News

Advancing research around the themes of water security, gender-based violence and neglected health and illness in vulnerable populations in Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Susan Elliott was elected by her peers for her outstanding scholarly achievements. This recognition by the RSC is the highest honour in the Arts, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Sciences.

Dr. Larry Swatuk, professor in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, has retired after 17 impactful years at the University of Waterloo. A globally recognized scholar in natural resource management and international development, Larry helped shape key academic programs and brought a spirit of energy and collaboration to the Faculty of Environment. His leadership and legacy will continue to influence generations of students and researchers.

The Faculty of Environment is pleased to announce that Dr. Ian Rowlands has been appointed Associate Dean, Graduate Studies, effective September 1, 2025. He succeeds Dr. Peter Deadman, who is beginning a sabbatical after three years of dedicated leadership.

We are honoured to welcome Sir Andrew Steer as the 2025 TD Walter Bean Professor in Environment. This fall, he will join the Faculty of Environment to deliver two compelling lectures exploring how leaders, innovators, and citizens can rise to meet the world’s most urgent environmental challenges — for nature, our cities and for our shared future. 

The Government of Canada’s Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) recently announced the funding recipients of their Insight Grants and Insight Development Grants in which five Faculty of Environment researchers were awarded project funding. Congratulations to Jennifer Asanin Dean, Brian Doucet, Marta Berbés, Rosella Carè and Seth Wynes. Additionally, The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has named Peter Crank, Christine Dow and Richard Petrone as recipients of the 2025 NSERC Discovery Grants. 

Dr. Jennifer Clapp was recognized by the Canada Council for the Arts for her ongoing contributions to Canada’s cultural and intellectual heritage. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Dr. Dawn Cassandra Parker on being selected as the winner of the 2024 Influential Female Researcher in Land System Science Award.

Our heartfelt congratulations to our new alumni who had their accomplishments celebrated at this week’s convocation ceremony. With their degrees now in hand, these new alumni are ready to make meaningful contributions to the world’s most pressing challenges. From tackling climate change and shaping sustainable cities to safeguarding natural environments and forging unique partnerships, we are confident they are ready to take on the world — and make it better.

Join us in celebrating the outstanding undergraduate students who have received awards for their academic achievements: Eloise Fan, Neha Lal, Sophia Armstrong, Harry Cheung, Ricardo Dabydeen, Ben DePetris, Salma Ibrahim, Jason Simrak and Alex Walton. Kudos, award winners!

Dr. Daniel Scott, professor and research chair in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management, has been named a University Professor. Conferred by the University of Waterloo, this rare and prestigious recognition celebrates professors of international acclaim for their exceptional scholarly contributions.