February 9, 2024
Julian Birkinshaw (Photo source: London Business School)
Western grad Julian Birkinshaw has been named the next dean of Ivey Business School. Birkinshaw joins Western from the London Business School in the U.K., where he’s held a variety of posts, most recently as vice-dean. His five-year appointment starts August 1, 2024.
(From left) Ulrica Schweizer Samuels and Kaya Anderson (Image source: Western Communications/Rob Potter)
Two undergraduate students are taking the lead on the Black Aspiration Podcast aimed at ensuring the voices, experiences and health concerns of Black communities are heard. The podcast is one component of the Black Aspiration Project, led by professor Cornel Grey.
Hubble Space Telescope image of a cluster of stars, Galaxy AM 1054-325 (Photo source: NASA, ESA, STScI, Jayanne English/University of Manitoba)
Western Space's Sarah Gallagher and her research collaborators used the Hubble Space Telescope to identify "string of pearls" star clusters in galaxy collisions, revealing how cosmic encounters foster new star generations.
Anna Wang (Submitted photo)
Anna Wang, MA’19, recently returned to Western to pursue a law degree to help new immigrant families. Her days are packed, between classes and taking care of her young son, but she feels supported by her professors and classmates to achieve her goals.
PhD candidate in chemistry Robert Addai (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Researchers have teamed up with Facilities Management to look at the effects of nine types of road salt on six different metals to see how they help or harm icy roads, infrastructure and the environment.
Debbie Laliberte Rudman (Photo source: Christopher Kindratsky/Western Communications)
Health sciences professor Debbie Laliberte Rudman studies "third places," where people find social connection and participate in activities outside of home and work. Her research explores how to build strong communities where people feel they belong, an essential determinant of health and well-being.
Working at Western
(Photo source: Western Communications)
OWL Brightspace migration plan
Western’s new learning management system launches spring 2024. Visit the OWL migration plan website for more information and project updates.
Become 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
As we continue to observe and celebrate Black History Month, explore the Black Excellence Collection at the Western Bookstore, featuring books for self-reflection and education about Black history and the Black experience. (Photo source: @booksatwesternu on Instagram)
Coming Up
Singer-songwriter Falana (Photo source: Complex)
February 10, 2024 (1 to 7 p.m.)
Charting: Popular music industry summit
Join renowned artists and music industry professionals as they share their professional insights and experiences. Speakers include Canadian-Nigerian singer-songwriter Falana; manager, producer and entertainment lawyer Rodney Borde-Koufie; songwriter, producer and performer Gary McAuley; and concert promoter Jay Panaseiko. Cost $10, Music Building.
February 10 (5 to 8 p.m.)
Girls and women in astronomy night
Visit the Cronyn Observatory to celebrate the International Day for Women and Girls in Science. Hear from an expert panel about women in science, their journeys and challenges. Games, trivia and stargazing (weather permitting) included. Everyone welcome.
February 12 (12 to 1 p.m.)
The art of managing conflict
Facilitated by TELUS Health, this virtual seminar will provide you with a framework for assessing the types of conflict common in the workplace and propose strategies for their resolution. Register today.
February 16 (1 to 3 p.m.)
Empowering women’s voices: Spoken word workshop
Join award-winning spoken word artist Andrea Thompson for an intimate, transformative workshop on the art of writing spoken word and poetry. Participants will have the opportunity to network and explore their poetry with Thompson one-on-one. Light refreshments provided. Limited space. Register today.
Western in the News
Dr. Anna Gunz on the set of CTV’s The Social (Photo source: Jeff Renaud/Western Communications)
CTV The Social
Climate change and kids’ mental health
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry professor Dr. Anna Gunz explains how climate change is impacting children’s mental and physical health and provides insights on how to address eco-anxiety.
CBC London
Q&A: The moon is shrinking. This Western professor explains why
Earth sciences professor Gordon Osinski sheds light on why the moon is shrinking, the resulting moonquakes, and implications for training astronauts for future lunar missions.
CTV News
Why Canada's fertility rate hit an all-time low
Statistics Canada released new data showing that the country's fertility rate has plummeted to an all-time low. Sociology professor Kate Choi explains what impact economic pressures might be having, and what it might mean for society in the future.
CBC News
Seniors unclear on whether they can drop their private dental insurance for national plan
Dr. Carlos Quiñonez, Schulich Dentistry director and vice-dean, discusses some of the still unanswered questions about coverage through Canada’s new national dental plan.
Commentary
(Photo source: Ketut Subiyanto/ Pexels Images)
In this Conversation piece, psychology PhD candidate Samantha Withnell and psychology professor Lindsay Bodell explain how Semaglutide drugs and weight suppression can put people at risk for eating disorders.
