April 11, 2025
Clinic leaders at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. (L to R) Dean of education Donna Kotsopoulos, clinic director Colin King, education PhD student Amal Baobaid, Priscilla Wright, niece of Mary J. Wright and Katelyn Bryant, assistant director of the clinic. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Western’s Mary J. Wright Child and Youth Development Clinic has moved into a new, 10,000-square-foot facility in the Faculty of Education, expanding its capacity to provide services for youth while training future mental health professionals.
Also covered by: CBC London Morning, The Morning Show on AM980 and Academic’s Top Ten
Rajiv Varma (Photo source: Dan Haves/Western Engineering)
Engineering professor Rajiv Varma has developed a cost-saving battery-based system that stabilizes industrial motor voltage – a first-in-the-world innovation.
Apricotton co-founders Chloe Beaudoin and Jessica Miao (Submitted photo)
Graduates Chloe Beaudoin and Jessica Miao, both HBA'20, turned a classroom project into a national success, landing a Dragons’ Den deal for their tween bra company, Apricotton.
Neuromelanin-sensitive MRI (Submitted photo)
A new study led by researchers from Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute reveals a potential biological link between long-term cannabis use and increased dopamine levels in the brain, which may elevate the risk of psychosis.
Also covered by: The London Free Press, CTV News Toronto and CBC Radio West
The Impact Project
Explore how the Western community is collectively contributing to meaningful change in the world, today.
Ana Luisa Trejos (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Ana Luisa Trejos: How technology can improve mobility.
Coming Up
April 11 (noon to 1:30 p.m.)
Incorporating Reflection Into Your Courses
Instructors are invited to explore designing effective reflection-based assignments with health sciences professor Anushka Ataullahjan and PhD candidate Najmeh Keyhani. Register online.
April 16 (6 to 7 p.m.)
Pow Wow Fitness Class
Led by Lisa Hill from Moccasin Flow, this full-body workout boosts heart rate with steps, Zumba moves and the rhythm of the Big Drum. Everyone is welcome. Wampum Learning Lodge.
April 17 (12:10 to 12:50 p.m.)
Zumba
Join Living Well @ Western for a Zumba class and earn points through Western’s Wellness Rewards program. Register today.
April 23 (7:30 to 10:30 a.m.)
Engage Western
Take part in a community breakfast and networking event designed to deepen Western’s connection to London. Register by April 15.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Western Communications)
Canada’s Federal Election: Vote Early on Campus
Elections Canada is offering the Vote on Campus Initiative at Western from April 13 to 16. Faculty, students, staff and community members can vote early on campus, regardless of their permanent residence. Voting will take place in UCC32 (basement level). Bring valid ID. For more information, visit the Vote on Campus website.
Donations Requested: The Free Store at Western
The new Free Store is a space for campus community members to donate items they no longer want. Visit the Sustainability website for more information on acceptable items and times to donate throughout the month of April.
Featured Video
Western’s research strengths run deep. Our world-class researchers are leading the way in creating more sustainable communities, unlocking the mysteries of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, navigating new realities in space exploration and tackling the challenges of deepening social divides and global instability. Learn how Western researchers are changing the world, today. (Video source: Western Communications)
Western in the News
In addition to the news above, your colleagues have been featured in the following media outlets.
David Coltman (Photo source: Mitch Zimmer/Western Science)
CBC The National
The science, skepticism and ethics around bringing dire wolves back from extinction
Biology professor and chair David Coltman explains his take on a U.S. biotech company claiming to have revived extinct dire wolves, and why he believes it distracts from animal conservation efforts.
Daily Mail
Canadians in Great Lakes city bristle at Trump water threats
As U.S.-Canada border treaties and water agreements are thrust into the spotlight, history PhD candidate Mary Baxter shares her research on the history of the Great Lakes.
Toronto Star
With measles on the rise, government urged to create an electronic vaccine registry
Health studies professor Maxwell Smith says an immunization registry would aid public health efforts but stresses the importance of addressing any privacy concerns.
