Waterloo, Soochow sign nano agreement

by Stacey Ash, Communications Officer, Communications and Public Affairs

Growing links with China will help University of Waterloo build its position as a global nanotechnology leader.

The latest developments in the nanotechnology partnership between University of Waterloo and Soochow University will enhance collaboration between researchers, offer commercialization opportunities, and broaden the experience of students and faculty.

Both universities recognize nano science and technology as a driving force in industrial revolution, said Arthur Carty, executive director of the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Waterloo. “There is more and more potential to make discoveries and develop new technologies if your work is international and interdisciplinary,” he said.

Carty joined University of Waterloo president Feridun Hamdullahpur as the institute signed an agreement on long-term cooperation in innovation and commercialization with Soochow University in Suzhou, China during a February 20 to 23 visit.

The visit to Suzhou “reinforces our commitment to internationalization and collaboration and was certainly of great value to UW,” Hamdullahpur (pictured above with Soochow University president Xiulin Zhu) said. “This partnership is another example of Waterloo’s global impact in the growing field of nanotechnology. We will continue to build connections around the world as research and innovation leaders.”

The partnership includes the creation of the Soochow University Nanotechnology (SUN) and Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology (WIN) Joint Research Institute for Nanotechnology. The two institutions will also be involved in the Soochow University-University of Waterloo-Suzhou Industrial Park cooperation.

“The two universities have signed agreements on collaboration, research and educational programs,” Carty said. “Soochow and Waterloo have a lot in common from the point of view of nanotechnology.” Much like Waterloo in Canada, Soochow aspires to be China’s nanotechnology leader, he said.

The visit by a 16-member WIN delegation to Soochow University from February 20-23 was the latest in a series of exchanges between the two universities. Dr. Xulei Zhu, president of Soochow University, first visited Waterloo in November 2010. Carty and WIN managing director Alain Francq visited Soochow last February, and a workshop with Soochow researchers and officials was held in Waterloo in July.

Carty will serve as an honorary professor of Soochow University, the honorary dean of the College of Nano Science and Technology, and honorary director of the joint research institute.

Researchers at the institute will collaborate on at least 12 projects, co-funded by Soochow, Waterloo and Suzhou Industrial Park. An education agreement will see top students offered the opportunity to pursue four years of co-tutelle doctoral studies in Soochow and Waterloo. A unique five-year program will also see top nanotechnology students from Soochow University invited to Waterloo to complete the final year of their Bachelor of Science degree and a one-year Master’s degree at uWaterloo.

Photograph by Frank Gu.

Back to top

Remembering retired faculty members

Gwilym Roberts (left), a faculty member in the department of earth and environmental sciences from 1967 to 1996, died September 17, 2011. Born in Wales, he did his undergraduate work at Cambridge, worked as an exploration geologist in central Africa, and came to Canada in 1960. His PhD was earned at McGill in 1960. As a Waterloo faculty member for 29 years, Roberts particularly relished his geological fieldwork in northern Ontario, and continued to work as a consulting geologist after retirement. He was married for 52 years to Ann Roberts, who is now retired from Waterloo’s department of fine arts.

Surindra Kalra, a retired faculty member in the department of electrical and computer engineering, died November 17. He came to the university in September 1967, worked both in E&CE and in systems design engineering, and retired in July 1992.

Hugh Lemon, who died December 14, came to the university in 1970 as professional liaison officer in what was then called the school of urban and regional planning. He was also appointed an adjunct lecturer in the planning school. In 1984 he moved to the department of coordination and placement, working as a coordinator until his retirement in 1992.

Neil Isenor, formerly of the department of physics and astronomy, died December 19. Educated at Acadia University and McMaster University, he came to Waterloo in 1961 and retired in 1992. A specialist in optics and lasers, he chaired the physics department 1977-1982 and served for a time as associate dean (graduate studies) in the faculty of science.

John Orlando, professor in Psychology at St. Jerome’s University from January 1971 until his retirement in July 2011, died December 20. He was chair in the department from 1973 to 1982, and founder of the institute for studies in learning disabilities.

Michael Lazarowich, Professor Emeritus of Urban and Regional Planning, died on February 7, 2012. He began working at the university in January 1975 as a lecturer, was promoted to assistant professor in 1980, and became associate professor in 1991. He retired in 2003 and is survived by his spouse, Louise.

Back to top

Arts Computer Experience marks 30 years

by Marsha Wendell, co-ordinator, Arts Computer Experience.

Arts Computer Experience (ACE) is now celebrating its 30th anniversary on campus. Registration is now open for the camp's two summer programs.

ACE is a not-for-profit camp that operates out of the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Arts. Our campers enjoy a blend of classroom learning and outdoor activities, including opportunities in art, computers, drama and music. A daily swim is included at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Centre.

Leaders-In-Motion (LIM) is a leadership experience for youth ages 13-16. During the two-week LIM program, participants will enjoy a one-day canoe trip down the Grand River, rock climbing, team building exercises, hands-on leadership opportunities, and an overnight stay at uWaterloo residences. The focus of the camp is to build lasting friendships and learn skills for future camp-related positions.

Information for both ACE and LIM is available online.

Back to top

Purim begins tonight, and other notes

The Jewish holiday of Purim gets underway this evening and will be celebrated through to March 8. The Rohr Chabad Centre for Jewish Life will be hosting two events open to the community: a "Purim in the '60s" party for Waterloo and Laurier students at the Turret Nightclub at Wilfrid Laurier University tonight at 8:00 p.m., and the 4th annual community Purim celebration on Thursday, March 8 at 5:15 PM at the Royal Canadian Legion on Regina Street. All are welcome.

"The second warmest February on record with just barely average precipitation" is how University of Waterloo Weather Station Coordinator Frank Seglenieks summarized things in his latest report. February 2012 was 4.5 degrees warmer than average, making it the second warmest February since records began in the area almost 100 years ago, and just a few tenths of a degree cooler than 1998 ,which was the warmest. "This is now the 11th month in a row with above average temperatures," writes Seglenieks. "It was the second warmest meteorological winter (Dec-Jan-Feb) just beating 2001-2002, but a full degree off of the record which was back in 1931-32." Even with the warmer temperatures, Seglenieks notes that the 25 centimeters of snow that fell during the month was only a bit below the average of 30.6 cm. Overall, however, this season's snowfall, at 76 cm, was less than half of the average total of 160 cm.

The Lectures in Catholic Experience series at St. Jerome's University continues this month with the Laurence A. Cummings Lecture on Cultural History this Friday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. in the Notre Dame Chapel, featuring Michael Madden speaking on "Our Lady of Angels Cathedral: Urbanism, Phenomenology and the Sacred." The event is free and open to the public, and details about the lecture series can be found online.

And here's the latest daily nutrition tip in support of Nutrition Month courtesy of Health Services dietician Sandra Ace, who you can contact if you have any questions or comments:

"Myth": Healthy food costs too much.
"Truth": Stretch your food dollar without giving up on good nutrition by buying lower-cost, nutrient-packed staple foods, including whole grain pasta and bread, in-season fresh produce, eggs, legumes (dried beans, peas and lentils), and sale-priced frozen or canned vegetables, fruits and fish. Scanning flyers for specials, making a list before you shop , stocking up on sale items and cooking meals from scratch can all save you money.

Back to top