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Brandon Sweet
University Communications
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Enhancing diagnostic imaging and patient care
By Lauren Ward. This article was originally published on Waterloo News.
The School of Optometry and Vision Science is celebrating a commitment of $1 million from IRIS, Canada’s most established network of optometrists, opticians and ophthalmologists.
IRIS made their pledge to enhance diagnostic imaging and improve technology for future optometrists as part of the School’s Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign. This fundraising campaign will create the Waterloo Eye Institute (WEI) – a national resource that will enrich student experiences, deliver care to remote communities and support patient health across the Waterloo region.
“I’m grateful for this commitment to the School of Optometry and Vision Science from IRIS,” says Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “Providing advanced imaging technology will not only enhance our students’ education, but also improve patient care across our region.”
L-r: Dr. Stan Woo (Director, School of Optometry and Vision Science), Dr. Barbara Pelletier (Optometric Coordinator, IRIS), Dr. Daryan Angle (Vice President, Business Development, IRIS) and Dr. Carol Cressman, at the announcement of the IRIS pledge to School of Optometry and Vision Science Seeing Beyond 2020 campaign.
Digital imaging is a non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides a wider and more accurate way to view the eyes of patients for earlier detection of ocular disease. It is a painless way for optometrists to look inside the eye and track changes for ocular health and vision.
“We are always looking at how technology can play a role in eye care and enhance the level of service we provide for patients,” says Dr. Daryan Angle, vice president of business development and optometrist at IRIS. “Contributing specifically to the imaging lab will help bring quality care to future generations and prepare optometrists for the highest level of practice.”
This investment will equip the WEI with diagnostic imaging resources, providing opportunities for students to learn about ground-breaking technology and allowing patients to better understand their own eyes. Additional resources will include a lab with a library of images that will give students detailed knowledge of eye diseases.
“Digital imaging is an essential part of daily clinical practice now. This contribution from IRIS will allow us to ensure that we are at the forefront of innovative ophthalmic technology, enabling us to optimize and improve health outcomes for our patients,” says Dr. Nadine Furtado, professor and head of Ocular Disease and Imaging Services in the School of Optometry. “It will also give our students the opportunity to have experiential training with the latest technology and prepare the next generation of optometrists for the future of eye care.”
With improved access to care and expertise, patients in Waterloo region will have a greater ability to protect their vision and their overall health.
“On behalf of the School’s patients, clinicians and students, I’d like to thank IRIS for their extraordinary partnership,” says Dr. Stanley Woo, director of the School of Optometry & Vision Science. “With this support, the Waterloo Eye Institute will enhance clinical education and improve outcomes of patients in our local and global communities. This is a remarkable investment, and a testament to IRIS’s commitment to innovation in eye care.”
Learn more about the future of vision care
L-r: Dr. Stan Woo and Dr. Daryan Angle.
WatSPEED hosts technology leaders to discuss the workforce of the future
A message from WatSPEED.
WatSPEED is encouraging industry leaders to better prepare for the ever-expanding technological landscape impacting today’s modern workforce.
As part of the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers’ (OSPE) Engineering Conference in November, WatSPEED convened an executive dinner and roundtable discussion on the importance of ongoing technological training for Canadian businesses.
Guests included senior representatives from Canada’s engineering and technology sectors, and subject matter experts from the University of Waterloo. During the discussion, WatSPEED’s managing director, client partnerships, Aaron Pereira, remarked on the importance of strong partnerships between industry and academia as we collectively navigate our ever-changing marketplace.
“In today’s labour market, rapid technological advances are widening our existing skills gaps and we’re responding to a new economic reality – one that leaves us looking more closely at how we approach education, skills training, and industry partnerships.” said Pereira. “The University of Waterloo and WatSPEED play an important role in educating the workforce in a way that will shape our local and global recovery.”
The event also featured presentations from Waterloo faculty members Peter Carr and George Shaker, both from the Faculty of Engineering, who highlighted the challenges that organizations face as our workforce becomes significantly more digital. Together, they spoke to the confluence of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things and how they not only create greater divides for businesses, but also opportunities for an evolution in technology innovation.
Throughout the evening, participants commented on how their organizations have been adapting to global disruption, emphasizing the need for highly skilled tech talent to ensure they remain competitive and agile as Canada’s economic recovery remain ambiguous. They highlighted the long-term challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies and emphasized the need for a culture that supports lifelong learning within organizations. For those who thrive in the age of digital transformation, the ability to stay future-focused, quickly acquire new skills, and apply those skills to the adoption of new technologies has been critical for advancement.
While new technologies represent unprecedented opportunity, without investment in human capital alongside infrastructure, successful digital transformation is not possible. No matter the scale of automation, humans must work alongside new technologies for them to be successful—and ensuring humans have the skills they need to navigate ongoing technological disruption needs to be a major priority for modern organizations.
WatSPEED continues to support industry leaders to keep pace with major technological, societal, and environmental disruption through custom training and executive education opportunities. By strengthening industry relationships, Waterloo gains insight into the critical skills challenges facing organizations today and empowers learners to be better prepared and more resilient for an uncertain future.
Exercise as health care: a public lecture
A message from the Faculty of Health.
Exercise is a key component of health care, particularly for people at risk for, or living with, chronic conditions. In a public Hallman Lecture taking place next week, Dr. Paul Oh, cardiologist and medical director of the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program at the UHN-Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, will discuss the past, present and future of this idea.
The presentation will examine the collaborative role of clinical care and community services, as well as opportunities for collaborations across medical disciplines.
The lecture will be hosted on Tuesday, November 15, starting at 6:30 p.m., both in person at the University of Waterloo and streamed online, followed by a panel discussion. In-person attendees are invited to stay for a cocktail reception following the talk.
For details and to register, see the event website. The Exercise as Health Care lecture is in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the UW WELL-FIT program. The event is hosted by the Centre for Community, Clinical and Applied Research Excellence (CCCARE) and the Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo.
Velocity $5K semifinals kick off today
Twenty-three student teams will contend for four $5,000 prizes today and tomorrow, but first they must present the perfect pitch at the Velocity $5K competition.
The competition will see early-stage student ventures battle it out onstage for a chance at one of four $5,000 awards and will run on November 9 and 10, featuring 23 aspiring student teams. These 23 semi-finalist teams were selected by an experienced panel of entrepreneurs, following a difficult adjudication process that saw 72 applications from 160 students.
Each semi-finalist will have just three minutes to present their idea and convince a new panel of judges that it has potential and viability to succeed. Only then will they move on to the final round.
The top eight teams from the two rounds will return to the stage for the finals on November 23. After the pitching magic happens, four teams and their innovative business ideas will take home $5,000 in grant funding to help grow their ambitions.
Check out the full story on the Velocity website.
Wednesday's notes
This week's Conrad Grebel University College Noon Hour Concert will take place today at 12:30 p.m.
By Request features performers Laurel Swinden (flute) and Stephanie Mara (piano) performing a selection of favourite flute music requested by Laurel and Stephanie’s friends, colleagues, and social media followers.
The free concert will start at 12:30 p.m. today. This concert will be in-person in the Grebel Chapel.
The Water Institute's webinar series, The Value of Water in Canada, continues with Learning about water values through behaviour,presented by Patrick Lloyd-Smith. The webinar takes place today, Wednesday, November 9, at 12 noon. Patrick Lloyd-Smith isProfessor, College of Agriculture and Bioresources at the University of Saskatchewan.
Waterloo International will be hosting an information-sharing session regarding the University of Waterloo's engagement with Singapore on Thursday, November 22. There will be a presentation from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and a breakout session from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
All faculty and staff with interests in and about Singapore are invited to attend this event. Please contact waterloo.international@uwaterloo.ca for further details and the meeting link.
Join the Centre for Society, Technology and Values for a free movie screening (including free popcorn) of Rossum’s Universal Robots in E5-6006 on Thursday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. Attendees will watch and discuss a performance of Karel Čapek's (1920) play "Rossum's Universal Robots," the work that introduced the word and concept of "robot" to the world. This performance is a presentation of Battle Damage Theater.
Employers hosting Virtual Employer Information Sessions (VEIS) this week include Elby and EY. Make sure to register through WaterlooWorks and check the calendar for any updates.
Link of the day
When and Where to get support
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 access the EdTech Hub to find support on Waterloo’s centrally supported EdTech tools. The Hub is supported by members of IST’s Instructional Technologies and Media Services, Centre for Teaching Excellence, Centre for Extended Learning and subject matter experts from other campus areas.
Supports are available for employees returning to campus. Visit IST’s Hybrid Work and Technology guidelines and workplace protocols to assist with the transition.
Students with permanent, temporary and suspected disabilities and disabling conditions (medical conditions, injuries, or trauma from discrimination, violence, or oppression) can register with AccessAbility Services for academic accommodations (classroom accommodations, testing accommodations, milestone accommodations).
Instructors can visit AccessAbility Services' Faculty and Staff web page for information about the Instructor/Faculty role in the accommodation process. Instructors/Faculty members are legally required to accommodate students with disabilities. AccessAbility Services (AAS) is here to help you understand your obligations, and to offer services and resources to help you facilitate accommodations.
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.
Research Ethics: Find yourself with an ethical question, unsure if your work requires an ethics review, or need advice about putting together a research ethics application? Reach out to one of our friendly staff by booking a consultation or email us with your questions.
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 in-person Warrior Study Halls on Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in DC and DP. Join a Peer Success Coach 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 here to help, both in person and online. Our spaces are open for access to book stacks, study space, computers and printers, and the IST Help Desk. For in-depth support, meet one-to-one with Librarians, Special Collections & Archives and Geospatial Centre staff. Access our resources online for anywhere, anytime learning and research. 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 United 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.
When and Where
Warriors vs. Laurier Blood Donation Battle. Join our “Waterloo Warriors” team on the Blood.ca website or app. #ItsInYouToGive
Warriors Game Day Tickets and Season Passes, on sale now. Cheer on your Warriors W/M Basketball, Football W/M Hockey and W/M Volleyball teams at home during the 2022-23 season. Purchase today.
Free Staff Workouts, Tuesdays and Thursdays until December 22, 12:15 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. Bootcamp-style classes in the CIF Field House and PAC. Open to all staff and supported by the Staff Excellence Fund. Find out more/register now.
Office hour with Roy Unny (BASc ’93, MASc ’96), Technical Director on Transportation Lessons from Australia, Wednesday, November 9, 10:30 a.m., E7-4433.
Learning about water values through behaviour,presented by Patrick Lloyd-Smith. Part of the Water Institute's webinar series: The Value of Water in Canada. Wednesday, November 9, 12:00 noon.
NEW - Noon Hour Concert: By Request, Wednesday, November 9, 12:30 p.m., Conrad Grebel University College Chapel.
The Two Row Wampum, Haldimand Deed, and Grand River Tract featuring Rick Monture, Wednesday, November 9, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Employees Years of Service reception, Wednesday, November 9, 4:00 p.m., Fed Hall.
Waterloo Institute for Complexity and Innovation (WICI)and Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research (WCMR) present “Microbiology Research and the Circular Bioeconomy” Wednesday, November 9, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., QNC 2502.
Applied Mathematics Undergraduate Lecture, “How to Walk on Water and Climb up Walls,” David Hu , Georgia Tech Mechanical Engineering and Biology, Wednesday November 9, 5:00 p.m., STC 0020. Undergraduate student registration link.
UW Staff Board Foundations workshop Session 005, Thursday, November 10, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. via MS Teams. Session 005 Registration link.
Sustainability-Themed Assessment Showcase, Thursday, November 10, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
CSTV Movie Night: Rossum’s Universal Robots, Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m., E5-6006.
Who Do You Think You Are, and Who Gets to Decide? A conversation with George Elliott Clarke and Wendell Adjetey, Thursday, November 10, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Balsillie School of International Affairs, 67 Erb St West, Waterloo.
Positions available
On this week's list from the human resources department, viewable on the UWaterloo Talent Acquisition System (iCIMS):
- Job ID# 2022-8957 - Communications Manager - Dean of Environment, USG 10
- Job ID# 2022-9314 - Administrative Coordinator - Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC), USG 6
- Job ID# 2022-9446 - Assistant Director, Shared Services - Campus Housing, USG 13
- Job ID# 2022-9458 - Intake Specialist - Campus Wellness, USG 8
- Job ID# 2022-9494 - Admissions Officer - Office of the Registrar, USG 8 – 9
- Job ID# 2022-9457 - Course Management Coordinator - School of Accounting and Finance, USG 5
- Job ID# 2022-9305 - ECEC Administrative Assistant – Psychology, USG 6
- Job ID# 2022-9344 - Events Manager - School of Accounting and Finance, USG 8
- Job ID# 2022-9330 - Faculty Services Manager - Dean of Arts, USG 8
- Job ID# 2022-9480 - Academic Services Coordinator - School of Architecture, USG 6 – 8
- Job ID# 2022-9462 - Manager, Engineering Machine Shop - Engineering Machine Shop, USG 11
- Job ID# 2022-9384 - Manager, Information Technology - School of Architecture, USG 11
- Job ID# 2022-9422 - Graduate CRM Specialist, Marketing - Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, USG 9
- Job ID# 2022-9483 - International Employment Specialist - CEE - International Strategic Initiatives, USG 7
- Job ID# 2022-9439 - Lab Instructor - Kinesiology and Health Sciences, USG 10
- Job ID# 2022-9495 - Manager, Finance and Student Award Administration - Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs, USG 11
Secondments/Internal temporary opportunities
- Job ID# 2022-9472 - Assistant Editor – Biology, USG 4
- Job ID# 2022-9479 - Admissions Coordinator - Admissions - Registrar's Office, USG 5 – 7
- Job ID# 2022-9435 - Undergraduate Recruitment Specialist - Office of the Registrar, USG 8
- Job ID# 2022-9468 - Weekend/Evening Supervisor – Library, USG 5
- Job ID# 2022-9481 - Academic Services Coordinator - School of Architecture, USG 6 – 8
- Job ID# 2022-9373 - Financial Administrative Assistant - Office of the Vice President, Research and International, USG 6
- Job ID# 2022-9461 - Outreach Coordinator - Engineering Outreach, USG 8
- Job ID# 2022-9140 - Academic Services Coordinator - Science Undergrad Office, USG 6
Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo opportunities