Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Two AVP nominating committees seek community feedback
A message from Tom Duever, Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost.
David DeVidi, Associate Vice-President, Academic (AVPA) and Justin Wan, Interim Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (AVP GSPA) will be concluding their terms on June 30, 2026. This is to inform you that advisory nominating committees have been formed to support Tom Duever, Interim Vice-President, Academic and Provost in identifying qualified candidates for each of these AVP roles for July 1, 2026 appointments.
Your input and feedback will be very important in informing the direction of the search.
The committees seek your input and feedback, and especially invites you to consider the following points when providing your insights:
- key issues, challenges, and opportunities facing the AVPA, /AVP GSPA;
- priorities the new AVPA/AVP GSPA should be focused on in their first year in the role; and
- advice for the search committee as to the background, credentials, qualifications, and leadership style that should be sought in the next AVPA/AVP GSPA.
You are encouraged to convey your views in confidence on matters concerning these roles by clicking on the survey links below:
- Associate Vice-President, Academic (AVPA) Advisory Nominating Committee Engagement Survey
- Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs (AVP GSPA) Advisory Nominating Committee Engagement Survey
The committees will engage in specific training and discussion on implicit bias and ask that those who submit feedback review the following resource to reflect on implicit bias in the feedback process prior to submitting feedback: Important Biases to Consider.
Comments submitted through the online surveys are requested no later than January 16, 2026, and will be held in confidence within the committees.
Waterloo co-op student researchers from Sunnybrook attend conference
By Lisa Brackenridge. This is an excerpt of an article originally published on the Co-operative and Experiential Education website.
It was an exciting atmosphere as Dr. Edward Chow, senior scientist at Sunnybrook Health Science Centre - Odette Cancer Centre (Sunnybrook), and a group of his co-op students from the University of Waterloo gathered to attend the highly anticipated Breast Cancer Survivorship and Supportive Care International Conference. The conference focuses on clinical advancements related to all aspects of breast cancer survivorship and supportive care through a comprehensive, evidence-based framework. It included an array of research presentations and provided a platform for Waterloo co-op students to showcase their hard work and passion for discovery.
A team of innovative researchers
Representing the University of Waterloo, the students presented posters with their innovative research that demonstrated their intellectual rigour and exemplary presentation skills. The bright minds at the conference and celebratory dinner included Waterloo alumni and current co-op students:
- Ananya Dhillon, Honours Health Sciences co-op student at Cumulus Rivlin
- Ava Hilkowitz, Honours Health Sciences co-op student, clinical research assistant at Sunnybrook
- Christina Yang, Honours Health Sciences co-op student, clinical research assistant at Sunnybrook
- Samantha Kennedy (BSc ’24), former clinical research assistant co-op student at Sunnybrook
- Sarah Bayrakdarian, Honours Public Health co-op student, clinical research assistant at Sunnybrook
- Shivani Verma, Honours Health Sciences co-op student, clinical research assistant at Sunnybrook
- Tara Behroozian (BSc ’23), former clinical research assistant co-op student at Sunnybrook
"We have supported one another through restless nights, challenging data and the constant effort to advocate for the patient voice throughout our research," says Sarah Bayrakdarian, Faculty of Health co-op student. "Watching my peers and myself present side by side showed me that the future of medicine will rest in the hands of those who are curious, collaborative, disciplined and not afraid to take cancer head-on."
Sarah Bayrakdarian: a star among peers
Sarah Bayrakdarian won the Best Poster Award at the conference, recognizing her clear, thorough research and effective communication.
Bayrakdarian’s winning poster presentation is titled “Long-term patient-reported outcomes in a randomized controlled trial of Mepitel Film versus standard of care for the prevention of acute breast radiation dermatitis.”
Her research built upon findings from a previous study by longitudinally following patients for two years post-radiation to assess long-term patient-reported outcomes.
Using standardized questionnaires, the study assessed patients’ experiences, symptoms and quality-of-life measures to better understand the sustained impact of these interventions beyond the acute treatment phase.
Bayrakdarian’s achievement adds to the growing list of Waterloo co-op students who have excelled at local, national and international conferences for their research work at Sunnybrook. Her success is both a personal accomplishment and a testament to the calibre of students who participate in Waterloo's co-op program.
Read the full story on the CEE website.
Get ready to make an impact...plus!
A message from the Office of Research.
Launched on December 9, 2025, the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program is part of a suite of federal initiatives designed to support institutions in attracting to Canada world-leading international researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The program emphasizes both research excellence and tangible impact.
Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Impact+ chairholders are expected to drive the translation of discoveries into applications, commercialization and social and economic benefits for Canada and the world, while also developing the next generation of highly qualified personnel.
We are encouraging the University of Waterloo’s research community to share this opportunity widely with their networks so that we can draw the best and brightest from around the world. Note that only candidates who are internationally based (both working and residing outside of Canada) at the time of the intake’s application deadline are eligible to apply. Expatriate Canadian citizens wishing to relocate to Canada are welcome and encouraged to apply. To access the job ad and find out more about the program at Waterloo, please visit the program website.
Link of the day
110 years ago: The Battle of Gallipoli
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 shots 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.
The Waterloo Eye Institute optometry clinics in Waterloo and downtown Kitchener offer comprehensive eye exams and eyewear, including glasses and contact lenses, with the Waterloo location offering various specialized services including urgent eye care. Discounts apply for University of Waterloo students and employees. The Waterloo Clinic is at a nearby interim location, 419C Phillip St, during construction at the School of Optometry and Vision Science. The Kitchener Clinic remains at the Health Sciences Campus, 10B Victoria St. S. Book online or by phone at 519-888-4062.
Warriors Winter Youth Camps, registration is now open for multi-sport and games, baseball, basketball, eSports, football and hockey camps for boys and girls ages 5 to 18. Register today!
Free Try-it Opportunities (Fitness, Clubs & Instructional), Monday, January 5 to Sunday, January 11. Must have a valid athletics membership to participate. Find out more.
Warriors Women’s Volleyball vs. McMaster, Friday, January 9, 6:00 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Think Pink Night and Residence Day. Buy your tickets today!
Warriors Men’s Volleyball vs. McMaster, Friday, January 9, 7:30 p.m., Carl Totzke Court, PAC. Think Pink Night and Residence Day. Buy your tickets today!
Warrior Rec Intramurals registration deadline, Monday, January 12, 1:00 p.m. Over 15 leagues to choose from. Find out more and sign up today!
Global Futures Fund 2.0 Online Information Session, Monday, January 12, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online. Register now.
Antagonism and Intimidation in Academia Speaker Series 2.0, Monday, January 12, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., EC5 1027.
GSA Nourish'n' Go event, Tuesday, January 13, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., SLC Grad Lounge.
Velocity Innovation Open House, Tuesday, January 13, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Federation Hall.
Winter 2026 Start of Term International Student Mixer, Tuesday, January 13, 6:00 p.m to 9:00 p.m., Needles Hall International Experience Lounge.
Noon Hour Concert: Songs & Dances from Spain & the Americas, Wednesday, January 14, 12 noon, Conrad Grebel Chapel. Free admission.
Cracking the code: tips for technical interview success, Wednesday, January 14, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m., TC 2218.
Fruit and Veg Market, Wednesday, January 14, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., SLC lower atrium, PSE 1st floor. $10 for a bag of assorted produce while supplies last.
MPACS Grad Program Info Session, Thursday, January 15, 12: noon to 1:00 p.m., Register today!.
Science in the City – Energy, Thursday, January 15, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Catalyst Commons, 137 Glasgow Street, Kitchener.
Lectures in Catholic Experience presents Dr. Gary Adler, Jr., "Catholic in Governing, not Catholicism in Government: How Local Government Officials Manage Interaction between Religion and State," Thursday, January 15, 7:30 p.m., Notre Dame Chapel, St. Jerome's University. Register on the SJU website.
Data Organization Made Easy with dplyr, Tuesday, January 20, 9:30 a.m. to 12 noon, DC 1568
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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Environment 1, 2 and 3, Modern Languages, Dana Porter Library, Needles Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, January 9, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Engineering 2 and 3, Davis Centre, Math & Computer fire alarm testing, Monday, January 12, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Aberfoyle - Biorem fire alarm testing, Monday, January 12, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Fire Research Facility fire alarm testing, Monday, January 12, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Physical Activities Complex, Student Life Centre, RAC 1 and 2, Federation Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 14, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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General Services Complex, Commissary, Central Plant fire alarm testing, Thursday, January 15, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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School of Architecture fire alarm testing, Friday, January 16, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Digital Media Stratford fire alarm testing, Friday, January 16, 12 noon to 1:00 p.m.