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Faculty of Science Launches Innovation Hub
A message from the Faculty of Science.
An exciting and innovative transition has been taking place in the Faculty of Science, and we are now pleased to announce the opening of the Science Innovation Hub.
The Science Innovation Hub is using the fantastic framework of student entrepreneurship and scientific discovery made possible by Velocity Science, while transitioning to a new, collaborative environment with a University-wide focus on real-world problem solving within science. This transition focuses on solidifying and developing partnerships with existing science-focused entrepreneurial groups across campus. These groups include Concept, iGEM, St. Paul’s Greenhouse, E-coop (Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business), and will soon be expanded to include other partnerships including international co-op student opportunities. By housing each of these partnerships in the same space, the Faculty of Science hopes to create a multi-level environment of interdisciplinary problem solving.
The Innovation Hub will not only provide members with communal lab space and guidance and resources for scientific problem solving, but will also actively link members with Science Faculty advisors both from related science disciplines and from our science and business program. Additionally, to foster a community amongst each team, the Science Innovation Hub is establishing a “social collision” space and is planning a workshop series with international business partners.
“The Faculty of Science is proud to launch this initiative to raise the bar on supporting students, staff, and faculty members in moving the needle forward on innovation and interdisciplinary research,” said Bob Lemieux, Dean of Science. “I look forward to seeing the scientific achievements that come out of the Innovation Hub!”
The Innovation Hub welcomes all students, faculty, and staff from any faculty across campus who are looking for space and support in developing their science-based ideas, and translating them to real-world solutions. If you have any questions, or would like more information about the Hub and application processes, please reach out to the Science Coordinator, Vivian Cheung. For information about the Faculty advisor network, or the Science Innovation Hub programming please contact the Director of Translational Initiatives, Dr. Roderick Slavcev.
GRADflix winners announced at Showcase event
GRADflix winners and judging panel, which included James Rush, Vice-President Academic & Provost; Jeff Casello, Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs; and Kirsten Muller, Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies Postdoctoral Affairs.
On January 15, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs hosted its second annual GRADflix Showcase, a red-carpet event featuring the 23 best one-minute videos made by graduate students to describe their research.
After a short deliberation, a judging panel comprising Ryan Antooa (Marketing and Strategic Initiatives), Clare Bermingham (Writing and Communication Centre), Gina Hickman (Human Rights, Equity and Inclusion Office), Camelia Nunez (Concept, imagined by Velocity) and Chris McIntyre (Waterloo Artificial Intelligence Institute) decided which four videos were most deserving of the top prizes. The audience decided the People’s Choice Award winner.
The winners are:
1st place - $750 prize: Sadaf Faisal, from the School of Pharmacy, for her video Use of smart technology for medication management
2nd place - $500 prize: Muhammad Saad, from Electrical & Computer Engineering, for his video Price prediction with machine learning
3rd place - $250 prize: Michelle Anagnostou, from Geography & Environmental Management, for her video Crime convergence and the illegal wildlife trade
4th place and People’s Choice - $500 combined: Megan Schmidt, from Geography & Environmental Management, for her video #GenerationRestoration: Peatlands and greenhouse gases
All of this year’s GRADflix videos can now be viewed online!
W Store to host midnight madness event
The W Store in South Campus Hall will be hosting its first-event Midnight Madness event to celebrate the one-year anniversary of their re-branding. You can expect exciting new product launches, snacks and treats, gift card raffles, a photo booth, and more.
As a bonus, the first 200 customers will receive a surprise gift with their purchase. Follow the W Store on Instagram at @wstore.uwaterloo for more event details.
The event takes place at the W Store in South Campus Hall on Monday, January 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. [Editor: Hey, it's gotta be midnight somewhere, right?]
Point of order: Waterloo alumni receive Order of Canada
Last week, we were pleased to share the news that four Waterloo community members, with close ties to the University of Waterloo, received Order of Canada awards. In addition, we’d like to acknowledge a number of University of Waterloo alumni who were also newly appointed to the Order of Canada for contributions in their field and for enriching the lives of others.
We are proud of the achievements of our Waterloo alumni and celebrate their contributions to shaping our society and bettering the world.
Officers of the Order of Canada
- John J. Clague – Honorary DSc, 2017
Recognized for his national contributions to environmental earth sciences and for his impact on the study of natural hazards, such as earthquakes, tsunamis, landslides and floods.
- Debra Pepler – PhD, Psychology, 1979
Recognized for her innovative, community-based research on social issues involving children and youth, which has changed the way psychologists study bullying.
Members of the Order of Canada
- Eric D. Friesen – BA, English, 1967 (Conrad Grebel University College)
Recognized for contributing to the public appreciation of classical music as a radio broadcaster, writer and speaker.
- Cathy Levy – BA, Dance Honours, 1994
Recognized for her contributions to the performing arts as a producer and dance advocate.
The following Waterloo alumni were previously mentioned in the Daily Bulletin as becoming new Members of the Order of Canada:
- Paul Born – BA, Arts, 1987 (Conrad Grebel University College)
Recognized for his contributions to his community and for his large-scale initiatives to reduce poverty.
- Anne Dagg – PhD, Biology, 1967
Recognized for her contributions to the modern scientific understanding of the giraffe, through which she has helped enhance the field of animal behaviour science.
- Stuart M. McGill – PhD, Kinesiology, 1986 & Professor Emeritus, Department of Kinesiology
Recognized for his contributions to understanding the biomechanics of the spinal column and to the development of rehabilitation programs.
The Order of Canada is one of the highest honours in Canada, recognizing individuals whose service shapes our society, whose innovations ignite our imaginations and whose compassion unites our communities.
We offer congratulations to all the University of Waterloo alumni who received this incredible distinction.