UWill Discover

On today's episode of the UWill Discover Podcast, we welcome Dr. Clayton Smith, a professor in the Faculty of Education, and the former Vice Provost and Dean of Students. Dr. Smith has spent the last two decades helping improve the student experience at University of Windsor; his research played a pivotal role in the creation of the Outstanding Scholars Program, peer mentorship programs, and services on campus for international students. Tune in to learn more about how research can be practically applied to change the lives of students on our campus.

Matthew Najem is a 2026 UWill Discover Ambassador and an undergraduate student in business and political science. In this episode, he'll talk about his need for motion and productivity - much like a crashing ocean wave!

Vanessa Ardovini is a 2026 UWill Discover Ambassador who is in her fourth year of Behaviour, Cognition and Neuroscience at the University of Windsor. In this episode, she'll talk about her passion for golf, and how we should respond when chance takes its course and redirects us.

Mina Pairawan is a 2026 UWill Discover Ambassador who is in her third year of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Windsor. In this episode she'll talk about her love of the natural world (including all the creepy and crawly bugs - eek!), and the importance of optimism in every situation.

Julia Kosciuk is a 2026 UWill Discover Ambassador who is in her first year of English Literature and French Studies at the University of Windsor. In this episode, she'll talk about one of her favourite novels, Little Women, and the importance of being present in the moments that make up each chapter of your life.

Alexander Agostinis is a 2026 UWill Discover Ambassador who is currently pursuing his Master's in Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Windsor. In this episode, he'll talk about how he lets curiosity guide growth in every domain of his life - whether it's in the lab, in the studio, or in the garden!

Natasha Nakhle is an Honours Psychology and Biology student at UWindsor, and one of our 2026 UWill Discover Ambassadors. In this episode, she'll talk about her love of live music, and how it has shaped her career aspirations.

On today's episode of the UWill Discover Podcast, the OSSC Mentorship Coordinator, Ava Mammarella, welcomes former mentor-mentee pair - Jeannette Vanier and Mina Pairawan - to discuss their experiences in the OSSC Mentorship Program. You can hear about the advantages of mentorship, as both Jeannette and Mina unpack their first-hand experiences. Tune in to hear how this mentor-mentee pairing resulted in lifelong friendship, personal growth and an abundance of shared wisdom.

On today's episode of the UWill Discover Podcast, join host Ava Mammarella, this year's OSSC Mentorship Coordinator, and special guest Margo Murray, the president of MMHA The Managers' Mentors Inc. and award-winning authour of "Beyond the Myths and Magic of Mentoring: How to Facilitate an Effective Mentoring Process". They explore the intricacies of mentorship, including the benefits to both the mentee and the mentor, the keys to establishing fruitful mentoring relationships, and the types of transferable skills attained from mentorship.

On today's episode of the UWill Discover Podcast, join host Natasha Nakhle and special guest Roger Reka in a comprehensive discussion about the infamous task that all students must confront - the literature review! They'll break down the writing process into simple steps, explore tips and tricks for finding sources, and discuss the support services offered through Leddy Library.

In this two-part series, podcast host Natasha Nakhle sits down with Dr. Catherine Febria from the Healthy Headwaters Lab. In this segment, we will discuss the experience of undergraduate researchers in her lab, as well as strategies for success in a research assistantship.

In this two-part series, podcast host Natasha Nakhle sits down with Dr. Catherine Febria from the Healthy Headwaters Lab. In this segment, they discuss her role as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair, the importance of curiosity and creativity in academia, understanding the relationship communities have with their water systems, as well as the practical advantages of bridging different areas of academic study.

Join Natasha Nakhle - a member of the UWill Discover A-Team - and explore the largest interdisciplinary research conference at the University of Windsor! You'll hear from UWill Discover ambassadors, undergraduate participants, and graduate participants as they share their experiences.

On today's episode of the UWill Discover Podcast, Dr. Trevor Pitcher joins undergraduate student Natasha Nakhle to discuss the ins-and-outs of research at University of Windsor, as well as in the global context! They explore the opportunities available for undergraduate students who would like to get involved, where to seek out funding for research, and essential strategies for being successful in your research career. Whether you're an undergraduate student looking to join in a research lab for the first time, or a seasoned researcher in academia, this episode will be of interest to you!

Sam Dade is a UWill Discover Ambassador! She first worked as a room Ambassador for the 2023 UWill Discover conference. After this experience, she wanted to join the team!

This podcast reviews the book Rewire Your Anxious Brain: How to Use the Neuroscience of Fear to End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry co-authored by psychologist Dr. Catherine M. Pittman. This book review will outline and analyze the core topics Dr. Pittman discusses, including the neuroscience behind anxiety production and where anxiety originates, to ultimately answer how rewiring the brain can help to prevent anxiety and its distressing effects. Discussing anxiety in the student experience, this analysis is situated locally and examines how resources at the University of Windsor implement anxiety prevention and rewiring techniques into services offered for students living with anxiety. Areas for improving the resources and support available for students living with the effects of an anxious brain will also be discussed. This book review will integrate into its analysis the United Nation’s SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing, which aims to “ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages” (United Nations). Anxiety is a fear response that can have debilitating, long-term effects on individuals; thus, to promote good health and wellbeing in one’s life, rewiring the parts of the brain that overproduce anxiety is essential.

Join the UWill Discover Sustainable Futures team in Disseminating your podcast. Hosts are Grace Taylor and Krishali Kumar with guests Anne Rudzinski and Tim Brunet.

Narrative medicine is a technique in which a physician will apply “narrative competence—that is, [the] capacity to receive, interpret, co-construct, and bear witness to the stories […] patients bring” (Peterkin, 2012, paras. 1). This podcast will explore the roots of narrative medicine, its benefits considering the current state of Canadian healthcare, and disadvantages, drawing from experiential applications in healthcare institutions across the globe and locally, including at the University of Toronto’s Narrative Medicine Lab. Additionally, this podcast will suggest strategies in integrating narrative medicine in care for future healthcare professionals. The potential impact of this work is to instill in future medical providers the importance of the medical humanities as to promote the well-being of their future patients.

This podcast was prepared for the UWill Discover Sustainable Futures Project at the University of Windsor by Outstanding Scholar student Krishali Kumar.

Narrative medicine is a technique in which a physician will apply “narrative competence—that is, [the] capacity to receive, interpret, co-construct, and bear witness to the stories […] patients bring” (Peterkin, 2012, paras. 1). This podcast will explore the roots of narrative medicine, its benefits considering the current state of Canadian healthcare, and disadvantages, drawing from experiential applications in healthcare institutions across the globe and locally, including at the University of Toronto’s Narrative Medicine Lab. Additionally, this podcast will suggest strategies in integrating narrative medicine in care for future healthcare professionals. The potential impact of this work is to instill in future medical providers the importance of the medical humanities as to promote the well-being of their future patients.

Join students Krishali Kumar, Grace Taylor and special guests Anne Rudzinski and Tim Brunet who provide tips on editing your podcast.

This podcast is an interview between Outstanding Scholar Student Laila Albalkhi and Outstanding Scholar Coordinator Tim Brunet. Learn about the practice of auto ethnography and why Outstanding Scholars will have an opportunity to do research while on exchange.

Laila Albalkhi, Deborah Laze, and Samantha Blackwell have begun constructing autoethnography exercises and resources. No autoethnographies will begin until it received Research Ethics Board clearance.

Join students Krishali Kumar, Grace Taylor and special guests Anne Rudzinski and Tim Brunet who provide tips on how to record your podcast.

Authors: April King and Dr. Zareen Amtul

This podcast examines the increased incidents of Islamophobia in Canada and the impact of Islamophobia on Muslim Canadians. The overall project being presented seeks to bring attention to the need for intentional strategies embedded in education to help combat Islamophobia. A specific strategy of explicitly celebrating and highlighting Canadian Muslim Excellence is outlined. Sharing the stories of Muslim Canadians that have had a positive impact on our country, is intended to increase the positive messaging surrounding some of the wonderful contributions that Muslim Canadians have accomplished. This podcast also speaks to strategies in place to assist educators in continuing the work of dismantling the stereotypes and fear that come with Islamophobia. Providing the listener with resources to share the names of Muslim Canadians to be celebrated, accompanied by their memorable stories and newly developed lesson plans for the classroom, this project aims to increase the positive portrayal of Muslim Canadians and decrease the display of negative stereotypes and acts of hatred. Canada would not be the same if it were not for our diversity. We need to be intentional in celebrating, educating, and reflecting in ways that work to combat hatred.

This is a presentation from University of Windsor PhD student April King.

Abstract

Having worked with in-risk teens for the past 17 years, along with researching incarcerated male teens, it is apparent that many dysregulated youths are leaving school early and getting involved in deviant behaviours. Rather than looking for ways to connect with in-risk youth, many educational professionals respond with judgement and consequences in the form of punishment. It is imperative that we learn about the lived experiences of our in-risk teens, and in turn understand why they are dysregulated. I have come to understand that to reach in-risk youth we need to find ways to create and build connection and understanding. This podcast hopes to share the connection between in-risk youth’s educational experiences and the potential of getting involved in criminal activity, along with sharing ways that educators can shift their practice with the intent of connecting with their students in a trauma informed manner. As we connect with our youth, and they begin to feel a greater sense of belonging, we can in turn impact their academic engagement, community involvement, and potentially reduce the risk of pushing students out of the educational system early and into criminal activity. This podcast addresses areas of equity, student success, retention, and recidivism

In this episode learn how to plan your podcast including inviting guests, deciding on content, and creating a script with key messaging.

Hosts: Grace Taylor and Krishali Kumar

Guests: Anne Rudzinski and Tim Brunet