Nick Schembri and Josh Martin, students in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering, were eager to get research experience early in their university careers. The two began working with professors Rupp Carriveau and Jacqueline Stagner in their first year of study and now, in just their second year, had the opportunity to present their findings before a room filled with industry leaders and academic experts.

The students were tasked with investigating North American grid outages and how the electrical grid is impacted at the neighborhood transformer level by new and disruptive loads. They were responsible for measuring grid vulnerability and providing a comprehensive analysis of their findings and writing journal papers.

“The students were given a significant responsibility early on, and they rose to the challenge,” says Dr. Carriveau. “They worked hard to collect data, analyze it, and present their findings to the research team.”

Schembri and Martin made a presentation at “Energy in a Climate of Rapid Change,” Feb. 6 in Toronto. The workshop, which focused on grid vulnerabilities and emerging technologies, also addressed the financial implications of these challenges. Participants explored funding models and solutions to enhance the resilience of energy systems.

Their involvement in the project is a testament to the University’s commitment to fostering practical, impactful research and preparing students for success in their future careers, says Dr. Stagner.

“It’s a great opportunity for our students to gain exposure and showcase the research they’re passionate about,” she says. “Being able to engage with leaders in the energy sector helps to solidify their understanding of the real-world applications of their work.”

While boys his age were honing their skating skills, Bruce Durfy pursued another avocation.

“Motorcycles have always been a part of my life. I got my first one in seventh or eighth grade, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” says Durfy, a technologist in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering.

“While my friends were learning to skate, I was out there riding motorcycles on the ice. It’s always been a part of what I love to do with my winters.”

That dedication to the sport saw him triumph in the American Motorcyclist Association Grand National Championship for Oval Track Ice Racing, Feb. 1 on Leisure Lake in Sumner. Mich.

The event draws motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the mid-west. The track, a flat, oval-shaped course carved into the ice, is a unique challenge for competitors who race motorcycles outfitted with studded tires for traction.

“We have everything from 4- to 5-year-olds riding small bikes to the vintage motorcycle class, which I race in,” Durfy says. “These bikes are older models, and there are no age limits — anyone can ride them.”

Unseasonably warm winters had the championship, usually held annually, in abeyance for the last two years.

“You need at least eight inches of solid ice to race safely, and this year has been the best ice we’ve had in the region for a long time,” says Durfy.

He began his serious racing career in 2014 with friends from London and Komoka and has built a strong passion for both ice racing and flat track racing. He even has a chance to employ his technical skills.

“I build my own bikes, and I race them both in the winter on the ice and in the summer on flat oval tracks, usually at old horse tracks,” Durfy says. “It’s the same motorcycle, just with different tires and suspension for each season.”

Now established as one of the top riders in his class, he is determined to keep racing as long as possible and looks forward to a busy season ahead.

The Department of Physics has awarded fourth-year undergraduate Sareen Sabra the eighth annual Lucjan Krause Undergraduate Scholarship in Physics.

The scholarship was established by Dr. Krause’s family in his name to recognize deserving undergraduate students in any physics program who, through their academic and scientific endeavours, bring recognition and honour to the University of Windsor’s Department of Physics. The award is for $1,500.

Sabra says the award is a physical reminder that the work she has done has made an impact.

“Most of the time, whether I’m doing research or helping out in the department, I do it because I genuinely enjoy it — I love talking, doing and thinking about physics. Winning this award wouldn’t have changed that, but it’s definitely encouraged me to keep going and keep doing what I enjoy,” she says.

“It’s also nice that this award was created by a former department head. It shows how much the department cares about its students and supports their growth and achievements, which makes it feel even more meaningful.”

Sabra is currently president of the Physics Club.

“Sareen is a highly successful student and has made many valuable contributions to the physics department,” says Steven Rehse, head of the Department of Physics.

“Along with carrying a GPA of 95, she has been a very active and proactive president of the Physics Club. She has made it her mission to strive for both fun and excellence as a student-led club, winning the Science Society “departmental association of the year” award, and to reach out to as many junior physics students and other students across campus as possible.”

Sabra performs theoretical physics research with professor Jeffrey Rau. She is the recipient of the Baylis Research Internship and two Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Undergraduate Student Research Awards. She is currently writing up the results of her work and hopes to have a publication produced this year before she graduates.

She has disseminated her research results by attending the Canadian Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics and the Canadian Association of Physicists annual congress, giving an oral presentation entitled “The Spreading of Chaos in Systems with Long Range Interactions.”

The fourth annual Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization (EDID) Week is scheduled for March 17 to 21, bringing together faculty, students, staff, alumni, and community members to create a transformative and inclusive space through a lineup of events and discussions that will further illuminate the path toward a more equitable community.

To learn about the activities taking place during EDID Week, visit the event website.

On Feb. 6, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) renewed the accreditation of the Odette School of Business, recognizing its continued excellence in business education.

This international accreditation verifies that business schools meet the highest standards of excellence in teaching, research, and more. Achieving AACSB accreditation is a mission-driven, rigorous process that includes an in-depth assessment of internal activities, mentorship with an AACSB advisor, and a peer-reviewed evaluation focused on continuous improvement.

“Maintaining AACSB accreditation reaffirms our commitment to delivering high-quality business education and continuously improving our programs,” says Ashish Mahajan, interim dean of the Odette School of Business.

AACSB now has 1,037 accredited institutions in more than 65 countries and territories, representing just 6 per cent of business schools globally.

Stephanie Bryant, the association’s executive vice-president and global chief accreditation officer, says, “The commitment to earning accreditation is a true reflection of each school’s dedication — not only to its students, alumni network, and greater business community — but to society as a whole.”

Join expert Keith Baxter in the Toldo Lancer Centre this winter to sharpen your pickleball skills.

The six-week program is offered Tuesdays in three time slots beginning March 11 and welcomes players at all skill levels. Class will take place on the Mondo courts in the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse.

For more information and to register, visit the Lancer Recreation website. Email questions and inquiries to gbarile@uwindsor.ca.

Championship season is heating up at the University of Windsor. With the 2025 Ontario University Athletics track and field championships set for Feb. 21 and 22, now is the time to rally behind the Lancers and experience the thrill of elite-level competition up close.

This premier event will see Ontario’s top student-athletes battle for gold — every race, jump, and throw carrying championship implications. With a history of strong performances at this meet, the Lancers are ready to put on a show in front of their home crowd.

But that’s just the beginning. Hot on the heels of the OUA championships, the 2025 U Sports track and field championships, March 6 to 8, will bring the best in Canadian university track and field to Windsor.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action! Get your tickets now at golancers.ca/feature/OUA2025 and golancers.ca/feature/USPORTS2025.

Campus offices will close Monday, Feb. 17, in observance of Family Day, and some operations will alter their hours of service during Reading Week.

The Leddy Library will close on Monday, Feb. 17, and on Friday, Feb. 21, will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Don and Gail Rodzik Law Library will close Monday and Friday, Feb. 17 and 21.

Food Services outlets will operate on a special schedule for Reading Week; find details on its website.

DailyNews, the University of Windsor’s e-newsletter, will publish just once during Reading Week. Its sole edition will appear Wednesday, Feb. 19, and regular publication three days a week will resume Feb. 24.

The Department of Continuing Education in collaboration with the School of Creative Arts presents another season of musical instruction for children and youth.

The University of Windsor Lab School Music Program: Strings, offers a space for young strings musicians aged 4 to 17, to practise, collaborate, and enhance their ensemble playing abilities. Students are encouraged to explore their musicality through games and activities pioneered by instructors and supported by SoCA students.

The winter 2025 session will kick off with a free “drop in” lesson for interested participants from 2 to 4 p.m. on Feb. 22 at the SoCA Armouries. Young musicians who play the violin, viola, cello, or string bass are invited to bring their instruments. There will be a set number of violins available to borrow for the duration of this session. To learn more about this lesson, or to register, click here.

This free group lesson will transition into the full ensemble program, which will run from Feb. 22 to June 14. Learners will participate in bi-weekly classes where they will be divided into two groups based on age and experience.

For more information on the winter program and beginner and intermediate groups, visit the Lab School Music Program website, or registration page. Families should register their young musicians before Feb. 18.

UWindsor alumni, staff, students, and group registrations are eligible for a discount. Families looking to register two or more children will receive a discounted price for each child. Direct inquiries to continue@uwindsor.ca.