News archive - July 2020

Monday, July 13, 2020

In the media: Scientists surprised at Fort McMurray fire's long-term impact on rivers

Water Institute member Monica Emelko, professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, comments on her research on Fort McMurray's water supply in an article written by Bob Weber for CBC News.

In May 2016, the Fort McMurray wildfire swept through nearly 6,000 square kilometres of boreal forest in northern Alberta. Fort McMurray lost 2,400 buildings, and 88,000 people were forced from their homes.

Friday, July 10, 2020

Mary Wells welcomed as new Dean of Engineering

After three years as the University of Guelph’s Dean of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Mary Wells has returned to the University of Waterloo to serve as the new Dean of Engineering.

Starting July 1^st, she began her five-year appointment and will be Waterloo Engineering's ninth dean, the second woman to hold the post succeeding Pearl Sullivan, and interim dean Rick Culham.

Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Postdoc award will help advance water treatment work

Daniel Grégoire, a Waterloo chemical engineering researcher, has been awarded a Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship to continue his research on the effects of pollutants in aquatic ecosystems.

The fellowship will provide Grégoire $70,000 annually for two years.

“Ultimately, I want to use my expertise to develop sustainable water treatment strategies that limit the environmental impacts of industrial activity,” he says on his LinkedIn page.

Monday, July 6, 2020

Environmental organizations should engage with kids where they are: online

A University of Waterloo press release.

The emotional connection to nature that kids feel is declining with each generation thanks in large part to their increasing use of digital media. Instead of trying to fight this trend, known as Videophilia, researchers say it’s time to use it to help kids find their way back to nature.