News

A warm welcome to our 600+ new undergraduate and graduate students! Whether you are a new or returning student, we want to support you in your transition to campus. Start by reviewing campus resources. 

The Government of Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) recently announced new grant recipients, with 12 Faculty of Environment researchers awarded funding. Congratulations to Amelia Clarke, Cameron McCordic, Janice Barry, Andrea Collins, Michelle Rutty, Steffanie Scott, Jason Thistlethwaite, Julie Bernard, Leia Minaker, Joe (Zhu) Qian, Stephen Quilley and Nancy Worth. 

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Jeff Casello will step in as the Interim Director of the School of Planning. Join us in welcoming him and thanking the former Director, Dr. Mark Seasons, for his service.

Dr. Brent Doberstein in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management has been honoured with the University of Waterloo’s Distinguished Teacher Award. Congratulations, Dr. Doberstein!

This summer, a new collaboration will bring together members of the University of Waterloo and members of Six Nations to share a journey along the Grand River. Two Row by the Grandis a five-day, reconciliation-focused bicycle tour following the river from Cambridge to Port Maitland. It takes place July 15 to 19 alongside the annual paddling event that brings together over 75 participants over 10 days each July.

In recognition of her research achievement and career potential, The Canadian Association of Geographers named Dr. Chantel Markle as the recipient of The Julian M. Szeicz Award for Early Career Achievement.

The Canadian Geophysical Union has recognized Dr. Maria Strack with the Mid-Career Scientist Award for her outstanding research contributions to the advancement of peatland carbon cycling. Congratulations!   

Chilika Lagoon, located on the Eastern coast of Bay of Bengal in India, is a biodiversity hotspot that is home to over 200 fish species. Natasha Serrao, a recent PhD graduate from the Social and Ecological Sustainability program, researched the intersection of fisher knowledge and scientific data to understand species importance in the region. 

An Environment faculty member, staff and retiree share what motivates them to support the student experience through their service and philanthropy.  

PhD candidate Nayadeth Arriagada is a finalist in the 2026 SSHRC Storytellers Challenge, a national competition that challenges postsecondary students nationwide to demonstrate how their research is positively influencing the world. Arriagada shares how her research rethinks gender, vulnerability and adaptation for small‑scale fisheries in Chile and beyond.