This fall, the Faculty of Science will offer a new course for undergraduates to learn about the multidisciplinary cancer research happening in Windsor-Essex. Students will get to participate in brainstorming sessions with clinical researchers and medical professionals about funding, communication, and branding, which would directly contribute to advancing local cancer research.

Biology professor Lisa Porter says her hands-on Cancer Undergrad Research Education (CURE) course, 03-03-375, will teach students about the progress made to date, as well as remaining barriers, in treating all patients with cancer.

“There is an increasing demand for health care professionals who are capable of communicating the value of research and the current cutting-edge directions in medicine in an effective and ethical manner,” says Dr. Porter.

“CURE will bring students together into collaborative teams to design and implement tools to communicate cancer research to the public, to patients, to other students and to the government. It is a place where their ideas will directly contribute to moving cancer research forward in Windsor-Essex.”

The course also serves as an entry course for all students wishing to volunteer work, or enroll in a service learning course with the Windsor Cancer Research Group. It is offered to non-science majors as a science elective and can be taken as overload.

Sara Elliott

It is important for science to be a place where everyone feels welcome, says professor James Gauld, acting head of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

His office distributed rainbow-iced cupcakes, chocolate bars, and other treats Thursday in observance of the first International Day of LGBT+ People in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math).

“The day is to welcome, recognize, and celebrate the contributions of LGBT+ people to STEM", Dr. Gauld said. “Diversity and inclusivity are important to STEM in particular, since we didn’t always provide role models to inspire younger members of marginalized groups.”

Varying groups had designated July 5 as a date to acknowledge members of LGBT+ communities; this year, Pride in STEM launched it as an international celebration for the first time.

“It is being marked by institutions, science societies, and departments around the world,” said Gauld. “We must demonstrate that we can provide a community where everyone feels they can contribute and be themselves.”

He noted that the date can be written as 507, the wavelength in nanometres of the colour green used in the rainbow pride flag: “You’ve got to watch out when nerds get involved!”

Chris O’Keefe, a post-doctoral fellow working with professor Rob Schurko, said he appreciated the effort.

“As a member of the LGBT community, I think it’s important to celebrate its contributions to science,” he said. “Plus, free cupcakes.”

The Canadian city of Windsor offers a different feeling from her hometown of Changchun, China, says Yue Gou.

“There is less pressure. I feel less stressful,” says Gou, who is studying at the Centre for English Language Development in preparation for pursuing a degree in medical biotechnology. “I like it here.”

She says classmates back home had suggested that Canada might be a better fit for her than a university in the United States or Europe. And so far, they have been proven right.

“I like to enjoy life. I feel happy that I didn’t choose someplace else,” Gou says.

She says she is looking forward to beginning classes in her chosen field of biotech, but the classes in the English Language Improvement Program are proving valuable, too.

“I am learning a lot, and not just about English,” says Gou. “Our instructors are also teaching us about Canadian culture.”

One thing she does not miss about Changchun — a city of more than 7 million people — is the traffic.

“In China, there are too many traffic jams,” she says. “People in Canada are more willing to make way for each other.”

The Centre for English Language Development will celebrate international language students and their contributions to campus and community on World Student Day, Friday July 20. UWindsor faculty, staff, and students are invited to join in free activities, entertainment, and a lunch on Turtle Island Walk from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

UWindsor alumna Andrea Baumann (BScN 1967), associate vice-president of global health in McMaster University’s Faculty of Health Sciences, will be invested as a member of the Order of Canada for her leadership in advancing nursing education and in shaping policy and practice in the field of health human resources.

Gov. Gen. Julie Payette will appoint Dr. Baumann to the order — one of the country’s highest civilian honours — at a ceremony to be held later.

Baumann serves as director of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre in Primary Care and Health Human Resources, and is a fellow in the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. In 2015, the University of Windsor Alumni Association conferred on her the Alumni Award of Merit, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments which have brought honour to the university, for contributions to the community, or for outstanding personal service to the university.

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The contributions of members are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and have taken to heart the motto of the order: Desiderantes meliorem patriam (“They desire a better country”).

A diverse group from across the campus is sought for the 2018 #GivingTuesday Committee, which will plan a campaign to raise awareness and funds in support of UWindsor students and campus projects.

“On November 27, directly following U.S. Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, encouraging donors to focus on their end-of-year giving,” says organizer Nicole Broderick, co-ordinator of the Annual Giving Program. “It is a global day celebrated annually, harnessing the power of social media to drive philanthropic engagement.”

She says committee members will brainstorm ways to connect with alumni, friends, and community partners in an exciting and creative way. Nominations — including self-nomination — are open until Monday, July 16. Find more information and a nomination/vounteer form on the alumni office website.

Shortly before noon on Monday, July 9, Windsor Fire and Rescue Services responded to a mechanical issue at the Leonard & Dorothy Neal Education Building building that had resulted in smoke.

The building was temporarily closed and there were no injuries.

Occupants are expected to report for work Tuesday morning.