Oct. 18, 2024
Adrian Owen (Photo source: Jeff Renaud/Western Communications)
Playing video games may boost your cognitive abilities, according to the new brain and body study spearheaded by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Adrian Owen. The findings will help build a better understanding of how lifestyle relates to the long-term health of our brains.
Also covered by: The Telegraph, Hindustan Times, BBC Inside Science and Taipei Times
Maimuna Kanyamala (Submitted photo)
Renowned activist, feminist and environmentalist Maimuna Kanyamala will receive an honorary degree on Oct. 23 for her transformative work in advancing women's rights and community empowerment.
A community-based research team comprised of Western researchers and students, Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre staff and leaders, and local knowledge keepers. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Researchers are partnering with the Southwest Ontario Aboriginal Health Access Centre to address food insecurity among Indigenous Peoples in Canada through community education that reconnects Indigenous residents with their heritage and land.
Also covered by: CBC Afternoon Drive
(Photo source: CDC/Unsplash)
In an article from The Conversation, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Jennifer Guthrie explains how to protect ourselves as we head into cold and flu season.
Also covered by: The Winnipeg Free Press and The Brandon Sun
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Tima Bansal, Dr. Sonya Malone and Matthew Dawkins (Image source: Crystal Carter/Western Communications)
Never has a discussion of impact been more important. If you have an impact story, we would love to hear it. Whether it is something you are working on, or the efforts of a colleague, drop us a note. Together, we will make a difference by inspiring others.
Coming Up
October to November 1 (various dates and times)
EDIDA awareness month
Join colleagues for a number of events taking place this month to learn more about equity, diversity, inclusion, decolonization and accessibility on campus and in London. There are morning and evening events online and in-person.
October 21 (noon or 1 p.m.)
Introduction to employee assistance program
New to Western? Offered by Living Well @ Western, join Telus Health for a 20-minute online session to learn about supports, resources and services available through your employee assistance program. Each session will include a Q&A period. Register today.
October 22 (1:30 to 3 p.m.)
Therapy dogs
Do you know someone who could benefit from some canine cuddles? The St. John’s Ambulance Therapy Dogs will be back next Tuesday at D. B. Weldon Library, Community Room.
October 25 (12:30 p.m.)
Duo Concertante
JUNO-winning ensemble Duo Concertante performs Romancing the Rock featuring works by Amanda Maier, César Franck and a newly composed piece titled Iridescence. The performance is part of the Don Wright Faculty of Music’s concert series every Friday in von Kuster Hall, Music Building.
Working at Western
(Image source: Rob Potter/ Western Communications)
Nominations: 2024 Western Award of Excellence
This award is the highest level of recognition for staff members and teams who demonstrate dedication, talent, innovation and initiative. Nominations are welcome from faculty, staff, students and alumni until Oct. 25.
Applications: Western Sustainable Impact Fund
Do you have an idea or project that will advance sustainability on campus? Submit a project proposal from Oct. 21 to Nov. 18. The fund is open to all Western students, staff and faculty.
Volunteering: Autumn 2024 convocation
Autumn convocation is Oct. 23 to 25. Members of the Western community are invited to take part in a variety of volunteer roles. Learn more and sign up as a volunteer online.
Photo of the Week
The Mustangs men’s tennis team claimed the OUA Sport championship for the 24th time in program history on Oct. 13 with a 4-3 win over the Toronto Varsity Blues. (Photo source: @WesternMustangs on X/Twitter)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
Chris Guglielmo (Photo source: Chris Kindratsky/Western Communications)
The New York Times
What flying in a wind tunnel reveals about birds
Some birds migrate thousands of miles every autumn, but how do they manage it? In this full-page feature, biology professor Chris Guglielmo explains what he and his team at the Advanced Facility for Avian Research have learned about bird migration.
The Canadian Press
Halloween costume swaps aim to reduce textile waste, save people money
Events promoting costume swapping are popping up across the country, and Ivey professor Oana Brazei says they're sorely needed to counter the overconsumption and waste Halloween triggers every year.
CBC London
Why the northern lights have been lighting up southwestern Ontario skies
Physics and astronomy professor Jan Cami explains the recent increase in aurora borealis sightings in Ontario is thanks to the sun's natural cycle, which culminates in a period of increased activity about every 11 years.
