October 20, 2023
Andie Albert (Photo source: Andie Albert)
Throughout her time at Western, recent graduate Andie Albert found her way, not only as a student, but as a valued contributor to the master of environment and sustainability program. Crossing the stage during fall convocation marks a significant milestone on a journey she once felt was out of reach.
Jaqueline Cheung (Photo source: Jacqueline Cheung)
Recent bachelor of science grad Jacqueline Cheung is an all-around all-star, excelling in academics, athletics and volunteering on campus, plus she's already pursuing her doctor of pharmacy.
James Miller, director and founder of the Pride Library (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
The unique space at Western – the only known Pride Library attached to a Canadian university – has stood the test of time, marking 25 years since it was granted official status as a research facility at the university. The re-opening and anniversary party on Oct. 19 marks the library’s next chapter.
(Photo source: Housing and Ancillary Services)
Western has joined other universities across Canada in an effort to become more sustainable by stopping the sale of plastic-bottled water on campus by January 2024. Free, accessible water will be provided across campus at more than 200 refill stations.
T.K. Sham, Canada Research Chair in Materials and Synchrotron Radiation (Photo source: Jeff Renaud/Western Communications)
A team from Western's departments of chemistry and engineering has developed a new cobalt-modified fuel cell with potential for use in electric vehicles that makes them more robust, readily sourced and environmentally sustainable.
(Left) Laura Mantz, sustainability associate in Western's Office of Sustainability and fourth-year medical sciences student Arya Chadha (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Student-led environmental clubs are helping to drive sustainability work, tackling everything from food waste to renewable energy across campus. They gathered at Weldon Library on Oct. 12 to share their work, recruit new members and network with other environmental advocates.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Western Communications)
Western Sustainability Impact Fund now available
The $1 million Western Sustainability Impact Fund supports projects that align with the sustainability goals outlined in the strategic plan. Project proposals will be accepted until Nov. 20. Apply today.
Blood donation
event
A Canadian Blood Services mobile unit will be set up at Mustang Lounge on Oct. 25 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please consider donating blood if you can. Book your spot now at blood.ca, through the GiveBlood App or by calling 1-888-236-6283.
Photo of the Week
Over 3,100 new grads walked across the stage during the 322nd convocation ceremonies, which included honorary degree recipients Academy Award-winning writer Sarah Polley and disability sport pioneer Robert Steadward, to name just a few. (Photo source: @LFPress)
Coming Up
(Photo source: Frost Science)
October 21 (2 to 4 p.m.)
(Re)naming the moon: A moon crater drawing workshop
Artist Bettina Forget will lead a free moon crater drawing workshop at the Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory. Forget is the director of the SETI Institute’s Artist-in-Residence program and her work is currently featured in The Life Cycle of Celestial Objects Pts 1 & 2 at McIntosh Gallery.
October 24 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.)
Yoga with Living Well @ Western
Join instructor Tracy Ishmael for a 30-minute yoga class in the Arts & Humanities Building, room 2B15. Please bring your own exercise mat.
October 25 (7:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Chorale, Les Choristes & Western University Singers concert
Hear all three ensembles join forces as a massed choir, sharing the stage to kick off the choral season at Paul Davenport Theatre, Talbot College. No ticket or registration required.
Western in the News
Mark Daley (Photo source: Geoff Robins)
The Toronto Star
He’s the first-ever chief AI officer at a Canadian university: How ChatGPT is changing post-secondary
As academics begin to cautiously experiment with how to integrate AI technologies like ChatGPT into their pedagogy, Western’s new chief AI officer Mark Daley says there is huge opportunity right now to make good decisions in order to use the technology to achieve fantastic outcomes.
The Atlantic
Animals are avoiding us
New research from biology professor Liana Zanette about how fear of humans shapes animal behaviour may provide ways to mitigate its harms, and maybe even try to use it for good.
The Globe and Mail
Opioid overdose deaths among homeless people have risen dramatically, Ontario study shows
Opioid overdoses are resulting in a growing number of deaths among people experiencing homelessness in Ontario, according to new research led by nursing professor Richard Booth. Researchers found about one in six people who died from opioid overdoses in 2021 were homeless, compared with one in 14 people back in 2017.
The Weather Network
Researchers measuring city landfill emissions, climate impacts of waste
Methane (CH4) is the second leading greenhouse gas contributing to climate change, and researchers at Western Space, led by professor Sarah Gallagher, have partnered with the City of London, as well as GHGSat and Concord Environmental, to lead a new project surveying the amount of methane emissions from London’s dump.
Commentary
Canadian musical artist Drake (Photo source: Charito Yap/Wikimedia Commons)
In this article republished from The Conversation, FIMS PhD candidate Amara Pope discusses how Canadian artists blur pop, hip hop and R&B, music genres that have traditionally been segregated along racialized lines.
