Tuesday, May 28, 2024

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• Charmaine Dean named to France's Order of Academic Palms
• A mission to create a better future
• WUSA leads community engagement to advance accessible student governance
• Jewish Heritage Month reception, Velocity pitch competition deadline, and other notes

Charmaine Dean named to France's Order of Academic Palms

Dr. Charmaine Dean, Vice-President, Research and International, University of Waterloo and Michel Miraillet, French Ambassador.

A message from the Office of the Vice-President, Research and International.

Dr. Charmaine Dean, professor in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science in the Faculty of Mathematics, and vice-president, research and international at the University of Waterloo, was bestowed the rank of Chevalier (Knight) in the prestigious Ordre des Palmes académiques (Order of Academic Palms) – France’s national order recognizing exemplary services to education and cultural heritage.

Originally established by Napoleon I in 1808, the civil honour is bequeathed to individuals for their exceptional academic contributions and, as well, it is awarded for contributions in advancing collaborations with France.

“I am humbled by this award and would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Ambassador and the French government for bestowing me with this honour,” said Dr. Dean.

Dr. Dean has led a remarkable career in academia for over three decades in statistics and data science with applications in health and forest fire analytics, among other areas. Much of this work has been in collaboration with other disciplines and various organizations as partners.

Here at Waterloo, Dr. Dean has made her mark by providing research strategic leadership including for strengthening synergy in research across disciplines - and with academic and industry partners – and for enhancing government connections and efforts toward Canadian research priorities, all while promoting equity and diversity.

“On behalf of the University of Waterloo, I am immensely proud to congratulate my esteemed colleague Dr. Charmaine Dean on this well-deserved distinction in the Ordre des Palmes académiques. Waterloo is fortunate to have you as a part of its senior leadership team,” said Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University.

Alongside other Ontario institutions, Dr. Dean has also worked toward deepening connections between France and Ontario, and Canada at large.

“Your commitment and contribution to the development of scientific collaboration between Canada and France are invaluable. We would like to express our gratitude for your dedication to strengthening these ties. It is therefore with great pride that we, on behalf of the French Minister for National Education, make you a Knight of the Order of Academic Palms,” said the French Ambassador, Michel Miraillet.

Please join in congratulating Dr. Dean on this incredible distinction.

A mission to create a better future

This is an excerpt of an article published in the 2024 issue of Waterloo Magazine: Happiness.

Happiness is a fundamental human goal, but for many, it’s difficult to achieve. These world-class researchers are shaping new ways to foster happiness and personal well-being through social spaces, spiritual experiences, work-life balance and urban planning.   

• Dr. Troy Glover (PhD ’00) has dedicated his career to exploring transformative placemaking, which he describes as the aspirational efforts to convert urban spaces into meaningful places. These initiatives aim to encourage positive social interactions and enhance the quality of community life.  

• Dr. Jane Kuepfer (BA ’92) explores what happens to our spirit and how spiritual well-being can be supported as we age. Her work considers who sustains people through changes and losses in later life, and what role spirituality plays as older adults seek love, hope, peace and joy.  

• Dr. Linda Duxbury (BSc ’75, MASc ’77, PhD ’83) has studied work- and family-life balance in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors for more than 30 years.  

• Dr. Bruce Frayne and Dr. Prateep Nayak focus their work on uncovering pathways to socio-ecological well-being and futurity. They also use their knowledge to drive “happy classrooms” and other initiatives in the Faculty of Environment.  

Read more about how this work is shaping a happier and healthier world. 

WUSA leads community engagement to advance accessible student governance

A message from the Disability Inclusion Team. National AccessAbility Week is May 26 to June 1 and is just one opportunity to share initiatives that advance accessibility and disability inclusion. Share your initiative at Accessibility and Disability Inclusion Initiatives.

As groups across campus strive to advance accessibility and disability inclusion, listening to and amplifying disabled voices is vital. In March and April 2024, the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association (WUSA) took an important step towards inclusive and equitable representation by spearheading governance consultations with students with disabilities. Led by Andrena Lockley-Brown, the Manger of Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations, these consultations marked an essential step towards better understanding experiences and barriers faced by students with disabilities in student governance.

Recognizing the importance of representation of students with disabilities, both in the governance board and election practices, WUSA launched the consultations as a “fact-finding mission” to delve into the experiences of students with disabilities in student governance and leadership roles. “Starting somewhere is key,” Andrena stressed, underlining that advancing accessibility needs to be an iterative process. Throughout the consultations, emerging themes guided each new conversation and offered insights into the barriers faced in running for and holding Board positions. Students discussed the importance of embedding accessibility into all practices, not just elections, as well as a lack of understanding for what to expect from governance, including the process to be elected and the time commitment once on the Board.

Andrena and the WUSA Advocacy team are excited for continuous improvements and further community engagement to, as Andrena describes, “ensure that every student can see themselves represented in campus leadership”. If you missed the opportunity to participate, WUSA is still eager to hear from students with disabilities. Contact Andrena Lockley-Brown at alockley@wusa.ca to set up an interview.

Jewish Heritage Month reception, Velocity pitch competition deadline, and other notes

"In recognition of Jewish Heritage Month, the Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life and the University of Waterloo are pleased to host a reception for our UWaterloo campus students, faculty, staff and alumni," says a note from Community Relations and Events.

The event takes place on Friday, May 31 from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., with remarks starting at 4:30 p.m., in the Student Life Centre's Black & Gold Room (SLC 2136). "Kosher refreshments will be served," CRE's note continues. "Please share with your friends and colleagues. All are welcome."

The Velocity Pitch Competition deadline is fast approaching. "Held each term the Velocity pitch competition offers the opportunity for University of Waterloo student-led teams with innovative solutions and high potential business ideas to showcase their hard work and compete for their share of $20K in grant funding," Velocity says. "Participants receive valuable feedback, pitching experience, and idea validation from a network of experienced entrepreneurs and Velocity Coaches."

Check out the link to apply and submit applications by June 2. 

Participants are wanted for a weight loss study in the Kinesiology and Health Sciences department. Specifically, overweight men aged 18 to 45 years old, "for a research study to determine if the addition of two supplements to an exercise regime can induce more favourable effects on body composition, strength, aerobic fitness, insulin sensitivity."

The study involves:

• 12-week training period. 2x/week in person at the University of Waterloo and 1x/week virtually;
• Consumption of supplements (protein powder, weight loss pill or placebo);
• Assessment of muscle strength, aerobic fitness, body composition and blood sampling pre and post training period.

"You will receive up to a $100 gift card for completing the study," says a note from Kinesiology.

For more information and to see if you are eligible, please contact Gabriela Ocampo.

This study has been reviewed by and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board (Humans #43396).