Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Chart your path to success with prestigious awards

Waterloo faculty and staff are invited to Paths to Success, a presentation to learn how to prepare successful applications for prestigious awards.

The presentation is part of an initiative recognizing that nominating exceptional researchers for prestigious awards early in their career, especially at a national level, can boost Canada’s research profile on a global scale.

Presented by Howard Alper, chair of the Canvassing Committee to Enhance Global Recognition for Canadian Research Excellence, and Distinguished University Professor at the University of Ottawa, it’s part of a long-term strategy inspired by His Excellency, the Right Honourable David Johnston.

“There’s tremendous potential for Waterloo researchers to be recognized with prestigious awards nationally and internationally. This presentation is a great opportunity for them to learn how to put their best application forward and receive the recognition they deserve,” says Tom Barber, Awards Officer at Waterloo.

The presentation takes place on April 6 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Quantum Nano Centre (Room 2502). Please register as seating is limited.

Students awarded for exceptional teaching

The recipients of the 2017 Amit and Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student (AETS) were presented at Monday’s meeting of the University of Waterloo’s senate.

Alex Huynh is an Arts PhD student in the department of Psychology. Students and faculty members recognized him as being approachable, innovative, and dedicated. A student remarked that “he is able to make the material relatable and interesting . . . [he is] always able to clarify any questions or concerns.” Another undergraduate student commented on his demeanour in the classroom, saying that “his presence in the class made him a good instructor.” “He was one of the best [instructors] I have ever had.” A graduate student added that “he manages to maintain a clear sense of professionalism, while also being very approachable when engaged with his students.” Huynh has also been described by faculty members as “an innovative and dedicated educator who truly cares about student learning.” Huynh continues to keep his classes informative, relatable, and engaging. Huynh has been an instructor for PSYCH 349R, as well as a teaching assistant for PSYCH 253, PSYCH 353, PSYCH 354, and PSYCH 355.

Houman Mehrabian, an Arts PhD student in English Language and Literature, is highly recognized for his dedication to learning and teaching. When asked about Mehrabian’s impact on student learning, one undergraduate student explained that “his teaching went [far beyond] and always incorporated [a] set of knowledge from other respected fields, such as philosophy and politics.” Another student wrote that “he enjoys what he is teaching and manages to allow that to flow over to his students. He is highly knowledgeable in what he is teaching and makes courses enjoyable. He’s a great influence.” In addition to his student support, one faculty member also highlighted that “he is the most dedicated student I have encountered in my 30 years of university teaching, and I can easily see how this commitment to excellence shines through in his teaching.” His support serves as a testament to this recognition. Mehrabian has been an instructor for ENGL 109, ENGL 309C EL, and DRAMA 387/ENGL 363 EL. He has also been a teaching assistant for ENGL 109 EL and ENGL 210F EL. 

Mohammed Nassar is a PhD student in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. In Winter 2016, Nassar received the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department Best TA Award. He has also been on the Dean of Engineering’s list for his exceptional course evaluation scores. Widely known for his energy, enthusiasm, and passion for teaching, several students commented that Nassar is “very devoted to his work” and “always made sure as much of the class understood the material as possible before moving on.” One student explained that “coming into my 3A term, I thought MTE 320 would be just another ‘circuits course’. Nassar changed that.” One faculty member recognized that Nassar’s “passion about teaching and his dedication stimulated students and encouraged them throughout the term to learn and discuss [course material].” Nassar has been an instructor for ME 269, MTE 320, and ECE 462. He has also been a teaching assistant for ECE 361 and ECE 668.  

Lay Ling Tan, a PhD student in the department of Chemistry, is recognized for her diligence, patience, and dedication as an educator. Comparing her teaching to that of a “seasoned professor,” students say that “her teaching was very practical, insightful and memorable.” One undergraduate student added that “Lay Ling has a phenomenal knowledge and understanding of inorganic chemistry, but, more importantly, is exceptional at communicating and teaching complex chemical concepts and problems.” A faculty member noted that “in my 10+ years at Waterloo, I have not had as qualified and dedicated a TA as Lay Ling.” In addition to being named a recipient of the Amit and Meena Chakma Award for Exceptional Teaching by a Student, Tan has also received the Department of Chemistry Teaching Assistant Excellence Award on three separate occasions. Tan has been a teaching assistant for CHEM 120, CHEM 212, CHEM 310, and CHEM 313.

New University policy on sustainability

A message from the Secretariat.

On 23 March 2017, the President approved the new Policy 53 – Environmental Sustainability.

Development of Policy 53 was initiated by the President’s Advisory Committee on Environmental Sustainability (PACES), the committee that represents a cross-section of Waterloo stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff and administration, to provide advice to the president on campus sustainability programs and policies.

Policy 53 allows the University of Waterloo to recognize its unique responsibility to develop innovative and realistic solutions to pressing environmental issues.  It establishes priorities for the campus, supports consistency over time and lays a foundation for further actions and strategy.  Through Policy 53, the University commits to creating a campus where environmental sustainability is a core part of its culture.  Through transparent goals, measurable actions, and a collaborative approach, the University demonstrates its commitment to becoming an environmentally sustainable campus as an integral part of becoming one of the top innovation universities in the world.

Consultations were held with various councils and committees throughout Fall 2016 and Winter 2017.

Any questions regarding the new Policy 53 can be addressed to Sustainability Coordinator Mat Thijssen.

The updated Policy can be found on the Secretariat's website.

For more information on the Policy Renewal Project, please visit the Policy Post, which can be found on the Secretariat's website.

An Unlimited farewell

"Waterloo Unlimited began in the fall of 2004, providing unique enrichment experiences to outstanding high school students," writes Ed Jernigan. "The program, built on the four cornerstones of intrinsic motivation, trans-disciplinarity, community, and self-enrichment, offered experiences around themes such as vision, design, change, and research, exposing students to the breadth and depth of the university and giving them a live-in sense of university life."

"Thirteen years and 39 programs later, our Change theme program for Grade 10 students in May 2017 will be our final program. As of August 31, 2017, Waterloo Unlimited will shut down," Jernigan continues. "On behalf of our entire Unlimited community, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my heartfelt thanks to our university-wide campus partners, faculty, staff, and student contributors for the support we’ve received over the years—thank you!"

Wednesday's notes

After 39 years at the University (not including several co-op terms as a student) Bob Hicks is retiring. Friends and colleagues are being invited to the University Club on Thursday, April 27 between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to wish Bob all the best in retirement. There are no planned speeches, so drop in as your schedule allows. RSVP to Liz Doede at edoede@uwaterloo.ca.

The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) is offering four workshops to help faculty through key transitions in their academic career.

There are three workshops for tenure-track faculty that are designed to provide critical information to successfully navigate through the tenure process including gaining clarity on expectations and on university policy.  These workshops also address where and how to get your questions answered throughout the process.

• Faculty Recently Hired to their First Probationary Term Workshop, Tuesday, April 4, 12:00 p.m., DC 1304;
• Faculty Applying for Probationary Contract Renewal Workshop, Wednesday, April 5, 10:00 a.m., DC 1304;
• Faculty Applying for Tenure Workshop, Wednesday, April 5, 2:30 p.m, DC 1302.

Tenured faculty who are considering applying for promotion in 2017/18 or in the near future are encouraged to attend the Faculty Applying for Promotion to Full Professor Workshop. This workshop will walk you through the promotion process step by step and will provide explanations of formal policy as well as practical tips to help you succeed. The workshop takes place on Tuesday, April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in DC 1304.

No formal registration is required. Light snacks will be provided. Please visit FAUW's website for more details on these workshops.

If you have specific questions, concerns, or would require any assistance in attending a workshop, please contact Katie Damphouse at mcdampho@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567 ext. 32352.

Here's today's Nutrition Month "myth vs. fact" supplied by Health Services Dietician Sandra Ace:

Myth: Being at a healthy weight is the best measurement of a person’s risk for illnesses like heart disease and diabetes.

Fact: While weight is one indicator used to assess many health risks, how weight is distributed may be equally or even more important. In the Nurses’ Health Study of more than 44,000 women over 16 years, participants with larger waist measurements had a higher risk of dying, even when their weight was in a normal, healthy range. Other studies have shown a similar relationship between abdominal fat and disease risk.

Why does waist size matter? It’s because visceral fat, more commonly called belly fat, produces substances that impact blood sugar, blood pressure and blood fats and major organs like the heart and liver. If you are unsure if your waist size is considered healthy, learn how to correctly measure yours and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. A waist circumference is commonly measured during an annual health check.  

It may be that it’s not only the amount of food but also the type of food you eat that matters. If you have belly fat to lose, some research indicates a Mediterranean-style diet is associated with less abdominal obesity. Include more vegetables and fruit, seeds, nuts and unsaturated plant oils like olive oil. Substitute whole grains for refined grains, skip sugary drinks and keep added sugar to a minimum. Eat less red meat and processed meats and eat more fish and plant sources of protein like beans and lentils.

Follow the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines, which for adults age 18 to 64, recommend 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise throughout the week as well as strengthening activities twice per week. A Registered Dietitian can assess your current diet and assist you with making a plan to you achieve your health goals.