Research and Creative Activity

Pioneering agricultural solutions: The role of UWindsor researchers in greenhouse innovation

Dr. Shahpour Alirezaee, assistant professor in the department of electrical and computer engineeringElectric and computer engineering assistant professor Dr. Shahpour Alirezaee in the mechatronics lab at the University of Windsor. (MIKE WILKINS/The University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

In a two-acre greenhouse dedicated to research and development at JEM Farms in Kingsville, Ont., Shahpour Alirezaee is working on advanced technology to help growers improve plant pollination. 

Dr. Alirezaee, a University of Windsor engineering professor specializing in mechatronics and robotics, is developing an autonomous robotic pollination system. 

A shared path forward: Report maps vision for international trail connections

Riders cruise along the Chrysler Canada GreenwayRiders cruise along the Chrysler Canada Greenway, part of a growing network of trails that will soon span two nations. A new report co-authored by UWindsor visiting scholar John Hartig explores how the upcoming Gordie Howe International Bridge can spark cross-border trail tourism and strengthen ties between Windsor and Detroit. (TOURISM WINDSOR ESSEX PELEE ISLAND/The University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott

With every turn of their pedals across the Gordie Howe International Bridge next year, cyclists will be forging new paths — linking two cities, two countries and a shared story of place and possibility.

A new report, co-authored by University of Windsor visiting scholar John Hartig, explores how the region can harness this opportunity to grow cross-border trail tourism and build connections through shared experiences.

LEAD medallion scholars recognized for research, leadership and global experiences

Lindsey Boshart, Dean of Science Claudio Verani and Dora Cavallo-MedvedLEAD Medallion Scholar Lindsey Boshart celebrates her achievements in research, leadership, and global engagement with Faculty of Science Dean Cláudio Verani and Associate Dean Dora Cavallo-Medved. Boshart, a biomedical science graduate heading to medical school at the University of Toronto, earned the gold medallion for her outstanding contributions inside and outside the classroom. (ANGELA KHARBOUTLI/The University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott

Lindsey Boshart

Lindsey Boshart packed her undergraduate years full of experiences inside and outside of the classroom, earning herself a gold Faculty of Science LEAD medallion on graduation day.  

Partners renew commitment to health research in Windsor-Essex

WE-Spark Health Institute members holding sparklers in celebration of renewed partnershipCelebrating their renewed partnership in the WE-Spark Health Institute are Michael Silvaggi of St. Clair College, Andrea Steen of Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, UWindsor president Rob Gordon, Kristin Kennedy of Erie Shores HealthCare, and Karen Riddell of Windsor Regional Hospital.

Local health and academic leaders have pledged another five years to sparking innovation and advancing critical research.

Representatives of the University of Windsor, Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, and Windsor Regional Hospital signed a five-year memorandum of understanding Monday at Ambassador Golf Club reaffirming their partnership in the WE-Spark Health Institute.

Researchers probe link between mealtimes and cancer

Rachna Patel working with equipment in laboratoryGraduate student Rachna Patel is working with the research team in professor Phillip Karpowicz’s lab to determine how eating patterns that conflict with circadian rhythms may contribute to development of colorectal cancers.

Your eating patterns could be throwing off your circadian rhythms. Biomedical sciences professor Phillip Karpowicz says this negatively affects your health — specifically your gut health — which could result in an increased risk of colorectal cancer.

Circadian rhythms are 24-hour physiological changes that include sleep-wake cycles, metabolic changes, hormone oscillations, and cycles of feeding-fasting. These are driven by the circadian clock, a molecular timer that enables our cells to anticipate daily events.

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.