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- As a brand-new undergraduate, Tony Nguyen wasn’t sure what type of science he wanted to study. Should he major in chemistry? Physics? Something else? Fortunately, he didn’t have to decide. Nguyen joined the inaugural cohort of the University of Western Ontario’s integrated science program, one of a handful at universities in Canada and the UK that are treating the sciences as a whole rather than a bunch of siloed parts. “The integrated science program attracted me because I was able to be exposed to all the sciences and basically choose the ones I liked the most,” says Nguyen, who eventually picked chemistry and will graduate next spring.
- For more than 125 years, the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medals have recognized the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. The prestigious medal is based solely on academic criteria. Three Western graduates are among recipients of the honour this year. Western Science's own Ryan Maar completed his PhD under Chemistry professor Joe Gilroy this past July and has received this distinguished award.
- If you’ve somehow misplaced your awe of the universe, Jan Cami advises you to gaze first at the heavens and then at your hands. Not only is the cosmos infinitely out there, it is also within your grasp. Through the application of physics, astronomy, chemistry, geology, engineering – and limitless imagination and wonder – there are millions more discoveries yet to be made, Jan Cami said. “And all you have to do is read the code of the cosmos.” This is the allure of space, as well as the driving force for studying the origins of this planet, said Cami, Associate Director of Operations for Western’s new Institute for Earth & Space Exploration.
- If you find yourself in the tropical deciduous forest of the Querétaro, Mexico, you may run into Natasha Mhatre. Or, at least, the tree cricket that bears the Biology professor’s name. You’ll know Oecanthus mhatreae – one of the latest insect species to be discovered – by its heart-shaped wings, light olive green and brown colours, and chirp-like brief trills. Mhatre has yet to meet her namesake cricket in person, or, perhaps ironically, the person who chose to honour her with the distinction.
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