Dr. Valerie Ward, WCMR Director
The Waterloo Centre for Microbial Research (WCMR) is pleased to announce that Dr. Valerie Ward has been appointed as the new Director of WCMR.
Dr. Ward previously served as Acting Director (appointed January 31, 2025) while the formal search for a new director was underway. In this role, she provided steady leadership during the Centre’s preparation for senate renewal and continued growth. Her background as an Associate Professor and Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Microalgae Biomanufacturing in the Department of Chemical Engineering positions her exceptionally well to lead WCMR into its next chapter. Her research expertise spans microalgae biotechnology, metabolic engineering, synthetic biology, ionic‑liquid–based bioseparations, and biomanufacturing systems.
WCMR extends its appreciation to Dr. Trevor Charles, the Centre’s inaugural director, for his years of outstanding leadership. We are pleased that he will remain actively engaged as a WCMR member, contributing his expertise as the Centre moves forward.
With Dr. Ward now stepping into the Director role, WCMR is well‑positioned to continue advancing collaborative, multidisciplinary microbial research at the University of Waterloo.