News

Dr. Raymond Laflamme, a visionary in quantum information science and founding director of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC), passed away on June 19 after a long illness. His leadership helped position Canada as a global force in quantum research and shaped the future of quantum innovation at the University of Waterloo.

Laflamme’s vision for IQC laid the groundwork for deep collaboration across campus, including a long-standing partnership with Waterloo Engineering. 

Researchers led by a team at Waterloo Engineering have developed a way to create tiny droplets of one liquid inside another liquid without mixing the two together.

The technique, known as droplet templating, enables the creation of a new class of nanoparticle-based soft materials with potential applications in carbon capture and wastewater treatment.

Researchers from Waterloo Engineering have been awarded nearly $1.5 million in combined funding through a federal initiative supporting high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary projects.

Professors Rodrigo Costa, Moojan Ghafurian, HJ Kwon, Veronika Magdanz, Kevin Musselman, Hamed Shahsavan, Ting Tsui and Chul Min Yeum received grants from the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Exploration stream, which fosters bold and innovative Canadian-led projects that cross disciplinary boundaries.

Spring convocation at Waterloo Engineering brought together graduates, families and faculty to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 2,000 students earning their degrees.

Over four ceremonies held June 13 and 14, the Faculty conferred degrees on 1,479 undergraduate students, 416 Master’s students and 103 PhD candidates, each recognized for their academic achievements and resilience.

Jocelyne Murphy, a fourth-year Waterloo Engineering student, will graduate this spring with a degree in systems design engineering and a global track record for building inclusive student communities.

Murphy co-founded UW Startups and Wygo and played a key role in scaling Socratica, a peer-led mentorship network now active in more than 30 cities. Through these student-led initiatives, she has helped over 3,000 students launch ideas, connect across disciplines and lead with empathy.

A Waterloo-based company building next-generation hydrofoil boats has secured $2.7 million to bring its innovative prototype to market.

ENVGO was founded in 2021 by four Waterloo Engineering alumni: Mike Peasgood (BASc ’98 and MASc ’04, systems design engineering, PhD ’08, mechanical engineering), April Blaylock (BASc ’04 and MASc ’07, mechanical engineering), Paul Masojc (BASc ’05, mechanical engineering) and Jerry Mailloux (BASc ’01, electrical engineering). The company’s zero-emission cruiser travels above water at four times the efficiency of traditional electric boats.

The Faculty of Engineering hosted an innovation challenge funded by Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada Inc. (TMMC) for engineering students in any program and in any year of study.

The weekend-long event, which took place in the Pearl Sullivan Engineering Ideas Clinic, challenged 125 students to design and prototype a robotic device capable of handling real-world automotive manufacturing tasks.

Elder William (Bill) Woodworth, who played a vital role in advancing Indigenous presence and perspective at the University of Waterloo, passed away unexpectedly June 9, 2025.

A long-time faculty member in the School of Architecture and Elder in Residence for the Faculty of Engineering, Woodworth supported students, faculty and staff by sharing his knowledge, stories and care for community. His calm presence brought people together, encouraged meaningful conversations and helped make the University a more welcoming and respectful place for everyone.

The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Engineering hosted a lively reunion event welcoming alumni from across generations back to campus to reconnect and relive their student days. 

The engineering grads came together for a full day of activities that included a patio party, the popular back-to-the-classroom lecture with Dr. Larry Smith, drinks at POETS, the iron ring renewal ceremony and a dinner party.

A student design team from the Faculty of Engineering has earned top honours at a national competition focused on advancing drone-based emergency response.

Waterloo’s Aerial Robotics Group (WARG) captured first place at the 2025 National Student Unmanned Aircraft Systems Competition in Medicine Hat, Alberta, with a custom-built autonomous aircraft designed for wildfire surveillance and support. WARG’s system stood out for its comprehensive wildfire response strategy, including real-time decision-making, terrain mapping and autonomous beacon detection.