Friday, March 1, 2019

Lili Liu named Dean of Applied Health Sciences

The University of Waterloo has appointed Lili Liu as the dean of its Faculty of Applied Health Sciences.

Liu currently serves as the chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.

This week, the University’s Senate passed a motion recommending Liu’s appointment to the Board of Governors, which approved the appointment on Thursday. Liu is also appointed professor, with tenure, in the School of Public Health and Health Systems.

“Professor Liu’s experience as an administrator combined with a tracked record of scholarship and strong experience in professional occupational therapy practice will be an asset to the University of Waterloo,” said Vice-President, Academic & Provost Jim Rush. “Her interest in interdisciplinary research and focus on helping people remain independent as they age will complement much of the work already underway at Waterloo.”

Liu is an occupational therapist and holds a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science and a PhD, all from McGill University. Her research has focused on user adoption of technologies for rehabilitation assessments and interventions, as well as ways technologies can help older adults and family caregivers.

She joined the University of Alberta in 1992, and recently completed her second five-year term as chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy in the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine. During her tenure, the department went through two successful national accreditation reviews, and established Canada’s first satellite occupational therapy program. She has a long record of administrative service, including a one-year term as acting chair of the department, an 18-month term as associate chair, and six-year term as graduate program coordinator.

Liu has served as vice-president of the Association of Canadian Occupational Therapy Programs, interim director of the Alberta Centre on Aging, chair and a member of the Chairs’ Council Executive for University of Alberta, member of the Academic Women’s Association Executive, and the University of Alberta’s representative for the Institute for Continuing Care Education and Research Steering Committee.

Liu begins her five-year term on July 1, 2019. 

Warriors ready for battle with York in OUA quarter-finals

This article was originally published on the Athletics website.

Following their most historic season in program history, women's volleyball is ready for a big OUA quarter-final battle against York on Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. with a berth to the Final Four on the line.

If the Warriors can come away victorious the black and gold will not only play for the top OUA prize but will host the top four teams in the province on Friday, March 8 and Saturday, March 9. It will be Waterloo's first trip to the Final Four since 2008 when Toronto hosted it.

"It is neat to have the opportunity to potentially host the Final Four," said head coach Richard Eddy, "but for now all of our attention is on preparing to be our best for our quarter-final matchup."

That type of mentality is what has led the Warriors to an incredible 17-2 record, tied with Ryerson for the best record in the OUA and has set the stage for a run at Nationals.

"Our goals will not change for this match. We want to do what we do best in the game's biggest moments. I believe if the team can stay focused on the match at hand, then we will put ourselves in a position to succeed and move forward in the playoffs."

As the top seed in the West, Waterloo takes on the fourth ranked York Lions from the east in Saturday's quarter-final battle. The two met once this season back on January 26 with the Warriors coming away with the straight sets (18, 20, 20) victory. Waterloo used their big outside hitters Claire Mackenzie and Sarah Glynn very effectively in that win while their passing efficiency and defence were on the mark.

The Warriors will rely heavily on fifth year outside hitter Claire Mackenzie and rookie outside hitter Sarah Glynn to power the Warriors to victory after outstanding seasons with the black and gold. Mackenzie led the way with 236 kills in 70 sets while Glynn was just two back with 234 kills in the same amount of sets.

Up the middle Samantha Warner and Ella Stewart will see plenty of court time after stellar net play from the two middles this season. Warner finished with 42 blocks and had 110 kills while Stewart totaled 47 blocks and 96 kills.

Defensively Sarah Remedios, who led the way this season with 254 digs and Brooklyn Gallant (196 digs), will play a key role in Waterloo's passing game while setter Claire Gagne will set up the attack after a strong season finishing with 594 assists on the season, the fifth most among OUA setters.

"Our mindset is to expect our opponent's best effort, and to take care of our side of the net. They're a well-coached athletic team and it will take a full-team effort to come away with the win."

Waterloo's quarter-final battle goes at 6:00 p.m. and tickets are selling quick. Purchase tickets online today.

FASS 2019 is all about fantasy and fandoms

The University community's amateur theatre company FASS (Faculty, Alumni, Staff, and Students) will be performing its annual musical comedy show, "FASS presents Fantasy & Fandoms,” later this month.

"Math, Arts, Engineering, AHS, Science and Environment. Once our first years are sorted into their destined faculties, then their adventures begin!” says the promotional material. “From magical escapades to terrible co-ops, from fighting zombies to psychedelic exploits, follow our plucky young protagonists on their journey through Fantasy and Fandoms!”

This year’s show will draw from well-known pop culture fandoms including Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, World War Z, the Chronicles of Narnia, Doctor Who, Sailor Moon, and many more.

Performances are scheduled for:

• Thursday, March 14, 8:00 p.m.;
• Friday, March 15, 8:00 p.m.;
• Saturday, March 16, 7:00 p.m.

All shows will take place in the Humanities Theatre.

Originally started in 1962, FASS is an amateur theatre company “brimming with fun, inclusivity, and creative opportunities for all.”

“Predating many of the modern organizations on campus, we strive to produce an original script each year in a span of five weeks, coming together as a community to celebrate the art of theatre,” says a statement from the FASS organizers. “From first years to seasoned UW staff members, FASS has a wide range of contributing characters, as we do not turn a single person away.”  

Tickets are available online.

Nutrition Month tips return and other notes

"It may not feel or look like spring is just around the corner, but the arrival of Nutrition Month is a sure sign that March is here," writes Health Services Dietician Sandra Ace. "For over 30 years since the launch of this annual campaign, Dietitians of Canada have helped millions of Canadians translate the science of nutrition into terms everyone can understand by providing reliable, evidence-based information and practical advice." 

"For the seventh year in a row, I’ll examine timely, misunderstood or controversial nutrition or food topics you may have heard, read or wondered about. Be sure to check the Daily Bulletin every day through March 29  to learn about the evidence (or lack of) behind popular nutrition claims and trends. You are always welcome to forward comments to Sandra Ace, MPH, RD, Health Services Dietitian, at sace@uwaterloo.ca."

"I’m sorry I can’t guarantee spring’s early arrival but I can promise some thought-provoking reading to go with your morning cup of joe!" Ace writes.

A student-run International Development Conference is taking place today from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Federation Hall.

The conference is organized by INDEV students and open to all students, faculty, staff and members of the Waterloo community. 

The conference will discuss the theme of sustainability and include interactive workshops and speakers throughout the day. Breakfast and Lunch will be included. 

The tickets are $7 each and can be purchased at indevconference.com 

The family of missing IST staff member Rick Eastep will be hosting a celebration of Rick's life on Sunday, March 3 at the Alma Community Centre on 51 Simpson Street in Alma, Ontario at 2:00 p.m. Eastep went missing while hiking California's Lost Coast Trail in January 2019.