Research Talks

Dustin Garrick, PhD

Associate Professor and University Research Chair in Water and Development Policy, Faculty of Environment, University of Waterloo

Dustin Garrick is University Research Chair in Water and Development Policy at the University of Waterloo and Research Fellow at the University of Oxford. He works across a network of partnerships to understand the drivers of water scarcity and assess how communities and governments are responding to competition and conflict over water. His recent work focuses on thirsty cities confronting infrastructure deficits, climate risks, and loss of surrounding croplands. This research has received support and awards from research councils in Australia, Canada, the USA, and the UK. Dr. Garrick regularly serves as advisor to community groups, governments, and the World Bank and is currently leading a report mapping Canada's groundwater governance landscape, commissioned by the Gordon Foundation, and scheduled for release later in 2026.

Ellie Joseph

Two Row on the Grand Co-founder; Retired teacher

Ellie Joseph is a member of the Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan, born and raised on Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, where she continues to live along the banks of the Grand River. Following a distinguished 37-year career as an elementary school teacher in the public education system, Ellie retired from classroom teaching but remains actively involved in education through volunteer work and community engagement.

In 2013, Ellie participated in the 16-day Two Row Renewal Campaign, a journey from Albany to Manhattan along the Hudson River that honoured the Guswenta, or Two Row Wampum, and its enduring message of mutual respect and coexistence. Inspired by that experience, she joined three fellow participants in establishing what is now known as Two Row on the Grand.

This annual 10-day paddle journey travels from Cambridge to Port Maitland, bringing together members of the Six Nations community and allies to strengthen relationships, share cultural teachings and deepen connections to the land and waters of the Grand River. Along the route, participants engage in learning, reflection and dialogue guided by Haudenosaunee teachings and Indigenous perspectives.

As a grassroots volunteer-led initiative, Two Row on the Grand has grown significantly since its founding, with participation more than doubling over the years. The program continues to foster understanding, reconciliation, environmental stewardship, and meaningful community connections.

For more information, visit Two Row on the Grand.

Leigh McDermott, MESc, PEng

Director of City Utilities, Integrated Planning & Public Works, City of Waterloo and 2026 Douglas Wright Engineer-in-Residence, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Waterloo

Leigh McDermott has been the City of Waterloo’s Director of City Utilities in the Integrated Planning and Public Works Department since August 2020. Before joining the City, Leigh worked for the Region of Waterloo delivering complex capital projects for over five years, and for Stantec Consulting as the Water Sector Leader in the local area for over 10 years. Leigh started his career in the water industry with Pall Water (now part of Trojan Technologies) as Director Water Processing, responsible for membrane systems in the Canadian market for over five years.

Leigh holds a Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biochemical Engineering from Western University and a Master of Engineering Science in Chemical Engineering from Western University. He is licensed as a Professional Engineer in Ontario (Professional Engineers of Ontario) and Alberta (The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta). 

Leigh has contributed over his career to water and wastewater industry associations and is a current member of the Water Environment Association of Ontario. He has participated in several associations, including as the previous chair of the Membrane Systems Subcommittee of the American Water Works Association’s Technical and Education Council. 

Leigh is a strong advocate of charitable work and is the President and Chair of the Board for the Nice Day Shining Charity based in Waterloo, Ontario. The charity is focused on supporting education in the fine arts and raising awareness of mental health. 

David L. Rudolph, PhD, PEng

Professor, Faculty of Science, University of Waterloo

David Rudolph is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Waterloo. He specializes and teaches in the areas of regional hydrogeology and groundwater protection and management. He has participated extensively with municipal authorities, including the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, in groundwater development and sustainable management strategies. 

Rural community development and wellbeing, with guest panelists:

• Dr. Karla Boluk - Redesigning and regenerating tourism with care and intentionality: Widening the inclusion lens in St. Jacobs Village (PDF)
• Dr. Feng Chang - Bridging worlds: Stories of how rural voices drive health research (PDF)
• Dr. Tejal Patel - Designing technology to support older adults manage their medications (PDF)
• Ellie Joseph & Jay Bailey - Two Row on the Grand | 10 year anniversary

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Watch the full event recording