December 1, 2023
(Photo source: Western Communications)
With thought-provoking features about innovative initiatives and research, the Western Alumni Magazine is now available in a dynamic website that is easy to navigate on desktop and mobile devices.
(Clockwise from top left) Professors Fred Longstaffe, Science; Jessica Grahn, Social Science; Laurence de Looze, Arts & Humanities; Martin Petrin, Law; Yolanda Hedberg, Science and Susana Caxaj, Health Sciences (Image source: Rob Potter)
Western has selected six recipients from five faculties for the inaugural Western Research Excellence Awards, created in 2023 to recognize excellence across disciplines and career stages.
The iHEAL app (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
More than 40 per cent of Canadian women experience intimate partner violence at some point in their lives. A Western-led team has developed iHEAL, a free, secure, bilingual app to help these women find personalized ways to stay safe and healthy while navigating their needs and priorities.
(From left) Roy Hong, Sarah Molnarova and Evan Park (Photo source: Evan Park)
Members of Western Engineers in Action spent seven weeks in the Kainacas Region of Bolivia, building a 50-metre-long pedestrian bridge to allow locals to cross the Rio Fisculco, providing safe access to schools and other critical amenities.
(Photo source: Getty Images)
Western researchers have identified social determinants that contribute to disparities in sleep satisfaction, efficiency and duration. The study shows the difference in sleep quality among Canadians from 45-85 years is significantly linked to sex, age, income, education and ethnicity.
Valerie Oosterveld (Photo source: Western Communications)
Renowned scholar and Western professor Valerie Oosterveld has been appointed special advisor to the International Criminal Court's prosecutor, advising on strategies and policies concerning crimes against humanity.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Crystal Carter/Western Communications)
The Impact Project: Bringing the Western story to life
Join us as we uncover what it takes to make positive change in our world. The Impact Project shares stories and videos of individuals from our community who are making an impact around the globe. You can get involved by visiting the site, sharing the content and nominating colleagues, students or alumni to feature next.
Course readings service
Give students free and easy access to your course readings. Email your syllabus to coursereadings@uwo.ca and they’ll do the rest.
Five new teaching fellow positions available in the Centre for Teaching and Learning
The Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic) and the Centre for Teaching and Learning invite applications from full-time faculty for three-year teaching fellowships, starting May 1, 2024. Please see the application call for details and eligible faculties.
Student questionnaires on courses and teaching (SQCT)
One of the most effective ways to support a high response rate for SQCTs is instructor encouragement. Western has created a list of strategies from which instructors might draw to encourage students to complete the SQCTs.
Photo of the Week
To celebrate the start of the holiday season and help students prepare for exams, Meisha Shepard-Powell stopped by campus last week with President Alan Shepard. Students and staff enjoyed free hot chocolate and treats from Great Hall Catering and got to snap a photo with our favourite golden retriever. (Photo source: Western Communications)
Coming Up
Indigenous winter market (Photo source: Office of Indigenous Initiatives)
December 2 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Annual Indigenous winter market
Held at the Wampum Learning Lodge, the Indigenous winter market is a fantastic opportunity to shop for the holiday season while supporting more than 30 local Indigenous creators, artisans and entrepreneurs. Admission and parking is free. Cash is preferred, but some vendors will be able to accept debit/credit.
December 6 (10 a.m.)
École Polytechnique de Montreal memorial
Join your colleagues on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women to remember the lives lost at the L’Ecole Polytechnique Montreal. Lauren Tribe, engineering professor; and Barb MacQuarrie, community director at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children, will speak about how we can remember and take action. Amit Chakma Engineering Building, Atrium.
Les Choristes and Western University Singers: December Musings
Les Choristes and Western University Singers present December Musings. This free concert is held in the Music Building, von Kuster Hall.
December 11 (2 to 3:30 p.m.)
Visual Pleasure
This innovative hybrid aerial dance/lecture features professor and motivational speaker Jeff Preston and aerialist and performance artist Erin Clark. The performance examines how people experience themselves as ‘viewers.’ John Labatt Visual Arts Centre, ArtLab Gallery.
Western in the News
Patricia Hein (Photo source: Ivey Business School)
The Globe and Mail
In diversity initiatives, sometimes the best intentions disempower those you want to help
Ivey professor Patricia Hein’s research explores benevolent marginalization: When businesses’ good intentions for EDI can lead to harm. She says in some instances a supportive effort ends up unintentionally perpetuating existing inequalities in the organization.
CBC News
Escape to uncertainty
History and King’s professor Oleksa Drachewych provides insight into why ethnic minorities in Russia are fleeing to neighbouring countries amid the ongoing war.
The London Free Press
Safety, health focus of new app for women experiencing abuse
Nursing professor Marilyn Ford-Gilboe discusses why a focus on safety, health and well-being are critical components of a new app to help women who have experienced intimate partner violence.
CBC Radio
Giving melatonin to kids
An over-the-counter sleep aid is being used more often by parents to help children get to sleep. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Michael Rieder explains the risks and concerns.
Commentary
Joshua Pearce (Photo source: MTU)
In this article republished from The Conversation, Ivey and engineering professor Joshua Pearce discusses what world leaders gathering at COP28 need to do to prevent climate-change-related deaths in the future.
