About us | Earth and Environmental Sciences

Find your place with us

The Earth and Environmental Sciences department at the University of Waterloo is home to a welcoming community of dedicated students and world-class faculty connected by their passion for the natural world.

There are many opportunities to connect with faculty during your time here. Choose to work with a faculty member on a capstone thesis course, drawing on our high level of research excellence and world-class lab facilities while conducting and designing your own research. Students, faculty, and staff come together at events throughout the year, including our annual Logan Day celebration, where the entire department competes in geology-related games. And before you go, feast and get valuable advice from faculty and alumni at our graduation dinner in the Earth Sciences Museum.

Meet our exceptional faculty

Our professors and instructors are dedicated to student learning. Many graduates say faculty mentorship was key to their success in the program and beyond.

“I strive to help students feel welcome and comfortable asking for what they need to succeed. Whether it’s navigating difficult situations or figuring out their careers, feeling seen goes a long way toward creating a supportive and inclusive environment." Andrea Brookfield, Associate Professor

“What’s my teaching philosophy? Meet students where they’re at. In our department, learning is collaborative. Students and faculty are on a first-name basis and learn from each other. I love to see students make connections and succeed in their goals." Chris Yakymchuk, Associate Professor

“In our program, we get to know students and build a positive, supportive community around them. I’m very lucky to be able to watch students have ‘aha!’ moments in the field, and I love hearing about what they get up to after graduation!” Jen Parks, Instructor

“I love the connections we forge with our students, exploring the natural world while building a fun and caring community. There is nothing like seeing a student's mind ignite during an immersive field excursion or lab activity. Our students amaze me!” John Johnston, Associate Professor, Teaching Stream

Connect with peers

Starting with our first-year mixer to Elora Gorge, student cohorts come together to learn, explore, and connect.

The Earth and Environmental Sciences undergraduate club (WATROX) offers mentorship, a space to meet and study, and organizes events throughout the year.

Meet other first-year students and unwind before the exam season at our annual Dino Party, held every fall in the Earth Sciences Museum.

Dino and bear skeletons in the Earth Sciences Museum.

More ways to get involved

Enhance your student experience and explore all the ways to get involved in the student community here in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.