Scholarship@Western

Kwok, Mark X

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Immune Cell “Foodtography”: Mapping the Route MHC II Takes to 
Get to the “Stomach” of Phagocytes for Triggering Immune 
Response 
Mark X. Kwok 
Western University, mkwok54@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Kwok, Mark X., "Immune Cell “Foodtography”: Mapping the Route MHC II Takes to Get to the “Stomach” of 
Phagocytes for Triggering Immune Response" (2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s 
Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 608. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/608 
Immune Cell “Foodtography”: Mapping the Route MHC II Takes to Get to the “Stomach” 
of Phagocytes for Triggering Immune Response 
Mark Kwok 
 
Phagocytes are the first immune cells in our body that detect and digest invaded pathogens to 
trigger adaptive immune response specific to the invader via antigen presentation by MHC II 
molecule. Before that can happen, the antigen must be loaded onto the MHC II in the “stomach” 
(MHC II loading compartment) that contains digested pathogens in phagocytes. Yet, the pathway 
of how empty MHC II gets delivered to the “stomach” is not understood. One idea suggests an 
indirect pathway from the site of MHC II synthesis to the “stomach” traversing the cell surface, 
while another proposes a pathway that delivers directly to the “stomach”. In this study we aim to 
use microscopy-based tools to investigate the route MHC II takes to the “stomach”. By 
understanding this pathway, we will better understand any MHC II-related diseases (i.e.: 
autoimmune diseases) and help to identify parts of the pathway as a treatment target. 
 


English

Immune Cell “Foodtography”: Mapping the Route MHC II Takes to Get to the “Stomach” of Phagocytes for Triggering Immune Response

Martinez Loyola, Gabriela

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
How are Caribbean Spanish accents categorized and perceived? 
The Role of Language Dominance, Gender, and Exposure 
Gabriela Martinez Loyola 
Western University, gmarti49@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Martinez Loyola, Gabriela, "How are Caribbean Spanish accents categorized and perceived? The Role of 
Language Dominance, Gender, and Exposure" (2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s 
Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 617. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/617 
Western Inspiring Minds 
Gabriela Martinez Loyola 
Hispanic Studies - PhD Student  
June 5, 2024 
 
How are Caribbean Spanish accents categorized and perceived? 
The Role of Language Dominance, Gender, and Exposure 
 
Oftentimes, you can tell where a person is from based on their accent. However, besides 
geographical location, accents also result in unconscious perceptions, which do not inherently 
imply negative associations, but can further stigmatize marginalized language varieties. As such, 
my dissertation aims to investigate the identification and perception of the Spanish spoken in Cuba, 
Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, which is collectively known as Caribbean Spanish. In 
addition, the interplay between language dominance, gender of the speaker, and exposure to the 
three varieties will be examined to determine the complexity of associated perceptions. The 
findings obtained will point toward the larger issues at the core of this dissertation – discrimination 
and inequality as Caribbean Spanish is often viewed in a negative lens and speakers are often not 
treated fairly in professional and educational domains.  
 
Word count: 134 


How are Caribbean Spanish accents categorized and perceived? The Role of Language Dominance, Gender, and Exposure

Gill, Balraj

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Exploring Perceptions of Belonging Among Adolescents with 
Obesity and their Caregivers 
Balraj Gill 
Western University, bgill56@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Gill, Balraj, "Exploring Perceptions of Belonging Among Adolescents with Obesity and their Caregivers" 
(2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative 
Activity. 622. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/622 
Balraj Gill 
As a head camp counsellor for several years, I have witnessed firsthand how deeply a sense of 
belonging can impact the lives and wellbeing of children and adolescents. It is widely understood 
that humans have a fundamental need to connect with others; unbeknownst to many, however, is 
the fact that we are in the midst of a “loneliness epidemic”. Coinciding with the loneliness 
epidemic is an ongoing childhood obesity epidemic. Both are public health concerns that warrant 
attention, as research shows that in comparison to those without obesity, adolescents with obesity 
experience disproportionately high levels of isolation.  
The primary aim of my proposed thesis project is to conduct a qualitative study to explore the 
perceptions of belonging among adolescents with obesity and their caregivers. We believe that an 
in-depth understanding of adolescent belonging will provide novel insights that may serve to 
improve pediatric obesity care, belonging, and quality of life. 
  
 


Exploring Perceptions of Belonging Among Adolescents with Obesity and their Caregivers

Laxer, Sam

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Illuminating Brain Activity: Combining fMRI and Fibre Photometry 
Sam Laxer 
Western University, jlaxer2@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Laxer, Sam, "Illuminating Brain Activity: Combining fMRI and Fibre Photometry" (2024). Inspiring Minds – 
A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 638. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/638 
Imagine peering into the dynamic dance of brain activity in real time! My research project delves 
into the intricate world of neural signaling and brain recording techniques. Functional Magnetic 
Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a widely used method to measure brain function, yet the cellular 
mechanisms driving signal fluctuations remain unclear. We aim to uncover these processes by 
combining fMRI with an advanced optical recording technique called fibre photometry, which 
directly measures brain activity at the cellular level. By integrating these two techniques, we will 
pave the way for a deeper understanding of how cellular dynamics influence whole-brain 
activity. This approach promises groundbreaking insights, enabling researchers to better interpret 
fMRI data and make more informed conclusions about neurodegenerative conditions. Ultimately, 
this innovative research will illuminate the neural underpinnings of brain health and disease. 
 


Illuminating Brain Activity: Combining fMRI and Fibre Photometry

Asgari, Nima

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Optimization of Sustainable Greenhouses and Vertical Growing 
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, "Optimization of Sustainable Greenhouses and Vertical Growing Structures by Employing 
Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Panels and Heat Pumps in Canada" (2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital 
Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 651. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/651 
Optimization of Sustainable Greenhouses and Vertical Growing Structures by Employing Semi-
Transparent Photovoltaic Panels and Heat Pumps in Canada 
 
In recent years, researchers have worked to integrate HPs and PV technologies into greenhouses, mainly 
in Europe and China, focusing on Mediterranean climates. Studies on colder climates are limited. This 
study aims to address this gap by integrating semi-transparent photovoltaic (STPV) modules and heat 
pump (HP) technologies into Canadian controlled environments (CEs), optimizing energy efficiency, 
economic viability, and agricultural productivity. STPVs filter UV and infrared light, allowing visible light to 
reach plants, making them suitable for installation on greenhouse roofs and walls. Experimental data from 
setups will be collected to develop open-source physical and economic models. These models will facilitate 
comparative analyses of different CE configurations, considering crop type, HVAC technology, and STPV 
module transparency. Comprehensive energy, environmental, and economic assessments will evaluate 
system performance and identify optimization opportunities without compromising crop yield. The 
research will introduce a platform for designing sustainable CEs, providing insights for farmers and 
investors to retrofit existing structures. 
 
 


Optimization of Sustainable Greenhouses and Vertical Growing Structures by Employing Semi-Transparent Photovoltaic Panels and Heat Pumps in Canada

VanderBurgt, Jordan T

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Pigs need vaccines too: plant-made pharmaceuticals for livestock 
Jordan T. VanderBurgt 
The University of Western Ontario, jvand258@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
VanderBurgt, Jordan T., "Pigs need vaccines too: plant-made pharmaceuticals for livestock" (2024). 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 
659. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/659 
 
Unclassified / Non classifié 
Jordan VanderBurgt 
Farm animals like chickens, cows, and pigs can get sick in similar ways that we do, but there are far fewer 
medications available to help them. Therefore, prevention methods such as vaccines are a critical tool to 
control the spread of diseases and protect animal health. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome 
(PRRS) is one of the most significant diseases affecting pigs around the globe, but current vaccines 
against this virus are either ineffective or pose safety concerns. Another barrier with livestock medicine 
is cost, where veterinary vaccines must be inexpensive to make and distribute or they cannot be 
implemented. To tackle both of these issues, I am working to produce a synthetic vaccine against PRRS 
made inside of plant leaves. Pigs could be immunized by feeding them vaccine-containing plant leaves, 
which drastically lowers production costs while providing a safe and effective way of protecting pigs from 
this devastating disease.  


Pigs need vaccines too: plant-made pharmaceuticals for livestock

Murray, Erika

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes and Digital Violence: 
Understanding the Impact on Health 
Erika Murray 
Western University, ejuhasz@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Murray, Erika, "Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes and Digital Violence: Understanding the Impact on Health" 
(2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative 
Activity. 677. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/677 
Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes and Digital Violence: Understanding the Impact on Health 
Author: Erika Murray, RN 
 
With the rise of mainstream artificial intelligence (AI) software that can create hyper-
realistic images and videos called deepfakes, I was compelled to dive deep into the underbelly 
of an otherwise helpful technology.  
The vulnerability I noticed through my literature review was that in some samples, a 
staggering 99% of AI-generated deepfake images and videos were sexually explicit, and almost 
all depicted women whose likenesses had been used without consent. What is insidious about 
this also makes me passionate as a researcher.  
Through my present and future work, I hope to highlight how digital sexual violence, 
including the production of explicit deepfakes, can impact both the physical and mental health 
of women. Ultimately, I want to see my work as part of a growing body of literature that can 
inform policy and law, forming a harmony between technology, health, and women’s liberation.  


Artificial Intelligence, Deepfakes and Digital Violence: Understanding the Impact on Health

Kumar, Shruti

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Job Crafting: How Racialized Women Navigate the World of Work 
Shruti Kumar 
skuma29@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Kumar, Shruti, "Job Crafting: How Racialized Women Navigate the World of Work" (2024). Inspiring Minds 
– A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 560. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/560 
Job crafting is an informal yet intentional process in which individuals actively shape their work 
to align with their own goals, motives, and preferences. By crafting their jobs, workers may be 
able to initiate subtle changes that allow them to achieve meaningful work. I am particularly 
interested in the influence of social identity on this process, as identity plays a large role on 
worker experiences. For instance, research shows that racialized women often navigate 
intersecting race and gender stereotypes at work. However, this has not been explored in the 
context of job crafting, leading me to wonder: how does the complexity of racialized women’s 
identities impact their job crafting motivations, strategies, and outcomes? Crafting might benefit 
these workers, yet their efforts could be constrained by the identity-specific challenges they face 
at work. By analyzing in-depth interviews with workers, I will contribute a nuanced 
understanding of racialized women’s job crafting experiences.     
 


Job Crafting: How Racialized Women Navigate the World of Work

kanesalingam, kasthuri

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Challenging Negative Views on Sexuality: The Role of Post-
Secondary Education in Shaping Sexual Health and Intimate 
Relationships Among South Asian Canadian Women 
kasthuri kanesalingam 
Western University, kkanesal@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
kanesalingam, kasthuri, "Challenging Negative Views on Sexuality: The Role of Post-Secondary Education 
in Shaping Sexual Health and Intimate Relationships Among South Asian Canadian Women" (2024). 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 
563. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/563 
Kasthuri Kanesalingam 
 
Women’s sexual and reproductive health have been heavily regulated and shamed by society, 
culture, religion, and the legal system. Sexual dysfunctions are highly prevalent among women, 
often resulting from abuse, low self-esteem, shame, and lack of sexual education. Additionally, 
these issues can also stem from upbringings that deems sex as taboo and shames women's 
femininity, sexuality, and perceived promiscuity. The lack of positive sex education and 
exacerbates these problems, causing many women to feel ashamed of their bodies and uphold 
harmful and negative beliefs about sex and themselves. I aim to study how post-secondary 
education challenges and reshapes the sexual views of South Asian female students. Through this 
research, I hope to cultivate a more inclusive discourse on how education can be a driver in 
reducing stigma around sex and uplifting women’s voices around sexual health especially for 
women of colour.  
 
 


Challenging Negative Views on Sexuality: The Role of Post-Secondary Education in Shaping Sexual Health and Intimate Relationships Among South Asian Canadian Women

Hou, Winston

McAlister, VIvian

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Getting to the fight: transport vehicles for far-forward surgery 
Winston Hou 
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, whou23@uwo.ca 
VIvian McAlister 
Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, vivian.mcalister@gmail.com 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Hou, Winston and McAlister, VIvian, "Getting to the fight: transport vehicles for far-forward surgery" 
(2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative 
Activity. 583. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/583 
Title: Getting to the fight: transport vehicles for far-forward surgery 
Submitting author: Winston Hou, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry 
 
Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have demonstrated that the current Western military doctrine of 
providing surgical care via fast air medevac may not always be attainable, especially in resource 
limited environments or contested airspace. Over the summer, my supervisor Dr. McAlister and I 
examined what lessons we can learn from the history of war surgery for alternative methods of 
immediate surgical care for the wounded. Far forward surgery supported by ground vehicles exists as 
an alternative solution. From ancient Greek chariots, the flying ambulance in the Napoleonic War, to 
the Autochir groups of World War 1 and 2, history has provided us with plenty of alternatively viable 
examples of transporting surgeons and equipment close to the point of injury. Themes such as 
modular design, terrain challenges, and integration of far forward surgery into existing chains of 
evacuation have also emerged that may serve as inspirations for future designs.  


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