UWindsor professor earns international fellowship to shape the future of human–AI driving research Kinesiology Prof. Francesco Biondi meets with the French research team in Lyon. [Photo courtesy of Francesco Biondi] A University of Windsor kinesiology professor has earned an international fellowship to advance research into the relationship between human drivers and self-driving cars. Through the Mourou-Strickland Mobility Program, an initiative designed by the French Embassy in Canada, Francesco Biondi will collaborate with a researcher at the University of Lyon in France. “This fellowship will lay the foundation for a successful research collaboration that tackles high-impact research topics at the intersection of artificial intelligence, neuroscience and autonomous driving,” says Dr. Biondi. This innovative collaboration will be between Biondi, an associate professor in transportation human factors at the University of Windsor, and cognitive science professor and neuroergonomics expert, Jordan Navarro. “Neuroergonomics would look at possibly using brain sensors for…
Raise a Glass to Local Health Innovation at Cheers to Hope 2025 WE-SPARK Health Institute invites the Windsor-Essex community to an inspiring evening of celebration and connection at its annual Cheers to Hope event, taking place on Thursday, November 6, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:30 PM at the Ambassador Golf Club. Open to all, Cheers to Hope offers a unique opportunity for guests to meet local health researchers and students, discover exciting new projects, and learn how innovation is shaping the future of healthcare across the region. Whether attendees are long-time supporters or new to local health research, this event provides the perfect way to engage with the community’s growing research network. This year, WE-SPARK has set a goal of raising $500,000 to support its research grants program, which fuels groundbreaking health projects throughout Windsor-Essex. Since its launch in 2020, WE-SPARK has awarded 137 grants totaling $2,299,000, creating jobs, sparking collaborations, and positioning Windsor-Essex as a strong competitor for national funding…
Psychology research team explores impact of mindfulness apps Dr. Alexander Daros and the MAST Lab published research showing value in interim supports for those waiting for psychological services (photo care of Alexander Daros) As demand for mental health care rises in hospitals and private practice, waitlists for these essential services continue to grow. That’s why assistant professor of psychology, Alexander Daros, and his research team began investigating innovative interim solutions to support people while they wait. “It is critical to be able to offer some resources while people wait for services,” Dr. Daros explained. “You don't want people to fall through the cracks. One concern is that if someone is not able to get the right support right away, they may not come back or may further deteriorate.” To address this issue, a recent study out of the Mental Health, Affective Science, and Technology Lab (MAST) Lab, led by Daros, explored the effectiveness of a mindfulness phone application in supporting those waiting for psychological…
‘Books from Birth': WE-Spark Igniting Discovery grant to help provide resources and tools for new parents Neelu Sehgal, Chief Nursing Executive, Erie Shores HealthCare, and Dr. Gelsea Pizzuto Serra of St. Clair College Research and Innovation at the WE-Spark grants announcement in August, 2025. (St. Clair College Research and Innovation) A researcher in the Research and Innovation department at St. Clair College has been awarded $20,000 from the WE-SPARK Igniting Discovery grant program to launch a project that promotes literacy beginning at birth. Led by Dr. Gelsea Pizzuto Serra and the Research and Innovation department at St. Clair College, the ‘Books from Birth: Supporting Early Literacy Through Hospital-Based Interventions' program will be implemented at Erie Shores HealthCare in Leamington, Ont., providing new parents with age-appropriate books and resources before they leave the hospital. Dr. Munira Sultana is the collaborator on the project from Erie Shores HealthCare, where the goal is to equip families with the tools and confidence to begin reading with their babies immediately,…
Five years on, Bystander Initiative strengthens prevention efforts Participants of the Bystander Initiative course. (Courtesy Frances Cachon) We cannot change what we do not acknowledge, says learning specialist Frances Cachon. As the University of Windsor’s Bystander Initiative marks five years since its campus-wide expansion, Cachon, the program’s coordinator, emphasizes the importance of addressing difficult topics head-on. “By getting comfortable in the discomfort, that's where the potential for real transformation lies,” she said. “Having public, informed and open conversations that matter is how we create meaningful social change.” The initiative encourages students to safely intervene in situations of harm, with a focus on preventing sexual violence. Launched in 2011 by psychology professor Charlene Senn and Anne Forrest, then director of women’s and gender studies, the program has since grown to include campus-wide workshops, the most cross-listed undergraduate courses and partnerships across faculties. The Bystander Initiative…
Virtual Think Tank to Ignite Health Research Collaborations WE-SPARK Health Institute invites researchers, students, healthcare professionals, and community partners to join our next Think Tank on Thursday, October 24, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. This interactive session is designed to spark new ideas, tackle pressing challenges, and build meaningful collaborations that drive impactful health research. Featured Projects Co-Creating and Evaluating Mental Health Solutions for High School Students Hillary Peladeau, United Way Centraide Windsor-Essex Maia Williamson, On Track to Success Exploring partnerships to support high school students while creating opportunities to study and evaluate impact. Input from community organizations, health partners, funders, and academics is welcome. Establishing a CBCT Imaging Platform for Predicting Tumour Response Using Radiomics and Machine Learning in Lung Cancer Laura D'Alimonte, Windsor Regional Hospital An open discussion seeking collaborators with expertise in AI, machine learning, and methodological…
WE-SPARK champions mental health researchers through transformative grant Researchers perform lab study in the Essex Centre of Research (CORe). (FILES/University of Windsor) In a significant boost to the well-being, mental health and professional development of individuals in the research community, WE-SPARK has announced the launch of Program LEAD: How Can a Program Focused on Professional and Lifelong Learning Support the Mental Well-Being of Highly Qualified Personnel Engaged in Health Science Research? Funded through WE-SPARK Health Institute’s Igniting Discovery Grant, the project explores how structured learning opportunities in leadership, self-awareness, community building, and professional identity can foster a healthier, more sustainable research culture. Set to launch this fall, the timely and transformative program supports an innovative collaboration led by Isabelle Barrette-Ng, principal investigator, Integrative Biology, Faculty of Science at the University of Windsor, in partnership with leading educators and researchers from across Canada. …
WE-SPARK After Dark: Health Researchers Networking Event – October 2 WE-SPARK Health Institute is hosting its next After Dark networking event on Thursday, October 2, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Bourbon Tap & Grill, 1199 Ottawa Street in Windsor. This monthly series brings together researchers, students, professionals, and community members who share an interest in health research. It’s a great opportunity to connect, exchange ideas, and learn more about the exciting research happening right here in our community. The event is FREE and open to everyone, whether you’re involved in research or just curious to explore it. Attendees will also have a chance to win two Cheers to Hope tickets (valued at $300). Click here to register.
WE-SPARK’s latest report confirms its role as a regional leader in health research Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, interim director of WE-Spark Health Institute, speaks at a signing ceremony in June 2025 celebrating the renewal of a five-year partnership among Windsor-Essex health and academic institutions. [Photo by UWindsor] For six years WE-SPARK Health Institute has consistently delivered outcomes that positively impact the health of our community, and it shows in their 2024-2025 Impact Report. Forming in 2019, WE-SPARK quickly became a leader in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, driving innovation, and improving health outcomes through research. The report spotlights how the institute has become the epitome of a thriving health research ecosystem for Windsor-Essex through partnerships with local hospitals, academic institutions, and community organizations, as well as aligning with the University of Windsor’s strategic priorities of research excellence, community engagement, and regional impact. Celebrating a renewed partnership in the WE-Spark Health…
