A new research lab dedicated to developing, validating, and promoting non-animal, human biology-based platforms in biomedical research, education, and chemical safety testing celebrated its grand opening Thursday at the University of Windsor.

Eric and Dana Margolis, from the Eric S. Margolis Family Foundation, were on hand to tour the Canadian Centre for Alternatives to Animal Methods (CCAAM), established with a $1 million donation received from the couple last year. In recognition, the Centre’s main research and training laboratory will be named the Eric S. Margolis Research and Training Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Methods. The funds will also support academic program development.

Charu Chandrasekera, CCAAM’s Executive Director, says research in the lab is aimed at understanding human biology in health and disease using complex human cell and tissue-based models.

“We study human biology at every level of biological function — DNA, pathways, cells, tissue, organ, and systems level. We can use human cells from cadavers and from surgical remains; we can engineer tissues and small organs called organoids from adult stem cells; we can even use 3D printing to produce replicas of human tissues and organs for research.”

Dr. Chandrasekera says artificial intelligence and high-performance computers provide the ability to model human biology to an unprecedented level of detail and run simulations that would never be possible with animal studies.

The work is a step in the right direction to Eric Margolis, who was an internationally syndicated journalist, as well as former owner and chairman of Jamieson Laboratories. His focus is now on animal welfare issues.

“I like to have my name on an organization that is active and at the forefront of progress in this area, where very little has been done and a great deal remains to be achieved,” he said.

University of Windsor President Robert Gordon says he is extremely grateful for the vision of the Margolis Foundation in supporting research that has the potential to greatly improve human health.

“This very generous donation will not only play an important role in developing novel ways of conducting human health research in the lab, but the education and training component means that our students will have an opportunity to learn in a unique setting that supports their academic growth – an ideal combination. I couldn’t be more thrilled.”

For more information on CCAAM, visit: http://www.uwindsor.ca/ccaam/

Now working toward a master’s degree in architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy, UWindsor grad Amanda Gatto looks back fondly on the research, experiential learning, and co-op opportunities she enjoyed as an undergrad in the Visual Arts and the Built Environment program.

“We had an opportunity to work on real community design projects,” she recalls. “The emphasis at both UW and UDM is on designing for people and developing environmentally sustainable design. We have a great studio culture of collaboration.”

Students in the VABE program take both studio-based and lecture-based courses. They split their time between the downtown SoCA campus and UDM’s School of Architecture.

Gatto qualified for the UWindsor’s Outstanding Scholars program, and she worked as a research assistant for professor and architect Veronika Mogyorody, conducting research on learning spaces that the pair presented in 2018 at the Education Developers Caucus at the University of Victoria, B.C.

She also spent two semesters in paid co-op internships, first with CS&P Architects Inc. — designers of the SoCA Armouries, Windsor Hall, and the current Lancer Sports and Recreation Complex — then with the Smith Group in Detroit.

“Smith Group is currently working on several projects for the University of Michigan,” she explains. “The group I’m working in works on window systems, siting the building to be energy efficient, and eliminate hot and cold areas.”

However, Gatto’s quest for opportunities weren’t limited to her required courses. She took several political science courses as electives, and professor Stephen Brooks invited her to join the the European Union Study Abroad Program. She spent three weeks in Belgium with a group of political science students, studying the European Union, and meeting with officials.

—Susan McKee

Now that autumnal weather appears to have arrived in earnest, the Campus Bookstore is promoting a ladies’ pullover that suits the season — the cuddle boxy crew.

Its ultra-soft knit fabric combines viscose, polyester, and elastane for a lightweight, soft feel and subtle stretch. It comes in a heather grey with the word “Windsor” and a couple of lances printed across the front.

General merchandise buyer Jackie Imeson says the garment combines comfort and style.

“Our cuddle boxy crew looks as good as it feels and can easily pair with just about anything, from jeans to a skirt,” she says. “We even have the matching pants with the UWindsor shield.”

The pullover is available in a range of sizes for $53.95 in the Campus Bookstore, located on the lower level of the CAW Student Centre.

A free class Tuesday, Oct. 22, will teach the basics of the Drupal content management system to staff and faculty responsible for maintaining UWindsor websites.

Website Basic Training will show site editors how to create pages and events, upload graphics, and use menus and blocks, says instructor Rob Aitkens, web development team lead in Information Technology Services.

He will also cover University and legislative guidelines for posting content.

The class is required for all employees responsible for maintaining UWindsor websites and is valuable for those with little previous experience with the system, for those upgrading their sites from version 6 to 7, or as a refresher. It will run 1:30 to 4 p.m. in G101, Leddy Library. Registration is required through this online form.

Thanksgiving Day — Monday, October 14 — is a statutory holiday.

There are no classes and all UWindsor offices, including the Leddy and law libraries and the CAW Student Centre, will close for the day.

During Reading Week, the student centre will close at 9:45 p.m. each day, opening at 7 a.m. Tuesday to Friday, and at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19 and 20.

Food Services will issue revised hours of operation for the holiday weekend and Reading Week on its website.