Dean Chris Houser posing with his arms crossed in the Earth Sciences museum at the University of Waterloo.

About the Dean of Science

Dean Chris Houser standing in a long hallway with his hands in his pockets. He is wearing a blue dress shirt, a grey tie, and a grey blazer.

A message from the Dean

Welcome to the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo. I am proud to lead a faculty driven by curiosity and inspired by researchers and students who continually ask why. That spirit of inquiry is at the heart of everything we do, and it is one of the reasons I love Waterloo.

Science is rapidly evolving, and in Science at Waterloo, we are committed to leading the way toward new discoveries through innovative teaching and learning and world-class research. Whether you are a student, researcher, staff member, or community partner, our faculty offers a welcoming environment where you are empowered to embrace bold ideas and create meaningful impact.

I look forward to working together to help shape the future of science.

Chris Houser
Dean, Faculty of Science
University of Waterloo

Dean Chris Houser in Costa Rica with students at the Houser waterfall trail.
Dean Chris Houser on stage at convocation taking a selfie with a student.
Dean Chris Houser standing next to a group of bronze IDEAL Scholar students.
Dean Chris Houser standing in the middle of a group of Science students who are wearing blue t-shirts at the Ontario Universities Fair.
Dean Chris Houser kneeling in the middle of a large group of IDEAL Scholar students.

Chris Houser, Dean of Science

Dean Chris Houser is the tenth Dean since the Faculty of Science was founded in 1957. Prior to joining Waterloo, Dr. Houser was the Dean of Science at the University of Windsor (2016-2022) and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Geosciences and the inaugural Global Faculty Ambassador in the Office of the Provost at Texas A&M (2014-2016).

Dr. Houser is a coastal and aeolian geomorphologist focusing on the response and recovery of coastal barriers to extreme storms and coastal erosion. He is actively involved in promoting beach safety, leading public education campaigns to reduce water-related deaths in Canada’s Great Lakes. His research group manages the COASTIE citizen science program in partnership with Parks Canada to monitor shoreline changes across the country.

Since joining Waterloo in 2023, Dr. Houser has launched the IDEAL Scholars program, has guided students on field course trips to Italy and Costa Rica, and continues to build beneficial partnerships with universities worldwide to create new opportunities for Science students. Through his leadership in research, education, and international collaboration, Dr. Houser continues to transform the Science at Waterloo experience both inside and outside the classroom.

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Past Faculty of Science Deans

  • Chris Houser (2023-present)
  • Robert P. Lemieux (2015-2023)
  • Terrance B. McMahon (2007-2015)
  • D. George Dixon (2001-2007)
  • John E. Thompson (1990-2001)
  • Don E. Brodie (1982-1990)
  • Robert N. Farvolden (1977-1982)
  • William B. Pearson (1969-1977)
  • William A.E. (Peter) McBryde (1961-1969)
  • Bruce W. Kelley (1958-1960)

Learn more about Science at Waterloo