The Daily Bulletin is published by Internal and Leadership Communications, part of University Communications
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Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
By Megan Vander Woude. This article was originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of Waterloo magazine.
Jeff Wentworth (BASc ’06) recalls virtually every co-op term helping him not only advance his technical skills, but also improve his communication skills and ability to collaborate in an office environment. But there was one work term that took his development to a whole new level.
In the middle of his degree, Wentworth packed his bags and moved to Japan for a year – an experience that took him out of his comfort zone. At the time, there was no Google Translate or Google Maps and, for Wentworth, it was both wonderful and lonely.
Immersed in an unfamiliar culture, job and place, Wentworth uncovered new skills and independence that he would use in his future life and career. He enjoyed the experience so much that he moved back to Japan shortly after graduating. He thought he’d stay for a couple years.
Fifteen years later, he’s still in Tokyo, where he founded Curvegrid with William Metcalfe (BMath ’04), whom he met during that international co-op term. Wentworth and Metcalfe now find themselves on the other side of the co-op process, hiring students who have an interest in international travel and cultures. They try to make the experience as smooth and rewarding as possible, reimbursing students for plane tickets and helping them secure visas and other necessities. They even offer two weeks of vacation, so students can make the most of their time in a new country.
“This is our way of paying it forward,” Wentworth says. “We hope they have a similar cultural experience to the one we enjoyed as students.”
In her final work term, Jessica Bondy (BA ’08, MA ’13) felt like she was more than a co-op student at the Royal Ottawa Hospital: “I was very much a member of the team, and my experience was valued. It was an incredible opportunity to test out my professional skills, understand the complexity of working in healthcare, and ask myself some important questions, like, ‘Why do I want to get into this work?’ and ‘What are my passions?’”
Today, Bondy is still focused on serving others through her work. As the Housing Services Director at Waterloo Region’s House of Friendship, she draws on the skills and dedication she developed in her work terms. As a co-op employer, and previous co-op student, she knows the tremendous value students can bring to a non-profit organization.
“We believe in a place where everyone can belong and thrive, and that includes our staff,” she explains. “Co-op students are important members of our team. The new ideas that students bring, the fresh perspective – tech-savvy approaches, ability to use data – it’s incredible to see the things they can help us with.”
Through multiple roles and projects, Bondy has seen students leave an important mark in House of Friendship programming and the community they serve. She’s quick to mention the growth she sees in the students as well: “Students who work with us get exposure to some very challenging ways of life and complicated social issues like homelessness, addiction, mental health challenges and poverty. When folks work for House of Friendship, they also learn what it means to be a member of a community. It’s a true joy to see someone’s thoughts shift and to see them develop an interest in non-profit work. It gives me more energy to do the difficult things in my job.”
Before his first co-op term, Vikram Hardatt thought he wanted a career in geographic information systems (GIS). Hardatt took elective courses on the topic and for his first work term, he found a job where he could focus on GIS.
“I thought I wanted to do this for the rest of my life,” he explains. “But after working and studying GIS for a year, I realized maybe this isn’t actually what I want to do.”
For subsequent co-op terms, he shifted his focus and found a new passion. While at the City of Hamilton, he worked on the team that was planning and implementing the City’s new bike share program. He enjoyed this work so much that he returned to the City of Hamilton for a later co-op term, and eventually a full-time job with a local consulting firm, IBI Group. Today, he’s a passionate consultant focusing on bringing micro-mobility systems, including bike-sharing and e-scooter programs to communities across Ontario. He’s also a regular user of the Hamilton bike share program that he helped implement.
Without co-op, Hardatt knows he might have spent his degree preparing for a career that wasn’t the right fit. When he works with co-op students today, this experience is always top of mind: “While I’m super passionate about micro-mobility, I realize that this might not be what our co-op students are feeling. I encourage them to give this field of work an honest try, ask questions as they come up, and talk openly about their thoughts. That way, I can work with their interests and tailor their tasks to their individual goals.”
Hardatt hopes his open approach helps them do their best work at IBI Group, but also in the future. It’s part of the process to build a fulfilling career.
Waterloo Mathematics Professor Anita Layton is among the six newest members of the Canadian Mathematical Society Fellows.
The Canadian Mathematical Society announced the 2022 Class of Fellows on July 4. The Fellowship recognises CMS members who have made excellent contributions to mathematical research, teaching, or exposition; as well as having distinguished themselves in service to Canada’s mathematical community.
Induction to the 2022 Class of Fellows was based upon nominations, reception of the David Borwein Distinguished Career Award or the Graham Wright Award for Distinguished Service, or reception of any other CMS prize or award for outstanding contributions for research, education, exposition and service to the Society and having served the CMS as a Vice-President, a standing committee chair or Editor-in-Chief of the CMS’ Canadian Mathematical Bulletin or Canadian Journal of Mathematics.
Layton is a professor of applied mathematics and Canada 150 Research Chair of Mathematical Medicine and Biology. She was recently appointed Associate Dean, Research and International in the Faculty of Mathematics.
Other members of the 2022 Class of Fellows include:
Founded in 1945, the CMS is the main national organization whose goal is to promote and advance the discovery, learning and application of mathematics. The Society’s activities cover the whole spectrum of mathematics including scientific meetings, publications, grants, math camps and national and international mathematics competitions, as well as awards and prizes that recognize outstanding achievements.
The 2022 Class of Fellows will be recognized at the CMS Winter Meeting in December 2022.
Desire is part of human nature, and being vulnerable to desire is part of what differentiates humans from machines. However, a new international study has found that individuals who are better able to resist their desires are perceived as more robotic and dehumanized.
“Imagine a colleague with iron self-control—a person who has their entire day planned down to five-minute increments to eat and even to run to the bathroom. This person never sleeps in, never stops to chat with co-workers, and never misses a scheduled gym session,” said Abigail Scholer, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Waterloo who co-authored the report. “Sure, they’re probably productive, but how do they fare socially?”
That’s the question asked by an international team of academics, including Scholer Waterloo alumni Franki Kung from Psychological Sciences at Purdue University and Justin P. Brienza from The University of Queensland Business School. Samantha P. Lapka of Purdue also contributed to the six studies involving 2,007 people.
“Whereas past research shows that people high in self-control enjoy a broad range of benefits, we’re beginning to see that such people also experience some social trade-offs,” Kung said. “They are more likely to be seen as robotic and less-than-human. Humans have flaws, are vulnerable to passions, and we tend to gravitate to people like that — even if they’re not as reliable as those with a high degree of self-control.”
This dehumanization has potential social consequences. The report notes that a person seen as less human is more likely to be socially rejected.
“What we’re finding is that even if self-restraint, and competence are seen as virtues leading to success, they do not necessarily translate into social success, as that person may be perceived as lacking some fundamental human qualities,” Scholer said.
On Friday, July 15, the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) will be hosting Chris Ferrie from the University of Technology Sydney and the Centre for Quantum Software and Information for what promises to be a frank discussion about quantum physics.
"Although most of us don't actually understand quantum physics, we know that it's mystical and awesome, and if we understood it we'd probably be rich and beautiful and happy, right?" says the talk's abstract. "After all, there are plenty of people out there trying to sell you quantum crystals to align your quantum energy with your quantum destiny. Can they all be wrong? Yes, yes they can. In this talk, we're going to sniff out the bullshit and break down why it stinks while dispelling the mystery of the quantum."
Chris Ferrie is an Associate Professor at the University of Technology Sydney and the Centre for Quantum Software and Information, where he leads a multidisciplinary team of researchers in the areas of quantum learning and control. He obtained his PhD in Applied Mathematics from the Institute for Quantum Computing and University of Waterloo (Canada) in 2012. Chris’s passion for communicating science has led from teaching to writing children’s books, such as Quantum Physics for Babies, as well as a whole collection of other titles that make science accessible even for the youngest children. He latest book is decidedly not for children and is entitled Quantum Bullsh*t: How To Ruin Your Life With Advice From Quantum Physics.
Join the lecture on YouTube or in-person at QNC 0101. The event takes place at 1:30 p.m.
Professor Kankar Bhattacharya was selected as the new Chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Waterloo and began his term on May 1, 2022.
Professor Bhattacharya took over from interim Chair Manoj Sachdev.
Previously the associate chair for graduate studies in electrical and computer engineering, Bhattacharya’s research interests include power systems, electricity markets, energy storage systems, microgrids, mathematical modelling and systems analysis.
The appointment was announced by Dean Mary Wells, who thanked Sachdev for his “outstanding leadership, dedication and hard work’’ as interim chair and said he will work closely with Bhattacharya during the winter semester to ensure a smooth transition.
The announcement was originally published on the Faculty of Engineering website.
The Science Undergraduate Office will be closed from 9:00 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13, while staff are involved in supporting Science Ready Day activities.
Finance, including Student Financial Services, will be closed Wednesday, July 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for an office wide staff event. The Finance front counter and Student Financial Services phones will be closed during this time. Normal operations will resume at 1:30 p.m.
"Greetings, programs!" TRON at 40
Students can visit the Student Success Office online for supports including academic development, international student resources, immigration consulting, leadership development, exchange and study abroad, and opportunities to get involved.
Instructors looking for targeted support for developing online components for blended learning courses, transitioning remote to fully online courses, revising current online courses, and more please visit Agile Development | Centre for Extended Learning | University of Waterloo (uwaterloo.ca).
Instructors can visit the Keep Learning website to get support on adapting their teaching and learning plans for an online environment.
Course templates are available within your course in LEARN to help you build and edit your content and assignment pages quickly.
The following workshops, webinars, and events are offered by the KL team (CTE, CEL, ITMS, LIB):
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Methods – self-directed, continuous self-enrollment course in LEARN.
Independent Blended Course Design (iBlend) - self-directed, continuous self-enrollment course in LEARN.
Copyright Overview for Waterloo Instructors and Staff - self-directed, continuous self-enrollment course in LEARN.
Independent Remote Course Design Essentials (iReCoDE) - self-directed, continuous self-enrollment course in LEARN.
Supporting Student Mental Health (for Instructors) – self-directed, continuous self-enrollment course in LEARN.
WAI Inspired Wednesdays: Enabling the uptake of feedback (CTE7010) – July 13, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
SoTL Stories – July 13, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
WAI Inspired Wednesdays: Redesigning Assignments from a Remote Offering to a Flipped Course (CTE7010) – July 20, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.
Supports are available for employees returning to campus. Visit IST’s Hybrid Work and Technology guidelines and workplace protocols to assist with the transition.
The Writing and Communication Centre has in-person and virtual services to support grad and undergrad students, postdocs and faculty with any writing or communication project. Services include one-to-one appointments, drop-ins at Dana Porter Library, online workshops, writing groups, English conversation practice, and custom in-class workshops.
Co-op students can get help finding a job and find supports to successfully work remotely, develop new skills, access wellness and career information, and contact a co-op or career advisor.
The Centre for Career Action (CCA) has services and programs to support undergrads, grad students, postdocs, alumni, and employees in figuring out what they value, what they’re good at, and how to access meaningful work, co-op, volunteer, or graduate/professional school opportunities. Questions about CCA's services? Live chat, call 519-888-4047, or stop by our front desk in the Tatham Centre 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
Drop-in to Warrior Virtual Study Halls on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come together in this virtual space to set goals and work independently or in groups each week.
Renison's English Language Institute continues to offer virtual events and workshops to help students practice their English language skills.
If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact the University’s Campus Wellness services, either Health Services or Counselling Services. You can also contact the University's Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment. Good2Talk is a post-secondary student helpline available to all students.
The Library is open with expanded hours for access to book stacks, drop-in individual study space, bookable group study rooms, drop-in access to computers and printers, book pick-up services and IST Help Desk support. Librarian consultations, Special Collections & Archives and the Geospatial Centre are available by appointment. Full details on current services and hours are available on the Library’s COVID-19 Update webpage.
The Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW) continues to advocate for its members. Check out the FAUW blog for more information.
The University of Waterloo Staff Association (UWSA) continues to advocate for its members. Check out the UWSA blog for more information.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO) supports all members of the University of Waterloo campus community who have experienced, or been impacted, by sexual violence. This includes all students, staff, faculty and visitors on the main campus, the satellite campuses, and at the affiliated and federated Waterloo Institutes and Colleges. For support, email: svpro@uwaterloo.ca or visit the SVPRO website.
The Office of Indigenous Relations is a central hub that provides guidance, support, and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members and oversees the University's Indigenization strategy.
The Waterloo Indigenous Student Centre, based at St. Paul’s University College, provides support and resources for Indigenous students, and educational outreach programs for the broader community, including lectures, and events.
WUSA supports for students:
Peer support - MATES, Glow Centre, RAISE, Women’s Centre - Click on one of the links to book an appointment either in person or online for the term.
Food Support Service food hampers are currently available from the Turnkey Desk 24/7 in the Student Life Centre. Drop-off locations are also open again in SLC, DC, DP, SCH, and all residences.
Co-op Connection all available online.
Centre for Academic Policy Support - CAPS is here to assist Waterloo undergraduates throughout their experience in navigating academic policy in the instances of filing petitions, grievances and appeals. Please contact them at caps@wusa.ca.
WUSA Student Legal Protection Program - Seeking legal counsel can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time facing a legal issue. The legal assistance helpline provides quick access to legal advice in any area of law, including criminal. Just call 1-833-202-4571.
Empower Me is a confidential mental health and wellness service that connects students with qualified counsellors 24/7. They can be reached at 1-833-628-5589.
GSA-UW supports for graduate students:
The Graduate Student Association (GSA-UW) supports students’ academic and social experience and promotes their well-being.
Advising and Support - The GSA advises graduate students experiencing challenges and can help with navigating university policies & filing a grievance, appeal, or petition.
Mental Health covered by the Health Plan - The GSA Health Plan now has an 80 per cent coverage rate (up to $800/year) for Mental Health Practitioners. Your plan includes coverage for psychologists, registered social workers, psychotherapists, and clinical counselors.
Dental Care - The GSA Dental Plan covers 60 to 70 per cent of your dental costs and by visiting dental professionals who are members of the Studentcare Networks, you can receive an additional 20 to 30 per cent coverage.
Student Legal Protection Program - Your GSA fees give you access to unlimited legal advice, accessible via a toll-free helpline: +1-833-202-4571. This advice covers topics including housing disputes, employment disputes, and disputes with an academic institution.
The Graduate House: Open Monday to Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. We’re open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members. The Graduate House is a community space run by the GSA-UW. We’re adding new items to the menu. Graduate students who paid their fees can get discounts and free coffee.
Warriors vs. Laurier Blood Donation Battle. Join our “Waterloo Warriors” team on the Blood.ca website or app. #ItsInYouToGive
Warriors Custom Apparel Program, June 22 – July 13. Purchase customized team specific gear to get ready for the 2022-2023 season. Hoodies, Hats, Jerseys, T-shirts and more. Buy now.
Warriors Youth Summer Day Camps, July 4 to September 2. Open to boys and girls age 5-18. Baseball, Basketball, Football, Hockey, Multi-Sport and Games & Volleyball. Register today.
WaterTalk: The Ontario lake-river routing product, presented by Bryan Tolson, Tuesday, July 12, 1:00 p.m., EIT 1015.
Visiting Professor Catherine Le Visage presents “Forgoing animal experiments: a case study in intervertebral disc regenerative medicine”, Thursday July 14, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., E6-2024. Light refreshments provided. Please register here.
Concept $5K Finals, Thursday, July 14.
NEW - IQC presents Quantum Bullsh*t featuring Chris Ferrie, Friday, July 15, 1:30 p.m., on YouTube and QNC 0101.
WaterTalk: Atmospheric moisture tracking, presented by Poornima Unnikrishnan, Tuesday, July 19, 10:00 a.m., EIT 1015.
Master of Taxation Virtual Information Session, Tuesday, July 19, 5:30 p.m.
The Daily Bulletin is published by Internal and Leadership Communications, part of University Communications
Contact us at bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Submission guidelines
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.