Tuesday, January 17, 2023

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• Waterloo Professor to lead Quantum Advisory Council under new National Quantum Strategy
• Warriors to host 2025 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship
• It's Glaucoma Awareness Month - what you need to know about the eye disease
• Introducing Allyship is a Verb and other notable notes

Waterloo Professor to lead Quantum Advisory Council under new National Quantum Strategy

Dr. Raymond Laflamme, founding director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, has been named co-chair of the National Quantum Strategy’s (NQS) Advisory Council. The announcement was made by the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Laflamme will work in close collaboration with fellow chair Dr. Stephanie Simmons of Photonic and IQC affiliate.

The NQS will guide the development of future quantum technologies in Canada and ensure that Canada maintains its quantum innovation and leadership through the strategy’s three pillars of research, talent and commercialization.

“I am delighted to have been asked to serve as a co-chair of the NQS Quantum Advisory Council, along with Dr. Simmons,” said Laflamme. “I have seen first-hand the benefit of cultivating a dynamic quantum ecosystem here in Waterloo Region and look forward to being part of the working group’s national approach to fostering a similar sense of community amongst quantum researchers and industries in all corners of our country.”

“We thank the Government of Canada for its leadership in investing in the future of quantum research here in the Waterloo region, and across the country,” said Charmaine Dean, vice-president of research & international at the University of Waterloo. “Path-breaking work in quantum has been underway at Waterloo for many years now and we look forward to helping to grow and solidify a national network of quantum scientists, and industry partners who will come together to tackle some of the greatest challenges we face as a society. I'm incredibly proud that Dr. Laflamme, a leader in this field, will help to shape the direction of this national strategy.”

Through the development of the NQS, and with the leadership of the Quantum Advisory Council, Canada aims to mobilize quantum research into commercial applications, foster large-scale partnerships and train a next-generation workforce to ensure Canada remains at the forefront of quantum science and technology.

“Dr. Laflamme is one of the world’s leading experts on quantum information, a pioneer instrumental in creating a uniquely collaborative quantum ecosystem in the Waterloo Region,” said Dr. Norbert Lütkenhaus, Executive Director at IQC and professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy at Waterloo. “His leadership along with Dr. Simmons’ will be pivotal in ensuring Canada can realize the full societal and economic benefits that a robust national quantum strategy will deliver.”

The work IQC has been doing for over 20 years in research, talent development and commercialization aligns with the NQS. To learn more about how IQC’s research harnesses quantum information to develop powerful new technologies and drive future economies, visit the IQC website.

Warriors to host 2025 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship

This article was originally published on the Athletics and Recreation website.

The best women's hockey at the university level in Canada will be coming to Elmira in March of 2025 as announced by U SPORTS today. The Waterloo Warriors in partnership with Woolwich Township will be hosts of the 2025 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship. This marks the first championship hosted by the University of Waterloo Department of Athletics and Recreation since the 2008 U SPORTS (then CIS) Curling Championship, and the 11^th in the history of the department.

The Warriors will be working closely with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies as they are set to host the 2024 championship. For both 2024 and 2025, the theme for the championships will be "See Them, Be Them" with the goal of showcasing our female role models in the community with a focus on the empowerment of girls and women in sport.
 
Fans will notice that there is a bridge in both event logos to not only signify the connections with our local regions and communities, but also the connection across the country as we work together to secure championship sponsors to build community engagement and excitement.

"We are incredibly excited and proud to have been selected to host the 2025 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship," said director of athletics and recreation, Roly Webster.
 
"This speaks volumes about our department and the women's hockey program that has developed into one of the top programs in the country under the leadership of Shaun Reagan and Dollee Meigs. I know our staff will put on a tremendous event for all the student-athletes and fans and we look forward to showing off the Waterloo Region, Woolwich Township along with the University of Waterloo Warriors' brand."

The championship will feature eight teams (with an automatic berth for the Warriors) from across Canada competing for national supremacy and will be played at the state-of-the-art Woolwich Memorial Centre (Dan Snyder Arena) located in Elmira, Ont.

"The Township of Woolwich is thrilled to be working with the University of Waterloo to host such a prestigious event," said recreation manager at the Town of Woolwich, Jennifer Horndl. "We look forward to welcoming student-athletes, staff, officials and fans to our Township and the Region of Waterloo."

Over the past ten years, UWaterloo has put more resources and focus into making the Department of Athletics and Recreation stronger and the results have shown, specifically for the women's hockey program who have dominated the OUA this season. The black and gold currently sit atop the OUA west standings with a 13-3-0 record (35 points) and are ranked eighth in the country.

The women's hockey program, now in its 20^th season, has shown its commitment to excellence through the hiring of Associate Coach Dollee Meigs who joined the program in 2019-20. Meigs is currently part of the NHL Female Coaches Development Program, 1 of 50 coaches across North America to be a part of the program.
 
In addition, Assistant Coach, Amanda Smith is a recipient of the U SPORTS Female Apprentice Coach Program where she will receive, funding, mentorship, and professional development to advance her coaching skills with the Warriors and beyond.
 
Finally, current member of the Warriors roster Emma Cheeseman was recently just selected to be a part of the competitive Hockey Canada Creating Coaches Program where she will receive funding, training, skills, and mentorship to success as a future coach of the game.

"This is a monumental announcement for our program and department," said women's hockey head coach, Shaun Reagan. "Our program has come a long way the past 10 years and to be able to tell our players and especially recruits that we will be hosting the national championship is remarkable news. I am very thankful for our staff who put a ton of work into securing this championship for our team. I know they will do a remarkable job of putting on a great event."

"I am excited for our girls. It is a proud day to be a Warrior," said associate coach, Dollee Meigs. "This will elevate our program even more and will be an outstanding way to showcase the talent of university women's hockey, not only in Ontario but in Canada."

The Warriors' staff are very excited to begin the initial stages of the planning in developing a memorable U SPORTS Championship for all. You can get involved and stay up to date with information on ticketing or volunteer opportunities by signing up for the 2025 U SPORTS Women's Hockey Newsletter.

It's Glaucoma Awareness Month - what you need to know about the eye disease

A message from the Waterloo Eye Institute.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. Glaucoma consists of a group of eye diseases that leads to irreversible vision loss from damage to the optic nerve. With a lack of symptoms showing and no cure for glaucoma, it is vital to get early intervention to prevent blindness. 

While glaucoma is more common in patients over the age of 65, it can affect Canadians of all ages. That is why it is essential for patients to engage in ongoing management and monitoring throughout their lifetime to slow the progression. 

"Each type of glaucoma is different and usually has no symptoms. Half of people with glaucoma do not even know they have it," says Dr. Sarah MacIver, clinical associate professor at the School of Optometry & Vision Science. "This is why getting regular eye exams is important for patients to ensure they catch and treat the disease in the early stages.”

Initial treatments for glaucoma include prescription medication and laser treatment. Surgery may be needed in later stages of the disease. 

There are some medical or ocular conditions associated with the development of glaucoma, but the most common forms of glaucoma have no associated conditions. This is known as primary glaucoma, which includes open-angle glaucoma, normal-tension glaucoma, angle-closure glaucoma, and congenital glaucoma. 

The most common form is open-angle glaucoma, where the angle of drainage formed by the iris and cornea remains open, however other parts of the system may not drain properly. In this form there may be a slow and gradual loss of nerve fibers in the optic nerve that leads to a slow loss of vision.

Secondary glaucoma includes neovascular glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma, exfoliation glaucoma, and uveitic glaucoma. When it comes to secondary glaucoma, often another condition causing the disease needs to be treated to lower the pressure on the eyes. This is the case with neovascular glaucoma where diabetes or high blood pressure may be the underlying cause. 

If you would like to ensure your eyes aren't impacted by glaucoma, you can book your comprehensive eye exam today.

Introducing Allyship is a Verb and other notable notes

"A brand-new Male Allies group that is looking for students who identify as men to join us as we discuss gender-based violence, patriarchal power imbalances, and tons of other topics relating to being a dude in today’s world," says a note from the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO). "This is a great way to bolster your resume and learn about equity, inclusion, and diversity."

"As we will be providing snacks and space is limited, registration is mandatory to attend." Email facilitator Chris Martin to register. The group will meet from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays.

The Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) is hosting Welcome Week activities for the winter term this week that include:

• the Campus Life Fair on Wednesday, January 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the SLC Great Hall;
• a Hot Chocolate Social on Wednesday, January 18 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the SLC Great Hall;
• Sex Toy Bingo, also on Wednesday, January 18, at Federation Hall, with an all-ages show at 6:00 p.m. and a 19+ show at 9:00 p.m. This event requires an RSVP, but has already sold out; and
• Clubs & Societies Days on Thursday, January 19 and Friday, January 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Student Life Centre. More than 150 clubs and student societies will be represented for students looking to get involved.

The Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies in the Faculty of Health will be hosting the RLS Professional Community Networking Fair on Thursday, February 9 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in HLTH EXP 2691, the second-floor foyer at the top of the stairs. Attendees can meet professionals in the field of recreation and leisure and learn about benefits of membership in professional associations.