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What our community is saying about health and well-being
A message from the Faculty of Health.
Join Healthy Waterloo for a virtual webinar on August 12 at 11 a.m., highlighting key findings from community conversations held across campus in the past few months.
Learn what students, faculty and staff identified as the biggest supports for health, the barriers they face and the opportunities they see to create a healthier University of Waterloo.
Members of the Healthy Waterloo team will share insights from more than 20 community conversations involving more than 100 members of the Waterloo community. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and learn how these insights are informing Healthy Waterloo's work.
The Healthy Waterloo initiative is a multi-year, community-wide collective impact campaign with a goal to make Waterloo Canada’s healthiest campus and region.
Register here for the Healthy Waterloo webinar on August 12.
Waterloo joins OVIN Incubators to accelerate automotive innovation
The University of Waterloo has joined the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN) Incubators initiative, creating new opportunities for researchers and entrepreneurs to transform automotive and mobility research into Ontario-based companies.
The partnership connects Waterloo with a growing network of post-secondary institutions, researchers and global industry leaders working together to accelerate the commercialization of new automotive and mobility technologies. Through OVIN's recently launched New Venture Creation Program, Waterloo researchers will have greater support to move discoveries from the lab to the marketplace while helping strengthen Ontario's automotive innovation ecosystem.
"This partnership gives Waterloo's automotive and mobility researchers a direct path to build companies out of their own research without leaving Ontario to do it," says Mary Wells, Dean of Engineering. "Our researchers and our students benefit directly, and so does Ontario's automotive industry, because the technology and the talent behind it can stay and grow here."
Researchers from groups including WatCAR, AVRIL, OBEC, RoboHub and Waterloo AI will contribute to developing new technologies and supporting the creation of ventures built on Ontario-made intellectual property.
Learn more about the OVIN Incubators initiative.
Made by Waterloo: Alchemy transforms nanotechnology for defense solutions
This is an excerpt from an article that was originally published on Waterloo News.
Less than a decade after launching as a student startup, Alchemy has reached a major milestone: completing a $13.7 million initial public offering (IPO) and beginning to trade on the TSX Venture Exchange. The achievement captures years of growth for a company that started as a University of Waterloo capstone project and has since expanded into global automative and defence markets.
Nestled in the heart of Waterloo region’s innovation district, Alchemy exemplifies how a startup can scale into a global successful business with the support of local talent. What began as a fourth-year capstone project for a group of Faculty of Engineering students — designed as a spray for preventing frost formation on windshields — evolved into a camouflage coating used by the Canadian Armed Forces.
Khanjan Desai.
“We focus on the practical applications of nanotechnology,” says Khanjan Desai (BASc ’13), co-founder and CEO of Alchemy. “With a full product line right now in the market, we are in the process of doing something no one else has done before: delivering high-quality, easy to install windshield protection films in the same package.”
Alchemy’s Exoshield windshield protection film being installed at the Guelph Detailing Company. Photo credit: Alchemy
Alchemy’s automotive solution for car owners, powered by their “Endurance Class” nanoceramic coating, offers windshield protection films that prevent stone chips and scratches. While working with nanoparticles for their ExoShield line, the team discovered that their products could interact with thermal infrared radiation, a technology used for thermal camouflage in military applications. This discovery opened a window for Alchemy into the defence industry.
In 2019, the Canadian Department of Research and Development Canada (DRDC) sought technologies for thermal infrared signature management through its IDEaS program. Alchemy’s defense solution, powered by their “Crypsis Class” nanocomposite coating, was designed to conceal uniforms to avoid detection in various operational environments. The company was awarded a $1 million contract to further advance the technology, specifically for textile integration.
Read the full story on Waterloo News.
Tuesday's notes
Velocity is accepting applications for this year's Velocity Pitch Competition, which will take place on Saturday, September 12 in the Science Teaching Complex. Applicants will receive feedback and advice from experienced founders, investors, and ecosystem members; connections who can help move their idea forward; and a chance to compete for a $5,000 top prize. Spots are limited to 100 teams, and applications close on August 28. Learn more and apply now.
The Games Institute is still seeking participants for a study about how children hear and learn stories about online privacy, computer security, and staying safe online. Children who use the internet/digital devices and are aged 9 to 13 can participate. Children will participate in a child-friendly interview session where they will talk with a researcher about stories they have heard related to online safety, create a short drawing or comic about one story, and share their thoughts about online safety and privacy. For more information, contact Lumi Poysa.
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 Youth Swim Lessons, registration is now open for LTS Child/Youth Preschool 1 – Swimmer 9. Group and private lessons available. Register today!
Warriors Summer 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!
New Faculty Teaching Days Spring 2026, Tuesday, August 11 to Friday, August 14, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., MC 2036
Who are our Learners (CTE9910), Tuesday, August 11, 10 to 11:30 a.m., MC 2036
Course Dynamics and Engagement (CTE9906), Tuesday, August 11, 1 to 3 p.m., MC 2036
What Our Community Is Saying About Health and Well-being, Wednesday, August 12, 11 to 11:45 a.m. on Teams.
Course Design Foundations (CTE6642), Wednesday, August 12, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., MC 2036
Assessment as Learning (CTE9912), Thursday, August 13, 10 a.m. to noon., MC 2036
Course Outline Builder (CTE9916), Thursday, August 13, 1 to 2:30 p.m., MC 2036
Working Effectively with TAs (CTE7017), Friday, August 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m., MC 2036
NEW - Virtual Reality in the Classroom: An Introduction for Instructors – In-Person (TII 5020), Monday, August 17, 2 to 3 p.m., LIB 329 (Tech Sandbox)
NEW - Teaching with Tech: A Practical ViewBoard Workshop – In-Person (TII 5010), Monday, August 17, 10 to 11 a.m., LIB 329 (Tech Sandbox)
NEW - Understanding Policy 18, Part 1: Employment Essentials, Friday, August 21, noon to 1 p.m., online.
NEW - Getting Started in LEARN - In Person (CTE6656), Tuesday, August 25, 10 a.m. to noon., MC 2036
PhD oral defences
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Connor Jacob MacRobbie, "Lunar Regolith-Based Thermite as an Energetic Material for Lunar ISRU Applications John Wen, Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering," Monday, August 10 at 9 a.m., E5-3052. Supervisor: Jean-Pierre Hickey, Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering. To receive a viewing link before the defence date, please email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca.
School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), Ying Zhou, "Decarbonization in Cities: Using an institutional lens to uncover time, place and partnership for addressing local climate challenges," Monday, August 10 at 10 a.m., Remote. Supervisor, Dr. Amelia Clarke.
Chemistry, Bruna Siebeneichler, “Defining and Engineering the Structural Continuum of Bacterial Inclusion Bodies,” Tuesday, August 11 at 9:30 a.m., C2 361. Supervisor: Dr. Elizabeth Meiering. Visit the Faculty of Science website for details on requesting a copy to review.
Physics and Astronomy, Anastasiia Mashko, “Systems and Protocols for Quantum Sensing of the Magnetic Field Using Atom Arrays,” Tuesday, August 11 at 11 a.m., PHY 352. Supervisor(s), Dr. David Cory and Dr. Alexandre Cooper-Roy. Visit the Faculty of Science website for details on requesting a copy to review.
School of Optometry and Vision Science, Anne Marie Yeboah, “Visual Deficits in Persisting Post-Concussion Symptoms,” Tuesday, August 11 at 1 p.m., OPT 350. Supervisor(s), Dr. Kristine Dalton and Dr. Elizabeth Irving. Visit the Faculty of Science website for details on requesting a copy to review.
Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, Minghao Ning, "From Onboard Geometry-Aware Planning to Cooperative Infrastructure Sensing for Robust Autonomous Mobility," Thursday, August 13 at 9:00 a.m., Supervisors Ehsan Hashemi, Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering and Amir Khajepour, Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering. To receive a viewing link before the defence date, please email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca.
Physics and Astronomy, Kent Ueno, “Spatial Magnetometry and Entanglement Transport in Neutral-Atom Arrays,” Thursday, August 13 at 11 a.m., QNC 210. Supervisor(s): Dr. David Cory. Visit the Faculty of Science website for details on requesting a copy to review.
Physics and Astronomy, Sotiris Mygdalas, “Spacetime Quasicrystals and Computational Complexity Theory in the Road Towards Quantum Gravity,” Friday, August 14 at 10 a.m., QNC 1201. Supervisor(s): Dr. Niayesh Afshordi and Dr. Latham Boyle. Visit the Faculty of Science website for details on requesting a copy to review.
Biomedical Engineering, Arya Amiri, "Soft Tissue Biomechanics: Heterogeneity and Averaged Material Description," Friday, August 14 at 10 a.m., Remote. Supervisors: Thomas Willett, Systems Design Engineering and Tais Sigaeva, Systems Design Engineering. To receive a viewing link before the defence date, please email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca.
Sociology and Legal Studies, Lana Gonzalez Balyk, "Everyday Infrastructures of Negotiation: Borders, Xenophobia, and Belonging among Latin American Migrant Women in Portugal," Friday, August 14 at 10 a.m., Remote. Supervisor: Prof. Suzan Ilcan, Department of Sociology and Legal Studies. Available upon request from the Faculty of Arts, Graduate Studies and Research Officer until defence date.
Psychology, Seth Winward, "Investigating the Multidimensionality of State Empathy: Evidence from Behaviour and Event-Related Potentials," Friday, August 21 at 9:30 a.m., PAS 2464 - Hybrid. Supervisor: Prof. Roxane Itier, Department of Psychology. Available upon request from the Faculty of Arts, Graduate Studies and Research Officer until defence date.
School of Environment, Enterprise and Development (SEED), Jillene Diamond Marlowe, "Unpacking carbon accounting: an analysis on how to enhance impact through internal financial systems," Monday, August 24 at 1:00 pm (ET). Remote. Supervisor, Dr. Amelia Clarke.
School of Public Health Sciences, Brittany Ellis, "Identifying and Responding to the Strengths, Preferences, and Needs of Caregivers of Older Adults in Africa Using Self-Reported Assessment Systems", Tuesday, August 25 at 9:00 a.m., EXP 1686. Supervisor: John Hirdes. Email health.graduate.administration@uwaterloo.ca for a copy.
Management Science and Engineering, Mina Torabi Milani, "On Efficiency-Fairness Trade-offs in Location-based Service Systems," Tuesday, August 25 at noon., CPH 4335. Supervisors Hossein Abouee Mehrizi, Management Sciences and Saeed Ghadimi, Management Sciences. To receive a viewing link before the defence date, please email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca.
Chemical Engineering, Mike McKague, "High Performance Computing for Pore Scale Design of Flow-Through Electrodes: A Water Desalination Application," Monday, August 31 at 2 p.m. in E6 2022. Supervisor Jeff Gostick, Chemical Engineering. To receive a viewing link before the defence date, please email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca.
Upcoming service interruptions
Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes on the Plant Operations website.