Biology

In our classrooms, we are fortunate to have Black student leaders who excel in their academic pursuits and serve as role models for the rest of our UW community. These individuals selflessly donate their time and energy to guide and support first-year students, paving the way for future generations of Black students in science.

Around the world, our Faculty of Science alumni are excelling in their chosen fields. They make significant contributions to their respective industries and their local communities. Their dedication and commitment are nothing short of inspiring.

Fatima Abrar’s research focuses on how protein mislocalization affects autophagy in Huntington disease (HD). Autophagy is the process of removing and recycling old and damaged cell parts—you can think of it as quality control for cells. It is an essential process that helps maintain cellular health and optimizes cell performance by removing toxic and non-functional parts in the cell.

Abiola Olaitan is one of the 2023 Gairdner Early Career Investigator Competition Award winners! Hear about his day at the Laureate Lectures in Toronto in this in-depth interview.

STEM with Disabilities was inspired by the frustration of being a student with disabilities and the epiphany of the power that comes from community. Through sharing lived experiences, the visibility project connects scientists, engineers, technologists, and mathematicians with disabilities, offering diverse role models for postsecondary students.

The Faculty of Science's very own Dr. Rebecca Rooney and Dr. Nandita Basu were featured on the latest episode of The Water Brothers to discuss the importance of preserving wetlands and their economic and environmental benefits. 

On November 9, 2023, the Waterloo Wetland Lab held its second annual wetland cleanup near Fischer-Hallman Road and Columbia Street in Waterloo. Armed with gloves and garbage bags, a dedicated group of volunteers sifted through the wetlands, collecting 20 bags full of trash.

Have you ever noticed green scum on the surface of a lake? Cyanobacteria are a type of algae that can cause harmful blooms. Harshina Brijlall, a PhD in Biology student, is working to identify potential algal toxin-producing markers and understudied bacterial communities to aid in lake management.

Biology Chair Kirsten Müller joins the Waterloo Climate Institute delegation to COP28 happening from November 30^th to December 12^th, 2023. A delegation of four student leaders and faculty researchers will represent the University of Waterloo at the event taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. People from all over the world will be gathered for the climate change negotiations happening at COP28 and Chair Müller will have a front-row seat.

Congratulations Chair Müller and we can’t wait to hear about your experience!

You have probably seen Phragmites australis in the wild—but did you know it is Ontario’s worst invasive plant species? Jersey Fontz, a PhD student in Biology (Water) is developing a seed mix to promote the growth of native species instead of invasive species after invasive species removal.