Conference Presentations (Peer Reviewed)
Kajiura, L., Storey, J., & McCaffery, M. (2019). Strategies to Bridge Learning Gaps through Summer Academic Skills Orientation Sandbox SoTL Presentation Session held at the McMaster University MacPherson Institute’s Research on Teaching & Learning Conference, McMaster University, David Braley Health Science Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. December 6th 2019.
Kajiura, L. (2019). Enriching Learning Between & Beyond Courses – Science inspiring good thoughts, good words, & good deeds Presented a peer reviewed presentation at the Western Conference on Science Education, Western University, London, Ontario., Canada, July 3rd 2019.
Kajiura, L., Fleisig, R., Vrkljan, B., & Hassan, L. (2018). Designing Impactful Initiatives. Peer-reviewed Panel Discussion presented at the Research on Teaching & Learning Conference, McMaster University, Innovation Park, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. December 12th 2018.
Kajiura, L. (2018). Enriching Collaborative Learning via Online Creativity Multimedia. Presented a peer reviewed presentation at the Learning & Technology Symposium – Making Blended Learning Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. October 10th 2018.
Kajiura, L., Fleisig, R., Vrkljan, B, & Hassan, L. (2018). Facilitating IMPACTFUL Learning Initiatives via Online Multimedia Tools. Presented a peer reviewed presentation at the Learning & Technology Symposium – Making Blended Learning Work, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. October 10th 2018.
Kajiura, L., Hassan, L., Fleisig, R., & Vrkljan, B. (2017). Implementing Partnerships that have IMPACT. Poster Presented a peer reviewed poster presentation for the McMaster University MacPherson Institute’s Teaching & Learning Conference, Innovation Park, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. November, 16th 2017.
Kajiura, L. (2017). Enhancing Student-Centered Collaborative Learning in Capstone Courses: A model for using creative themes & media for applied knowledge mobilization & integrated problem solving. Presented a peer reviewed presentation at the Western Conference on Science Education, Western University, London, Ontario., Canada, July 6th 2017.
Dodd, M., Kajiura, L., Fleisig, R., and Vrkljan, B. (2016). (M. Dodd & I were the two presenters of this session). Impact Evaluation of a Novel Community-Engaged Interdisciplinary Learning Project. Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) Conference: Empowering Learners, Effecting Change. Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. June 21st -24th, 2016.
Fleisig, R.V., Kajiura, L., Vrkljan, B, and Dodd, M. (2015). Cultivating Collaborative University Partnerships: Using the IMPACT (Interdisciplinary, Meaningful/Mentorship, Practice, Applied, Collaborative/Community, Transformative) Project Educational Model of Teaching and Learning. Workshop presented at the MIIETL Research on Teaching & Learning Conference: Cultivating Communities, Innovation Park, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. December 9th 2015.
Kajiura, L., Fleisig, R., and Vkljan, B. (2015). Implementing Meaningful Learning Experiences – The IMPACT (Interdisciplinary, Meaningful/Mentorship, Practice, Applied, Collaborative/Community, Transformative) Project
Concurrent Session presented at the Western Conference on Science Education, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. July 7th -10th 2015.
Vrkljan, B., Fleisig, R., & Kajiura, L. (2015). Promoting Participation in an Aging Society: The IMPACT Project. Canadian Association of Occupational Therapy Conference 2015. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Fleisig, R., Kajiura, L,Vrkljan, B., Kajaks, T., and Crizzle, A.M.(2014). Bridging the Gap: Increasing student awareness of aging through design – The IMPACT Project, 43rd Annual Scientific and Educational Meeting of Canadian Association of Gerontology (CAG) Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. October 16th, 2014.
Fleisig, R.V., Kajiura, L., and Vrkljan, B. (2014). Facilitating Transformative Interdisciplinary Collaborative Projects: The IMPACT (Interdisciplinary, Meaningful, Practice, Applied, Community, Transformative) Project. International Conference on Engineering Education and Research (ICEER), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. August 24th -26th 2014.
Kajiura, L., Fleisig, R., Vrkljan, B. (2014). Facilitating Transformative Interdisciplinary Collaborative Projects: The IMPACT (Interdisciplinary, Meaningful, Practice, Applied, Community, Transformative) Project. Pedagogical Speeding Dating Session. Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference: Transforming our Learning Experiences, Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. June 18th, 2014.
Kajiura, L., Smit, J., Montpetit, C., Rawle, F., Kelly, T., French, M., Haffie, T., Waugh, J., and Noel, T. (2013).More Connecting with Less Boundaries: The Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE) Model. Workshop presented at the Western Conference on Science Education (WCSE), Western University, London, Ontario, Canada, July 9th– 11th 2013.
Kajiura,L., Smit, J., Montpetit, C., Kelly, T., French, and M., Haffie, T. (2013), Concurrent Session Presentation – Inter-institutional Knowledge Mobilization: The Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators Model., Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) Conference, University of Cape Breton, Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada, June 19th-21st 2013.
Kajiura, L., and Montpetit, C. (2011). Concurrent Session Presentation – Engaging Students with Interactive Lectures Using Case-Based Studies, Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) Conference, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, June 15th-18th 2011.
Kajiura, L., and Montpetit, C. (2011). Round Table Discussion – Teaching Stream Faculty, Measuring and Communicating Scholarship and other Scholarly Activities, Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) From here to the Horizon 2011 Conference, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, June 15th-18th 2011.
Kajiura, L., and Montpetit, C. (2011). Concurrent Session Presentation – Designing Advanced Seminar Research Courses in Science, The Western Conference on Science Education, Western University, London, Ontario, July 5th-8th 2011.
Kajiura, L. (2009). Presentation -Engaging Students with Peer Mentoring, Society of Teaching & Learning (SoTL) Symposium, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, December 8th 2009.
Rollo, C. D., Lachman, E. I., and Kajiura, L. (1992). Ecology of the Supermouse. Ecological Society of America, Honolulu, Hawaii.
Invited Presentations
Kajiura, L. (2019). Served as team presenter/spokesperson for sessions regarding active Learning in large classes, and educational research sessions. Open Consortium of Undergraduate Educators, University of Toronto Mississauga, Ontario. December 12th 2019.
Kajiura, L. (2019) Preparing for the IMPACT Mega-interdisciplinary design review collaborations. Guest presentation for the ENG1P03 course. Peter George Centre for Living & Learning, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. October 7th 2019.
Kajiura, L. (2019) IMPACT /ENG 1P03/SCI 2P03 Final Showcase. Served as a judge for the design presentations, John Hopkins Engineering Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. December 5th 2019.
Kajiura, L. (2019). Biology Leadership Forum, Pearson Education, Novatel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. November 11th 2019.
Kajiura, L. (2019). How to Manage Challenging Classroom Situations, Successful Strategies & Solutions, Presented a Workshop for the McMaster University MacPherson Institute’s Teaching & Learning Forum, McMaster University Student Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, September 4th 2019.
Kajiura, L. (2019). Welcome Week Faculty of Science – two guest presentations. Chester New Hall 104, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. August 27th 2019.
Kajiura, L. (2019). Keys to Success – guest presentation for the McMaster Golden Key International Honour Society, Information Technology Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. March 19th 2019.
Kajiura, L. (2018). Biology Leadership Forum, Pearson Education, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. November 12th 2018.
Kajiura, L. (2018). Creating IMPACT during Collaborative Interdisciplinary Design Reviews. Presented. three guest lectures regarding how to students can effectively collaborative (providing and using constructive feedback) during IMPACT Design Review Sessions for Engineering 1P03 students, Chester New Hall Building, and John Hopkins Engineering Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, October 17th 2018
Kajiura, L. (2018). How to Manage Challenging Classroom Situations, Successful Strategies & Solutions, Presented a Workshop for the McMaster University MacPherson Institute’s Teaching & Learning Forum, McMaster University Student Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, September 5th 2018.
Kajiura, L. (2018). How to Effectively Prepare for Lectures (Notetaking), Home Study, & Assessments. Presented 4 workshops for McMaster Uhiversity’s Student Success Centre’s Academic Orientation Workshops. Michael B. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario Canada, August 1st & 2nd 2018.
Kajiura, L. (2018). Why should people care about Biodiversity, Ecology, & Sustainability? Presented 3 workshops for the McMaster Learning Enrichment Advancement Program (LEAP). Burke Science Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario Canada, July 10th, 17th, 31st 2018.
Kajiura, L. (2018). Be Bold & Courageous- Keys to Success. McMaster University Golden Key Society Honorary Induction Ceremony -Guest Presentation. Burke Science Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario Canada, April 4th 2018.
Kajiura, L. (2017). Creating IMPACT during Collaborative Interdisciplinary Design Reviews. Presented. three guest lectures regarding how to students can effectively collaborative (providing and using constructive feedback) during IMPACT Design Review Sessions for Engineering 1P03 students, Chester New Hall Building, and John Hopkins Engineering Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, November 6th 2017.
Kajiura, L. (2017). Handling Challenging Classroom Situations: Real Scenerios, Effective Solutions, Presented a Workshop for the McMaster University MacPherson Institute’s Teaching & Learning Forum, McMaster University Student Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, September 6th 2017.
Kajiura, L. (2017) Effective Notetaking & Getting Ready for Your 1st Lecture. Presented a workshop sessions for the McMaster University MACademics Session, for the McMaster University Student Success Centre, Burke Science Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. August 9th & 10th 2017.
Kajiura, L. (2017) How to Create Scientific Innovations for Improving Life on Earth & the Future World. Presented three Workshop presentations for the Learning Enrichment Advancement Program (LEAP) , Burke Science Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, July 10th, 24th, and August 8th 2017.
Kajiura, L. (2016). Cultivating Inter- & Multi-Disciplinary Collaborative Projects. Presented a workshop at the Biology Leadership Forum Pearson Education, Hilton Hotel, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, November 11th, 2016.
Kajiura, L. (2016). Navigating Challenging Situations in the Classroom. Presented a workshop at the Emerging Educators Development Day associated with the Paul R. MacPherson Institute for Leadership, Innovation & Excellence in Teaching, Burke Science Building, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, October 11th, 2016.
Kajiura, L. (2016). Led online Journal Club Discussion regarding the 2015 article “Survey of Biology Capstone Courses in American and Canadian Higher Education: Requirement, Content, and Skills by Neil Haave for the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, October 2016.
Kajiura, L. (2016). Effective Notetaking. Presentations for the McMaster University Student Success Centre’s Macademics Program (formerly known as the New Marauder Orientation (NMO) Program). McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. August 11th and 12th 2016.
Kajiura, L. (2016). Why are Scientists and Engineers Creative & Innovative? Interactive presentations for the McMaster Learning Enrichment Advancement Program (LEAP). McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. July 11th, July 25th, and August 8th 2016.
Kajiura, L. (2016) Cultivating Creative Confidence in Biology undergraduate students. Presented an interactive session at the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE) May UnConference. Port Carling, Ontario, Canada. July 11th, July 25th, August 8th 2016.
Kajiura, L. (2016). Led online Journal Club Discussion regarding the 2015 article “Democratizing education? Examining access & usage patterns in massive open online courses” by John D. Hansen and Justin Reich for the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, February 2016.
Kajiura, L. (2015). Designing Interdisciplinary Inter-University Collaborative Projects. Presented at the Ontario Consortium of Biology Undergraduate Educators (oCUBE) December UnConference, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. December 16th 2015.
Kajiura, L. and Vrkljan, B. (2015). How Students Should Prepare for Interdisciplinary Collaborative Design Reviews for the IMPACT Project. Presented to Engineering 1P03 lectures, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. November 9th 2015.
Kajiura, L. (2015). Successful Strategies for Dealing with Challenging Situations in Lectures, Labs, & Tutorials.
Workshop presented at the McMaster Teaching & Learning Forum, McMaster Institute of Innovation and Excellence in Teaching & Learning. Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, September 3rd 2015.
Kajiura, L. (2015). Effective Notetaking. Presented for the McMaster University Student Success Centre’s New Maurauder Orientation (NMO). Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. August 14th 2015.
Kajiura, L. (2015). Academic Reading: How to Effectively Use your Textbooks. Presented for the McMaster University Student Success Centre, SOAR Online presentation of session & resources. McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. July 30th 2015.
Kajiura, L. (2015). Biology Leadership Forum, Pearson Education, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. May 7th & 8th 2015.
Kajiura, L. (2015). Led online Journal Club Discussion regarding the 2014 article “Collaborative testing: Evidence of learning in a controlled in-class study of undergraduate students” by Brett Hollis Gilley and Bridgette Clarkston for the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. February 2015.
Kajiura, L. (2014). oCUBE December UnConference, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Kajiura, L. and Sample, S. (2014). The IMPACT Project – Interdisciplinary Perspectives regarding Strokes and Expressive Aphasia. Presentations for Engineering 1P03 and Biology 1P03 & 1A03 students, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, November 5th, 2014.
Kajiura, L. (2014) oCUBE Collaborative Projects & IMPACT Project , both presented at the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE) 5th Anniversary UnConference, Port Carling, Ontario, Canada, May 20th –23rd 2014.
McDonnell, L. and Kajiura, L. (2014) Teaching and assessing problem-solving skills (BIG) presented at the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE) 5th Anniversary UnConference, Port Carling, Ontario, Canada, May 20th –23rd 2014.
Kajiura, L., Fleisig, R., Vrkljan, B. (2014). The IMPACT Project – An Interdisciplinary Initiative involving students and educators in Science, Engineering, and Rehabilitation Sciences, A request for large collaborative space. Presented to the McMaster University Space Committee, McMaster Innovation and Excellence in Teaching & Learning (MIIETL), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario.
Kajiura, L., Fleisig, R., Vrkljan, B. (2014). The McMaster Interdisciplinary IMPACT Project – Transformative learning in Undergraduate and Graduate Students in Science, Engineering, Rehabilitation Sciences. Presented at the Level 1 Instructors Community of Practice, McMaster Institute for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching & Learning (MIIETL), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario
Kajiura, L. (2014). Our Roles in Preservation, Conservation, & Sustainability of Biodiversity. Guest Presentation representing the McMaster Department of Biology for High School OutReach for the students at Highland Secondary School, Dundas, Ontario. February, 18th, 2014.
Kajiura, L. (2013). An Interdisciplinary Project involving diverse faculties and departments – the IMPACT Project. Presented at the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Kajiura, L. (2013). Rheumatoid Arthritis – Biological Linkages to Engineering & Rehabilitation Sciences
An Interdisciplinary Project. Presentation for Engineering 1P03 and Biology 1P03 students, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Kajiura, L., (2013). How to successfully teach “challenging” students. Workshop presented at the Teaching & Learning Forum, McMaster Institute for Innovation and Excellence in Teaching & Learning (MIIETL), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Kajiura, L., Keenleyside, W, and Montpetit, C.(2012).Presented – Perspectives regarding National Case-Based Studies Conferences at the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE) Conference, University of Guelph, Ontario, December 19th 2012
Kajiura, L. (2012). Presented – How to Engage ESL Students in Large Lectures at the Biology Leadership Forum, Pearson Education Conference, Toronto, Ontario, November 12th 2012.
Kajiura, L. and Sharp, J. (2012). Presented Active Learning in Large Classrooms at the Biology Leadership Forum (Pearson Education Conference) – Biology Advisory Board/Innovation Committee, Toronto, Ontario, November 11th & 12th 2012.
Kajiura, L. (2012). Presented workshop : How Effectively Use Your Textbook for the Sciences for the McMaster University Student Success Centre, Hamilton, Ontario, September 14th 2012.
Kajiura, L. (2012). Presented – How to Successfully Deal with Challenging Students at Teaching Assistant (TA) Day for the McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning, Hamilton, Ontario, September 5th 2012.
Kajiura, L. (2012). Presented – Lesson Planning for Different Learning Styles and Intelligences at Teaching Assistant (TA) Day for the McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning, Hamilton, Ontario, September 5th 2012.
Kajiura, L., Smit, J., and Robertson, L. (2012). Presented – What is your department, faculty, university doing for students to ease their transition from high school to university? at the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE) Conference, Peterborough, Ontario, May 22nd-25th 2012.
Kajiura, L. (2012). Presented – Digital Learning at the Biology Leadership Forum & Innovation Advisory Board Meeting for the Canadian Consortium of Excellence in University Biology (CCEUB), Toronto, Ontario, May 4-5th 2012.
Kajiura, L., and Sharp, J. (2011). Presented – Learning Objectives and Course Outcomes at the Canadian Consortium of Excellence in University Biology (CCEUB) – Executive Committee Meeting for the Biology Leadership Forum (Pearson Education) – Biology Advisory Board/Innovation Committee, Toronto, Ontario, November 13th 2011.
Kajiura, L. (2011). Presented – (In) Civility in the Classroom at Graduate Student Day: An Exploration of Teaching & Learning Conference for the McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning, Hamilton, Ontario, September 7th 2011.
Kajiura, L. (2011). Presented – Lesson Planning for Diverse Learning Styles at Graduate Student Day: An Exploration of Teaching & Learning Conference for the McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning, Hamilton, Ontario, September 7th 2011.
Kajiura. L. (2011). Presented – Linking Concepts in Biology at the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE) Conference, Peterborough Ontario, May 24th-27th 2011.
Kajiura, L. (2011). Presented – How Do We Bridge the Gap Between High School and University? at the Biology Leadership Forum, Strategies for Success Conference (Pearson Education), Toronto, Ontario, May 14th 2011.
Kajiura, L. (2011). Presented – Avenue to Learn – Best Practices at the Learning Technology Symposium for the McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning & University Technology Services, Hamilton, Ontario, April 21st 2011.
Kajiura, L. (2010). Presented – Biology Leadership at the Canadian Consortium of Excellence in University Biology (CCEUB) Conference, Toronto, Ontario, November 14th 2010.
Kajiura, L. (2010). Presented – How to Prepare a Teaching Dossier and Demonstrate Scholarly Teaching at Teaching Assistant (TA) Day for the McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning, Hamilton, Ontario, September 10th 2010.
Kajiura, L. (2010). Presented – Lesson Planning for Different Learning Styles at Teaching Assistant (TA) Day for the McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning, Hamilton, Ontario, September 10th 2010.
Kajiura, L. (2010). Presented – Scholarly Teaching- Demonstrating Your Scholarship, Scholarly Activities, and their Impact Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (OCUBE) Conference, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada. May 26th-28th, 2010.
Kajiura, L. (2010). Presented – Engaging Life Students with Integrated Investigative Case- Based Studies at the Strategies for Success Conference (Pearson Education), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 1st 2010.
Kajiura, L. (2010). Presented – How Do We Get Students to Think Like Scientists, Panel Discussion at the Strategies for Success Conference (Pearson Education), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, April 30th 2010.
Kajiura, L. (2010). Presented – Engaging Student s with Integrated Case- Based Studies at Strategies for Success Conference (Pearson Education), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, March 19th-20th 2010.
Kajiura, L. (2009). Presented – Teaching Introductory Biology, What are the Challenges and the Solutions? at the Ontario Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (OCUBE) Conference, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, December 11th 2009.
Kajiura, L. (2009). Presented – Addressing Learning Outcomes at the Canadian Consortium of Excellence in University Biology (CCEUB) Biology Leadership Forum Conference (Pearson Education), Toronto, Ontario, Canada, November 8th and 9th 2009.
Kajiura, L. (2009). Presented – Lesson Planning to Engage Diverse Learning Styles and Intelligences, Centre for Leadership in Learning Workshop, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, October 28th 2009.
Kajiura, L. (2009). Presented – “What do TA’s Really Do?” and presented the “Lesson Planning” Workshop TA DAY McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning’s (organized, coordinated Panel Discussion and served as moderator) , Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, September 9th 2009.
Kajiura, L. (2009). Presented workshop- Realizing the Roles & Rewards of Peer Mentoring for Remarkable Result, Strategies for Success Conference (Pearson Education) , Toronto, Ontario, Canada, May 2nd 2009.
Kajiura, L. (2009). Presented – Dealing with Challenging Students at the Environmental Science Teaching Assistant Workshop, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, January 22nd 2009.
Kajiura, L. (2008). Presented – What do TA’s really do?” Panel Discussion at TA DAY, McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning’s (organized, coordinated Panel Discussion), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, September 3rd 2008.
Kajiura, L. (2007). Presented – Using WebCT in Large Classes seminar and participated in Panel Discussion for the McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning and Learning Technology Resources Centre’s Teaching Large Classes, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, November 21st 2007.
Kajiura, L. (2007). Presented – What do TA’s really do?” Panel Discussion at TA DAY, McMaster University Centre for Leadership in Learning (organized, coordinated Panel Discussion), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, September 5th 2007.
Kajiura, L. (2001). Presented – DNA Biotechnology, Biology1K03 Guest Lectures, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, September 28th 2001.
Dr. Lovaye Kajiura’s connection to McMaster University’s Biology Department is deep and enduring. She first became interested in Biology as a high school student when she worked as a laboratory technician, research assistant, and teaching mentor. She chose to do her undergraduate studies at McMaster University because of its excellent academic and research reputation. In order to fulfill her dream of getting a Ph.D. and teaching at the University level, Dr. Kajiura pursued her Masters and Ph.D. studies. Working with Dr. David Rollo’s research team, she examined organismal ecology, resource allocation, the impact of biotechnology on physiology, endocrinology, nutrition, and behaviour using the transgenic rat growth hormone mouse model. Since becoming a faculty member, Dr. Kajiura has focused her energy towards coordinating and teaching 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year undergraduate courses. She is strongly devoted to the scholarship of teaching and learning. She has published integrated case-based studies, examined the linkages between technology and learning, peer mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaborations. Dr. Kajiura is one of the co-leaders of the McMaster IMPACT (Interdisciplinary, Mentorship, Practical, Applied, Community, Transformative) Initiative. Dr. Kajiura (Biology) along with Dr. Robert Fleisig (Engineering), Dr. Brenda Vrkljan (Occupational Therapy), Dr. Liz Hassan (Engineering), and Dr. Shelir Ebrahimi (Engineering) lead innovative interdisciplinary collaborative projects. The IMPACT Initiative engages Science undergraduate/graduate students, Engineering undergraduate/graduate students, Occupational Therapy graduate students, McMaster Alumni, Medical students, Community Healthcare Partners, and real volunteer clients. Students from diverse academic disciplines collaborate to understand, appreciate, and address challenges experienced by our aging population and people living with disabilities. The IMPACT Initiative creates devices to improve the quality of life of clients living with arthritis, dementia, cerebral palsy, aphasia (strokes), multiple sclerosis, dystonia, and other conditions. This interdisciplinary exchange of ideas and application of knowledge successfully creates meaningful learning experiences that lead to positive community change Dr. Kajiura is also a founding member and steward of the Open (formerly Ontario) Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE) and leads the McMaster Mentorship Outreach Student Team (MMOST). She attributes academic and professional success to a commitment to life-long learning and being a resilient change agent. She believes that perseverance, leadership, strong work ethic, and having a positive attitude are keys to success in every area of life. Dr. Kajiura will always be “your mentor for life”.
The IMPACT Initiative is an interdisciplinary collaboration that engages undergraduate and graduate students from Engineering, Biology/Science, Occupational Therapy, and Medicine, McMaster Alumni, Community Healthcare Partners, and volunteer clients. The IMPACT Initiative involves a learning process whereby students from different academic disciplines come together to understand, appreciate, and address challenges experienced by our aging population and people living with disabilities. IMPACT co-leaders Dr. Robert Fleisig (Engineering), Dr. Lovaye Kajiura (Biology/Science), Dr. Brenda Vrkljan (Occupational Therapy), and Dr. Liz Hassan (Engineering) teach students how to improve the lives of our aging population and that of people with disabilities. The IMPACT project drives student creativity, innovation, and community engagement. The interdisciplinary exchange of ideas successfully creates meaningful learning experiences that lead to positive community change.
The McMaster Mentorship Outreach Student Team (MMOST) is a collaborative outreach assemblage dedicated to providing opportunities for both student mentors and mentees to develop leadership and professional skills by participating in diverse outreach projects conducted both on campus, in the community, and globally abroad. MMOST aims to empower students with transformative experiences via collaborations with other McMaster students, faculty, alumni, and community partners. With the acquisition of these important transferable skills, students will better be able to navigate their academic, career, life journeys, and will be inspired to make transformative changes in their lives and most importantly the lives of others, while striving to “Be the MMOST