This month we hear how UBC library is making its first edition of William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies widely available through the Shakespeare xR project. We meet UBC medical student Mohit Sodhi whose research has led to him being named one of Forbes “30 under 30” in Healthcare. Plus, we learn about UBC Forestry’s plan to launch its Centre for Wildfire Coexistence.
UBC Library’s First Folio gets interactive with Shakespeare xR
Published in 1623, the first edition of William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies has stood the test of time, passing through countless hands over the centuries to become a tangible piece of human history. When UBC Library announced its acquisition of a First Folio in January 2022, it came with a mandate to ensure public access to the text.
“Dr. Patrick Pennefather was a key member of the team who worked to bring the First Folio of Shakespeare to UBC. His vision for developing digitization projects that explore emerging technologies like AI, augmented and virtual reality has presented the Library with the opportunity to develop new partnerships, in our effort to provide unprecedented public access to the First Folio,” says Katherine Kalsbeek, Head of Rare Books and Special Collections. In particular, collaborating with UBC’s Department of Theatre and Film, and the Emerging Media Lab at UBC, , the library developed an ambitious digital media plan. Read more
UBC medical student Mohit Sodhi named one of Forbes “30 Under 30” in Healthcare
Launched in 2011, the Forbes “30 Under 30” recognizes people under the age of 30 from a wide range of industries who are making a notable impact in their field. For the Healthcare category, the recipients include entrepreneurs and researchers who are taking on some of healthcare’s biggest challenges.
As a graduate from UBC’s Experimental Medicine Program, and under the supervision of Dr. Mahyar Etminan, Sodhi collaborates on research that examines rare adverse events of some of the most commonly prescribed medications. Read more
Revolutionizing Wildfire Preparedness in BC: Centre for Wildfire Coexistence
The Centre for Wildfire Coexistence (CWC) at UBC Forestry, led by Dr. Lori Daniels, is pioneering a revolutionary approach to wildfire preparedness in British Columbia. Focused on proactive forestry and land management, the CWC collaborates with experts, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, and various stakeholders to build resilient forests and communities in the face of climate change. Through measures like forest thinning, prescribed fire, and Indigenous cultural burning, the center prioritizes holistic changes for ecosystem and community resilience against megafires. A key emphasis is placed on community outreach and education, along with research co-led by Indigenous Knowledge Holders and Western scientists to share advancements globally. The CWC is at the forefront of fostering coexistence with wildfire through innovative and collaborative strategies. Read more