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Rechargeable battery expert wins Steacie fellowship
by Carol Truemner.
A University of Waterloo researcher is the recipient of an E.W.R Steacie Memorial Fellowship from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) for his work in developing new materials that make batteries and fuel cells smaller, lighter and longer-lasting.
Zhongwei Chen, a chemical engineering professor and the Canada Research Chair in Advanced Materials for Clean Energy, leads a team of engineering graduate students that is producing low-cost nanomaterials for fuel cells, batteries and supercapacitors. Their technology has the potential to lower the costs of fuel cells by reducing or even eliminating the need for precious metals such as platinum and palladium.
Announced this week at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Professor Chen is one of six Steacie Memorial Fellowship recipients. He plans to use his fellowship grant of $250,000 over two years to expand his team and advance his research.
At the ceremony in Rideau Hall were George Dixon, Vice-President, University Research; Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor; Bardish Chagger, MP for Waterloo; The Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada; Professor Zhongwei Chen; and Professor Eric Croiset, Department Chair of Chemical Engineering.
Professor Chen’s partnership with the General Motors Global Research and Development Centre has produced a patented technology for fabricated silicon-based lithium-ion batteries with almost 10 times more energy. The technology would enable smartphones and other electronic devices to last 40 to 60 per cent longer between charges and electric cars to drive 500 kilometres further, as well as significantly reducing the weight of electric vehicles.
“More powerful batteries will transform how we produce and store renewable energy, which will allow the world to find meaningful alternatives to fossil fuels,” said Feridun Hamdullahpur. ”I am very pleased to see NSERC recognize Professor Chen’s brilliant research resulting in an innovative technology. This is an excellent example of the high calibre of research being undertaken at Waterloo.”
Professor Chen’s startup company, WatTech Power Inc., is commercializing a rechargeable battery technology that turns intermittently available renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, into reliable sources of back-up power for regions that experience frequent power outages. By minimizing the amount of power purchased during high-cost periods, electricity bills are reduced.
“Waterloo Engineering is extremely pleased with the recognition of Zhongwei Chen’s contributions in creating more energy-efficient and substantially smaller batteries,” said Wayne Parker, acting dean of Waterloo Engineering. “This highly regarded fellowship will allow him to further focus on research that has the potential for major impacts throughout the world.”
The E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship honours the memory of Edgar William Richard Steacie, an outstanding chemist and research leader who made major contributions to the development of science in Canada during, and immediately following, World War II.
Employment equity survey on the way
a message from Human Resources.
Employment Equity is a program legislated by the federal Employment Equity Act and the Federal Contractors Program to remove barriers to employment for Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities and women. Like many equity initiatives, employment equity is ongoing and the University of Waterloo works to identify and eliminate employment barriers that may exist in procedures and policies. An employment equity program attempts to achieve a workforce that reflects the diversity of the available labour force.
Starting February 29th, all employees – faculty, staff and students – are being asked to complete a new Employment Equity survey, which will provide updated information. When completed, the Employment Equity Survey results will give us a better picture of our workforce and enable an analysis of our employment equity gaps. Information is confidential and only aggregate information is included in the annual Employment Equity report provided to the Federal Government and posted on the University's website. The information is used by various offices at the University in determining programs and initiatives for the upcoming year.
The goal of this program is to achieve workplace equality for designated groups in the Canadian labour market, including: women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. Information on the Federal Contractors Program (FCP) may be found on the Government of Canada's website.
Human Resources will be soon communicating details on how to complete the electronic survey.
This survey is confidential and voluntary, however the Federal Contractors Program requires all employees to either complete the survey or to indicate they are choosing to opt out of answering the questions. When you complete the Employment Equity Survey, you are counted in the workforce analysis. Specific information on individuals will not be released, or become part of an employee’s or student’s Human Resources file.
The survey has four questions, takes approximately two minutes, and employees will be provided up to 30 minutes during work hours to complete it. A paper copy of the survey will be provided to all employees without electronic access during their workday.
For the month of March, the Daily Bulletin will post weekly reminders and progress of the total survey completion on Mondays.
Treat-A-Gram raises $15K for women in STEM
A message from the Office of Advancement.
Thank you to our faculty, staff, and retirees for your overwhelming support of Treat-a-Gram 2016! The campaign was one of our sweetest to date — together, we sent more than 3,900 treats and raised over $15,000 in support of scholarships for women in STEM.
On February 11, the Keystone community got a head start on Family Day celebrations with festive cake pops, Rice Krispies squares, and Treat-a-Gram postcards, all personalized with well wishes from colleagues and friends. We captured some of the fun in the video above — special thanks to President Hamdullahpur and Erin Sargeant Greenwood for joining us on our delivery run!
We deeply appreciate the help of our partners: Food Services, who prepared our treats, and Central Stores, who ensured that they reached their destinations.
Of course, Treat-a-Gram wouldn’t be possible without Keystone’s dedicated staff and volunteers. Thank you for another fantastic campaign — we’re already looking forward to next year!
Grade 10 Family Night tonight
Tonight, Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment will host high school students and their families from across Ontario for the University of Waterloo’s annual Grade 10 Family Night event.
The evening is an opportunity for students to learn about the university application process, financing options and opportunities, and information on the University's admission process.
Grade 10 may seem like an early time to be talking to students about their future plans, but they’ll soon be selecting their courses for Grade 11, which will greatly influence their pre-requisites for university.
The event takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Mathematics 3 atrium.
Thursday's notes
Just a reminder that February is Carpool Month in Waterloo Region, a time to split the costs and stress of driving, make new friends, and shake off the winter doldrums. Students, faculty and staff can complete easy weekly challenges for a chance to win great prizes.
This week, post a selfie of your carpool for a chance to win a $25 Tim Hortons gift card. Post the image to Twitter using the hashtag #CarpoolSelfieWR and don't forget to tag @UWaterloo. And please don't take the photo while you're driving.
Carpool Month is organized by the TravelWise program, of which the University is a member. To learn more and participate, visit the sustainability website or contact Mat Thijssen, the University's Sustainability Coordinator, by sending an e-mail to mthijssen@uwaterloo.ca.
Human Resources is reporting that retiree Patricia Imbeau died February 11. Pat joined the University of Waterloo in March 1987 and retired as Admission/Registration Assistance in Distance Education (now the Centre for Extended Learning) in July 1997. She was predeceased by her husband Ronald.