Friday, May 9, 2008

  • Cameron, Ng, are University Professors
  • UW students start Challenge X Monday
  • Notes of news on campus and off
  • Editor:
  • Chris Redmond
  • Communications and Public Affairs
  • bulletin@uwaterloo.ca

Undergrad recuitment brochure 2008

A ‘viewbook’ aimed at the international market tells potential students about everything from academic programs to the opportunities for campus leadership. The cover of the 44-page book, developed by the Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment office and UW Graphics, displays the familiar “learn from experience” UW slogan in a dozen languages. The book has won a bronze award from the “Prix d’Excellence” awards from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education. Judges said the book is “packed with useful information, yet so creatively designed that it flows from cover to cover. . . . The content is engaging, simple, yet focused and completely on target.”

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Cameron, Ng, are new University Professors

Roy Cameron of health studies and gerontology and Flora Ng of chemical engineering are UW’s two newest University Professors, members of UW’s Senate learned at their March meeting. The designation is the university’s highest academic honour. The two will be recognized at convocation in June.

Roy Cameron, HS & GCameron (left) is the director of the Centre for Behavioural Research and Program Evaluation (CBRPE) based at UW under the aegis of the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC). The centre’s mandate is “generating evidence that can be used in shaping policies and programs linked to the prevention of cancer and to the quality of life of people living with cancer.”

Cameron, a clinical psychologist, is developing the science of population intervention, with the aim of helping large groups of people make lifestyle changes leading to better health. In 2007, he was one of six individuals or teams to receive a Diamond Jubilee Award from the NCIC, “to recognize researchers who have made truly outstanding contributions to cancer research in Canada over their careers.”

Flora Ng, Chemical Engineering profNg (right) is recognized internationally for having developed the Avada process for the production of ethyl acetate, in partnership with BP Chemicals, UK. The process won an Astra Zeneca Award in 2002 for the Best Green Chemistry and Engineering Process.

This year, Ng was awarded the Catalysis Award from the Chemical Institute of Canada (CIC) for her “distinguished contribution to the field,” says the CIC citation. “She is a leading expert on catalytic distillation, a green reactor technology which combines a catalytic reaction and separation leading to enhanced product yield, selectivity in chemical processes together with a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.” Ng was named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2007.

"The University of Waterloo owes much of its reputation and stature to the quality of its eminent professors,” according to a statement on the provost’s webpage. “UW recognizes exceptional scholarly achievement and international pre-eminence through the designation University Professor. Once appointed, a faculty member retains the designation for life.”

In all, 13 faculty members have received the honour since it was created in 2004, bringing the number close to the projected steady-state total of 14, not counting retirees. The others are Ken Davidson of pure mathematics, Keith Hipel of systems design engineering, Jake Sivak of optometry, Garry Rempel of chemical engineering, Mary Thompson of statistics and actuarial science, Mark Zanna of psychology, Terry McMahon of chemistry, Cameron Stewart of pure mathematics, Robert Jan Van Pelt of architecture, Phelim Boyle of accounting and finance, and Ian Munro of computer science.

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UW students start Challenge X Monday

based on a news release from UW Media Relations

On Monday, a team of UW students begins two weeks of international competition with its innovative emission-free hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle.

UWAFTIt’s been developed as part of the final year of Challenge X, a multi-year North American competition to develop sustainable transportation solutions. Cutting-edge technology from the Alternative Fuels Team has made UW the first university in the world to successfully build a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle that produces no emissions, only water.

"This is a major achievement for these students and innovators who demonstrated that they have the abilities to deliver practical solutions to climate change," says Gary Goodyear, MP for Cambridge, representing the federal government as the team showed off its vehicle for media in Toronto in late April. "Our government congratulates the Waterloo team on their innovative technologies to reduce emissions and provide cleaner air for Canadians, and we wish them luck in the competition."

UW is the only Canadian university chosen to compete in Challenge X, which involves 17 teams in North America. During the design phase, UW's detailed vehicle design process won eight of ten award categories and earned the team first place overall. Since then, the UW team has been working hard to integrate its ambitious design into a stock Chevrolet Equinox.

"This exciting project developed by our students will help keep Canada at the forefront of the automotive industry," says Adel Sedra, dean of engineering. "We are proud of these students' remarkable accomplishments and wish the team well at the Challenge X competition."

Major sponsors of the UW team include Natural Resources Canada, Hydrogenics, General Motors, the U.S. Department of Energy, the Government of Ontario, Air Liquide and Marathon Technical Services.

Starting Monday, May 12, the UW team will be visiting New Jersey, New York, Baltimore and Washington, D.C., to showcase their vehicle alongside those of the other 16 teams. The two-week event marks the conclusion of the four-year competition.

The teams will compete in more than a dozen static and dynamic evaluations, including tests for towing capacity, acceleration, off-road performance, greenhouse gas impact, fuel economy (well to wheels), emissions, consumer acceptability and marketing and outreach. Teams are also required to give oral presentations and submit a technical paper.

"We have built one of Canada's first passenger hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles and are very keen to see how our vehicle and our technology performs and compares," says James Goh, business director of the UW team. "For us, the real value of this competition has been the first-hand exposure to some of the most groundbreaking vehicle technologies being developed to solve the challenges of tomorrow. But of course, we are also in it to win."

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Notes of news on campus and off

Terry QualterDistinguished Professor Emeritus Terence (Terry) Qualter (right), one of UW ’s early faculty members, passed away Thursday at the age of 83. He was born and educated in New Zealand and earned a PhD from the London School of Economics before joining UW in September 1960. A professor in political science, with an interest in elections and propanganda, he served as chair of the department in 1965-67 and 1969-72, retiring July 1, 1993. He leaves Shirley, his wife of 57 years, four children and three grandchildren. Memorial visitation at Westmount Funeral Chapel, 1001 Ottawa Street South (at Westmount Road), Kitchener, today 6 – 8 p.m., and Saturday 1 – 3 p.m., with a reception Saturday 4 – 6 p.m. at the Walper Terrace Hotel, 1 King Street West, Kitchener, in the Lafontaine Room. An obituary appears in today’s Waterloo Region Record.

Some high-profile people will be gathering at the Village of Winston Park in Kitchener this afternoon for a special announcement concerning the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging. Among them will be President David Johnston; Amit Chakma, vice-president, academic and provost; John Tibbits, president of the Conestoga College Institute of Advanced Learning and Technology; and a special guest, the Honourable George Smitherman, minister of health and long-term care. More on this in Monday’s Daily Bulletin.

On Sunday, fifty-eight grade 10 students will arrive at Conrad Grebel University College to spend a week of exploring and learning as part of Waterloo Unlimited, a high school enrichment program created and run by the University of Waterloo. The theme of the week is “Vision.” The students will learn about vision in the context of science, literature, urban planning, engineering, fine arts, math, and more, presented by staff and professors from various UW programs and faculties.

During the week, Waterloo Unlimited is hosting a series of public events:

  • Education Unlimited for a Global Village, with Amit Chakma, vice-president, academic and provost, Sunday, 7 – 8:15 p.m., Centre for Environmental and Information Technology, Room 1015
  • The Mystery of the Misplaced Spectacles, with Graham Strong, director of the Centre for Sight Enhancement. Tuesday, 7 – 8:15 p.m., Centre for Environmental and Information Technology, Room 1015
  • What We Know vs. What We See, with Art Green, artist and retired UW professor, Thursday, 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., East Campus Hall Room 1219

Compass Consulting, a team of health studies and gerontology graduate students, will compete as finalists in the Canadian Evaluation Society national case competition being held in Quebec City on Monday as part of the society’s annual conference. The team was one of three chosen from across Canada for this annual event. Team members are Robin Blanchard, Colleen Dwyer, Michelle Vibert, and Sarah Viehbeck. Their competitors are from the University of Ottawa and Georgian College. A press release from the society continues: “The case competition helps senior university students to build their skills in evaluating public policies and programs. In the preliminary round this year, teams had to propose an approach for evaluating the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative – a multi-million-dollar partnership of the three levels of government. The finalists were judged based on their submission in the preliminary round in which 15 teams from across Canada competed.”

This reminder from the Presidential Nominating Committee: today is the last day for sending comments on the proposed reappointment of David Johnston as president for a third term of two years. The initial invitation to faculty and staff was sent by e-mail during the week of April 7.

CPA Staff

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Notice: Water shut off throughout PAS building Saturday, 8 a.m. -- 2 p.m.

When and where

Last day to add a spring term course: today (distance education), May 16 (on campus).

Graduate Student Leisure Research Symposium (16th annual) today, Lyle Hallman Institute auditorium, details online.

Leadership expert and author Robin Sharma speaks at Wilfrid Laurier University, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., Theatre Auditorium, tickets $40 online.

Carousel Dance Centre spring performance, “The Wizard of Oz”, Friday-Sunday, Humanities Theatre, details online.

Canadian Clay and Glass Gallery presents Wilhelm Nassau, formerly of Wilfrid Laurier University, “The History of Ceramics”, 4:30, 25 Caroline Street North, admission $5; to be followed by “The History of Glass” May 30.

CBC radio broadcasts the Wintermeyer Lecture by UW dean of arts Ken Coates, “Losing the Arctic? The Role of the North in Canada’s Future”, given in November at St. Jerome’s University, 9:05 p.m. on Radio One.

Going Green workshop series sponsored by Grand House student co-op: “Natural Landscaping” May 10, “Cob Building” May 17, details online.

Spin-a-thon to support Sears National Kids Cancer Ride, Saturday, Columbia Lake Health Club, 340 Hagey Boulevard, information online.

Da Capo Chamber Choir, based at Conrad Grebel University College, concert “Three Reaching Beyond”, including premiere of “Moonset” by Jeff Enns, Saturday 8 p.m., St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, Kitchener, tickets $20 (students and seniors $15).

Mother’s Day Brunch at University Club Sunday 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., $24.95 per person, reservations ext. 33801.

Fiscal year end for 2007-08: deadline for accounting transactions before April 30, 2008, to be submitted to finance office, East Campus Hall, is Monday.

Class enrolment appointments for fall term undergraduate courses listed on Quest starting Monday. Appointments for continuing students, June 2-14; new students, July 14-27; open enrolment begins July 28.

Learning about Teaching annual symposium May 12-14, details online, including Presidents’ Colloquium Monday 2:00, Humanities Theatre: Marilla Svinicki, University of Texas at Austin, “Changing Students’ Attitudes about Who’s Responsible for Learning,” reception follows, all welcome.

Social Entrepreneurship Intensive ‘bootcamp’ organized by Laurel Centre, May 12-14, details online.

UW Blooms: free seeds, seedlings and garden gear, pick up or exchange, Monday 10:30 to 4:00, Student Life Centre multipurpose room, sponsored by UW Recreation Committee.

Waterloo Aerial Robotics Group recruitment meeting Monday 4:00, Davis Centre fishbowl lounge.

Work reports from co-op students’ winter work term due Monday 4:00 p.m. (most programs).

Career workshop: “Networking 101” Monday 4:30, Tatham Centre room 1208, registration online.

Malcolm Gladwell, author and UW graduate, speaks on “Celebrating Our Heritage, Building Our Future”, in support of Parkwood Mennonite Home and Fairview Mennonite Home, Monday 6:30 p.m. dinner followed by live auction and speaker, Bingeman Park, tickets $150, information 519-653-5719.

Tourplay children’s performance: “New Canadian Kid” Tuesday 10:00 and 1:00.

Senate undergraduate council Tuesday 12:00, Needles Hall room 3001.

Pension and benefits committee Tuesday 1:00, Needles Hall room 3004.

Engineering alumni and friends reception Tuesday 5:30 to 7:30, featuring alumnus Jim Estill (BASc ’80), CEO of Synnex Canada. Accelerator Centre, 295 Hagey Boulevard, pre-registration and details online.

Gauss mathematics contest for grade 7 and 8 students, May 14, details online.

Physical Activities Complex main gym closed for repair work during the daytime May 14-16 (available in the evenings).

Book Club meeting at UW bookstore, to discuss Philippa Gregory’s The Boleyn Inheritance, Wednesday, May 14, 12:00, details online.

Career workshop: “Professional School Interviews” Wednesday, May 14, 4:30, Tatham Centre room 1208, registration online.

Rev. Graham Morbey, Christian Reformed chaplain to UW for 28 years, retirement reception and celebration Wednesday, May 14, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Paul Martin Centre, Wilfrid Laurier University.

Columbia Lake Health Club lunch-and-learn session: “A Proper Golf Warm-up” Wednesday, May 14, 5:30, boardroom at TechTown, 340 Hagey Boulevard.

Gregory Baum, theologian and author, “Diversity, Religion and the Limits of Multiculturalism” Wednesday, May 14, 7:30 p.m., Siegfried Hall, St. Jerome’s University, admission free.

UW Retirees Association outing to Black Creek Pioneer Village, Thursday, May 15, $67 for members and guests, information 519-744-3246.

Spring Gardening ‘tips and tales’ with David Hobson, local garden columnist, presented by Employee Assistance Program, Thursday, May 15, 12:00 noon, Davis Centre room 1302.

Bicycle auction outside the Student Life Centre, Friday, May 16, 12:30 p.m., cash or cheque only.

PhD oral defences

Electrical and computer engineering. Gilbert Lai, “Modelling and Control of Small-Scale Helicopter on a Test Platform.” Supervisors, David W. Wang and Glen Heppler. On display in the faculty of engineering, PHY 3004. Oral defence Wednesday, May 14, 1:00 p.m., CEIT room 3142.

Psychology. Craig Blatz, “How Members of Majority and Victimized Groups Respond to Government Redress for Historical Harms.” Supervisor, Michael Ross. On display in the faculty of arts, HH 317. Oral defence Wednesday, May 14, 2:30 p.m., PAS (Psychology) room 3026.

Chemistry. Shokouh Hosseinzadeh Haddadi, “Cold Fiber Solid Phase Microextraction.” Supervisor, Janusz Pawliszyn. On display in the faculty of science, ESC 254A. Oral defence Thursday, May 15, 10:00 a.m., Chemistry II room 361.

Electrical and computer engineering. Mohammad-Reza Esmaeili-Rad, “Nanocrystalline Silicon Thin Film Transistor.” Supervisors, Arokia Nathan and Andrei Sazonov. On display in the faculty of engineering, PHY 3004. Oral defence Thursday, May 15, 2:00 p.m., CEIT room 3142.

Kinesiology. Janessa Drake, “Axial Twist Loading of the Spine: Modulators of Injury Mechanisms and Pain Generation.” On display in the faculty of applied health sciences, BMH 3110. Oral defence Tuesday, May 20, 10:00 a.m., Matthews Hall room 3119.

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