Research and Creative Activity

AI infotainment systems: Just another distraction for drivers?

Francesco Biondi in front of a driving simulatorFaculty of Human Kinetics professor Dr. Francesco Biondi studies distracted driving (DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Twenty years ago, the cockpit of the average car was a lot less complicated.  

Knobs and buttons turned on the heat and air conditioning, adjusted vents or changed the radio station. 

Today, touch screens are the norm, and manufacturers compete to add the latest in technological advancements. 

A kaleidoscope of paths: UWindsor visual arts graduates open their final undergraduate exhibition

image of student painting graphics on gallery entrance wallDrea Madore puts the finishing touches on the entrance wall, featuring artwork by Joe Ishaq, which introduces visitors to the Kaleidoscope thesis exhibition at the SoCA Gallery. (VICTOR ROMAO/University of Windsor)

By Victor Romao

The creative path is rarely linear, often shaped by trial, error and continual reassessment.

For the graduating visual arts students at the University of Windsor, it has been marked by experimentation, reconsideration and change — a journey now brought into focus through their final undergraduate exhibition, Kaleidoscope.

UWindsor inventors secure U.S. patent for innovative biosensor technology

Dr. Mitra Mirhassani Dr. Mitra Mirhassani secured a U.S. patent for an electronic chip that could precisely detect viruses . (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)

 

By Sara Elliott

Research out of a University of Windsor engineering lab has generated an electronic chip that could precisely detect viruses such as COVID-19 — at a cost of just pennies to produce. 

The electronic device has received a patent from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Dr. Mitra Mirhassani says the idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspired by her former PhD student, Dr. Hamidreza Esmaeili Taheri. 

New infrastructure funding to strengthen research at UWindsor

Dr. Simon Rondeau-GagneDr. Simon Rondeau-Gagné works in his materials chemistry lab in Essex Hall. (SARA ELLIOTT/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott

New research infrastructure funding for science and engineering will advance four University of Windsor research projects. 

This Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCCURES) has awarded $438,699 to UWindsor research teams through the Ontario Research Fund (ORF) – Research Infrastructure program.  

Biology researcher wins UWindsor thesis pitch competition with study on breastfeeding and cancer risk

Top three winners at 2026 3MT competitionThe top three winners in the 2026 University of Windsor Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition are (from left) Alex Stoinescu, Dora Strelkova and Isabelle Hinch. (DAVE GAUTHIER/University of Windsor)

Biology PhD candidate Isabelle Hinch earned first place at the 2026 University of Windsor Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition with a three-minute pitch on breastfeeding and breast cancer risk. 

Judged on comprehension, communication and engagement, Hinch took the top prize at the April 1 final. In addition to a $1,000 cash prize, she will represent UWindsor at the provincial competition hosted by Brock University in St. Catharines, Ont., on May 6, 2026. 

UWindsor researcher among five finalists for international 3D printing innovator award

Dr. Jill UrbanicUniversity of Windsor Mechanical, Automotive & Materials Engineering professor Dr. Jill Urbanic has been named a finalist for the 2026 TCT Women in 3D Printing Innovator Award. (MIKE WILKINS/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton 

“Dare to be different.” 

That’s the challenge University of Windsor professor Dr. Jill Urbanic poses to her students: to question established ideas as they develop innovative engineering solutions — something she models in her own work. 

Between languages, cultures and school systems — UWindsor research finds a gap no one was filling

Image of desks in a classroom with overlaid headshots of Anne Rovers and Andrew AllenAnne Rovers is conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Allen on Othermothering practices in Francophone high schools (A. ROVERS/FILE/CANVA STOCK/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Throughout their high school years, students look for academic and social support from teachers, peers and others in the school community. 

For Black and Afro-descendant students in Francophone high schools — especially recent immigrants to Canada — this support can be all the more critical as they try to navigate a new and unfamiliar social and linguistic environment. 

Thinking about thinking: Education research explores role of metacognition in undergraduate learning

Ava Flanagan standing next to the academic poster for her metacognition researchAva Flanagan has received a SSHRC graduate award for her Master of Education research into metacognition (KATE HARGREAVES/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Making the leap from high school to undergraduate studies can be daunting. 

Students may face new responsibilities, expectations and learning experiences, putting familiar study strategies to the test. 

In this unfamiliar context, reflection on the learning process can be a powerful part of building confidence and independence. 

Outstanding scholar strings together opportunities

Avery Ng instructing with a violinAvery Ng has been a violin teaching assistant for the past four years in Windsor's The String Project. (REBECCA NG/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott

Offering free violin lessons to children is a “bright spot” in Avery Ng’s life.  

The fourth-year integrative biology student has been involved with Windsor’s The String Project since its inception four years ago. Volunteers teach violin to pupils in grades 3 to 8 at Frank W. Begley and Marlborough.   

University of Windsor students publish debut cookbook featuring Joyce Carol Oates, George Elliott Clarke and more

Students get first look at The Poet's CookbookUniversity of Windsor students in the editing and publishing practicum course had their first look at the book they spent two semesters editing and publishing, The Poet's Cookbook, which will officially launch on Thursday, April 2, 2026. (Courtesy of Regis Bogahalanda/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

The foods we make are often shaped by much more than flavour, carrying stories and sharp or sweet memories that linger long after the meal is over.

The Poet’s Cookbook, produced by the editing and publishing practicum course, brings together anecdotes and recipes from 21 writers, offering an intimate glimpse into their culinary lives.