From Ms. to Dr.

July 28, 2021

Dr. Elaine Ho, RAIN’s Project Coordinator for the Lake Huron Collaborative, successfully defended her PhD 

On July 14, 2021, Elaine Ho successfully defended her thesis making her the first female (and second person) in her family to earn this degree. 

Her award-winning research, Democratizing water quality monitoring processes for the lower Grand River and nearshore Lake Erie, focused on broader, more meaningful collaboration with diverse persons (e.g., Canadian and First Nations community members), and was the most transdisciplinary research project her department had ever seen. 

As Elaine moves on to the next chapter in her career, she has been building her professional and community networks across the District of Algoma. As a Postdoctoral Fellow (Biology, Algoma University), she is leading the development of a community-based water quality monitoring program at Garden River First Nation – a project funded jointly by the Government of Ontario, Eco Canada, and Mitacs. In addition, she was recently appointed to the special task force aimed at spearheading the Sault's bid to become the home of the future Canada Water Agency. As part of her role on this task force, the Lake Huron Collaborative has partnered with the City to lead an upcoming public engagement series that will collect and report upon community member feedback regarding the Canada Water Agency and their vision for a secure water future for our region. Stay tuned for updates, or email Elaine (eho@ssmic.com) if you’re interested in attending a session! 

Congratulations Dr. Elaine Ho! 

SHARE THIS

Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program Launches

October 11, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre (SSMIC) has launched the Northern Ontario Value-Added Agriculture (NOVA) Program to empower agri-food entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario to develop new food products. By offering workshops, training sessions, networking events, and a mentorship program, NOVA aims to equip Northern entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge needed for long-term business growth and sustainability. Supported by $42,080 in funding from the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, NOVA will address the critical need for professional development in the agri-food sector. It focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, improving safety and risk management practices, and providing strategies to expand market presence at home and abroad. “The agri-food promise and potential of Northern Ontario is immense, and our government will continue to work with Northern partners like the SSMIC to help seize it,” said Rob Flack, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness. “NOVA will help unlock more of the huge untapped entrepreneurial energy and ambition of Northern agri-food entrepreneurs to build strong local businesses, create good-paying jobs and strengthen Northern Ontario’s economy.” Program goals include strengthened business capabilities, job creation, and increased economic activity, leading to a more vibrant and sustainable agri-food sector in Northern Ontario. By fostering public engagement with agriculture and local food, NOVA will also contribute to rural development and enhanced community well-being. "Through the NOVA Program, we are excited to provide agri-food entrepreneurs with the tools and networks they need to thrive," said Peter Bruijns, Executive Director of the Sault Ste. Marie Innovation Centre. "This initiative not only supports individual businesses but also strengthens our entire region's agricultural ecosystem." For more information visit: https://rainalgoma.ca/programs/the-northern-ontario-value-added-agriculture-nova-training-program/ SSMIC would also like to thank FedNor the Government of Canada, and the Sault Ste Marie Community Development Corporation for their support in this exciting program. 

Investing in Progress #IWD2024

March 8, 2024
Happy International Women's Day! 💜

In the news: Harvest Algoma relaunches with a new look

January 18, 2024
The Sault Ste. Marie food security agency Harvest Algoma is starting the new year with an image makeover – but agency officials say their mission has not changed.
More Posts
Share by: