Future students

The mission of FIRST Robotics Canada is to promote robotics alongside science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects to Canadian youth. To do this FIRST organizes robotics competitions for students from elementary to high school. Students design, build and program robots to compete in a variety of fun challenges, from shooting balls into hoops to stacking boxes. FIRST provides resources, mentorship and support to participating teams, giving them the foundation to work together and use their ingenuity to solve problems.

The University of Waterloo recently wrapped the 15th annual Teaching and Learning conference — one of the largest events dedicated to teaching and learning in higher education in Ontario.  

Held across two days with 16 online sessions, 50 presentations, six panels, five workshops and 17 posters, sessions covered topics on generative AI, engaging large classes, engaging first-year students, feedback, and integrating undergraduate and graduate students in course design. 

On May 3, the University of Waterloo community came together to observe the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S), which is annually observed on May 5, and is also known as Red Dress Day. 

Velocity startup Setori, developed an artificial intelligence companion to improve Gen Z’s focus and guard against procrastination and raised $1 million USD in pre-seed funding. 

Setori is co-founded by two University of Waterloo engineering alum Logan Jeya (BASc ’14) and Marc Simard (BASc ’14) and solely staffed with Waterloo co-ops and graduates.

Following a successful first test of 200 users across five countries in North America, Europe and Asia, the startup is launching a beta test of its browser extension, Tori.

Every May, we celebrate Asian Heritage Month. Over the past two centuries, Asian communities in Canada have overcome challenges and thrived. This history is full of many barriers, but also countless stories of resiliency and success.

The field of quantum information and technology is rapidly advancing and changing. Equipping Canada’s quantum workforce with hands-on, real-world experience is critical.

The Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo continues to be a world-leader in building and studying quantum technologies. The institute also partners with leading tech companies to help expand their research and has recently signed an MOU with Xanadu., with the intention to help further develop Xanadu’s educational programming.

The build-up of ice on an airplane in flight can seriously impair its ability to fly and, in extreme cases, lead to catastrophe. In Dr. David Del Rey Fernández's lab, algorithms and software are being developed to understand these processes and enhance future aircraft designs to prevent negative outcomes.

Simon Chan (BA ’98) spent years as a financial executive helping people plan and save enough to retire comfortably. But his exploration of the non-financial aspects of retirement revealed a gap in industry conversations and services, especially when addressing how people are living much longer lives.   

What is happiness, and why do we strive for it? Can we become happier? Should we? Is happiness a good thing? 

Dr. Megan McCarthy (PhD ’16)