Safety and Sustainability

AI at sea: New UWindsor report warns of overreliance risks

tablet with AI in maritime defense report cover on table with coffee and laptopA new report by UWindsor Human Kinetics researchers explores the risks of AI in maritime defence (CANADIAN MARITIME SECURITY NETWORK; CANVA STOCK/University of Windsor)

By Lori Bona

From navigation to monitoring ocean traffic, artificial intelligence (AI) is playing an increasing role in ships and maritime operations — including those used by the Canadian Armed Forces. 

But relying too heavily on AI in maritime vessels introduces new risks for human operators and defence systems, according to a new report from researchers at the University of Windsor. 

Accessibility, adaptability, connection: Building age-friendly universities and communities

Shanthi Johnson and Veronika Mogyorody speak at podiumsDrs. Shanthi Johnson (left) and Veronika Mogyorody (right) advocate age-friendly cities, communities and universities (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

With age comes a wealth of lived experience and a lifetime of growth and knowledge.  

Barriers created by a lack of accessibility, adaptability and connections in our homes and communities can, however, sometimes make the aging process unnecessarily challenging. 

Cross-border collaboration and sustainable education central to international education conference

5 people standing in the CAW Student Centre under the flags of many countries with an Aspire banner behind themConference chair Dr. Shijing Xu (centre) with the CSE planning committee (ANGELA KHARBOUTLI/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

This August, educational researchers from around the world will share their perspectives as the University of Windsor's Faculty of Education hosts the 3rd Chinese Society for Education (CSE) Annual International Conference

Taking place Aug. 10 to 12 at UWindsor, the conference’s theme is “West-East Reciprocal Learning for a More Inclusive World: Global Perspectives, Local Practices.” 

Sidewalk skating: Preventing falls and injuries in winter weather

students walk across the UWindsor campus on a snowy wet dayWinter weather can increase the risks of falls and injuries. (FILE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

While we’ve had a brief respite from frigid polar vortex temperatures, snowy conditions — and with them an increased risk of falls and injuries — may still return this season. 

At particular risk of injury from icy sidewalks and driveways are older adults; however, anyone can fall prey to a sneaky patch of unseen ice. 

Small daily movement changes can help older adults stay strong and independent

three older men do chair stretches across from a UWindsor student with another student observing with a clipboardPhysical activity is key for everyone, including older adults. (MIKE WILKINS/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Just 10 minutes of physical activity a day can be the start many people need to get moving, according to Dr. Paula van Wyk, professor in the Faculty of Human Kinetics. 

Physical activity is especially important for older adults as the aging process can lead to loss of strength and function. 

“In general, people are aware of the potential benefits of engaging in physical activity,” she says. 

Lifting, law and lifelong learning: World record holder studies women’s strength athletes

Jeanine Watt next to a statue of a bodybuilderJeanine Watt is a graduate student, two-time UWindsor alumna and world record-holding powerlifter (PROVIDED BY J. WATT/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

Jeanine Watt (BSc ’78, LLB ’88) joined a gym in 2018 to stay active as a semi-retired lawyer. 

“I knew that if I retired, the only thing that would get any exercise was my thumb on the remote control,” she jokes. 

This March, she will take the main stage at the Arnold Sports Festival as a pro competitor in the Arnold Armlifting Championships. 

Leddy Library partners with sustainability office on green initiatives

Roger Reka holding a packet of sugarcane based paperLibrarian Roger Reka is helping to spearhead sustainability initiatives at Leddy Library (JOEL GUERIN/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

From environmental research guides to reducing paper waste, Leddy Library has made recent strides in fostering a more sustainable campus. 

In collaboration with the Office of Sustainability, Leddy has implemented numerous initiatives that demonstrate the major impact of even small changes. 

Cold-weather cardio: HK and Lancers track alumna shares tips for winter running

Brittany Bellemore runs in the snowBrittany Bellemore is an HK and Lancer track alumna now coaching a winter marathon clinic (PROVIDED BY B. BELLEMORE/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves

With snow-covered sidewalks and plummeting temperatures, lacing up a pair of running shoes and hitting the pavement may seem daunting.

However, with tips from UWindsor alum Brittany Bellemore (BHK ’21, MHK ’23), runners can feel more confident taking on wintry conditions.

Education and early intervention critical to eating disorder prevention

apple on a scaleEating disorder awareness week runs Feb. 1 to 7 each year (stock: Microsoft SharePoint/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Education and awareness are key when it comes to preventing eating disorders. 

Each Feb. 1 to 7, eating disorder awareness week encourages Canadians to learn more about eating disorders, challenge weight and body stigma and become familiar with resources and services that can help those who are struggling. 

This year’s theme is “health doesn’t have a look,” challenging harmful beliefs that suggest being healthy means being thin. 

Windsor nurse–police partnership builds trust, bridges gaps in community

Laurie Freeman is pictured with local hospital and WESpark partners.Dr. Laurie Freeman (centre) is shown receiving support from WESpark for the NPT study, joined by Susan Fox, Johnathan Foster, Dora Cavallo, and Dominika Boron. (SUBMITTED BY LAURIE FREEMAN/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

The idea began in the emergency department, where police officers and registered nurses (RN) wondered: what if they could help people before they reached the hospital?

That question sparked Windsor’s Nurse–Police Team (NPT) program, which pairs officers from the Windsor Police Service with RNs from Windsor Regional Hospital to respond to calls in the city’s downtown core.