In his home country of Nigeria, civil engineer Samuel Ehikhuenmen worked as a faculty member at the University of Lagos. Moving to Windsor to take up doctoral studies, he soon realized making important connections was key.

That’s where The CUBE came in.

A hub providing resources, networking, and a platform for Indigenous and Black scholars to thrive, it launched in September 2023, led by director Kemi Anazodo, an assistant professor at the Odette School of Business.

“The CUBE has been instrumental in terms of networking,” Ehikhuenmen said. “It helped to enhance my research focus and also offered clarity in interpreting research findings in my experimental work. Interacting with faculty members provided invaluable insights into the academic system here. These interactions allowed me to enhance my research efforts.”

Ehikhuenmen’s research in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering focuses on the structural performance of innovative construction methods on tall reinforced concrete masonry walls.

“The hub has been very helpful in this endeavour,” he emphasized. “Working with Dr. Anazodo on grant applications for The CUBE has provided a rich learning experience.

“The technical insights gained through this process were invaluable, particularly in strengthening my ability to articulate complex concepts and experimental findings in technical papers and effectively discuss the results in my Ph.D. thesis.”

Ehikhuenmen began his journey at The CUBE as an Ignite student and has since grown into a vital team member, now serving as a board member.

Being an international student himself, Ehikhuenmen emphasized the importance of this support, particularly for those navigating the challenges of being new to campus and the country. 

“Many students, especially international students, are not always aware of the services, funding, and experiential opportunities available on and off-campus. The CUBE serves as a valuable resource in linking students to the unique services and opportunities that will support their studies and career pursuits,” he explained.

Ehikhuenmen said the initiative has been able to support research assistants by connecting them to various resources and opportunities.

Building The CUBE 

The goal of organizers is to break down the systemic barriers faced by Indigenous and Black students.

“One of the barriers is access to information and not having a safe space, or culturally informed guidance in the way other students might,” Anazodo said. “The CUBE is a resource where students can get access to resources, receive guidance, and experience supports and opportunities that have been designed thoughtfully for them.”

She said that sometimes needs are met with a simple conversation and a little bit of guidance, which is why they’ve developed the “Watercooler Wednesdays” initiative, offering students a space to connect and to discuss casually what’s top of mind.

A Watercooler Wednesday focused on scholarships, after its convenors learned that many scholarships go unclaimed.

“Students may not know about the opportunities, or they may need guidance to pursue their interests,” said Aanazodo. We’re having these conversations with students to work towards better understanding the guidance they need, how we can best connect them to career-relevant opportunities and ultimately strengthen our talent pipeline of Indigenous and Black students.”

Another objective of The CUBE is to enhance the voices of Indigenous and Black scholars in academic literature and research.

“Indigenous and Black voices have not been well represented in academia,” Anazodo said. “Limitations exist when we use methodologies or attempt to have works published that align with what would be appropriate for our communities or in many disciplines speak to topics that matter to us.

“We’d like to play a role in students’ journeys to make sure that their perspectives are represented and mainstream approaches to research can be expanded.”

Fostering talent

CUBE organizers refer to it as a “talent incubator” offering support and opportunities for mentorship, financial assistance, and career guidance to provide an environment of growth and development.

“It’s about acknowledging and nurturing the talents of Indigenous and Black students on campus,” Ehikhuenmen explained. “Many students are graced not only academically but also possess unique skills waiting to be discovered and developed.”

The CUBE offered Ehikhuenmen an opportunity to explore and showcase his creative side.

“I’m able to engage that creativity in the development of The CUBE website, and the production of promotional materials and event management. These are skills and talents that stem from my civil engineering background, but have been further developed in a new way,” he explained.

Ehikhuenmen said he hopes to continue his career in academics believing the skills and connections he’s made with The CUBE will advance that journey.

Moving forward, the CUBE is actively seeking connections with various Indigenous students and groups on campus and in the community. Having access to and representation of multiple career paths for Indigenous and Black students is of the utmost importance, Anazodo said.

The group is new, but working quickly to provide networking opportunities and safe spaces for students to develop themselves as professionals and community members.

Maya Jessop, an Indigenous student from the Seneca nation, which is part of the Six Fires Confederacy, is graduating from the University of Windsor with a Master’s in English literature and creative writing and has been involved with The CUBE since the planning phases.

“I wish I’d had the CUBE when I was in undergrad, so I’m happy to be involved in its institution as a graduate student,” Jessop said. “I’ve met wonderful people while working on this board and hope to see our group expanded through grants and university support.”

In addition to connecting students with potential opportunities, Anazodo said the other side of The CUBE is establishing ongoing relationships with organizations and businesses in the community.

“The CUBE aims for a future where the voices and perspectives of Indigenous and Black scholars are acknowledged and also celebrated. By forging connections within the community, it seeks to create a relationship where students are prepared for academic and career success, and employers are ready to embrace diversity and inclusion,” Anazodo added.

To learn more, visit uwindsor.ca/thecube.

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