Friday, May 6, 2016

Looking for clear links

This is the latest in a series of #UWStratPlan stories that profile some of the initiatives that are part of the robust efforts to implement the Strategic Plan. 

Glaucoma and macular degeneration are bringing visual impairment and blindness to tens of millions of the world’s aging population.

And a risk factor in these later-in-life eye conditions may be the increasing incidence of childhood near-sightedness.

For the Centre for Contact Lens Research at the University of Waterloo, the root question is this: Why are more and more children becoming near-sighted (myopic)?

"Not only is the number of myopes increasing, but the amount of their myopia is massively on the rise,” says Lyndon Jones, the centre’s director.

In 2013, the centre embarked on a global, multi-centre, three-year studyinto the problem. One theory from the outset held that the increased incidence of myopia is related to the amount of time children spend indoors, in close work or play, accustoming their eyes to short distances. Outside, the eyes focus back and forth between near and distant objects.

Founded in 1988 as part of the School of Optometry and Vision Science, the centre is the largest independent facility in the Northern hemisphere for contact lens research.

The collaboration that happens here, involving companies in the contact lens industry and researchers in academia, epitomizes the University’s commitment, stated in its Strategic Plan, to engage in transformative research.

Myopia is not merely a matter of poor focus solved by eyewear. Severe myopia increases the risk of severe ocular disease later in life.

“There is a real solid reason why we need to limit the progression of myopia,” Jones says.

Read the rest fo the article on the Strategic Plan website.

Waterloo featured in the Wall Street Journal

"To find Silicon Valley's latest hunting ground for engineering talent, start at Stanford University—then drive northeast for about 40 hours."

That's how the Wall Street Journal's feature story on the University of Waterloo—on newstands as of yesterday—begins as it focuses on our institution's unique expertise in experiential education and entrepreneurship.

The piece features notable graduates who have found success in the tech startup landscape and the pull that Waterloo's innovation ecosystem has had on both recruiters and tech companies alike, bringing them to Waterloo Region while exporting talented graduates abroad. The piece also focuses on major co-op employers and the experiences of Waterloo co-op students who found employment—and critical opportunities for success—while on their co-operative work term.

The online version of the article is behind a paywall, but there is also a version available to read for free.

Library launches ambassador program

The Library has announced the launch of the Library Ambassador program and are hiring students who want to share their enthusiasm for the Library and the great services the Library has to offer.

Library ambassadors will:

• reach out to students, parents, faculty, and staff at campus fairs and library events,
• communicate with your student association and department to promote the Library,
• gain work experience and develop valuable leadership, public speaking, and planning skills, and
• have fun!

Library ambassadors are members of the Library Outreach committee, which works together as a team to provide activities for students to engage with the Library. Library ambassadors are hired once a term.

"We invite you to become a part of this exciting new initiative," says the note from the Library. "If you want to be a Library Ambassador, please complete the application form."

Pirate parking lot resurfacing; other notes

Effective Wednesday, May 11, Parking Lot R will be closed for resurfacing for approximately four weeks.

During the reconstruction, parking will be available in Lots N or W for vehicles displaying a current R Lot hangtag.

"Parking Services technicians will be on site starting Tuesday May 10 to remove gating equipment," says a note from Parking Services. "There should be minimal disruption to permit holders during this time. It is imperative that you display your R Lot permit to ensure you are not ticketed. If you forget your permit please stop by Parking and obtain a temporary tag."

Questions or concerns should be directed to uparking@uwaterloo.ca.

President Feridun Hamdullahpur will be attending the grand opening of the Westmount Sports Park, located on the University of Waterloo's northwest campus environmental reserve, at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 7. The grand opening is part of the City of Waterloo Earth Day festivities.

The City of Waterloo leased land from the University to construct three fields and amenities on a portion of land that borders Laurel Creek as part of a proposal first inked in 2006 that included the construction of the Harper Public Library and YMCA. The sports park is accessible from the roundabout on Westmount Road.