News

The University of Waterloo is announcing an important evolution to one of its longstanding academic programs: Geomatics has been renamed to Geospatial Data Science. The new name better reflects the modern tools, methods and career pathways that define the field today, helping students, employers and partners clearly understand the program’s contemporary focus and strengths. 

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. 

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) has announced Dr. Peter Crank as one of this year’s recipients of the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). He will receive $78,000 for his project: Addressing urban (over)heating in a warming climate.

Under bright autumn skies and the buzz of conversation, the Faculty of Environment community gathered on the EV3 Green for its annual Fall Food Truck Social; a celebration of connection, conversation, and great tastes.

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.

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. 

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.

Dr. Susan Elliott in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management has been recognized for her excellence in graduate student supervision. As a mentor, advisor, role model, humanist, and strategist, she brings exceptional energy and ingenuity to her work. Congratulations, Dr. Elliott

The Government of Canada announced the recipients of one of the country’s highest academic honours — the new Canada Research Chairs. We are pleased to share that Dr. Maria Strack was renewed for her work in wetland climate solutions and advances to become a Tier 1 researcher.