The 21st century's problems are complex. To tackle issues like climate change, health inequities, and global conflicts, experts need to know how to think critically, communicate, and work together to solve real-world problems. These skills are the backbone of the Knowledge Integration program and span across traditionally-defined departments at universities. It was in recognition of this disconnect that the University of Waterloo’s Knowledge Integration program was created and why, since its beginning in 2008, it has proven and will continue to prove a transformative experience for hundreds of students.
Now, on the occasion of KI’s 15th anniversary, it’s worth celebrating the program’s unique place in Canada’s university landscape and look back at why and how it came into being!
In a world of rapid and profound change, our society needs people who can work across disciplines and in diverse teams to understand - and find answers - to the complex, ‘wicked’ problems we face. KI graduates are creative and critical thinkers, ready for whatever comes their way.
Dr. Katie Plaisance, Professor and Chair of the Knowledge Integration program, reflects on how KI's transdisciplinary is needed in today's society.
A KI degree is a golden ticket to a successful future and to making a difference in the world. It’s a fantastic foundation whether you’re intending to enter law, engineering, medicine, education, planning or, really, any other profession. The KI model doesn’t exist anywhere else.
Dr. Ed Jernigan, Professor Emeritus and Founder of the Knowledge Integration program,
reflects on how KI came to be.
Celebrating the KI Community
In celebration of KI’s 15th anniversary, we have curated a collection of interviews and images that capture the mission, courses, and impact of the Knowledge Integration program. Initial work on this project was done by Mary Stewart, Professor Emerita from Florida State University. Dr. Stewart spent two months at the University of Waterloo in fall of 2022 as a Fulbright Scholar, during which time she created an initial collection of collaborative interviews at the request of Rob Gorbet (then KI Chair).
Alumni and Student Stories
Alumni and students are at the heart of the Knowledge Integration program. Who better suited to share their experience of the program, what it taught them, and where it has led them?
Faculty and Staff
As Knowledge Integration celebrates its 15th anniversary, it's worth remembering it owes its success to team effort. Here are some of the people who guide a program greater than the sum of its parts.
15-Year Anniversary Reception
Together with its students, alumni, faculty, staff, Faculty of Environment colleagues, donors, community members and friends, KI celebrated its 15-year anniversary and the KIX 2024 exhibits in March. The event is filled with inspirational speeches, good food, nostalgic conversation, and a special ‘walk down memory lane’ exhibit. With 150 in attendance, the KI community rejoiced in the impacts it has had, and what is yet to come.
