Football fans fill stadiumLancer football’s home opener is also faculty-staff appreciation day, Saturday, Aug. 24. Photo by Jay Fawler.

Lancer football welcomes faculty and staff for appreciation day at season opener

UWindsor employees will enjoy an exclusive discounted ticket offer when Lancer football kicks off its 2024 season at Alumni Stadium, 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 24.

Faculty and staff members will receive a 50 per cent discount on up to four tickets, making it easy to bring family and friends along to watch the Lancers take on the Queen’s Gaels.

Attendees can expect a lively atmosphere with Lancer pride on full display, along with exclusive draws and giveaways for faculty and staff, says Elisa Mitton, sports information and home events co-ordinator.

“It’s a great opportunity to rally behind our student-athletes while connecting with colleagues and family,” Mitton says. “Don’t miss your chance to be part of the action and celebrate the start of another promising season!”

To secure your discounted tickets and be a part of this event, visit golancers.ca/tickets and use the promo code UWINTHX or show your UWinCard at the ticket booth on game day.

Mariah SaadCivil engineering student Mariah Saad won an honourable mention for her paper and presentation at the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Conference held in Niagara Falls, June 5 to 7.

Research internship brings notice to engineering student

Participating in the Elevate Scholars program sparked a love of research in civil engineering student Mariah Saad, leading to an honourable mention for her paper at the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering Conference, June 5 to 7 in Niagara Falls.

The second-year student has been a part of the Elevate Scholars program since her first year of post-secondary study. Elevate scholarships afford opportunities to students from equity-deserving groups: those who identify as Black, female, non-binary, or Indigenous. Beneficiaries receive a $5,000 scholarship and upon completion of their first year, a $10,000 summer internship to conduct research with a faculty member.

Saad worked with three professors — Edwin Tam, head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering; civil engineering professor Rajeev Ruparathna; and environmental engineering prof Niharendu Biswas — conducting research and writing a paper. Before that summer internship, she never would have considered research an avenue she was interested in.

“Their support and guidance have been instrumental, and I have learned many valuable skills that I can apply throughout the rest of my academic career,” she says. “I would not have had this experience without them.”

Her research to minimize waste in the construction industry resulted in the paper, entitled “Circular Economy in the Construction Industry: Reclamation Audits to Increase Material Reusability in Demolition Projects.”

She counts completing the internship as one of the highlights of her education, along with receiving the 1967 Civil Engineering Commemoration Scholarship, which gave her relief to be able to concentrate on academics.

“This has truly been an experience I will never forget,” says Saad. “I felt grateful enough to have presented at the conference, but to have received an award as well was an incredible feeling. I owe this experience to the Elevate internship within the faculty of engineering.”

To learn more about the Elevate scholarships, visit the program website.

Cat Chemists students wearing kitten ears and whiskersThe Cat Chemists team won the Lorna Collins Spirit Award at the annual Let’s Talk Science Challenge.

Event challenges youths to engage in science

More than 150 enthusiastic young students from across Windsor-Essex gathered at the University of Windsor’s Erie and Dillon halls for the annual Let’s Talk Science Challenge. The event was filled with competitions and hands-on activities designed to ignite a passion for science among young learners.

The day began with the “Ultimate Quiz Challenge,” testing students’ science knowledge. In the afternoon, the Design Challenge allowed participants to showcase their problem-solving and teamwork skills. Throughout the day, students engaged in various interactive science activities, further enriching their experience.

Hadia Malik (BSc 2024), an organizer and recent graduate in medical physics, participated in the challenge herself during Grades 6 and 7. She noted that her early involvement sparked a lasting passion for science, leading her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Windsor.

“Making science exciting for youth, as it was for me years ago, felt like a full-circle moment,” she said. “Being on the organizing side of this amazing event gave me a new appreciation for Let’s Talk Science's message and goals.

“The most gratifying aspect was contributing to the planning of the challenge and witnessing the genuine enjoyment of both students and teachers throughout the day. It was truly inspiring to observe the students collaborating within their teams, cheering on their successes, and offering support to one another.”

Fellow organizer Tim Igbokwe (BSc 2024), who just graduated from biological sciences, highlighted the crucial role of volunteers.

“We needed more than 20 Let’s Talk Science volunteers to effectively host the students at the event. Volunteers were involved in important tasks such as scorekeeping, judging, and ensuring that all students participated in the activities throughout the day.”

Awards were given for the top three finishers, as well as honourable mentions in both the Design Challenge and Ultimate Quiz Challenge. The Lorna Collins Spirit Award recognized the team with the most enthusiasm and teamwork.

The Let’s Talk Science Challenge continues to inspire young students, promoting a love for science and teamwork through interactive and engaging learning experiences.