March 4, 2022
(Photo source: TheKit/Pixabay)
Western joins the world in responding with shock and outrage at the aggression and unprovoked violence in Ukraine, at the hands of Putin’s government. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine against this war and all unjust and unprovoked acts of war.
(Photo source: Ron Lach/Pexels)
An innovative concussion blood test developed by a research team led by Dr. Douglas Fraser is set to begin a pivotal clinical trial with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration in the coming weeks. This important breakthrough promises to help more effectively diagnose and manage concussion in young children.
Catherine Qi, co-founder of Beyond the Wards (Photo source: submitted)
Inspired by professor Jennifer Irwin’s kindness research, Catherine Qi co-founded Beyond the Wards to recognize Canada’s essential workers, the often-unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Madison Wilson-Walker (Photo source: Michael P. Hall)
An internationally ranked para athlete and member of Western’s track and field team, Madison Wilson-Walker is the recipient of the 2022 Jeffrey Reed Courage Award.
(Photo source: Katie Godowski/Pexels)
Third-year statistical and actuarial sciences student Oleksii Kocheriev thought his biggest fears in life were behind him – coming to Canada on his own at age 17 and landing an internship were among his greatest concerns – but Russia’s recent invasion of his homeland of Ukraine has brought a chilling perspective.
(Photo source: Deb Van Brenk/Western Communications)
Physical spaces at Western, including residences, are being re-examined and improved through the lens of community safety, from lighting upgrades to hiring more special constables and landscaping design.
Working at Western
A living wall of plants inside the newly renovated Thames Hall. (Photo source: Student Experience)
Vaccination and Testing Centre relocates
Western’s vaccination and testing centre is moving from the Graphic Services Building to Thames Hall as of Tuesday, March 8. No appointments required. To facilitate the move, vaccine services will be unavailable on March 7.
LifeWorks supports
As the situation in Ukraine escalates, some may be experiencing uncertainty, stress, anxiety and other responses. Your employee assistance plan, LifeWorks, provides year-round help 24 hours a day, every day.
Western equity census
There is still time to be counted in Western’s equity census. The census is voluntary, confidential and available by logging into My Human Resources.
Spring continuing education course registration now open
Western Continuing Studies moved some of its most popular courses online, including business, technology and communications. Registration is open. These courses are advance funded for eligible employees through the educational assistance plan.
Photo of the Week
McIntosh Gallery is now open to the public. (Photo source: @McIntoshGallery on Twitter)
Coming Up
ReShape speakers (l-r) Jungle Flower, Samantha Bitty, Farrah Kahn and Karly Church (Photo source: Student Experience)
Week of March 14
ReShape
This four-day event focused on gender-based and sexual violence prevention and education programming for students includes engaging activities and workshops. Keynote speaker events are open to employees.
Sunday, March 6 (2 p.m.) and Monday, March 7 (7 p.m.)
Opera at Western: L’elisir d’amore
Opera is back with Donizetti’s L’elisir d’amore. Admission is free, no tickets required. All performances at the Don Wright Faculty of Music are now open to the public, with mandatory masking and vaccination requirements.
Tuesday, March 8 (1 p.m.)
Gender and human rights in Africa
On International Women's Day, The Africa Institute will host a panel discussion moderated by PhD student Loyce Mrewa, on gender-based violence among women and girls with disabilities in sub-Sahara African countries.
Thursday, March 9 (4 p.m.)
The power of human creativity in the age of artificial intelligence
Join JUNO award winner and creativity expert David Usher as he shares his experience as the lead singer of Moist, and discusses why creativity is the superpower we need for this ever-evolving new world.
Western in the News
CBC Radio Syndication (28:45)
How to talk to your kids about traumatic events
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues to escalate, Health Sciences professor and psychotherapist Marnie Wedlake discusses how to talk to kids about traumatic events, especially as many may be grappling with their own family's history of war, conflict and trauma.
The National Post
What Putin wants, why he invaded Ukraine and other questions about the crisis answered
Political Sciences professor Erika Simpson provides historical context and analysis of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Global News
Western-involved study shows positive impacts of physical activity on COVID outcomes
New research from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professors Dr. Saverio Stranges and Dr. Jane Thornton has found moderate to high levels of physical activity lead to better outcomes for those with COVID-19.
SPACE.com
James Webb Space Telescope plans probe of massive star radiation
Physics and Astronomy professor Els Peeters is part of a team using the James Webb Space Telescope to zero in on a portion of the famous Orion Nebula to learn more about how massive young stars shape their environments.
Commentary
Opiyo Oloya (Photo source: Frank Neufeld)
From Times Higher Education: Opiyo Oloya, Western's associate vice-president of equity, diversity and inclusion, on how Canadian universities must provide the resources to support Black students throughout their studies.
