Western’s inaugural Interdisciplinary Science Research Showcase took place on Tuesday, 02 Dec. 2014 in the Physics and Astronomy building.
This event came to fruition as a result of the generous donation from the Fallona family, who were represented by Western alumni James and Mary Catherine Fallona.
Opening words were by the Dean’s Special Adviser on Research, Martin Houde, after which the Dean of Science, Charmaine Dean, made her opening remarks.
First on the agenda were three minute thesis presentations by 10 of Western’s outstanding science graduate students. Of the three minute talks which were formally presented, one was by Physics and Astronomy graduate student Carolyn Cadogan, and another by CPSX member Zach Morse. Included in the group who were not selected to speak, but whose presentations were posted for public display, were CPSX students Jean Fillion, Tanya Harrison, and Eric Pilles.
This was followed by the keynote presentation by 2014 Fallona Interdisciplinary Science Award winner, biologist Dr. Charles Trick, whose research on study algae toxins in our oceans was truly inspirational to everyone in attendance.
Mary and James Fallona addressed the audience and then presented Dr. Trick with the first Fallona Interdisciplinary Science Award. The design on the delicately crafted gold medal was conceptualized by the Fallonas. The 17 vertices of the geometrical pattern represent the different disciplines of Science, while the intersections represent the multitude of interdisciplinary connections. The pattern also alludes to the fact that Science takes us from surface of the Earth ( and below it), out to the universe beyond.
The remainder of the afternoon was spent in the building atrium, where almost 180 graduate research poster presentations were on display. Light snacks and refreshments were also available.
[images of the event] [Western Science news archive with videos and still images]
