Beluga whales gather in the Churchill River, Manitoba, during summer feeding season. University of Windsor PhD candidate Jaclyn Aubin is studying how these whales use their “melons” to shape vocalizations and possibly signal emotion or intent. (TONY/stock.adobe.com)
From cutting-edge research and public advocacy to athletics and broadcasting, University of Windsor faculty, students and alumni are shaping conversations across Canada and beyond.
Joe Bowen (BA 1973), iconic voice of the Toronto Maple Leafs, announced that the 2025–26 NHL season will be his final year in broadcasting. Bowen’s journey began courtside at the University of Windsor, where he first called Lancer basketball games in the 1970s. His storied 44-year career continues to resonate with generations of sports fans.
Peter Frise, professor of mechanical engineering, was featured in the Toronto Star for his expertise on Volvo’s next-generation smart seatbelt system. Citing Volvo’s leadership in safety innovation, Dr. Frise highlighted the engineering advances that enhance vehicle safety through adaptive design.
Mike McKay, director of the Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, offered critical insight into the rising surface temperatures of Lake Erie in a feature by CBC Windsor. Dr. McKay’s research draws attention to climate impacts on lake ecosystems, emphasizing the University’s leadership in environmental science.
Professor Emeritus Richard Moon of Windsor Law co-authored a Toronto Star op-ed defending students’ rights to political expression in school yearbooks, arguing such speech is protected under the Charter. In a CBC investigation, he also noted that social media posts from white nationalist groups may meet the legal threshold for hate speech, highlighting the importance of legal clarity in confronting extremism.
Jaclyn Aubin, a PhD candidate at UWindsor, was featured in IFLScience for her research on how beluga whales use their “melons” — bulbous head structures — to shape vocalizations and potentially signal mood. Her work reveals new insights into beluga communication and highlights UWindsor’s role in advancing marine mammal science.
Farwa Zaib (MSc 2021), a UWindsor graduate, has begun her Family Medicine residency at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. She highlighted the benefits of training in a smaller hospital setting, including hands-on experience and close collaboration with the health care team. Dr. Zaib hopes to one day practice in a community clinic, providing comprehensive care and building long-term relationships with patients.
This roundup offers just a glimpse of the many ways UWindsor faculty, staff, students, and alumni are making news. If you've seen a recent story that should be included in a future edition, please let us know at pac@uwindsor.ca.