industry partnerships.

But really, my ini al short-term goal is to learn more about my colleagues’ research programs. While I am very familiar with research going on in some departments, I s ll have a lot to learn from others; I realize that there is tremendous mul disciplinary research taking place at Macdonald, and this is one of our core strengths. There are tremendous opportuni es for our Faculty to build on these strengths and to address challenges that will have a profound impact on society.

Q: What do you as a teaching innovator see for the future of research, especially where it relates to the student experience?

The training of students and research are inseparable components in higher educa on. Promo ng innova ve research will certainly enhance the student experience. At the end of the day, these scholars are our future researchers, professors, and leaders.

Q: Over the last few years, you have mentored several of the award-winning food development teams. What did you learn from that experience?

Dedica on and commitment are the keys to success. The first year, we entered the Ins tute of Food Technologists (IFT) Food Product Development Compe on, I was told that we were was ng our me, that other universi es had much richer resources for this type of ac vity. While this was certainly the case, the crea vity of our students, our dedica on and our commitment to making it happen won the day. To be honest, I enjoyed this experience as much as the students did. Ge ng the product developed and into the compe on was a steep-learning curve for all of us. The students grew tremendously during this project, as did I. The bar has been set very high for this year’s students, but I believe we are all up to the challenge.

Q: What objec ves have you set for yourself over the next five years?

I am hoping to con nue on the same path: to enjoy my work – to contribute ac vely to research and my students’ success, and to serve my Faculty – and most importantly, to keep my family healthy and happy.

FOCUS ON MACDONALD E-NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2015 3

FEATURE STORIES

Dairy farm managers, like other business owners, need to manage their assets efficiently to maximize profits. For a farm manager, efficient dairy produc on depends to a great extent on proper decisions made at different produc on stages. A lot of data is available that can help farm managers improve profitability, but this data is not in a useful or easily understood format. PhD candidate Hector Delgado, under the supervision of Animal Science professors Kevin Wade and Roger Cue, has developed a rapid, visual way for farmers to look at readily available datasets.

Using a merged dataset extracted from two databases — Valacta’s and the Animal Health Files’ (DSA) — Hector’s simple but precise visualiza on tool will enable farmers to analyze the effects of mul ple factors, for example, nutri on, health problems or mul ple breeding services, on life me profitability at both the herd and individual level, and to monitor the effect of past decisions on profit.

An addi onal feature of the prototype is that it offers the decision-maker op ons to select benchmarks related to the herd management characteris cs (region, housing, milking equipment, feeding system, herd size), allowing more specific comparisons with other herds with similar characteris cs. For instance, it might be of more interest to compare the herd profit performance or health costs with results obtained in herds using the same milking system (milking robot, milking parlor or milkline). These specific comparisons will also give decision-makers the opportunity to set realis c goals, based on specific criteria, such as the region where the herd is located, or the milking equipment in current use.

Although the tool is at the prototype level, plans are in the works to undertake a pilot project. In the medium term, the team hopes that Dairy Herd Improvement agencies will adapt and adopt parts of the tool for use in profitability reports.

Beyond Basics: Research in Agriculture An op mized decision-making tool for dairy farmers |HECTOR DELGADO, ROGER CUE & HELEN RIMMER

Professor Roger Cue and PhD candidate Hector Delgado

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Both Richard Gilmer (Gilmer Farms, South Mountain, ON), BScAgr’75, and Melanie Sommers Tro er (Newbrabant Farms, Lancaster, ON), BSc (AgEnvSc)’08, know the need to plan for the future. Both grew up on family dairy farms that are s ll family-owned today, and both have contributed significantly to the success of their respec ve businesses.

Gilmer, now semi-re red as the sixth genera on of Gilmers takes over, graduated from Macdonald (which he describes as “the best move of my life”) with a degree in animal nutri on. In his final year, he did a project on improving milk produc on on the home farm; his goal was to go back to the family farm to make it be er. Richard ini ally concentrated on increasing milk produc on of the 70-cow herd and on be er land management. Along with brother Reg, who joined the family business in 1985, Richard shi ed his concentra on to breeding be er cows, while simultaneously increasing their land holdings and improving and expanding their infrastructure, and aggressively purchasing milk quota. “Our aggressive quota purchases before quota stabiliza on strategy was introduced were a key strategy to current success,” says Richard. “Like any industry you have to move forward or get out.”

In 2012, the Gilmers chose to switch to producing Omega-3 milk. Their main source of protein is a fish meal product, for which they receive an addi onal 10 cents per kilogram of

milk to offset the addi onal feed costs. “The jury is s ll out on whether we net any more money, but it does fill a niche market – consump on we might not otherwise have,” says Richard.

Today, the Gilmers are building a 260′ x 130′ addi on to an exis ng free stall built in 1998, and switching from a double-eight parlour to four robots, leaving room for further expansion of the dairy herd. They will be milking 170 to 180 cows when the barn is completed in December 2015, and will milk more cows as quota becomes available. They are also cropping about 1,000 acres of corn, soybean, spring wheat and hay.

A er recently a ending a local mee ng concerning the recently announced Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, Richard feels confident for the future of his dairy farm. “Our supply management seems to be intact for the foreseeable future with steady increases in both cow numbers and milk produc on rather than the leaps and bounds we have experienced in the past,” says Richard.

Melanie Sommers Tro er is a third-genera on dairy farmer and a shareholder along with her parents and her husband on the farm started by her grandparents, where she serves as Manager of Opera ons.

(Con nued on page 5)

Beyond Basics: Alumni in Agriculture Thinking Ahead to Stay Ahead |HELEN RIMMER

Cows in the new Gilmer barn

Three generations of Gilmers in the new facility

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Newbrabant Farms Ltd. is a 680-cow dairy, focused on the produc on of quality milk to fit consumer needs. Since 2009, they have been producing DHA milk (one of the 3 fa y acids found in Omega-3). Cows are currently being milked in two loca ons, as regula ons prevent the merging of milk quotas. The family also crops 1,900 acres of land, primarily haylage, corn and soybeans.

The family is currently building a new dairy facility (an cipated comple on date October 2016). It is a 50-stall rotary parlor with automated pre- and post-dipping, automated sort gates, cow chalkers and hoof baths. The barns will house 750 cows on sand stalls. “We are recycling the sand to reuse for bedding,” says Melanie. “We will also be pressing the fibres out of the manure to use for bedding for the heifers. We are building to improve cow comfort, produc on, produc ve life, labour efficiencies and to lower cost of produc on.”

“Dairy farming has changed immensely over the last 25 years,” Melanie con nues. “There are fewer farmers today and farms are larger. There is also higher produc vity per unit of output, and more technology and efficiencies. Being a farmer today is not just the day-to-day management of opera ons – you must be in a leadership role, focused on strategic planning with your company vision always at the forefront.”

“As for the future of our opera on, we are driven by our vision, to be a leader in the dairy industry, focused on the produc on of quality milk to fit consumer needs.”

Melanie with a young calf

The new Newbrabant barn under construction

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Have you thought about the path you took to get where you are today? The decisions you have made, the experiences you have had, the people who have helped you along the way? What about the challenges you faced and overcame? These were the kinds of ques ons that were addressed in the inaugural Women in Leadership Event during Homecoming weekend at Macdonald Campus. We are grateful to the inspiring McGill alumnae, who gave us their

me to speak openly about their careers, share their experiences at McGill and discuss the barriers faced by women in the workplace today.

Dr. Chantal Line Carpen er, BSc(Agr)’90, MSc’94, Chief of the United Na ons Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) office in New York, was very enthusias c about encouraging more women to pursue degrees in science. She spoke highly of her me at McGill, as it gave her the confidence to pursue science. “Having an interdisciplinary

degree from McGill helped me land jobs and succeed in my career. It gave me a toolbox of theories that I was able to u lize in every aspect of my profession.” She also encouraged students to get involved in student clubs to develop their communica on, leadership, and me management skills – the very skills she believes to be of utmost importance for employers today.

Hélène Charlebois, BSc(FSc)’88 Diete cs, a registered die an and a successful nutri on consultant, stressed the importance of ge ng outside of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. Having changed careers four mes, she encouraged students to embrace change, as change leads to new opportuni es. Regarding growth and development, she advises, “Be prepared to think outside the box, things will not always go according to plan, and that’s okay.”

(Con nued on page 7)

Women in Leadership |MEHEK MEHTA

L-R: Annie Langlois, Johanne Patry, Hélène Charlebois, Chantal Carpten er, Éliane Ubalijoro

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Annie Langlois, BSc(NutrSc)’92, Senior Vice President of Massy Forget Langlois Public Rela ons, believes the best method for students to get a taste of real life is by pursuing an internship; “the greatest experience I had at Macdonald Campus was my internship. It is what truly gave me the direc on in which to pursue my career in human health.”

Internships are one of the most common means by which students learn about career op ons and start to build a network. Networking, an important yet o en forgo en feature of career progression, is not always an easy endeavour but u lizing your network will help you succeed and build a career for yourself.

Young women who have entered or are looking to enter the workforce need to be mindful of the barriers that they will face and to work towards breaking those barriers down. For instance, many women, including our panelists, have experienced being thought of as “pushy,” “bossy” or “aggressive” when they were simply being asser ve. Dr. Carpen er believes that when managerial posi ons in the workplace have a be er gender balance the dialogue and

this narra ve will change.

As Professor Ubalijoro stressed, “Authen city is very important; it is how we connect with one another, it is how we lead and inspire others. It is what we see in all of the panelists gathered here today.” She encouraged students to reflect on the discussions that transpired at the event but to also con nue to learn and grow. She asked students to think about the values that are important to them, the visions they have of themselves, where they see themselves in 5-10 years. The importance of having role models or people in your life who inspire you and push you to succeed is also pivotal. Preparing in this way before going out into the real world is crucial for your personal and professional development and growth.

In the words of Johanne Patry, DipAgr’77, Chair, Science on Stage Canada, “… there’s an old saying that goes if you can’t beat them, join them, but I say if you can’t beat them, join them and then beat them.”

View photos from the event Missed the event? Watch a 30-minute video of the presenta ons.

FOCUS ON MACDONALD E-NEWSLETTER | NOVEMBER 2015 8

On Saturday, October 24, alumni and prospec ve students worked side-by-side in the Ac ve Learning Classroom to iden fy spores, explore food safety and learn about feeding oneself in a mindful manner. Young alumni joined faculty and staff at Sunday’s Open House, held on the University’s downtown campus, and offered valuable insight to prospec ve students about transi oning into the workplace. The guests of honour at the Homecoming Luncheon included Mr. J. William Ritchie, BScAgr’51, Donald L. Cole, BScAgr’55, Mario Rivero-Huguet, PhD’09.

Mr. Ritchie recently made a $1-million dollar gi to Macdonald to establish the Lorna and William Ritchie Educa onal Hall which will be housed in the original stone

dairy barn located on the Macdonald Farm. The Hall will be the focal point of the new $2.5-million dollar Macdonald Farm Community Engagement Centre and will serve as the centrepiece of the Faculty’s renewed outreach efforts. The 2015 Dis nguished Alumni Award went to Donald L. Cole, and the Dis nguished Young Alumni Award to Mario Rivero-Huguet, in recogni on of their outstanding professional accomplishments, scholarly dis nc on and/or service to the community at large, and demonstra on of Mastery for Service through the pursuit of excellence in support of service to society, humanity and the world.

FOUNDER’S DAY

Homecoming 2015

Principal Suzanne For er, Bill Ritchie, Dean Anja Geitmann

Dean Geitmann with Don Cole (above) and Mario Rivero-Huguet (below)

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Dean Geitmann graciously accepted cheques totaling more than $260,000 from the Classes of ’53, ’63, ’65 and ’75. These funds will support a range of ac vi es including scholarships, awards, campus beau fica on and infrastructure. Macdonald is truly fortunate to have such loyal and suppor ve alumni. Faculty Advisory Board members Marc Bieler (DipAgr’58, BA’64) and Nathalie Zinger (BScAgr’81, DipEd/MSc’83), announced the crea on of the Chandra Madramootoo Scholarship, in recogni on of Professor Madramootoo’s visionary leadership, successful tenure, and contribu ons to Macdonald Campus. Professor Madramootoo completed his second and final term as Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Associate Vice-Principal of McGill University on June 30, 2015. The award will be made available to full- me undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty based on their academic merit and who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and community engagement. To date, $116,200 has been raised. No Macdonald Homecoming would be complete without an a ernoon campus tour; this year’s tour included a visit to the Mary Emily Clinical Nutri on Research Unit, hosted by Dr. Hope Weiler. A walk at the Morgan Arboretum with Director Jim Fyles and a tour of the Farm by Manager Paul Meldrum was enjoyed by one and all. The day wrapped up with campus tours and the Gathering of the Clan BBQ where grads young and some, not so young, danced the night away “Contra Dance” style.

Relive Homecoming memories by viewing photos on our Flickr site.

Dean Geitmann accepting a cheque for the Chandra Madramootoo Scholarship from Marc Bieler and Nathalie Zinger

Touring the Mary Emily Clinical Nutrition Research Unit

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Planned giving can be almost as easy as tossing a pebble into the water. Careful prepara on is key and can go a long way toward making a transforma ve difference in the lives of our students. What is a planned gi ? A planned gi is a charitable dona on arranged during a donor’s life me, but not available to Macdonald un l some me in the future. Planned gi s are made through: bequests, life insurance policies, re rement plans, charitable gi annui es and charitable remainder trusts. Why make a planned gi ? A planned gi can help you achieve your personal philanthropic objec ves as well as meet tax and financial goals. With careful planning, you can make a much larger gi than otherwise possible, crea ng a las ng legacy for

genera ons to come. You may also make your gi in honour or in memory of a special person in your life. No ma er why you choose to make a charitable gi to Macdonald, your contribu ons are deeply appreciated. Macdonald’s excellence is built on the founda on of visionary people having an extraordinary impact through their planning and generosity. Have you included McGill/Macdonald in your estate plans? You may direct your gi to support a specific faculty, school or department, or any other areas of your choice, such as scholarships, professorships, Internships or Faculty Development Funds. Unrestricted gi s are used by the Faculty to address its most pressing needs at the me of receipt. As part of our thank you, your gi will grant you membership to the Macdonald Legacy Society. For more informa on on Planned Gi s, please contact the Macdonald University Advancement Office at 514-398–7695.

The Ripple Effect of Planned Giving

Both well-known around Campus and knowing the Campus well, Robert Parkinson, DipAgr’63, made his planned gi “as a way of saying thank-you for such a good edu-ca on, and at the same me allowing me to give something back to Macdonald. I wanted to make sure that future genera ons of Macdonald students would be as fortunate as I was and would have the same opportuni es as I did.” Bob spent 39 years working on the grounds of Macdonald College, helping to tend and beau fy the campus. Bob has always been ac vely involved in alumni ac vi es and events; with his in mate knowledge of Macdonald and its trees, Bob would offer guided walking tours of the Campus during Homecoming.