Outstanding Scholars

‘I just started running alongside it’: University of Windsor engineering team’s aircraft takes flight for the first time at national competition

Lancer Aero Design TeamLancer Aero Design travelled to Fort Worth, Texas to compete in the SAE Aero Design Collegiate Design Series where the team finished as the top-performing Canadian team. (Photo courtesy Tony Woo/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

After spending 20 hours on the road to Fort Worth, Texas, the Lancer Aero Design team watched months of hard work take flight as the aircraft they built soared into the sky for the first time. 

“It was amazing,” said Tony Woo, team president. “When we saw it take off, there’s this rule that you’re not allowed to run on the runway, but I was so excited I just started running alongside it. You could visibly see my excitement.” 

Can stream sounds predict ecosystem health? University of Windsor grad’s thesis research asks the question

Avery NgAvery Ng is graduating from the behaviour, cognition and neuroscience science program. (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

From leading a group of art-loving scientists, to helping organize summer symphony performances for the Windsor Symphony Youth Orchestra, Avery Ng builds community in every role she takes on.  

This commitment helped the fourth-year behaviour, cognition and neuroscience student earn a science medal. At spring convocation, she will sport a Leadership, Engagement, Application and Discovery (LEAD) gold medallion.

Try a little bit of everything: LEAD medallion recipient gets the full HK experience

Sophia Boucas outside the sign for the Faculty of Human Kinetics wearing a graduation gownSophia Boucas will graduate in June with a gold LEAD medallion (PETER MARVAL/University of Windsor)

By Kate Hargreaves 

Throughout her UWindsor experience, Sophia Boucas says she tried a little bit of everything, from student clubs to research, co-op and internships. 

Now preparing to graduate with her BSc in Kinesiology, Boucas will receive a gold LEAD medallion for her efforts, recognizing her involvement across activities related to Leadership, Engagement, Application and Discovery. 

‘Making invisible experiences visible’: University of Windsor study uses art to explore life after abuse

photo of a piece of artwork by participant 12A participant-created artwork from the study visually maps the complex help-seeking journey women often navigate after leaving a violent intimate partner. (SUBMITTED BY RACHEL ELLIOTT/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

For many women leaving a violent intimate partner, the journey to safety continues long after the relationship ends.

Rebuilding health, stability and quality of life often means navigating healthcare, housing, social services and community supports — a complex process researchers at the University of Windsor are exploring through an innovative arts-based study.

As May marks Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, the project examines the help-seeking journeys of women who have physically separated from violent intimate partners.

UWindsor celebrates achievement, leadership and new beginnings at Spring Convocation

A graduating student is congratulated by Chancellor Dwight Duncan and President J.J. McMurtry.Convocation ceremonies will be presided over by Chancellor Dwight Duncan and President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. J.J. McMurtry, joining faculty and University leaders in recognizing the accomplishments of 4,100 graduates.

By John-Paul Bonadonna

More than 4,100 University of Windsor graduates will cross the stage during the University of Windsor's 125th Spring Convocation, June 2 to 5 at the Toldo Lancer Centre.

Nine ceremonies will honour students from every faculty across campus.

Over four days, graduands will cross the stage in front of family members, friends, faculty, staff and classmates in recognition of years of academic achievement, perseverance and personal growth.

Outstanding Scholars gala marks another year of curiosity, courage and community

Outstanding Scholar Nicole Vanier and Dr. Tim Brunet

Outstanding Scholars students, friends and family gathered to celebrate the 2025/2026 graduating cohort.

The third annual Outstanding Scholars Gala celebrated the program’s hallmarks: curiosity, courage and community.

Nicole Vanier won the Outstanding Scholar Leadership Award for her contributions to the Outstanding Scholars Committee, academic excellence and work as a research assistant in the Rondeau-Gagné Group lab.

Outstanding Scholar driven by advocacy and connection

Victorieuse SambaoOutstanding Scholar Victorieuse Sambao, a Law and Politics major and recently elected the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance (UWSA) president. (Photo courtesy of Victorieuse Sambao/ University of Windsor)

By Lindsay Charlton

Victorieuse Sambao wants to see the world become a better place.

A natural people person, the Law and Politics major was recently elected and started her term as the University of Windsor Students’ Alliance (UWSA) President, and that connection with others drives much of what she does.

Sixty years after grandfather's graduation, UWindsor student carries on a family physics tradition

Will ConlonSecond-year student Will Conlon is continuing a family tradition in physics. (SARA ELLIOTT/University of Windsor)

By Sara Elliott 

The passion for physics runs strong in one University of Windsor family. 

Second-year student Will Conlon is continuing a family tradition in physics, following his maternal grandfather, John A. Giffen (BSc ’62, MBA ‘72), who graduated from physics in 1962. 

UWindsor nursing professor leads cross-border study highlighting lung transplant care

Jane and her team of colleagues and students stand with their poster at the WESPARK conferenceJane Simanovski (left) and her team of colleagues and students stand with their research poster at the WE-SPARK conference in March, highlighting a cross-border study on caregivers supporting lung transplant patients. (SUBMITTED BY EDWARD CRUZ/University of Windsor)

By Sara Meikle

It takes more than medical expertise to support a patient after a lung transplant.

As April marks Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month, a new cross-border study examines an often-overlooked part of the transplant journey — the family members and friends who provide care after surgery.

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.