Posy simmonds biography of alberta

Research Interests

Regulation of cell division and differentiation by Vestigial-like proteins

Our research group uses a combination of live-cell imaging, Drosophila genetics, cell-culture and molecular biology to study the regulation of critical cellular processes like peroxisome function, mitosis and cell differentiation.

Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying peroxisome disorders using Drosophila.

We use the fruit fly, as a simple animal model to study the basic processes that also occur in human cells and organs. For example, we previously used flies to discover new ways that peroxisomes function in human immune cells responding to microbial infection. We are currently characterizing cellular factors that coordinate lipid droplet storage and release of fat molecules and direct these fat molecules to peroxisomes. We will study isolated fly cells as well as cells within the organs of developing flies.

Regulation of cytoplasmic messenger RNAs in the developing embryo.

In eukaryotic cells, cytoplasmic processing (P-) bodies regulate di

NOBLEFORD – Penny Balfour witnessed a lot of tragedy first-hand as a frontline responder with Canadian Red Cross relief efforts. Now she’s experiencing the overwhelming support offered Fort McMurray residents from the likes of staff and students at Palliser Regional Schools.

Balfour, in her new role as community outreach associate at the Red Cross office in Lethbridge, recently stopped by Noble Central School (NCS) to accept a donation of more than $6,500 towards Fort McMurray disaster relief.  In addition to collecting financial donations from students, staff, family and other community members, that total was augmented by the sale of baked goods and ice cream.

The outpouring of support – especially the efforts of school children – provides Balfour with a real sense of optimism for the future.

“These young people are stepping up to the plate at literally five and six years old and showing what it means to be a good citizen,” she said, her voice cracking with emotion. “This generation that’s coming up is showing us there’s going to be a lot of people who are willing to step up and help those who are really in need, whatever that looks like.”

Among those quick to donate at Noble Central School was kindergarten student Sydney Simmonds. Her father, an electrical superintendent with PCL, has worked in Fort McMurray for the past 12 years.

Although Collin managed to fly home the day before the entire city was forced to evacuate, his six-year-old daughter had been quite distraught about the whole situation. When her mom Desiree mentioned plans to donate to relief efforts, Sydney said she wanted to contribute too and came up with $121 in coins and a few bills.

“We have this young girl who feels like she wants to do something and she reaches into her piggy back and takes every little nickel that’s in there,” said Balfour. “It just fills your heart with joy to think that people have so much compassion.”

Desiree and her

Lacombe, Father Albert, OMI

(see full Pioneer Profile for Father Albert Lacombe)

Father Lacombe, son of Albert and Agatha Duhamel Lacombe, was born February 28, 1822 in St. Sulspice PQ. Educated at L'Assumption College and ordained in 1849 he accompanied the Hudson's Bay Brigade to Edmonton in 1852. He filed for homestead rights and established a mission in the Calgary area around 1865. He helped convince the local Indians that the CPR railway was not a threat to their way of life and thus a great deal of bloodshed was avoided. Two towns in Alberta were named after him, Lacombe and St. Albert.

Dictionary of Canadian Biography

2004 Addendum. Ref: Golden Jubilee of the Lacombe Home.

La Feves,

Mr. La Feves came to the Pincher Creek area around 1883.

2004 Addendum. Ref: History of the Early Days of Pincher Creek p. 36.

La Nauze, Thomas Story

Thomas La Nauze, born in 1847 at Melund Ireland, earned a B.A. at a College in Dublin. After living in South America from 1872 to 1880 he emigrated to Canada and joined the NWMP in Toronto Ontario. He was stationed in Fort Walsh and was later transferred to Fort Macleod in December 1880. Serving as Sergeant until 1882 he purchased his discharge and took up a homestead northwest of Fort Macleod. He later sold his property and worked on local ranches until returning to Ireland in February, 1885 where he died in 1895.

2004 Addendum. Ref: The Canadian Cattleman, Dec. 1947 to Dec 1948.

La Pierre, Albert L.

Albert La Pierre arrived in Calgary in 1890 and was employed as an orderly at the hospital in Calgary.

2004 Addendum. Ref: SAPD membership application files.

Lafferty, Dr. Alan M.

Dr. Lafferty was born at Perth, Ontario in 1861. He married Janet Wheeler and they had two children. He was a surgeon with the Great Northern Railway and came to Lethbridge in 1888. He was a medical health officer for many years and a Life member of the Canadian Medical Society.