Waterloo Engineering professors Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn and Dr. Aiping Yu have been elected to the Royal Society of Canada's (RSC) class of 2023, as announced today by the prestigious society.
Dautenhahn and Yu are two of 101 fellows and members from across the country elected by their peers for outstanding scholarly, scientific and artistic achievements. In all, nine University of Waterloo researchers were announced as recipients of the elite distinction.
Dautenhahn, an electrical and computer engineering professor, was elected as RSC fellow. At Waterloo, she is also the director of the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Laboratory. Since 2018, Dautenhahn has been a Canada 150 Research Chair in intelligent robotics, where her main research interest is in human-robotic interaction, social robotics, artificial intelligence and assistive technology and health technologies.
Yu, a chemical engineering professor and director of the Carbon Nanomaterials Laboratory for Renewable Energy and Multi-functional Composites, was elected as a member of the RSC College. Yu is a pioneering researcher at the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology, where her primary research is in materials development for energy storage and conversion, photocatalysts and nano composites. Yu's previous work in the plastics and carbon solutions industries has led her to dedicate her current research toward developing nanomaterials for practical applications.
“The Royal Society of Canada is very proud to welcome today an imposing group of inspiring scholars, artists and creators whose peers have recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture and to the well-being of our society," said Alain-G. Gagnon, president of the RSC, in a media release. "The impact of their work will continue to be felt in the development of public policies for years to come, while adding greatly to the enrichment of public life."
The RSC's class of 2023 will be honoured in November during the society's Celebration of Excellence and Engagement in Waterloo.
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