March 2019

  • decorative imageSummer experiences inspire a future in research
    A recipient of two NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards, Mihai Dumbrava is building a foundation for a career in health research. Experiences in research labs at home and abroad have shown him the value of scientific training and discovery.

  • decorative imagePartnership builds on medical imaging excellence
    A new partnership in advanced Computed Tomography (CT) with Canon Medical Systems Canada will bring state-of-the-art research equipment to Robarts Research Institute. The $4.5 million investment will allow research findings to be brought to patient bedsides more rapidly and readily than ever before.

  • decorative imageGregor Reid, PhD, named Distiguished University Professor; Faculty Scholars announced
    Congratulations to Gregor Reid, PhD, on being named a Distinguished University Professor, and to newly announced 2019 Faculty Scholars Alison Allan, PhD, Shelley McKellar, PhD, and Dr. David Palma. Via Western News

  • decorative imageMajor league researcher
    “My mentors say that it takes a village to raise a clinician-scientist, and I really think that’s true. The people around me all helped to get me to where I am today.” Named a Vanier Scholar in 2018, Dr. Jason Lee is pursuing his PhD with a focus on cardiovascular research.

  • decorative imageSolution sought to ‘sticky’ staph situation
    Some variants of Staphylococcus aureus ‘stick’ to us better than others. A new study published in Nature Communications by David Heinrichs, PhD, shows some variants of the bacteria have the potential to cause more severe infections by over-expressing proteins that bind to our cells.

  • decorative imageCFI funding supports innovative translational research
    Minister of Science and Sport Kirsty Duncan was at Western this month to announce a $763 million boost in funding for The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Five projects from the University were funded through the CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund, including equipment to support lung imaging research by Grace Parraga, PhD, and cell signalling research by Rithwik Ramachandran, PhD.

  • decorative imageTrainees showcase research communications skills
    MSc Candidates Olivia Sehl and Spencer Yeung are Top 20 finalists for Western's campus-wide Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) competition on March 21. Sehl is looking at imaging macrophages in breast cancer and Yeung is investigating HIV acquisition.

  • decorative imageCelebrating top teaching talent
    Seven faculty members have received awards for excellence in teaching, Western's highest honours for inspiring active and deep learning in their students. Congratulations to Nicole Campbell, Charys Martin, Michele Barbeau, Anita Woods, Tom Stavraky, Angela Beye and Sarah McLean.

  • decorative imageResearchers explore the effects of a Mediterranean diet on cardiovascular health
    Can eating plant-based foods, less saturated fat and more whole grains prevent heart disease? A review published by Dr. Saverio Stranges in Cochrane Review found there is evidence to show a Mediterranean diet can decrease risk factors.

  • decorative imageShare your expertise with Canadians: Write for The Conversation Canada
    Western is a member of The Conversation Canada, an independent source of news, analysis and expert opinion written by academics and researchers. With a monthly audience of 10.7 million and connections to national media outlets, this is a unique opportunity to educate the broader public about your research area, show leadership in your field and extend your reach. Download the PowerPoint presentation to learn more.

  • decorative imageDiscovery unlocks spine disease mysteries
    A new study from Cheryle Séguin's lab reveals new information about a common spine disorder called DISH. The research showed that growths leading to a diagnosis are not always new bone formations but sometimes hyperdense calcified deposits. Via CTV London

  • decorative imageResearchers root out relief in tobacco plants
    Dr. Tony Jevnikar and Shengwu Ma, PhD, have discovered that tobacco plants can be used to produce large quantitates of a protein with powerful anti-inflammatory and immune-suppressing properties. The plants offer potential to produce pharmaceuticals in a way that is more affordable than current methods. Via CTV London

  • decorative imageOpinion: On gaining influence through research
    PhD Candidates Jordan Edwards and Demetri Pananos share their thoughts on the use of predatory journals, encouraging young researchers to be critical of the journals they are applying to. "Understand that research is slow by design. Research has real-world implications, and the peer-review process is designed to ensure thorough evaluation of the work prior to its release." Via Western Gazette

  • decorative imageNature Career Column: Essential elements for high-impact scientific writing
    "To write better, remember that your science is exciting." Eight key elements to make your work stand out, including storytelling, knowing your audience and linking to a current topic.

  • decorative imageSupport trainees at LHRD: Register as a judge
    Your support is critical to ensure trainees in your department, and those across Schulich Medicine & Dentistry and Lawson Health Research Institute, receive constructive feedback on their presentations. Register as a judge by April 19.

  • decorative imageSave the date: New Faculty Lecture with Jessica Prodger, PhD – April 12
    Jessica Prodger, PhD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, delivers her New Faculty Lecture on Friday, April 12. Her research is focused on HIV acquisition, identifying microbes and aspects of the human immune response that increase susceptibility to the virus.

  • decorative imageClinical Neurological Sciences Research Day – Submit your abstract
    Clinical Neurological Sciences hosts their annual Research Day on Tuesday, May 14. Residents, graduate trainees and postdoctoral fellows are invited to present their research findings. Submit your abstract online by March 31.

  • Celebrating your recent achievements
    Congratulations to Frank Beier, Samuel Asfaha, Jina Kum, winners of the 2019 Lawson Impact Awards and recipients of the latest AMOSO Innovation Fund competition, as well as many others, on your recent accomplishments.

  • Featured publications
    Featured publications covering topics ranging from career satisfaction for Canadian critical care physicians to sex-related differences in patients undergoing thoracic aortic surgery. Authors include Claudio Martin, Michael Chu, Nilesh Chande and more.

  • Beyond the bench
    From 3D printing adventures to an early morning sunrise, take a look at what your colleagues have been up to this month. Tweets from Amanda Hamilton, Bryan Heit, Marlys Koschinsky and more.