From left, Dr. Claudio Verani, Sarika Sharma and Dr. Dan Mennill. Sharma received the Going Above & Beyond in Research Masters award for her work addressing local ecological restoration. (MICHELLE BONDY/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
Faculty, staff and students were recognized for their excellence in service, teaching and research at the Faculty of Science Spring and Shout event.
While 17 award recipients were celebrated across the faculty, three honourees — master’s student Sarika Sharma (BSc ’24), staff member Jayne Pierce and instructor Olena Syrotkina — showcase some of the stories behind this year’s awards.
— Published on May 25th, 2026
Terry Fox and his Marathon of Hope brought Canadians together to help find a cure for cancer. His legacy continues through partnerships spurred on by the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network, which includes WE-SPARK Health Institute. (Graphic courtesy of Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network)
By John-Paul Bonadonna
In cancer research labs and hospitals, a powerful transformation is reshaping how the disease is understood, studied and ultimately, treated.
At the centre of this shift is precision oncology, an approach that moves beyond one-size-fits-all care to deliver treatments tailored to each individual patient. It represents one of the most promising advances in cancer care today.
— Published on Apr 22nd, 2026
By John-Paul Bonadonna
High school students from Vincent Massey Secondary School presented their work to University of Windsor faculty at the inaugural Massey Research Conference.
Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, Karen Pillon, Dr. Tim Brunet and special guest Roger Reka (also a Massey grad), were on hand for the presentations.
— Published on Apr 20th, 2026
Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved is the interim director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
WE-SPARK Health Institute is ready to support innovative health research and education projects with the launch of its 2026 grant competition.
The competition provides seed funding to stimulate research development in Windsor-Essex.
— Published on Mar 18th, 2026
Researchers perform lab study in the Essex Centre of Research (CORe). (FILES/University of Windsor)
In a significant boost to the well-being, mental health and professional development of individuals in the research community, WE-SPARK has announced the launch of Program LEAD: How Can a Program Focused on Professional and Lifelong Learning Support the Mental Well-Being of Highly Qualified Personnel Engaged in Health Science Research?
— Published on Sep 22nd, 2025
Celebrating 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.
— Published on Jun 16th, 2025
From left, Dr. Claudio Verani, Sarika Sharma and Dr. Dan Mennill. Sharma received the Going Above & Beyond in Research Masters award for her work addressing local ecological restoration. (MICHELLE BONDY/University of Windsor)
