Research

Taking your temperature can often help a healthcare practitioner figure out if you’re sick. A new University of Waterloo spinoff company aims to do something similar with your eyes.

ThermOcular AI, a company started by Waterloo vision science and engineering researchers, aims to bring a patented thermal imaging system to market that can measure in detail the temperature of the cornea, the transparent part of the eye that domes over the iris and pupil. The novel device could be used to screen for dry eye and potentially other ocular diseases.

Imagine the moon as a hub of manufacturing, construction and even human life. It's no longer a far-fetched idea baked in science fiction lore — increased interest and investment in space exploration are pushing efforts to develop the technologies needed to make the moon a viable home for humans.

Convocation is a time of immense pride and celebration across campus. This year, 13 outstanding students have been chosen to represent the graduating Class of 2024. 

Below they share parts of their academic journey filled with innovation, growth and resilience.  

Why did you choose to study at the University of Waterloo?   

Natasha J. Chen

The University of Waterloo has officially opened its state-of-the-art Inert Atmosphere Fabrication Lab (IAFL) as part of the Quantum-Nano Fabrication and Characterization Facility (QNFCF).

Many materials used in quantum-nano fabrication can easily react with oxygen, so they must be assembled in a special, oxygen-free environment. This lab was carefully designed and built by the QNFCF team, with help from Angstrom Engineering and JEOL USA, to support the quantum research community at the University of Waterloo and beyond.

The journey to completing a PhD is not always smooth nor linear. Beyond the intellectual rigour of coursework and research papers, pursuing a PhD requires unconventional and, at times, interdisciplinary thinking.  

Through the years of pursuing a doctoral degree, candidates’ critical research helps to unlock conventional barriers by developing new and creative approaches to tackling complex problems.  

Waterloo PhD graduates undertake ground-breaking research projects that can often have global impact and lead to a healthier, more sustainable future.  

Amy Nahwegahbow is a 2024 Vanier Scholarship winner, researching the impacts of industrial pollution on First Nations Peoples in northern Canada.

As Spring 2024 Convocation approaches, it is also a time for students to reflect on their successes and achievements over their time here at Waterloo.

Among this year’s graduating class are a consort of recipients of the 2023 Co-op Student of the Year Award who were recognized for their exceptional contribution to their employers.

A team of University of Waterloo students were riding high on adrenaline after a whirlwind trip to Poland that involved countless hours of preparation, a little sightseeing, very little sleep and a massive victory that’s sure to impress their future employers. The team included Ryan Trainor and Coco Dai, Master of Accounting students, Arnav Sheth and Ronis Goel, students in the Accounting and Financial Management program, and Aryaman Dhillon, a student in the Computing and Financial Management program. 

The University of Waterloo is pleased to award three graduate students with the prestigious Governor General Gold Medal at Spring 2024 Convocation.  

The Governor General’s Gold Medal is awarded to graduate students with outstanding academic performances and tremendous records of scholarship. Awardees represent our exceptionally gifted community of scholars who are creating knowledge and generating transformative research to the betterment of society. 

A team of researchers based at the University of Waterloo have created a new tool – nicknamed “RAGE” – that reveals where large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT are getting their information and whether that information can be trusted.