News

The Amit & Meena Chakma Awards for Exceptional Teaching by a Student recognize up to four students from across the University of Waterloo for excellence in teaching of all kinds (e.g., teaching assistant, laboratory demonstrator, sessional lecturer) by registered students.

This year, two of the four winners were from the Faculty of Science.

The University of Waterloo honoured 125 educators and researchers who have received the President’s Excellence in Teaching and Research awards 2020 in an online celebration that recognized their contributions to the Waterloo community and beyond.

Dr. Stanley Woo will serve a second term as Director of the School of Optometry & Vision Science after a strong majority of faculty and staff voted in favour of reappointment. The Nominating Committee voted unanimously in favour of recommending Dr. Woo to a second four-year term, which will run from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2025.

Congratulations, Dr. Woo!

Researchers have discovered that a single, 20-minute session of non-invasive brain stimulation of the visual cortex can reduce the effects of macular degeneration.

Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs hosted the first ever virtual University of Waterloo Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition. Biologist Isabel Hilgendag and vision scientist Yara Mohiar both represented the Faculty of Science. Mohiar won second place, making her the fourth student from the School of Optometry and Vision Science to place/win at the university level competition.

The “Class of 2020” may have the most appropriate name possible for a graduating class of optometrists. The fourth year and final year of Waterloo’s optometry program is unique in that it focusses almost entirely on practical “hands-on” training. COVID-19 not only made that impossible, it also prompted the postponement of board exams in both Canada and the US and forced a detour on graduates’ career paths. Waterloo optometry graduates are resilient and flexible. They have found ways to give back to their communities, keep their skill sharp and for a few find a way to start their careers.

As the Government of Canada focuses on responding to the challenges of COVID-19, it also recognizes the invaluable contributions of Canadian researchers in the natural sciences and engineering. That is why the Government continues to support the discovery research being done at Canadian universities to help build the foundation for innovation and economic growth.