Inside Western – a news digest for staff and faculty
 

November 10, 2023

Postcard project connects past with present

Close up photo of a postcard with writing on it

(Image source: Steve Anderson/Western Communications) 

More than 400 replicas of postcards sent during the First World War are being mailed back to the original Canadian addresses that received them as part of a project led by history professor Jonathan Vance.

Western's long tradition of support for the Canadian military

A man in army fatigues standing in front of a commemorative monument

Dr. Ian Ball (Submitted photo)

Inspired to improve care for sick and injured Canadian Armed Forces members, Dr. Ian Ball supports medical training and contributes to trauma and toxicology research for the military. In the lead up to Remembrance Day, Ball shares his experiences, his inspiration to serve and advice for students.

New safe sport measures

Photo of Laura Misener

Laura Misener (Photo source: Western Communications) 

Western is introducing new safe sport commitments to support student-athletes, including the appointment of Laura Misener to the role of Senior Advisor on Safe Sport.

Solving cold cases

Photo of a person sitting at a desk and computer

Beth Norfolk (Submitted photo) 

U.K. scholar Beth Norfolk spent a month learning from Western criminologist Michael Arntfield‘s Cold Case Society and hopes to launch a similar project investigating unsolved murders back home. 

New program supports first-year Indigenous students

Photo of the Wampum Learning Lodge

Wampum Learning Lodge (Photo source: Western Communications) 

A new program led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives, Wampum Learning Lodge and the Indigenous Student Centre supports first-year Indigenous students transition to life on campus and connect with Indigenous culture and language. It is one of four projects supported through Western’s Parr Centre for Thriving.  

Improving access to life-saving therapy

Photo of surgeons operating

(Photo source: YuriArcursPeopleimages/Envatoelements) 

A new intervention led by nephrologist Dr. Amit Garg and a multidisciplinary team of researchers aims to improve access to life-saving kidney transplants for those facing barriers. 

Working at Western

Photo of a group of people sitting at a table talking

(Photo source: Western Communications)

Winter courses open for registration 
Discover Continuing Studies’ winter courses and certificates starting in January and February. Throughout November, $5 from each course fee will be donated to the United Way. All courses are advance funded for eligible employees through Western’s Educational Assistance plan.

Call for nominations: Western’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching   
Nominations are now being accepted for Western’s Awards for Excellence in Teaching. Up to six awards in three categories are given out annually. Nominations are due Jan. 15, 2024. 

National test of Alert Ready 
Alert Ready Canada will be completing a national test of their emergency alert system on Nov. 15 at 12:55 p.m. All mobile devices will be notified. 

Photo of the Week

Two people holding stalks of corn and demonstrating how to corn braid

This week, the Wampum Learning Lodge celebrated its one-year anniversary with a series of events. Here, Kelly Greene, Indigenous artist-in-residence and Laura Ramirez, Office of Indigenous Initiatives, demonstrate traditional white corn braiding. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)

two coffee cups near fair trade sign

Coming Up

Photo of a person petting a therapy dog

(Photo source: Lauren Lee/Student Experience)

November 14 (3 to 4:30 p.m.) 
Therapy dogs visit campus 

Looking to de-stress? Drop by the Weldon Library Community Room to visit with St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dogs.

November 15 and 17 
You’re invited – Telling Western’s story
 
Western is ready to launch a cohesive new brand story – one that will unite us as a community and help profile our strengths, successes and impact in the world today. Please join us at one of two virtual sessions to learn about the new story, some of the ways it will come to life, and how you can be part of it. Register by Monday, Nov. 13.  

November 16 (7:30 to 10 p.m.) 
Opera at Western - La Cenerentola
 
Sung in Italian with English subtitles, Opera at Western presents Gioachino Rossini’s comic and romantic opera La Cenerentola - the timeless story of Cinderella. Talbot College, Paul Davenport Theatre. Tickets are $25 for students and seniors, $35 for adults.

November 20 (4 to 7 p.m.) 
Western Goes Global Cultural Showcase
 
Join your colleagues at this special International Week kick-off event where we'll celebrate diversity on campus with cultural music, performances and food. Registration is encouraged. 

Western in the News

Photo of a person working in a field

Brian Branfireun (Image source: TVO)

TVO’s The Water Brothers 
The breathing lands 

The series premiere of The Water Brothers features biology professor Brian Branfireun and his research on how climate change can affect carbon storage in wetlands. 

BBC
Lightning fires threaten planet-cooling forests

Geography and environment chair Katrina Moser provides expert analysis on a new study that shows increased lightning storms in northern parts of the world increases the risk of wildfires.  

CBC London 
Why are younger people more likely to live alone?
 
New research from sociology professor Kate Choi has shown the number of solo households in Canada rose significantly over the past twenty years, especially among younger people. She explains some of trends she is seeing as solo living becomes the most prevalent living arrangement in the country. 

New Scientist 
Mysterious cannabis-induced vomiting syndrome is on the rise 

Schulich Medicine & Dentistry postdoctoral associate Marieka DeVuono explains what might be driving a rise in cannabis-induced vomiting syndrome. 

Commentary

Cobalt nanoparticles could be a significant player for clean energy

Photo of an electric car at a charging station

(Photo source: Mike Bird/Pexels) 

Chemistry professor Tsun-Kong Sham and research assistant Ali Feizabadi, MSc’20, explain how a new cobalt-modified nanomaterial they developed can improve sustainable fuel cells and contribute to clean energy in this article republished from The Conversation.

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