April 2019

  • decorative imageBacterial communities and HIV: How the penile microbiome influences transmission
    A small flap of skin. A network of bacteria. And an incurable virus. Jessica Prodger, PhD, is studying the relationship between the penile microbiome and HIV. She joined the faculty at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry in January 2018, encouraged by the strong HIV research team and opportunities for collaboration.

  • decorative imageOn a mission to increase diversity and inclusion in the world of science
    Hoping to empower and connect women in science, a group of graduate trainees recently founded the London Pod of 500 Women Scientists. "The goal of our chapter is to show how increasing diversity and inclusion in our field will make a positive impact on the entire scientific community."

  • decorative imageDriving innovation in a world where knowledge is the new currency
    Alison Allan, PhD, says doctoral education is becoming essential for driving innovation in a world where knowledge is the new currency. At Schulich Medicine & Dentistry, educational leaders are working to prepare trainees for personal career success, as well as enhancing their ability to contribute to society as global citizens.

  • decorative imageUsing artificial intelligence and brain stimulation to improve treatment for psychosis
    A new collaboration between Western University and five European centres focuses on personalized medicine for mental health. Leading the Canadian arm of the project, Dr. Lena Palaniyappan is using artificial intelligence to understand why some patients respond better to treatment than others.

  • decorative imageLetting go of the 'aha' moment: A series of small steps to reach success
    Matthew Berg, PhD Candidate, is using yeast models to study the mechanisms regulating gene expression. He looks at research as a series of small, important steps. "There's no one result or experiment that makes or breaks my work. It's definitely a journey."

  • decorative image3D ultrasound gives clinicians a clearer picture to guide treatment for gynaecological cancer
    New technology developed by Aaron Fenster, PhD, and Jessica Rodgers, PhD Candidate, is providing an improved way for radiation oncologists to deliver treatment to women with gynaecological cancers, including vaginal, cervical and uterine cancer.

  • decorative imageCongratulations to the 2019 Awards of Excellence recipients
    As educators, researchers, innovators and leaders, the 2019 Awards of Excellence recipients are making a difference at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and Western University. It is with great pride that we recognize and honour their achievements. Purchase your tickets for the Awards of Excellence Dinner taking place on May 30.

  • decorative imageStrong link between air pollution in Southwestern Ontario and adverse birth outcomes
    Increased levels of sulphur dioxide in the air we breathe have a direct correlation to rates of preterm birth and low birth weight in Southwestern Ontario according to a new study led by Jason Gilliland, PhD, and Jamie Seabrook, PhD.

  • decorative imageCommercialization strategies top competition
    Trainees took home top prizes at the Proteus Innovation Competition, a four-month contest that takes three newly developed technologies and challenges teams to plan their commercialization. Congratulations to Joshua Dierolf, Tim Han, Christopher Leclerc and Jeffrey Levine.

  • decorative imageCareer advice: Keep your eyes on the prize
    Ronald Vale, PhD, from the University of California, San Francisco, recently received a 2019 Canada Gairdner International Award for his pioneering work on molecular motor proteins. In an essay for Cell, he writes about the bigger picture of scientific research and discovery, outlining 'prizes' worthy of attention and aspiration. "My best advice to young scientists is to keep your eyes on these prizes. If you do, everything else will fall into place." Via Cell

  • decorative imageOpinion: Overcoming the PhD stereotype
    Graduate trainees and recent PhDs hesitate to look for non-academic positions for many reasons. Three tips to help you rebrand your academic skills for a non-academic career. Via Inside Higher Ed

  • decorative imageRegister for London Health Research Day – Tuesday, April 30
    Register for LHRD to attend the lunchtime keynote lecture featuring Timothy Caulfield, the panel discussion on science communication and the awards reception. Register online by April 23.

  • decorative imageSave the date: New Faculty Lecture with Dr. Tom Appleton – May 10
    Dr. Tom Appleton, assistant professor in the Departments of Medicine and Physiology & Pharmacology, delivers his New Faculty Lecture on Friday, May 10. His research is focused on investigating the mechanisms of osteoarthritis disease development and progression to identify new therapeutic targets.

  • Celebrating your recent achievements
    Congratulations to Jacqueline Dron, Sarah Singh, award winners at the Imaging Network of Ontario's 2019 Symposium, as well as many others, on your recent accomplishments.

  • Featured publications
    Featured publications covering topics ranging from opioid-associated amnestic syndrome to simulation in health care. Authors include Donald Lee, David Rodenhiser, Greta Bauer and researchers from across Schulich Medicine & Dentistry.

  • Beyond the bench
    From research events to spring weather to lighthearted pranks, take a look at what your colleagues have been up to this month. Tweets from the Karas Lab, Rob Bartha, Natasha Knier and many others.