No. 533 - March 19, 2025

  • Coming Events:

    - Conversations on Access: Disability Art Activism & Institutional Critique
    - Canadian Politics in the Eye of the Storm
    - A Shared Platform, Divergent Practices: Organizational Disparities in WeChat Use Among Chinese NGOs
    - Computing the Planet: Images and Imaginaries
    - International Students: Challenges, Social Media Use and Adaptation in Canada
    - Heavy Processing: Trans-Feminist & Queer Methods for (more than) Digital Matters - Book Talk
    - "What are you willing to believe?" - FIMS 9328 Poster Session
    - The Observer Effect - A Discussion with Nehal El-Hadi
    - FIMS Graduate Conference - Found in Translation
    - Do Londoners look to their local media for international news? We asked about Israel/Gaza coverage. They answered.
    - Exploring information seeking and sharing among doctoral peers
    - Save the Date: Creative Arts 3200 - Sound, Image, Text II Final Showcase
    - Save the Date: Consciousness, Above and Below: A Spiritual Perspective on AI

  • Important Dates:

    - Friday, April 4, 2025 - Last day of undergraduate classes
    - Friday, April 11, 2025 - Last day of FIMS graduate classes

  • News & Announcements:

    - FIMS Alumni Award of Excellence - Nominations open until April 11
    - SOGS to showcase disability studies work being done at Western

    Awards & Achievements:

    - Anastazia Csegeny

  • Publications & Presentations:

    - Juan Bello

  • In the Media:

    - Erika Casupanan (BA'11, MIT)
    - Norma Coates
    - Lisa Henderson
    - Atle Mikkola Kjøsen
    - Enyang Liu (BA'22, MIT)
    - Selma Purac
    - Sarah Smith

  • News from the FIMS Grad Library:

    - Upcoming Events
    - Make of the Month

  • Next Issue:


Coming Events


Conversations on Access: Disability Art Activism & Institutional Critique
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Online via Zoom - Register
Presented by Dr. Amanda Cachia (University of Houston) and Dr. Syrus Marcus Ware (McMaster University).
Description: Join us for a conversation about disability art activism and institutional critique in this third event in a series of conversations in the Faculty of Information and Media Studies aimed at bringing scholars, activists and practitioners together to consider issues and topics around accessibility and disability (read more).

Canadian Politics in the Eye of the Storm
Thursday, March 20, 2025
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ted Rogers Cinema, 506 Bloor St. W, Toronto
Cost: Free for the FIMS community.
Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and FIMS invite you to this special panel featuring leading voices in Canadian news. As we head towards the next federal election, analysts will try to answer some of the most important political questions of our time. Featuring Carol Off, Ian Bailey, Brodie Fenlon (MA'99, Journalism), Luke LeBrun, Justin Ling, Nicole McIntyre (MA'02, Journalism) and Matina Stevis-Gridneff (read more).

A Shared Platform, Divergent Practices: Organizational Disparities in WeChat Use Among Chinese NGOs
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
12:00 p.m. - 1:20 p.m.
Attend in-person: FNB 4130
Attend online: Register on Zoom
Presented by Assistant Professor Shengnan Yang as part of the 2024/25 FIMS Seminar Series.
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation across all sectors, forcing NGOs to navigate an increasingly digital landscape while operating with limited resources. In China, WeChat became the default infrastructure for communication and service delivery, yet NGOs adopted and used the platform in vastly different ways. What explains these disparities, and what do they reveal about the organizational digital divide (continue reading)?

Computing the Planet: Images and Imaginaries
Wednesday, March 26, 2025
4:00 p.m.
Weldon Library, Scholar's Lab (Ground Floor)
Presented by Associate Professor Michael Richardson, University of New South Wales, Sydney and hosted by the Starling Centre for Just Technologies and Just Societies.
Abstract: Earth is now treated as a computable object in a host of domains. In industry, this manifests in initiatives like Microsoft’s Planetary Computer or Nvidia’s Earth-2. In the military and government, there are digital twins of natural environments such as the European Commission’s Destination Earth and Digital Twin of the Ocean, as well as missile detection systems, and battlespace simulations (continue reading).

International Students: Challenges, Social Media Use, and Adaptation in Canada
Wednesay, March 26, 2025
4:30 p.m.
Attend in-person: FNB 4070
Attend online: Zoom link
Presented by Sara Falahatpisheh, Media Studies PhD candidate, as part of the 2024/25 Mediations Lecture Series.
Abstract: Social media are an inseparable part of our lives, offering tools for communication, information sharing, and social interaction. For international students, these platforms can help overcome challenges such as cultural adaptation, academic pressures, and social isolation (read more).

Heavy Processing: Trans-Feminist & Queer Methods for (more than) Digital Matters
Thursday, March 27, 2025
4:00 p.m.
FNB Creative Commons (2nd floor)
Presented by T.L. Cowan and Jas Rault, authors of Heavy Processing.
Description: What happens when we take the joke of “lesbian processing” seriously as a research method? Heavy Processing does just this, by tracing the multi-directional genealogies and vast affinities of processing-heavy methods as innovations in information technologies (operating systems, central processing units, network designs). Continue reading.

The Observer Effect - A Discussion with Nehal El-Hadi
Friday, March 28, 2025
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
FNB 2230
Description: The Creative Arts & Production program welcomes writer, researcher, and editor Nehal El-Hadi who will discuss her public space performance called, The Observer Effect, a research creation project about data collection and surveillance which was developed in residency at The Theatre Centre in Toronto (continue reading).

FIMS Graduate Conference - Found in Translation
Saturday, March 29, 2025
FIMS & Nursing Building
More information will be available soon on the conference website.

"What are you willing to believe?" - FIMS 9328 Poster Session
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
FNB Atrium
Reserve your time to explore up to 20 case studies by students in FIMS 9328 - Misinformation and Viral Deception on current topics in mis- and disinformation strategies and manipulative tactics. Light refreshments available! View the poster.

Do Londoners look to their local media for international news? We asked about Israel/Gaza coverage. They answered
Tuesday, April 1, 2025
4:00 p.m.
FNB Creative Commons (2nd floor)
Hosted by Kathy Gannon, FIMS Winter 2025 Asper Fellow.
Description: Join students in MMJC 9327 - International News, Independent Media: Illusion or Reality? as they discuss the results of their examination into local London news coverage of the Israeli/Gaza war since October 7, 2024. The students collected data from the London Free Press and CBC London from the first three months of the war, the middle three months and the most recent three months to best understand the evolution of the coverage (continue reading).

Exploring information seeking & sharing among doctoral peers
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
FNB 4130
Presented by recent McGill PhD graduate, Peymon Montazari. Pizza will be available!
Description: Doctoral students provide one another with invaluable support, ranging from academic to psychological, throughout the doctoral journey. Peers also serve as an important source of information and can be encountered in structured and unstructured environments. In structured environments, such as classrooms, peers provide information that can help with learning and improvement of skills (continue reading).

Save the Date: Creative Arts 3200 - Sound, Image, Text II Final Showcase
Friday, April 4, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Weldon Library, Community Room
Description: Students enrolled in Creative Arts 3200 - Sound, Image, Text II, will present a showcase of their final work in the class. Everyone welcome.

Save the Date: Consciousness, Above and Below - A Spiritual Perspective on AI
Friday, April 4, 2025
3:30 p.m.
Attend in-person: FNB 4110
Attend online: Zoom link
Presented by Associate Professor Ajit Pyati as part of the 2024/25 Mediations Lecture Series.
Abstract: Throughout the academy, much is made of the social, political, ethical, and equity-based concerns of the AI revolution. However, very little attention is paid to the spiritual dimensions of AI and its effects on society (continue reading). 
 


Important Dates


- Friday, April 4, 2025 - Last day of undergraduate classes
- Friday, April 11, 2025 - Last day of FIMS graduate classes


News & Announcements

FIMS Alumni Award of Excellence - Nominations open until April 11
Nominate a deserving FIMS alum for the new FIMS Alumni Award of Excellence. The first winner will be recognized at Western's 2025 Homecoming celebrations. Nominations are open to all, so if you know a FIMS alum from any program or era who deserves to be highlighted for their outstanding professional achievement, community service, service to the university, or social impact or innovation, please consider nominating them. Full details can be found at: https://www.fims.uwo.ca/alumni/alumni_awards.html  

SOGS to showcase disability studies work being done at Western
On Friday, March 21, 2025, SOGS will host the virtual event "Promoting Inclusion and Accessibility in Society: Showcasing Disability Research at Western" between 2-3 PM. General Info: The SOGS Accessibility Commission is planning its first ever research showcase, to highlight some of the wonderful work being done by graduate students. Come and learn something new, and support UWO graduate students from various departments, as they showcase their important, interdisciplinary research at the intersection of disability studies. All are welcome! ASL interpretation and live transcription will be available. To attend you must pre-register on Zoom using their Google Form.


Awards & Achievements


Media Studies PhD student Anastazia Cesgeny's research was featured by Western's Inspiring Minds graduate student research showcase. Her submission, titled "Understanding Caregivers in Graphic Novel Memoirs" is available to read on the showcase website. Inspiring Minds seeks to broaden awareness and impact of graduate student research, while enhancing transferable skills. Students were challenged to describe their research, scholarship or creative activity in 150 or fewer words.


Publications & Presentations

Assistant Professor Juan Bello was the Archival Researcher on a documentary titled, 'Loot: A Story of Crime & Redemption', that premiered at Le Festival International du Film sur l'Art (International Festival of Films on Art) in Montreal on March 15.

Professor Bello also served as the Archival Researcher on a documentary titled, 'Volver a Volver' (Má země v nedohlednu) that premiered at the One World International Human Rights Film Festival in Prague on March 17.


In the Media


Erika Casupanan, BA'11 (MIT), was featured in an article titled "Sole Survivor, Western alumna Erika Casupanan speaks on leading with strengths," published by the Gazette on March 17.

Associate Professor Norma Coates participated in a Q&A titled, "Sharing untold stories of women in music history," published by Western News on March 19. The article focused on research meant to throw light on the unrecognized contributions of three women in music history: Ann Southam, Joni Mitchell, and Hildegard Jone.

Academica Group covered the launch of the new online MLIS program in their daily newsletter Top Ten News in a segment titled "Western launches online MLIS program", and included quotes from FIMS Dean Lisa Henderson.

Assistant Professor Atle Mikkola Kjøsen was quoted in an article titled, "TikTok's looming ban - what's next?" published by the Gazette on March 6, 2025.

Enyang Liu, BA'22 (MIT), was interviewed for an article titled, "They came to Canada to chase a dream. Now they're being forced to leave and feel betrayed," published by the Toronto Star on March 16. In the article, Enyang discusses how his education as an international student at Western, while a good experience, has not led to the opportunities in Canada that he was hoping for.

Assistant Professor Selma Purac was quoted in an article titled, "'A bit underwhelming,' Canadians unsure if Ontario Super Bowl ad will improve tense relationship with the U.S.," published by Now Toronto on February 10.

An art exhibition that Associate Professor Sarah Smith participated in last fall in Montreal (at Optica: Centre d'art contemporain), titled Educating Our Desires, was reviewed in an article by Dorion Fraser titled "Educating Our Desires: Equity deserving action with artist-led spaces," published by Espace Art Actuel. 


News from the FIMS Grad Library

Upcoming Events at the Library

The FGL hosts workshops, lectures, and community events each term to support graduate teaching, learning, and research. Events are posted to our website (https://lib.fims.uwo.ca/events/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fimsgradlib/)

Women in Red Edit-a-thon

Join us to turn red links for prominent women and gender diverse people to blue links through the creation of Wikipedia articles! No experience necessary and there will be hands-on help for new editors. Light refreshments will be provided.

  • Learn how to create a Wikipedia article
  • Improve the depth of information about women and gender diverse people available through Wikipedia
  • Engage in critical editing praxis as a tool to counteract gender bias on Wikipedia

March 17-21, 2025
12:00pm – 1:00pm
FIMS Graduate Library Room 3020 D/E

Professional Portraits (Complimentary, Drop-In)

Back by popular demand, The FIMS Grad Library and Broadcasting Services teams are delighted to offer complimentary, high-quality headshots to members of the FIMS Graduate community (students, faculty, and staff) over the next two weeks! Whether you're graduating and aiming to spruce up your LinkedIn profile, or seeking to enhance your online professional presence, swing by the Library during specified days/times to have your photo taken by skilled professionals. No registration required; simply drop-in!

Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 12-1pm
Thursday, March 27, 2025, 12-1pm
Monday, March 31, 2025, 12-1pm
Wednesday, April 2, 2025, 12-1pm

Learning and Leisure: Discover the FIMS Grad Library Graphic Novel Collection

Join us for a special showcase as our student library assistant, Oz, presents the graphic novel collection development project they've been working on this term! This event will highlight key selections from the FIMS Graduate Library’s graphic novel collection while offering insight into the collections development process.

Whether you're aspiring to become a collections development librarian, or simply love graphic novels, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and explore.

We’re planning to offer a hybrid format, so stay tuned for details on how you can join us in person or online!

Thursday, April 3, 2025
12:00pm – 1:00pm
FIMS Graduate Library Room 3020 D/E
Zoom TBD

Make of the Month – 3D Print Something!

Curious about 3D Printing? The FIMS Grad Library invites members of the FIMS graduate community to try out our brand-new 3D printer! All required materials and training will be provided. Staff will be on hand all month long to guide you through your 3D print. No registration is required, and drop-ins are encouraged. If you’d like to reserve a specific date and time, please contact staff to set up an appointment.

Can’t think of something to print? Check out the useful prints below or thingiverse.com for thousands of prints to choose from.

Cable repair (lighting & USB-C)
Flat pocket whistle
Finger Chopsticks for Snacking while gaming
Table Side Data Cable Clamp


Next Issue


The FIMS Bulletin is your source for news, announcements, and events pertaining to FIMS graduate programs. Submissions from the FIMS community are always welcome and may be sent via e-mail to fims-communications@uwo.ca.

The final issue of the FIMS Bulletin for the Winter 2025 term will be published on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Submit any items you have by noon on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.