Tuesday, November 1, 2022

UWaterloo community members on list of Canada's most powerful women

This article originally appeared on Waterloo News.

Eleven leaders in education, business and community who have ties to the University of Waterloo are named among the 100 most powerful women in Canada.

Women’s Executive Network (WXN) recently released the 2022 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award Winners, and Waterloo faculty, alumni and parents figure prominently. The list celebrates women across Canada for their leadership and accomplishments.

“I’m immensely proud of the influential people who are part of the UWaterloo community and the University’s role in supporting strong leaders who make meaningful contributions to society,” said Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “I wish to acknowledge the accomplishments of these women and offer my congratulations to them for this honour.”

Dr. Charmaine Dean, vice-president, research and international, appears in the Executive Leaders category, which recognizes women who exemplify leadership and champion others. She is also a professor in the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and earned her master’s and PhD from Waterloo.

WXN recognized two professors from Waterloo’s Faculty of Science. Dr. Xiaowu (Shirley) Tang, professor of chemistry and associate dean of science, research was honoured for her groundbreaking scientific research, including a tool to diagnose heart failure. Dr. Anne Innis Dagg, an alum and professor emeritus from the Department of Biology, is included in the Women of Courage Category. It honours those who demonstrate courage and compassion, sometimes at great personal risk. Dagg is recognized as the first western scientist to study giraffes in the wild.

Two alumni and a Waterloo parent were named among Canada’s Most Powerful CEOs. Kathy Hay (BA 1998) is president and CEO of Kids Help Phone and a member of the Board of Governors for the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Malgosia Green (BASC 2002) is the CEO of Plenty of Fish. Laura Money is the chief information and technology officer at Sun Life Financial.

Three more alumni were recognized in the Emerging Leaders category. Simone Harrington (BSC 2006), Jane Hung (BMATH 2008, MAcc 2008) and Shelly-Ann Rampersad (BSC 2011) were noted for successive leadership positions and a passion for learning and innovation. Harrington is vice-president at Trillium Health Partners’ Institute for Better Health. Hung is assistant vice-president of the corporate development team at Definity Financial Corporation. Rampersad serves as vice-president of clinical operations at Maple, a virtual healthcare company.

Another alumnus honoured is Stephanie Thompson (BASC 2001), who leads engineering teams at General Motors Canada and is a mentor and advisor in STEM. She was recognized in the CP Skilled Trades category for excellence in skilled trades, innovation and community involvement. And Laura Kennedy (BASc 1996), appears in the BMO Entrepreneurs category. She is president and co-owner of Global Power Technologies, which supports a shift to greener operations in industry.

The Top 100 Awards span the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, with the winners selected by WXN's Diversity Council of Canada. The awards cover 12 categories and will be presented at a gala in Toronto on November 17.

Optometry and Diabetes Awareness Month

By Lauren Ward.

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. While there is yet to be a cure for diabetes, we can act now to detect it sooner for better management of this disease. Early detection of diabetes can be accomplished during a trip to your optometrist. Getting a comprehensive eye exam regularly is the best way to discover the earliest signs of diabetes.

“During comprehensive eye exams, optometrists dilate the eyes. When they do this, they can detect abnormalities that may signal minor, initial, and still manageable changes in the retina,” says Dr. Denise Hileeto, professor in the School of Optometry and Vision Science. “These changes typically progress with time and result in the development of diabetic retinopathy, a complication caused by poorly controlled diabetes that affects the eyes. In its advanced stages, diabetic retinopathy causes irreversible damage to the blood vessels and neovascularization of the retina. This impact on the retinal vessels, when left to progress long enough, can lead to permanent vision loss.”

The 2022 press release by Diabetes Canada shows that diabetes rates in Canada are climbing. It is estimated that today more than 5.7 million Canadians are living with diagnosed diabetes, however, the numbers are potentially much higher, as 11.7 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes—a condition that, if left unmanaged, would progress to fully developed type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic retinopathy is the number one cause of preventable blindness, which is why early detection is essential for successful treatment to avoid the serious impact that vision loss can have on a patient’s life.

Since initial diabetes induced symptoms are rare, if any, regular eye checks by an optometrist are the first line of defense to manage the manifestations of this condition in the eye, and to take the necessary measures to prevent its progression. For those living with diabetes, one can delay retinopathy with regular checkups and eye exams, following doctor’s orders, taking medication, and managing diet and exercise regimes.

Diabetes is a complex condition that not only causes diabetic retinopathy but can lead to, or worsen, other eye health issues such as: glaucoma, cataracts, decreased corneal sensitivity, blurring vision, occasional double vision, loss of visual field, and full or partial paralysis of the muscles that move eyes.

If you are someone dealing with diabetes, eye exams are covered under OHIP, regardless of age. Take advantage and make sure to get your eyes checked out regularly.

Warriors celebrate student-athletes named to President's Academic Honour Roll

This article was originally featured on the Athletics and Recreation website.

For the first time since 2019, the top academic performers from across all 32 Warriors varsity teams gathered in person to celebrate their academic achievements. The celebration was held at Fed Hall as 398 student-athletes were named to the 2021-22 President's Academic Honour Roll. 

This distinguished recognition is given to student-athletes who have maintained an average of 80 per cent and higher while competing for a varsity team. The University of Waterloo has one of the highest percentages of Academic All-Canadian student-athletes in the country on an annual basis. 

"It was a very special morning on a bright and beautiful October day to be able to gather all in one room once again," said Director of Athletics and Recreation Roly Webster. "These student-athletes are leaders on their teams, in the classroom, and in the community and it is always so rewarding to celebrate their successes."

"Academic performance continues to be a top priority for our department and it is very rewarding to see so many of our student-athletes performing at the top of their class year after year."

The 398 student-athletes honoured represents 57 per cent of the student-athlete population at UWaterloo. In addition, 26 of the 32 Warriors varsity teams have at least 50 per cent of their student-athletes represented on the Honour Roll.

"Earning the opportunity to attend the University of Waterloo is one thing, and earning an opportunity to represent Waterloo is another," said President and Vice-Chancellor Vivek Goel. "I am so proud of the way our student-athletes conduct themselves on the field of play and in the classroom."

"What has really impressed me over the past couple of years, is how our student-athletes have been able to persevere through the uncertainty of the pandemic. With so many hurdles thrown in their paths, each of them found a way to remain focused on their studies and athletic pursuits."

Top Academic Student-Athletes 

Four student-athletes were honoured for their outstanding achievements, earning the highest academic average of all 398 student-athletes.   

Mandy Zeng from women's golf and MacKenzie Strong from baseball were the top undergrad award winners thanks to their staggering averages of 97 per cent. Zeng is in her third year of Civil Engineering and Strong is in his fifth year of Chemical Engineering. 

Zeng and Strong were also recipients of the Fairfax Financial Award along with Jenny Lei (Computer Science) from badminton and James Hinsperger (Civil Engineering) from football. 

See the full recipient list of the 2021-22 President's Academic Honour Roll

CBB Seed Fund is now open for applications

A message from the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology (CBB). 

Do you have a project idea to increase access to health data? Are you inspired to create training materials for health and medical students or professionals? Do you have a project that requires more exploration before you can apply for tri-agency or other funding?

The Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology (CBB) is very pleased to announce a call for applicants for our annual Seed Funding program. Eligible projects will work towards CBB’s strategic priority of driving scientific innovation, growth, and opportunity through the support of collaborative research across UWaterloo faculties.  

In addition to the core stream, two priority funding pools are available in this round: the Health and Medical Professional Development priority funding pool and the Access to Data priority funding pool. 

The CBB Seed Fund provides funding up to $15,000 for a one-year period. This opportunity is for all faculties at the University. Apply Now.

Applications are to be submitted to cbb@uwaterloo.ca by Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. EST. Primary applicants will receive written notice of the decision by Wednesday, March 1, 2023.

Flu shots at the Student Health Pharmacy and other notes

The Student Health Pharmacy in the basement of the Student Life Centre will be running a flu shot clinic this week on Wednesday, November 2 and Thursday, November 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointments are necessary.

For those who can't make it and would like to schedule a flu shot in November, you can make an appointment by calling 519-746-4500 or by dialing extension 33784.

And in the spirit of that spookiest of seasons, here is a photo of the Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE) Communications, Engagement and Digital Experience team located in the RAC all costumed up for Halloween.

Strategic Communications Manager Lisa Brackenridge writes that Clippy won for best costume.

Not to be outdone, staff in Human Resources also got into the Halloween spirit:

The costume party was part of the Office of the Associate Provost, Human Resources' United Way campaign, raising $1,300 for the United Way. 

"On November 7, join the Office of Indigenous Relations in welcoming Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry as he shares teachings about treaties, wampum belts and the spiritual meaning behind treaty relationships," says a note from the Office of Indigenous Relations. The hybrid event, entitled "The Spiritual Side of Treaties" is going to be held in-person in the Sunlife Auditorium in LHI 1621 and on Zoom. It will run from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. To register, please visit https://uwaterloo.ca/indigenous/events/spiritual-side-treaties.