IDEAL Scholar

Creating new and exciting solutions to the world’s problems is a big part of the Waterloo experience. Students who participate in problem-solving activities focused on the generation of new ideas will be successful in the Innovation theme. If you are part of Velocity Science, a design team like iGEM, or you’ve created something new that benefits fellow students, you will be able to check off the Innovation theme.

Asking questions about life’s big questions, working on activities that promote undergraduate research and looking at the world with a critical eye are all ways you can achieve the Discovery theme. Your honours thesis project and any paid or volunteer research positions are activities that qualify for the Discovery theme. 

Are you involved in activities around campus that enhance the student experience for all science undergraduate students? By participating in activities like Let’s Talk Science, the Science Ambassador program, Science Indigenous Initiatives Office programming or volunteering in clubs or for Orientation, you will be achieving the Engagement theme.  

To achieve the Application theme, you will be engaging in activities that promote active learning and mirror learning in the workplace. Being in co-op, the EDGE certificate program, working as a teaching assistant, service learning, or internships are all ways to complete the Application theme. 

Leadership takes many forms within our student body and there are many ways to get involved in this capacity. Roles that involve providing direction, enhancing communication skills, and decision-making will help you achieve the Leadership theme. You could be a SciSoc executive, a varsity athlete, participate in student government, be a mentor, or be an endowment fund director.