February 3, 2023
Guided by narratives from U.S. abolitionist Benjamin Drew’s book, A North-Side View of Slavery, researchers Miranda Green-Barteet and Alyssa MacLean are documenting the lives of 16 formerly enslaved Black persons who settled in London, Ont. just before the American Civil War. These stories will be featured on an interactive website hosted by Western Libraries.
Cortney Golkar-Dakin, assistant professor, geography and environment. (Photo source: Rob Rombouts/Social Science)
Through her research, Métis scholar and new faculty member Cortney Golkar-Dakin is determined to make the processes of energy production and consumption more just and sustainable for local communities.
Gordon McBean, geography and environment professor emeritus and adjunct research professor of physics and astronomy. (Photo source: International Science Council)
Renowned climatologist Gordon McBean is joining the ranks of the American Association for the Advancement of Science as a Fellow, a lifetime honour. McBean, who has studied climate change for more than five decades, was elected for his leadership in international programs and organizations, and for communicating climate change to the public, political leaders and the business community.
A new study by PhD candidate Babac Salmani and Faculty of Health Sciences professor Harry Prapavessis shows university students who were regularly vaping wanted to cut back after learning about the potential consequences to their health.
Ivey Business School (Photo source: Ivey Communications)
Ivey Business School has been ranked third in the world for how much research at the school aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Featured in the Financial Times’ most recent Responsible Business Education report, the ranking is based on hundreds of peer-reviewed papers published by faculty members.
Dr. Derek Cool, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor, demonstrates the new robotic 3D ultrasound system. (Photo source: Lawson Health Research Institute)
A simulated study by researchers at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and Lawson Health Research Institute has found a system that uses ultrasound to construct 3D images could make treatment of liver cancer using thermal ablation more accurate by helping guide needle placement.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Sport Western)
Summer camp registration now open
This summer, Western is offering a variety of camps for kids, including sports, academics and skill-building programs. Registration is now open for several of the camps. Visit the Summer Camps website for more information.
Annual Western Heads East online
auction
Get ready for Valentine's Day and bid on items from Nash Jewellers, the Grand Theatre, Pelee Winery and more. Every purchase supports the collaborative initiatives of Western Heads East in establishing women-led probiotic food social enterprises in Tanzania, Kenya and Rwanda. Bidding runs from Feb. 6 to Feb. 10.
Western Libraries Undergraduate Research Awards
Help recognize the exceptional work of your students by encouraging them to apply for a Western Libraries Undergraduate Research Award. These awards are given to students who demonstrate an impressive use of library/archives sources, a thoughtful reflection on their research process and proper citation practices. Deadline to apply is April 30.
Photo of the Week
Foxy, the furry four-legged friend of DAN management and organizational studies professor Samantha Hancock, enjoys a better view of campus during a recent winter walk. (Photo source: @HRMwithSam)
Coming Up
The Honourable Jean Augustine will be on campus for a fireside chat on Feb. 8 as part of Black History Month. (Submitted photo)
Celebrating Black History Month across campus
The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and faculty partners are hosting a number of events throughout February and March celebrating Black excellence.
February 7 (4:30 to 6 p.m.)
Quentin VerCetty: Artistic Study Celebrating Black Legacies
Quentin VerCetty is the steward of the Black Speculative Arts Movement Canada and artist director of AstroSankofa Arts Initiatives. Join VerCetty at the John Labatt Visual Arts Centre's Digital Creative Lab and hear how he uses his artistic ability to inspire minds and move hearts to make the world a better place. Registration required.
February 8 (10 to 11:30 a.m.)
Passing the Baton – A fireside chat with the Honourable Jean Augustine
The Honourable Jean Augustine will be at the McKellar Room (UCC) to share her experiences as the first Black woman elected to Parliament, then as cabinet minister and deputy speaker where she championed the Black History Month and Famous Five motions.
Visit the Black History Month website for a full listing of events across campus.
February 9 (12 to 2 p.m.)
Global engagement strategic planning session
Help guide the development of a global engagement strategic plan to increase Western’s international reach and impact. This planning session at The Great Hall is part of an extensive stakeholder consultation process. Lunch is included and
registration is required.
February 10 (9 p.m. roundtable/ 10 to 11:30 p.m. concert)
Faculty Concert Series: Schoenberg’s Pierrot Lunaire
The final instalment of this year's Don Wright Faculty of Music’s Faculty Concert Series is Arnold Schoenberg’s 1912 masterpiece Pierrot Lunaire. A roundtable discussion precedes the concert exploring Pierrot from several different angles of expertise. The concert takes place in von Kuster Hall and will also be livestreamed.
Western in the News
Cornel Grey, professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies. (Photo source: Dhoui Chang)
CBC London
Black Studies at Western
In recognition of Black History Month, professor Cornel Grey talks about the new minor in Black Studies that he helped to design and its role in helping students to better understand the history and culture of Black communities in southwestern Ontario.
The Globe and Mail
As tornadoes in Canada get more destructive, momentum builds for new building codes to save homes
The work of Western researchers Greg Kopp and Girma Bitsuamlak is featured in a two-part multimedia feature exploring how Canada’s building codes will stand up to an increase in severe weather events.
Toronto Star
WHO decision on COVID-19 emergency won’t affect Canada’s response, says Dr. Theresa Tam
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Sameer Elsayed shares his thoughts as the WHO met this week to discuss whether COVID-19 remains a global health emergency.
London Free Press
The only chance you'll ever see the Green Comet – and Western University can help
Physics and astronomy professor Paul Wiegert explains why the chance to see Comet C/2022 E3 (ZTF) was a once in a lifetime event.
Commentary
(Photo source: Pexels)
At the beginning of January, Canada extended its copyright period so that works will not enter the public domain for 70 years after a creator’s death. Law PhD candidate Lisa Macklem discusses how the extension won't benefit students or marginalized authors.
