Toxic chemical research, preserving Nanaimo’s Chinatown history and ramping up for VIU Fest on October 24. Read more about what VIU experts are doing this month:
VIU professor identifies toxic chemicals leaching from tire embankment
VIU Chemistry Professor Erik Krogh analyzed water samples from a decaying tire embankment along Little Shuswap Lake, finding concentrations above the BC water quality guideline for freshwater species. His findings highlight the importance of keeping tires and tire products away from sensitive freshwater ecosystems. Read The Tyee article.
VIU students earn forestry scholarships
Two Nanaimo students attending VIU, Rylan Adams and Hyla McQuaid, are among 10 recipients of the BC Council of Forest Industries’ 2026 forestry scholarships. Adams is studying Forest Resource Technology, while McQuaid is pursuing Indigenous/Xwulmuxw Studies. Each will receive $2,000 toward their studies. Read the My Coast Now article.
VIU professor emerita supports preserving Nanaimo’s Chinatown history
VIU Professor Emeritus Dr. Imogene Lim has spent decades working to preserve and share the history of Nanaimo’s Chinatowns, once one of the biggest and oldest in Canada. “Chinese Canadian history is Canadian history,” says Lim. “That's also an important thing to remind people.” Lim is pleased the City of Nanaimo has taken steps to make Jackie Wong’s Lost Intersections, an installation that commemorates Nanaimo’s former Chinatowns, part of its permanent collection. Read more from CBC.
VIU Mariners welcome new basketball coaches
New head coaches Luke Holmes and Eric D’Andrea will lead the VIU Mariners women’s and men’s basketball teams for the 2026-27 season as they work toward returning to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association’s national championships. The Nanaimo Bulletin chats with the coaches and team members about the upcoming season.
VIU Fest invites the community to explore and learn
VIU Fest is bringing the community together for activities and learning experiences for people of all ages. The event showcases the university’s programs, expertise and hands-on learning opportunities. Read more at My Coast Now, and the Nanaimo Bulletin.
VIU faculty helped establish Nanaimo Art Gallery 50 years ago
The Nanaimo Art Gallery is celebrating its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of supporting and showcasing visual arts in the community. Founded in 1976, the gallery says it began as the Madrona Exhibition Centre, established by a group of faculty members at the then-Malaspina College, now Vancouver Island University. Read the Nanaimo Bulletin article.
Safety, street disorder and the municipal election
Safety and street disorder are top of mind for Nanaimo voters this municipal election, but Dr. Lauren Mayes, VIU Criminology Professor, says that the issue is complicated. Read her interview with CBC.
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