INSPIRING MINDS | Maria Paula Espejo, PhD candidate, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Inspiring Minds seeks to broaden awareness and impact of graduate student research, while enhancing transferable skills. Students were challenged to describe their research, scholarship or creative activity in 150 or fewer words to share with our community.

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Maria Paula Espejo
PhD candidate, Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Gastronomy & Peace

My research proposes a novel connection between peace and gastronomy. My goal is to create a model which shows how peace can be built through gastronomy based on the relevance of food systems and the power of everyday practice to advance peacebuilding and Sustainable Development Goals agendas. The model will be designed by analyzing how to strengthen relationships among actors across different food systems stages at different levels to strengthen mutually beneficial relations that foster positive socio-economic and political change. Colombia will be used as a case study to demonstrate why food systems have the potential to advance peacebuilding, and what the potential benefits of advancing peacebuilding through gastronomy are. My research outcomes will serve as a compass for NGOs, international organizations, governments, and even inspire social responsibility offices to implement projects or programs with an interdisciplinary and creative cut centred on enduring sustainability and environmentally conscious efforts.

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REGISTER NOW! 2023 Graduate and Postdoctoral Development Network (GPDN) Canadian Career Symposium

Join graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from across Canada for the 4th annual Career Symposium, with three days of online career sessions.

Each year, the GPDN hosts a career symposium for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Fellows aimed at professional development and career exploration. Presentations by GPDN members and invited experts cover topics including inspirational keynotes, career self-assessments, resumes, informational interviews, and networking.

DATES: Tuesday October 24 - Thursday October 26, 2023
TIMES: 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Online, details provided upon registering

Admission is FREE.

Register NOW!

Music Doctoral student Ryan Baxter opens Brock University’s Music@Noon concert series

Photo credit: Photo via The Brock News/Brock University

Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA – piano performance) student and pianist Ryan Baxter, kicks off the 2023-24 RBC Foundation Music@Noon Series at Brock University Tuesday, September 26, 2023.

Baxter, a graduate of Brock, University of Manitoba, and Humber College, who also developed his skills through The Royal Conservatory, is currently studying with professor Stéphan Sylvestre at Western’s Don Wright Faculty of Music. Baxter will play works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Franz Liszt, Glenn Buhr and Alexander Scriabin.

“I enjoy programs that have a lot of variety, which I have tried to offer with my musical program. I love to play a little bit of everything in classical piano,” Baxter said in an article shared via Brock’s website. His love of music was sparked by a children’s music program he attended in his youth when he was introduced to the piano. He played many instruments growing up and was part of the Niagara Youth Orchestra, but he was always drawn to the keyboard.

INSPIRING MINDS | Michelle Tumurchudur, PhD candidate, Ivey Business School

Inspiring Minds seeks to broaden awareness and impact of graduate student research, while enhancing transferable skills. Students were challenged to describe their research, scholarship or creative activity in 150 or fewer words to share with our community.

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Michelle Tumurchudur
PhD candidate, Ivey Business School

Gender and Entrepreneurship: Levelling the Playing Field for Women Entrepreneurs in Developing Economies

In my role as a mentor at the Women's Business Centre in Mongolia, I observed firsthand the unique challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in developing countries. Issues ranging from limited access to education and material resources to blatant gender discrimination are often compounded by societal problems such as domestic violence and lack of childcare. Intrigued by these observations, I decided to focus my research on the intersection of gender and entrepreneurship. My aim is not only to explore the existing gender disparities in entrepreneurship, but also to uncover potential solutions that could level the playing field for women. My research informs policy decisions to create more supportive regulatory environments, financial incentives, and educational programs that are specifically designed to assist women entrepreneurs. Through my research, I hope to go beyond entrepreneurship – to unlock a wealth of potential that can drive economic growth and social progress all around the world.

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Join the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion for a Community Conversation for Students with Disabilities

Join the Office of EDI at Western for a Community Conversation for Students with Disabilities on November 26, 2023.

During this conversation, The Office of EDI will present feedback from the strategic plan survey, introduce resources and supports available for individuals with disabilities on campus and engage in conversations about what a more accessible Western looks like for campus members.

This event is designed to create a safe and inclusive space where students with disabilities can engage in open dialogue. We believe through sharing stories, insights and resources, we can build a more supportive and inclusive community for students with disabilities.

Mark your calendars!

Date: November 26, 2023
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: Weldon Library Community Room

Register for the Community Conversation: https://uwo.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6Qq3cwxFeoH0aHk

Join us for EDID Awareness Week 2023: Honouring our Ancestors by Coming Together to Work Towards Reconciliation and Equity | October 2 - 6, 2023

Join Western, Huron, Brescia and King’s for EDID Awareness Week 2023

The goal is to model unity in this work and bring a week of powerful learning and awareness to our campus communities and the City of London at large with regard to themes pertaining to decolonization, Indigeneity, equity, diversity, and inclusion. This year’s theme is Honouring our Ancestors by Coming Together to Work Towards Reconciliation and Equity.

During the week of October 2 to 6, there will be day and evening events and activities to share education and awareness on the importance of decolonization, the realities of racism, disability rights, and faith systems, celebrating our 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and shining a light on other equity-denied groups.

Learn more and register for the events during the week: https://www.edi.uwo.ca/events/edid-week/

Student Application Now Open for the Western Black Leadership University Experience (B.L.U.E.) program

Student applications are now open until October 1 for the 2023-24 Western B.L.U.E. program!

Western B.L.U.E. will provide paid part-time leadership experiences for 20 Black students. The experiences will be funded by the university and hosted by organizations in the London area (including Western). Each experience is valued at $6,300 for the part-time commitment over the 5-month period. Students will be given the opportunity to work on a chosen challenge independently alongside a dedicated mentor who will provide the student with ongoing supervision and feedback.

The program’s key objectives include:

• To demonstrate the passion, talent and knowledge of Black student leaders in the community and instill a spirit of community giving across campus
• To help Black students develop transferable skills through work-integrated learning and community partnerships
• To create meaningful income-earning opportunities for Black students
• To develop a strong network of Black student leaders who can offer guidance and mentorship to future program participants

Learn more and register: https://www.edi.uwo.ca/initiatives/western-blue/

APPLY NOW! Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy Boot Camp | Deadline: Friday, October 6, 2023

WORLDiscoveries is excited to announce the 3rd annual Intellectual Property (IP) Strategy Boot Camp program.

This is a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations alike to delve deep into the world of IP and discover how to safeguard and capitalize on their intellectual assets.

For more information and to familiarize yourself with the IPSBC Program, visit our WORLDiscoveries, Western University's Tech Transfer and Business Development Office.

Apply today!
Deadline: Friday, October 6, 2023

Standing in Solidarity with Our Muslim Community

To Western's Graduate Community

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We extend our heartfelt thoughts and unwavering support as the trial of a man facing terror-related murder charges in the deaths of four members of the Afzaal family continues in our community.

The trial reminds us not only of this horrific event but of the ongoing struggles against discrimination, hate, and violence many Muslim communities face. We understand these events can evoke a range of emotions and concerns among our Muslim community members, and we want to assure you we stand in solidarity with you during these difficult times.

Graduate students who need compassionate relief or other academic supports, can reach out to their graduate program or the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies for assistance.

Counselling services are available through Wellness and Well-being at Western by calling 519-661-3030 or by drop in (Thames Hall, Room #2170). They’ll help you access an appointment. Wellness and Well-being also offers specific Group Care and Workshops including Grief & Loss Support, as well as Journey Together: Sharing Our Lived Experience. A Support Group for Black and Racialized Students: Grad Edition.

There are also various prayer spaces across our campus:

Elborn College
Location: Room 2560

Faculty of Education
Location: FEB 2001 (second floor)

Wellness and Well-being Multi-Faith Prayer Space
Location: Middlesex College, 15A

Western is committed to providing you with a safe and supportive environment where you can thrive.

Please reach out if we can support you in any way.

REGISTER NOW | Anti-Racism Response Training (ART)

CAGS Workshop Series for Graduate Students and Postdocs

Anti-Racism Response Training (ART)

DATE:  Wednesday, September 27, 2023
TIME:  12 noon - 3:00 p.m. (ET)
LOCATION:  Zoom
FEE:  $50 per ticket (no tax)

In recognition of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30, 2023), CAGS is pleased to offer another round of this important and timely 3 hour workshop designed to build awareness around issues of race and racism in Canadian higher education. This workshop will introduce attendees to the concepts of active versus passive witnessing, and help to instil a better understanding of the impacts of racist encounters on both victims and bystanders. The workshop is premised on the active-witnessing model, in which participants will learn enhanced techniques for intervening and disrupting racism in their institutions and in their daily lives. Participants will have the opportunity to learn and practice a wide range of anti-racism responses, and to share their own experiences. The facilitators will conduct the session in English.

Developed by Dr. Ishu Ishiyama – and recently adapted and enhanced for virtual modes of presentation – the ART Program uses a witness-centred approach to disrupting racism. This training is designed to encourage participants to shift from being frozen or silent bystanders to becoming active witnesses and, in doing so, to help disrupt racism and build safer and more inclusive communities.

In honour of the commitments laid out in our Call to Action for an End to Racism in and through Graduate Education (2020), CAGS is making a limited number of tickets available to Graduate Students and Postdocs from within our community of member institutions. Tickets will be sold for $50.00 CAD (no tax), and will include participation in the three-hour training sessions and all associated materials. CAGS is a registered charity, and all ticket proceeds will go towards covering the costs of the workshop series.

Tickets are available to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from CAGS member institutions, and will be sold until the capacity of the workshop has been reached.

Registration closes on Wednesday, September 20 at 9:00 PM (ET).

REGISTER NOW!

We encourage you to share this information among your network of colleagues who may not be on the CAGS email lists.

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Participant Testimonials

“The Anti-Racism Response Training is engaging, eye-opening, and educational. The facilitators' approach of presenting factual information paired with sharing personal stories helped to capture their diverse audience. Reflection exercises not only encouraged participants to examine themselves and racism, but they also prompted open discussions among participants. Highly recommended for anyone and everyone wanting to start taking steps against racism.” - Instructor, Vancouver Community College

“A white, settler woman with significant privilege, I knew that I had a lot to learn about racism in Canada and what I could do about it. Participating in this well-designed and delivered training exceeded my expectations over and over! Not only did I learn so much about racism in Canada, past and present, I also learned from the presenters and participants about how these experiences have impacted them so significantly. In the training we learned and practiced effective skills to respond to witnessing or experiencing racist encounters. I will no longer be a bystander, wishing I had the words or confidence to act when I see racism in any form. I can now stand-up and speak-out to address the issue at the time or when it is safe to do so. We must all make the decision and take action to stop racism and the Anti-Racism Response Training program provides the practical skills and confidence to do so!” - Executive Director, Volunteer Campbell River

“This training was so interesting and important and should be offered in all workplaces and institutions. If it is important to you and your organization to truly understand the history of racism, its implications today, and what to do and say to combat racism, I highly recommend this training.” - Instructor, Vancouver Community College