GWF Strengthens the University of Waterloo’s Research and Teaching Capacity

Global Water Futures (GWF) has significantly enhanced the University of Waterloo’s ability to tackle the world’s most urgent water challenges and train the next generation of water leaders. This achievement is anchored by the permanent hiring of five new faculty members.

The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) awarded $77.84 million in September 2016 to launch Global Water Futures: Solutions to Water Threats in an Era of Global Change. At Waterloo, the CFREF funding was supplemented with an additional $15 million in matching dollars.

This landmark investment positioned Canada as a global leader in user-driven water science, especially for cold regions, and boosted the University of Waterloo’s capacity for water research and education for generations to come.

“As an institution, we are committed to advancing transdisciplinary science that delivers sustainable solutions for complex water problems,” said Philippe Van Cappellen, Professor and University of Waterloo lead on the GWF Strategic Management Committee.

Impactful Research and Innovation

The increased capacity is already driving societal benefits through innovative research projects. “Our work addresses the key challenges facing freshwater resources and aquatic environments in a rapidly changing world,” said Van Cappellen. “By expanding our research capabilities, we’re contributing to Canada’s knowledge economy, fostering innovation, and enriching the student experience with forward-thinking curricula.”

This progress reflects strategic and sustained investment, coupled with leadership committed to global impact, sustainability, and diversity.

“The clear need for water management professionals with multidisciplinary technical expertise was a key driver behind Global Water Futures,” said David Rudolph, Professor and fellow GWF Strategic Management Committee member.

Building a Sustainable Future

For the first seven years, the five new water-related faculty hires are being financed centrally from the University’s GWF matching funds, beyond which the positions revert to the individual faculties, hence, ensuring their long-term sustainability and impact.

The new faculty hires include:

Andrea Brookfield

Hired in January 2020 as Assistant Professor in Integrated Hydrologic Systems (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences), Andrea focuses on developing efficient numerical tools for water resource management. Her research balances competing water demands—such as energy, agriculture, and urban development—to maintain environmental stability.

Dustin Garrick

Joining in July 2021 as University Research Chair in Water and Development Policy (School of Environment, Resources, and Sustainability), Dustin’s work spans water conflict, sustainable development, and adaptation pathways. He also directs the Collaborative Water Program and advises global organizations like the World Bank and UN.

Fereidoun Rezanezhad

Appointed Research Associate Professor in December 2019, Fereidoun’s research explores climate impacts on carbon, nutrients, and contaminants in soil and water systems. A member of the Ecohydrology Research Group, he has secured over $21 million in research funding and mentored more than 75 students and postdoctoral fellows.

Helen Jarvie

Appointed in January 2020 as Professor of Water and Global Environmental Change (Department of Geography and Environmental Management), Helen specializes in river-system biogeochemistry and water-quality policy. Her work informs sustainable use of water and nutrient resources and addresses global environmental challenges.

Tonya DelSontro

Joining in July 2020 as Assistant Professor (Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences), Tonya investigates how human activity and climate change affect aquatic carbon cycles and greenhouse gas emissions. Her work integrates field and laboratory studies to address local and global aquatic greenhouse dynamics.

Through strategic investments and cutting-edge research, Global Water Futures has strengthened the University of Waterloo’s role as a leader in freshwater science and education, preparing future generations to effectively mitigate water-related challenges in Canada and worldwide.