Exploring the connection of Martin Luther King Jr. to Windsor-Essex provides unique insight, says Lila Iriburiro Happy.

A fourth-year law and politics major, she is currently a project assistant for initiatives against anti-Black racism in the Office of the Vice-President, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; president of the Windsor Model United Nations; and an editorial assistant for Racialized Academics and Advocates Centering Equity and Solidarity.

In a piece she wrote in observance of the U.S. celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Iriburiro Happy recalls Dr. King’s 1956 appearance at Emancipation Day celebrations in Jackson Park, his first visit to Canada.

She reflects on her own experience as an international student who has gone from being perceived as African to being racialized as Black.

“Although enslaved African Americans escaped to Canada seeking freedom, this alone does not mend the systemic racism in the past and present. Therefore, decolonizing historic narratives and the education system is paramount to honour Black people and the transgenerational work of Dr. King,” Iriburiro Happy concludes.

Read the entire essay, entitled “Honouring Dr. King: In Windsor, in education, and in historic narrative.”

Tricia Carmichael’s research into electronic textiles and wearable motion sensors has won her the Award for Outstanding Mid-Career Achievements from NanoOntario’s 2021 Awards in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

“My interest really comes in materials chemistry — I am interested in making things and solving problems in that area. It has the potential to make these amazing systems that can improve the quality of life for people,” says Dr. Carmichael.

“I have the scientific interest that is my love for materials chemistry as well as the desire to do something good for society and quality of life. I think wearable electronics has that potential.”

Carmichael’s team created an electroluminescent fabric that can emit light on its own, or self-illuminate, using chemical processes.

“In environments where visibility is poor, or people are working at night, our fabrics could help regular people, every day,” she says. “We have also created sensors that can help the aging population by monitoring mobility of joints and generating data to see if someone is getting better or worse.”

Carmichael has explored the possibilities of wearable electronics throughout her academic career, which began at the University of Windsor in 2005. Her latest research into light-emitting textiles earned her and her students the cover article in the journal, Matter.

“It is so fun to work in this area, you can use a lot of imagination and learn a lot of new things and you look at the world differently,” she says.

Carmichael says working with her students in the lab is the best part of her job and collaborating with them is extremely satisfying.

“I think that students really enjoy working in this space because no matter what their training is, you can come in with new ideas and think practically about the value of what you’re doing and then go do the fundamental science to make it happen.”

Carmichael says it feels good to have people value her work and it is gratifying to be recognized by her peers with this award.

“This honours what I do every day and what my students do every day, and it is good for all of us. This also highlights the support of the Faculty of Science, the University of Windsor, and my funding sources,” says Carmichael.

“To succeed, it truly takes support from so many people. I’d especially like to thank my husband who has been incredibly supportive of me throughout my career.”

Carmichael will host a virtual lecture of her research career on Feb. 17 through NanoOntario.

Photography is a powerful communications tool, and a UWindsor faculty member hopes to see it used in defense of Mother Earth.

Renu S. Persaud, a lecturer in the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology, is the managing editor of Photographers Without Borders Magazine. Its not-for-profit parent, Photographers Without Borders, is offering funds to support “Revolutionary Storytellers.”

The organization’s membership is a diverse community of photographers and filmmakers uniting to support frontline partners where it’s needed most.

“This organization is doing amazing work in communities around the world,” Dr. Persaud says. “It is a unique storytelling platform and many scholars, academics, and the general public can connect with the mandate. There is an opportunity for grants for those who qualify, and I think the university community can benefit from knowing about it.”

The Revolutionary Storytellers Grant will help shine a light on photography projects that support grassroots environmental movements and projects.

Five recipients will each receive $5,000 U.S. to support the creation of a body of work and its exhibition, as well as:

• a behind-the-scenes video
• a campaign to support the project’s impact goals
• support from Photographers Without Borders

Anyone from anywhere in the world may apply for this grant, with a deadline of Jan. 31. Find more details on the Photographers Without Borders website.

Want to help save a life? The University of Windsor Alumni Association will hold a blood drive Jan. 24 to 29 at the Canadian Blood Services Windsor location, 3909 Grand Marais Road East, to fill a vital need during the pandemic.

You can book an appointment online, call 1 888 2DONATE (1-888-236-6283), or download the GiveBlood App.

The association is a Partner for Life with Canadian Blood Services. The donations of graduates or friends of the University can count towards its pledge of 50 blood donations in 2022.

To learn more about the Alumni Cares Blood Drive, including basic requirements, the blood donation process, and eligibility, visit https://www.uwindsor.ca/alumni/donate-blood.

The Leddy Library building is now open to the campus community.

From Jan. 17 to 31, the library will be open:

• Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Personal study rooms and computer workstations will be available by reservation and additional study space will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The library will continue to loan resources and laptop computers. The book stacks will be closed for browsing but users can place requests for print pick-up and digital delivery of resources through the library website.

Library hours are expected to expand Monday, Jan. 31, depending on the local COVID data and safety regulations.

All patrons who come to the library will need to follow campus vaccination protocols, complete the COVID Self-Assessment via the Safe Lancer app before coming to campus, and show or scan their approved badge to enter the library. Patrons will also be required to wear masks while inside the library.

For more information, visit the Leddy Library website and FAQ.