September 15, 2023
Special Olympics athlete Valentina Mejia (left) and first-year health sciences student Jason Ling (Photo source: Steve Anderson/Western Communications)
First-year students connected with each other and experienced the incredible work of 20 local non-profit organizations, including motionball activities with Special Olympics athletes, during Orientation Serves on Saturday, Sept. 9.
Matthew Kolisnyk (left) and Karnig Kazazian (Photo source: Jeff Renaud/Western Communications)
Combining functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and machine learning, PhD candidates Matthew Kolisnyk and Karnig Kazazian have discovered a ground-breaking method for predicting which patients in the intensive care unit will survive severe brain injury.
Drs. Xiao Zhen Zhou (left) and Kun Ping Lu (Photo source: Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Researchers from Western and Brown University have made groundbreaking progress towards identifying the root cause and potential therapy for preeclampsia – a complication in eight per cent of pregnancies and a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality.
(Clockwise from top left) Cheryl Forchuk, Dr. Ruth Lanius, Tilottama Rajan, Marlys Koschinsky, Alan MacEachern, Isaac Luginaah and Antonio Calcagno (Image source: Rob Potter/Western Communications)
Leading international scholar in Romantic literature Tilottama Rajan was awarded the 2023 Chauveau Medal and six Western scholars were elected as new Fellows of the Royal Society of Canada – the highest honour an individual can achieve in the arts, sciences and social sciences.
Asghar Ghorbanpour (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Math professor Asghar Ghorbanpour was recognized by the Faculty of Science with a 2023 Award of Excellence for Outreach for his work leading Western’s Math Camp, Math Challenge and the Western Mathematics Exposition Competition, making math engaging for teens.
Students visiting a municipal farmer's market in San José (Photo source: Western International)
A group of 15 undergraduate students recently spent six days immersed in Costa Rican culture and sustainability as part of the new Global Connect Program run by Western International.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Western Communications)
University Drive bridge closures
University Drive bridge will be closed to vehicles on September 20 (weather dependent with alternate date September 21) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to complete lighting repairs and upgrades. During the closure, one sidewalk will remain open for pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers are asked to enter campus using Western Road or Windermere Road.
Supporting our Muslim community
Western extends unwavering support as the trial continues for a man facing terror-related murder charges in the deaths of four members of the Afzaal family. The trial reminds us not only of this horrific event but of the ongoing struggles against discrimination, hate, and violence many Muslim communities face. Please read the message of support from Opiyo Oloya, Western's Associate Vice-President (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion), for more information and resources to help you during this difficult time.
Part-time job openings on campus
Hospitality Services is hiring part-time cooks and culinary support positions. Successful applicants will enjoy flexible schedules, competitive wages, 50 per cent off meals during shifts and career advancement opportunities. Staff are welcome to refer friends or families to apply.
New food options on campus
Three new franchises are now on campus offering more drink and food options. Jugo Juice has opened locations in the Recreation Centre and the UCC Atrium and Chatime will open soon in Weldon Library. You can also find The Chopped Leaf bowls, salads and wraps to grab and go in UCC
Foodhub, Einstein's at Natural Sciences Centre and Chambers in the Law Building.
Photo of the Week
(From left) PhD student Koami Soulemane Hayibo; Vice-Provost and Associate Vice-President (International) Lily Cho; Provost and Vice-President (Academic) Florentine Strzelczyk; University Registrar Marisa Modeski; USC President Sunday Ajak; and President Alan Shepard joined members of the Western community to celebrate the launch of Western in the World, the university’s new multi-year global engagement plan that will help transform Western’s internationalization efforts into greater impact here on campus and around the world. (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Coming Up
Ivey Business School (left) and the Cronyn Observatory (Photo source: Western Communications)
September 16
Doors Open London: Western locations
Visit the Ivey Business School (12 to 4 p.m.) and Cronyn Observatory (7 to 10 p.m.) free of charge during the 22nd annual Doors Open London.
September 19 (12 to 12:50 p.m.)
Conducting Research in Ukraine During War
The Centre for Translational Justice and Post-Conflict Reconstruction presents professor Marta Dyczok who will discuss her summer research trip to Ukraine. Social Sciences Building, room 6210 (NEST seminar room).
September 19 (12 to 2 p.m.)
3M Harvest Lunch
Join your colleagues for lunch to celebrate the launch of the 2023 United Way Elgin Middlesex Community Campaign. Even if you can’t be with us in person, you can pay-it-forward with a $10 meal for a neighbour ticket.
September 19 (5 to 7 p.m.)
Riverfest 2023: Ode to the River Coffeehouse
Hear different artistic expressions that celebrate water and Deshkan Ziibi (the Thames River). Visual Arts Centre, Cohen Commons. Refreshments and treats provided.
September 21 (3:30 to 3:45 p.m.)
Gentle Mindful Moments
Join instructor Emily Downes for a virtual wellness session, with gentle stretching, chair yoga and guided meditation. Register and earn Wellness Reward points.
September 22 (7:30 p.m.)
Fanshawe Pioneer Village: Astronomy Night with Cronyn Observatory
Join members of the Cronyn Observatory and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada at Fanshawe Pioneer Village for an evening of stargazing. Advance tickets $20.
Western in the News
Spy Dénommé-Welch (Photo source: Lady Luck Photography)
The Globe and Mail
Indigenous opera Canoe explores outdoor gear from a First Nations perspective
Education professor Spy Dénommé-Welch (Algonquin-Anishnaabe) is a writer, composer and director, and his latest work, the Indigenous opera, Canoe, explores a key piece of outdoor gear central to the popular Canadian imagination from a First Nations perspective using four characters and a chamber ensemble.
The Toronto Star
The 'science of reading' swept reforms into classrooms in the U.S. What about math?
As American schools work to improve plunging math scores, researchers, including Education professor Daniel Ansari, say research-based practices for teaching math may be part of the solution.
The Globe and Mail
Algorithm could predict outcomes after severe brain injuries, Western University researchers find
Researchers at Western have developed an algorithm using AI to find hidden patterns in brain scans that could help predict a patient’s recovery from traumatic brain injury in the early days after their injury.
Global News
How more homeless encampments in Ontario signal a housing crisis out of control
Nursing professor Abe Oudshoorn discusses how government disinvestment in social housing in the 1980s and 90s led to the rise of homelessness, with charities stepping in to build shelters.
Commentary
(Photo source: Fauxels/Pexels)
Philosophy PhD candidate Owen Chevalier explores the implications of Apple’s new mental wellness features that track users’ moods in this opinion piece published in The Conversation.
