Science

Science Olympiad comes full circle for UWindsor student leader

Vivian PengHonours biochemistry and biomedical sciences undergraduate Vivian Peng is the student leader for Science Olympiad 2026. (Courtesy of Vivian Peng/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

One Science Olympiad volunteer in particular takes personal pride in the success of the annual event at the University of Windsor.  

Honours biochemistry and biomedical sciences undergraduate Vivian Peng is not only the student leader for Science Olympiad, but she was also a participant herself. 

What makes a lake turn toxic? UWindsor is part of a global team trying to find out

View of algal bloomUniversity of Windsor researchers have partnered with global experts to write a five-year action plan aimed at understanding the risk of highly toxic blue-green algae blooms. (Photo: David Hamilton, Griffith University/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

University of Windsor researchers have partnered with global experts to write a five-year action plan aimed at understanding the risk of highly toxic blue-green algae blooms.  

The five-year research plan outlines priorities to address the threats these blooms pose to freshwater resources worldwide, including the Great Lakes.  

Can stream sounds predict ecosystem health? University of Windsor grad’s thesis research asks the question

Avery NgAvery Ng is graduating from the behaviour, cognition and neuroscience science program. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

From leading a group of art-loving scientists, to helping organize summer symphony performances for the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra, Avery Ng builds community in every role she takes on.  

This commitment helped the fourth-year behaviour, cognition and neuroscience student earn a science medal. At spring convocation, she will sport a Leadership, Engagement, Application and Discovery (LEAD) gold medallion.

Faculty of Science honours 17 at annual Spring and Shout awards

Claudio Verani, Sarika Sharma, Dan MennillFrom left, Dr. Claudio Verani, Sarika Sharma and Dr. Dan Mennill. Sharma received the Going Above & Beyond in Research Masters award for her work addressing local ecological restoration. (MICHELLE BONDY/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

Faculty, staff and students were recognized for their excellence in service, teaching and research at the Faculty of Science Spring and Shout event. 

While 17 award recipients were celebrated across the faculty, three honourees — master’s student Sarika Sharma (BSc ’24), staff member Jayne Pierce and instructor Olena Syrotkina — showcase some of the stories behind this year’s awards. 

Young physicists gain early research experience through internal scholarships

Emma PesceSecond-year medical physics student Emma Pesce received $1,000 to work in Dr. Steven Rehse’s laser spectroscopy lab. (Photo courtesy of Emma Pesce/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

Two University of Windsor physics undergraduates are gaining early research experience thanks to scholarships funded by professor emeriti. 

Distinguished University Professor Emeritus William Baylis and his wife, Bobbye Baylis, launched the Baylis Physics Research Internship in 2021. It offers an annual opportunity for a student to engage in advanced research with a faculty mentor. 

As Great Lakes lose ice, a UWindsor researcher makes the consequences visible — and wins an international prize for it

From left, Dr. Michael McKay, Steven W. Wilhelm and Brittany N. ZepernickFrom left, Dr. Michael McKay, Steven W. Wilhelm and Brittany N. Zepernick conducting research in the lab. (Photo by the Daylight Award/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

As climate change strips ice from the Great Lakes, something less visible is also changing: the underwater world of light that microscopic life depends on.  

When ice recedes, wind and water stir sediment, clouding the water and blocking the sunlight that drives photosynthesis at the base of the food web. What looks like a simple seasonal shift is, in scientific terms, a restructuring of habitat. 

Students, staff and alumni gear up for home-track return of Windsor Roller Derby

A wall of blockers in a roller derby game tries to stop their opponentUWindsor alumnae Veronica Van Winckle aka Big V, Adele Dollar aka Delirious and Sandra Caradonna aka Diana Boss block an opposing skater in a 2025 roller derby game in Guelph, On. (SKYLAR SAWYER/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

For the first time since 2019, residents of Windsor-Essex will have a chance to see Windsor Roller Derby (WRD) play locally. 

Founded in 2010 as Border City Brawlers, the league has been playing exclusively on the road for the last few years.  

June 6 marks their return to home track with UWindsor staff, students and alumni among those gearing up for a game at Tecumseh Arena. 

David Suzuki calls for urgent action and community resilience during UWindsor visit

David Suzuki address an audience in Alumni Auditorium.David Suzuki chronicles his journey from a childhood marked by wartime internment to becoming a globally respected science communicator and environmental advocate in his latest book, latest book titled Lessons from A Lifetime: 90 Years of Inspiration and Activism. (PHOTO BY MICHAEL WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By John-Paul Bonadonna

The University of Windsor welcomed one of Canada’s most influential voices in environmental science and advocacy, Dr. David Suzuki, for a wide-ranging and candid evening that challenged audiences to confront the realities of climate change and their own role in it.

Hosted by the Faculty of Science, the School of the Environment and the Healthy Headwaters Lab, An Evening with Dr. David Suzuki drew a sold-out audience from across campus and Windsor-Essex. 

Sixty years after grandfather's graduation, UWindsor student carries on a family physics tradition

Will ConlonSecond-year student Will Conlon is continuing a family tradition in physics. (SARA ELLIOTT/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

The passion for physics runs strong in one University of Windsor family. 

Second-year student Will Conlon is continuing a family tradition in physics, following his maternal grandfather, John A. Giffen (BSc ’62, MBA ‘72), who graduated from physics in 1962.