May 8, 2026
Valerie Oosterveld (Photo source: Hilary Gauld)
Law professor Valerie Oosterveld has been appointed associate vice-president (research) for a five-year term. Her leadership will support research and creative activity primarily focused on the social sciences, arts and humanities.
Chris Guglielmo, director of the Centre for Animals on the Move, is one of the researchers working with Birds Canada (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Western renewed its long-standing partnership with Birds Canada, advancing new research that tracks bird migration and informs conservation and infrastructure decisions.
Also covered by: CBC London
A grassy grove (Photo source: Pexels)
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Samira Jeimy explains how pollen, weather and climate trends are shaping seasonal allergies, why symptoms vary and how to help manage them.
Elizabeth Greene (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Western classics professor Elizabeth Greene co-curated an exhibition at the Bata Shoe Museum featuring more than 100 leather shoes and other archeological artifacts, offering a rare look at daily life in the Roman Empire.
Also covered by: Global News Morning and Toronto Today
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Adam Purdy (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Adam Purdy: How to create opportunities for athletes with disabilities.
Coming Up
May 9 (noon to 6 p.m.)
Science Rendezvous
Explore hands-on STEM activities and interactive exhibits with Western scientists at this free, all-ages event at Thompson Arena. No registration required. Free parking is available at South Valley and Huron Flats lots.
May 11 and 13 (6:30 to 7 a.m.)
Virtual: Rise and shine yoga
Build a simple self-care routine and boost your energy before the workday. This 30-minute Living Well @ Western class is available virtually so you can participate from home or on campus. Register today.
May 14 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
City of London Information Centre: Western Road / Philip Aziz Improvements
Learn more about this City of London project at a drop-in information centre in the Ronald D. Schmeichel Building for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Rm. 2110.
May 14 (noon to 1 p.m.)
Retirement insights
Hear from a panel of Western retirees as they share experiences navigating pension decisions, staying active and maintaining connections. Weldon Library, Community Room. Visit the pension workshop webpage for more retirement sessions.
Working at Western
Lawson Hall (Photo source: Western Communications)
Provide your feedback: University Drive Bridge
Share your input on Western’s proposed plans for the University Drive Bridge at an online public information centre on May 13 at 1 p.m.
Global Undergraduate Awards 2026
Do you know an undergraduate student who completed outstanding coursework this year? Encourage them to submit to The Global Undergraduate Awards, the world’s largest academic awards program. Submissions are due in early June.
Campus Recreation: Summer membership offer
Stay active this summer with a staff and faculty membership, offering unlimited access to the Western Student Recreation Centre (WSRC), including fitness facilities, drop-in sports and the pool, plus locker and towel service. Available May 9 to Aug. 30 for $120 + HST. Sign up at the WSRC Welcome Desk.
Photo of the Week
University Secretariat staff members (L to R) Abigail David-Adjah, Patricia de Wit, Caitlin Price and Caroline Whippey celebrate receiving a 2025 Western Award of Excellence as members of the Convocation Interdepartmental Team during a ceremony on May 5. (Photo source: Rachel Lincoln)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Bipasha Baruah (Photo source: Frank Neufeld)
Toronto Star
Opinion: How green energy can diminish the power of dictators and enhance global safety
Gender, sexuality and women’s studies professor Bipasha Baruah explains how renewable clean energy can play a role in promoting peace and advancing democracy on a global stage.
Be Giant
A medical use for mushrooms you haven’t heard about
A team of Western students is exploring how to create environmentally friendly gauze by harvesting material from mushrooms.
Globe and Mail
Louise Arbour named Canada’s next Governor General
Amid news this week of a new Governor General, history and Indigenous studies professor Cody Groat explores Mary Simon’s efforts toward Indigenous reconciliation as she wraps up in her role.
