News

Shaieree Cottar, a recent PhD graduate, researched climate change adaptation and Canadian policies related to disaster recovery, managed retreat and resilience building against hazards. In a recently published article, Cottar completed a longitudinal study analyzing policy changes in the City of Gatineau’s flood management plan between 2014 and 2019, as well as the post-buyout land use decision-making process.

Matthew Woodward’s interest in geography was sparked in his early high school days. Both his brother, Ben Woodward, and a high school teacher of his, Ms. Anderson, planted the seed. Now, in his undergrad at the University of Waterloo, he has been named a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), a great honour for any geographer. 

Dr. Julie Bernard from the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development is named a research fellow at the Institute for Sustainable Finance to advance society’s understanding of the rising anti-ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) movement. 

Gurpreet Singh, a PhD Candidate in Sustainability Management, is researching the environmental impacts of space activity. Singh and his international student-led team was selected for flight through the REXUS/BEXUS programme. The project, S.O.B.E.R. – Space Object Brightness Evaluation and Reference, is a sensor that can measure the brightness and thermal signatures of satellites and space debris.  

Take part in an exciting hands-on learning opportunity this spring in Egypt through Waterloo International’s Beyond Borders program, in collaboration with the Faculties of Environment and Science. Interested third- and fourth-year undergraduate students must express their interest in the program by December 1 to be considered for the course. 

We are pleased to honour six deserving recipients whose impact can be witnessed in communities across the country and around the globe. Congratulations to our 2025 Alumni Award recipients: Rex Auyeung (BES ’77), Michael Brooks (BES ’75, PhD ’98), Jeff Willmer (BES ’86), Ashoke Mohanraj (BES ’21) and Co-operators and Farm Mutual Re.

A new documentary by Dr. Brian Doucet in the School of Planning takes a cross-Canada look at solutions that can put housing in the hands of those who need it the most. Catch a free screening of Thinking Beyond the Market near you.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of Joe Bevan’s passing, a staff member in the Faculty of Environment. 

This is the question a new documentary, Metabolism of Islands, by Dr. Simron Singh explores. Featuring voices from across the world’s small island nations, the film brings together science, storytelling, and lived experience to illuminate both the challenges and pathways to climate change resilience.

Wondering what your classmates have been up to? Find out who's been promoted, launched a new project, published a book or started a family. Catch up, then submit an update of your own for the next issue of Class Notes.