Scholarship@Western

Ssemunywa, Hnryroger, Mr.

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Identification and evaluation of probiotic candidates in a 3D 
Bioprinted foreskin model for penile sexual health. 
Hnryroger Ssemunywa Mr. 
Western University, hssemuny@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Ssemunywa, Hnryroger Mr., "Identification and evaluation of probiotic candidates in a 3D Bioprinted 
foreskin model for penile sexual health." (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s 
Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 704. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/704 
Identification and evaluation of probiotic candidates in a 3D Bioprinted foreskin model for 
penile sexual health. 
Abstract 
Certain bacteria living on the penis can influence a man’s risk of acquiring HIV and other 
sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Research shows that bacteria like Prevotella and Dialister 
are linked to foreskin inflammation and higher STIs risk, while others like Corynebacterium are 
associated with lower inflammation and better sexual health. Despite this, no non-surgical 
interventions currently exist to promote these beneficial bacteria.  
This project analyzes penile microbiome data from Ugandan and Canadian men to identify 
bacteria linked to low inflammation. We will isolate these helpful strains and build a library of 
potential probiotics. Using advanced 3D bioprinting, we will create a lab-grown model of human 
foreskin to test how well the probiotics grow and protect against the inflammatory bacteria. Our 
goal is to develop a safe, natural, and personalised strategy to support men’s sexual health and 
reduce infection risks for men and their partner. 


Identification and evaluation of probiotic candidates in a 3D Bioprinted foreskin model for penile sexual health.

Simon, Taryn A

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Healthy Mama, Health Baby: Reducing the Intergenerational 
Transmission of Psychiatric Risk 
Taryn A. Simon 
Western University, tsimon23@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Simon, Taryn A., "Healthy Mama, Health Baby: Reducing the Intergenerational Transmission of Psychiatric 
Risk" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity. 711. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/711 
Healthy Mama, Health Baby: Reducing the Intergenerational Transmission of Psychiatric 
Risk 
By: Taryn Simon 
Maternal depression during pregnancy is a major determinant of adverse infant outcomes, 
including impaired development and later psychiatric risk. The outcomes of children exposed to 
prenatal depression vary, suggesting the presence of risk factors that may put some children at 
greater risk. One possible risk factor is infant brain structure. Brain regions like the limbic 
system are important for emotional regulation, and structural abnormalities in its white matter 
tracts are linked to impaired emotional development. Using data from pregnant mothers during 
the COVID-19 pandemic, this study examines the relationships between prenatal depression, 
newborn limbic system white matter integrity, and toddler temperament. The results will improve 
our understanding of how prenatal depression shapes infant brain structure and emotional 
development. Identifying early neural markers of vulnerability will allow for improved screening 
and prevention efforts that address maternal mental health and optimize infant development, 
thereby reducing the intergenerational transmission of psychiatric risk. 
 
 
 


Healthy Mama, Health Baby: Reducing the Intergenerational Transmission of Psychiatric Risk

Uctu Atiseri, Selin

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Theoretical Foundations of Colour-Based Methods in Music 
Education for Students with Dyslexia 
Selin Uctu Atiseri 
The University of Western Ontario, selinuctu@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Uctu Atiseri, Selin, "Theoretical Foundations of Colour-Based Methods in Music Education for Students 
with Dyslexia" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship 
and Creative Activity. 741. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/741 
Coloured music staves and coloured note heads have been proposed as alternative 
approaches to traditional music teaching for students with dyslexia. However, why do some 
music educators choose to use these coloured strategies? 
My literature review focuses on dyslexia and the music teaching strategy, colour notation. 
The literature does not present any theoretical foundation behind the use of colour strategies in 
music education. However, I suggest that there should be a rationale or a “theory” guiding music 
educators in using colour-based methods for students with dyslexia over traditional ways of 
teaching. Therefore, I approach colour strategies from a theoretical perspective by focusing on 
Cognitive Load Theory (CLT) and its relationship with colour-based notation strategies in music 
education. I believe that focusing on cognitive load of students with dyslexia and reducing 
unnecessary cognitive load during the music learning process may promote more effective and 
inclusive education in music classrooms.  
 
 
 
 


Theoretical Foundations of Colour-Based Methods in Music Education for Students with Dyslexia

Berinyuy Asesi, Dorala

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
The Reproductive Health of Female Firefighters 
Dorala Berinyuy Asesi 
Western University, dberinyu@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Berinyuy Asesi, Dorala, "The Reproductive Health of Female Firefighters" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A 
Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 764. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/764 
 
Dorala Berinyuy Asesi  
 
My dissertation explores the reproductive health experiences of female firefighters, a critical yet under-researched 
area. While the broader health impacts of firefighting are well-documented, female-specific reproductive health 
concerns often remain unaddressed. 
This study aims to identify the primary reproductive health issues faced by female firefighters, understand their 
lived experiences, and document current coping mechanisms. It aims to identify key support and resources they 
need to succeed.  
My personal experiences and cultural background have long drawn me to the challenges of reproductive health. 
My curiosity about firefighters’ intense demands made me inquire how its unique stressors impact female 
firefighters’ reproductive health. Ultimately, this research will inform policy changes, foster a more supportive 
work environment, and facilitate targeted interventions to enhance the reproductive health of female firefighters. By 
amplifying their voices, this study contributes to building a more inclusive and responsive fire service. 


The Reproductive Health of Female Firefighters

Asgari, Nima

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Technoeconomic Analysis and Optimization of Agrivoltaic 
Greenhouses and Indoor Vertical Farming Structures by 
Employing Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Panels and Heat 
Pumps in Canada 
Nima Asgari 
Western University, nasgari@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Asgari, Nima, "Technoeconomic Analysis and Optimization of Agrivoltaic Greenhouses and Indoor 
Vertical Farming Structures by Employing Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Panels and Heat Pumps in 
Canada" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity. 771. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/771 
Technoeconomic Analysis and Optimization of Agrivoltaic Greenhouses and Indoor 
Vertical Farming Structures by Employing Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Panels and 
Heat Pumps in Canada 
 
Indoor agrivoltaics—a novel integration of solar photovoltaics (PV) with controlled environment 
agriculture (CEA) systems such as greenhouses and vertical farms—is rapidly advancing toward 
commercialization. This approach enables high crop productivity and energy efficiency with 
minimal or zero additional land use. While widely adopted in China, Europe, and the U.S., Canada 
lacks reliable data and analytical frameworks on the techno-economic and agronomic performance 
of such systems. To address this gap, two major research projects are underway at Western 
University. The first investigates the use of transparent or semi-transparent PV (STPV) modules 
as greenhouse covers to reduce energy demand without compromising crop yields. The second 
develops a net-zero, grid-connected vertical farming system ("Agrotunnel") powered by 
agrivoltaics, aiming to increase productivity per unit area. These projects combine energy 
modeling, plant growth studies, and cost analyses to identify optimal configurations across various 
crops and climates, supporting informed decision-making for Canadian agriculture stakeholders. 
 
 
(a) 
 
 
(b) 
Figure 1. Indoor agrivoltaic solutions: a) STPVs integrated into the greenhouse, b) indoor vertical farm powered by 
outdoor agrivoltaics (agrivoltaic agrotunnel). 


Technoeconomic Analysis and Optimization of Agrivoltaic Greenhouses and Indoor Vertical Farming Structures by Employing Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Panels and Heat Pumps in Canada

Gregg, Cole R, Mr

Wiegert, Paul A, Dr

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
The Transfer of Interstellar Material From Nearby Star Systems 
Cole R. Gregg Mr 
Western University, cgregg2@uwo.ca 
Paul A. Wiegert Dr 
Western University, pwiegert@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Gregg, Cole R. Mr and Wiegert, Paul A. Dr, "The Transfer of Interstellar Material From Nearby Star 
Systems" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity. 837. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/837 
The Transfer of Interstellar Material From Nearby Star Systems 
My research focuses on understanding the flow of material between planetary systems. Using numerical 
simulations, I track the paths of particles launched from nearby star systems, accounting for the 
gravitational influence of the Milky Way. The goal is to determine which systems are most likely 
contributing to the local population of interstellar material. This work also helps contextualize 
interstellar objects like 1I/‘Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, which may have originated in known nearby 
systems. More broadly, it contributes to our understanding of how mass is exchanged across the Galaxy 
and what this exchange can reveal about the material makeup of planetary systems beyond our own. 
Identifying the sources of these particles informs our knowledge of planetary system evolution and 
helps place Earth within a broader, dynamic galactic environment. By pinpointing likely stellar origins, 
we can begin to connect interstellar material detected near Earth to specific sources elsewhere in the 
Galaxy. 
 
 
 
Cole Gregg 
PhD Astronomy – Collaborative Specialization in Planetary Science and Exploration 
Supervisor: Dr. Paul Wiegert 
Figure 1: 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov approaching the Solar System. 


The Transfer of Interstellar Material From Nearby Star Systems

Flynn, Abeni R.S.

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Serotonin Tunes Up Song Sparrow Attention to Novel Songs 
Abeni R.S. Flynn 
The University of Western Ontario, aflynn32@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Flynn, Abeni R.S., "Serotonin Tunes Up Song Sparrow Attention to Novel Songs" (2025). Inspiring Minds – 
A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 843. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/843 
Serotonin Tunes Up Song Sparrow Attention to Novel Songs 
Abeni Flynn 
The ability to listen to one conversation in a busy restaurant is a form of selective 
auditory attention. Similarly, male songbirds become especially attentive to rival songs during 
the breeding season. What fine-tunes this listening ability? My project explores how serotonin 
might help male song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) prioritize important sounds in their 
environment. I used fluoxetine (a serotonin enhancer, known as Prozac) or risperidone (a 
serotonin blocker) and exposed birds to familiar or novel songs. I then measured how their brains 
reacted. Boosting serotonin made the birds more responsive to new songs, while blocking 
serotonin reduced their response to novel songs. My findings show that serotonin helps birds 
tune into new sounds, which could explain how their auditory attention increases in the breeding 
season. My study gives us a better understanding of how seasonal changes in hormones affect 
how birds listen to songs. 
 
 


Serotonin Tunes Up Song Sparrow Attention to Novel Songs

McCallum, Duncan

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Challenging Canada’s Musical Mosaic 
Duncan McCallum 
The University of Western Ontario, dmccal7@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
McCallum, Duncan, "Challenging Canada’s Musical Mosaic" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection 
of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 844. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/844 
Challenging Canada’s Musical Mosaic 
Duncan McCallum 
 
Often described as a cultural mosaic, Canada is imagined as a nation of diverse yet coexisting 
identities. However, this mosaic metaphor often creates tensions and hierarchies within, while 
excluding some identities entirely. The 1990s saw a wave of Canadian popular music—known as 
the CanRock revival—gain national prominence and highlight the diversity of regional musical 
identities across the country. Still, this revival often reflected the same biases as the mosaic 
metaphor, favouring some regions and styles while ignoring others. This project examines how 
the CanRock revival constructed a musical mosaic of regional identities and interrogates how 
these representations and exclusions alike contributed to, complicated, or resisted dominant 
narratives of Canadian nationalism. 


Challenging Canada’s Musical Mosaic

El-Shawa, Joud

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Smarter Choices, Safer Care: Rethinking Lab Test Use in Hospitals 
Joud El-Shawa 
Western University, jelshawa@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
El-Shawa, Joud, "Smarter Choices, Safer Care: Rethinking Lab Test Use in Hospitals" (2025). Inspiring 
Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 690. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/690 
Smarter Choices, Safer Care: Rethinking Lab Test Use in Hospitals 
Joud El-Shawa 
 
Hospitals rely on lab tests to monitor patient health, but some are ordered too frequently, leading 
to unnecessary costs, patient stress, and potential harm such as hospital-acquired anemia. My 
research focuses on predicting when these tests—like blood sugar checks—are likely to be ordered 
and identifying which may be unnecessary, helping to uncover patterns of overuse and support 
better decision-making. I convert both structured and unstructured clinical data into a unified, text-
based format and apply BioBERT, a domain-specific language model, to extract meaningful 
patterns from this combined input. I apply this approach to GEMINI, Canada’s largest hospital 
dataset, to explore how machine learning can support more efficient and targeted lab testing. The 
ultimate goal is to develop tools that improve patient care, reduce strain on healthcare systems, 
and encourage more thoughtful use of medical resources. 


Smarter Choices, Safer Care: Rethinking Lab Test Use in Hospitals

wang, yilin

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
A Sonic Visionary 
yilin wang 
ywan5744@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
wang, yilin, "A Sonic Visionary" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate 
Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 712. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/712 
Yilin Wang: A Sonic Visionary
In my creative research, I explore how music, visuals, and spatial sound can work together to evoke 
emotion, stir memory, and engage the senses. Drawing on the BRECVEMA model from music 
cognition (Juslin & Sloboda), I compose works that blend acoustic and electroacoustic textures with 
real-time visual animation and immersive 3D audio. Chinese aesthetics meet contemporary 
technology in pieces like The Echo, where sonic gestures become emotional landscapes. My 
practice extends from concert works to interactive audiovisual installations, informed by my 
background as a senior recording engineer and sound designer. I use tools like Max/MSP and 
Ambisonics not just for innovation’s sake, but to deepen human connection—inviting audiences to 
feel, imagine, and remember. As a composer, visual thinker, and audio engineer, I see sound as a 
medium that transcends disciplines and touches the core of experience—where tradition and 
tomorrow resonate together in meaningful, multisensory ways.
Please check additional information from my personal website: 
https://yilinyilinyilinw.wixsite.com/yilinwang


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