January 28, 2022
(Photo from National Severe Storms Laboratory Collection)
The research team behind the Northern Tornadoes Project has now launched the Northern Hail Project to document the damage caused by hail. In collaboration with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction, researchers will primarily target Alberta for its research over a five-year period.
(Image from iStock)
A new study by Western researchers says intentional social interaction is a critical next step in addressing the stigma of mental illness. The research found public education campaigns are limited in changing public perception, and sometimes promote more harm than good.
David Muir (Photo by Debora Van Brenk, Western Communications)
David Muir has been named Western's first associate vice-president for innovation and strategic partnerships, effective Feb. 1. Muir, who comes to the role from the National Research Council, will provide leadership to the WORLDiscoveries and Western Research Parks teams, while helping connect research and industry, governments, community organizations and social enterprise.
(Photo by Thoko Chikondi/UNICEF)
Through the new Global Health Equity Hub, founded by medical anthropology professor Elysée Nouvet, dozens of Western faculty and students across all disciplines are tying together threads that link global health with ethics, education, equity, ecology and economics.
(Western Communications file photo)
Western is doubling down on its students-first approach to delivering a strong campus experience, as the university begins returning to in-person learning this term and looks ahead to the fall.
Western Purple Hands volunteers in 2018, distributing hygiene products outside the Salvation Army Centre of Hope. (Submitted photo)
Purple Hands, a student-run homeless advocacy group, has engaged more than 1,500 students through its social media platforms to raise awareness on the issue of homelessness and inspire action in the London community.
Working at Western
(Western Communications file photo)
Jan. 25 COVID-19 update
Further to the Jan. 14 update, Western shared important information about masking requirements, booster shots and what’s open on campus starting Jan. 31.
Senate and Board of Governors – Polls open for faculty and staff
Online elections for faculty and administrative staff positions on the Senate and for a faculty representative on the Board of Governors will be held from 8 a.m., Feb. 8 to 8 p.m., Feb. 9.
Invitation to participate: Independent review of sexual violence policies and procedures
Following allegations of sexual violence during the period of Sept.10-11, 2021, Nathalie Des Rosiers and Sonya Nigam, were retained to conduct an independent fact-finding exercise and review of Western’s relevant policies and procedures. As part of their mandate, Des Rosiers and Nigam invite the Western community to share information and feedback directly with them via westernreview@masseycollege.ca by 4:00 p.m., Feb. 4.
Photo of the Week
Campus eateries will reopen Jan. 31. (Photo from Hospitality Services)
Coming Up
(Top, from left: Christina Lord, Marisa Rosa Grant and Andrea Thompson; Dr. Andrew B. Campbell, Greg Frankson and Robert Small)
Feb. 1 to 28
Black History Month
Western acknowledges and celebrates Black History Month, and encourages the campus and London communities to listen, learn and discuss. The Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is pleased to host its inaugural virtual speaker series celebrating Black excellence. These events are free of charge, but advance registration is required. Everyone is welcome to attend, visit http://blackhistory.uwo.ca/ for more information.
Thursday, Feb. 3 (12:30 p.m.)
Respecting the Rights of Indigenous Women in Canada
The Distinguished Speakers Committee and the Law and Feminism Research Group at Western Law welcome Christa Big Canoe, legal advocacy director at Aboriginal Legal Services, for a talk titled, "How do we keep knowing but not making the changes needed to respect the rights of Indigenous Women in Canada?"
Monday, Feb. 7 (12:10 p.m.)
Guided Meditation
Take a break to focus on your emotional and spiritual well-being. Tanaz Javan will guide you through a series of techniques intended to encourage a heightened state of awareness and focused attention.
Wednesday, Feb. 9 (11:30 a.m.)
2021 Award of Excellence virtual ceremony
The Award of Excellence represents the highest level of campus-wide recognition for the exceptional performance of Western staff. Help us celebrate their outstanding achievements by attending the virtual ceremony.
Friday, Feb. 11 (1:30 p.m.)
Inoculating history, salvaging what is held: Race, epidemiology and immunity from Freetown to Atlanta
Adia Benton, anthropology professor at Weinberg College of Arts & Sciences, will use archival research on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s responses to explore critical questions about the health-security nexus in global public health, and the racialized organizations situated at that nexus. This event is presented as part of the Department of Anthropology’s Regna Darnell Distinguished Lecture. RSVP by Feb. 7 to anthrorsvp@uwo.ca.
Western in the News
Greg Kopp, lead researcher in the Northern Tornadoes Project, and David Sills, Executive Director of the Northern Tornadoes Project. (Western News file photo)
The Weather Network
Success of Northern Tornadoes Project spins off new hail counterpart
Damage and losses due to severe storms and hail are on the rise in Canada. The launch of the Northern Hail Project is giving Western researchers a fuller picture of the risks associated with this frozen phenomenon.
The Toronto Star
Canadian scientists may be on the verge of a reliable test for concussions
A research group led by Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Douglas Fraser is analyzing important biomarkers in the blood to help determine whether someone has suffered a concussion.
The Washington Post
Some governments have launched plans to fine the unvaccinated. Experts caution against the approach
Around the globe, some governments are instating financial penalties for those who aren’t getting vaccinated.Bioethicist Maxwell Smith says we need to also consider the barriers to vaccine access that some people may face.
CBC News
Webb telescope arrives safely. Now, Canadian astronomers are ready to unravel the mysteries of the universe
With the James Webb Space Telescope now in place at its destination in space, physics and astronomy professor Els Peeters will be one of the first Canadian astronomers to use it. Her research centers on how radiation influences young stars.
Commentary
(Photo by NASA from Wikimedia Commons)
Earth sciences postdoctoral associate Cindy Mora-Stock explains why a volcano in the South Pacific triggered tsunami warnings for the North American Pacific coast.
