Inside Western – a news digest for staff and faculty

March 21, 2025

 

Canada Research Chairs named

photo of Evan Bowness and Robert Buchkowski

(L to R) Evan Bowness and Robert Buchkowski (Submitted photo)

Western’s newest Canada Research Chairs (CRCs), geography and environment professor Evan Bowness and biology professor Robert Buchkowski, are focused on sustainability. Four current CRCs, whose research addresses topics ranging from wireless technology to childhood development, were also renewed in this round.

Study uncovers HIV treatment strategy

An image of the transmission electron micrograph of HIV-1 virus particles.

Transmission electron micrograph of HIV-1 virus particles. (Photo source: NIAID)

A study led by Western researchers has identified a key HIV protein that slows the shrinking of the virus’ latent reservoir during treatment, opening the door for new targeted therapies to improve long-term patient care.

Honorary degree recipients announced

photo of the academic processional at Western's fall convocation.

Academic procession (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications) 

A former Western dean, a pioneering physician and the Chief Justice of Canada’s Supreme Court are among the individuals receiving honorary degrees during spring convocation, June 9 to 13.  

Entrepreneurship certificate open to all undergrads

Two students creating a prototype in one of the new maker spaces in the Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Two students create a prototype in one of the new maker spaces in the Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. (Photo source: Aariz Nathani/Morrissette Entrepreneurship)

Morrissette Entrepreneurship is offering its longstanding Certificate in Entrepreneurship to all Western undergraduate students, providing a suite of courses that build a foundation for entrepreneurship.

Also covered by: Academica's Top Ten

The Impact Project 

Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.

photo of a woman

Sheri Osden Nault (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications) 

Sheri Osden Nault: How to build community through art. 

WATCH NOW
NOMINATE SOMEONE

Coming Up

March 22 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Spring Open House
Know a student interested in studying at Western? Bring them to Spring Open House to discover programs, explore campus and visit the services fair. View the schedule of events and plan your visit. 

March 23 (9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
Heart2Heart: Saving Lives Together
Faculty, staff and students are invited to receive hands-on CPR and AED training. Breakfast and lunch are provided. The cost is $10. Email djelich@uwo.ca to register.

March 25 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Market Mayhem: Investing Amid Chaos
Join colleagues for a panel discussion moderated by Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw, which will explore forces unsettling markets, assess risks and provide strategies to navigate unpredictability. Register online.

Open until March 26
Kindred Spirits Exhibit 
View a collection of handcrafted book art celebrating the life and work of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables. The exhibit is displayed at Schweitzer Gallery, Archives and Special Collections Research Centre, D.B. Weldon Library.

March 27 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.)
Art + Green Tour
Take a break to connect with nature and learn more about Western’s sustainable features and artistic pieces. Register online.

March 28 (12:30 p.m.)
Fridays @ 12:30 Concert Series
Enjoy the final concert in this year’s Don Wright Faculty of Music concert series featuring pianist Stéphan Sylvestre. Von Kuster Hall, Music Building.

Working at Western

photo of University College

University College (Photo source: Western Student Experience) 

Course feedback now open
Instructors are encouraged to let students know they can provide course feedback now until April 6.

Western Libraries Undergraduate Research Awards
Are you a faculty member who knows an exceptional student? Recognize their work by encouraging students to apply for a Western Libraries Undergraduate Research Award.

Featured Photo

A photo of Western UW Campaign co-chairs David Muir and Colin Couchman, UWEM Board Chair Maly Bun-Lebert, UWEM CEO Kelly Ziegner, Western Vice-President (Research) Penny Pexman, and Western’s sponsored employee Whitney Crosbie.

Western leaders and volunteers celebrated the 2024/25 campaign for United Way Elgin Middlesex, which raised $572,000. (L to R) Western United Way campaign co-chairs David Muir and Colin Couchman, United Way Elgin Middlesex board chair Maly Bun-Lebert, United Way Elgin Middlesex CEO Kelly Ziegner, Western vice-resident (Research) Penny Pexman, and Western’s sponsored employee Whitney Crosbie.

two coffee cups near fair trade sign

Western in the News

In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.

photo of Zhe Zhang

Zhe Zhang (Photo source: Ivey Communications)

The Wall Street Journal
Why brands should avoid using the catchy nicknames consumers give them
Consumers often come up with nicknames for brands they know and love. New research from Ivey professor Zhe Zhang suggests some companies should think twice before using nicknames in their marketing campaigns.

Toronto Star
Opinion: Are Donald Trump’s tariffs against Canada illegal?
In this op-ed, law professor Chi Carmody explores whether U.S.-imposed tariffs on Canadian goods can be considered ‘illegal’ in the context of both the World Trade Organization agreement and the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement. 

The Globe and Mail
Africans with HIV facing new dangers, as Trump administration cuts aid
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Eric Arts shares insight on what funding cuts to aid in Uganda will mean for live-saving treatment for patients.

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