The University of Waterloo was thrilled to welcome students and researchers from across the country over the weekend for the 59th annual Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference (CUPC). The conference offered an environment for academia and industry to unite, providing the next generation of physicists with enriched networking and learning opportunities.
The conference was flawlessly executed through a collaborative effort from Waterloo's organizing team of undergraduate students and the Canadian Association of Physicists. "I was beyond excited to bring this conference to the University of Waterloo," says Kat Bogopolskaya, CUPC 2023's chair and a B.Sc. Honours Mathematical Physics student. "The Canadian Undergraduate Physics Conference is a highly recognized and prestigious event, and I was so proud to see all our hard work come to life this past weekend."
Supporting the CUPC organizing team was Faculty Liaison Dr. Brenda Lee, who provided unrelenting support to the students throughout the planning stages. "I was honoured to be chosen by our students to be a part of this journey," says Dr. Lee. "Kat and her team put in hundreds of hours of hard work while overcoming countless challenges to pull off an amazing conference that made our department and Waterloo community proud."
The event kicked off with a keynote presentation from Dr Laurie Rousseau-Nepton, a groundbreaking figure in Canadian astrophysics and the first Indigenous woman in the nation to earn a Ph.D. in the field. Her lecture transported the audience on a cosmic journey, painting a vivid portrait of the night sky and unveiling the unique stories behind a star's origin.
The conference welcomed three professors from Waterloo's Faculty of Science. Nobel Laureate Dr. Donna Strickland delivered a compelling talk on the critical role of trust in science and technology. She highlighted the importance of science communication, sharing her experiences on bridging the gap between academia and the public. Dr. Robert Mann delivered an insightful history of physics, telling a story of its past while sharing his projections for future advancements in the field. Finally, Dr. David Cory educated attendees about quantum technologies and their wide-ranging applications, including advancements in sensing, secure communication, physics simulations and quantum computing.
Issues that have long been sources of adversity within the scientific community were addressed in two panel discussions. The Science Communication panel, titled "Change your Basis: From Expert to Public," discussed the importance of scientific literacy in making research accessible. A thoughtful conversation emphasized the need to share research stories with various audiences to make science accessible to everyone.
Continuing the conversation on inclusivity, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion panel, titled "Making Space for Everyone in Physics," ignited thoughtful conversations. Attendees engaged in lively discussions, exploring strategies and tools to create an inclusive environment within the physics community. Innovative ideas and solutions emerged that will pave the way for a more equitable and diverse scientific community.
Most importantly, the conference provided a platform for over 100 students to showcase their research through co-op work terms and internships to leaders in the industry. These presentations showcased valuable insights into the field, serving as a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm students carry with them as they embark on their careers in science.