News
Dr. Mu Zhu appointed first associate dean for AI Strategy
“I expect my main role will be to help build up our reputation in AI-related research for the Math Faculty,” Zhu says.
Doing good really does pay: the financial case for sustainable investing
UWaterloo researcher Tony Wirjanto finds that investment strategies built on ESG principles deliver stronger, more resilient returns — even during times of economic stress.
Read the full story on the School of Accounting and Finance website.
Historical additions: a look back at the construction of Waterloo Math
In honour of Math 4, we’re looking back at the other buildings on Waterloo’s “Math Campus,” and how they came to be.
Cindy Forbes receives Honorary Doctor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo
The University of Waterloo is proud to announce that Cindy Forbes was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Mathematics, one of the university’s highest honours, in recognition of her exceptional leadership, professional achievement, and profound service to both the university and broader society.
The honorary degree was awarded during the Faculty of Mathematics convocation ceremony on Friday, October 24, 2025, where the University community celebrated Forbes’s outstanding contributions to both her profession and society.
2024 Outstanding Performance Awards winners named
Created in 2005, the Outstanding Performance Awards recognize excellence in teaching and scholarship from faculty members across all of the University of Waterloo’s Faculties.
From biostatistics to transforming community health
Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman, the first Black female president of the Ontario Medical Association, is a clinical immunologist and allergist who sees herself as a bridge builder. Her MMath in Biostatistics (’03) from the University of Waterloo has given her a unique perspective, complementing her passion for patient communication and clinical care.
Read the full story on Waterloo News.
Check out the @waterloomath Instagram to learn more about Dr. Abdurrahman.
Statistical Society of Canada (SSC) approves University of Waterloo courses for A.Stat. Accreditation
The Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science is happy to announce that the Statistical Society of Canada has approved its courses for the purposes of A.Stat. Accreditation. Accreditation enhances the professional practice of statistics, facilitates professional development, and provides mentorship for new graduates through work with Accredited Professional Statisticians. The approved course list removes barriers for both undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in applying for an A.Stat. Accreditation and helps to streamline the process. For more information about accreditation and the application, please visit the SSC’s website.
Events
Florence Nightingale Day 2026
Canadian Statistical Sciences Institute (CANSSI) and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science are pleased to host our first Florence Nightingale Day on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
Open to high school students in grades 10–12 across the Waterloo Region, the event will feature hands-on activities, games, and panels of professional speakers, followed by networking and lunch. Registration is limited to the first 30 participants on a first-come, first-served basis.
Florence Nightingale Day promotes gender diversity in statistics and data science by encouraging and inspiring people of underrepresented genders to explore these fields. Named after Florence Nightingale, a pioneer of modern nursing and early innovator in data visualization, the event celebrates her legacy and the contributions of women in statistics, while showcasing career opportunities and mentorship in data science.