Research

Cyanobacteria blooms are a major environmental issue worldwide. They can have direct impacts on the safety of drinking water supplies by producing a variety of toxins which also impose health risks for swimmers and boaters. Although many may associate cyanobacteria with bright green algae seen on the surface of lakes, Ellen Cameron, PhD Candidate in Waterloo’s Biology Department, is using DNA sequencing to study cyanobacteria communities in low-nutrient, clear lakes in Northern Ontario.

Eons ago, a cataclysmic crash between two neutron stars caused a convulsion that spread ripples of gravitational waves across the cosmos. 

Niayesh Afshordi
Professor, Faculty of Science 
> Waterloo Centre for Astrophysics 
> Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics 

Nafiseh Nafissi
MSc ’09, PhD ’13
> Executive vice-president of research and development, Mediphage Bioceuticals

In the midst of a surge in COVID-19 cases in fall 2020, hopeful news emerged: Vaccine trials by several large drug makers showed promise. 

As the pandemic drove people online to work, study and connect with loved ones, Leah Zhang-Kennedy doubled down on her commitment to making digital spaces safer for everyone.

Leah Zhang-Kennedy
Professor, Faculty of Arts
> Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business
> Waterloo Cybersecurity and Privacy Institute

Laura Middleton became passionate about Alzheimer’s research after a much-loved aunt was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at age 47. 

Laura Middleton
Professor, Faculty of Health 
> Alzheimer's Research 

With everything else going on, it’s easy to forget the climate crisis. Juan Moreno-Cruz, a researcher in the Faculty of Environment and a Canada Research Chair in Energy Transitions, has a not-so-gentle reminder.  

Juan Moreno-Cruz
Professor, Faculty of Environment 
> Canada Research Chair in Energy Transitions
> University of California, San Diego research collaboration

When a flood hits a Canadian community and rising waters wash out roads, governments at all levels respond with heroic evacuations of vulnerable residents and emergency food and shelter.  

Jason Thistlethwaite
Professor, Faculty of Environment 
> JBA Risk Management
> Climate Risk Research Group (CRRG)