Wednesday, April 22, 2026

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• Waterloo celebrates Earth Day

• Four research-driven actions for Earth Day

• TRuST lecture coming up on May 5
• Remembering Professor Emeritus John Shortreed
• Wednesday's notes

Waterloo celebrates Earth Day

A message from the Sustainability Office.

April 22 marks Earth Day, an annual global event to celebrate the beautiful planet we call home and take action to support environmental protection in our communities. But where can you start? The Sustainability Office has put together a list of six ways our campus community can support Earth Day: 

1. Spend time outdoors to reconnect with nature, including many green spaces across campus.
2. Choose healthy, sustainable food options such as locally sourced, seasonal, plant-based, and eco-certified products.
3. Use sustainable modes of travel to get around, such as walking, cycling, rolling, public transit, or an electric vehicle.
4. Reduce waste by cutting down on unnecessary purchases, using reusable options, and recycling (properly) as a last resort.
5. Conserve energy by using natural light and turning off personal electronics when not in use.
6. Join the Green Office or Green Labs program to contribute to campus sustainability efforts alongside a network of passionate employees.

Big or small, our collective actions make a meaningful difference. Together, let’s make every day Earth Day at Waterloo. Still looking for more? Check out other ways to get involved.

Four research-driven actions for Earth Day

By Chantal Vallis. This article was originally published on Waterloo News.

Inspired by the theme “Our power, our planet,” Earth Day 2026 reflects a fundamental truth: environmental progress is sustained by the daily actions of communities, educators, workers and families protecting where they live and work. 

As we celebrate the planet and stewardship today, we share four environmental research-driven actions you can take to create transformative change for people and the planet.

Keep your electronics

Almost two-thirds of electronic devices that Canadians scrap still work, according to new research by Dr. Komal Habib. The study found that products like phones, laptops, tablets, desktop computers, televisions, refrigerators, microwaves and laundry appliances were replaced even though they were still working. E-waste from these disposed products are estimated to grow to a total of 2.3 million metric tonnes, or enough to fill 18 CN Towers, by 2030. Therefore, keeping your devices and looking to repair them are excellent ways to save money and the environment.

Climate-proof your home

Extreme weather events and heat waves already occur across Canada and will continue to become more intense. The good news is there are actions you can follow to help limit risk. The Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation has developed a list of top actions Canadians can take around their home and property to reduce their risk. There are even nature-based measures, such as planting a rain garden to absorb water and avoid basement flooding or using shade trees to limit direct sunlight from heating a home (allowing for cost savings on air conditioning).

Watch out for wildlife

Roads are a significant threat to biodiversity, often resulting in declines in sensitive species like turtles. With the onset of spring, animals are on the move. Paying careful attention to animal crossing signs and watching the roads are important first steps, according to Dr. Chantel Markle. In the event you see a turtle crossing and you can stop safely, help it across the road and do your part in reducing reptile road mortality. Alternatively, if you find an injured turtle, contact the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.

Eat sustainably

The food choices we make every day can have significant impacts on the environment, from greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation to freshwater pollution and organic waste. Being mindful about how our food is made and where it comes from is a critical step in acting for a positive climate future. To eat more sustainably, source local, seasonal products, choose sustainably certified options, minimize your food and plastic waste, and try to eat more plant-based options where possible. The effort can start right on campus as 40 per cent of food purchased by Food Services is sourced locally or sustainably. 

TRuST lecture coming up on May 5

From automated medical notes and AI-assisted diagnosis and treatment planning to patient self-help and deep fake doctors, artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping and challenging how health care is delivered in Canada and around the world. But as more clinical decisions and interactions are supported by algorithms, what does it mean to trust our health-care systems and the technologies innovating them?

On Tuesday, May 5, join the University of Waterloo and the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA) for a timely conversation on health and AI, moderated by Dr. Shereen El Feki, a BSIA Fellow focused on global health and human rights. Together with a computer scientist exploring AI and cancer research, a local family physician and medical advisor to multiple startups, a bioethicist working on responsible and ethical AI, and a clinician-researcher focused on global health, we will explore how AI is changing everyday care, professional practice and public confidence in medicine. This event invites the public to reflect on how we can build trustworthy, human-centred health care in an increasingly automated future.

Panelists include:

• Dr. Neil Naik, Physician, Assistant Clinical Professor, University of Waterloo and McMaster;
• Dr. Raymond Ng, Canada Research Chair, Fellow, Royal Society of Canada;
• Dr. Joshua Skorburg, Associate Professor, University of Guelph; and
• Dr. Karen Yeates Professor of Medicine, Queen's University.

The panel will be moderated byDr. Shereen El Feki, Fellow, Balsillie School of International Affairs.

Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
Time: Doors open - 6:30 p.m.
Lecture: 7:00 p.m.
Post-lecture reception: 8:30 p.m.
Location: Centre for International Governance Innovation

Register online.

Remembering Professor Emeritus John Shortreed

Retired Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor John Shortreed passed away on April 15.

Dr. Shortreed joined the University of Waterloo in 1965 as an assistant professor in the Civil Engineering department. He was named associate professor in 1969 and full professor in 1977.

His areas of research included transportation, freeway simulation, risk analysis and assessment, the movement of hazardous goods, and urban transit. He joined the University's transport research group and helped launch the UWaterloo-based Institute for Risk Research.

In addition to his academic career, Dr. Shortreed was active in municipal government, serving on the Waterloo Planning Board from 1966 to1973, including three years as chair. He also served on the Waterloo Urban Renewal Committee in 1974 and on the committee of adjustment from 1976 to 1978. In 1979, he was appointed as alderman to Waterloo’s City Council, replacing Walter McLean, who had resigned his seat after winning election as a Member of Parliament for Waterloo. Shortreed served for several terms as a city councillor.

He served as the Director of the Institute for Risk Research and as a member of the Commission of Inquiry on the Blood System in Canada beginning in 1994, which studied the safety of Canada’s blood supply in the wake of the tainted blood scandal. He also served on the National Advisory Panel on Risks and Benefits of Drugs (1990-1993).

Dr. Shortreed retired from the University on July 1, 1996, and remained active as a member of the Institute for Risk Research and the Network for Environmental Risk Assessment and Management (NERAM). He was also active in the community in the area of urban development, making presentations to Kitchener and Waterloo's city councils about proposed developments and projects.  

A memorial service will take place at the Church of the Holy Saviour on Allen Street in Waterloo on Thursday, April 23 at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the Parish Hall. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Wednesday's notes

Today is Administrative Professionals Day, and to mark the occasion, the Administrative Professionals Community of Practice is hosting an event from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon in PSE 7303-7363 (formerly Engineering 7).

"This year’s agenda focuses on celebrating us, the Administrative Professionals whose behind-the-scenes contributions keep our campus running smoothly," organizers write. "We are pleased to feature award‑winning experience designer and certified success coach Jan Vilaca, who brings more than 12 years of post‑secondary administrative experience and currently teaches two administrative courses at Conestoga College. Jan will lead a hands-on workshop designed specifically for Administrative Professionals working in higher education. No laptops needed, just bring yourself!"

This annual gathering continues to advance the community of practice’s mission by strengthening professional development and expanding networking opportunities for administrative professionals across the University of Waterloo.

The Young Professionals Waterloo Region at Grand River Friendship Society is organizing the NextGen: Connect, Learn, Lead event coming up on May 9 in Conrad Grebel University College's Great Hall. "The event is a dynamic networking event designed to bring together university students and young professionals in a meaningful and engaging space," says a note from organizers. "This event goes beyond traditional networking by creating opportunities for real conversations, shared experiences, and mentorship."

Attendees will have the chance to connect with emerging professionals across various fields, gain insights into career pathways, and build relationships that extend beyond the classroom. 

"Whether you're exploring your next steps or looking to grow your professional network, NextGen is all about learning from one another and building a strong, supportive community for the future," organizers say. 

Beginning Monday, April 27, GO Transit is adding more weekday express options between Kitchener GO and Union Station. "A new eastbound afternoon trip from Kitchener will depart at 15:43 p.m., arriving at Union Station at 17:17 p.m., and a new westbound morning trip from Union Station will depart at 08:49 a.m., arriving in Kitchener at 10:26 a.m."

More information about the route changes can be found on the GO Transit website.