Scholarship@Western

Stevenson, Paul K, Mr.

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Forging New Pathways: The Historical Development of Brassroots 
and Its Impact on the Promotion and Evolution of Canadian 
Chamber Music for Ten-Piece Brass Ensemble 
Paul K. Stevenson Mr. 
Western University, pstevens@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Stevenson, Paul K. Mr., "Forging New Pathways: The Historical Development of Brassroots and Its Impact 
on the Promotion and Evolution of Canadian Chamber Music for Ten-Piece Brass Ensemble" (2025). 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 
849. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/849 
Forging New Pathways: The Historical Development of Brassroots and Its Impact on 
the Promotion and Evolution of Canadian Chamber Music for Ten-Piece Brass 
Ensemble 
In 1986, Karl Hermann, a music student at the University of Western Ontario’s Faculty of 
Music, founded Brassroots, a ten-piece brass and percussion ensemble. Now in its 38th year, 
Brassroots is the longest-running ten-piece ensemble in North America and the longest-standing 
student-formed music ensemble in the history of Western University and the Don Wright Faculty 
of Music. This project analyzes Brassroots' main series concert programs to highlight its 
contributions to Canadian chamber music for ten-piece brass ensembles. Throughout its 38-year 
history, Brassroots has premiered 22 original compositions and presented 377 original 
arrangements. This project is unique as it represents the first application of data analysis to the 
concert programming of a chamber ensemble while documenting Brassroots' vibrant history. 
Additionally, this research emphasizes Brassroots’ pivotal role in supporting and developing 
Canadian composers and arrangers, as well as in the creation of original music for Canadian ten-
piece brass ensembles. 
 
 
 
 
 


Forging New Pathways: The Historical Development of Brassroots and Its Impact on the Promotion and Evolution of Canadian Chamber Music for Ten-Piece Brass Ensemble

Bjorklund, Daniel

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
How thoughts work: Making sense of derived intentionality 
Daniel Bjorklund 
Western University, dbjorklu@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Bjorklund, Daniel, "How thoughts work: Making sense of derived intentionality" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A 
Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 855. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/855 
Thoughts and other mental states are unique in that they have intentionality: the capacity to be 
about something. Figuring out how and why this is the case is crucial for understanding minds, 
human or otherwise. There are several theories that try, none of which have succeeded so far. 
One contender, Phenomenal Intentionality Theory (PIT), is unique in that it takes conscious 
experience to be a fundamental and necessary component of the story. This move allows it to 
sidestep several major problems which plague its competition. But some mental states like 
beliefs, which are definitely about something despite rarely, if ever, being consciously present, 
threaten to disprove PIT. In response, many argue that intentionality can in some way be derived, 
which would allow PIT to survive the apparent counterexample. My work centers on making 
sense of this intuitively strange idea, with the hope of helping make sense of how thoughts work.   


How thoughts work: Making sense of derived intentionality

Aksenchuk, Sophia

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Nurses’ Experiences Accessing Mental Health Services 
Sophia Aksenchuk 
saksench@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Aksenchuk, Sophia, "Nurses’ Experiences Accessing Mental Health Services" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A 
Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 858. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/858 
Nurses’ Experiences Accessing Mental Health Services 
Nurses experience significant psychological distress while practicing in healthcare 
settings in Canada. There is a growing interest in exploring the mental health needs of nurses, 
and a mounting acknowledgement that nurses’ mental health and experiences as clients of mental 
health services may impact their practice. However, there is a paucity of research exploring 
nurses’ perspective on how these personal experiences, as clients, influence their practice-based 
decisions, performance, and relationships with people in their care. Applying constructivism, as a 
theoretical lens, and using an interpretive description methodology, this study will explore the 
experiences of nurses accessing mental health services and how these experiences influence their 
professional practice. The potential impact is embedded within the invitation quality of 
encouraging others, especially nurses, to engage in their own explorations and reflections, which 
can set a catalyst for change in service delivery, person-centred care, and health equity among all 
groups of people. The act of reflection and discussion of experience in itself creates meaningful 
knowledge that is applicable to our personal and professional lives.  
 


Nurses’ Experiences Accessing Mental Health Services

Bhatt, Charmi

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
From Stardust to Life: Exploring Molecules in the Cosmos in the 
era of James Webb Space Telescope 
Charmi Bhatt 
The University of Western Ontario 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Bhatt, Charmi, "From Stardust to Life: Exploring Molecules in the Cosmos in the era of James Webb Space 
Telescope" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship 
and Creative Activity. 682. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/682 
From Stardust to Life: Exploring Molecules in the
Cosmos in the era of James Webb Space Telescope
Charmi Bhatt
Department of Physics & Astronomy, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.
Institute for Earth and Space Exploration, Western University, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada.
Figure 1: Molecules in Space.
Research in the past three decades has established that we inhabit a molecular universe with
more than 330 molecular species identified in various astrophysical settings, including star-
forming regions, exoplanet atmospheres, and around evolved stars. These molecules, varying
from simple diatomics (like H2 and CO) to complex aromatic compounds (C60 and C70), play
a crucial role in star and planet formation and galaxy evolution. They are also important for
tracing the origins of life, as many of these organic molecules are the key reservoirs that hold
the carbon that eventually finds its way into living organisms. Molecules also serve as vital
diagnostics of the environments in which they reside, since their spectral features are very
sensitive to precise physical and chemical conditions. They are thus powerful tools to enhance
our understanding of the universe. I investigate how carbon-based molecules begin to form in
astrophysical environments, using the powerful James Webb Space Telescope.
1


From Stardust to Life: Exploring Molecules in the Cosmos in the era of James Webb Space Telescope

Csegeny, Anastazia K.

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Understanding Caregivers in Graphic Novel Memoirs 
Anastazia K. Csegeny 
Western University, acsegeny@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Csegeny, Anastazia K., "Understanding Caregivers in Graphic Novel Memoirs" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A 
Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 700. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/700 
Anastazia K. Csegeny 
PhD in Media Studies 
Faculty of Information and Media Studies 
Understanding Caregivers in Graphic Novel Memoirs 
 
 
 
 
- Scott McCloud, Understanding Comics (1993) 
I have been a caregiver for a family member my entire life, and it has often been difficult 
to articulate my experience through words alone. My story is not unique, and many caregivers 
have harnessed the power of the graphic novel memoir to represent, affirm, and re-envision the 
experience of providing care. Spiegelman’s Maus (1986) and Bechdel’s Fun Home (2006) 
legitimized the comics medium as a site for conveying difficult truths through image and text, 
and caregivers are now using the form to show-and-tell their life narratives. My doctoral project 
examines how caregivers use, bend, and break the visual and textual conventions of the graphic 
novel to represent caregiving for those with disabilities, those who are aging, and those with 
physical and chronic illnesses. I consider how caregivers reshape depictions of disability, illness, 
and trauma, and how comics are emerging as a significant, accessible form for conveying the 
caregiving experience. 
Word Count: 150 


Understanding Caregivers in Graphic Novel Memoirs

Xue, Ruixuan

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Mr. 
Ruixuan Xue 
Western University, nxue7@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Xue, Ruixuan, "Mr." (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, 
Scholarship and Creative Activity. 748. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/748 
 
Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
 
Inspiring 
Minds 
Creative Activity  
 
June 2025 
 
Radiolabeling of Monoclonal Antibodies with Radiometals Relevant 
to Breast Cancer Diagnosis  
Ruixuan Nick Xue 
Western University, nxue7@uwo.ca 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
Citation of this paper: 
 
Mitri, Z., Constantine, T., & O'Regan, R. (2012). The HER2 Receptor in Breast Cancer: Pathophysiology,   
Clinical Use, and New Advances in Therapy. Chemotherapy Research and Practice, 2012, 743193. 
https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/743193
Radiolabelling of Monoclonal Antibodies with Radiometals Relevant to Breast Cancer 
Diagnosis 
My research project concentrates on developing a more stable, effective, and safer radiotracer for the 
diagnosis of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+) induced breast cancer. 
Breast cancer renders one of the most common cancers in Canada and worldwide that significantly 
affects women’s health. HER2+ breast cancer counts 20-30% of diagnosed cancer cases in Canada. 
My lab aims to use chemotherapy alongside immunotherapy to improve the accuracy of its 
diagnosis. Specifically, radiolabel an antibody, trastuzumab that is clinically proven in treating 
HER2+ breast cancer with a radioisotope, 89Zr. Generally, the technique we are developing and 
refining can be applied to a wide variety of antibodies and different biological targets. Improving 
patient healthcare has always motivated me to conduct research on cancer diagnosis and treatment, 
which also encourages me to pursue a medical degree in the future. 


Chow, Michelle

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Rewiring Recovery: Supporting Mental Health After Stroke 
Michelle Chow 
Western University, mchow242@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Chow, Michelle, "Rewiring Recovery: Supporting Mental Health After Stroke" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A 
Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 776. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/776 
Title: Rewiring Recovery: Supporting Mental Health After Stroke 
Author: Michelle Chow 
Stroke can change life in an instant, and recovery is often seen through a physical lens–but 
what about the emotional wounds left behind? Many survivors face depression and anxiety, yet 
struggle to access care due to mobility, cost, or stigma. As someone passionate about breaking 
down barriers to mental health support, I wanted to explore whether care could be made more 
accessible. My research tested the feasibility of a self-directed, online cognitive behavioural 
therapy program–offering support that is private, flexible, and accessible. Could people use it on 
their own? Would it actually help? The answer was yes. Participants reported feeling less 
anxious, less depressed, and more confident in managing their recovery. This work matters 
because mental health care is often out of reach, especially after stroke. By showing that digital 
tools can be both usable and effective, my study highlights a path forward: one that’s scalable, 
empowering, and urgently needed. 


Rewiring Recovery: Supporting Mental Health After Stroke

Blackler, Garth

Séguin, Cheryle

Appleton, C Thomas G

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
I’m listening; identifying cell communication that can relieve pain 
in osteoarthritis 
Garth Blackler 
Western University, gblackle@uwo.ca 
Cheryle Séguin 
Western University 
C Thomas G Appleton 
Western University 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Blackler, Garth; Séguin, Cheryle; and Appleton, C Thomas G, "I’m listening; identifying cell communication 
that can relieve pain in osteoarthritis" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate 
Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 781. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/781 
Imagine dreading playing with your children, doing laundry, or going for a walk with 
friends because your joints hurt. Unfortunately, this is the reality for 1 in 5 Canadians 
who experience pain due to osteoarthritis. Most of our joints contain a specialized tissue 
called the synovium. This tissue is made up of different types of cells including 
fibroblasts and macrophages. These cells communicate with each other and this 
communication helps the cells figure out what to do to maintain our joints’ health. 
Unfortunately, during osteoarthritis, the ways our cells communicate changes. We 
believe this allows pain causing cells to build up in our synovium. My research project is 
focused on finding types of communication that stop or reverse the build up of pain 
causing cells. We believe that this information will help identify new treatment strategies 
that can relieve pain in osteoarthritis which are desperately needed by millions of 
people. 


I’m listening; identifying cell communication that can relieve pain in osteoarthritis

Coan-Brill, Juno  June

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Pioneering Accessible Assessment of Language Comprehension 
for Non-Speaking Canadian Children with Cerebral Palsy 
Juno "June" Coan-Brill 
Western University, jbrill4@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Coan-Brill, Juno "June", "Pioneering Accessible Assessment of Language Comprehension for Non-
Speaking Canadian Children with Cerebral Palsy" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 793. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/793 
Pioneering Accessible Assessment of Language Comprehension 
for Non-Speaking Canadian Children with Cerebral Palsy 
Juno “June” Coan-Brill 
Many children with cerebral palsy (CP) have significant speech and motor limitations, which 
affect their ability to express themselves. However, these limitations are not indicative of their 
understanding! Thus, accurate assessment of language comprehension is essential to inform 
developmentally-appropriate educational and therapeutic plans. Unfortunately, most language 
comprehension assessments in Canada rely on children’s speech or fine motor skills (e.g., 
pointing) to convey understanding, making them inappropriate for many children with CP. My 
doctoral research focuses on the Canadian implementation of the Computer-Based Instrument 
for Low motor Language Testing (C-BiLLT), which uses technology that allows children to 
participate in alternative ways (e.g., eye gaze, input switch). Although it has been successfully 
implemented in several countries, previous research identified unique challenges in Canada. My 
research includes four studies to establish the necessary conditions for Canadian 
implementation, adapt the C-BiLLT to better suit the local context, and develop/pilot training 
materials for Canadian clinicians. 


Pioneering Accessible Assessment of Language Comprehension for Non-Speaking Canadian Children with Cerebral Palsy

Lu, Wanying

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2025 
Faster, Fairer, and Smarter: Vocabulary Test That Adapts to You 
Wanying Lu 
wlu273@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Lu, Wanying, "Faster, Fairer, and Smarter: Vocabulary Test That Adapts to You" (2025). Inspiring Minds – A 
Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 750. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/750 
Faster, Fairer, and Smarter: Vocabulary Test That Adapts to You 
 
Growing up in China, I experienced firsthand the frustration of one-size-fits-all standardized 
exams—exhausting sessions where some questions were too easy, others were impossibly 
difficult, and scores sometimes failed to reflect true abilities. This motivated my research into 
smarter assessment tools for second language learners. This study develops a Computerized 
Adaptive Test (CAT) version of the widely used Updated Vocabulary Levels Test. Unlike 
traditional tests, CAT first analyzes each question's difficulty level and how well it distinguishes 
different ability levels, then adjusts question difficulty in real time based on test takers’ 
responses. This approach makes testing faster, more accurate, and tailored to individual ability. 
We expect the adaptive test to reduce testing time by 40–80% while maintaining or improving 
accuracy. This research contributes a practical tool for educators and language learners, and a 
model for modernizing other language assessments to make testing smarter, fairer, and more 
efficient. 
 
 


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