Several of the winners of Tech Awards announced last week by the WEtech Alliance boast connections to the University of Windsor, including:

• Jill Urbanic (MASc 2003, PhD 2007), professor of mechanical, automotive, and material engineering, named Tech Researcher of the Year;
• Jason Musyj (BSc 2006), co-founder of software developer MobiStream Solutions, named Tech Professional of the Year; and
• Deanna McLennan (B.Ed 1999, M.Ed 2003, PhD 2008), teacher at LaSalle Public School, named Tech Teacher of the Year.

Dr. Urbanic said she was “honoured” to receive the recognition.

“I feel that it is an appreciation of the excellent and innovative work that my researchers and I are engaged in here at the University of Windsor,” she said.

Almost 5,000 ballots were cast in support of nominees, noted John-Marc Vachon, director of programs and marketing at WEtech Alliance.

“The Tech Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the great work being done by our regional tech companies and individuals,” he said. “We’re incredibly proud of all that has been accomplished and are honoured to celebrate the individuals and companies who are helping make the region a global hub for technology and innovation.”

Organizers unveiled videos announcing each of the winners over the course of Tech Week YQG; watch all of them on YouTube.

Test your health knowledge and skills busting myths about cancer at the “Don’t be Fooled” trivia night, taking place online April 1.

This graduate student-led event, hosted by WE-Spark Health Institute and Windsor’s Research Information Outreach Team (RIOT), is open to all ages. There’s something for everyone, including a chance to win a $25 raffle prize.

RIOT Windsor is a volunteer group of University of Windsor researchers comprised of graduate students and professors in cancer biology, chemistry, computer science, physics, psychology, and engineering.

The free trivia event will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday; register here.

A lack of motivation can be the biggest obstacle to reaching your goals, advises Human Resources in a message sent to UWindsor staff and faculty Monday.

“When you have no motivation to complete a task (or even start one), consider the possible reasons why you’re struggling,” the email reads. “Then, develop a plan to help motivate yourself to get going.”

It provides some methods to overcome the motivation roadblock:

• Consider the reasons why. At times, lack of motivation is a symptom of a bigger problem. Take a few minutes to consider why you might have trouble motivating yourself.
• Act as if you feel motivated. Trick yourself into feeling motivated by changing your behaviour. Act as if you felt motivated and your actions may change your emotions.
• Argue the opposite. When you think that you are going to fail, argue all the reasons why you might succeed; it can help you see both ends of the spectrum.
• Pair a dreaded task with something you enjoy. Boost your mood by adding a little fun or a more exciting task to something you are not motivated to do.
• Practise self-care. Create a healthy self-care plan to take care of your mind and body. For example: take regular breaks, go for a walk at lunch, meditate each morning, enjoy a good book or leisure activity.

Learn more about what to do when you lack motivation in the Wellness Tip of the Week.

The Centre for Teaching and Learning is calling for nominations for the GA/TA Awards for Educational Practice (up to two will be awarded) and the GA/TA Award for Educational Leadership (one award) recognizing contributions that graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants make to the University of Windsor’s learning environment.

The awards aim to:

• recognize and honour exemplary graduate and teaching assistants who contribute to a positive, learning-centred environment at the University;
• inspire GAs and TAs to recognize their potential for excellence in educational practice and leadership, and motivate them to transform that potential into reality; and
• publicize examples of excellence in GA/TA educational practice and leadership that can inform the practices of all teachers, while contributing to student and faculty pride in teaching and learning at the University of Windsor.

The deadline for nominations is 5 p.m. May 25. Find details on the nomination process on the CTL website. Direct questions and comments to learning specialist Pierre Boulos at boulos@uwindsor.ca.