Dear faculty, staff and graduate students,
Recently, the Provost launched the New Interdisciplinary Programs, Networks and Initiatives Fund to implement the recommendations of the Interdisciplinary Task Force that was co-chaired by Jean Andrey and Bernie Duncker.
The deans were asked to “lead on identifying ideas and scoping funding requirements for interdisciplinary programs, networks and initiatives that contribute to addressing gaps and leveraging opportunities in priority areas by working collaboratively with faculty members and other relevant stakeholders across at least two Faculties.” Projects have to take place over three to five years, be led by the deans, engage Academic Support Units and include a sustainability plan.
After two review cycles, I am pleased to share with you that three proposals will be led by the Faculty of Health:
- The transformation of the Network for Aging Research into the Network for Aging and Society, led by Health, with the involvement of the other Faculties
- A new Waterloo Health Innovation Hub, led by Health, in collaboration with the Faculty of Science
- Indigenous initiatives to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, led by the Dean’s Office, Indigenous Relations and others
Lili Liu
News I Events I Did you know?
NEWS
New tenure and promotion
At its meeting this month, the Board of Governors approved tenure for Warren Dodd, associate professor in the School of Public Health Sciences (SPHS) and full professorship for Mark Oremus, also in SPHS. Both take effect July 1. Congratulations!
Zara Rafferty wins Distinguished Teacher Award
Congratulations to Zara Rafferty from the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies for being one of four faculty members at the University to receive a Distinguished Teacher Award. She is described as being charismatic, passionate and engaging.
Funding spotlight: New Frontiers in Research Fund
Ellen MacEachen, director of the School of Public Health Sciences, has received a Special Call New Frontiers in Research Fund grant with a budget worth almost $500,000 for her project titled "Economic recovery policies for sustainable and equitable digital school teaching and tutoring in Canada and Bangladesh." Carrie McAiney, also from the School, was co-applicant of a project led by Sunnybrook Research Institute that received a Transformation award worth $24 million; she will co-lead the Lived Experience Cross-Cutting program. These awards were announced by the federal government this week.
Funding spotlight: Heather Mair and Katie Misener
Heather Mair recently received a SSHRC Partnership Development Grant titled “Partners in Transforming Sport” for almost $200,000 over three years, while Katie Misener received a SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant titled “Understanding the landscape of club rowing in Canada: An investigation of capacity for growth” for almost $25,000. Misener also received a Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada Safe Sport grant of more than $87,000 over three years for “A national investigation of safe sport practices and decision-making in community sport organizations in Canada." Congratulations!
Teaching and TA Awards announced
Congratulations to Lisbeth Berbary (Recreation and Leisure Studies) for receiving the 2022 Faculty of Health Teaching Award. Congratulations as well to the following TAs, who were recognized for their excellent work with the 2022 Teaching Assistant Awards, worth $500 each: Cameron Chiarot (Public Health Sciences), Donna Fok (Kinesiology and Health Sciences), Elizabeth Kailes (Public Health Sciences), Mohad Nasir (Kinesiology and Health Sciences), Mackenzie Morton (Recreation and Leisure Studies), Kendra Fortin (Recreation and Leisure Studies), Amanda Demmer (Public Health Sciences) and Logan Reis (Public Health Sciences).
Call for convocation ambassadors
The University is actively recruiting staff to act as convocation ambassadors who assist students before crossing the stage and make sure that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Faculty members are also encouraged to join the procession, especially if they have students graduating.
May Wellness bingo prize is Uptown Waterloo gift card
Congrats to Sydney Mitton, who won $50 to White Rabbit in the Faculty's March Wellness Bingo draw. Organized by the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Health and Well-being, the game is open to everyone in the Faculty in an effort to promote healthy habits and behaviours. It's easy! When you complete a line, send a picture to health.wellbeing@uwaterloo.ca to be entered for a monthly prize draw. You may also request an accessible version of the card. The May prize is a $50 Uptown Waterloo gift card. Download the May bingo card here.
Tunnel project updates
Plant Operations reports that there are a few weeks of work left to complete the tunnel project, which affects the new external stairs beside the Manulife Wellness Centre and the new south portion of Parking Lot M. In the first week of May, these external stairs will be closed off for one or two days, then in the second or third weeks, sod and fences will be installed throughout the project area. Pedestrian and vehicle traffic should not be affected. In the third week of May, light poles will be erected beside the PAC, and in June, the paved walkways will be adjusted, necessitating the closure of Lot M for a few days for asphalt work and line painting.
Walking on Wednesdays: Starting May 3
The Dean's Advisory Committee on Health and Well-being is organizing an informal walking group. Starting in May, it will run every Wednesday at lunch. Meet at the Ring Road entrance to the Health Expansion building. The group will walk rain or shine, and everyone is welcome. For questions, please contact health.wellbeing@uwaterloo.ca.
GARLS Symposium: May 4
The Graduate Association of Recreation and Leisure Studies (GARLS) is holding their 30th annual GARLS Symposium in person on May 4 in the Sun Life Auditorium. The theme is “Back to the future – what matters in Rec and Leisure," with keynote speaker Mac Ross from Western University.
Red Dress Day: May 5
Red Dress Day marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people in Canada. Join Elder Myeengun Henry on May 5 at 2 p.m. on the BMH Green to honour and remember our missing and murdered sisters and to show solidarity with their family and loved ones. If you would like to volunteer at the event, please contact Fiona McAlister.
Mixer on Health Technologies: May 5
Health faculty members are invited to attend a Mixer on Health Technologies on May 5 between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., bringing together researchers from Health, the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) and the Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology (CBB). The event is designed to connect health and medical researchers with those in nanotechnology to find new discoveries and applications. If you missed the registration window but would like to attend, please contact cbb@uwaterloo.ca.
Dreamcatcher workshop: May 10
Join Elder Myeengun Henry to learn how to make a dreamcatcher and hear about its cultural significance. The workshop takes place on May 10 at 2 p.m. in EXP 1686 and it is open to staff and faculty members.
AGE-WELL awards deadline: May 12
Applications for the Graduate Student and Postdoctoral Awards in Technology and Aging, which are co-funded once again by the Faculty of Health, are due by May 12. These awards provide funding to highly qualified master’s, doctoral and postdoctoral candidates, as well as access to training and mentorship opportunities through the AGE-WELL Network of Centres of Excellence. For application questions, please contact training@agewell-nce.ca.
The Sanctuary grand opening: May 18
The Faculty of Health now has its own brand-new wellness space in BMH 3023! We are inviting you to come check it out and enjoy some tea and snacks on May 18 at 1 p.m. The Sanctuary is a non-denominational space open to all members of the Faculty of Health to participate in prayer, mediation or any other introspective practices, spiritual or otherwise. We are starting small and are open to feedback about how to grow and improve it. There will be prayer mats and yoga mats and a comfy chair. The space will be available for use at the beginning of the spring term.
Men's Group: May 24
Indigenous Knowledge Keeper Myeengun Henry will be facilitating a Men’s Group for graduate and undergraduate students, starting on May 24. It is meant to be a safe, welcoming space for young men to talk about whatever they want. It will be every other week in the spring term.
Lunch and Learn with Donna Rheams: May 24
Donna Rheams from Athletics will be joining us this month for Lunch and Learn. The event on May 24 will focus on Incorporating movement into your day, and is geared to staff in the Faculty. Bring your lunch to BMH 3119 at noon. Also, if you have ideas or suggestions for future sessions, or can lead one, please contact Fiona McAlister. You don't have to be an expert – just be willing to share your know-how so others can learn.
Alumni Weekend: June 2-3
We will be welcoming alumni back to campus for Alumni Weekend on June 2-3 for a number of activities, including class reunions, a tour of our Faculty spaces, a Forever Black and Gold luncheon and, new this year, a chance to get back into the lab with our new Anatomy 202 lab for alumni. Please let students who have graduated know of the events and pass on the Alumni Weekend registration link. For more information, contact Sherri Sutherland.
DID YOU KNOW?
Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowship application open
The University is awarding Entrepreneurial PhD Fellowships
to support doctoral students who are interested in commercializing their research, with the Faculty of Health co-funding one position per year for three years. Successful applicants will be enrolled in the Master of Business, Entrepreneurship and Technology (MBET) program at the Conrad School of Entrepreneurship and Business. Recipients can complete the three-year, part-time program alongside their doctoral studies, tuition free. Apply by July 1.
Mexican Gothic in May
The Faculty of Health Book Club will be discussing Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia on May 25. The group is open to anyone in the Faculty during lunch hour in BMH 3119. We have a few copies to lend out at the Dean's Office front desk, and you may join in person or online. Please contact Fiona McAlister if you are interested in attending.
Do you have a news item to share? Please email it to Eugenia Xenos Anderson.