Youngsters off to cryptography school

High schoolers from around the world are gathering at the Institute for Quantum Computing this week for a summer school program that promises to enrich their understanding of quantum cryptography.

The Quantum Cryptography School for Young Students (QCSYS) runs from Monday, August 12 to Friday, August 16 and offers a blend of lectures, hands-on experiments, and group work all focused on quantum cryptography, which is a cutting-edge field that utilizes the laws of quantum mechanics to develop unbreakable encryption that protects communication.

QCSYS participants will meet and collaborate with world-renowned researchers and will participate in daily social activities that encourage relationship building between attendees. Between lectures and hands-on activities, they will also visit locations on the main Waterloo campus and travel to the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Other activities, like go-karting, campfires and movies, are also commonplace.

The school is open to 40 participants, who all stay in a university residence with chaperones for the duration of the program.

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With skin cancer, a picture's worth 1000 words

a news release from the medial relations team.

Seeing pictures of skin cancer motivates people to regularly check their own moles, according to a new research paper from the School of Public Health and Health Systems at the University of Waterloo. 

The paper, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, found that visual images of skin cancer are most effective in prompting skin self-examinations.

“Visual images capture our attention and are persuasive. They also help us to learn and remember,” said Professor Laurie Hoffman-Goetz, of the Faculty of Applied Health Sciences and co-author on the paper.  

The systematic review found that exposure to images of skin cancer motivated people to check their skin more frequently and accurately. The study found that providing text descriptions alone were not effective in aiding skin self-examination.

“Images motivate health behaviours in ways text does not,” said Jennifer McWhirter, a PhD candidate funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and co-author on the paper.

The paper’s findings could help inform patient education strategies and public health communication efforts.

“Skin self-examination plays an important role in detecting melanoma early. Many cases of melanoma are first detected by patients themselves,” said McWhirter.

“Incorporating images into clinical practice when educating patients can be a powerful tool in the fight against skin cancer.” said Professor Hoffman-Goetz.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in North America. In Canada, there are expected to be 6,000 new cases of melanoma—the most dangerous kind of skin cancer— and more than 81,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer this year alone. Information on the early detection of skin cancer, including skin self-examination with example images, can be accessed through the American Academy of Dermatology website.

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Ain't nothin' gonna break his Stride

A news release from the Athletics Department

The Waterloo Warriors cross country program has found their new leader for the 2013 season. Bryan Stride takes over head coaching duties for Kevin Shields who led the program the last two seasons.

Stride, of Fergus, Ontario, is a well-known and respected long distance running coach in the Fergus and Guelph area. Now retired, he was a teacher for over 25 years in the Upper Grand District School Board having taught physical and health education. As department head of physical education, Stride has always been an advocate of an active and healthy lifestyle through running.

"I'm extremely excited to be a part of the Warriors and begin this new endeavor," Stride said. "I'm looking forward to working with the tremendous student-athletes at Waterloo." Stride has been the head coach of various high school cross country and track teams while also writing and directing personal fitness for students-athletes, peers and teachers throughout his teaching career.

"His passion for running and teaching is undeniable and he will make a great fit as head coach of the Warrior cross country program," said Interuniversity Manager Chris Gilbert. "He will make an immediate impact with so much knowledge to pass on to our student-athletes."

On top of his coaching accolades, Stride has also reached several outstanding personal feats as a cross country runner. He was the Canadian Masters champion four straight years (1991-1994) and also has several Ontario University Athletics titles to his name. Stride has earned two provincial titles (1975, 1976) while also collecting a national championship in 1976. Additionally, Stride placed fourth at the 1975 Pan American Games in the 3000m steeplechase.

Stride takes over the program after a successful 2012 season by the Warriors. The Waterloo women's team took top prize in their home event, the Don Mills Open while the men finished in third spot. The Warriors capped off their strong fall season sending 14 runners to the CIS Championship in London.

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Staff member gears up to fight MS

Photo credit: Kim Morris

Scott Davis, Faculty Relations Manager in Co-operative Education and Career Action (CECA) is cycling in several 2013 MS Bike Tour rides this season to raise awareness and funds for research in the battle against multiple sclerosis.  He has set a $17,000 fundraising goal and rides in his next event on Saturday, August 17^th in Acton, ON.  There are two routes – a 75 km standard ride and a 160 km “challenge route” – and Davis has chosen the 160 km route, aiming to complete the course in six hours.

For Scott, the fight is personal.  His wife Linda, who also works in CECA, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 8 years ago.  As he says, “Linda is my champion.  The grace and good humour she shows in dealing with this debilitating disease motivates me to train and ride.  If my efforts on the bike, along with the amazing financial support from my very generous family, friends and colleagues, can contribute to finding a cure for MS, then I’m thrilled to do it!”

Scott and Linda were recently profiled by the Waterloo Region Record. This is his seventh year participating in the Bike Tour; last year he participated in all six Ontario rides plus a seventh in Boston as part of the MS Society’s top fundraiser’s “Tour of Champions”.  Davis’ campaign page has more information and a donation button.

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