iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 21/06/2025

Cheering on the Kingston Chestmates Dragon Boat Team today, competing this weekend in Vancouver, all the way from the waters of Lake Ontario! #ConcordPacificDragonBoatFestival #DragonBoatBC

Two boys cheer enthusiastically in front of a television showing an instant replay of a dragon boat race. The TV displays multiple dragon boats nearing the finish line, marked by coloured buoys. The boys stand in front of a modern fireplace, visibly excited as they support their mom’s team from home

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 09/05/2025

Cherry trees in flower on the #QueensU campus

Close-up of cherry blossoms in full bloom, with clusters of pale pink and white flowers covering the branches. A few green leaves are visible, and the background shows a concrete building partially obscured by the dense blossoms.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 03/05/2025

I was a regular runner until 2017, then injured my ankle and stopped. Eight weeks ago, I started again with the goal of running 5km comfortably. Today, I finished the program and met my goal. Ran 6km. The next goal: stay injury-free and keep it going—5km, three times a week will make me happy!

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 02/05/2025

From today: a cluster of hepatica / liverwort in full bloom.

A cluster of delicate purple Hepatica wildflowers in bloom, nestled among dry leaves and forest floor vegetation. The flowers have rounded petals and white stamens, and are surrounded by fuzzy stems and lobed green leaves.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 02/05/2025

Grateful to have taken a day for myself today, spending the morning in the glory of spring ephemerals and returning migrants (23 birds species) at Frontenac Provincial Park. ebird.org/checklist/S2...

A white man wearing a red Queen’s University cap, light blue shirt, and black backpack takes a selfie on a forest trail in Frontenac Provincial Park. The background features early spring trees with fresh green growth and a winding dirt path.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 01/05/2025

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining teacher candidates from our Faculty of Education at Elbow Lake Environmental Education Centre for the final class of their Environmental Education course. Excited to see how they’ll integrate what they’ve learned into their future classroom practice!

A group of students kneels along the edge of a clear, shallow lake under a blue sky, closely observing the water. They are gathered near a dock and shaded by tall pine trees, participating in an outdoor learning activity. A dog is seen swimming in the lake nearby.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 28/04/2025

Trout Lilly and Bloodroot in flower; went looking for flowers yesterday without luck. That’s changed today! #SpringEphemerals

A close-up of a bright yellow Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum) blooming on the forest floor, surrounded by green mottled leaves and fallen logs in early spring sunlight.

A single white Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) flower with bright yellow stamens, standing among dry leaves and twigs in a woodland area, its large, veined leaf partially wrapping the stem.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/04/2025

Cold water and warm air made for a misty scene on the St. Lawrence this afternoon—the view from the Brockville waterfront. Tool the quick trip downstream from Kingston to pick up a maple sap bucket, lid and spile for youngest’s school project.

A large green cargo ship, the M/V Ragna, moves through a grey, mist-covered body of water under a heavily overcast sky. To the left in the distance, a small island is visible, covered with sparse, leafless or dead trees, creating a stark silhouette against the low-lying mist.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 18/04/2025

Advance voting start today, and there’s already a line up at this Kingston and the Islands poll. Whether it’s today or April 28, get out and vote! #ItsOurVote #CdnPoli #Elxn45 #Elections101 #DemocracyChampions #VotingMatters #ReadyToVote

A yellow Elections Canada sign indicating the location of an advance polling station. The sign reads “Advance Poll – Lineup Starts Here” in both printed and handwritten text, and “Bureau de vote par anticipation” in French. The sign is displayed on a tripod stand in a public indoor space.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 04/04/2025

Had the pleasure of joining Mechmania to judge second year Smith Engineering students’ design & build culminating project this afternoon. Saw some amazing work! #QueensU #SmithEngineering

A large gymnasium filled with second-year engineering students participating in Mechmania 2, a culminating engineering project event at Queen’s University. Students are seated at tables, engaging with machines they’ve built and tested over the week. A group of facilitators in yellow “Mechmania” shirts stands at the front, observing and supporting the activity.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 01/04/2025

Congrats to this year’s Nossal winners—Drs. Albaugh and Dunton.

A digital slide showing Dr. Quinn Albaugh as an award recipient of the Kim Richard Nossal Undergraduate Teaching Award. Their photo appears on the left, and their credentials are listed on the right: Assistant Professor; B.A. and M.A., McGill University; M.A. and Ph.D., Princeton University. Their research focuses on Canadian Politics, Gender and Sexuality Politics, LGBTQ+ Politics, Political Behaviour, and qualitative, quantitative, and multi-method research.

A digital slide displaying Dr. Caroline Dunton as an award recipient of the Kim Richard Nossal Undergraduate Teaching Award. Her photo appears on the left, and her credentials are listed on the right: Skelton-Clark Post-Doctoral Fellow; PhD (Ottawa); MA (George Washington); MA (Ottawa); BKI (Waterloo). Her research focus is Canadian Politics.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 01/04/2025

Get the pleasure of joining the #QueensU Department of Political Studies—and their annual recognition of teaching excellence. Thanks to the Department Student Council and the leadership in the Department of Political Studies for their work underpinning this recognition.

A digital display screen showing a slide from Queen’s University Political Studies Department Student Council. The slide announces the Kim Richard Nossal Undergraduate Teaching Award, recognizing and celebrating teaching excellence. Logos for Queen’s University and Political Studies appear at the top. The date shown is Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/03/2025

Beautiful last day of Winter, and it’s a sea of spike ball on Tindall Field. #QueensU #YGK

A busy scene at Tindall Field, Queen’s University, with students engaging in various recreational activities. Some are playing sports, while others are sitting or standing in groups. The yellow goalpost stands prominently in the foreground, with a backdrop of residential houses and trees under a partly cloudy sky.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 01/03/2025

Was asked to go out and purchase snacks for kids’ choral concert:

A screenshot of a text message conversation between two people. One person suggests buying a 1.6 kg bag of pitted prunes, attaching a photo of the bag in a store. The recipient reacts with a thumbs-down emoji. The sender responds, calling prunes a “great kids snack,” and lists other items they are getting: 40 juice boxes, 54 Rice Krispie treats, 54 chips, and the 1.6 kg of prunes.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 26/02/2025

My feeling, as an academic who did some consulting for a University, now setting up a profile in a University's procurement portal.

A lone figure in a long coat stands at the entrance of an ancient, eerie underground city, illuminated by an otherworldly glow. Towering ruins, tangled vines, and glowing bioluminescent plants fill the cavern. The scene suggests the explorer is wildly out of place—like they have no business being here—heightening the tension and mystery of the moment

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 22/02/2025

This is…interesting. While I wasn't the recipient, the following was forwarded to me: OpenAI seems to be cold calling Queen's students, offering a reduced price on ChatGPT Plus subscription. Not sure where they got their mailing list, either. Strikes me as as kind of…scummy?

A promotional email offering Queen's University students an exclusive 50% discount on ChatGPT Plus for three months, valid until February 28. The email highlights features of ChatGPT Plus, including quick document summaries, foreign language practice, new features like projects, early access to tasks, enhanced image creation, and better answers from advanced AI models. A black button in the center reads "Get 50% Off ChatGPT Plus," and the email provides a support contact at support@openai.com.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 22/02/2025

With the eldest on BrockU campus today and tomorrow for the First Tech Challenge Ontario Provincial Championship.

A young person stands in front of a banner for the “FIRST Tech Challenge Ontario Provincial Championship” presented by FIRST Canada. They are wearing a black T-shirt, black pants, and boots, striking a thoughtful pose with one hand on their chin. Their face is covered with a smiley face emoji. The banner features a red and orange maple leaf outline, emphasizing the Canadian location of the event. A person can be seen in the background on an upper level.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 18/02/2025

Found this unexpected snowman this morning behind Mitchell Hall. #QueensU

A small snowperson with a rounded body and head stands in a snowy area outside a building with large windows. Its facial features are made from small twigs, giving it a simple expression. Behind it, bare shrubs poke out from the snow, and reflections in the windows reveal office supplies inside the building.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 14/02/2025

Betty, having a meeting with herself this afternoon. #BTposse

Betty, a Border Terrier, sits in front of a laptop screen displaying a Microsoft Teams meeting. On the screen, her reflection is visible alongside a person in a red hoodie taking a photo with a smartphone. The setup includes a keyboard and monitor in the background, creating a meta moment of virtual self-recognition.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 14/02/2025

Nearly a century ago, Land-Grant colleges in the U.S. required university educators to have professional training for teaching. The idea that faculty need preparation to teach shouldn't be seen as revolutionary—it’s foundational.

A quote from The Amateur Hour by Jonathan Zimmerman on a yellow background with a partial view of the book cover on the right. The quote reads:

"In 1922, the Land-Grant College Association resolved that all candidates for college faculty posts should be required to have at least six semester hours of 'professional training,' including courses in educational psychology and methods of teaching; seven years later, in 1929, the Association of American Colleges declared that every graduate student intending to teach at the college level should receive 'an adequate training in methods of teaching as applied to the particular department of knowledge in which the student is working.'"

The book discusses the history of college teaching in America.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 07/02/2025

At the 129-year old rivalry between Queen’s-RMC men’s hockey teams—the Carr-Harris Challenge Cup. And this sign is well-played, RMC.

A lively crowd at the Carr-Harris Challenge Cup hockey game. In the foreground, a fan dressed in red, wearing a beer helmet, stands with arms raised, holding a sign that reads, “Hey Queen’s! Bow for your King!” featuring an image of King Charles III. Other fans in the stands, many wearing red and black, cheer and engage in the spirited rivalry between teams. The atmosphere is energetic, with spectators reacting enthusiastically to the game.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 06/02/2025

25 active learning classrooms in 10 years: celebrating the opening of our 25th ALC at Queen’s! Talk about impact: 194 courses are being taught in ALCs across campus this term. Special thanks to our Classroom Working Group whose work has been integral to these classes’ success.

A group of seven people standing together in Dunning 10, a newly opened learning space. They are dressed in business casual attire and smiling at the camera. The background features modern classroom furniture, including tables, chairs, and screens displaying images of the space. The setting reflects a collaborative and welcoming environment for teaching and learning.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 20/01/2025

I present to you a palette-cleansing video of a White-winged Crossbill showing off it's special ability: getting seeds out of Spruce cones. (Taken on this day in 2019, in St. John's NL.)

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/01/2025

See a duck, post a duck. Doesn’t have to be the same duck. #birds

An Australian wood duck (Chenonetta jubata) standing on a concrete edge by a body of water in Melbourne, Australia. The duck has a dark brown head, a pale grey body with speckled markings on its chest, and black-tipped wings. Its webbed feet rest on the textured ground, while the calm water creates a tranquil backdrop.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 18/01/2025

The morning dog walk was high on yuckiness scale—was not expecting this volume of wet flurries. We go down to below -10°C next week, so need to be careful what I wish for.

A close-up of a man during a snowy morning walk, wearing a red and blue knit hat and glasses. Snowflakes are visible on his hat, glasses, beard, and black winter coat. The blurred background shows a wintery landscape with bare trees and a soft grey sky, capturing the chilly atmosphere of the day.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 13/01/2025

Had a restorative weekend hiking with old friends in Algonquin Park. 4km into a shortened 8km of the Centennial Ridges trail pictured below. We were on a beaver pond investigating otter tracks in the snow.

Two people stand on a snow-covered frozen lake surrounded by a dense forest of evergreen trees. The sky is overcast, casting a muted light over the scene, and footprints in the snow lead to where they are standing. Snow-dusted trees frame the image, with a large leaning tree on the right adding to the natural winter landscape. The serene setting captures a peaceful moment in the wilderness.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 17/12/2024

A selection of study aid whiteboards in Mac-Corry, as seen this morning on the walk in to work.

A close-up of a whiteboard filled with handwritten notes and diagrams on the circulatory system, written in multiple colours. Sections are labeled with titles like “Functions,” “Structure,” and “Vascular Heart Disease,” with subtopics covering “leaky valves,” “stenotic valves,” and “electrical” processes in the heart. A mix of text, flowcharts, and small illustrations provides an overview of the system. Blue, green, and red markers were used for emphasis.

A study nook in Mackintosh-Corry Hall featuring a long table with power outlets, surrounded by four chairs. A large glass whiteboard on the far wall is covered with red and blue handwritten text, organized into paragraphs and bullet points. The room has wooden ceiling panels, white walls, and a polished concrete floor, with a bright, focused atmosphere.

A glass wall used as a whiteboard, filled with handwritten notes in blue, black, and purple markers. The notes include headings such as “Scientific Method,” “Social Control,” and “Social Institutions,” and mention sociologists like Hochschild, Tichenor, and Mary Romero. Topics like gendering processes, social justice, and sociology of organizations are discussed. The reflection of a person taking the photo is faintly visible in the glass.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 17/12/2024

‘Tis the season (or at least evening) to enjoy the Candlelight Christmas concert, performed by the Kingston Symphony and Kingston Choral Society, at the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts.

The image shows a full orchestra on stage, illuminated by soft lighting with red and green accents. A choir is seated in the upper background, and snowflake-shaped lights are projected onto the back wall. The wooden architecture of the concert hall, including its striking ceiling design, adds to the elegant atmosphere. The audience is seated in rows, watching the performance attentively.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 07/12/2024

And we’re off—the first round of the FIRST tech challenge Ottawa is about to get underway. #FTC #FirstTechChallenge

A robotics competition in a gymnasium, with teams of students gathered around a central playing field where two robots are set up. Referees in black-and-white striped shirts and judges in black shirts stand ready to oversee the match, which has not yet started. A digital timer on the display shows “0:00,” and colourful game elements are arranged on the field. In the background, volunteers and event staff are seated at tables with computers and equipment, alongside a row of trophies. The atmosphere is focused as participants prepare for the upcoming match.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 02/12/2024

Never ever have I experienced cicadas so loud: 80+ db!

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 23/11/2024

While exploring the Royal Botanic Park this morning, I found a flying- fox camp. Too cool! First ever sighting of fruit-eating bats in the wild for me. Not being familiar, I learned more about grey-headed flying-foxes here: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/our-wildlife...

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 22/11/2024

Hour 32 and counting of consecutive travel. I started the timer when I got on the train. Any guesses where I am?

A close-up of a smartwatch on a wrist, displaying the date as “Fri Nov 22” and the time as “11:00.” The screen shows a running stopwatch at 32 minutes and 22 seconds. The background reveals tiled flooring and a pair of teal sneakers standing near a yellow line, suggesting the location might be a public transit area or station.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/11/2024

Just read a great article on the ahistoricity of interrogating grading in #HigherEd. Love this "we can't see the water we're swimming in" quote around the pearl clutching that surrounds grade inflation rhetoric. www.insidehighered.com/opinion/view...

A quote on a gradient background of orange and yellow hues, titled "Grade Inflation: An Ahistorical Narrative." The text reads:

"In short, decriers of grade inflation are beating the air, complaining about the basic historical maxim that terms and concepts aren’t static over time. They fail to realize that even their own idealistic view of grades emerged from complex historical processes."

The quote is attributed to Christopher J. Richmann.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 18/11/2024

Hundreds (dozens pictures here) of American Crows roosting in tree and on roof tops near the Queen’s campus and Hotel Dieu Hospital this evening.

A large group of crows roosting in the bare branches of tall trees during the late evening. The silhouettes of the birds stand out against the clear blue sky, creating a striking scene. In the foreground, a red traffic light glows at an intersection, and nearby buildings, including a church, add to the urban setting. The quiet, moody atmosphere hints at the changing season.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 17/11/2024

On the menu tonight: Paneer Tikka. Second time making this dish on the BBQ. Lesson this round: spray the basket with oil to help with removal. Moved to the basket from skewers, which despite the sticking was a success.

A tray of freshly grilled paneer tikka, featuring golden-brown cubes of spiced paneer mixed with roasted vegetables, including vibrant yellow and red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and slices of red onion. The dish is arranged on a wire rack, with a parchment-lined tray beneath, showcasing the charred edges and rich, smoky flavours. A spoon rests nearby on the counter.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 14/11/2024

One of the foundational issues in shifting the value of teaching in higher education is shifting our incentive structure…and in reading this quote from 114 years ago (from The Amateur Hour by Jonathan Zimmerman) it's clear the incentive structure is long-standing. (1/2)

"Like the selection of new faculty, promotion up the academic ladder increasingly turned on scholarly degrees, achievements, and reputation. “The young instructor has been urged to place as many printed pages as possible to his credit,” Stanford president David S. Jordan admitted in 1910, “and in so doing has been encouraged to look with scorn on the ‘mere teacher’ who cares for the intellectual welfare of the students.”"

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 12/11/2024

It's taking all my adult might not to indulge my juvenile mind in riffing on this headline from the NYT (article's pretty interesting FWIW: www.nytimes.com/2024/11/11/s...)

New York Times headline reading, "Uranus Might Have Experienced a Freak Event When Voyager 2 Visited." The subheading states, "Much of the understanding of the seventh planet comes from a brief flyby nearly 40 years ago, which researchers now say overlapped with an exceptional solar event."

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 11/11/2024

Thank-you to those who organized and participated in today’s ceremony, with special thanks to: Erin Burns, Darrell Christie, the Queen’s Choir, Dan Tremblay, Niki Boytchuk-Hale, Kaiya Mongrain and Paul Hook.

A small group of people gathered around a memorial plinth dedicated to the 5th Field Company, with two wreaths adorned with red poppies and purple ribbons placed at its base in honour of Remembrance Day. Individuals stand in respectful silence near the plinth, which provides historical information about the 5th Field Company. The setting includes late autumn trees and campus pathways, creating a solemn atmosphere for reflection and remembrance.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 11/11/2024

The setting in Grant Hall, for today’s ceremony to observe Remembrance Day. #LestWeForget

The interior of Grant Hall at Queen’s University, with its high arched ceiling featuring blue beams and hanging lantern-style lights. The stained glass windows at the front allow warm light to filter into the space, illuminating the university crest displayed on the wall. Three Remembrance Day wreaths are positioned near the stage, symbolizing honour and respect for fallen soldiers. Red and blue banners hang from the upper balcony, adding a sense of ceremony to the hall’s atmosphere.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 11/11/2024

Gotta pay up! Here's Bruce (L) and Betty (R) intently staring at the youngest (out of scene), in the hopes of extra noms (the youngest delivered).

Bruce and Betty, two Border Terriers, sit side by side on the back of a blue sofa, gazing intently into the distance. Bruce, on the left, and Betty, on the right, both have wiry brown and black fur and look focused and alert. The soft indoor lighting and blurred background create a cozy atmosphere for this charming duo.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 24/10/2024

Somewhat amazingly for late October the front garden is full of new blooms.

A collage of six flowering plants, still blooming in my front garden in late October. The top row shows an orange flower with delicate petals, small clusters of pale purple flowers, and a vibrant blue-purple bloom with visible veins. The bottom row features soft pink blooms with layered petals, yellow lilies, and bright magenta flowers. These resilient plants bring unexpected colour to the garden as the season winds down.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 20/10/2024

Bruce, making himself at home *on* me: “Excuse me, have you got a moment to talk about your car’s extended warranty?” #btposse

Bruce, a scruffy Border Terrier with wiry fur, sits attentively on my lap, leaning forward with an intent expression, as if about to ask an important question. The scene takes place in a cosy living room with modern furniture visible in the background.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/10/2024

Beautiful fall colours on these sugar maple leaves – as seen on the morning dog walk.

A close-up image of vibrant sugar maple leaves transitioning into their autumn colours. The leaves are a mix of bright red, orange, and hints of green, showcasing the striking fall foliage. The background is softly blurred, drawing focus to the intricate veins and textures of the foreground leaves.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 10/10/2024

Unusual “all-golden” Grey Squirrel, seen this morning on my walk to the office. First time I’ve seen colouration like this!

A golden-coloured Grey Squirrel is seen foraging on the ground near a tree, surrounded by pine cones and dry grass. The squirrel’s coat has a light, almost golden hue, standing out against the natural surroundings. In the background, a stone building wall is partially visible.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 08/04/2024

Here’s what totality looked like in Kingston, Ontario this afternoon! #SolarEclipse2024

A striking image of a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun, leaving only the sun's glowing corona visible, creating a halo effect against the dark backdrop of space.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 12/03/2024

Not what I expected to see driving down a local Kingston road: a deceased Beaver.

A close-up photo of a beaver lying deceased in a puddle by a roadside. Its fur is matted and wet, and the surrounding area is muddy, highlighting the hazardous encounters wildlife can have with road traffic.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 24/02/2024

-24°C with windchill this morning meant a foggy re-entry after the dog walk. And a feeling of helplessness as I waited for the glasses warm up and defog!

Close-up photo of a my face wearing glasses with lenses fogged up, obscuring the eyes.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 19/02/2024

Cold day along Lake Ontario!

Close-up photograph of icicles hanging from a chain, with a backdrop of glistening water. The icicles are sharply defined against the blurred blue of the water, highlighting the cold, crisp nature of the environment.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 10/02/2024

Took the drone up for a spin this afternoon; it had been too long!

Aerial drone photo of a landscape with shadows of trees cast across snow-covered ground, intersecting with a path that cuts through the terrain. The contrast between the snow and the uncovered earth creates a patchwork of winter textures.

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Gavan Watson, PhD @gavan.ca · 30/12/2023

Out on the regular dog walk this morning, it was awesome to find a Merlin, feasting upon a Pigeon (?) wing.

A Merlin, a type of small falcon, is perched on the grass next to a tree, with its prey beneath its talons. The bird's focused gaze and the natural setting create a vivid scene of wildlife behavior.

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