Friday, October 16, 2015

Friday, October 16, 2015

Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca

Go ENG Girl takes place Saturday

Girls from Grades 7 to 10 will be visiting the University of Waterloo campus tomorrow for Go ENG Girl, an exciting opportunity to learn about the wonderful world of engineering. Attendees will meet women currently studying engineering, learn about some of the amazing things women engineers are doing, and participate in hands-on activities.

Hannah Gautreau.

This year's keynote speaker is Hannah Gautreau, a third year student pursuing a degree in Management Engineering (Co-op, honours program). Gautreau has completed four co-op placements ranging from being a programming teaching assistant to being a project co-ordinator in the retail industry. Her most recent placement was at the TD Innovation in Communitech hub where she worked as an android developer.

In addition to her studies and co-op placements, she has been heavily involved in the engineering community. She started getting involved with new student recruitment and orientation week. She has been on the organizing committee for Engineering Orientation week, and she is currently the Engineering Society President.

The students will take part in learning activities such as building a rollercoaster and developing a medication coating that dissolves easily. They will also hear about the different programs of engineering study and exciting career opportunities in the field.

Following Gautreau's keynote address, the attendees will participate in the hands-on activity at 10:10 a.m. while their parents and guardians attend an industry speaker and panel event. Speaking will be Jenise Lee, founder and CEO of CertClean, Canada's only certification for safer beauty and personal care products.

Jenise Lee.

Lee has a Chemical Engineering degree from Waterloo and an MBA from the Schulich School of Business. Prior to starting her MBA, Jenise worked for an environmental engineering firm for several years where she led a wide variety of projects related to environmental site assessments, environmental impact studies and industry leading renewable energy projects. Jenise now uses her analytical and strategic thinking skills to position environmentally conscious businesses for growth.

Following the industry speaker and panel discussion, there will be a showcase at 11:30 a.m. and a student panel at 12:15 p.m.

All Go ENG Girl events take place in Engineering 5.

Go ENG Girl is one of the events organized by Waterloo's Women in Engineering (WiE), which exists to support current female engineers, students and encourage the next generation of women to pursue careers in engineering. "This program was established to address the issues that female engineers face and encourage more girls to pursue engineering and better reflect the gender ratio of the general population within the profession," says a note on WiE's website. 

Getting into the United Way spirit

University Relations volunteers operate the Hot Chocolate booth.

by James Skidmore. 

Each Friday in October the Daily Bulletin will feature content from the University’s United Way campaign. Learn more about the campaign, how you can get involved and make a donation.

Last year, the University of Waterloo's United Way campaign raised about $255,000. Most of that comes from individual donations ranging from a few dollars to a few thousand dollars. But 10% of that total, about $25,000, comes from the special events held by departments, units, and other areas on campus.

In fact, for a lot of people on campus, the United Way campaign period is special because of the events. It’s a time for people who work together to have a little fun, blow off a little steam, and act a little goofy all in the name of a good cause. Those of us on the campus United Way planning committee know that these events are as important as the donations themselves: they raise awareness about important issues, and they help build community spirit in our work environment within and between campus groups.

A hallway race. Two grown men on plasmacar bikes.

This year is no different: United Way events are taking place all across campus throughout the month of October:

  • Things got started when the university went red for United Way. It was great to see the creativity that the day unleashed! The collective effort across campus was amazing.  If you have not yet had a chance to view the wrap up be sure to check out our storify.
  • A special tip of the United Way hat to the good folks in Human Resources. These people are an event machine! They have put together all sorts of fun activities including a cookie exchange, yoga at lunch (how do you eat and do yoga at the same time?) and a pancake breakfast (no yoga at that – just food!).
  • Advancement has an event streak, too: they’re holding a dessert extravaganza as well as Jersday Thursdays, where employees get to support their favourite team and the United Way at the same time.
  • The offices of the President, the Provost, and the Secretariat got together to hold the last barbecue of the year as well as a silent auction.  Auction items ranged from a pebble watch to a potted plant and gift card for Cameron’s Flower Shop, won by yours truly.
  • The faculties are getting involved as well.  The Dean of Arts office held Plasma Car Races, and the Faculty of Engineering is having a Mystery Item Silent Auction.

We encourage members of campus to get out and support these and other United Way events. The organizers are all volunteers who are doing so much both for the United Way and for campus spirit. Learn more about upcoming events or submit your event details for promotion on our site. 

Mike Dormitz gives a presentation at Fed Hall.

This is the latest in a series of #UWCommunity stories that feature Waterloo in the community.

Last Wednesday, October 6, the Equity Office hosted Mike Dormitz, founder of The Date Safe Project, on campus to speak to an audience of over 100 people about significant issues surrounding consent and healthy relationships. Students, faculty, and staff, along with members of the Waterloo community, listened intently to his talk, titled Can I Kiss You? Through his use of interactive humour and charisma, Mike engaged in valuable discussions with attendees, leaving a lasting impact on the well-being of our community.

Each year, the news reports on a number of sexual assault cases, both in communities and on campuses across Canada. More than 700 cases have been reported to Canadian universities and colleges over the past five years, a number which experts say is alarmingly low compared to the number of cases which sadly go unreported.

Mike Dormitz has made it his mission to inform people of all ages, all over our country. Offering positive ways to impact and support the many issues surrounding sexual assault, Mike included three significant takeaways in his talk, which will help continue discussions of healthy intimacy on our campus and in our community.

Firstly, in one of his opening lines, Mike shared with the audience that body language is the most unreliable form of communication that exists by far. Moderate signs of affection, like making eyes across a room, can often be interpreted as having romantic feelings for an interested party. By clarifying intentions before any action is taken, you can show respect and avoid missteps that could lead to an uncomfortable or unfortunate situation.

Secondly, Mike explained that gender labels have created a dangerous double standard, which often prevents bystanders from intervening before a sexual assaults occurs. He then provided attendees with four simple steps to help encourage people to stand up and take preventative action.

  1. Identify the potential sexual assault
  2. Picture your loved one as the victim
  3. Team up with those around you and check in on the situation
  4. Stay calm and focus

Lastly, whether it’s meeting someone at a party or being in a long-term relationship, consent should be part of every intimate interaction in society. During his closing remarks, Mike asked the audience: “What is the only way you can ever know what someone is thinking?” to which the audience responded with a resounding “If you ask.”

Waterloo was proud to host Mike Dormitz to teach our community about healthy behaviour and appropriate attitudes towards sexual assault. Discussions around this topic, as well as gender equity, are growing on a global scale, and UWaterloo is committed to doing its part to create healthy, safe, welcoming spaces and opportunities for our students, faculty and staff.

For more information about Mike Dormitz, and The Date Safe Project, visit his website. To stay informed about upcoming lectures and events, subscribe to our community relations mailing list.

Two new fridges available to assist campus moms

"The Office of the President is excited to announce that two additional Danby compact refrigerators have been purchased to support breastfeeding students, staff, and faculty on campus," says a note from the President's Office. "There are now four refrigerators that can be loaned out for the purposes of storing breast milk in individual offices."

Each fridge measures approximately 18”x19”x20” and should fit easily on or below most tables. 

"To make arrangements to have a fridge delivered, please contact Tony Bairos in Central Stores (csms@uwaterloo.ca)," the note continues. "Users should be aware that all fridges must be cleaned thoroughly before being returned to Central Stores."

Members of the Waterloo community are encouraged to spread the word about this resource to women who may find it beneficial. Questions should be directed to Professor Diana Parry at dcparry@uwaterloo.ca

Friday's notes

Athletes participate in a game of Quidditch.

Listen up, muggles: a Golden Snitch has informed me that the University of Waterloo's Quidditch Program, part of Warrior Recreation, will be hosting its inaugural home field tournament on Saturday, October 17. 10 teams from across Ontario and Quebec will compete to win the first ever Dragon Challenge

This tournament will take place on V1 Green. Spectators are encouraged to wear their Black and Gold in support of the home team, the Waterloo Ridgebacks. Quidditch-themed merchandise will also be available.

What's Quidditch, you may ask? A fictional sport that leaped off the pages of J.K. Rowlings' Harry Potter series (and subsequent movies) into reality about ten years ago, Quidditch is described as " a mix of rugby, dodgeball, and handball." With brooms. That one rides. As one does. I could go into greater detail about quaffles, bludgers, keepers and beaters, but why not stop by the Village 1 Green during the tournament (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.) and see what the game's all about for yourself?

And just a reminder for students, faculty and staff to check their e-mail inboxes for a link to the Daily Bulletin Reader Survey. Your input is appreciated, and you have the opportunity to enter to win one of four $25 Retail Services gift cards.

ION construction update

On or aboutMonday, October 19, the Engineering 5, North Plaza, and South Plaza pedestrian crossings on the University's campus will be closed to pedestrians for approximately one week. Pedestrians will be detoured at the Ring Road pedestrian access path and at University sidewalks.

Link of the day

World Food Day

When and where

Chemistry Department Seminar Series featuring Professor Jose Almirall, Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, “From Basic Research to Routine Use in the Courtroom: Elemental Analysis and Comparisons of Materials with LA-ICP-MS and LIBS”, Friday, October 16, 2:30 p.m., C2-361.

Knowledge Integration seminar: “The Healthy Weights Connection: A systems approach to reducing risk of obesity among First Nations and Métis children”, featuring Dr. Martin Cooke, Sociology & Legal Studies and the School of Public Health & Health Systems, Friday, October 16, 2:30 p.m., EV3 1408.

The Computer Science Club presents author Cory Doctorow, "The War on General Purpose Computing," Friday, October 16, 7:00 p.m., Theatre of the Arts, Modern Languages.

Bridges Lecture - Deep Surfaces: Geometrical Challenges in Digital Design, Friday, October 16, 7:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m., Siegfried Hall, St. Jerome's University.

Dragon Challenge Quidditch Tournament, Saturday, October 17, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Village 1 Green.

Student Portal Hackathon, Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m., Student Life Centre multipurpose room.

The wandering mind: Exploring the cognitive, neural and applied consequences of boredom, Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., QNC 1506.

2015 Federal Election, Monday, October 19.

Mental Health Wellness Day, Tuesday, October 20.

Spin for Mental HealthTuesday, October 20, 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Student Life Centre Great Hall.

Eli Clare: A Dialogue on "Cure", Tuesday, October 20, 4:00 p.m., Federation Hall.

Together: A Workshop on Global Development, Wednesday, October 21, 3:00 p.m., Alumni Hall, St. Paul’s University College. Mobile exhibit on October 21 and 22 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the St. Paul’s main parking lot.

Mitacs Step Workshop - Time Management, Wednesday, October 21, 9:00 a.m., TC 2218.

Velocity Alpha: Do People Want Your Sh*t?, Wednesday, October 21, 7:30 p.m., Environment 3 room 4412.

WISE Lecture Series - The Impact of "Energiewende" on Renewable Energy in Germany, Thursday, October 22, 10:30 a.m., DC 1302.

Soup and Bannock Thursdays at Aboriginal Education Centre, Thursday, October 22, 12:00 p.m., STP 228.

111th Convocation ceremonies, Friday, October 23 and Saturday, October 24, Physical Activities Complex.

English Language and Literature Series featuring Lisa Hager, University of Wisconsin - Waukesha, "Towards a Queer Literary History of Gender Identity: Steampunk, Gender Nonconformity, and Victorian Studies," Friday, October 23, 1:00 p.m., PAS 2438.

Science Open House and Gem & Mineral Show 2015, Saturday, October 24, 10:00 a.m., Centre for Environmental and Information Technology.

Dogwhistles, Philosophy of Language and Political Manipulation, Monday, October 26, 7:00 p.m., LHI 1621.

“Generics Don’t Essentialise People; People Essentialise People,” public lecture by Jennifer Saul, University of Sheffield, UK, Wednesday, October 28, 10:00 a.m., HH 373.

UWRA Fall Luncheon,Wednesday, October 28Great Hall, Sunshine Centre, Luther Village. Register Pat Cunningham at plcunning@gmail.com or by calling 519-888-0334. Deadline to register is October 20.

Velocity Alpha: How To Find Your Customers Online, Wednesday, October 28, 7:30 p.m., Environment 3 room 4412. 

UWSA Annual General Meeting,Thursday, October 29, 9:00 a.m., DC 1302.

“Misleading and Morality,” public lecture by Jennifer Saul, University of Sheffield, UK, Thursday, October 29, 10:00 a.m., HH 373.

CBB Biomedical Discussion Group featuring Alfred C. H. Yu, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, “Ultrasound imaging innovations for live monitoring of complex flow dynamics,” Thursday, October 29, 10:30 a.m., EIT 3142.

Soup and Bannock Thursdays at Aboriginal Education Centre, Thursday, October 29, 12:00 p.m., STP 228.

Water Institute WaterTalks Lecture Series featuring Dr. Dustin Garrick, McMaster University, “Pathways to Water Security for Rivers under Pressure: Water Markets and Transboundary Governance in Australia and Western North America.” Thursday, October 29, 2:30 p.m., DC 1304.

“Implicit Bias, Stereotype Threat and Women in Academia,”
 public lecture by Jennifer Saul, University of Sheffield, UK, Friday, October 30, 11:00 a.m., HH 373.

Noon Hour Concert: Attacca Quartet plays Haydn, Friday, October 30, 12:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel Chapel.

President's Town Hall Meeting, Tuesday, November 3, 10:30 a.m., Humanities Theatre.

Velocity Alpha: Pitch Like A Pro, Wednesday, November 4, 7:30 p.m., EV3 4412.

Soup and Bannock Thursdays at Aboriginal Education Centre, Thursday, November 5, 12:00 p.m., STP 228.

Post-Conflict Columbia: Writing trauma and the challenges of translating it, Friday, November 6, 11:00 a.m., HH 1108.

CBB Bioinnovations Seminar featuring Charles Cooney, Robert T. Haslam (1911) Professor of Chemical Engineering Emeritus, and Faculty Director, Emeritus Deshpande Center for Technological Innovation, MIT, “Accelerating Academic Research into Commercial Impact,” Friday, November 6, 11:00 a.m., DC 1302.

Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11.

Research Talks featuring Professor Susan Tighe, "Roads of the future: environmentally-friendly and resilient pavement," Friday, November 11, 12:00 p.m., DC 1302.

Noon Hour Concert: Songs My Mother Never Taught Me, Wednesday, November 11, 12:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel University Chapel.

Velocity Fund $5K Qualifier – Night 1, Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 p.m., Quantum-Nano Centre room 0101.

"The Terrible Truth about Canadian Crime: No Justice for Women" featuring visiting lecturer Professor Kim Pate, Wednesday, November 11, 7:00 p.m., Alumni Hall, St. Paul’s University College.

Soup and Bannock Thursdays at Aboriginal Education Centre, Thursday, November 12, 12:00 p.m., STP 228.

Velocity Fund $5K Qualifier – Night 2, Thursday, November 12, 7:00 p.m., Quantum-Nano Centre room 0101.

TEDxUW 2015, Saturday, November 14, CIGI Campus.

International Education Week, Monday, November 16 to Friday, November 20.

Velocity Science: Brainstorming, Tuesday, November 17, 7:30 p.m., QNC room 1506.

Velocity Alpha: How Not To Run Your Company Into The Ground (From People Who Did), Wednesday, November 18, 7:30 p.m., EV3 4412.

CBB Biomedical Discussion Group featuring Thomas Willett, PhD, Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering Program, “A tissue mechanist found in translation,” Thursday, November 19, 2:30 p.m., E5 2167.

PhD Oral Defences

Chemical Engineering. Abdulaziz Alarifi, "Modeling and Optimization of Methanol Synthesis from Syngas." Supervisors, Alik Elkamel, Eric Croiset. On deposit in the Engineering graduate office, PHY 3003. Oral defence Friday, October 23, 10:00 a.m., E6 2022.

Management Sciences. Muhammad Umair Shah, "Exploring How Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Firms Create Value for Organizational Stakeholders." Supervisor, Paul Guild. On deposit in the Engineering graduate office, PHY 3003. Oral defence Monday, October 26, 9:30 a.m., CPH 3623.

Computer Science. Heidi Gonzales, "Generalized Set and Graph Packing Problems." Supervisor, Alejandro Ortiz. Thesis available on MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Monday, October 26, 10:00 a.m., DC 1331.

Electrical & Computer Engineering. Bo Wang, "CO-OFDM Elastic Optical Networks - Issues on Transmission, Routing, and Bandwidth Allocation." Supervisor, Pin-Han Ho. On deposit in the Engineering graduate office, PHY 3003. Oral defence Tuesday, October 27, 10:00 a.m., EIT 3142.