Nominations sought for "University Professors"

A memo circulated by the Vice-President, Academic & Provost has put the call out for University Professor nominations.

"The University of Waterloo owes much of its reputation and stature to the quality of its eminent professors," reads the memo. "UW recognizes exceptional scholarly achievement and international pre-eminence through the designation "University Professor." Once appointed, a faculty member retains this designation for life."

"Not counting retirees, it is anticipated there will be 14 University Professorships at steady state, with at most two appointments each year. Such appointments are reported to Senate and the Board of Governors in March and April respectively, and are recognized at Convocation."

The Provost has asked that all nomination materials be submitted before the Christmas break.

Nominations are sought annually from deans, directors, and chairs, as well as from the university community generally. As for criteria, the selection process describes it this way: "A nominee shall have demonstrated exceptional scholarly achievement and international pre-eminence in a particular field or fields of knowledge."

The individual who nominates a colleague is responsible for gathering the documentation and submitting it to the Vice-President, Academic and Provost. The University Tenure and Promotion Committee acts as the selection committee, and its decisions are considered final.

A nomination must be supported by at least six signatures from at least two departments or schools and must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and a short, non-technical description of the nominee's contributions. In addition, the nomination must be accompanied by letters from the nominee's Dean, and from at least two, but no more than five scholars of international standing in the nominee's field from outside the university. These scholars are to be chosen by the nominee's chair/director in consultation with the Dean and nominator, and the letter of nomination should explain why these particular scholars were chosen.

Scholars shall be asked to comment on the impact and specific nature of the nominee's most influential contributions, addressing their responses directly to the Vice-President, Academic & Provost.

The dossiers of unsuccessful nominees remain in the pool for two additional two years, and the appropriate dean should provide updated information each year.

Since 2004, Waterloo has awarded this distinction to nineteen individuals: Garry Rempel (chemical engineering), Mary Thompson (statistics and actuarial science), Mark Zanna (psychology), Terry McMahon (chemistry), Cam Stewart (pure mathematics), Robert Jan van Pelt (architecture), Phelim Boyle (accountancy), Ian Munro (computer science), Ken Davidson (pure mathematics), Keith Hipel (systems design engineering), Jake Sivak (optometry), Roy Cameron (health studies & gerontology), Flora Ng (chemical engineering), Ellsworth Ledrew (geography and environmental management), Ming Li (computer science), Stuart McGill (kinesiology), Janusz Pawliszyn (chemistry), Robert Le Roy (chemistry), and François Paré (french studies).

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Canada Research Chairs announced

a news release from the media relations office

Important research with the potential to improve human health has earned national recognition for four University of Waterloo professors whose Canada Research Chair (CRC) grants were announced today.

Three of the researchers are new chairs at the Tier 2 level, and one advances to Tier 1.

"The leading-edge work of these researchers has the potential to have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of so many people in Canada and around the world," said Feridun Hamdullahpur. "Their innovative approach to real-life issues places these professors among the top researchers in the country."

Professor Jack Callaghan of the Department of Kinesiology in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences is Canada Research Chair in Spine Biomechanics and Injury Prevention. He advanced to a Tier 1 CRC. His research into lumbar spine function and spinal injury is influencing workplace standards, helping to prevent spinal injuries and improve treatment for people suffering from low-back pain.

Professor Frank Gu of the Department of Chemical Engineering in the Faculty of Engineering was named Canada Research Chair in Advanced Targeted Delivery Systems. He will change medical treatment and diagnosis by bringing together biology and engineering. The tiny machines he is developing may one day move through the bloodstream of a cancer patient to attack a tumour. His work may also one day help to rid drinking water of contaminants.

Professor Abigail Scholer of the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts was named Canada Research Chair in Motivated Social Cognition. Her research encompasses everything from lifestyle choices to eating habits, and examines factors that reduce failure and increase success in the face of temptation, the management of change, and the pursuit of important long-term goals. Her work could lead to the development of interventions that may help people make better choices.

Professor Ken Stark of the Department of Kinesiology in the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences was named Canada Research Chair in Nutritional Lipidomics. He studies the cell membranes that may offer better understanding of the links between diet and disease, and the ways cells communicate with one another.

The Honourable Gary Goodyear, Minister of State (Science and Technology) announced the recipients Friday in Toronto.

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Securing mobile devices: a primer

by Terry Labach, Information Systems and Technology, as part of Information Security Awareness month.

It is a rare person at uWaterloo who doesn't bring a cell phone, laptop, or tablet on campus daily. These devices face many of the same threats seen with desktop devices, as well as some risks particular to mobiles.

Viruses and malware can be spread by mail, fake applications, or Bluetooth and NFC connections. Text messages and QR codes can direct you to malicious web sites that can compromise your device. You may receive phishing attacks by voice call, email, or text message, attempting to have you give up personal information.

To protect yourself:

Don't give your passwords or other confidential information to anyone. Don't give any of your personal information to individuals whose identity you can't verify.

Download apps only from official sites such as your vendor's official application store. Only update applications from official sites, not from links provided in email or other messages.

Don't browse to unfamiliar links, and don't allow your QR code scanner to automatically take you to a web site.

Avoid unsecured Wi-Fi networks: Use only secured networks or your 3G browser to connect to the Internet.

If your mobile device is stolen, then you face additional risks. Your usernames and passwords for assorted accounts could be compromised. Thieves may try to make use of your personal information.

Secure your device:

Prevent theft: don't leave devices unattended or out of your sight, even for an instant.

Use passwords on devices and SIM cards to prevent unauthorized use
encrypt individual files or the entire file system, as applicable.

Limit exposure: don't cache your passwords or store unnecessary personal information on your mobile device.

Should you lose a mobile device to theft, change passwords on accounts used by the device immediately.

Report any device theft to authorities as soon as possible. If the theft occurred on campus, contact uWaterloo police.

Resources:

Using mobile devices

Using web-enabled devices safely

uWaterloo Information Security Services team (email)

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United Way campaign profile

by Jacqueline Martinz, Federation of Students

The University of Waterloo’s United Way campaign has a passionate team of individuals from various parts of campus contributing to its success. Among them is co-op student Christine Ellis.

Now in her third year of Applied Health Sciences, Ellis has been in her role as Workplace Campaign Coordinator at the United Way Kitchener –Waterloo since September. “I applied for this placement as a way to give back to the local community, which I was raised in,” she said. “I also wanted to learn more about how a not-for-profit works from the inside, as opposed to being a volunteer or donor.”

A typical day for Ellis involves following the progress of the workplace campaigns and completing analysis. “The best part of my role is being able to see the positive impact that every sized donation is able to make,” she said.

To learn more about the campaign and how you can contribute, please visit the United Way K-W web page.

Photograph by the uWaterloo United Way Campaign.

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TravelWise survey for faculty and staff

The University of Waterloo has partnered with the Region of Waterloo to launch a new TravelWise program for employees of the university. According to the Region of Waterloo, TravelWise is a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program that provides an assortment of transportation tools and services for individuals and employees of registered TravelWise Transportation management Association (TMA) companies.

Through partnership in TravelWise, University of Waterloo employees will have access to events, information, and exclusive services that can help them commute in sustainable ways.

The first step is a survey of university employees that asks about their work transportation habits.

"We need your help to create a customized program that will meet your needs," reads a message from Sustainable Waterloo Region, an organization that provides support services to TravelWise.

"Tell us how you get around by completing this quick and confidential online survey. This will enable us to provide a program that best meets your needs."

"By completing the survey, you could win amazing prizes, including:

• A Night on the Town gift package (Including $50 gift certificate to Peter Martins and $200 voucher for the Center in the Square)
• 1 of 2 32GB Blackberry Playbooks with WiFi
• 1 of 2 Dinner & Movie for 2 packages at Princess Cinemas
• 1 of 2 $25 Webco Sports Gift Cards
  

"Click here to complete your survey and enter into this fantastic draw."

"Survey terms & conditions are available online. Please note that this survey and prize draw is applicable to University of Waterloo staff and faculty only."

The survey and contest close Friday, October 19.

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