VIU News & Experts: October 19, 2023

Supernatural tales, life-changing research and short-term rental rules 📖

VIU's Nanaimo campus is going to be a busy place this Saturday as we host our first-ever community festival. DiscoverFest includes live music, an artisan market, science demos, expert talks, campus tours, activities for kids and teens, food trucks, a beer garden and much more. Learn more on the DiscoverFest website.

Featured experts

Alum launches anthology of supernatural stories

Shanon Sinn, author of The Haunting of Vancouver Island and a VIU Creative Writing alum, recently launched Black Cat, an anthology of 13 supernatural stories set in the Pacific Northwest. Published by Black Cat Books, Sinn’s new publishing house, the author lineup includes another VIU alum Zoe McKenna and Nanaimo authors Joshua Gillingham and Dustin Walker. Sinn edited the anthology. Black Catis available at seven stores on Vancouver Island and can also be ordered online. With the spookiest time of year right around the corner, Sinn is available to chat about the anthology's supernatural stories.

New rules for short-term rental units

As of May 1, short-term rental units in communities with more than 10,000 people will be allowed only in the principal residence of the host, plus one secondary suite of laneway home. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon announced these changes at the BC Legislature on Monday. Master of Community Planning Professor Mark Holland says the new legislation is a key step forward given the negative impacts the Air BnB explosion has had on long-term rentals and housing availability in general. However, the costs of enforcement may be challenge, he adds. He's available this week to expand on these thoughts.

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VIU in the news

Funding for life-changing research

The BC Knowledge Development Fund is giving VIU researchers funding for key research infrastructure. Read the news release.

• Chemistry Professor Dr. Kyle Duncan is developing mass spectrometry technology that could help discover new treatment options for cancer.
• Modern Languages Studies Professor Dr. Yoichi Mukai and Psychology Professor Dr. Marla Morden are purchasing portable and wearable eye tracking equipment with the funding. Mukai is using the technology to better understand the cognitive efforts of both native and second language learners when understanding and producing speech, with the goal of increasing our understanding of how language fluency develops. Morden is investigating women’s cognitive and emotional processes during pregnancy and the post-partum period, which could positively impact the health and well-being of mom and baby.

Researching the effects of war on urban landscapes in Ukraine

Anna Shynkarenko came to VIU from Ukraine last spring on a three-month Mitacs internship to analyze the extent of the damage to infrastructure in her home country. Her project uses aerial and satellite imagery to detect changes in the footprints of buildings. Read more on the blog.

Your university questions, answered

VIU student recruiters Rolanda Murray and Francesca Paladino recently made an appearance on School District 68’s NLPS ED Talks Podcast. The episode covers important questions every potential student should ask, from how to apply, to preparing for university, to how to choose a program. Listen now.

VIU events

Special effects in the theatre industry

Theatre Professor Leon Potter is taking audience members behind the curtain to learn how special effects were made before electricity during his Colloquium talk on Friday, October 20. The talk starts at 10 am in the Malaspina Theatre. Read more in the Nanaimo News Bulletin.  

Scarecrow Spectacular

Nanaimo News Now did a round-up of spooky-themed events people on the mid-Island can attend. It included details on Milner Gardens & Woodland’s all-new Scarecrow Spectacular. Read the article.