April 14, 2022
London Bridge during the Frost of 1795-1796. (Artwork by Daniel Turner)
A Western team has created the first GIS-mapped database of catastrophic floods, frosts and snowstorms of England's 'little ice age' 500 years ago, shedding light on the effects of climate change today.
(Photo source: National Severe Storms Laboratory Collection)
The Northern Hail Project will begin researching the frozen thunderstorm-generated phenomenon this summer but work has already started for Western Engineering’s latest severe storm investigation unit with the selection of its leadership team.
(Photo source: Steve Anderson)
As drone technology rapidly develops and advances, researchers are leveraging the capabilities of autonomous aerial vehicles to deliver innovative, safe and secure methods of data collection to advance our smart digital society.
Dr. Penny MacDonald, Ali Khan and Dr. Alain Dagher (Photo source: Western Communications)
Researchers at McGill and Western are teaming up to investigate the use of biomarkers to help speed up the process for diagnosis and treatment of patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Rajiv Varma (Photo source: Western Communications)
After inventing a solar-powered device that inexpensively stabilizes electrical power transmission, engineering professor Rajiv Varma is sharing how others can do the same in a new book.
Peasants planting potatoes, 1884 (Artwork by Vincent van Gogh)
Led by Western biological anthropologist Andrea L. Waters-Rist, a new study has revealed breastfeeding infants may not have been standard practice among mothers in the 1800s, as common perception would suggest.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Western Sustainability)
Earth Day Earth Walk
Celebrate Earth Day this year by appreciating the natural beauty of our campus and the land we are situated upon. Earth sciences, geography and environment professor Desmond Moser will lead Western’s first Earth walk taking place Friday, April 22 at noon.
Western vaccination and testing centre
Western’s on-campus vaccination and testing centre is now accepting online bookings for the fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine for those who are eligible. Please book an appointment online in advance to secure your spot. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday to Friday until further notice.
Supporting disclosures of gender-based and sexual violence
Employees who have not yet completed the new required gender-based and sexual violence training module are reminded to do so no later than April 30. Learn how you can support a survivor of gender-based and sexual violence if you receive a disclosure from a student or colleague.
Photo of the Week
Western's power plant is celebrating 100 years in service. In 1922, the two small boilers (left) set a new standard for heating innovation. Today, the much larger heating/cooling plant (right) is exponentially more efficient - and is helping shift campus towards net zero carbon emissions. The puff coming from one stack in the right photo is water vapour, a clean byproduct of the steam boilers. (Photo source: Western Libraries, Archives and Special Collections/Western Communications)
Coming Up
(Photo source: Pixabay)
Monday, April 18 (12:30 p.m.)
Mindful Moments
Relax, recharge, refocus with weekly drop-in mindfulness practices live on Zoom. No prior mindfulness experience is necessary to participate.
Tuesday, April 19 (7 p.m.)
SoHo's fascinating history
Hear the stories and history of one of London's oldest and most culturally diverse neighbourhoods, South of Horton (SoHo). The presentation will include the history of Victoria Hospital and how it will be preserved as part of a new development.
Friday, April 22 (12 p.m.)
Living on the Edge: An American generation’s journey through the 20th century
Based on lifelong data drawn from the iconic Berkeley Guidance Study, Living on the Edge tells the story of the rarely studied 1900 generation as they navigated a century of revolutionary change. RSVP to socevent@uwo.ca for Zoom details.
Western in the News
Anwar Haque (Photo source: Western Communications)
Mobile Syrup
Researchers at Western University are finding unique use cases for mini-drones
Computer science professor Anwar Haque is testing the usability of drones for various applications including hazardous space exploration, remote infrastructure inspection, cargo shipping, long-distance delivery and home security.
The Toronto Star
How should we define ‘heritage value’? Multimillion-dollar cost to repair Canada’s official residences stirs debate
History professor Alan MacEachern provides insight on how we define what buildings have heritage value when considering repairs and renovations to Canada’s official residences.
The Weather Network
Canadian astronaut lifts off on first all-private launch to the Space Station
In coordination with scientists and students at Western Space, Canadian astronaut Mark Pathy will snap high-resolution pictures of key locations on Earth that are of scientific interest, as part of his eight-day stay on board the International Space Station.
CBC London
Songs for Ukraine: London musicians use music to fight for Ukraine
Students and faculty from the Don Wright Faculty of Music say the songs featured as part of the Songs for Ukraine concert hold emotional significance and also served as a way to bring the community together in support of Ukraine.
Commentary
Bucha main street after Russian invasion of Ukraine (Photo source: Oleksandr Ratushniak/Wikimedia Commons)
As Russia's invasion of Ukraine continues, history and political science professor Marta Dyczok suggests Canada could and should be doing more.
