January 27, 2023
Engineering graduate student and Mustangs track and field and cross-country star Kate Current has been named one of Canada’s top student-athletes. She was recognized with the Governor General’s Academic All-Canadian Commendation in a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Jan. 26.
The new two-storey learning commons in the D.B. Weldon Library. (Photo source: Chris Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Weldon Library has been transformed with the completion of phase one of its revitalization project. The refreshed space includes a new two-storey student learning commons, new flooring and lighting, artwork from McIntosh Gallery, increased seating and a family room.
Marlene Bagatto, professor of communication science and disorders (Submitted photo)
In Canada, most children with hearing loss aren’t identified until age two or three, past the critical period for learning spoken language. With infant hearing health programs in only seven provinces, professor Marlene Bagatto and her research team are exploring ways to address inequities in hearing health across the country.
(From left) McIntosh Gallery acting director Catherine Elliot Shaw; director of Counterpoint Harm Reduction Services, Regional HIV/AIDS Connection Sonja Burke; and local ceramic artist Susan Day. (Photo source: Chris Kindratsky/Western Communications)
McIntosh Gallery is collaborating with local ceramic artist Susan Day and Regional HIV/AIDS Connection to create a community mosaic mural at London’s new supervised drug treatment site on York Street. The artwork aims to address the stigma of substance use and honour those lost to overdose.
Dr. Amit Garg, clinician-scientist and associate dean of clinical research, Schulich Medicine & Dentistry (Photo source: Schulich Medicine & Dentistry)
Dr. Amit Garg’s mission to make it easier and more efficient to conduct clinical trials received a funding boon this week with two new Canadian Institutes of Health Research grants, including $3.4 million to develop a training program based out of Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.
(Photo source: Drazenphoto)
New research from Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, Lawson Health Research Institute and ICES Western shows the move from in-person to virtual primary health care removed barriers for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Western Communications)
Reminder to complete the EDI strategic planning survey
Participate in the EDI strategic planning survey and help create an inclusive campus. Complete the survey by Feb. 3 to be entered into a draw for one of three $50 gift cards or the grand prize of an Apple iPad.
Smoking cessation help
Looking for help to quit smoking? Book an appointment with the occupational health physician by calling ext. 85569 and learn more about the supports available on the Human Resources website.
Discovery Western summer camp registration now
open
Discovery Western camps are centred on age-specific engineering and science projects based on the Ontario Science Curriculum. Visit Discovery Western to learn more and register.
Photo of the Week
Campus was blanketed in white this week when London experienced its first substantial snowfall of 2023. (Photo source: Steven Anderson/Western Communications)
Coming Up
Telescope at the Hume Cronyn Memorial Observatory (Photo source: Western Communications)
January 28 (7 to 9 p.m.)
Public Night at Cronyn Observatory
Learn about the “Green Comet” passing by Earth from Western's expert astronomers. Telescopes will be set up to observe the comet, weather permitting.
February 2 (5:30 to 8:30 p.m.)
Stop: A Morse code mystery
As part of the history department’s McCaffrey Seminar Series, PhD student Michael Feagan will discuss the intriguing world of Morse code and the telegraph
operators who translated it.
February 3 (9 to 11 a.m.)
Global engagement strategic planning session
Help guide the development of a global engagement strategic plan to increase Western’s international reach and impact. This planning session at The Great Hall is part of an extensive stakeholder consultation process. Breakfast is included and
registration required.
Western in the News
Engineering and Ivey professor Joshua Pearce (Photo source: Chris Kindratsky/ Western Communications)
Wired
Why not cover ugly parking lots with solar panels?
Engineering and Ivey professor Joshua Pearce discusses why France's transformation of parking lots into solar farms is a perfect way to provide clean electricity without wasting space.
The Globe and Mail
Dozens of educators call for federal inquiry into ‘widespread’ abuse in Canadian sports
Canadian and global sports scholars have signed an open letter calling for an independent inquiry into abuse in Canadian sport. Kinesiology professor MacIntosh Ross, who spearheaded the letter, says an inquiry is needed to protect the safety and wellbeing of athletes.
The New York Times
Unions and video games: Gaming is a huge industry, and workers are trying to unionize
As employees in the video game industry move to unionize, DAN management and organizational studies professor Johanna Weststar points out there has been a rise in worker activism across many different sectors.
New Scientist
Milk may have fuelled a growth spurt in ancient Europeans
New research led by anthropology professor Jay Stock analyzed ancient human skeletons and found an increase in size and weight in some regions coincided with the rise of lactose tolerance.
Commentary
SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. (Photo source: Wikimedia Commons)
XBB.1.5 is rapidly spreading across the globe and will likely become the next dominant COVID-19 subvariant. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry’s Dr. Sameer Elsayed discusses what it is, where it is prevalent and how to protect yourself.
