Research and Creative Activity

Schulich medical students embark on transformative health research projects in Windsor-Essex

BioMed students in lab at University of WindsorBioMed students at University of Windsor

Thirteen future physicians are tackling pressing health challenges — from cancer care to vaccine hesitancy — through hands-on research projects grounded in the Windsor-Essex community. 

Supported by the Schulich-UWindsor Opportunities for Research Excellence Program (SWORP), these innovative projects give first- and second-year medical students early exposure to research while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration with University of Windsor faculty and clinical leaders. 

From Lab to Line: UWindsor’s 3D Breakthroughs

Dr. Jill Urbanic sitting in her labDr. Jill Urbanic, professor in the Department of Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering and co-founder of CAMufacturing Solutions, sits in her lab at the University of Windsor, where she leads cutting-edge research in additive and hybrid manufacturing technologies. Her work is driving global advances in Industry 4.0, creating pathways from research to commercialization, and preparing the next generation of manufacturing innovators. (MIKE WILKINS/The University of Windsor)

Synergies between research and manufacturing industry leading to commercial impact for University of Windsor and its partners

CAMufacturing Solutions, Inc. is a Windsor-based company created from fundamental engineering research at the University of Windsor (UWindsor). Providing specialized software to program, simulate and interact with manufacturing systems, it has evolved into a firm with global reach; its software is today used in more than 47 countries.

Local Tags to Global Impact: UWindsor Sharks in Landmark Study

Nigel Hussey leaning over boat and tagging a shark

By Sara Elliott

Nigel Hussey’s shark research takes him around the world where he sees first-hand the critical nature of conservation work.  

Now, as part of a massive international study looking at the movement of threatened, large marine animals, he says we can see the harsh reality of global marine conservation.  

“The study shows we’re not protecting habitat for key functions for these species,” he says.  

Uncovering history: How Leddy Library’s archives connect past and present

Archivist Dr. Sarah Glassford looking through books in Leddy Library's Archives and Special Collections.Archivist Dr. Sarah Glassford perusing books in Leddy Library's Archives and Special Collections.

Preserving Local History 

In the basement of Leddy Library, behind an unassuming door, relics of the past reside — rows upon rows of documents with ink faded by time, rare and first-edition books, and preserved memories of Southwestern Ontario. 

The space is home to Archives and Special Collections, which holds community records, historic documents, photographs, and other items preserved and cataloged by dedicated archivists. 

Securing the road ahead: SHIELD research centre leads in automotive cybersecurity

Shiva Nejati and Kunj Dhonde working on circuitryDoctoral students Shiva Nejati and Kunj Dhonde are part of a UWindsor research team working to make the vehicles of tomorrow safe from cyber attack.

At the University of Windsor, two teams — red and blue — are locked in a strategic battle, working toward the same goal: safeguarding the future of automotive cybersecurity.

These teams, operating from the Automotive Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, better known as SHIELD, are focused on opposing areas of security solutions for the auto sector.

With an eye on the future, SHIELD, the only centre of its kind in North America, has the goal of ensuring vehicles of tomorrow are safe and secure.

Program breaking down barriers through inclusive fitness

Mikala Jones leads Seth Sugarman through weight trainingMikala Jones leads Seth Sugarman through weight training during an Adaptive Physical Exercise session in the Toldo Lancer Centre.

Asked what his favourite part of coming to the gym is, Seth Sugarman replied: “everything.”

Sugarman is a participant in the Adaptive Physical Exercise (APEX) program, a partnership between the University of Windsor and Community Living Essex County that connects student volunteers with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Researchers secure $2.5 million to advance groundbreaking sexual violence prevention program

Olivia Sasso and Ewen Van Wagner review script with Charlene SennStudent actors Olivia Sasso and Ewen Van Wagner review with Charlene Senn a script for an educational film on sexual assault resistance.

Two University of Windsor professors will further their innovative work in sexual assault resistance education thanks to a $2.5 million investment from the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Charlene Senn, a professor of psychology and women’s and gender studies, and Sara Crann, an adjunct professor of psychology, will use the funding to expand the Girls - Flip the Script with EAAA program, a sexual assault resistance initiative designed for high school-aged girls across Canada. The funding is part of a larger $14.5 million federal initiative to prevent youth dating violence.

Guardians of the Great Lakes: researcher champions to enhance survival rates of prehistoric species

Olivia Galloway using camera to record sturgeon in tankGrad student Olivia Galloway photographs the progress of juvenile sturgeon before their release into Great Lake waters.

Lurking in the depths of the Great Lakes are massive “living fossils” that have been a vital part of the ecosystem for millions of years, but due to human intervention, have long been considered at risk.

That’s why Master of Science student Olivia Galloway is focusing her research on lake sturgeon. These prehistoric, scaleless fish are the largest freshwater fish in Canada, growing up to two metres long and weighing up to 200 pounds. She is working to improve their environment and help reintroduce these “dinosaurs” back into their habitats.