News

Vision impairments are on the rise, propelling the global ocular implants market to unprecedented growth, from $14.1 billion in 2022 to a monumental $22.1 billion by 2030. Yet, many potential breakthroughs stumble in clinical trials, often due to unforeseen toxicity and efficacy in preliminary research studies. Megala Ramasamy is developing a low-cost fabrication method for silicone polymers used to create advanced in-vitro eye models that simulate features of the human eye.

Congratulations to Juewen Liu (Chemistry), Linda Nazar (Chemistry), and Will Percival (Physics & Astronomy and the Waterloo Centre for Astrophysics) for representing Science and the university of this list. Liu and Percival are both marking their second appearance on the list, while Nazar has been on the list nine out of the last 10 years. Their work clearly resonates with the research community and their findings have inspired others to push boundaries and explore what’s next in their own research.

Professor Mark Matsen is set to receive the Polymer Physics Group Founders’ Prize. Only 11 scholars have been awarded this prize since its inception in 2001. Matsen, who holds a joint position as a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, is being honoured for his remarkable work on molecular self-assembly in polymeric systems involving block copolymers.

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.

Nyhenflore Delva’s interest in sustainable chemistry began during her undergraduate studies as she explored ways to mitigate negative environmental impacts. She learned that adopting more sustainable industrial chemical processing could provide many benefits.

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.

Dr. Chris Houser, Dean of the Faculty of Science, and Dr. Suzanne Kearns, Founding Director of the Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Aeronautics, have announced a new Pilot in Residence position at the University of Waterloo – the first role of its kind in Canada. 

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 provided a platform for over 100 students to showcase their research through co-op work terms and internships to leaders in the industry.

Andree Coschizza’s research revolves around low-temperature physics for quantum computing applications. One of the main barriers in quantum computing is that the necessary two-level quantum systems only become prominent at very low temperatures (often below 100 mK).