Science swept the 2024  University of Windsor Three Minute Thesis (3MT) research competition for graduate students on April 9.

The 3MT is a skills development activity which challenges graduate students to present their research and its wider impact to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes using only one slide.

This year, first, second, and third place all went to science students.

In first place was Samra Khan, a doctoral candidate from chemistry and biochemistry, with her presentation, “Sugar-coated cancer vaccines for ‘sweet’ adaptive oncoimmunology.”

“I use both experimental and computational synthetic organic chemistry to work in cancer drug discovery with my advisor, Dr. John Trant,” says Khan.

“I computationally design, and then make, chemical cancer vaccines and next generation cancer drugs. My goal is to both stop cancer developing in the first place while also providing new hope to those with advanced disease.”

Khan won $1,000 cash and will represent the University of Windsor at the provincial final to be held at the Lakehead University campus in Orillia on May 8.

With a cash prize of $500, Carly Demers from integrative biology took second place with her thesis, “Bug-Eat-Bug World: Assessing two Canadian Dicyphus species (Hemiptera: Miridae) for their potential as novel greenhouse biological control agents.”

Coming in third was Karla Alnajm from the Department of Biomedical Sciences with her talk “Unmasking Breast Cancer: How Removing One Protein Boosts Immunity.” She wins $250.

A videorecording of all the finalists is available on the graduate studies website.

Bicycling is environmentally sound, but three members of the Research and Innovation Services staff who regularly commute to work by bike say it is a secondary consideration.

Nicole Noel, Kate Rosser-Davies, and Natasha Wiebe all own pedal-assist electric models they use to reach campus most days.

Dr. Wiebe says she enjoys the serenity of her ride of about 10 km, mostly along the riverfront.

“Windsor is still very much a car-centric city,” she says. “The quiet ride along the water, appreciating the animals and birds, puts me in a good space for the day.”

Rosser-Davies points out the bicycling is cheaper than driving.

“We were a two-car family but we sold one car to get e-bikes instead,” she says. “I don’t pay for gas; you save on auto insurance. You spend a fraction of the cost of a car.”

When Noel started commuting by bike while her partner stayed home on parental leave, she first assumed she needed to wear special clothing and gear.

“After about a week, it occurred to me that I could get an upright bike and it just changed riding for me,” she says. “It’s not a sport; it’s a way of getting around. Now I dress in my work clothes on my bike, including heels — they’re more comfortable pedaling than walking.”

Driving from her South Windsor home takes about 10 minutes, while biking adds 10 minutes — time she spends decompressing.

“I started to notice my mood lifting during the ride,” says Noel. “And I am getting a lot of exercise without having to go to the gym.”

All three appreciate that their office has a locked ground-level space where they can store their bikes and point out that cyclists must take precautions when sharing streets with motor vehicles.

“I always wear a helmet,” Rosser-Davies says, “because you only get one brain.”

Learn more about campus infrastructure and programs promoting active transportation.

More than 200 local high school students gathered at the Odette School of Business on April 25 to participate in a stock trading competition.

The Odette Outcry Competition, held for the first time since 2019, utilized the business school’s newly renovated Walter Pasnik Financial Markets lab and Rotman Interactive Trader Market Simulator program to reproduce a Wall Street trading floor. Students were provided simulated market information and worked with their teams to buy and sell stocks and maximize returns.

BMO Financial Group sponsored the event, and company leaders hosted a session for the students discussing their career journeys and insights. Remo DiPaolo, market leader for financial planning, Windsor Essex Chatham at BMO Financial Group, emphasized the importance of giving back and encouraging guidance and support for future leaders.

“Building a community of collaboration with higher education institutions such as the University of Windsor, especially through the Outcry initiative, is so important as we guide young adults from our local high schools,” he said.

The title of top trading team was claimed by students from F.J. Brennan Catholic High School.

“We were very pleased to offer students the opportunity to experience the first-hand excitement of a stock trading floor,” said interim dean of the Odette School of Business Ashish Mahajan. “Providing experiences like this is what we strive to do at Odette.”

“I’m here to make it easy to get you moving,” says Giovanna Abraham.

Co-ordinator in the Office of the Vice-President, Operations, she is one of the instructors for classes for UWindsor faculty and staff run by Lancer Recreation during weekday lunch periods on main campus.

“I believe that workout routines for beginners should help you to feel empowered as you learn new skills, build confidence, and get results!” says Abraham, who adjusts fitness classes for all levels.

One-hour classes begin at noon on the main campus:

• Mondays and Wednesdays — Yoga Mid-day Release with Nicole Daignault
  Enjoy a moderate-to-low-intensity session, including breathing exercises to relax and balance the nervous system, meditation to still the mind, and deep relaxation to rest the body. Location: Oak Room, Vanier Hall
• Tuesdays — Gia Fit Pi-Yo with Giovanna Abraham
  Target your entire body with Pilates and yoga fusion movements that will leave you toned, sculpted, and strong. Finish with breathwork, chakra healing, and other techniques to energize, soothe, or balance the energy in the body and nervous system. Location: Oak Room, Vanier Hall
• Thursdays — Gia Fit Sculpt with Giovanna Abraham
  Get stronger, more toned, and more confident during our total body sculpt class using dumbbells and other equipment. This results-driven workout combines resistance training and targeted exercises to help you build lean muscle, increase strength, and improve overall body composition. Location: Education Gym located between the University Computer Centre and the CAW Student Centre

Fitness classes on the main campus begin this week, and a free trial lets you try before you buy.

“The best way to get involved is to purchase our All-Class Pass priced at $70,” says Mike McMahon, assistant fitness co-ordinator for Lancer Rec.

The All-Class Pass also provides full access to Lancer Recreation classes held in the Toldo Lancer Centre. Click here to purchase online. Once you have your pass, register for classes through the GoLancers app.

The University of Windsor will be well represented in the next production by Windsor Light Music Theatre, running May 3 to 12 at the Chrysler Theatre.

The SpongeBob Musical, an adaptation of the cartoon television series, stars Justin Raisbeck (BA 2007, B.Ed 2011) in the title role and is directed by fellow alum Kathy Roberts (BFA 2002, B.Ed 2003)., with other grads, instructors, and current students participating on- and off-stage.

“While The SpongeBob Musical pays homage to the beloved TV show, it also pushes the boundaries of what audiences expect from a stage adaptation,” says Roberts.

“By infusing the production with fresh perspectives, innovative staging, and contemporary relevance, we’re able to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers alike, offering a unique and exciting theatrical experience for all.”

To secure a seat, call 519-252-6579 or visit windsorlight.com/buytickets.