January 13, 2023
Special collections librarian Deborah Meert-Williston holds a leaf from the first edition of Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, one of the first books printed on William Caxton's printing press in 1476. (Photo source: Keri Ferguson/Western Communications)
Special collections librarian Deborah Meert-Williston recognized the impact a leaf from the first edition of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales would have for students and scholars of literature. Now housed at Archives and Special Collections, the 550-year-old artifact is a touchpoint to an important period of medieval and literary history.
Professor Fred Longstaffe (Photo source: Chris Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Fred Longstaffe, founding director of the Western Academy for Advanced Research, and five grads have received one of the country’s highest honours with their appointments to the Order of Canada.
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Stephen Barr (Photo source: Frank Neufeld)
A study led by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry researcher Stephen Barr has shown that a protein whose function is to fight viruses, actually helps HIV to become dormant in the human genome. This discovery may be a step to develop more effective therapies.
Professor in English and writing studies Tom Cull (Submitted photo)
Professor in English and writing studies Tom Cull was named to the Mayor’s New Year’s Honour List celebrating community work in London. Cull was one of eight Western community members recognized and was honoured for his contributions to Antler River Rally, a grassroots environmental group he co-founded.
Aisha Raja, director, human rights (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Aisha Raja was named Western's director, human rights effective Jan. 1, 2023. Raja joined the university as a legal advisor in 2021. Prior to that, she was a lawyer for the Niagara Community Legal Clinic where she practised human rights, housing, income security, employment and immigration law.
The women's rowing team finished top of the standings at the OUA provincial championship with 486 points. (Photo source: Western Mustang Athletics)
Mustang student-athletes dominated team and individual sports in various categories, including four team championship banners, five coach of the year awards and one national Power Cheerleading Association banner.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Sport Western)
Sport Western camps - Registration open for March Break
Registration for March Break camp is now open. Held at the Student Recreation Centre, the program offers four camps to choose from. Registration for summer camps opens Jan. 25.
Zoom Whiteboard launches January 15
Zoom Whiteboard is a digital canvas where virtual meeting participants can brainstorm and collaborate. The new feature provides a space for teams to visually structure and add notes to their ideas. Learn more.
Microcredential in diabetes pathology and management
Current and aspiring allied health professionals can upskill in a high demand area of healthcare, with an eight-week online microcredential in diabetes pathology and management.
Photo of the Week
Caring for a child and need a place to work? The Weldon Family Room is available to book. It’s a private space with a couch, kid's table, nursing chair, toys, books, a playmat and a workstation with tech to connect to a large screen. (Photo source: @Westernulibs)
Coming Up
(Photo source: Western Communications)
January 18 (7:30 to 9 p.m.)
Canadian Chamber Choir with the Western University Singers
Visit Talbot College's Paul Davenport Theatre for a choral performance with the Canadian Chamber Choir, led by artistic director and conductor Julia Davids, BMus'95, BEd'96, with conductor Mark Ramsay and composer Sherryl Sewepagaham. Admission is free. No registration required.
January 19 (7:30 to 9 p.m.)
Jeremy Dutcher at Alumni Hall
FIMS presents a special musical performance at Alumni Hall featuring Juno Award winner Jeremy Dutcher. Complimentary parking will be available in
the South Valley and Alumni Thompson parking lots. Get your free ticket and reserve your spot today.
January 26 (Reception 10:30 a.m./ Guided tours 11:30 a.m.)
Weldon Library grand reopening
Don’t miss the grand reopening of Weldon Library which will include music, treats, author readings, guided tours and more. RSVP for the celebration today.
Western in the News
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Janet Martin (Photo source: Rena Panchyshyn)
The Weather Network
Risk of dementia linked to air pollution exposure, new study says
A meta-analysis led by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Janet Martin demonstrates that higher exposure to a specific type of traffic-related air pollution may be linked to an elevated risk of dementia.
CBC Quirks & Quarks
Rocks from the Oort Cloud
A fireball that appeared over central Alberta presented physics and astronomy postdoctoral scholar Denis Vida with new information about the Solar System. The rocky object that caused the fireball came from the Oort Cloud, previously thought to be home to only icy comets, not rocky bodies.
The Globe and Mail
Most workers are distracted by financial anxiety and it is hurting productivity
A recent survey from Western's Financial Wellness Lab of Canada found 61 per cent of people are more worried about their finances than they were a year ago. Matt Davison, science dean and director of the Financial Wellness Lab, says education about making smarter financial decisions is a positive first step toward reducing financial anxiety.
CBC Health
The COVID-19 virus keeps evolving. These 'disease detectives' are on the case
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Art Poon specializes in tracking the evolution and spread of viruses. He explains how his lab uses ‘molecular breadcrumbs’ left by the virus to figure out how COVID-19 is moving around the globe.
Commentary
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin is removed from Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio in an ambulance. (Photo source: Wikimedia Commons)
NFL player Damar Hamlin’s injury during a game on Jan. 2 may have been a heart condition called commotio cordis. PhD student Grant Dickey and colleagues are working to create safer chest protectors and safety regulations to prevent this rare but often fatal sports injury.
