A message from Chris Houser, Dean of Science
As we close out the year, I want to extend my sincere thanks on behalf of our Advancement team and the entire Faculty of Science. Our community of over 38,000 alumni continues to be a vital part of Waterloo Science, and your engagement over the past year has been remarkable.
We’ve connected with many of you at local and international events, Reunion and Homecoming, and through one-on-one conversations with me and our Advancement team. Some of you welcomed our students into your workplaces through the Externship and Career Experiential Learning (ExCEL) initiative, offering an inside look at careers across the science and tech landscape. Others supported Waterloo’s first Giving Day, made monthly commitments, or contributed to Science or other University of Waterloo funds. Every one of these actions strengthens our community and enhances our global reputation.
Thank you for everything you do. I wish you a safe and happy holiday season and I hope you have the chance to reconnect with Science in 2026.
Warm regards,
Chris Houser
Dean
Faculty of Science
Joe Han, BSc ’06 (Science and Business)
Joe Han considers himself "just another average Joe", but as an entrepreneur, investor, and advocate for the field of quantum physics, he is anything but average.
With a University of Waterloo degree in Science and Business, specializing in physics and astronomy, Joe uses his multidisciplinary perspective to propel scientific advancement in industry settings. Shortly after graduating, Joe became an early investor in the Quantum hardware company D-Wave, then co-founded the quantum software company 1Qbit. He has since grown to be deeply involved in the fabric of the Canadian quantum industry, embracing the next generation of quantum computing as one with the potential to solve computationally hard problems across sectors including pharmaceutical development, defence, finance, and many more.
Read more about how Joe uses his business skills to facilitate scientific advancement as we celebrate the International Year of Quantum in Taking on the Quantum Industry.
Want to be our alumni spotlight in an upcoming issue? We want to promote your stories!
Tell us what you've created or achieved, we'd love to hear about your talents. If you've published a book, started a charity, or won your local hot dog eating contest, this section is for you — let's make you famous!
Fill out our form, Let's make you famous!, to be considered for the next alumni feature!
Blast from the Past
This edition's photos have come from Professor Shaun Frape, a long-time professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, who retired this past fall. His passion for geology, exploration, and student success has left an indelible mark on the field and through the support of the students he guided along the way. In appreciation of his impact here at Waterloo and his retirement, we celebrated the establishment of the Professor Shaun Frape Perseverance Award, made possible through the support and generosity of many of our alumni.
We've enjoyed seeing photos and hearing stories of past field work and adventures this year, and hope you enjoy these memories too!
Biology Science alum Mathumy Sivatheesan shares her summer research on Whip-poor-will conservation and sustainability with Birds Canada, and reflects on her experiences as a Cobalt-level IDEAL Scholar.
When ZoRaw Chocolates co-founder Gigi Gill graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Waterloo in 2016, she imagined a career that would make a real difference.
Amidst a world of possibilities to use the skills and talents she developed in Waterloo Science, Olga Shmaidenko, BSc ’05 (Honours Science and Business, Biochemistry), has chosen to be a humble driver for change in the world.
The University of Waterloo has broken ground on WaterFEL, the Infrared Free Electron Laser (IR-FEL) facility, scheduled to open in 2028. The new facility will be the only one of its kind in North America and will revolutionize research with its capabilities to address global challenges, from understanding and treating complex health conditions to creating pathways for a healthier environment.
Meet Waterloo Chemistry's new Alumni Advisory Council!
This fall, Science established Waterloo's Chemistry Advisory Council, comprised of Waterloo alumni, individuals from the chemistry community and beyond. This committee will provide strategic advice to the Department of Chemistry, as it serves as a bridge between the Department of Chemistry and industry, government, alumni, and other academic institutions.
Together, the Department and the Advisory Council will ensure that our chemistry programs remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with societal and industry needs.
Upcoming Events
*Please note, while we have made every attempt to provide accurate dates at the time of newsletter publication, some events may still be subject to change.
To stay informed about events or upcoming advancement team travel in your area, please update your information and opt in to receiving event emails to receive the must up to date event updates in your area.
Science Alumni and Community Events
Science Alumni Awards Ceremony: January 29, 2026
Toronto Alumni Event at PDAC: March 2, 2026
International Women's Day High Tea Social: March 6, 2026
Waterloo Giving Day: May 21, 2026
Spring convocation: June 19, 2026 - Alumni volunteers needed!
Class of 2025 1 year reunion: September 19, 2026
Watch the Science Events page for more updates throughout the year!
Waterloo-wide Alumni events
Waterloo alumni events are hosted throughout the year, and around the globe! Check out the Waterloo Alumni Events Listing for the most up-to-date opportunities to connect with fellow Waterloo alumni.
Upcoming Science Advancement Global Events
This winter, Science Advancement will be accompanying leadership from the University of Waterloo on a trip to Asia, including Singapore, China and Hong Kong this winter.
If you're currently based anywhere in Asia, let us know, we'd love to meet up with you!
Science advancement events, including global events, are added throughout the year. Keep your address updated and opt into receiving information by email to hear about visits to your area.
The results are in from our event poll, and we're excited to announce our newest event:
SCI-toberfest!
Come back and relive your Octoberfest experiences with Waterloo Science Faculty and fellow Alumni!
Save the Date: SCI-toberfest - September 19, 2026
Alumni Snaps
The Earth and Environmental Sciences Alumni Celebration welcomed alumni back to campus in September
Fall convocation 2025 - welcome to our newest Science alumni!
Science students and alumni participated in the first annual Science Day this summer
We celebrated 40 years of Donna Strickland's Nobel Prize winning research, Chirped Pulse Laser Amplification, with a special evening celebration
Class Notes
Look at where your classmates are now!
Following Waterloo Science degrees, our alumni move across the globe sharing their talents and skills, and making a difference in their workplaces industry, academia, as well as in their personal lives.
Do you have an update to share? Whether it's a new job or retirement, a life update like you got married or had a baby, or even crossed off a dream bucket list achievement, we want to share your news! Let your classmates know what you're up to now by submitting a class note.
Bethany Bouchard
BSc ’20 (Physics)
Bethany is now based in Ottawa and began a senior role at assent compliance in May, leading education and training programs for ethics and sustainability compliance. She's especially excited to apply her science background and her experience with Let’s Talk Science to make a tangible difference — helping translate complex information into accessible learning that empowers people around the world to create safer, more ethical supply chains.
Emily Pass
BSc ’19 (Physics and Astronomy)
Emily, now a postdoctoral researcher at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, was named to the 2026 Forbes 30 under 30 Science list.
Richelle Monaghan
PhD ’11 (Biology)
Richelle has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Science at Wilfrid Laurier University, beginning on January 1, 2026. This appointment follows prior leadership positions of vice-dean of Laurier's Faculty of Science, and department chair.
Betty Robinson
BSc ’11 (General Science)
Betty was recently awarded Civic Awards of Recognition from the City of Mississauga, in recognition of her STEM children's book series and her volunteer work in astronomy.
Christina Cella
BSc ’02 (Biochemistry)
Christina recently accepted the position of clinical pharmacist professor, sharing her time between The Ottawa Hospital and the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Ottawa, after almost 20 years of experience working in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospital pharmacy, community pharmacy, telepharmacy, specialty pharmacy, consulting, medical information, and academics. She has also recently reconnected with her Waterloo Science roots by joining the Waterloo Chemistry Advisory Committee.
Nicholas Brathwaite
MSc ’83 (Chemistry)
Nicholas, a distinguished Waterloo alumnus and globally recognized technology investor, has been appointed the next Chancellor of McMaster University, beginning in early 2026. He also serves as the Founding Managing Partner of Celesta Capital, a leading deep tech–focused venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley and Montreal. His career spans decades of innovation and company-building across the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors, alongside a long-standing commitment to expanding equity and educational opportunity. Nicholas and his wife are also active philanthropists through their personal foundation and scholarship initiatives, including support for underrepresented students and scholars from his Caribbean heritage.
Will Anjowski
BSc ’81 (Chemistry)
Will completed a long career in the polymers and materials industry, retiring in December 2024 as R&D director for Colortech, Inc., in Knoxville TN, after 32 years there and a prior 14 years with several other Canadian businesses. He is now enjoying a new role as principal scientist with Cove, PBC, developing novel sustainable packaging, with full retirement coming in a few years. He's planning to travel with family and support a number of volunteer agencies in the United States and Canada. He would love to get back in touch with other alumni.
Don't see your classmates? Get the conversation started by submitting your own update!
HINT: If you need help, check our researchers' profiles on Science's departmental web pages! There are professors from each of Science's departments and schools included in this puzzle.
Biology | Chemistry | Earth and Environmental Sciences | Physics and Astronomy | School of Optometry and Vision Science | School of Pharmacy
Download a printable version of this puzzle
Across
| Number | Clue |
|---|---|
| 2 |
A leader in the field of sports vision and concussion rehabilitation, from sports related brain injuries to paralympic classification |
| 5 |
Researches coastline erosion, management of shoreline changes, and response and recovery of costal barriers from storms |
| 6 | Uses trapped ion quantum simulations to investigate multilevel quantum information coding in qudits |
| 8 | Conducts contaminant hydrology and groundwater geochemistry remediation studies, focused on groundwater transport |
| 10 | Focuses on the design of reagents for the controlled assembly of polynuclear metal clusters |
| 12 | Examines how the physiology of children or patients with disease affects the pharmacokinetics of drugs and uses this information to optimize drug therapy |
| 15 | Uses ultrafast electron diffraction and imaging to study molecular structure and dynamics |
| 16 | Works on quantum optics to research photon entanglement, with a focus on generating new quantum states of light |
| 19 | Considers the ecohydrology and biogeochemical processes that control water quality, from nutrient cycling and geomicrobial activity to contaminant tracing |
| 21 | Uses machine learning algorithms for simulating quantum mechanical systems on classical computers |
| 22 | Studies the speciation, taxonomy and evolution of sexuality on Bangiales, an order of red algae |
| 23 | Examines molecular mechanisms for protein folding, function and aggregation for biomedical and biotechnology applications |
| 24 | Investigates how environmental stress influences the health and immune systems of amphibians to understand their worldwide decline |
| 25 | Award winning researcher using ultrashort laser pulse generation using multi-frequency Raman generation |
| 26 | Improving medication use through emerging technology design in healthcare |
| 27 | Examines how human-caused and natural ecological disturbances influence wetland communities |
| 31 | Uses geomicrobiology to address carbon storage, bioremediation of mine sites, and understand microbial activity in polar habitats |
| 32 | Understanding how human activities and climate change alter carbon cycles and greenhouse gas budgets |
| 35 | Develops tools for water resource management, studying the use of hydrological models to balance competing water demands |
| 36 | Develops theoretical tools for investigating light-matter interactions with applications in quantum communications and quantum simulations |
| 38 | Aims to understand the evolution of the Earth's continental crust and mountain formation through plate tectonics and isotope dating |
| 41 | A leader in developing new energy storage materials for batteries |
| 42 | Studies exoplanets and planet formation using data from telescopes including the James Webb Space Telescope |
| 44 | Investigates the molecular properties of charged molecules and clusters, and is leading the development of Canada's only free-electron laser |
| 45 | Uses the largest scale map of the known universe to study galaxy distribution and the Universe’s evolution |
| 46 | Uses bioinformatics and computational biology to predict protein functions, evolutionary adaptations in genes and gemones, and compare functional metagenomics |
Down
| Number | Clue |
|---|---|
| 1 | Uses multinuclear, gas phase, high-resolution and solid-state NMR to probe the physical chemistry of a variety of compounds |
| 3 | Studying visual cortex development and plasticity for patients with brain-based visual disorders, and is co-leading the development of Waterloo's Advanced MRI and Neuromodulation Core Facility |
| 4 | Studies the effects of climate change and land use, water resource availability, and the origin of fluids in the earth's crust |
| 7 | Studies the impact of climate change and pollutants on fish epigenetics |
| 9 | Studies the fundamental physics of black holes, from observable signatures and polarization to their gamma-ray emissions |
| 11 | Investigates exotic quantum properties in low-dimensional materials for new devices |
| 13 | Investigates cosmology, gravitation and observational astrophysics to address fundamental questions about dark energy and gravity |
| 14 | Aims to improve diagnosis and treatment for neuroinflammatory illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease using quantum neurobiology |
| 15 | Studies high intensity femtosecond laser pulses to image molecules in motion |
| 17 | Studies pathogen surveillance using genomic methods, upcycling of food waste to biodegradable bioplastics, and plant beneficial bacteria |
| 18 | Uses computational molecular modelling and wet lab validation for synthetic biology and drug discovery |
| 20 | Focuses on elucidating molecular mechanisms of disease-causing proteins in neurodegeneration for Huntington disease and ALS |
| 21 | Using birds and bats, investigates how animals cope with energetic challenges, and the environmental conditions that drive these challenges |
| 28 | Develops tools for environmental remediation of municipal landfills by identifying the microbial diversity and function at sites |
| 29 | Creates geometrically complex inorganic nanoparticles for catalysis and quantum optics |
| 30 | Examines the role of conformational plasticity on enzyme structure, mechanism, inhibition and allostery |
| 33 | Reconstructs recent glaciers to understand the modification of the Earth's surface |
| 34 | Designs bio-nano-materials using DNA and lipids as functional polymers for sensing and medicine |
| 37 | Studies the improvement of pilot performance and advocates for sustainability in the aviation industry |
| 39 | Studies geochemistry to trace petroleum systems, mineral deposit formation, and reconstruct the oxygenation of our planet |
| 40 | Studies quantum materials and high-temperature superconductors using resonant soft X-ray scattering and absorption spectroscopy |
| 43 | Develops hypervalent-iodine halogen-transfer methods for selective fluorination |
Enter the puzzle contest
To enter the contest, send your completed puzzle grid, along with your full name, email address and mailing address to science.alumni@uwaterloo.ca. All correct answers will be entered into a random prize draw. To be eligible for the draw, your answers must be received before Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:59 a.m. (noon) ET. If your entry is drawn, we will contact you by email and coordinate mailing your prize. In order to be eligible for the prize, you must include your current email and mailing address in your submission.
Congratulations to Karen Saffran, MSc '93 (Biology), winner of the summer 2025 "Check your letters" puzzle! Cobalt arrived safely, and joined Karen at a Science Olympics. She assured us that Cobalt was in his element!
