January 19, 2024
(Photo source: Western Human Resources)
Western was named to the inaugural list of top Southwestern Ontario employers based on an analysis of work atmosphere; professional development; employee communications; and health, financial or family benefits.
Tara Hayden (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
New research from postdoctoral fellow Tara Hayden finds the early lunar crust, which makes up the surface of the Moon, was considerably enriched in water more than four billion years ago.
Lisa Daniels (Photo source: Kimberley Vincent)
Lisa Daniels, current director and curator of the MacLaren Art Centre in Barrie, Ont., is excited to be part of the re-imagination of McIntosh Gallery. Daniels will begin her role as director of the gallery March 4.
Adrian Owen (Photo source: Western Communications)
A new study led by neuroscientist Adrian Owen, in collaboration with a U.K. science museum, is using immersive online video games to provide researchers with insights into the link between healthy brains and bodies.
Documentation of on-site performance of Requiem for a Glacier (Photo source: Douglas Noblet, courtesy of Paul Walde)
Melting glaciers are the muse for interdisciplinary artist and Western grad Paul Walde’s installation, Glacial Resonance, opening Friday at the McIntosh Gallery. Museum goers will see Walde’s iconic 2013 project Requiem for a Glacier with his newest video and sound installation Glacial.
(From left) PhD candidates Charmi Bhatt, Lauren Witterick and Carly Charron (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Mary Catherine Fallona and James Fallona’s family has a combined 15 degrees from Western. The proud grads established the Fallona Family Interdisciplinary Science Award and Lecture empowering students to explore what can happen when they work together with other science disciplines.
Working at Western
(Image source: Housing and Ancillary Services)
Campus now plastic bottle free
As part of Western’s promotion of sustainable practices, plastic water bottles will no longer be sold on campus. Free, accessible water is provided across campus at more than 200 refill stations.
Be an EDID champion
EDID champions advance and promote diversity, equity and inclusion on campus through the promotion of events, educational opportunities, networking and advocacy. Learn more about the initiative and how to enrol.
Photo of the Week
Sixty-two staff members were celebrated and recognized with certificates for their participation in Western’s Operational Excellence program. The group enjoyed lunch and a presentation from guest speaker, professor Amanda Grzyb, who spoke about her SSHRC-funded international research partnership called Surviving Memory in Postwar El Salvador. (Photo source: Pearley Nguyen/Western Human Resources)
Coming Up
(Photo source: Getty Images)
January 22 (12 to 12:20 p.m.)
Mindful Moments
Relax, recharge and refocus with weekly mindfulness practices live on Zoom for approximately 15-20 minutes every Monday beginning at noon.
January 23 (12 to 1:30 p.m.)
Learn at Lunch: Unpacking and Addressing Microggressions
Learn about microaggressions, what they are, their impact and tactics to address them. This workshop counts towards the completion of the EDI Certificate Program. Reserve your spot.
January 25 (1 to 2:30 p.m.)
Game Lab
Hosted by Alice Munro Chair in Creativity, Sheila Heti. Come together with staff, faculty and students to invent new board games, party games and card games. University College, Room 3100.
January 26 (4 p.m.)
Nomination deadline for membership on Senate
There is one administrative staff seat and 25 faculty seats available for the 2024-2026 term. More information can be found on the University Secretariat website.
Western in the News
Dr. Jane Thorton (Submitted photo)
CBC The Dose
What's the least amount of exercise I can do to get the benefits?
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Jane Thornton explains why short bursts of physical activity, or “exercise snacks” are often enough to help us keep active.
BBC Inside Science
How do exercise and video games affect cognitive performance?
Researchers don’t actually have a clear picture of how physical exercise impacts cognition and brain health. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Adrian Owen explains how his newest study will use online games to answer some of these questions.
CBC London
Veteran CBC journalist Carol Off explores weaponization of words in new course
Renowned radio host and Western grad Carol Off says if we can’t agree on what 'truth' is or what 'facts' are, we’ve lost the foundation of our society. She explores the power of words and what she hopes students will learn in her new course in the School for Advanced Studies in the Arts and Humanities.
CTV This Hour
Canadians redefining R&B
Western grad Amara Pope discusses her PhD thesis exploring the online marketing of Canadian artists like Drake, Justin Bieber and Jessie Reyez and how they redefined R&B in Canada.
Commentary
(Photo source: Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery / Wikimedia Commons)
In this Conversation piece, geography and environment professor emeritus Gordon McBean discusses the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service analysis that confirmed 2023 was the hottest year on record since 1850.
