Scholarship@Western

Perri, Laura

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
More than Caring: Teaching Self-Advocacy in a Female-Dominated 
Profession 
Laura Perri 
Western University, lperri@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Perri, Laura, "More than Caring: Teaching Self-Advocacy in a Female-Dominated Profession" (2024). 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 
596. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/596 
The caring qualities often credited to female-dominated professions has also caused the 
undervalue of their expertise and compensation. The dental hygiene profession was founded by 
external male governance and continues these ties, which, together with neoliberal market-driven 
forces, has hindered advancements and autonomy in education and practice. Educators in this 
female-dominated profession require skills and competencies to teach self-advocacy to their 
students for professional autonomy. Applying a feminist lens to analyze this problem of practice 
builds awareness of gender discrimination that has hindered self-advocacy training and creates 
novel ideas for solutions to this problem. This dissertation-in-practice provides a change step 
model for the chosen solution of community of practice (CoP) peer mentoring. This CoP 
provides a safe space for collegial story sharing of gender and other forms of discrimination and 
marginalization, and peer learning of the skills and competencies required to teach self-advocacy 
for future dental hygiene graduates.  
 
  


English

More than Caring: Teaching Self-Advocacy in a Female-Dominated Profession

Potts, Emilie A

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Understanding Concussions: From Mice to Humans 
Emilie A. Potts 
Western University, epotts3@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Potts, Emilie A., "Understanding Concussions: From Mice to Humans" (2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital 
Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 597. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/597 
Understanding Concussions: From Mice to Humans 
Emilie A. Potts, Haojie Mao 
 
Approximately 1 in 4 people experience at least one concussion in their lifetime, making 
this injury sadly quite common. Despite its prevalence, there is still much that is unknown about 
concussions surrounding their effects on the brain. The brain is a complex organ that varies among 
individuals, yet this injury is universally treated the same. Extensive research has shown that male 
and female brains differ, and that age and brain health history are significant factors. Our research 
explores various approaches, including animal testing and finite element modeling. Our research 
focuses on understanding the connections between biological responses and engineering 
parameters related to head injuries in mice. Although we are studying outside our species, mice 
findings are applicable to humans. Once we establish these connections in mice and develop 
validated, sex-specific mouse brain models, this knowledge will be translated to humans, 
potentially improving concussion treatment and prevention. 
 
 


Understanding Concussions: From Mice to Humans

Zhu, Lisa Y

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Lift, Eat, Repeat: Understanding Eating Disorders in People Who 
Want to be More Muscular 
Lisa Y. Zhu 
Western University, lzhu343@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Zhu, Lisa Y., "Lift, Eat, Repeat: Understanding Eating Disorders in People Who Want to be More Muscular" 
(2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative 
Activity. 598. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/598 
Lift, Eat, Repeat: Understanding Eating Disorders in People Who Want to be More 
Muscular 
  Lisa Y. Zhu 
Eating disorders are mental illnesses that affect how a person eats and how they feel 
about food and their body. Historically, we have assumed that people with eating disorders are 
always women who want to be thin; however, there has been a recent increase in both men and 
women who want to be more muscular and lean. The purpose of my research is to better 
understand what causes unhealthy eating and exercise behaviours in people of all genders who 
are trying to build muscle. My research focuses specifically on how fear of “being fat” can drive 
people to exercise excessively, follow strict rules for their macronutrient intake, and cycle 
between bulking and cutting. My findings will help us understand how to diagnose and treat 
eating disorders in people who want to be more muscular. 


Lift, Eat, Repeat: Understanding Eating Disorders in People Who Want to be More Muscular

Fresnel, Eleonore

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Exploring the Impact of Powerline Magnetic Fields on Our 
Peripheral Nervous System 
Eleonore Fresnel 
Western University, efresnel@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Fresnel, Eleonore, "Exploring the Impact of Powerline Magnetic Fields on Our Peripheral Nervous System" 
(2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative 
Activity. 604. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/604 
Exploring the Impact of Powerline Magnetic Fields on Our Peripheral Nervous System 
Eleonore Fresnel 
 
Every day, we are exposed to magnetic fields generated by the electricity that keeps our world 
running. Although invisible, they can influence our bodies by inducing electric currents in our 
peripheral tissues, potentially affecting how sensory and motor neurons work. If a field is strong 
enough, it could trigger sensations or muscle twitches. This raises critical questions about health 
and safety, especially for those working in electrical environments. My research focuses on 
how these fields interact with our peripheral nervous system (PNS), which connects muscles 
and sensory organs to the brain. By investigating how magnetic fields impact the PNS, my 
research aims to bridge the current gaps in our knowledge about the PNS stimulation threshold. 
This work has the potential to inform regulations, ensuring the health and safety of people 
exposed to magnetic fields in their everyday lives. 
 


Exploring the Impact of Powerline Magnetic Fields on Our Peripheral Nervous System

Kaczmarek, Shania

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
The relationship between the height of leg bone fractures and 
motor vehicle bumpers in fatal pedestrian motor vehicle collisions 
in Ontario 
Shania Kaczmarek 
Western University, skaczma2@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Kaczmarek, Shania, "The relationship between the height of leg bone fractures and motor vehicle 
bumpers in fatal pedestrian motor vehicle collisions in Ontario" (2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital 
Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 605. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/605 
Shania Kaczmarek 
The relationship between the height of leg bone fractures and motor vehicle bumpers in fatal 
pedestrian motor vehicle collisions in Ontario 
Each year, 1.19 million road traffic fatalities occur worldwide of which 23% are pedestrians. In 
Canada, 321 pedestrians were killed and 8809 were injured in motor vehicle collisions in 2021 
and 1 in 12 pedestrian deaths involved a hit-and-run. Pedestrian deaths in Ontario are 
investigated by the Office of the Chief Coroner, and injuries are documented by pathologists 
performing autopsies. Pedestrians are often struck by a vehicle’s front, hence the front design can 
influence the injury type and severity. Pedestrians frequently sustain leg fractures. My research 
involves analyzing autopsy and collision data provided by the Office of the Chief Coroner and 
Transport Canada to determine if there is a relationship between leg fractures and vehicle 
bumper heights of modern Canadian vehicles. This research will inform the work of death 
investigators, assist in the assessment of current vehicle safety features and regulations, and 
guide the development of future vehicle safety standards. 
 
 


The relationship between the height of leg bone fractures and motor vehicle bumpers in fatal pedestrian motor vehicle collisions in Ontario

Somoye, Rukayat Adeola

Akinrinde, Ezekiel Akinkunmi

Ajiferuke, Isola

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Improving Crop Productivity and Safety using Organic Liquid 
Fertiliser Sources 
Rukayat Adeola Somoye 
University of Ibadan, Nigeria, somoyerukayat@gmail.com 
Ezekiel Akinkunmi Akinrinde 
University of Ibadan, Nigeria, akinakinrinde@gmail.com 
Isola Ajiferuke 
The University of Western Ontario, iajiferu@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Somoye, Rukayat Adeola; Akinrinde, Ezekiel Akinkunmi; and Ajiferuke, Isola, "Improving Crop Productivity 
and Safety using Organic Liquid Fertiliser Sources" (2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 610. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/610 
Improving Crop Productivity and Safety using Organic Liquid Fertiliser Sources 
The exponentially growing human population has heightened food insecurity in Nigeria. 
This has increased the use of inorganic fertilizers, known to release plant nutrients 
rapidly in soils but the continuous use of these fertilizers has been reported to negatively 
affect the climate, environment and human health. Organic fertilizer sources are eco-
friendly alternatives, but their use is limited due to slow mineralization. Hence, I 
investigated the potentials of applying extracts of some selected organic fertilizers and 
using effective application methods to ensure timely and even distribution of nutrients 
for production. In the field study, biochar extract, biofertilizer and compost tea were 
applied solely and in combination on eggplant varieties using drip fertigation and foliar 
application methods. The results showed that the growth, yield and quality of treated 
eggplant were significantly higher than those of the untreated eggplant.  Overall, the 
research demonstrates the benefits of organic liquid fertilizers in sustainable crop 
production.  
 
Rukayat Adeola Somoye 
Visiting Graduate Research Scholar 
Faculty of Information and Media Studies – Western University 
 
 


Improving Crop Productivity and Safety using Organic Liquid Fertiliser Sources

Benninger, Rachel

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Co-Development of a Spoken Language Assessment Tool for d/
Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing Students 
Rachel Benninger 
rbraun6@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Benninger, Rachel, "Co-Development of a Spoken Language Assessment Tool for d/Deaf and/or Hard of 
Hearing Students" (2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, 
Scholarship and Creative Activity. 611. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/611 
Co-Development of a Spoken Language Assessment Tool for d/Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing Students 
 
Imagine supporting a student who is d/Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing (d/DHH) in the classroom. These 
students struggle with language, which contributes to difficulty with literacy. To help them reach their 
full learning potential, you must determine what they can do, where they struggle, and how to support 
them. However, the resources to assess these skills aren’t designed for use with d/DHH students, and 
don’t provide accurate results. 
Our research aims to develop a tool to assess the spoken language skills of d/DHH students based on the 
Ontario curriculum, rather than in comparison to their hearing peers. 
The assessment tool is being co-developed with Speech-Language Pathologists and Specialist Teachers of 
the d/DHH, who will ultimately use the tool. It is designed specifically for use with d/DHH students, to 
address the areas of language with which these students typically struggle, and with the goal of 
supporting them in their academic achievement. 
 


Co-Development of a Spoken Language Assessment Tool for d/Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing Students

Vito, Ashley P, Ms

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Understanding Teachers' Perspectives on Nutrition Education in 
Ontario Elementary Schools 
Ashley P. Vito Ms 
Western University, avito@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Vito, Ashley P. Ms, "Understanding Teachers' Perspectives on Nutrition Education in Ontario Elementary 
Schools" (2024). Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity. 613. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/613 
  
Title: Understanding Teachers' Perspectives on Nutrition Education in Ontario Elementary 
Schools 
 
Name: Ashley Vito  
 
Early nutrition education is crucial for lifelong health and learning. Elementary schools and 
teachers significantly shape children's nutrition knowledge. My study answers how children 
learn about nutrition in schools by focusing on the experiences of elementary teachers in grades 
4-8 in Ontario. I interviewed 13 teachers and found they are passionate about teaching nutrition 
and see themselves as role models. However, they face challenges such as limited time, 
resources, and navigating sensitive topics like body image, eating disorders, cultural differences, 
and food insecurity. 
 
This research aims to support teachers and emphasizes the importance of their experiences in 
shaping children’s well-being. It could inspire positive changes in education, fostering inclusive 
classrooms where every child feels empowered to embrace their dietary preferences and body 
image. By listening to teachers, I hope to create schools where food is celebrated, and everyone 
feels included, promoting food neutrality and a positive learning environment. 
 


Understanding Teachers\u27 Perspectives on Nutrition Education in Ontario Elementary Schools

Saifi, Reza

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in Advancing 
Microalgae Cultivation 
Reza Saifi 
rsaifi@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Saifi, Reza, "Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in Advancing Microalgae Cultivation" (2024). 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 
626. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/626 
Microalgae, the green champions of sustainability, grow in water and soil, offering a promising 
solution for a greener future. Cultivated for various purposes such as food biomass and biofuel, 
these microorganisms are now being grown in flat photobioreactors (PBRs) that can even be 
installed on building facades, facilitating the production of algal biomass in the heart of cities. 
However, the challenge lies in effectively monitoring, sampling, and controlling these PBRs. My 
research tackles this obstacle by employing Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) for 
real-time monitoring and non-destructive assessment. In a symphony, we use our ears to discern 
at different frequencies what instrument has been played. Similarly, with EIS, we utilize frequency 
to deconvolute different electrochemical phenomena. By utilizing EIS, we can efficiently monitor 
algal productivity and health, paving the way for sustainable urban microalgae cultivation and 
contributing to a greener future. 


Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy in Advancing Microalgae Cultivation

Nabb, Azelea

Western University 
Scholarship@Western 
Inspiring Minds – A Digital Collection of 
Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and 
Creative Activity 
Inspiring Minds 
September 2024 
Multilingual Students’ Inclusion Policies in Ontario’s K-12 Schools 
Azelea Nabb 
Western University, azohouri@uwo.ca 
Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds 
Citation of this paper: 
Nabb, Azelea, "Multilingual Students’ Inclusion Policies in Ontario’s K-12 Schools" (2024). Inspiring Minds 
– A Digital Collection of Western’s Graduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity. 642. 
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/inspiringminds/642 
My research focuses on the challenges that multilingual newcomer students face with inclusion 
due to perceived language barriers when arriving in Ontario, Canada. Despite their rapid 
language acquisition, these students often struggle during their initial months in school, 
impacting their identity formation. To do so, I have conducted interviews with teachers across 
TVDSB to hear their perspectives, challenges and observations regarding the inclusion of 
multilingual newcomer students in their classrooms. Furthermore, I am currently analyzing 
Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan and the Thames Valley District School Board’s Equity 
Action Plan to identify gaps in linguistic inclusion. My study aims to assess how these policies 
cater to the needs of multilingual newcomer learners, besides learning about teacher’s 
challenges and best practices in promoting inclusive education. Ultimately, my research seeks to 
provide recommendations for enhancing the linguistic inclusion of multilingual students, 
ensuring a more equitable educational experience for immigrant students in Ontario's K-12 
schools. 
 


Western University

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