A fair shot at work: UWindsor researcher explores what helps justice-involved Canadians succeed Dr. Kemi Anazodo, professor at the University of Windsor’s Odette School of Business, is part of a research team studying employment outcomes for justice-involved adults. (DAVE GAUTHIER /University of Windsor) For people with criminal records, finding steady work can be one of the hardest parts of rebuilding their lives. A new research project involving University of Windsor business professor Kemi Anazodo is examining how employment programs can help justice-involved Canadians overcome those barriers and build long-term stability. Backed by a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Partnership Engage Grant, the study evaluates the John Howard Society of Ontario’s EMPower program, a 12-week employment training and placement initiative designed for people navigating the justice system and other structural barriers. The project is led by Steven Smith of Saint Mary’s University, with Katelynn Carter Rogers of St. Francis Xavier University, Anazodo and the John Howard Society…
What happens when bacteria outsmart antibiotics? A UWindsor researcher is building the answer Dr. Opeyemi Lawal is the Canada Research Chair in Environmental and Public Health Genomics. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor) Drug-resistant infections are silently spreading through water, soil, food systems and healthcare settings — often undetected until they become a public health emergency. At the University of Windsor, environmental microbiologist Dr. Opeyemi Lawal is developing new ways to spot these threats early, understand why they persist, and stop them before they spread. His work focuses on detecting and controlling antimicrobial resistance and emerging pathogens in environmental reservoirs — places where resistance often takes hold long before people get sick. That research has now earned Lawal a Canada Research Chair, one of the country’s highest academic honours, recognizing his work at the intersection of environmental science, public health, genomics, and artificial intelligence. He is a professor in the School of the Environment and a researcher with…
The rankings are in, and UWindsor's research influence is being felt around the world University of Windsor researchers at work. UWindsor ranked 265th globally for research citation impact in the 2027 QS World University Rankings, nearly tripling the global average. (FILES/University of Windsor) The University of Windsor has reached its highest-ever position in the QS World University Rankings, ranking third in Ontario among non-medical universities and placing among the world’s top 20 per cent for research impact. This year, more than 8,800 institutions were evaluated and 1,504 were ranked. UWindsor placed 537th overall — up nine positions from last year — marking its third consecutive year among the top 550 universities in the world and making it one of only eight Canadian universities to improve its position this year. Now in its 23rd edition, the QS rankings is one of the most widely referenced assessments of university performance globally. Behind the result is research influence — a measure of how often scholars around the world read, use and cite research…
Making friends, having fun and getting moving: Inclusive exercise program expands to more local high schools STEPS teacher Joey Filipic coaches a student through some batting practice during the APEX wrap-up event at Westview Freedom Academy (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor) With baseballs and frisbees flying, music pumping and students dancing, the Adapted Physical Exercise (APEX) program wrapped up for the summer at Windsor’s Westview Freedom Academy. APEX — started 15 years ago in the University of Windsor’s Faculty of Human Kinetics — provides exercise programming for community members with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). In the past two years, the program has expanded to local high schools in both the Greater Essex County District School Board (GECDSB) and Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board, with student peer leaders pairing up to exercise with students with IDD. The success of the program in three initial GECDSB schools led to an expansion into Westview, Vincent Massey Secondary School and Sandwich Secondary School this spring. …
WE-SPARK Think Tank Opens the Door to Collaboration on Emerging Health Research Ideas WE-SPARK Health Institute is inviting researchers, health care professionals, students, and community organizations to take part in its upcoming Virtual Think Tank on Friday, June 19, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The WE-SPARK Think Tank is designed to bring people together around emerging health research ideas, community priorities and opportunities for collaboration. Participants will hear from local presenters who are looking to build partnerships, gather feedback and move their projects forward through meaningful discussion. All are welcome to attend, especially those who enjoy exploring new ideas, solving problems, making connections and supporting research that responds to real-world health needs. Think Tank Topics Advancing Sexually Transmitted Blood-Borne Infections Awareness and Access Presenters Roselyn Kyeame and Razane Diab from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will introduce the development of a community-informed sexual health committee focused on strengthening collaboration…
Shedding light on new possibilities in Parkinson’s research Brooke Shepley, a PhD candidate in kinesiology at the University of Windsor, is studying the effects of near-infrared light therapy on Parkinson’s disease. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor) By studying how near‑infrared light affects the brain, a University of Windsor PhD candidate is exploring a potential new approach to managing symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Brooke Shepley (MHK ’21, BHK ’19), a kinesiology researcher specializing in cerebrovascular physiology and vascular biology, is studying an approach known as photobiomodulation (PBM). The treatment uses near-infrared light — a form of invisible electromagnetic radiation just beyond the red end of the visible spectrum — to stimulate brain activity and may influence cells involved in dopamine production, a key factor in Parkinson’s disease. Rather than measuring dopamine levels directly, Shepley and her team are examining how the therapy influences brain blood vessel function, motor skills and cognitive performance.…
Can stream sounds predict ecosystem health? University of Windsor grad’s thesis research asks the question Avery Ng is graduating from the behaviour, cognition and neuroscience science program. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor) From leading a group of art-loving scientists, to helping organize summer symphony performances for the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra, Avery Ng builds community in every role she takes on. This commitment helped the fourth-year behaviour, cognition and neuroscience student earn a science medal. At spring convocation, she will sport a Leadership, Engagement, Application and Discovery (LEAD) gold medallion. Read on to learn how Ng makes balancing it all look effortless. How did you earn LEAD gold medallion? In part, I co-led Science Meets Art (SMArt) with Sophia Egidio. My leadership goal was to create an even stronger community. I just got to enjoy art the way I love to enjoy it for a whole year. What a privilege. I also helped with the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra. For the completely student-driven effort, they get to program their own…
What makes a lake turn toxic? UWindsor is part of a global team trying to find out University of Windsor researchers have partnered with global experts to write a five-year action plan aimed at understanding the risk of highly toxic blue-green algae blooms. (Photo: David Hamilton, Griffith University/University of Windsor) University of Windsor researchers have partnered with global experts to write a five-year action plan aimed at understanding the risk of highly toxic blue-green algae blooms. The five-year research plan outlines priorities to address the threats these blooms pose to freshwater resources worldwide, including the Great Lakes. As part of the initiative, scientists from 12 countries gathered in Kunming, China, for an in-person workshop supported by Kunming University, Yunnan University and the University of Windsor. Dr. Xuexiu Chang, a professor at Kunming University and an adjunct professor with the University of Windsor’s Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research (GLIER), co-led the event with UWindsor professor emeritus Dr. Hugh…
‘Making invisible experiences visible’: University of Windsor study uses art to explore life after abuse A participant-created artwork from the study visually maps the complex help-seeking journey women often navigate after leaving a violent intimate partner. (SUBMITTED BY RACHEL ELLIOTT/University of Windsor) For many women leaving a violent intimate partner, the journey to safety continues long after the relationship ends. Rebuilding health, stability and quality of life often means navigating healthcare, housing, social services and community supports — a complex process researchers at the University of Windsor are exploring through an innovative arts-based study. As May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the project examines the help-seeking journeys of women who have physically separated from violent intimate partners. Led by Dr. Rachel Elliott from the Faculty of Nursing and Dr. Kendall Soucie from the Department of Psychology, the interdisciplinary project explores how women navigate formal and informal supports after physically separating from abusive partners.…
