Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Hilary Bergsieker named FAUW's 2023 Equity Fellow

A message from the Faculty Association of the University of Waterloo (FAUW).

The FAUW Equity Committee recognizes Dr. Hilary Bergsieker's tireless efforts and significant contributions in equity and awards Dr. Bergsieker the 2023 Equity and Inclusivity Award.

Dr. Bergsieker was involved in the President's Anti-Racism Taskforce (PART) as a member of the Equity Data Advisory Committee from 2020 to 2022. Her leadership as a co-founder and active member of the Psychology EDI Working Group has been instrumental in fostering positive change within her department. The remarkable achievements of the Equity Data Reporting and Events initiatives, which she spearheaded, significantly increased participation rates in the Equity Survey for Psychology. Her inclusive approach and collaborative efforts with student Working Group members have undoubtedly created an environment that encourages engagement and empowers individuals to contribute to the advancement of equity and inclusivity. 

In addition, Dr. Bergsieker's commitment to equity and inclusivity is reflected in her teaching and mentoring endeavors. The development and delivery of two new EDI-related courses, PSYCH 355: Intergroup Relations and PSYCH 743: Advanced Intergroup Relations, demonstrate her dedication to educating students on crucial topics related to racism, sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and ableism. Her leadership within the Diversity and Intergroup Relations Lab is also truly commendable. The inclusive nature of her lab, attracting and supporting a diverse array of undergraduate and graduate students from various backgrounds, is a testament to her commitment to fostering an environment that celebrates and values differences.

Dr. Bergsieker's extensive field research on advancing gender inclusion in STEM fields have also profoundly impacted the broader community. As a Fellow in the Engendering Success in STEM Research Consortium, she has disseminated her research insights through public talks, media interviews, and accessible lay summaries demonstrating a commitment to making these valuable findings accessible to a wide audience, thereby promoting understanding and awareness of critical issues related to equity and inclusivity. 

Congratulations to Dr. Bergsieker as the 2023 Equity Fellow, your unwavering commitment to equity, inclusivity, and diversity has set a remarkable example for the entire University of Waterloo community. Your leadership, advocacy, and innovative contributions have made a tangible difference, creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. Your dedication to these principles inspires us all, and we are immensely proud to have you as a member of our institution. 

The FAUW Equity Committee also commends all six nominated individuals/groups this year who are championing equity in their work. The year’s nomination pool was exceptional. The nominations received were a testament to the remarkable individuals and groups at our institution who are actively engaged in advancing equity and inclusivity. The level of dedication, innovation, and impact demonstrated by all the nominees was truly inspiring, making the selection process a challenging one.

We encourage everyone to continue to be steadfast in their commitment to promoting the principles of equity and inclusivity. Together, we can create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all members of our community.

W Store launches Indigenous collection

A message from W Store.

The W Store has curated a collection of Indigenous products featuring new designs and artwork from three Indigenous artists.

Amy Keller-Rempp, originally from Ontario and now residing in northern Alberta, believes her First Nations ancestry (The Mohawks of the Bay of Quinte) and her memory of her father drives her passion. She is the artist of the Sky Dance Series, featuring Northern Lights colours with wildlife emerging from the sky. Amy’s love for wildlife stands out and is portrayed through beautiful paintings flowing with colour, life, expression, energy and feelings.

Sharifah Marsden, a multifaceted Anishinaabe artist from the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, First Nation, Ontario, draws from her Ojibway roots and knowledge of Woodlands to create unique works that include everything from acrylic paintings to beadwork to engraving. Her art tells women’s stories, showcasing beauty and creativity of life.

Jason Adair, born in Etobicoke, Ontario, draws inspiration from indigenous artist Norval Morrisseau and his Woodlands style. His Ojibway culture and connection to Norval’s art inspires his paintings and his desire to bring healing and joy through beautiful, colourful images and pass on the teachings, legends and myths that have been passed on to him. His Woodland-style artwork is painted in vibrant colours that offer healing for himself and the viewer.

You can view the 2023 Indigenous Collection at W Store in South Campus Hall or online at wstore.ca. The collection features a variety of products including mugs, notebooks, keychains, stickers and more.

Pharmacy grad recognized for volunteer work in Indigenous communities

By Milana Madzarac. This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the School of Pharmacy website.

Growing up on a reserve, Amanda Michano’s (PharmD ’22) dream of working in health care was sparked by a visit from a pharmacist.

“I was in awe of the pharmacist who came to help me understand how to use my inhaler for my asthma,” Michano says. “It was in that moment that I knew I wanted to help teach people how to use their medication.”

Michano is the 2022 Rexall Pharmacy Group Community Involvement Award recipient. The award is given to Black or Indigenous undergraduate students with a strong volunteer involvement in their community while demonstrating the values of integrity, accountability, respect and excellence.

“Receiving this award has allowed me to feel proud of the work that I have done and has inspired me to continue serving my community. I am grateful to Rexall for their commitment to helping Indigenous and other marginalized communities,” Michano says.

Now graduated from Waterloo Pharmacy, Michano reflects on her educational journey from Pays Plat First Nation to Kitchener-Waterloo.

Full circle moment

To become a pharmacist Michano knew she would have to move away from her Pays Plat First Nation reserve outside of Thunder Bay.

Children who want to pursue a secondary and post-secondary education that live on a reserve are forced to face a harsh reality — the requirement to move far away from home. Michano was fortunate that her reserve is only a two-hour drive from the nearest University.

“Other students in northern Ontario communities must fully move away from their families to pursue higher education,” says Michano.

Michano focused on pursuing the sciences to get into Waterloo Pharmacy. It was during her fourth-year rotations though that she went back to Thunder Bay.

 “It was there that I was able to go to the reserves, sit down with people and help them understand their medications the way I hoped I would as a child,” Michano says.

Michano had the opportunity to shadow a pharmacist from Dilico Anishinabek Family Health Team for a week. She travelled along the north shore of Lake Superior to visit Pic Mobert and Pic River First Nation, the two communities where her family resides.

“My pharmacist supervisor explained how he would drive to the reserves to teach community members about their medications for the last 20 years. He knew my foster parents by name. It was then that I realized that he was probably the pharmacist who taught me how to use my asthma medication,” Michano says.

“I couldn’t believe it. Of all the people I could have been paired with, I met the person years later who inspired me to pursue pharmacy.”

Read the rest of the article on Waterloo News.

Tuesday's notes

"Want to earn a #WaterlooWrites mug while making progress on your writing?" asks the Writing and Communication Centre (WCC). "Join our virtual or in-person Writing Cafés to connect with fellow writers and earn “stamps” towards a free coffee mug!"

"Heads-up #grad students!" says a late-breaking bit of news from WCC. "Registration for Rock Your Thesis 2: Starting to Write is now full. All new registrants will be added to our waitlist, and we'll let people know in order of their signup if a spot opens up." Follow along on social media with the hashtags #UWaterloo and #waterloowrites.

As part of National Indigenous History Month, Dr. Kayla Murphy and Robin Stadelbauer from the Office of Indigenous Relations are giving a hybrid seminar today about Land and Territory Acknowledgements. The event takes place from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in EXP 1689. There's still time to register.

Also today, faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend a Polishing the Eagle Feather ceremony, being held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the BMH courtyard. "Faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend a ceremony to renew our commitment to Indigenous reconciliation throughout the Faculty of Health," says a note from the Faculty of Health. "Light refreshments will be served in the Expansion building after the ceremony."

Finally, a reminder that the retirement celebration for Tina Roberts takes place today from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the GEDI space on East Campus 5's 2^nd floor. Fill out the registration form.