As a biomedical science student, Priya Chana is grateful for the exposure to physics she gained through the Outstanding Scholars program, which she says has broadened her academic experience.

“I work with MRI machines now, and I’m actually able to operate them independently — something many students at other universities don’t get the chance to do,” Chana said. “I’ve also learned about coding and the inner workings of MRI technology, which is really exciting for me because I love physics.”

The Outstanding Scholars program gives high-achieving second-, third-, and fourth-year undergraduates the chance to conduct paid research with faculty members outside their regular coursework. Many participants can also present their findings at UWill Discover, the University's annual student research conference.

“The University of Windsor’s Outstanding Scholars program is unique in Canada for its interdisciplinary support network and campus-wide resources,” said program co-ordinator Tim Brunet. “Our students are highly successful in gaining admission to professional and graduate schools.”

This is Chana’s second time in the program, where she was a top applicant. She is currently conducting research under professor Dan Xiao.

During her first year, Chana worked on a sustainability project aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Her group focused on SDG 16, which centres on fostering peace, justice, and strong institutions. Their project highlighted the targets the UN has set to achieve this goal as well as how the University of Windsor aims to meet the targets of SDG 16.

Now, Chana looks forward to continuing her work with the MRI machines and is excited about what she has learned so far.

“When I started school, I never imagined I’d be using an MRI every day, but now I am. Seeing how it all works has been fascinating — especially since I’ve always been interested in medicine. I’ve had family members undergo MRIs, so learning how the machine produces images with different contrasts has been really exciting,” she said.

Chana said she is most looking forward to continuing her volunteer work in the pediatric department at Windsor Regional Hospital this school year, getting back into the lab, and expanding her knowledge through research: something she is now considering pursuing as a career.

“Initially, I thought I wanted to go to medical school, but after engaging in research, I’ve developed a passion for it,” she said. “Now, I’m considering pursuing a PhD or possibly an MD-PhD. It’s a long journey, but my favourite part is discovering new things I never thought possible.”

To learn more about the Outstanding Scholars program, visit uwindsor.ca/outstandingscholars/.

For more than 30 years, contributions from UWindsor faculty and staff have helped the Windsor-Essex Children’s Aid Society bring holiday joy and delight to thousands of area children and their families.

The Holiday Program collects gifts for local children serviced by the Children’s Aid Society.

As she plans to launch this year’s campaign, co-ordinator Sabina Howell, administrative assistant in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications, says the rising cost of essentials and basic necessities means the need is greater than ever.

“UWindsor employees have always gone above and beyond to ensure no child goes without during the holiday season,” says Howell. “Last year faculty, staff, and students brought in more than $34,000 worth of gifts for those in need. Without their generous support, many of the recipients would have little to celebrate.”

Right now, all she needs is for those considering joining the effort to send in an expression of interest. To participate, email Howell at Sabina.Howell@uwindsor.ca. Collected items must be delivered to the Welcome Centre on Dec. 10.

Lancer football is playoff-bound and ready to defend their home turf at Alumni Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26 at 3 p.m. as they take on the Queen's Gaels.

Finishing fourth in the OUA standings with a regular-season record of 5-3, the Lancers have proven they can rise to the occasion. Now, they’re prepared to bring their best as they gear up for a high-stakes postseason clash.

“Playoff football is a battle, and our guys are ready to give it everything they’ve got,” says head coach JP Circelli. “We’ve worked hard all season, and we’re excited to take the field in front of our home crowd. It’s time to step up.”

Stephanie White, director of athletics, urges faculty, staff, students, and everyone on campus participating in the Fall Open House to rally in support of Lancer football.

“Now is the time to show what it means to be a Lancer,” she said. “Let’s pack the stands at Alumni Stadium and demonstrate our unwavering pride and strength as a campus community. Your energy can ignite our team and make a real difference on game day!”

Rally behind the Lancers and bring the energy.

Get your tickets now at goLancers.ca.

Research has shown that a walk in nature can significantly boost mental well-being. But can a stroll through a museum or gallery have a similar effect?

Francesco Biondi, an expert in human factors and a faculty member in the Department of Kinesiology, is leading a study to find out. In collaboration with the City of Windsor’s Chimczuk Museum, Dr. Biondi and his research team will explore how visiting museums could potentially improve cognitive functions and mental resources.

“The idea for this project stems from existing literature on cognitive restoration,” Dr. Biondi explained. “Research shows that spending time in natural environments, like urban parks or the outdoors, can reduce stress and improve well-being. Personally, I enjoy art and often visit concerts and museums. This led me to wonder if we might find a similar cognitive or restorative effect when visiting museums.”

Participants will walk in one of three possible environments for about 30 to 45 minutes. One group will take a general walk through campus, another will stroll through the Chimczuk Museum, and the third will walk through a natural environment, such as Ojibway Park or another local park.

Before heading out on their trek, participants will complete a series of tasks to assess their physiological and cognitive state, aiming to mentally fatigue them slightly before the walk.

“During the walk, participants will wear an eye tracker, which looks like a pair of glasses and allows us to monitor where they’re looking and for how long. After the walk, we’ll measure their performance on different cognitive tasks again, comparing it to their initial results. We’ll also assess brain activation metrics to see how the walk affects them in different scenarios,” Biondi said.

He anticipates researchers will see greater improvements in test performance after a visit to the Chimczuk Museum compared to a typical walk outdoors.

“Museum Windsor is very pleased to participate in this valuable research. We look forward to assisting in building scientific knowledge about the effects of museum visits on cognitive restoration,” said museum curator Madelyn Della Valle.

Biondi noted that the literature on nature suggests stress is reduced by spending time in a quiet environment among trees and the calming sounds of nature, particularly when people are away from their phones.

He believes having a quiet space free from outdoor noise, and putting down the phone will be an important aspect of the museum study as well.

“I think about when I go to museums and being exposed to the paintings and artifacts, and they have that imaginative effect of taking your mind away from your daily life and job, and just being immersed in this overall relaxing and learning environment,” Biondi said.

For more information about Dr. Biondi’s research, visit www.hslab.org.

Anita Imperioli, founder of the medical charity “In Honour of the Ones We Love,” will receive the Christian Culture Series Gold Medal, Assumption University has announced.

In a release, the university said Imperioli exemplifies many of the Christian corporal works of mercy in her volunteer work throughout Windsor and Essex County.

Since she founded “In Honour of the Ones We Love” following the death of her son at age one from a rare form of cancer, the organization has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to aid individuals, hospitals, and community health agencies.

Imperioli has led projects to provide essential items like chemo ports and comfort carts, establish amenities such as a playground, blanket warmers, and a residential home for cancer patients. She introduced the Kids Beating Cancer therapeutic martial arts program to Windsor-Essex, marking a first for the region.

The award ceremony will take place in April 2025 with the date and venue to be determined.

Windsor Law is inviting prospective students to learn more about its programs and admissions process at an upcoming information session.

The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at 5 p.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore what sets Windsor Law apart and engage with faculty, staff, and current students. Topics will include the school’s admissions process, academic programs, and other key aspects of student life.

To register visit uwindsor.ca/law

In today’s digital age, your electronic devices are vital to both your personal and professional life, making their security a top priority.

Avoid being a target and protect your electronic assets by following these recommended practices from Information Technology Services.

Each habit strengthens your defense against cyberthreats, and together, they form a robust shield.

• Close applications and browsers: At the end of your workday, close all applications and browser tabs to prevent potential vulnerabilities.
• Restart your computer regularly: Shutting down and restarting your computer at least once a week helps clear security threats and improves system performance.
• Enable automatic operating system updates: Automatic updates quickly address security vulnerabilities and keep your device running smoothly.
• Use the GlobalProtect VPN: Always connect securely with the University’s GlobalProtect Virtual Private Network, especially when off-campus.
• Maintain antivirus and firewall software: Keep your antivirus and firewall software up to date to ensure comprehensive protection.
• Update applications: Install Microsoft Office from portal.office.com and get apps only from trusted sources like Company Portal, Microsoft Store, or Mac App Store for regular updates.
• Subscribe to auto updates: Ensure your applications, including web browsers, are set to check for updates automatically.
• Install endpoint protection software: Use endpoint protection software like Cortex XDR and Windows Defender to shield your device from external viruses and malware. These tools scan for and remove potential threats.

For more detailed guidance, visit the Cybersecurity Computer Care webpage.

By registering your University-owned or personal devices in device administration, you contribute to protecting the campus network and data. This collective effort strengthens our defense against cyber threats, ensuring enhanced data protection and security.

When your computer or mobile phone is registered in device administration, it not only safeguards the University’s data but also provides seamless access to UWindsor systems for employees. Additionally, security fixes and patches are deployed directly to your device, improving its security posture.

Don’t wait until you’re a target — take action now to secure your devices and protect your digital world.

In early 2024, the University implemented mandatory cybersecurity training for all faculty, staff, post-doctoral fellows, adjunct professors, sessional instructors, and student employees. If you have not completed the mandatory training, do so by Oct. 31.

Led by IT Services, Cybersecurity Awareness Month efforts highlight cybersecurity issues relevant to the UWindsor community. More information can be found at uwindsor.ca/cybersecurity.