Celebrating the Contributions of Waterloo Climate Institute's Associate Directors
Accelerating the transition to a just, resilient, low-carbon future lies at the heart of the Waterloo Climate Institute's mission. As the institute continues to foster interdisciplinary collaboration across all six University faculties and external organizations, the role of faculty Associate Directors has been pivotal in driving its mission forward. The Climate Institute reflects on their contributions after three years of service.
The Institute's Board of Directors appointed Monica Emelko, Juan Moreno-Cruz, and Francis Poulin as Associate Directors in 2021. Together, they helped guide the development and implementation of a new strategic direction for the institute in three critical areas: deep decarbonization and sustainability transitions; climate risks, resilience and adaptation; and innovations in climate science.
L to R: Monica Emelko, a Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Water Science, Technology and Policy; Juan Moreno-Cruz, an Associate Professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development and Canada Research Chair in Energy Transitions; Francis Poulin, a Professor in Applied Mathematics.
Juan Moreno-Cruz, an Associate Professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development and Canada Research Chair in Energy Transitions, provided support for deep decarbonization and sustainability transitions as well as the crucial role of Acting Executive Director in 2024. Through his leadership, the institute hosted events and collaborations on climate hope and anxiety, as well as on geoengineering in Canada and the world, in addition to leading the development of the climate change simulation game, Illuminate. Juan also stepped in as interim Executive Director in 2024 and guided the institute’s growth as it took on new research and capacity-building projects.
Monica Emelko, a Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Canada Research Chair in Water Science, Technology and Policy, led strategies to enhance climate risks, resilience, and adaptation research and programming at the Institute. She played a pivotal role in the development of a competitive Canada First Research Excellence Fund with Simon Fraser University in her role as Associate Director.
Francis Poulin, a Professor in Applied Mathematics, supported the institute with leading discussions across the university to better connect Mathematics research with climate resilience. This initiative engaged both faculty and students in co-creating stronger ties to climate action. Poulin also provided valuable insights into the development of the new Interdisciplinary Graduate Diploma in Climate Change.
Together, the Associate Directors provided essential support to catalyze interdisciplinary research teams, secure major grants, and foster collaboration among faculty, students, and external partners. By providing input on institute strategies and engagement, they increased collaborations in the university community and with external stakeholders while identifying key research priorities. Their efforts strengthened the institute’s ability to tackle urgent climate challenges and drive innovation in climate science and policy.
Read more about the Waterloo Climate Insititute's milestones achieved in 2024.