Thursday, September 12, 2019

CORE director tops list of contact lens experts

By Lauren Ward.

Multiple scientists and researchers within the Centre for Ocular Research and Education (CORE), have been named as part of Expertscape’s top 60 Expertise in Contact Lenses: Worldwide. Topping the list at number one is the director of CORE, Lyndon Jones, PhD, DSc, FCOptom, FAAO.

“I’m humbled to be recognized alongside so many peers from around the world who are constantly adding to the growing and fascinating body of knowledge surrounding various contact lens-related topics,” Dr. Jones told Optical Prism magazine. “They are close collaborators, incredibly talented professionals and personal friends in many cases. Day in and day out at CORE, I’m privileged to partner with the most dedicated and brilliant leaders in the field. It’s our life’s work and such an honour to be recognized for the contributions our team has made—and there’s so much more ahead.”

Dr. Jones’ research primarily focuses on the interaction of novel and existing contact lens materials with the ocular environment, dry eye, and the development of novel materials for ocular drug delivery.

CORE also has three other team members and four former CORE staff members, who have moved onto other roles within the ophthalmic spectrum, ranked within the list. Within CORE at #23 is Desmond Fonn, distinguished professor emeritus and founding director; at #48 is Doerte Luensmann, senior clinical scientist; and at #58 is Chau-Minh Phan, postdoctoral fellow.

In addition, Expertscape places the University of Waterloo as the number two institution on their list of top experts in contact lenses, after the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. Two faculty members at the School of Optometry & Vision Science are also listed within the top 60: Professor Luigina Sorbara at #25 and Professor Trefford Simpson at #45.

Remembering Professor Thomas Abler

The members of the Anthropology department were saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Emeritus Dr. Thomas Abler at the age of 78 on September 4. 

Abler received his Ph.D from the University of Toronto in 1969 and taught in what would become the University of Waterloo's Anthropology department for 43 years, from 1967 to 2010. He joined the University as an assistant professor in September 1967 and was promoted to associate professor in July 1974. He chaired the anthropology department from May 1979 to April 1985.

"His extensive scholarly expertise encompassed Native North America, ethnohistory, and war, and he was a marvellously productive author in these areas, producing five books, more than 50 book chapters and journal articles, and more than 100 book reviews," says a tribute on the Anthropology department's website. "Thousands of Waterloo students were introduced to anthropology through his courses, and many of those students have put the anthropology they learned from Tom to use in a wide variety of careers."

Event welcomes new faculty and their families

The University of Waterloo and the Faculty Association are hosting a New Faculty and Family Welcome Dinner on Friday, September 20 at the University Club.

"Come in your casual attire to experience a different side of UWaterloo’s fine-dining venue!" says the event website. "Enjoy good food, get to know other new faculty members and their families, have a chat with the University President and Provost, and meet the President and Board members of the Faculty Association." Children of all ages are welcome, and will be entertained by a wide variety of supervised fun and activities.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6:00. The evening will officially wrap up at 8:30 p.m.

All faculty members who've started at the University since September 1, 2018, are welcome to attend the event. Please register by September 12.

Library renovation grand opening today and other notes

This is a reminder that the Waterloo community is invited to a day of events celebrating the completion of two years of renovations at the Dana Porter and Davis Centre libraries. The Library Revitalization Grand Opening takes place at the Davis Centre Library today at 1:30 p.m. Attendees can explore the library's new and improved spaces, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate the opening of the new Art in the Library exhibit, Begin*. Remarks begin at 2:00 p.m. 

Following the grand opening, drop by Dana Porter Library for a behind-the-scenes tour of the new staff workspaces on the third and fifth floors. Library staff will be on hand to answer questions.

On September 4, the Faculty of Engineering welcomed approximately 80 new exchange students who will be spending one or two terms at Waterloo. The students hail from 18 different countries and 32 partner universities around the world.

The 2019 Optometry Rack Pack team will be participating in the 'CIBC Run for the Cure' on Sunday, October 6 to support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Since 2013, the Optometry Rack Pack team has raised over $66,000. Their current 2019 fundraising total is $3,900 and they are still accepting donations to the team.

The University of Waterloo Recreation Committee is offering discount theatre tickets to see an upcoming performance of Annie. The production takes place on Sunday October 20 at 1:00 p.m. at the Hamilton Family Theatre in Cambridge. 

Contact Shirley at schatten@uwaterloo.ca for pricing information and to order tickets. The deadline to order tickets is Thursday, September 19.

The Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE) is inviting students to present their research to individuals from the government, industry and academic communities at the upcoming Energy Day 2019 on September 26 in Federation Hall. There are 20 student poster spots available for showing in the Innovation Showcase. All energy related research is welcome.

This year’s panel topics and discussions will include:

• Energy Services Delivery: Is there a changing of the guard?
• Nano-based Energy Innovations: Breakthroughs or Bust?
• Bioenergy Solutions: Can it shape the transition to a low carbon future?

All interested students are encouraged to contact Jessica Strickler at Jessica.strickler@uwaterloo.ca.