Dear faculty, staff and graduate students,
Last week while visiting Hong Kong for the 2024 Alumni Dinner, I met Kennedy Stock, an Honours Co-op student in the Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies with a minor in Tourism and Event Planning. It was such a pleasure to be on Kennedy’s ‘turf” as she completes a marketing internship there before returning to campus. She grew up in Hong Kong and plans to return after graduation. I also chatted with Dr. Hao Luo, who is leaving the University of Hong Kong to join our School of Public Health Sciences this July and I heard Chancellor Dominic Barton give a parting message as he completes his term this June.
I have visited Hong Kong many times, and noticeable changes over the years for me are: (1) Hong Kong campuses are now increasingly diverse and international in representation, (2) this is also reflected among research graduate students; certainly an undergraduate degree from abroad is no longer a differentiator, (3) post-secondary education and research programs are well-resourced; we see this in the huge investment in institutes such as the Centre for Eye and Vision Research, co-founded with the University of Waterloo, but completely funded by the Hong Kong government, and (4) while most alumni are from STEM fields, there is a focus on innovation and business success among these alumni in health and wellness.
As our Faculty continues to align with the Global Futures of Waterloo at 100, we could turn our attention to the intersection of our talent with the societal, health, sustainable, technological and economic futures and emphasize the value of travel abroad programs. In short, our vision for ‘a healthier future’ also applies to our international contributions and learnings.
Best,
Lili Liu
News I Events I Did you know?
NEWS
Dr. Lili Liu reappointed as Dean
Faculty of Health Dean Lili Liu has been reappointed for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2024 until June 30, 2027. The appointment was strongly recommended by the Dean of Health Nominating Committee. Liu has served as Dean since July 2019 and has advanced initiatives for both Health and the University as a whole. She has also been instrumental in furthering the introduction of Indigenous initiatives at the Faculty level.
Dr. Heather Mair named TALS Fellow
Recreation and Leisure Professor Dr. Heather Mair has been named a Fellow of The Academy of Leisure Sciences (TALS). TALS Fellows are leaders within the leisure profession who demonstrate outstanding performance, whether as a teacher, leader, administrator, practitioner or researcher.
Dr. Scott Leatherdale joins ACOR Advisory Council
Dr. Scott Leatherdale, a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, has joined the Canadian Cancer Society’s Advisory Council on Research (ACOR). As a leading expert in cancer research, his insights will help shape the Cancer Society's grants and awards programs, advancing cancer control initiatives.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Professional Networking Fair: March 4
This networking fair, organized by Recreation and Leisure Studies, features booths hosted by various sport and recreation organizations, as well as municipal partners. It is open to all students in any undergrad or graduate program. Meet professionals in the field of recreation and leisure and learn about the benefits of membership in professional associations on March 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. at HLTH EXP 2691 (second floor foyer at top of stairs).
International Research Partnership Grant applications: March 4
International Research Partnership Grants are internal seed grants designed to provide Waterloo researchers with resources to develop new innovative international research collaborations (e.g., NSERC Alliance International Grants, NFRF International Grants, Horizon Europe Pillar 2 Grants). Projects must have the potential for leveraging external funding from Canadian and international funding programs. Read more about International Research Partnership Grants and how to apply.
Community-based Research Canada info session: March 6
Are you interested in learning more about community-based research? Because the University is an organizational CBRCanada member, all faculty, staff and students have access to their wide range of programs, opportunities and discounts from their network. Attend their short information session on March 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. to find out what is available. Register for the CBRCanada information session.
Open Education Week event series: March 7
The Open Scholarship Committee, including staff from the Library, Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE), Centre for Extended Learning (CEL), the Bookstore, as well as faculty members, is hosting a series of sessions on March 7 to highlight some of the ongoing work in open education at Waterloo. Register for any or all of the four sessions. Discover what new Open Educational Resources are being created on campus and how your own ideas for Open Education may be realized.
Anti-racism Anti-oppression course: complete by March 8
Elevate your understanding of Black history in Canada by actively embracing the responsibility of self-education. The Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-racism Committee strongly encourages you to complete a five-module course that will take three to four hours to complete. Those who complete the course by March 8 will be automatically entered for a chance to win one of two $50 Amazon or $50 Ultimate Dining gift cards. The draw will take place on March 12. The course will still be available to take after the draw has closed. Look for email instructions on how to access it on LEARN or email health.edi@uwaterloo.ca for the information.
Sharing Circle with Myeengun Henry: March 8
Elder Myeengun Henry invites graduate and undergrad students to come together, share wisdom and knowledge, and spend time together using traditional Indigenous practices. Join him for a Sharing Circle at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, March 8, in Lyle Hallman North (LHI) 3701, the Indigenous Student Gathering Space. All students are welcome!
NSERC Alliance info session: March 14
Waterloo researchers are invited to an information session on March 14 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. about Alliance funding with a representative of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The information session will include a Q&A and will be held in East Campus 5 with an online option. Register for the NSERC Alliance funding session.
Scholarship of Teaching and Learning: March 19
The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is an interdisciplinary field focused on systematic and scholarly inquiry into teaching practices and student experiences. Join the Centre for Teaching Excellence for an introductory workshop in SoTL on March 19 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in EC3 2103.
Research Impact Canada quarterly touchpoint: March 20
You are invited to join the Research Impact Canada (RIC) quarterly touchpoint online via Zoom on March 20 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Staff, faculty and students are eligible to access RIC resources, including centres of expertise, knowledge sharing, scholarship and awards opportunities, training modules and webinars, as well as a searchable repository of knowledge mobilization tools, an eight-week course for beginner mobilizers and more. Contact Nadine Quehl (Office of Research) to attend the RIC touchpoint session.
Health Sciences conference registration: March 20
The School of Public Health Sciences is hosting the second annual Research and Practice in Health Sciences Conference, taking place on April 5. The aim of this student-led conference is to expose current undergraduate and graduate students and postdoctoral fellows to a range of career paths, including research and practice related to public health. The deadline to register to attend in person is March 20, and the deadline for submissions of on-screen poster presentations is March 29.
Sparking and Sustaining Engagement: March 20
The Centre for Teaching Excellence invites instructors to attend the Sparking and Sustaining Engagement session on March 20 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in MC 2036. The conference will explore ways to re-ignite and enhance passion for teaching, allowing for continued investment in designing stimulating learning activities and environments for students. Registration is required.
Grad Cooking Club: March 20 and 27
The Dean's Advisory Committee on Health and Well-being is hosting a cooking club for graduate students and postdocs in the Faculty of Health. Spots are still open for students to register for the free program to enjoy preparing (and eating) several meatless recipes! The March 20 cooking club takes place 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. with a theme of sports nutrition, and the March 27 cooking club takes place from 2 to 4:45 p.m. with an Easter-inspired menu.
Tenure and Promotion discussion: March 21
Tenure and promotion are critical milestones in a faculty member's career. The Centre for Teaching Excellence (CTE) invites faculty to attend a panel discussion where colleagues will share their experiences documenting success in research, teaching and service on March 21 from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in NH 3407. Registration is required and questions for panelists can be submitted in advance to the CTE's Katie Damphouse until March 15.
March Open House: March 23
Thank you to the faculty, staff and students who have volunteered to help out at Waterloo's March Open House this spring, which will take place March 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about the event, please contact Clare Stevens.
Grad Class Send-off: March 26
Join us at this celebratory event on March 26 from 5 to 7 p.m., hosted in honour of students' hard work, dedication and accomplishments during their time in Health. Both undergraduate and graduate students graduating in 2024 (June or October) are welcome. Registration is required for Grad Class Send-off and open until March 19 at 11:59 p.m.
Aftab Patla Memorial Cup hockey game: March 28
Players needed! This event, created in honour of the late Kinesiology and Health Sciences faculty member Dr. Aftab Patla, has traditionally involved participation from undergrad students, grad students, postdocs, staff and faculty, both on the ice and in the stands! This year, the game will be held on March 28 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Columbia Icefield. Sign up if you're interested in playing for the graduate student/faculty/staff team. If you're looking to attend, no registration is required.
DID YOU KNOW?
March Wellness Bingo prize is $50 to Landmark Cinemas
Organized by the Dean’s Advisory Committee on Health and Well-being, Wellness Bingo is open to everyone in the Faculty to promote healthy habits and behaviours. When you complete a line, send a picture to health.wellbeing@uwaterloo.ca to be entered for a monthly prize draw. You may also contact Gaby McInnis to request an accessible version of the card. March's prize is a $50 gift card to Landmark Cinemas. Download the card here. Congrats to Amara Osonwa, who won last month’s Wellness Bingo draw!
Do you have a news item to share? Please email it to Jenna Braun.