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Natalie joined the Mennill Lab in 2022 as a postdoctoral researcher, supported by a MITACS Accelerate Grant; her postdoctoral position is supported, in part, by our collaborators at Birds Canada (birdscanada.org) and Wildlife Acoustics (wildlifeacoustics.com). Natalie received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Costa Rica, her Master's degree from the National University of Costa Rica, and her PhD from University of Alberta. Her research in the Mennill Lab focuses on bioacoustic monitoring of migratory birds, conservation of tropical dry forests, and behavioural ecology of resident and migratory birds in Costa Rica. She is also studying the behavioural ecology of tropical wrens. Natalie is an active leader of the Guanacaste Dry Forest Conservation Fund, and a regular instructor of tropical field courses.

Erin joined the Mennill Lab in 2023 as a postdoctoral researcher studying Humpback Whales. Erin's position is supported by a Mitacs Elevate Grant supported by our partners Raincoast Conservation Foundation (https://www.raincoast.org/) and Northcoast Cetacean Society (https://www.bcwhales.org/). Erin received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Florida and her PhD from McGill University. Her research focuses on vocal learning in migratory Humpback Whales on Canada's west coast.

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Graduate Students

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Connor joined the Mennill Lab in the fall of 2023 as a Master’s student co-supervised Dr. Jenn Foote of Algoma University. Connor received his BSc. from Algoma University, where he studied the singing behaviour of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla). His graduate studies focus on the amplitude of migratory Ovenbird songs in relation to social contexts and time of day.

Jaclyn joined the Mennill Lab in 2020 as a doctoral student. Jaclyn received her Bachelor's and Master's degree from Memorial University of Newfoundland, where she worked in the laboratory of Eric Vander Wal. For her doctoral studies, Jaclyn is studying behavioural ecology and conservation biology of Beluga Whales in the St. Lawrence seaway, including a focus on acoustic communication and noise pollution. Jaclyn is co-supervised by Valeria Vergara of Ocean Wise Canada, and her research is supported by a research collaboration with Groupe de Recherche et d'Education sur les Mammifères Marins (GREMM).

Sarah joined the Mennill lab in 2020 as a Master's student, and then transferred into the PhD program in December 2021. Sarah received her undergraduate degree from the University of Guelph. Her graduate studies focus on song quality of migratory Savannah Sparrows in relation to reproductive fitness and natal neighbour density.

Nelsy joined the Mennill Lab in the fall of 2023 as a doctoral student. Nelsy is a Colombian biologist and anthropologist from Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá, Colombia). She is interested in bio- and eco-acoustics, and sound in general, sharing knowledge in the field with local communities, and creating dialogues between the social sciences, arts, and biology inside and outside academia. Nelsy has served as a copyeditor at Ornitología Neotropical since 2019, and she is a cocreator of the “Red de Ornitólogas Colombianas” (Colombian female ornithologist network).

Camille joined our lab in 2021, as a Master's student co-supervised by Dr. Timothée Poisot of the Université de Montréal. Camille received her B.Sc. from the Université de Sherbrooke. She also holds an MA in music and musicology from Université Paris-Sorbonne and a BMus in musicology from  Université de Montréal.  Her graduate studies focus on machine learning and automated methods for studying the vocal behaviour of migratory songbirds.

Katy joined our lab in spring of 2016 working as a research technician on the Neotropical Yellow Toad Project and the Rufous-and-white Wren Project before her Master's degree officially began in September of 2016. In 2018 she transferred into the PhD program. Katy received he undergraduate degree from Friends University, Kansas and then went on to work as an Interpretive Animal Specialist at the Dallas Zoo. Katy's research focuses on the behavioural ecology of dynamic sexual dimorphism in Neotropical Yellow toads (Incilius luetkenii). Katy is co-supervised by Stéphanie Doucet.

Undergraduate Research Students

Reagan joined our lab in winter 2024. She is working with Nelsy on a study of female song in Colombian birds. Reagan is a student in the University of Windsor's Behaviour, Cognition, and Neuroscience program.

Victoria joined our lab in the fall of 2022 with the support of the Outstanding Scholar program. Victoria is in the second year of her undergraduate studies in the Behaviour, Cognition, and Neuroscience Program.  She works with Sarah to study the behaviour of Savannah Sparrows.

Sam joined our lab in the winter semester of 2022, with the support of the IGNITE program. Sam is an undergraduate student in Biological Sciences program. She first conducted research on Beluga Whales under the mentorship of Jaclyn. Then she began studying the songs of Savannah Sparrows for her Honours Thesis in the summer of 2023

Madison joined our lab in the winter semester of 2023, studying the vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows. In 2023-2024, with the support of the IGNITE program, Madison joined the Beluga Whale research team, working with Jaclyn on acoustic analyses of beluga behaviour.

Theresa joined our lab in the winter semester of 2023, studying the vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows. In 2023-2024 she joined the Savannah Sparrow IGNITE team, conducting bioacoustic studies of variation in the vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows of Kent Island.

Callia joined our lab in the fall of 2022 as an undergraduate IGNITE research student. Callia is in the second year of her undergraduate studies. She is working with Dan and Sarah on the Savannah Sparrow project, studying the singing behaviour of sparrows on Kent Island.

Sarah joined our lab in the fall of 2022 as an undergraduate IGNITE researcher. She is in the Integrative Biology program and is interested in studies related to marine biology. Through the IGNITE program and the mentorship of Jaclyn Aubin, Sarah will be studying Beluga Whales in the St Lawrence seaway. 

Stephanie joined our lab in the fall of 2022 with the support of the Outstanding Scholar program. Stephanie is in the second year of her undergraduate studies, and works with Natalie to study the vocal behaviour of tropical birds of the Guanacaste Conservation Area. In the summer of 2023, Stephanie received an NSERC USRA scholarship and conducted research on avian biodiversity in the urban noise of Paris. This line of investigation continues in her Outstanding Scholar position in 2023-24.

Kristine joined our lab in winter 2024. She is working with Nelsy on a study of female song in Colombian birds. Kristine is a student in the University of Windsor's Biological Science undergraduate program.

Danielle joined our lab in the fall of 2022, conducting volunteer research working with Natalie to study the vocal behaviour of tropical wrens in the Guanacaste Conservation Area. In 2023-2024 Dani joined our IGNITE supported research team, investigating vocal variation in Savannah Sparrows.

Sarika joined our lab in the winter semester of 2022, with the support of the IGNITE program. Sarika is an undergraduate student in the Environmental Sciences program. Sarika is studying the breeding behaviour of Savannah Sparrows, using a GIS. In the summer of 2022 Sarika conducted an NSERC USRA placement in our lab, conducting independent research on the territories of Savannah Sparrows.

After completing her PhD, Alana took a six-month position as a postdoctoral researcher in the lab, studying vocal behaviour in multiple species of tropical birds. She was also the Mennill Lab manager at this time. Alaba went on to work with Environment and Climate Change Canada as a postdoctoral researcher.

Lauren conducted NSERC-funded postdoctoral studies in the Mennill Lab in 2013-2015, focused on studying the influence of anthropogenic noise on the communication strategies of Canadian wildlife. Visit Lauren's website.

After completing his PhD, Roberto held a s postdoctoral research position in the lab, studying vocal behaviour of wrens and parrots, in collaboration with the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico. After his postdoctoral position concluded, Roberto went on to a faculty position and research chair at CIIDIR in Oaxaca City, Mexico. Visit Roberto's website.

Dave conducted postdoctoral studies in the Mennill Lab from 2009-2014, supported by an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, and by Ontario's Ministry of Research and Innovation.  His research focused on diverse topics in the field of animal communication, including detailed studies of black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus). He went on to a faculty position in the Psychology Department at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Visit Dave's website.

Zach condcuted Doctoral studies on flight calling behaviour of migratory birds, with a special focus on birds migrating through the Great Lakes. Zach received the University of Windsor's Chris Wysiekierski Memorial Scholarship, and he was nominated for the Governor General's Gold Medal, for his outstanding dissertation research. Zach's doctoral studies were supported by a Trillium Scholarship from the Government of Ontario and the University of Windsor.

Brendan conducted Doctoral studies on vocal behaviour and population genetics of neotropical Rufous-and-white Wrens. Brendan received the University of Windsor's Graduate Research Excellence Award, recognizing his strong contribution to research, teaching, and service within our Department of Biological Sciences. Brendan went on to a postdoctoral position at University of Lethbridge.

Luis conducted Doctoral studies on the vocal behaviour and vocal divergence in Central American Melozone ground-sparrows. During his program, Luis won the University of Windsor's Graduate Research Excellence Award, our university's highest research honour for a graduate student. After completing his PhD, Luis went on to a faculty position at the University of Costa Rica.

Roberto conducted Doctoral studies on the evolution and vocal behaviour of Troglodytes wrens. Roberto was nominated for the Governor General's Gold Medal on the occasion of his defense. After completing his PhD, Roberto conducted postdoctoral studies at Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico -- jointly supported as a visiting postdoctoral fellow in the Mennill Lab -- and then on to a faculty position and research chair at CIIDIR in Oaxaca City, Mexico.

Tyne conducted Master's research on vocal interactions in Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus). After completing her MSc, Tyne went on to work as a research technician at the University of Manitoba and then as an environmental consultant in Alberta.

Sarah conducted research in the Mennill Lab throughout her undergraduate degree at the University of Windsor, culminating in an Honours Thesis on the vocal behaviour of Great Curassows in 2010. Then Sarah completed an MSc (co-supervised by Dr. Oliver Love) on acoustic communication in Snow Buntings. She went on to teacher's college at the University of Windsor and then to work for the Essex Region Conservation Authority.

Abby conducted Master's research that used passive acoustic monitoring to study Savannah Sparrows, both from the perspective of population mointoring, and assessing geographic variation. After completing her MSc, Abby went on to the graduate program at Western University, studying epidemiology.

Kristina conducted Master's research on vocal and visual communication in neotropical Thryophilus wrens, co-supervised by Dr. Stephanie Doucet. After completing her MSc, Kristina became a full-time research scientist and lab manager for the Mennill Lab.  She then took on a position as a scientist with the Canadian Wildlife Service.

Zach conducted Master's research on duetting behaviour in Rufous-and-white Wrens (Thryophilus rufalbus), focusing on the relationship between duets and parental beahviour and paternity guarding. After completing his MSc, Zach worked for the Credit River Conservation Authority.

Kristin conducted Master's research on the vocal behaviour of tropical wrens, focusing on the importance of coordination in the duets of three tropical wren species, and the importance of duets near the nest in Rufous-and-white Wrens. After completing her MSc, Kristin worked as an avian research technician in Minnesota, studying loons.

Blaine conducted Master's research on nocturnal flight calls in migratory Canadian songbirds. After completing his MSc, Blaine went on to the PhD program at McMaster University in Dr. Jim Quinn's laboratory.

Dugan conducted Master's research on vocal communication in Long-tailed Manakins (Chiroxiphia linearis). After completing his MSc, Dugan worked for tropical biologists at Florida State University and Drexel University before working as an environmental consultant in Alberta.

Ines conducted Master's research on the vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) and how their vocal behaviour changes over time, and in response to territorial intruders. After completing her MSc, Ines worked in environmental consulting in British Columbia.

Chris conducted Master's research on neighbour-stranger discrimination and the dear enemey effect, studying both Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia) and Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceous) at Queen's University Biological Station. After completing his MSc, Chris worked for a variety of ornithologists around the globe.

Anneka conducted Master's research on repertoire use by duetting birds, focusing on vocal behaviour Rufous-and-white Wrens (Thryothorus rufalbus). After completing her MSc, Anneka went on to travel and work in New Zealand and Korea, attending teacher's college, and then became a teacher at a college in Florida.

Nick conducted Master's research on acoustic and visual communication in Neotropical Yellow Toads (Incilius luetkenii), co-supervised by Dr. Stephanie Doucet. After completing his MSc, Nick went on to law school at the University of Alberta.

Claire conducted Master's research on night flight call monitoring of birds in Essex County, including the importance of geographic features in the migration patterns of migrants over the western basin of Lake Erie. After completing her MSc, Claire went on to work for the Essex Region Conservation Authority, coordinating the Detroit River Cleanup project.

Lincoln conducted Master's research on the singing behaviour and vocal repertoires in Rufous-and-white Wrens. Lincoln also assisted in creating 3D-printed models for other studies in our lab. After completing his MSc, Lincoln started his own business -- SaviMade -- which specializes in creating 3D-printed animal models: http://www.savimade.ca

Kyle conducted Master's research on analytical techniques for processing long digital field recordings, including a search for Ivory-billed Woodpeckers (Campephilus principalis) in Florida. After completing his MSc, Kyle worked as computer technician and a laboratory technician, before beginning teacher's college at the University of Western Ontario.

Steph conducted Master's research on seasonal variation in the vocal behaviour of Rufous-and-white Wrens (Thryothorus rufalbus). After completing her MSc, Steph worked with an NGO in Ecuador and several field research jobs before beginning teacher's college in Toronto.

Tina was a visiting researcher in the Mennill Lab for six months in 2012, studying the ecology and vocal behaviour of Black-fronted Titi Monkeys. Her six-month term as a visiting scientist was funded by a generous grant from the Government of Brazil to Christini.

Somboon spent a year in the Mennill Lab as a visiting research scientist supported by a Strategic Scholarships Fellowship from the Thailand Frontier Research Networks.  As a PhD at Chiang Mai University in Thailand, he studied the songs of Pycnonotus bulbuls in the lab. Somboon returned to Thailand to complete his PhD and is now a professor in Thailand.

Matt conducted many research projects in the Mennill Lab, including two summer NSERC research positions. His Honours Thesis project was a playback experiment focusing on interspecific neighbour-stranger discrimination in tropical wrens. Matt went on to Medical School at Western University.

Alex joined the Mennill Lab in 2012 as a summer research student. He conducted a variety of laboratory-based studies, including two summer NSERC positions. Alex conducted his Honours thesis on the vocal repertoires of tropical birds, under the co-supervision of Dave Wilson. Alex went on to dental school at Western University.

Abby joined the Mennill Lab in the winter of 2018, studying vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows.  In 2018-2020 her research in the Mennill lab was supported by University of Windsor's IGNITE program. In 2019-2020, Abby conducted research on Savannah Sparrow geographic variation for her Honours Thesis..

Crystal joined the Mennill Lab in 2013, working for postdoc Dave Wilson studying squirrel vocalizations as a BCN undergraduate research volunteer. She conducted her Honours thesis in the lab on the nocturnal behaviour of tropical animals, under the co-supervision of Dave Wilson. Crystal went on to the MSc program at Trent University.

Sarah conducted research as an Ivory-billed Woodpecker research technician. She conducted Honours research on victory displays in Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atricapillus), publishing her work in the journal Acta Ethologica.  Sarah went on to study nursing at Wayne State University.

Matt joined the Mennill Lab in 2010 as a research volunteer, and then worked in the lab in the summers of 2012 and 2013 with the generous support from the Caldwell First Nation. Matt conducted his Honours Thesis research on migratory behaviour of birds in Essex County (co-supervised by Dr. David Wilson). Matt went on to the MSc program at Western University.

Alex joined the Mennill Lab in the winter of 2016, studying vocal behaviour of neotropical wrens as well as night flight calls produced by migratory songbirds over the Great Lakes. Alex conducted her Honourst hesis on the vocal behaviour of primates in Guanacaste Conservation Area. She went on to the Master's Program at University of Windsor.

Nisreen conducted volunteer research in the Mennill Lab in 2010-2011 studying the vocal behaviour of temperate birds with Mennill Lab postdoc Dave Wilson. She went on to conduct her Honours thesis in Dennis Higgs' laboratory.

Alex conducted research in the Mennill Lab between 2015 and 2018, studying night flight calls produced by migratory songbirds over the Great Lakes, and the vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows.

Jayd joined the Mennill Lab in the winter of 2018, studying vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows.  In 2018-2019 her research in the Mennill lab wassupported by University of Windsor's IGNITE program.

Jason Brogan  Biology Undergraduate Research Volunteer (2005)

Jason conducted research the Mennill Sound Analysis Lab between September and December 2005. Jason assisted with research on the visual displays of neotropical birds under the lab's visiting researcher, Stephanie Doucet.

Keven joined the Mennill Lab in 2008, conducting volunteer research on the ecology and evolution of vocal behaviour in birds.

Nabila joined the Mennill Lab in the fall of 2015, studying acoustic communication in migratory birds through the Great Lakes region.

Angela joined the Mennill Lab in the summer of 2012 as an undergraduate research volunteer. Angela worked with Mennill Lab MSc student Claire Sanders collecting avian acoustic census data on birds migrating through Essex County. In the summer of 2015, Angela assisted with research on acoustic communication in neotropical Rufous-capped Warblers.

Jessica worked in the Mennill Lab in 2014 and 2015, studying vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows. Her research in the lab was part of the Outstanding Scholars program at the University of Windsor.

Shana joined the Mennill Lab in 2008, conducting volunteer research on the ecology and evolution of vocal behaviour in birds.

Mandy worked in the Mennill Lab as a research technicain between summer of 2014 and summer of 2015, as a research technician studying bird migration through the Great Lakes. Mandy's internship project was funded by the Northern Ontario Heritage Foundation, and was co-supervised by Dr. Jenn Foote of Algoma University. Mandy went on to the graduate program at Algoma and Nippissing Universities.

Celia joined the Mennill Lab in 2010 conducting volunteer research on the vocal behaviour of tropical birds. She conducted research on Long-tailed Manakins.

Dani conducted research in the Mennill Sound Analysis Lab in the fall semester of 2006. Dani conducted a bioacoustic study on the vocal behaviour of temperate and tropical woodpeckers.

Celine joined the Mennill Lab in the summer of 2012 as an undergraduate research volunteer. Celine worked with Mennill Lab MSc student Claire Sanders censusing the diversity of migratory birds over Essex County. She went on to the Master's program at the University of Windsor.

Katrina joined the Mennill Lab in spring of 2014 as a research technician studying the vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows. She went on to work as a research technician in the laboratory of Dr. Jan Ciborowski, and then for a wildlife consulting company in Alberta.

Dean volunteered in the Mennill Lab in 2014-2015, studying vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows.  Dean went on to the Veterinary Medicine Program at University College in Dublin.

Amanda joined the Mennill Lab in the Fall of 2012 as an undergraduate research volunteer. Amanda worked with Mennill Lab MSc student Claire Sanders censusing the diversity of migratory birds over Essex County. Amanda was zpart of the University of Windsor's Volunteer Internship Program.

Joshua Martin  Biology Undergraduate Research Volunteer (2005)

Katherine was the Mennill Lab manager from 2017-2018, conducting research on vocal behaviour of Savannah Sparrows, Rufous-and-white Wrens, and nocturnal flight calls, both in the field and in the lab. Katie went on to a Master's program at Dalhousie University.

Laraib joined the Mennill Lab in 2011 conducting volunteer research on the vocal behaviour of tropical wrens. Laraib is working with Mennill Lab grad student Roberto Sosa as well as other lab projects. She is a third year student in the Department of Biological Sciences at the University of Windsor.

Josh joined the lab in the fall of 2020, studying colour evolution in hummingbirds with post-doc Rick Simpson. In 2020-21, his research in the Mennill lab is supported by the University of Windsor’s IGNITE program.

Tiffany joined the Mennill Lab in spring of 2014 as a research technician studying the vocal behaviour of wrens and warblers.

Blue joined the Mennill Lab in 2008, conducting volunteer research on the ecology and evolution of vocal behaviour in birds.

Alina joined the Mennill Lab in the fall semester of 2015, studying acoustic communication in migratory birds moving through the Great Lakes. 

Stephanie joined the Mennill Lab in 2009 as a Work Study student. She worked on a combined Mennill/Doucet Lab effort to study the evolutionary biology of birds using the specimen collection at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Kelly joined the Mennill Lab in the fall of 2015, studying acoustic communication in temperate sparrows. Kelly's research in the Mennill Lab was supported by the Outstanding Scholars Program.

Fatima, a Mennill Lab undergraduate superstar, conducted research in the Mennill Lab between 2015 and 2018. Fatima's position in the Mennill Lab included volunteer research, a Work Study position, and Summer Research Experience positions.

Reem joined the Mennill Lab in the fall semester of 2015, studying acoustic communication in temperate songbirds. Reem's position in the Mennill Lab was funded by the Work Study program.

Lauren joined the lab in winter of 2019, conducting sound analysis of Savannah Sparrow recordings and also creating science art in connection to the Unviersity of Windsor's "Science Meets Art" (SMArt) group. In 2019-2021 her research in the Mennill lab was supported by University of Windsor's IGNITE program. Lauren went on to a graduate program in Science Communication.

Maddie joined the Mennill Lab in the spring of 2014 as a research technician studying temperate songbird communities in the forests around Peterborough with Mennill Lab PDF Lauren Fitzsimmons. Maddie went on to continue her Bachelor's degree at the University of Guelph.

Amy joined the Mennill Lab in the Fall of 2012 as an undergraduate research volunteer. Amy worked with Mennill Lab MSc student Claire Sanders studying bird migration through Essex County.

Stephanie was a BCN student research volunteer in the Mennill Sound Analysis Lab during the 2005-2006 school year, conducting research on geographic variation in the songs of male and female tropical birds.

Front row (left to right): Zeina Merheb, Aida Rezene, Kalie Cavanaugh, Mikayla Bornais, Ian Thomas, Zach Gayk, Abby Hensel, Haylee Begin-Dyck, Kiirsti Owen, Katherine McGuire, Nicole Shangi. Back row (left to right): Jayd Bodner, Kajal Laroia, Fatima Serhan, Lincoln Savi, Alex Bailey, Alana Demko, Alex Wilder, Katy Switzer, Raven Ouellette, Aya Saeed, Dan Mennill, Rachel Hasson..
Photo: April 2018, University of Windsor

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Front row (left to right): Albana Berberi, Justin Johnson, Alex Bailey, Katie Tracey, Ines Moran, Rachel Hasson, Alana Demko, Reem Srour, Brendan Graham, Vivian Hui, Nabil Sherghin. Back row (left to right): Kelly Schoenberger, Raven Ouellette, Dan Mennill, Zach Kahn, Fatima Serhan, Blaine Landsborough, Kristina Hick, Chris Moser-Purdy, Cody Fields, Sayf  Al-Khazraji, Irtiah Kahn.
Photo: August 2016, University of Windsor

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Front row (left to right): Matt Watson, Laraib Mehdi, Kristin Kovach, Matt Battiston, Brad Poisson, Sarah Baldo, Claire Sanders, Celia Girgenti, Jasneel Mahal. Back row: Dan Mennill, Roberto Sosa, Brendan Graham, Dave Wilson, Dugan Maynard, Tyne Baker, Luis Sandoval, Loren Mastracci. 
Photo: November 2011, University of Windsor

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 Left to right: Sarah Douglas (nee Tremain), Van La, Roberto Sosa, Karan Odom, Dave Wilson, Julie Koloff, Anneka Osmun, Sarah Baldo, Dan Mennill, Sheeva Nakhaie.
Photo: July 2009, University of Windsor
 
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Front row (left to right): Sarah Lippold, Trisha Howlett, Matt Deneau, Sarah Tremain, Ellen Green, Emily Bailey, Angela Joseph, James Goettel, Kaite Rievely. Middle row: Jason Mouland, Lauren Reed, Lex Hand, Stan Yavno, Britney Falica, Anneka Osmun, Holly Hennin, Dan Mennill. Back row: Kyle Swiston, Sarah Baldo, Steph Topp, David Bradley, Sylvie Tremblay, Claudia Bustos, Nicole Barker, Allison Mistakidis, Karen Cogliati.
Photo: March 2007, University of Windsor
 
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