February 18, 2022
(Photo source: Douglas Keddy)
As all students return to in-person learning Feb 28, Western’s vaccination policy and mask-wearing requirements will remain in effect. All research, scholarship and creative activities will resume with guidelines. Those currently working from home are encouraged to speak to their leaders regarding arrangements for returning to campus.
(Photo source: Rob Potter/Western Communications)
Our researchers are bringing to life a world where 5G interconnectivity can prevent rush-hour collisions, test-drive virtual reality classrooms, and offer instant biofeedback to improve mental health.
Talbot College recording studio. (Photo source: Frank Neufeld)
Creativity, collaboration and community are cornerstones of new interdisciplinary program offered through the arts and humanities, information and media studies, and music faculties.
Enrique Banuelos (Photo source: Brandon Watson)
A growing number of faculty, staff and students are embracing the cycling life, riding to and from campus on two wheels, enabled by Western’s year-round bike-friendly facilities.
(Photo source: Mehrdad Kermani)
Ten years ago, a local mushroom farmer approached engineering robotics researcher Mehrdad R. Kermani to help address the labour shortage in mushroom farming. Together, they have developed the first robotics mushroom harvesting system of its kind.
(Photo source: Dr. Lena Palaniyappan)
A new study from Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry and the West China Hospital in Chengdu is challenging long-held notions about brain deterioration in patients with psychotic disorders. Their research findings may lead to new protocols for treatment.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Western Communications)
Green Awards nominations open
Do you know someone who has made a positive contribution to environmental sustainability on campus? Nominate them for an award before March 11. The Green Awards recognize grassroots initiatives from campus community members in support of our shared sustainability goals.
New required employee safety training: Supporting disclosures of gender-based and sexual
violence
Western has new required training for all employees called Supporting Disclosures of Gender-Based and Sexual Violence. It is available on OWL. The training takes approximately 25 minutes and you have until April 30 to complete it. There is also a new website to help employees support survivors of gender-based and sexual violence.
Winter Wellness 2022
Enhance your personal well-being. Winter Wellness events run until Feb. 25. They are designed to provide a boost and take you into spring.
Photo of the Week
This week marked six years of being a fair trade campus. Hospitality Services offered free coffee. (Photo source: Hospitality Services)
Coming Up
(Photo source: Pexels)
Tuesday, Feb. 22 (1:30 p.m.)
New open educational resources grant and support program
If you are curious about the new open educational resources grant and support program, attend the upcoming information session on Zoom.
Wednesday, Feb. 23 (12:30 p.m.)
Scholars to Leaders speaker series
Come hear Alex Levine from the Faculty of Health Sciences discuss the basic concepts of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDI-D) and learn how these concepts can be applied in the research environment.
Wednesday, Feb. 23 (4:00 p.m.)
Reflections on Black Queerness: Joy, History and Significance
Marisa Rosa Grant is an event planner focused on creating spaces for Black queer and trans folks. Join her Feb. 23 to hear their personal stories of Blackness and queerness along with stories of Black queer pioneers who have paved the way.
Thursday, Feb. 24 (9:15 a.m.)
Neuroscience Research Day 2022
The fourth annual Neuroscience Research Day takes place Feb. 24 and 25. This virtual conference highlights cutting-edge neuroscience research and provides a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration. All departments welcome. The keynote address takes place Feb. 25 starting at 9:15 a.m.
Western in the News
(Photo source: Marek C. Allen)
Discover Magazine
‘Fear itself’ appears to threaten reproduction in wildlife prey.
New research from science professor Liana Zanette found that in songbird populations, fear of predators can have substantial adverse effects on reproduction and long-term population rates.
The Times (UK)
How to factor out math anxiety
Western researchers studied data from more than one million students across the globe and found not only that math anxiety is real but it greatly affects performance.
CBC Radio
Olympic organizers in Paris plan to let ordinary people run the marathon course
Angela Schneider, director of the International Centre for Olympic Studies, says the plan for the 2024 Olympics in Paris to open the marathon course to the public is a way to bridge the gap between the formality of the Games and engagement with the community.
The New York Times
Canada toughens stance on protests, promising ‘robust’ police response
As protests continue across Canada, David Guignion, a PhD candidate who studies online disinformation, says there is a disconnect between protesters’ conversations in public and online.
Commentary
(Photo source: Wikimedia Commons)
Erika Chamberlain, professor and dean in the Faculty of Law, explores how residents could hold police accountable for the response to protests in Ottawa.
