Librarian Antoinette Seymour (BA 1994) returned to her alma mater by chance. While researching the Windsor Castle Archives online, she came across the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute call, and as she put it, “the rest is history.”

Seymour is dedicated to preserving culture and memory, believing that understanding the past is crucial for the future of information preservation. Her research focuses on the Caribbean diaspora, addressing gaps in information repositories, and exploring chess as an educational tool.

She joined the Leddy Library team in the spring from Nassau, Bahamas, bringing with her extensive experience in archival and records work. Seymour hopes her research will highlight the contributions of marginalized community members and foster a world of sharp, critical thinkers.

DailyNews will showcase the contributions and insights of members of the Black Scholars Institute leading up to its official launch on Sept. 26 and connected with Seymour to discuss her research goals and archival expertise.

Q: Tell us about your research interests and what projects you'd like to pursue at UWindsor.

A:

1. Caribbean diaspora (disruption of silences at information repositories with respect to Caribbean community and nation builders in Canada)

2. Chess as an educational and intervention tool (retired national/regional/international chess champion)

3. Genealogical project: collection of Black funeral booklets or programmes (see ONCE UPON A TIME: Part Four … Through the lens of a Black archivist | Leddy Library)

Q: Can you share a bit about your academic journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in archives and library studies?

A: I was gainfully employed as an information professional (records manager) in January 1985 at the University of the Bahamas. Long story, but I fell into archives, specifically, in 2009. I am passionate about preserving culture, history, heritage, identity, legacy, footprints, and memory. Life lesson: ‘Yuh never miss da water till da well run dry’ (in Bahamianese). So, it goes with archives or permanent records. Alma maters: UBahamas, UWindsor (44 years ago as a 16-year-old newbie, I roller-skated all over campus, including upstairs into Vanier for a scrip-paid meal as well as into Leddy to borrow books, but now Leddy bans skating - sigh), UBristol, UGlasgow.

Q: What led you to become a part of the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute?

A: Another long story. While Googling information on Windsor Castle Archives, the UWindsor BSI call popped up. My dear alma mater at which I came of age? The rest is history.

Q: Could you explain the significance of your work and research interests?

A: The past informs the future with respect to information management and preservation, and chess mimics life while honing strategy, analysis, creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, discipline, and focus. Fortunately, with chess play, there are no boundaries: age, gender, race, etc. It's all in the teaching of it. A great, dedicated, engaging chess tutor pulls it out of anyone.

Q: What do you believe are some of the most pressing challenges in your field today?

A:

1. Underrepresentation of certain ethnic groups. Apparently, there are only 20 Black archivists in all of Canada, and I was led to believe that I am the only one in a university today. Who then will proactively collect and preserve our narratives?

2. An unfortunate misconception is that archives are “dem ole boring, wutless records” (a phrase from my records management workshop title), exclusive to historians. Archives, personal or professional, flow from every nook and cranny of life, and anyone can qualify herself/himself to become a guardian of memory, not just students on an academic history or English strand. Anyone! This is also tied to (the desire to) access. Consider a library, a museum, and an archive. Whether physical or virtual, which one is least visited? Opening hours? Appeal to all ages? Etc?

3. Paucity of resources, of course. Utopia: the purpose-built archives. Utopia, however, can’t be arrived at until powers-that-be embrace the significance of archives: Institutional archives are a must! | The Bahamas, Bahamas | Bahamas Local News - The Bahamas, Bahamas.

4. Pervasive perception that librarian is synonymous with archivist. Yes, both are information professionals, but they are chalk and cheese. For instance, just examine librarian cataloguing and archivist cataloguing. Aha!

Q: In what ways do you hope your research and work will be of influence?

A:

1. Archives: Illumination of marginalized and unsung community builders as well as everyday citizens and residents. It is all tied to assimilation, identity, belonging, and morale.

2. Chess: Just imagine a world of focused, critical thinkers and problem solvers.

With a keen interest in mathematics, assistant professor Yawo Mamoua Kobara was drawn to explore statistics with the goal of using data to address business challenges and support decision-making in emerging economies.

Dr. Kobara has earned two master’s degrees — one in mathematical sciences and another in financial engineering — along with a PhD in statistics which has driven his research interests. He explores using statistical analysis to address social and business challenges, focusing on areas of healthcare and finance.

Joining the University of Windsor as a new member of the Black Scholars’ Institute (BSI), Dr. Kobara’s research aims to develop tools and insights to improve patient flow and minimize discrimination in the healthcare system.

DailyNews will showcase the contributions and insights of members of the Black Scholars Institute leading up to its official launch on Sept. 26 and connected with Kobara to discuss his research and vision for influencing policy and business practices.

Q: Tell us about your research interests and what projects you'd like to pursue at UWindsor.

A: My research interests lie at the intersection of statistical analytics and social business problems, with a particular focus on healthcare and finance. At UWindsor, I would like to pursue projects that explore how data-driven analysis can enhance customer satisfaction and develop innovative methods for business data analytics. These projects align with my long-term goal of contributing to sustainable economic policies and advancing AI applications in business environments.

Q: Can you share a bit about your academic journey and what inspired you to pursue a career in business?

A: My academic journey began with a strong interest in mathematical sciences, which evolved into a passion for business statistics. During my undergraduate studies, I was drawn to how statistical and operational models can inform business decisions and shape economic policies. This led me to pursue two master’s degrees — one in mathematical sciences and another in financial engineering — as well as a PhD in statistics. My goal has been to use data to solve complex business challenges and drive informed policymaking in emerging economies.

 

Q: What led you to become a part of the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute?

A: Joining the University of Windsor’s Black Scholars Institute was a decision based on my commitment to supporting Black underrepresented communities and contributing to a network of scholars with similar experiences and goals. I was inspired by the institute’s focus on empowering Black scholars and fostering academic and professional excellence.

Q: Could you explain the significance of your work and research interests?

A: The significance of my work lies in its potential to inform management and policymaking and innovate business practices through data. By focusing on data in healthcare systems, my research aims to develop tools and insights to optimize patient flow and reduce discrimination within the healthcare system.

Q: What do you believe are some of the most pressing challenges in your field today?

A: One of the most pressing challenges in analytics today is the ethical use of AI, including data privacy concerns and ensuring data-driven insights are accessible to all. With the increasing digitization of healthcare records, protecting patient data from breaches and ensuring compliance with regulations is a significant concern. Balancing data accessibility with stringent privacy standards remains a critical challenge.

Q: In what ways do you hope your research will be of influence?

A: I hope my research will influence policymakers, business leaders, and the academic community by providing insights that lead to more informed decision-making and offering new methodologies to improve business practices. Specifically, I aim to enhance healthcare resource utilization and patient satisfaction.

Registration is now open for the official launch of the Black Scholars Institute on Thursday, Sept. 26.

The all-day event is set for the lower level and the atrium of the CAW Student Centre, featuring speakers, panel discussions, refreshment, and live entertainment.

Learn more about the institute and meet its members, including the 13 new members joining the faculty through the Black Scholars Hiring Initiative.

Registration is not mandatory, but aids in planning food and resources for the event. RSVP by Sept. 18.

The second annual “It Matters that You’re Here Walk of Hope and Healing” is set to take place on World Suicide Prevention Day — Tuesday, Sept. 10 — starting at Chrysler Hall Tower’s southwest flagpole.

Student Health, Counselling & Wellness Services in collaboration with the Office of the Vice-President, People, Equity, & Inclusion Employee Mental Health Strategy implementation team plan to bring the campus community together to raise awareness of suicide prevention and promote help-seeking.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. with remarks and a flag-raising ceremony followed by an introduction to this year’s Care Champions. Attendees will then be invited to participate in a campus walk, followed by light refreshments.

The It Matters that You’re Here suicide prevention campaign flag will remain in place until the end of September to convey the importance of campus suicide prevention, foster a sense of care and connection for those who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, and raise awareness of the It Matter that You’re Here initiative, which connects back to campus and community mental health resources, crisis supports, and options for emergency mental health care.

Participation in the walk is open to UWindsor students, faculty, and staff. Register here to join.

“As we begin the new school year and enter into suicide awareness month, this event is an important reminder that support is available for anyone on campus who may be struggling,” says Katie Chauvin, mental health and wellness co-ordinator. “Feelings of overwhelm, isolation, sadness that doesn’t go away, and thoughts of suicide are just a few signs that it’s time to reach out.

“There are free, confidential resources available to both students and employees and we encourage anyone who is going through a difficult time to access these supports. Reaching out and asking for help is the strongest thing you can do.”

Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or distress can find resources for 24/7 crisis support on the It Matters that You’re Here website. Click here to learn more.

Additional student mental health resources can be found here.

Additional employee mental health resources can be found here.

Provided by Continuing Education in collaboration with Procept Associates Ltd., the new Change Management Practitioner Certification combines the APMG International Change Management Foundation and the APMG International Change Management Practitioner into one accelerated program offered entirely online.

Soula Serra, a team lead for academic partnerships and one of the first students in the UWindsor program, values the experience.

“The course gave me the skills to create a comprehensive change management plan and consider change at various levels of the organization,” she says. “It’s prepared me to complete both APMG International Change Management exams to earn my Change Management Professional designation.”

The fall program will be divided into two learning blocks to reflect the curriculum of each certification.

In the first module, students will learn about foundational change management models and techniques for strategizing change within a professional team.

In the second, students will understand how to apply and tailor change management guidance to any organizational change situation.

Upon the completion of each module, students will write a certification exam. Learn more now.

Program dates are as follows:

> Module 1: Sept. 16 to Oct. 10
> Module 2: Nov. 4 to Dec. 5

Visit the Continuing Education website for more information on this program.

UWindsor alumni, staff, students, and Hire UWindsor Partners are eligible for a discount. Email continue@uwindsor.ca for details.

Want to connect your campus group with the local community? Open Streets Windsor is back, offering the perfect opportunity to get involved.

Once again, the city will transform eight kilometers of roadway into a vibrant, car-free space on Sunday, Sept. 22, where thousands of residents can cycle, walk, jog, and explore.

This year’s event introduces a new route, starting on Via Italia and stretching east to Riverside, giving participants the chance to discover new neighbourhoods.

A University Hub will be right in the middle of the action on Ford City’s Drouillard Road nestled between the many shops and restaurants the area offers.

“This year is a great opportunity to participate because we’re in a new location and connecting with a different demographic than previous years,” said Mona Sleiman, manager of outreach, events, and protocol in the Office of the President.

The commitment is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., plus set-up and teardown times. To get involved and reserve your space, contact Sleiman at mona@uwindsor.ca.

An agreement between the University of Windsor and an industry partner will focus on advancing new battery and energy storage technologies in Canada’s electric vehicle ecosystem.

The partnership with NEO Battery Materials, a low-cost silicon anode materials developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging lithium-ion batteries, will leverage synergies between industry and academia to drive innovation and competitive advantages in battery and sustainable mobility technologies, says UWindsor vice-president, research and innovation, Shanthi Johnson.

“Our institution has a proven commitment to pursuing bold, impactful research in collaboration with industry,” Dr. Johnson said. “This partnership with NEO Battery Materials is an example of that commitment with tangible benefits to the EV sector, the Canadian economy, and society as a whole.”

Under the agreement, NEO will collaborate with researchers in the Faculty of Engineering on projects focused on optimizing silicon anodes, fabricating multi-layer lithium-ion battery cells, and developing novel component materials.

Along with research and development, the collaboration aims to create commercialization pathways for new innovations and explore work opportunities to equip students with practical experience and create a pipeline of highly qualified personnel to fill the needs of the growing EV workforce.

Jessica Raffoul has accepted a five-year term as director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL), effective August 2024, the Office of the Provost has announced.

Raffoul is an internationally recognized scholar and leader who brings more than 15 years of experience as an educational leader, developer, instructor, and writer.

The CTL boasts a national and international reputation and is central to the core work of the University. The centre works in partnership with faculty, staff, and students from across campus for effective teaching and curriculum.

“Jessica is a scholarly and administrative leader who will guide the vision for an institutional culture that values teaching and learning,” said Erika Kustra, associate vice-president academic.

Raffoul served as acting director for a period of one year when Kustra took on her new role.

Program co-ordinator of the University Teaching Certificate, Raffoul has led multiple campus-wide efforts and inter-institutional research projects centred on enhancing teaching and learning. Her current research focuses on such topics as educational leadership and change in post-secondary institutions, Indigenization, and the value and purpose of scholarship of teaching and learning.

She has co-organized regional, national, and international teaching and learning events engaging thousands of instructors, administrators, community members, and students from across the world.

“We are very lucky to have Jessica as the director,” Kustra said. “She has an international reputation for her research, with a strong commitment to the University of Windsor, connecting deeply with faculty, staff, and students.”

Material chemists and engineers were in full networking swing at the Masters in Material Chemistry and Engineering (MMCE) program’s first annual MCEcon event on Aug. 13.

The UWindsor Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry hosted around 50 students, scientists, and industry professionals.

“This unique networking event aimed to introduce the high-quality research projects carried out by the MMCE students enrolled in the project-based stream of the program to the industry professionals,” says conference founder Zareen Amtul, co-ordinator of the MMCE program in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.

John Hunter, a retired senior consulting scientist at Novelis, says he thoroughly enjoyed the event.

“All of the students were fantastic, a real credit to the U of W. It was a real pleasure interacting with them all,” Dr. Hunter says. “The event was extremely well organized — a very nice balance between informality and a well-structured-schedule.”

A jury of experts from the industry and academia chose best student project and best student presenter awards founded by Dr. Amtul with industry funders.

Graduate student Saif Ur Rehman, supervised by professor Simon Rondeau-Gagné of chemistry and Mohammed Jalal Ahamed of engineering, earned both the Ethos Engineering & Testing Best Project and Novelis Best Presentation awards for his project, “Analysis of PDMS-Based Self-Healing Capacitive Pressure Sensors.”

In addition to networking sessions, panel discussions, and mixers to connect academics, potential future employees, and students, the event featured a workshop offering advice on careers, resumé writing, job applications, and first-hand experience by experts from industry and the Career Development and Experiential Learning office.

The Special Appointments Committee of the University Senate welcomes nominations and applications for the title of Distinguished University Professor.

Intended to recognize faculty at the rank of professor who have distinguished achievements in teaching and an international reputation for scholarship or creative or professional accomplishment, the title has been conferred on 48 individuals since its inception in 1986.

An application for an eligible candidate must be submitted to Senate governance officer Danny Anger in the University Secretariat by Nov. 30. Details of the criteria and process can be found here. For additional information, contact Danny Anger by email at angerd1@uwindsor.ca.

To kick off the fall academic term, the Office of Career Development and Experiential Learning has launched the newly branded Career Centre, a dedicated space for students of all years to access career supports and resources.

“We know that career guidance is as a valuable resource for many students,” says manager Krista Kelly. “By rebranding as the Career Centre, we aim to boost our visibility and emphasize our role as the central resource for career development and employability on campus. Our reimagined space will serve as a key destination for those seeking career support, providing an inviting environment where students can explore their interests and utilize the full range of services and programs we offer.

“Whether it’s a first- or second-year student just starting to think about their future career path, or a fourth-year student looking for job search support as they prepare for life after graduation, the Career Centre has many resources available to help students navigate their career journey.”

The Career Centre offers a range of services and experiential learning programs, including career advising, career workshops, daily peer advising drop-in hours, and a free headshot photobooth for students to spruce up their LinkedIn profiles.

The Career Centre also collaborates with industry, faculty, and staff to design and facilitate curricular and co-curricular experiential learning opportunities that bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. Experiential learning programs include Job Shadow, VIP-Community Service Learning, and Ignite Work-Study.

To celebrate the launch of the new space, the Career Centre will host a Careers and Cold Brew grand opening event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Career Centre atrium, located in the Joyce Entrepreneurship Centre, Suite 100. During the event, students will have the opportunity to meet faculty specific career advisors and learn about services and programs while enjoying a free cup of cold brew coffee. As an added bonus, students who attend the grand opening will be entered into a draw to win a pair of Apple AirPods Max headphones or a one-year subscription to Spotify.