Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Anxiety researchers seeking participants for study

University of Waterloo Anxiety Study Researchers are currently seeking volunteers (18+ years of age) for their Anxiety Studies Participant Pool.

"We are seeking participants with general symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive worrying," says the note from the researchers. "In particular, you may be eligible if you experience any of the following:

• recurrent thoughts or images that are unwanted, distasteful, inappropriate, intrusive, or distressing, such as:
  • the idea that you were dirty, contaminated, or had germs
  • doubting that you turned appliances off or locked doors properly
  • fearing that you would act on some impulse
  • obsessions with sexual thoughts, images or impulses
• the need to do something repeatedly without being able to resist doing it, like washing, cleaning, checking or counting
• the need to do things a certain way even if another way would be more efficient

Participants who are eligible for the pool (as determined by a confidential, 15-minute phone interview) will be asked to complete:

• an in-person interview about symptoms of anxiety, depression, drug/alcohol use, unusual experiences and physical sensations (~60-90 minutes)
• self-report questionnaires about symptoms, mood, social experiences, thoughts about self, concentration and habits (~60-90 minutes)

Participants will receive $40 in appreciation of their time related to the interview and questionnaire session.

The initial questionnaire can be accessed on the Anxiety Studies page.

Any confidential inquiries can be made through the Anxiety Studies Division by calling extension 35920 or by sending an e-mail to anxiety@uwaterloo.ca.

Canadian Landmine Foundation supports The Landmine Boys

University of Waterloo graduate Richard Yim and his social-purpose startup The Landmine Boys have received $5,000 in funding from the Canadian Landmine Foundation (CLMF), a national organization based in Waterloo with a mission to raise awareness and funds to end the human and economic suffering caused by landmines.

“This donation is very much in accordance with our mandate, which increasingly includes connecting and working with people and organizations focused on these goals,” said Chris Snyder, chair of the CLMF. “This collaboration with St. Paul’s and The Landmine Boys clearly meets these objectives and we are excited about the possibilities that this could lead to in removing landmines and the improvement it could bring to many people around the world.”

Richard is a recent Waterloo Engineering grad who, during his stay at the St. Paul’s GreenHouse social impact incubator, has been working on a robotic device that will allow landmines to be neutralized on site without human supervision so that fewer people will be at risk of injury or death. He used funding from GreenHouse to successfully test a first prototype in Cambodia in December 2015 and is working on the next iteration.

Landmines still exist in at least 80 countries in the world, with an estimated 4 to 6 million in Cambodia, where Richard was born.

The CLMF is also working to put Richard and his colleagues in touch with like-minded people in Cambodia as the project advances.

St. Paul’s Chancellor, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, is involved with the CLMF and has been a supporter and advisor to The Landmine Boys since last summer.

“A key component of a successful social venture is to find the right support for your innovation," said Tania Del Matto, director of St. Paul’s GreenHouse. "Putting Richard and his team in touch with Dr. Axworthy and the CLMF – a leader in landmine removal support – is the right next step at this time.”

Paul Heidebrecht, one of Richard’s advisors and Director of the MSCU Centre for Peace Advancement at UWaterloo, said, “Richard’s project presents an opportunity for Canada to once again play a leadership role in the global effort to eradicate landmines. It also illustrates how the University of Waterloo’s tech innovation ecosystem has the capacity to tackle pressing humanitarian challenges.”

The Landmine Boys have received support from various areas of the Waterloo innovation ecosystem, including the Faculty of Engineering, Conrad Centre, GreenHouse, the Centre for Peace Advancement, and Velocity.

iBASE hits the ground running for 2016

by Ryan Connell. This article was originally posted on the Bridge to Academic Success in English programs' website.

This year’s Intensive Bridge to Academic Success in English (iBASE) program has gotten off to a strong start!

The Renison English Language Institute welcomed 40 students into the English language pathway program for the spring term July 11. iBASE students upgrade their language skills in the seven-week program while strengthening their communication and leadership skills. Once they have successfully completed the program, the students will begin full-time studies in the Faculties of Engineering or Science this fall.

During their first week, the iBASE students participated in shopping trips to the Boardwalk and Conestoga Mall, while setting up their cell phones and Canadian bank accounts. On July 12, students went on a Science tour hosted by a Science Ambassador, followed by a visit to the Gustav Bakos Observatory on campus. Last Thursday, the students also embarked on a visit to Uptown Waterloo, visiting local shops and enjoying a dinner together at My Thai restaurant.

Activities continue this week, including an Engineering tour on Monday, and the launch of customized Student Leadership Program workshops for iBASE students with the Student Success Office. For the full schedule of iBASE events, visit the BASE events calendar.

Tuesday's notes

Lisa Schneider, admin coordinator in Environmental & Geological Engineering, snapped this pic of a hawk waiting patiently for the Grad House to open yesterday morning.

The UW A Cappella Club is hosting 2 concerts of a cappella on Friday, July 22, and Saturday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. in the Theatre of the Arts. More information about the end-of-term events can be found on the group's Facebook page.

Wilfrid Laurier University has reached a tentative deal for a new collective agreement with CUPE Local 926, the union representing approximately 110 custodial, grounds, and trades employees at Laurier’s Waterloo campus and Kitchener location.

The agreement was reached July 15 following negotiations that began in October 2015. CUPE Local 926 members ratified the tentative agreement on Sunday, July 17. The agreement will be put to Laurier’s Board of Governors for ratification later this week.

“We are pleased to have reached a tentative settlement,” said Max Blouw, president and vice-chancellor of Wilfrid Laurier University. “I would like to acknowledge the hard work that all parties contributed to reaching this agreement.”

The university will recall striking workers back to work on their next scheduled shift as per the return-to-work protocols.