UBC News Digest

The UBC News Digest is a weekly summary of news stories about UBC people, research, learning, community, and internationalization initiatives. News Digest past issues are also available on-line.

Apr. 25, 2002

• Clean energy research receives boost from Methanex
• New Registrar recruited from University of Alberta
• UBC Student Film Festival features variety of techniques

Clean energy research receives boost from Methanex

UBC President Martha Piper announced this week a gift of $500,000 from Methanex Corporation to help the Clean Energy Research Centre (CERC) at UBC.

"Methanex's involvement will position CERC to conduct leading-edge research that will have a positive impact on the quality of our air," Piper said. "Methanex's support is testament that CERC will be an important player in developing technology to reduce emissions and alternative fuels for transportation."

The gift, matched by UBC, will establish the Methanex Professorship in Clean Energy Research. The first holder of the Professorship will be Dr. Bob Evans, director of CERC and known internationally for his work in reducing exhaust emissions from internal combustion engines. Dr. Evans will lead a team of world-class researchers looking into a range of alternative and renewable energy sources, including natural gas and hydrogen for internal combustion engines, fuel cell systems integration, bioconversion of wood wastes to fuel, and advanced hydrogen production methods.

"The Clean Energy Research Centre at UBC is a tremendous initiative, one that we believe can greatly impact clean energy research technology and innovation, and continue to establish Vancouver's reputation as a world leader in the area," said Pierre Choquette, President and CEO of the Methanex Corporation.

Ron Britton, Senior Vice-President President for Emerging Energy Applications at the Vancouver-based Methanex Corporation, said, "The decision to invest in CERC became clear when we considered the powerhouse of researchers in the Centre who have already demonstrated their ability to produce the type of research and technological innovation that can be commercially viable and effective." About 17 faculty members from three departments in UBC's Faculty of Applied Science are currently involved with CERC.

"While corporations can conduct some research in-house, the difference here is that CERC will bring together engineers from many disciplines and others at UBC to pursue full systems research," said Britton. "While cognizant of the need to commercialize, academic researchers will take a longer term view of the process of innovation which can lead to some interesting and unanticipated results."

Dr. Evans and a team of leading researchers, who were recently successful in attracting $3.6 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, established CERC last year. "Methanex's support will go a long way in enabling us to conduct much-needed energy research to continue to pursue technological solutions to improve the environment," said Evans.

Methanex Corporation (www.methanex.com) is an industry leader in emerging energy applications and the world's largest producer and marketer of methanol.

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New Registrar recruited from University of Alberta

Brian Silzer has been appointed Assoc. Vice-president, Enrolment Services and Registrar effective May 1.

Silzer comes to UBC following a 30-year career at the University of Alberta where he held several positions including Registrar and Assoc. Vice-president of the university.

In his new role, Silzer will provide leadership on the integration, and improvement of enrolment services. His responsibilities will include recruitment, admissions, scholarships, financial aid, classroom services, student information systems, records and registration functions, supporting both undergraduate and graduate programs.

Silzer will also partner with the faculties and senate to plan and build each year's Class and ensure that new initiatives are consistent with the University's Trek 2000 vision and new Academic Plan.

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UBC Student Film Festival features variety of techniques

The Department of Theatre, Film and Creative Writing will present the 13th Annual Persistence of Vision Student Film Festival, at the Ridge Theatre on May 4 and 5.

The student-developed productions cover a wide variety of subjects and genres, including a Rock and Roll comedy, a contemplative art film, a medieval drama, and more. There are 10 films, all of which are fifteen minutes or less in length.

The technology used to create the films is as varied as their subject matter. In the world of low budget student filmmaking, where equipment such as cranes and steadicams are out of the question, a lot of creativity goes into "getting the shot," say the filmmakers.

"For one shot we hung Sarah, our cinematographer, from a tree using climbing gear to make sure she was safe," explains student producer Louis Pearlman. " I was nervous hoisting Sarah, and a million-dollar camera that was lent to us, into the air. But we got the shot off and it looks great."

Other students have also pushed the boundaries in order to achieve their vision. Jamie Travis, director of Diary of an Insomniac reveals: "All twenty of our cast and crew were sharing a bathroom in my little apartment that we were shooting in. I was terrified that my landlord was going to evict me!" But when asked if it was worth it Travis answers, "Yeah, this was a great experience and now I've directed my first film and I'm really happy with it."

The Persistence of Vision Student Film Festival will be screened at the Ridge Theatre on May 4th and 5th, starting at 7:00. Saturday, May 4th will be the Gala screening, when members of the local film industry will present students with awards for their achievements. Tickets for the May 5th screening are available at Videomatica, Limelight and at the door.