OFFICE OF THE DEAN

Dr. Melike Schalomon

Dean, Faculty of Arts and Science
Professor, Psychology

Room 7-310T, City Centre Campus
780-497-5302
schalomonm@macewan.ca

Education

• PhD, Neuroscience (Alberta)
• M.Sc., Psychology (Alberta)
• B.Sc., Behavioural Neuroscience (Laurentian)

Previous Appointments

• Associate Dean, Administration (MacEwan University)
• Chair, Department of Psychology (MacEwan University)
• Chair, Animal Research Ethics Board (MacEwan University)
• Faculty appointments at the University of Alberta and Athabasca University

Areas of Specialization and Scholarly Activity

Dr. Schalomon’s teaching interests are primarily in the area of behavioural neuroscience and more broadly, the biological bases of behaviour. She has taught courses on topics related to neuroanatomy, neuropsychology, and human sexuality, in addition to introductory level courses in Psychology. Her current program of research is focused on the neurochemical bases of anxiety and conditioning in zebrafish (Danio rerio) employing computerized motion tracking of fish behaviour. Dr. Schalomon has previously published research on mice (experimental neurogenetics and neurosurgery, cerebral lateralization), rats (experimental neurosurgery, prefrontal cortex), and humans (sexuality in adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder).

Dr. Joanne Minaker

Associate Dean, Academic, Faculty of Arts and Science
Associate Professor, Sociology

Room 7-310P, City Centre Campus
780-633-3988
minakerj@macewan.ca

Education

• PhD, Socio-legal Studies (Queen's)
• MA, Sociology (Manitoba)
• BA, Criminology (Manitoba)

Previous Appointments

• Sociology Coordinator, Department of Sociology (MacEwan University)
• Member, Presidential Transition Team (MacEwan University)
• Member, Arts and Science Promotion and Review Committee (MacEwan University)
• Member, Academic Governance Council (MacEwan University)
• Editorial Board, International Journal of Criminology and Sociological Theory, The Motherhood Initiative for Research and Community Involvement and the Engaged Scholar.
• Founding faculty advisor, Change Making initiative, Student Association (MacEwan University)
• 50th Anniversary Champion Team Member (MacEwan University)
• Visions of Brilliance Student Poster/Presentation Competition and Faculty Showcase Lead (Arts and Science)
• United Way Committee Chair

Areas of Specialization and Scholarly Activity

• Youth Crime & Youth Justice
• Feminist & Critical Criminology
• Sociology of Care & Motherhood Studies
• Sexual Violence in the Post-secondary Context

Dr. Minaker’s scholarship explores the tensions and possibilities at the intersection of individual agency and social structure and “the power of meaningful connections” to create openings for personal transformation and social change.

Current research: 1) Mothers and Pandemic Parenting Project; 2) Sexual Violence Interruptions; 3) Care and Leadership.

Select publications

• Crocker, D. Minaker, J., and Nelund, A. (Eds.) (2020). Violence Interrupted: Confronting Sexual Violence on Canadian University Campuses. McGill/Queen’s University Press.
• Hogeveen, B and Minaker, J. (2020). Critical Criminology and Youth Justice: Issues of Power and Justice. In Winterdyk, J., Gorkoff, K. and Smandych. R. (Eds.), Youth at Risk and Youth Justice. 3rd edition. Toronto: Oxford.
• Minaker, J. Byrd, D., and O’Reilly, A. (Eds.) (2019). Feminist Perspectives on Young Mothers, and Young Mothering. Bradford: Demeter Press.
• Boulianne, S., Minaker, J. & Haney, T. (2018). Does compassion go viral? Social media, caring, and the Fort McMurray wildfire. Information, Communication & Society, 21(5), 697-711. DOI: 10.1080/1369118X.2018.1428651.
• Minaker, J. (2017). Appreciating Ashley: Learning about and from the life and death of Ashley Smith through feminist pedagogy. Canadian Journal of Law and Society, 32(2), 291-306. Special Issue. DOI:10.1017/cls.2017.15
• Minaker, J. and Hogeveen, B. (Eds.) (2015). Criminalized Mothers, Criminalized Mothering. Bradford: Demeter Press.
• Minaker, J., & Hogeveen, B. (2009). Youth, Crime & Society: Issues of Power and Justice. Toronto: Pearson.

Select Conference Presentations

• Minaker, J. and Zolondek, C. (2022, May). Mothering in the Context of COVID-19: Who Cares about Creating a Care Infrastructure? Learning from the Pandemic: Possibilities and Challenges for Mothers and Families Conference. May 5-7, 2022. (Virtual)
• Boulianne, S., Minaker, J. and Haney, T. (2017, August). Does Compassion Go Viral? Social Media, Caring, and the Fort McMurray Wildfire. Paper presented at American Sociological Association Annual Meeting, Montreal, QB.
• Boulianne, S., Minaker, J. and Haney, T. (2017, February). Does Compassion Go Viral? Social Media, Caring, and the Fort McMurray Wildfire. Paper presented at the Annual Warren E. Kalbach Conference, Edmonton, AB.

ASSOCIATE DECANAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Academic Initiatives: Academic collaborations; co-op, work-integrated, and community-based learning opportunities; study abroad programs and field schools; action plans for degree reviews.

Faculty Engagement: develop, promote and maintain collegial faculty relations; guidance for Department Chairs; decanal representative in recruitment; Faculty retention; faculty role at a teaching focused institution; faculty professional development; provide procedural advice on sabbatical leave, tenure, and promotion applications; blended learning and eCampus offerings; Minors on Campus issues; assist in matters related to the Collective Agreement or Faculty Council governance.

Students: Foster a teaching culture and support student learning; Student orientation and supports; promote student engagement; recruitment, retention and outreach; awards and scholarship programs; student concerns and appeals; support students in distress; academic and non-academic misconduct issues; academic integrity; liaison with Access and Disability Resources and student needs/accommodation; Student Conduct and Student of Concern issues; Academic Standing decisions (including required to withdraw (RTW) appeals and merit standings).

Research: Review ethics and funding applications; Dean’s Office liaison for funding applications from Office of Research Services; Member of Teaching, Research, and Faculty Development Committee.

Health and Safety: Travel authorization management; Member of Joint Workplace Health and Safety Committee; Supervision of Lab Technicians.

External and Community Relations: Promotion of Faculty; Open House; liaise with Government Relations; develop relations with external stakeholders, including alumni; initiatives beyond the University.

Dr. Kevin Friesen

Associate Dean, Operations, Faculty of Arts and Science

Room 7-310S, City Centre Campus
780-633-3373
friesenk8@macewan.ca

Education

• PhD, Physiology and Cell Biology (Alberta)
• BSc, Zoology (Alberta)

Previous Appointments

• Chair, Department of Biological Sciences (MacEwan University)

Areas of Specialization and Scholarly Activity

Dr. Friesen’s research is aimed at understanding arthropod physiology and development. He uses molecular biology tools to answer questions about the biology of ticks. His research considers two general topics: 1) the physiological mechanisms of tick survival under freezing conditions, and 2) the molecular and genetic basis development of tick embryo development. Overall, this research contributes to our understanding of tick survival and reproduction and helps explain how tick populations might spread with our changing climate.

Previous Publications

Friesen KJ, Dixon M, and Lysyk, TJ. 2016. Embryo development and morphology of the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Acari: Ixodidae). Journal of Medical Entomology 52 (4): 279-89 http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjv193

Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2009. Salivary gland degeneration and vitellogenesis in the ixodid tick Amblyomma hebraeum: Surpassing a critical weight is the prerequisite and detachment from the host is the trigger. Journal of Insect Physiology 55: 936-42.

Seixas A, Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2008. Effect of 20-hydroxyecdysone and haemolymph on oogenesis in the ixodid tick Amblyomma hebraeum. Journal of Insect Physiology 54: 1175-83.

Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2004. Effects of 20-hydroxyecdysone and other hormones on egg development, and identification of a vitellin-binding protein in the ovary of the tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Journal of Insect Physiology 50: 519-529.

Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2003. Cypermethrin inhibits egg development in the ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 76: 25-35.

Friesen KJ, Suri R, Kaufman WR. 2003. Effects of the avermectin, MK-243, on ovary development and salivary gland degeneration in the ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Pesticide Biochemistry and Physiology 76: 82-90.

Friesen KJ, Kaufman WR. 2002. Quantification of vitellogenesis and its control by 20-hydroxyecdysone in the ixodid tick, Amblyomma hebraeum. Journal of Insect Physiology 48(8): 773-782.