Inside Western – a news digest for staff and faculty
 

February 16, 2024

Life-changing scholarships for Black students

photo of a black student

Health sciences student Amala Igwilo (Submitted photo)

Amala Igwilo calls it one of the best things in his life. The recipient of the James Jenkins President’s Entrance Scholarship for Black Students was among 63 Black student scholarship recipients celebrated at an event during Black History Month.

Planting the seeds of sustainability

A photo of a woman holding a butterfly collection

Nina Zitani (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)

Nina Zitania, curator of Western’s Zoological Collections is receiving a grant from the Western Sustainable Impact Fund to digitize insect specimens spanning over a century, one of 30 sustainability projects supported by the $406,000 fund.

Moving advocacy into action

Photo of a black woman

Margaret Mutumba (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)

Driven by her early experiences in Uganda, Margaret Mutumba, director of Frugal Biomedical Innovations Program is committed to addressing inequities in health care and supporting community-driven medical technology solutions.

Researchers probe relationship dynamics

A photo of a couple looking at each other and laughing

(Photo source: Adobe Images)

Western researchers are seeking insights from couples as part of two ongoing projects, including the Getting to Know You project and Sexual Compatibility study, with the aim of shedding light on the complexities of modern relationships.

Study suggests South Asians have greater risk for heart disease

photo of a doctor and a professor

Dr. Subodh Verma, cardiovascular surgeon at St. Michael’s Hospital and David Hess, professor at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry (Photo source: Western Communications)

New research from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor David Hess in collaboration with University of Toronto researchers demonstrates why heart disease hits South Asians earlier and harder.

Fuelling a safe future with nuclear energy 

photo of two researchers standing beside a machine

Hamidreza Abdolvand and Samantha Gateman (Photo source: Western Communications/Jeff Renaud)

Aiming to address critical nuclear energy safety and integrity concerns, researchers Hamidreza Abdolvand and Samantha Gateman received significant new funding to investigate small modular reactors.

Working at Western

Image of a computer chip and words of bit by bit computer camp

(Photo source: Western Computer Science) 

Registration open for Bit by Bit camp
Hosted by the department of computer science, this summer computer camp introduces kids aged 9 to 13 to the fascinating world of computer science and technology. Campers will learn ideas and skills that form the basis for the technology they use every day. 

Need support? Check out Western's Employee (and Family) Assistance Program (EAP)
Provided by TELUS Health, Western’s EAP can help you to optimize your current well-being and support you through the winter season.

Family Day
Western is observing Family Day on Monday, Feb. 19.

Photo of the Week

Photo of western squash team holding a banner

For the 40th year in a row, our Western Mustangs are OUA Men’s Squash Champions. The team won the title last weekend and were undefeated all regular season long. (Back row left to right) Chris Hanebury (Head Coach), Griffin Manley, Amin Khan, Josh Kay, Daniel Deverill, Salaheldin Eltorgman. Front row left to right) Dylan Deverill, Ben Boulanger, Antonio Mendes, Adam VanWyngaarden (coach). (Photo source: Western Mustangs on X/Twitter)

two coffee cups near fair trade sign

Coming Up

Photo of outdoors and snowing, with a pathway leading up to a building

(Photo source: Western Communications) 

February 22 or 23 (TBD)
Wellness walk
Join a wellness walk across campus and through Western's beautiful nature trails. Dates and times are determined each week. Please email bsouriol@uwo.ca to confirm the timing and date.

February 26 (10 a.m.)
Information session: Radboud-Western collaboration fund
Radboud University (The Netherlands) and Western have created a collaboration fund to facilitate and support joint initiatives that will strengthen the two universities’ strategic priorities through innovative education as well as multidisciplinary leading-edge research to create academic and societal impact. Join this virtual information session to learn more and connect with potential collaborators from both universities.

February 23 (11 to 12:30 p.m.)
Campus skate and open track
Join your colleagues for an open skate or use the indoor walking track. Hot chocolate and cookies will be provided. This Western community event is part of a two-week winter wellness program.

Western in the News

Photo of a man with glasses

Chris Guglielmo (Photo source: Mitch Zimmer/Western Science) 

CBC The National
1 in 5 migratory species at risk of extinction, UN report says
A new United Nations report shows almost half of the world's migratory animals are in decline. Biology professor Chris Guglielmo explains how his research on migratory birds is helping to better understand how the effects of climate change play a role.

The Globe and Mail
The role of industry-university collaborations in advancing Canadian innovation
Hearing science research led by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Sumit Agrawal with support from Med-El is highlighted as an important partnership between industry and research that has led to cutting-edge innovation.

CNN
What is a typical degree of cognitive ability for a person in their 80s?
In light of U.S. presidential candidates Joe Biden and Donald Trump both nearing or exceeding the age of 80, health sciences and computer science professor Angela Roberts helps explain the link between aging and cognitive ability.

CBC Health
Heart disease hits South Asians earlier and harder. Blood vessel repairs offer clue as to why: Study
A new study co-authored by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor David Hess shows how deficient blood vessel repair contributes to a higher risk of heart disease among South Asians.

Commentary

Digital mapping reveals Ontario’s Black history and challenges myths

Reproduction of a landscape drawing of London, Ont.

Reproduction of a landscape drawing of London, Ont. (Canada West) in 1855. (Image source: Map and Data Centre/Western Libraries)

English and writing studies research associate Elizabeth Hinds-Hueglin, PhD candidate David Mitterauer, and education PhD candidate Patrick Kinghan explain their project to digitally map Black history in Ontario in this article republished from The Conversation.

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