Friday, April 19, 2024

Register for the Safeguarding Science workshop and more

A message from the Office of Research.

University of Waterloo community members are invited to join Public Safety Canada (PSC) for several online workshops throughout the months of May and June 2024. In addition to their module on Safeguarding Science, the Research Security Centre is also pleased to announce the launch of three additional virtual modules.

Registration is required to receive an MS Teams link for the session(s).

Module 1: Safeguarding Science

The goal of the webinar is for participants to:

• access guidance and tools to strengthen security posture;
• understand best practices to identify and mitigate research security threats;
• pursue and maintain safe research partnerships;
• maintain institutional reputation of a safe research organization; and
• protect valuable research, data or potentially patentable property.

Module 2: Dual-Use Technologies: Know Your Research – Know your Partners - Assess the Risk

The module elaborates on dual-use technologies and research with specific examples. These examples highlight the complex nature of dual-use technologies, and ways to recognize their sensitivities. The outcome of the module will enhance understanding of the dual-use nature of any research, whether in STEM or social sciences, and give frontline researchers and institutions tools to perform their due diligence and evaluate risks appropriately.

Module 3: Demystifying the International Student Immigration Process

The purpose of this presentation is to provide insight on the immigration process for international students and to explain how prospective applicants are security screened for admissibility.

The presentation will provide an overview on the immigration forms, supporting documents and requirements for a study permit. The roles and responsibilities of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and its security screening partners will be detailed. Case studies are included within the presentation to help demonstrate the process.

Module 4: Know before you Export: Canada’s Export and Brokering Controls

The presentation aims to increase knowledge about Canada’s export controls regime, what is controlled and why; explain how research institutions and academia may be subject to export controls; show how to apply for an export permit; and provide a list of resources and contacts for reference.

Participation is limited to 250 people per module. Please use your University email address to register.

All modules are intended for, but not limited to, researchers, research staff including technicians, postdoctoral fellows and students, research security professionals, research administrators, information technology and information management staff, security personnel, biosafety and radiological safety officers, human resources personnel, supply chain personnel, senior management and any other university personnel.

Click here for more information and to register.

If you have any questions about the modules, please email researchsecurity-securiteenrecherche@ps-sp.gc.ca.

W Store Launches Nesting Season Collection

A message from W Store.

Each year, W Store releases a goose-inspired collection to celebrate the return of the University’s iconic geese during the beginning of nesting season starting in April. A campus-wide design contest was held for students, faculty, staff and alumni to submit an original design to represent the geese at Waterloo.

The top submissions were featured on an Instagram poll for voting and the winning design was done by Komal Gill.

The Nesting Season collection allows University students, staff and faculty to take home a piece of campus life – goose included. The collection includes a tee shirt, crew neck, tote bag, water bottle, pin, sticker, and postcard, alongside other goose-inspired campus favourites. The full collection is now available in-store and online.

Waterloo's exceptional student teachers recognized

A message from the Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE).

The recipients of the 2024 Amit and Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student have been announced. 

Anthony Vogliano, Physics and Astronomy

Anthony Vogliano is a doctoral student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Anthony’s exemplary dedication to teaching is recognized by students and colleagues. Anthony inspires the students in his lab and creates an empowering learning environment. As one student mentioned: “Anthony really encouraged a love of physics, not just how to get an A. He would never shut down a student’s idea, he would always encourage them.”

Anthony is also known to create welcoming class environments, as past student noted: “Though not related to teaching, the small fact that he would go out of his way to try and remember everyone’s names was a defining factor in how the class connected with him.”

One of his colleagues also highlights Anthony's dedication to teaching: “He has mastered the art of providing the students with enough help to get them unstuck, while still allowing them to make discoveries for themselves.”  

Ryan Lok, School of Planning

Ryan Lok is a PhD Candidate in the School of Planning. Ryan is described as an inspirational, kind, and supportive teacher. One student remarked that Ryan inspired them to explore a career in education: “Once, when conversing with Ryan, he told me I had good leadership qualities and encouraged me to pursue also being a TA in the future. I felt recognized and understood by this, and I appreciated his dedication to knowing his students well enough to know that this is something I wanted to do.”

Another student mentioned: “Being a teaching assistant requires passion, organizational skills, an approachable attitude, and determination to facilitate an engaging tutorial. Those qualities are evident in Ryan's classes." 

A faculty member shared this commendation: “One of Ryan’s greatest assets as a teacher is his ability to create a safe and supportive learning environment that also encourages students to step out of their comfort zone and build new skills and capacities for urban and regional planning.  

Sean Monahan, Department of Pure Mathematics

Sean Monahan is a doctoral student in the Department of Pure Mathematics. Students and colleagues describe Sean as a teaching assistant who is committed to creating a teaching environment that is supportive and innovative. This commitment to teaching has been recognized by numerous students, with one student saying, “He was always quick to answer questions during class time and would not hesitate to help outside of class hours.”

Another student added, “He ensured understanding of topics and made our lectures as fun as possible. For instance, he used Harry Potter concepts to visually describe Markov Chains. This not only made understanding the topic easier but entertaining to learn about.”

One of Sean’s colleagues noted: “Sean volunteered to help me regrade their booklets so we could minimize the number of errors. I am particularly impressed with his initiative and willingness to take responsibility.” Another colleague emphasizes Sean’s commitment to teaching: “Sean is an incredibly driven, capable, resourceful, reliable, and compassionate person that brings these qualities to all his endeavours.” 

Shannon Kennelly, School of Architecture

Shannon Kennelly is a master’s student in the School of Architecture. One student described Shannon as a teaching assistant who is focused on supporting and empowering students: “With Shannon, questions are answered, and assistance is provided thoroughly, never feeling like a burden or that she’s providing feedback and guidance because she ‘has to’ as part of her role, but rather because she truly cares.”

Another student remarked on how Shannon created a supportive environment: “Shannon went above and beyond to create a welcoming learning environment for students while addressing the unique challenges of a hybrid term.”

A faculty member in her department praises Shannon’s passion for teaching: “Shannon has demonstrated a passion for teaching and teaching development, through pedagogical strategies and even architecture for education.” 

The Amit and Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student (AETS) awards are open to all students who have a formal teaching role at the University of Waterloo. Up to four awards are given annually in recognition of excellence in teaching of all kinds by registered students.