News

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. 

Stephanie Saal, a PhD candidate in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, is researching how snowpack impacts key ecological relationships, and how best to collect this information at a watershed level. In recognition of her academic achievements and innovative research, Saal has been awarded the 2026 Weston Family Award in Northern Research. Valued at $120,000 over three years, the award is presented to outstanding doctoral students across Canada. Saal was one of eight recipients, placing her among the country's emerging leaders in Northern research.

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 spring, four MFC students participated in FCIT 610 - International Field School, travelling to Singapore to explore what is possible when strategic foresight is integrated into urban planning. Lead by Eryn Stewart, the Managing Director of the Future Cities Institute, students were challenged to critically evaluate how Singapore’s strategies could be adapted to Canadian context.

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.

Huge congratulations to graduating students Emma LeCouffe, Abby La Chapelle, Francesca Girmenia, Estubdink Addis Kasu, Kirsi O'Quinn, Sam Ferrerira, Katie Croutch, and Campbell Bowser for receiving the Undergraduate Academic Achievement award from the Faculty of Environment. Join us in celebrating the students and read more to see their next steps!

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.