Thursday, April 16, 2020

Introducing signature soap fit for a goose

A message from Print + Retail Solutions.

Just in time for nesting season, the new UWaterloo Goose Specialty Soap contains activated charcoal, tea tree and lavender essential oils, and calendula - and it comes in a delightful black and gold goose design. It was carefully handcrafted for W Store’s Nesting Season collection by Purple Martin Naturals, a small local producer of bath and body goods.

Purple Martin Naturals is owned and operated by UWaterloo alumnus and staff member Kathy Becker. Kathy is the Teaching Development Associate in the Faculty of Engineering, President-elect of the UWaterloo Staff Association, and Green Team Co-Ambassador for the Dean of Engineering Office. She started making soap a few years ago after receiving a gift of soap making equipment from her aunt, also a UWaterloo alumnus (Sandra Kenyon, BA ’95), and launched Purple Martin Naturals in 2018.

The guiding principle behind her soap making includes the use of as many natural ingredients that have been produced as locally as possible. This has involved building partnerships with local farmers and producers, which is part of what she loves most about this approach. “I’ve built collaborations with a small local brewery, a coffee roaster, and an apiary, and they all produce outstanding goods that bring different qualities to our soaps! And I’ve met local farmers and discovered what they’re doing for sustainability and land regeneration; our small local farm producers care deeply about doing right by the land and animals under their care.”

The striking design of the UWaterloo Goose Specialty Soap was also created through collaboration; Kathy reached out to Ryan Consell, engineering instructional support tutor, for help creating the 3D file, and worked with MME student Rapti Ghosh, who 3D printed the file during her Fall 2019 co-op work term with the Engineering Rapid Prototyping Centre in E7.

Get your UWaterloo Goose Specialty Soap now, while supplies last.

Social venture startup proves relevance during pandemic

This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the St. Paul's GreenHouse website.

During these ever-changing times, it is good to know that people are willing and capable of helping the world in overcoming the crisis at hand. That is why GreenHouse has awarded Emre, a social venture startup, $2,500 from the Social Impact Fund.

Emre is a cloud-based electronic medical record system built to support medical professionals providing healthcare to conflict-stricken nations, specifically for those in displacement camps. This is because paper medical records are difficult to keep track of, which can be a major problem when dealing with outbreaks.

Although the team’s initial focus was not based directly on the current coronavirus pandemic, they realize their mission is directly related to it. Co-founder Jon Dhanapala says, “We keep saying that there couldn’t be a better point in time for us to be doing what we are doing. It is so relevant and everyone can connect with it.”

Along with Emre, 3 other teams were also awarded grants from the Social Impact Fund to progress their ventures.

Read the rest of the article on the St. Paul's website.

Professor Emeritus wins Stockholm Water Prize

This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the Water Institute's website.

John Cherry, a distinguished professor emeritus from the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science has been named 2020 winner of the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize. The announcement was made March 23 by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). Cherry is the first hydrogeologist and the second Canadian to win the international award, which has gone to academics and organizations worldwide, including the International Water Management Institute in Sri Lanka and Great Britain’s Water Aid.

Awarded annually since 1991, the Stockholm Water Prize honours individuals and organizations whose work helps to conserve and protect water resources. Cherry is scheduled to receive the award from Princess Victoria of Sweden in late August and will address the opening session of this year’s World Water Week conference organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI).

Read the rest of the article on the Water Institute's website.

Are you ready for some more Good Buddies of the University?

"I’m having some challenges with my cat, Minnie," writes Emily Schroeder, assistant university secretary (administration) in the Secretariat. "She typically has been spending the day either lying directly across my arms while I’m typing (photo 1), or lying on my lap (photo 2). Both situations render me immobile so I don’t disturb her."

"Posey is absolutely thrilled about us working from home as it allows her to spend the entire day in the backyard (on a harness and line, so yes the birds are safe!)," writes Marissa Halter, communication design specialist in Print + Retail Solutions. 

"If it’s raining or too cold to be out she loudly, and constantly, let’s us know of her dissatisfaction over being inside. Am I allowed to only schedule meetings on sunny days? My coworkers will thank me I’m sure!"

"Our cat Milo is also trying to adjust to having both humans home during the day," writes Maureen Jones of Student Awards and Financial Aid. "He loves to cuddle which makes it difficult to get any work done. I have now built a cuddle break into my day. Keeps us both sane!"

"This is my furry coworker Clementine," writes Nicole Pin, dietitian with the Food Services team. "Her favourite home office activities include meowing on conference calls and napping during meetings."

"Sammy is doing a great job of carrying his big red bone around, following us (and the laptop) everywhere we go in the house," writes Franco Solimano, manager, graduate & student family housing in Waterloo Residences. "He doesn’t contribute much to actually getting work done and has a hard time typing, but he definitely makes sure his big red bone is always within reach – just in case it’s ever needed for essential university operations."

Remember, you can send a picture of your Good Buddy along with their name and job description, to bulletin@uwaterloo.ca.