Ian Dawe
Instructor, Biology in School of University Arts and Sciences
Credentials:BSc (Honours) (Dalhousie), MSc (Simon Fraser), MA (Exeter), Biology
Room S-208
Direct: 250.365.1364
Tel: 1.888.953.1133 Ext. 364
Bio
I’m originally from the east coast, born in Newfoundland and raised in Nova Scotia. I graduated from Dalhousie University in 1997 with a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology. I came west that year and started graduate work at Simon Fraser University, leading to an MSc in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry in 2001. After working for the charitable organization Let’s Talk Science and writing as a science journalist in London, Ontario for a time, I joined Selkirk College in fall 2003. In 2007 I realized a dream and after years of film enthusiasm and creation, I completed an MA in Film Studies from the University of Exeter. I subsequently taught in Selkirk College’s Independent Digital Film Program for two years and I continue to offer a Community Education class in World Cinema. In 2010 I presented a film studies paper at a conference about the noted comic book writer Alan Moore and I continue to develop my scholarly interest in comic book and film studies.
Publications
Dawe, I. “The Moore Film Adaptations and the Erotic-Grotesque” (2011). Studies in Comics, issue 2.2 Intellect ID.
Revised and Updated Test Bank for Biology: Exploring the Diversity of Life, First Canadian Edition by Russell, Wolfe, et al, published by Nelson Education (2010)
Reviewer for Biology: On the cutting edge: Concepts, Issues and Canadian Research Around the Globe, edited by Gillies and Hewitt, published by Pearson (2010)
“A Short History of DVD Extras”, DVD Etc., March, 2004
“The Proteins of SARS: The Next Step in the Fight”, Biotechnology Focus, July 2003
“Stem Cells: Providing Hope for Victims of Stroke”, Biotechnology Focus, June, 2003
"Bacteria and Humans: A Healing Combination". Future Health, Canadians for Health Research, accepted - awaiting publication
“CSTAR – Changing the Face of Modern Surgery”, Future Health, Canadians for Health Research, March, 2003.
“Maggot Therapy: Healing Wounds With Worms”, The Peak, SFU, Issue 5, vol 105, Jun 5, 2000.
“Return to Space”, The Peak, SFU, issue 7, vol 106, Oct. 16, 2000.
Zhang, J., Rickers-Haunerland, J., Dawe I. and N. Haunerland, “Structure and chromosomal location of the rat gene encoding the heart fatty acid-binding protein “,Eur J Biochem 1999 Dec 1;266(2):347-351
Hobbies and Interests
I’ve been a musician for most of my life and continue to write and record, although at a much slower pace than when I was younger!
Although it’s actually my profession, I still really enjoy films. Most of the movies I watch for pleasure are historical documentaries. I’m fairly certain I’m a closet historian. I’ve probably watched Ken Burns’ The Civil War a hundred times by now!
I learned a great deal from hosting several radio shows over the years with Kootenay Coop Radio. Hosting a weekly spoken word program for a few years made me a much better instructor, I think, and it was a great deal of fun.
Memorable Moment at Selkirk College
I’ll never forget when my entire genetics class sang to me on my birthday.
I also treasure a card my students made up for me in another year with a giant (and anatomically correct) heart, with words of love around it. It has a place of honour in my house.
I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching Biological Anthropology every time the opportunity arises. In one of those years we had an expert in Stone Age technology lead the class through tool making. As much fun as it was to learn how to make obsidian knives, I enjoyed taking the class outside and having a mini “Olympics” of firing arrows and hunting using an atlatl. I’m proud to say that by the end of the exercise, our group had learned enough skills to not starve (at least), were we in the Stone Age wilderness!
