Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Honouring the distinguished career of Mario Coniglio
By Vanessa Parks. This article was originally published on the Faculty of Science website.
Mario Coniglio has retired before, but this time, it’s for real. He had already begun to pack up his office when he was asked to step into the role of Chair for the Earth and Environmental Sciences department. He couldn’t say no and, rather than going into full retirement in 2022, came back part-time in the Chair role for his final three years.
“It was a transitional phase that allowed me to return to my roots in the department and enhance my connections here,” says Coniglio. He completed his term at the end of June, capping off a 39-year career marked most notably in its latter half by a passion for academic service.
Coniglio spent his four years as Chair determined to prepare the department for the future of Earth sciences education while continuing to strengthen its outstanding reputation for high-impact research. He guided the process of establishing a departmental strategic plan that aligns with the larger Future of Science strategic plan recently released by the Faculty of Science.
He also prepared the path for an implementation plan, something the Interim Chair, Brian Kendall, will pick up and then pass along once the Chair role is filled on a more permanent basis. “It’s essential to develop an accountability system,” says Coniglio. “There has to be regular tracking and reporting of the good, the bad, and the challenges for each goal. This is how a strategic plan lives and succeeds.”
Coniglio has also overseen the development of the Departmental Organization and Operations document, which outlines how the department functions through its various committees and appointments, and has increased staff representation on committees to an unprecedented level. “Staff have insights and experiences, they can help us make wise decisions, and yet we still have this faculty and staff gap,” says Coniglio. “Staff, particularly our permanent staff, have as much skin in the game as our faculty. We need to treat the two biggest employee groups at the university more equitably.”
Coniglio completed his term as Chair in the Earth and Environmental Sciences department at the end of the June.
For much of his career, Coniglio’s research focused on sedimentary rocks, mainly limestones and dolomites. He studied how the chemical and physical properties of these rocks led them to become porous oil or gas reservoirs and groundwater aquifers. He was drawn to this work because of his love of the outdoors. He enjoyed remote field work, a highlight of which was watching the sun circle the sky while soaking in the isolation of the Arctic.
But it was in the latter half of his career that Coniglio discovered that academic service in a variety of leadership roles was where he could really make a difference. As Associate Dean of Science, Undergraduate Studies, Coniglio found personal satisfaction in guiding students through their university careers. It was here he felt he could “move the needle,” as he puts it.
He later moved on to the Associate Vice-President Academic (AVPA) role, which he held for nearly six and a half years. As AVPA, Coniglio helped establish the fall break students still enjoy today, as well as set up a university-wide online course evaluation system, among other projects.
Coniglio definitely didn’t anticipate his path into academic leadership or what he found when he got there, but he wouldn’t change a thing about how his career unfolded. “If you told me as a 29-year-old assistant professor that I’d have an enriching career on this track, I would never have believed it, not in a million years,” says Coniglio, smiling. “And even now I still can’t believe how fulfilling it’s been.”
Coniglio early in his career at the University of Waterloo.
In retirement, you’ll still find Coniglio doing what he loves – getting outside and serving his community. “I’m going to fly fish and get out on trail walks and pheasant hunts with my dog,” he says. “My wife, Shelley, and I have a forested property that I love spending time on, when the bugs aren’t too bad!” He also plans to give more time to his volunteer work with the Hullett Provincial Wildlife Area and Conestogo Pheasant Club. And if that’s not enough, he intends to pick up his guitar again, pursue his passion for wildlife photography, and read the pile of books waiting on his shelves.
August well-being opportunities for employees
A message from Human Resources.
Join us for three different Keeping Well at Work sessions this August, designed for staff as movement breaks, an opportunity to explore treasures on campus and to start preparing for retirement. Register for any of the following on Portal:
- Get your GROOVE on! - Wednesday, August 13 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Back by popular demand, take a break to move your body in an in-person creative group dance experience with facilitator Cindy Howe. No previous experience required!
- Navigating the Archives — Research Strategies & Treasures - Tuesday, August 19 from 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Join staff from Special Collections & Archives (SCA) to learn about the archive, discover Waterloo’s history as you tour in-person through the collections and treasures in the Dana Porter Library, and explore potential collaboration opportunities with the department on special projects.
- The Emotional Effects of Retirement - Thursday, August 21 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Planning to retire can be a source of both excitement and anxiety. Whatever the emotional response, this virtual session by Homewood Health will help you understand how retirement marks a transition to a new stage of life and lifestyle in which daily routines, identity, and roles all change.
Take a break to move your body, learn more about Waterloo, and connect with other staff by attending one or more of these free sessions! See all the upcoming Keeping Well at Work offerings by visiting the Human Resources event webpage.
Work-Learn Institute awarded CEWIL Canada Research Grant for second consecutive year
Work-Learn Institute staff members Islam Abu Jaber, Tina Hobbins, Anne-Marie Fannon, Idris Ademuyiwa, Carolyn Lee and Dave Drewery.
A message from Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE).
The Work-Learn Institute (WxL) at the University of Waterloo is proud to announce that it has received the CEWIL Canada Research Grant for the second year in a row. This recognition reinforces WxL's continued leadership in advancing work-integrated learning (WIL) research and its impact across Canada.
This year's project, "Strengthening HR Capacity in Small Businesses: The Impact of WIL," aims to explore how WIL programs can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) overcome common HR challenges. SMEs are the backbone of the Canadian economy but often face barriers to effective recruitment and talent retention due to limited HR capacity. This research will examine how engaging in WIL not only supports SMEs in accessing emerging talent but also builds long-term HR resilience by enhancing their internal practices and fostering more inclusive workplaces.
Principal Investigator Dr. Katie Knapp, alongside co-investigators Dr. David Drewery and Anne-Marie Fannon, will lead this innovative study, reinforcing WxL's mission to drive evidence-based improvement in the field of WIL.
We gratefully acknowledge the Government of Canada for its continued support of CEWIL and the advancement of work-integrated learning opportunities across the country. This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Innovative Work-Integrated Learning Initiative. This project is funded in part by CEWIL Canada's iHUB.
Link of the day
40 years ago: The Amiga computer
When and where
The Campus Wellness Student Medical Clinic offers healthcare visits with Physicians and Nurse Practitioners to current undergraduate and graduate students. Services include: vaccinations, immunity testing, naturopathic services and more. Counselling Services offers appointments with counsellors in person as well as via phone and video. Students can book appointments for these services by calling Campus Wellness at 519-888-4096.
The privately-run Student Health Pharmacy (located in the lower level of the Student Life Centre) is now offering new COVID booster shots and flu shots. Covid booster shorts are available by appointment only – please call ext. 33784 or 519-746-4500. The Student Health Pharmacy’s summer hours are Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Naloxone kits are still available – pick them up in the pharmacy at no charge.
Pre-examination study days, Thursday, July 31 and Friday, August 1.
MiFOOD Project Workshop: Migrant Food Security and Livelihood Resilience amid Global Disruptions, Thursday, July 31, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Balsillie School of International Affairs.
The Waterloo Forum debate night, "Should the use of AI be permitted on all assignments?" Thursday, July 31, 6:30 p.m., MC 2065. Register.
August civic holiday, Monday, August 4, most University operations closed.
Balsillie Scholars Research Series: Green Hydrogen: Navigating the Hype, Realities, and Governance for Its Pragmatic Role in the Clean Energy Transition, Tuesday, August 5, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., hybrid.
Chemistry Seminar Series: Chemical Analysis of Lithium in Battery Materials with high spatial resolution using EDS and EELS in the Electron Microscope with Raynald Gauvin, Professor, Materials Engineering from McGill University, Tuesday, August 5, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., C2-361
Final examination period, Tuesday, August 5 to Saturday, August 16.
University of Waterloo Knowledge Mobilization Community of Practice 2025 Summer Social, Thursday, August 7, 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., Grad House. Please let Nadine Quehl know if you’re planning to join.
CrySP Speaker Series on Privacy, "Brave New Threat: The Rise of Covert and Side Channels" featuring Mauro Conti, University of Padua, Thursday, August 7, 11:00 a.m., DC 1304 and online via Zoom.
Technology Governance Summer School 2025, Monday, August 11 to Thursday, August 21.
NEW - Who are our Learners, Tuesday, August 12, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., MC 2036.
NEW - Course Dynamics and Engagement, Tuesday, August 12, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., MC 2036.
NEW - Course Design Foundations, Wednesday, August 13, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MC 2036.
Get your GROOVE on! Wednesday, August 13, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon, PAC Studio 1.
NEW - Assessment as Learning, Thursday, August 14, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon, MC 2036.
NEW - Course Outline Builder, Thursday, August 14, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., MC 2036.
Navigating the Archives — Research Strategies & Treasures, Tuesday, August 19, 11:00 a.m. to 12 noon.
The Emotional Effects of Retirement, Thursday, August 21, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Research Impact Canada’s Dr. RIC, "Challenges to Reciprocal Storytelling in Indigenous Engagement" and "Challenges and Opportunities: Community Compensation & Recognition in Community-Based Research (CBR)," Thursday, August 21, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. If interested, please contact Nadine Quehl for the zoom link.
PhD oral defences
Physics and Astronomy. Jiahui Chen, “Control and Characterization of the Central Spin System.” Supervisor, Dr. David Cory. Please visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy. Oral defence Wednesday, August 6, 12 noon, PHY 308 and remote via MS Teams.
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Mohammad Munshed, “A New Human and Ecological Stochastic Air Toxics Risk Assessment Methodology for Mobile Sources.” Supervisors, Dr. Roydon Fraser, Dr. Jesse Van Griensven. The thesis can be found online through SharePoint. To receive a viewing link please reach out to eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Wednesday, August 6, 1:00 p.m., E5 2004.
Chemical Engineering. Fan Zhao, “Contact dynamics of polymer and metal-polymer thin films." Supervisors, Dr. Boxin Zhao, Dr. Sushanta Mitra. The thesis can be found online through SharePoint. To receive a viewing link please reach out to eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Thursday, August 7, 9:30 a.m., remote.
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. Victor Shi, “Deep Learning-Assisted Digital Image Techniques for In-situ Damage Characterization of Non-crimp Fabric Reinforced Reactive Thermoplastic Composites.” Supervisor, Dr. John Montesano. The thesis can be found online through SharePoint. to receive a viewing link please reach out to eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Thursday, August 7, 9:00 a.m., EC4-1104.
Computer Science. Yiwen Dong, “Precise and Scalable Constraint-based Type Inference for Incomplete Java Code Snippets in the Age of Large Language Models.” Supervisor, Dr. Chengnian Sun. Thesis available from MGO – mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Thursday, August 7, 12 noon, DC 2310.
School of Pharmacy. Razan Amoud, “Validating & Measuring Influenza Vaccine Effectiveness among and against Cardiovascular Hospitalization.” Supervisor, Dr. Wasem Alsabbagh. Please visit the Faculty of Science Thesis Submission Notices website for details on requesting a copy. Oral defence Friday, August 8, 1:00 p.m., PHY 7007 and remote via MS Teams.
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:
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Modern Languages washroom closure, Saturday, June 21 to Friday, August 1, washrooms ML-112 and ML-118 will be temporarily closed for upgrades, please use the nearest available washrooms located at ML-251 and ML-252.
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MC exterior concrete stair demolition, Monday, July 28 to August 1, access to exit at the 1.5 level will be closed, access to the existing door at Level 2 loading dock will be closed, entry and exit will be from new temporary stairs at the loading dock. Excessive noise will be heard throughout the building for the duration of the demolition, with the northeast corner most affected.
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Optometry (Building 33), natural gas shutdown, Wednesday, July 30 to Thursday, July 31 from 6:30 a.m to 3:00 p.m.
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Energy Research Centre, Math3, Burt Matthews Hall, fire alarm testing, Friday, August 1 between 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Minota Hagey, Mackenzie King Village, Ron Edyt Village fire alarm testing, Friday, August 1 between 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
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Engineering 2 (E2) and Engineering 3 (E3) electrical shutdown, Saturday, August 2 from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m., all power will be off in E3 except for the GAIA Lab, 600v power will be off in E2, all air handling units in E2 will be affected during the shutdown. Please note the new date.
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Modern Languages Building steam shutdown, Monday, August 4 at 9:00 p.m. to Tuesday, August 5 at 6:00 p.m.
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Engineering 2 building steam shutdown, Wednesday, August 6, 9:00 p.m. to Thursday, August 7 at 6:00 p.m., steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown for a meter installation.
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J.R. Coutts Engineering Lecture Hall steam shutdown, Sunday, August 10, 9:00 p.m. to Monday, August 11 at 6:00 p.m., steam and hot water will not be available for the duration of the shutdown for a meter installation.
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Hagey Hall (original building) steam shutdown, Wednesday, August 13, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., steam and hot water will not be available during the shutdown to accommodate a meter installation.