When first-year Mathematical Physics student Dio Hsieh opens his textbook or listens to a lecture on electromagnetism, his excitement is unmistakable. “My dopamine level always rises whenever I solve a physics problem correctly,” he says with a grin. “Back in the summer before Grade 12, I even pre-studied the entire course because I just couldn’t wait to learn about torque, circular motion, electrostatics and electromagnetism. It’s just so cool.”
That genuine joy in discovery led Hsieh from his home in British Columbia to the University of Waterloo, where he is now the first recipient of the Lee Chan Chiou Entrance Scholarship in Physics, the largest donor-funded undergraduate scholarship in Science at Waterloo.
Hsieh credits much of his preparation and confidence to two remarkable high school teachers who shaped his love of physics. “Mr. Jesse Pendak and Mr. Nathan Willard both made a huge difference in my education,” he says. “Mr. Pendak was an unconventional teacher who didn’t follow the traditional style. He skipped unit tests and instead gave us three major exams that really simulated the structure of university courses. Mr. Willard was more traditional, but he always challenged us to think deeply and strengthen our physics intuition. Together, they taught me how to learn, not just what to learn.”
For Hsieh, the scholarship is more than financial help; it is freedom. “I feel truly honoured to receive this award,” he says. “It means I can focus completely on my studies without worrying about working part-time to cover tuition or food costs. I can spend my time doing what I love, learning physics.”
Drawn to Waterloo for its world-renowned reputation in physics and its co-op opportunities, Hsieh quickly found inspiration in his first-year courses. “Dr. Richard Epp is an amazing professor who explains things so intuitively,” he says. “I’ve always loved astronomy, and I’m thrilled that I can pursue it here through my minor in astrophysics. Waterloo’s physics program gives me the perfect balance of theoretical and practical knowledge.”
Outside of class, Hsieh is already dreaming of new ways to build community. A talented singer, he is planning Waterloo’s Got Talent, a campus-wide talent show for the winter term, to showcase the creativity and spirit of Waterloo students. “STEM programs can be stressful,” he explains. “I want to bring a bit of joy to campus and help students take care of their mental health. Music and performance are powerful ways to do that.”
A legacy of giving
Behind Hsieh’s journey stands the generosity of the Lee family of Waterloo: Richard Lee, Jenny Chiou, their daughter Brenda Lee, and the late Mina Chan. Their commitment to education and community service has been a guiding force for decades. Longtime supporters of the Faculty of Science, the Lees previously funded the Lee Chan Chiou Family Seminar Room in the Department of Physics and Astronomy.
For the Lees, philanthropy is rooted in an unspoken family rule: help people in need whenever you can. “Our family has always believed in giving back to the community that shaped us,” says Brenda Lee, Associate Chair, Associate Professor Teaching Stream in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Establishing this scholarship felt like a natural next step to help students who share our passion for physics and ensure that financial barriers never stand in the way of discovery.”
Their generosity has already had a tangible impact. Hsieh’s enthusiasm, dedication, and creativity embody the very qualities the Lees hoped to nurture. “It’s a great feeling to know I’m starting university on the right path,” Dio says. “Everything has come together perfectly, and I’m incredibly grateful.”
The power of philanthropy
As the University of Waterloo celebrates National Philanthropy Day, Hsieh’s story captures what giving can achieve. The Lee Chan Chiou Entrance Scholarship is not only transforming one student’s future; it is also strengthening a culture of curiosity, compassion and opportunity within the Faculty of Science.
Every equation Hsieh solves, every idea he explores, and every class he inspires through his future Waterloo’s Got Talent event will carry forward the Lees’ legacy, which is that generosity, like physics itself, has the power to illuminate and connect the world in extraordinary ways.
To learn how you can make an impact on the next generation of scientists, contact Meaghan Middleton, Director of Advancement, Faculty of Science at Meaghan.middleton@uwaterloo.ca. Your support will help empower more students like Hsieh to discover, innovate, and shape the future of science.