Welcome to the Geographies of Health in Place (GoHelP) lab, led by Susan J. Elliott, PhD, in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo.
News
Congratulations to Francesca and Rodrigo on Their CAG Board Elections!
Congratulations to Francesca and Rodrigo on their election to the Board of the Canadian Association of Geographers (CAG). Their appointments recognize their valuable contributions to the field of geography and their commitment to advancing research, education, and collaboration across Canada. We look forward to seeing the impact of their leadership in these new roles.
2026 Flight 302 Legacy Award
Congratulations to Joan Kaburia on receiving the Flight 302 Legacy Award! This award honours the victims of the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 tragedy by supporting students whose work demonstrates a commitment to global impact and service.
A PhD student in Geography at the University of Waterloo and member of the GoHelp Lab, Joan’s research focuses on food security and promoting equitable, sustainable food systems. Guided by the values of equity, dignity, and global solidarity, she views this recognition as both an honour and a responsibility—strengthening her dedication to purpose-driven research and community engagement.
Congratulations to Isaiah on the Successful Defence of His Master's Thesis!
The GoHelP Lab congratulates Isaiah Omondi on the successful defence of his Master’s thesis in the Department of Geography and Environmental Management at the University of Waterloo. Isaiah’s achievement reflects his hard work, dedication, and commitment to rigorous research. As a valued member of the GoHelP Lab, we are proud to celebrate this important milestone with him.
Congratulations, Isaiah, on completing your Master’s degree and this significant academic accomplishment!
Blog
Improving Water Access through Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Alexa Bennett, a PhD candidate and GoHelP Lab member, recently returned from Ecuador, where she collaborated with WASHCanada and Engineers in Action on a community-based water supply project. Working in the mountain community of El Progresso, she gained hands-on experience in designing gravity-fed water systems, conducting water quality testing, and engaging with the local Water Board.
Invisible Truths: Understanding and Responding to Issues of Water Security and Gender-Based Violence in Sub Saharan Africa
For over two decades, Dr. Susan J. Elliott has been a leading WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) researcher, focusing primarily on Sub-Saharan Africa. Her recent project, funded by REACH, delves into the intricate links between water security and gender-based violence (GBV), especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why do we have to make toilets a human right?
Collapsed pit latrine on the left and Emergency pit latrine constructed with aluminum roofing sheet on the right in a dispensar in Kisumu, Kenya.