The Daily Bulletin is published by Internal and Leadership Communications, part of University Communications
Contact us at bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Submission guidelines
Report addresses global challenges through education, research and innovation
The latest issue of the University of Waterloo's Global Impact Report has been released.
"I am delighted to introduce my first edition of the annual Global Impact Report," writes President Vivek Goel in the report's introduction. "It has been inspiring to learn about the history of the University and its unconventional founding. Our institution was founded by local community leaders to meet the many challenges of the day and to propel the region, and our nation, forward."
"Waterloo’s unique approach to addressing the world’s greatest challenges is built on boundary-pushing research, experiential education and entrepreneurship," Goel writes. "And we bring these strengths to bear on addressing the human dimensions of global challenges, understanding and enhancing human experiences and examining ways to translate knowledge for governance and policy."
In the report you’ll find a message from the president, an infographic that highlights milestones we’ve reached at Waterloo, as well as inspiring stories about our researchers, students and alumni. There are a variety of stories across disciplines and departments organized under six themes:
- Human-technology interaction;
- Next-generation computing;
- Social and economic prosperity;
- Sustainable futures;
- Advancing health innovation; and
- Transformational discoveries.
The GIR report is available as a downloadable PDF on the University's Reports page. The digital stories are available on the Global Impact site and print copies of the report will be sent out at the end of this month.
Survey on working from home during COVID-19 and transitioning back to the office
A message from the Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD).
COVID-19 has had a large impact on workers and workplaces with many of the changes possibly persisting post-pandemic. Office workers found themselves setting up home workstations for what we thought would be a temporary situation, with workstations sometimes being created on kitchen tables and counters. Two years have passed with many still working at these “temporary” computer workstations. This survey aims to capture worker and workplace experiences, the challenges, and opportunities created with remote work to guide the future of computer-based work and hybrid working arrangements.
You are invited to participate in this survey on working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participation in this survey is entirely voluntary and all your feedback will remain confidential. After completing the survey, you can enter a draw for 1 of 4 $200 VISA gift card prizes. The survey will remain open until April 8, 2022.
This survey is conducted by CRE-MSD which is a non-profit research centre focused on the primary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) by putting research into practice for workers and workplaces. A summary report of the survey data will be posted on the CRE-MSD website. This survey has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.
To participate in the study, you must meet the following inclusion criteria:
- 18 years of age or older;
- Currently employed; and
- Required to work from home in some capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey is available on the University's Qualtrics website.
When you click on the link above, you will be redirected to the screening questions and the consent form. If you choose to proceed with the survey, please provide your consent and start the survey. Any information that is obtained in connection with this study will NOT be linked to identifying personal information, such as your name. The University of Waterloo company code is A782BA. When prompted in the survey, you can enter the company code so your responses will be linked to your organization. This company code will allow the researchers to provide a summary report of average, aggregate results to the organization and no individual responses can be identified from these results. The survey will take approximately 20 to 30 minutes of your time.
If you have questions about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Philip Bigelow via email at pbigelow@uwaterloo.ca.
2021 Co-op Student of the Year awards set for March 21
A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).
Every year, as part of Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) Month, one student from each faculty is presented with a Co-op Student of the Year Award for exceptional contributions to their employers in 2021.
Prior to the awards this year, CEE is announcing its honourable mention winners from each faculty that excelled on their co-op terms. These students will also be recognized at the ceremony.
“We are excited to highlight our exemplary students who made significant and memorable contributions to their employers in 2021,” says Ross Johnston, executive director of Co-operative Education at Waterloo. “I’d like to also congratulate our honourable mentions for each faculty at the University."
Award recipients will be honoured at CEE’s virtual Co-op Student of the Year Awards and Problem Lab ceremony on March 21 at 11:00 a.m. ET.
Please register to attend the virtual Co-op Student of the Year and Problem Lab Award ceremony.
Upcoming IQC talk looks at framework for increasing inclusion in STEM
A message from the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC).
Scientists of all backgrounds and genders, have made important contributions in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), but the participation of women remains low in many areas of STEM, including physics. What can we do to build an inclusive STEM community?
Shohini Ghose, IQC affiliate and Director of the Laurier Centre for Women in Science (WiS) will discuss data that can shed light on where we stand today and describe a practical framework for increasing access and inclusion in STEM.
The event takes place on Monday, March 21, 2:00 p.m. Zoom registration is required.
Shohini Ghose “wanted to be an explorer like Rakesh Sharma, the first Indian to go to space. She hasn’t made it to space yet, but she did become an explorer of the quantum world as a physics Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University. She examines how quantum physics can transform computing and communication. She and her colleagues were the first to observe the effect of chaos on quantum entanglement.”
Ghose is the Director of the Laurier Centre for Women in Science (WinS) and the NSERC Chair for Women in Science and Engineering in Ontario. She holds a TED Senior Fellowship and in 2017 she was selected to the College of the Royal Society of Canada. Her popular science talks have received over 5 million views online. In 2019, she was among 25 women scientists worldwide featured in a UNESCO exhibit in Paris, and she serves on the Scientific Board of the UNESCO International Basic Science Program. She still dreams of going to space.
Weekly Nutrition Month tip and other notes
This Week’s Nutrition Month Tip: The factors that influence the food we eat, our health, and the environment can be challenging and complex. Using a tool like our own University of Waterloo Balanced Plate can help make things simple. A balanced plate approach can help you include more produce, whole grains, and plant-based proteins – good for your health, and good for the environment. Meals may look very different from one day to the next, but the principles of a balanced plate are the same: Aim for 2 different fruits or vegetables, a grain or starch (whole grain if you can), and a protein rich choice in most meals. Get inspired with these balanced meal ideas from Food Services.
The next Noon Hour Concert takes place online today at 12: 30 p.m. and features pianist Amelia Grace Yates performing composer Ann Southam’s Solo Piano Music.
Yates is a recent graduate of the Doctor of Musical Arts program at the University of Western Ontario and her research focusses on the solo piano music of Canadian composer Ann Southam. She is passionate about researching and performing the music of contemporary Canadian composers. In addition to performing as a soloist, Dr. Yates also enjoys collaborating with others in chamber groups and working with large ensembles and choirs.
"Ann Southam (1937-2010) is considered the best-known Canadian minimalist composer," Dr. Yates writes. "While minimalism is her largest output for solo piano, she also composed in twelve-tone and jazz styles. In this recital, I offer an overview of Southam’s wide-ranging solo piano creations, including her early music she composed as a student, her varied approaches to minimalist composition, and the fun jazz-style pieces she created for students. Enjoy the beautiful tone colours, lyricism, and emotional journey present in Southam’s unique piano works."
"Come watch the Women’s Basketball team take on McMaster tonight in the PAC for their first playoff game," says a note from Athletics and Recreation. "Come celebrate our Warriors as they host their first playoff game in 20 years." The Warriors will be taking on the Marauders in round one of the OUA playoffs.
The game starts at 6:00 p.m. tonight. Get your tickets online. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.
This is a reminder that, in collaboration with the Graduate Student Association, the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC) is seeking your input on the development of social writing supports for BIPOC students and want to hear from you. "By completing a survey, you will help inform the design of the WCC’s programming," says a note from the WCC. "This survey is intended only for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous or a person of color and are currently enrolled in a graduate studies program at the University of Waterloo. If you have any questions, contact Ileana Diaz at idiaz@uwaterloo.ca."
The survey is available on the Qualtrics website.
Employers hosting Virtual Employer Information Sessions (VEIS) this week include TULLOCH. Make sure to register on WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.