Tuesday, May 28, 2024


Charmaine Dean named to France's Order of Academic Palms

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

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

Dr. Jane Kuepfer smiles as she works with senior citizens.

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.

A WUSA vote banner in the Student Life Centre.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."

Velocity Pitch Competition banner featuring a student making a pitch onstage.

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

Kinesiology TRIM study banner featuring a man using dumbbells in a mirror.

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).

Upcoming office closure

The Office of Indigenous Relations will be closing at 12 noon on Wednesday, May 29 for a staff event. Staff will be delayed in responding to email inquiries.

Register for the "From Targeting in Academia to Promoting Trust and Understanding" conference

Registration for the upcoming international conference, "From Targeting in Academia to Promoting Trust and Understanding," is now open. The conference will take place from June 27 to 28 at Federation Hall.

Link of the day

It's a small(er) world without Richard Sherman in it

When and Where

The Student Health Pharmacy (located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre) is offering flu shots with no appointments needed daily from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Call 519-746-4500 or extension 33784 for more info. COVID shots will be available on appointment basis only. You can register online at studenthealthpharmacy.ca.

Warriors Youth Summer Camps. Basketball, Baseball, Football, Hockey, Multi-Sport and Volleyball. Register today!

Safeguarding Science workshop and more, throughout May and June. Public Safety Canada invites faculty, staff and students to attend a series of virtual event via MS Teams. Register to receive a link.

Food Truck Wednesday, Wednesday, May 8 to Wednesday, July 24, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Arts Quad.

Tri-Agencies webinar on Sensitive Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC) policy (in English), Tuesday, May 28, 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Register.

Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence open session for staff and faculty, Tuesday, May 28, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Register for the session on Porta

Waterloo Genomics Lunch and Learn Series: Illumina, Tuesday, May 28, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., B2-350. Please register.

Together|Ensemble Conference, Tuesday, May 28 and Wednesday, May 29.

Climate Change Planning, Projects, and Pathways at the City of WaterlooWednesday, May 29, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Presentation ad Networking Lunch, SLC – Black and Gold room (2nd floor). RSVP.

Foundations of Collaborative Leadership, Chapter one of the Community Leadership Certificate (CLC), Wednesday, May 29, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (virtual).

WISE Public Lecture: Solar Powering Ontario's Clean Grid Economy” by Steve Dyck (President, Guelph Solar), Wednesday, May 29, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Engineering 7, 7303/7363, in-person and on Zoom. Register today!

Tri-Agencies webinar on Sensitive Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC) policy (in French), Thursday, May 30, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Register.

Chemistry Seminar: Advanced catalyst discovery for clean energy transformation using computational material design, featuring Samira Siahrostami, Associate Professor, Canada Research Chair, Department of Chemistry, Simon Fraser University, Thursday, May 30, 2:30 p.m., C2-361 reading room.

Sexual Violence Awareness Month Speaker Series, Thursday, May 30, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., MS Teams.

Reunion 2024, Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.

Jewish Heritage Month reception: 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 UWaterloo students, faculty, staff and alumni, Friday, May 31, 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., remarks at 4:30 p.m., Student Life Centre Black & Gold Room (SLC 2136.) Kosher refreshments will be served.

NEW - Velocity pitch competition application deadline, Sunday, June 2.

Pride Month flag-raising ceremony, Monday, June 3, 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., outside South Campus Hall.

Generative Artificial Intelligence and the Literature Review, Wednesday, June 5, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., LIB 323 learning lab.

The Future-Ready Workforce Series: Building inclusive workplaces for 2SLGBTQIA+ students, Wednesday, June 5, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Engineering Graduate Studies Fair, Wednesday, June 5, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Engineering 7 second floor event space.

Inert Atmosphere Fabrication and RAC Capabilities Open House, Thursday, June 6, 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Research Advancement Centre (RAC).

NEW - WISE Public Lecture, “The Role of Nuclear Energy in Ontario's Clean Economy," by Danielle LaCroix (Sr. Director, Environment, Sustainability & Net Zero, Bruce Power)., Friday, June 7, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., W.G. Davis Computer Research Centre (DC), Room DC 1302., in-person and on Zoom. Register today.

Soapbox Science Kitchener-Waterloo, Sunday, June 9, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Victoria Park near the playground and picnic area. Hear from twelve STEM researchers as they take to their soapboxes with short discussions and fun demos. Questions from the public are encouraged!

University Senate meeting, Monday, June 10, 3:30 p.m., NH 3407 and Zoom.

Hallman Lecture featuring Rick Hansen: In motion towards building an inclusive and healthy world without barriers, Monday, June 10, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., EXP 1689.

Spring 2024 Convocation, Tuesday, June 11 to Saturday, June 15.

School of Planning Graduation Luncheon, Tuesday, June 11, 12:30 p.m. to 2:45 p.m., Federation Hall.

Cheriton School of Computer Science Distinguished Lecture featuring Vint Cerf, "Internet: Past, Present and Future," Tuesday, June 11, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Humanities Theatre.

Indigenous Community Concert | Sultans of String "Walking Through the Fire", Monday, June 17, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Federation Hall.

PhD oral defences

School of Public Health Sciences. Emma Conway, "Assessing the Use of Research Techniques for Improving Engagement of People with Dementia in Research." Supervisor, Dr. Carrie McAiney. Email Health Graduate Administration for a copy. Oral defence Wednesday, May 29, 10:00 a.m., online.

Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering. Shuo Zheng, "Detect Engineering in Metal Oxide Through Laser Irradiation." Supervisors, Dr. Norman Zhou, Dr. Peng Peng. Thesis available on SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Friday, May 31, 1:00 p.m., remote.

Electrical & Computer Engineering. Zhongling Wang, "Image Quality Assessment and Refocusing with Applications in Whole Slide Imaging." Supervisor, Dr. Zhou Wang. Thesis available on SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Friday, May 31, 1:00 p.m., remote.

Applied Mathematics. Ala’ Alalabi, "Controller and Observer Design for Partial Differential- Algebraic Equations." Supervisor, Dr. Kirsten Morris. Thesis available via mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Monday, June 3, 10:00 a.m., hybrid.

Upcoming service interruptions

Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:

  • Pathways connecting William Tutte Way and B.C. Matthews Hall closures, Monday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 28, weather permitting. Pedestrian, bicycle and vehicle traffic will be re-routed around alternate pathways as asphalt paving and other repairs are carried out.
  • Biology 1, Biology 2, Health Services, Quantum Nano Centre, Science Teaching Centre fire alarm testing, Wednesday, May 29, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m., fire alarm will sound, building evacuation not required.
  • School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, May 31, 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., fire alarm will sound, building evacuation not required.
  • E7 Bicycle Shelter snow guard installation, Friday, May 31, areas around and under the E7 shelter will be blocked off for vehicle and personnel access.
  • Mathematics & Computer Building electrical shutdown, Saturday, June 1, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., power will be disrupted to several areas in the building.
  • East Campus 3 electrical shutdown, Sunday, June 2, beginning at 8:00 a.m., power to the building will be shut off for approximately four hours
  • Quantum-Nano Centre electrical panel shutdown, Wednesday, June 5, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., affecting all floors of QNC. Occupants with sensitive equipment and/or research have been pre-notified. HVAC and controls could be affected in some areas of the building.