21 Applied Health Sciences alumni are returning to campus Thursday, January 10 to share their experiences, offer some career insight, and introduce current students to the many career options they have upon graduation.  The AHS Career Night l Speed Networking event is run for undergraduate Applied Health Sciences students where students can connect with a diverse group of alumni including; Public Health experts, Recreation & Leisure Specialists and professionals in the field of Kinesiology.  Pictured above, Health grad Dr. Michelle Cali (BSc ‘06) answers questions about naturopathic medicine at last year's event.

Please contact Alumni Advancement Officer Mari-Beth Davis to register for the event or if you have any questions.

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Students play with building blocks of success

The University of Waterloo will be playing host to more than 400 students aged 9 to 14 who have qualified for the FIRST LEGO League's West Ontario Provincial competition on Sunday, January 13. 40 student teams, including 12 from Waterloo Region, will be competing in the Physical Activities Complex. This is the first year that the University of Waterloo is hosting such a regional tournament, and is also the first year for the "West Ontario" competition.

The FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League (FLL) is an international program that aims to stimulate and foster an interest in science and engineering in young people in arguably the best way possible, by encouraging them to build robots. Using LEGO Mindstorms technologies and other educational materials from the LEGO Group, kids work alongside adult coaches and mentors to design, build, and program autonomous robots. Each year, a challenge is issued to the teams, which contains several missions that teams try to have their robots complete.

This year's challenge is "Senior Solutions", asking students to investigate new ways to help seniors stay independent, engaged, and connected.

"FLL is based on a set of core values that teaches children to respect each other in the best spirit of teamwork, to honour the spirit of friendly sportsmanship, act with integrity and to demonstrate gracious professionalism," says the league's promotional materials.

The student teams that qualified for Sunday's provincial showdown have competed in regional tournaments held in November and December 2012. A similar provincial final for the "East Ontario" division is being held at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), and the winners of both tournaments will compete in the World Championships, which will be held in St. Louis, Missouri, or one of the International Open Championships, which are being held in Germany, Florida, and California.

The event organizers are looking for volunteers to fill a variety of roles throughout the day. Those who are interested in volunteering can sign up using this online form. Volunteers will need to be on-site from about 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Lunch will be provided to volunteers, who will also receive a t-shirt.

Event sponsors include the Faculty of Engineering, the Province of Ontario, and the Yves Landry Foundation, among others.

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Research misconduct allegation resolved

An investigation into allegations of research misconduct involving Dongqing Li, a professor of mechanical and mechatronics engineering has been concluded, and President Feridun Hamdullahpur has posted a statement on the University of Waterloo's website to that effect.

"Academic integrity is a core value of the University of Waterloo, reflecting our commitment to honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility," writes Hamdullahpur. "When integrity is compromised, it casts a shadow on the exemplary international reputation of this institution, along with the hard work of all our students, faculty, and staff."

The investigation found Li guilty of misconduct in research "owing to negligence in professorial duties." As a result of this finding, Li will be suspended without pay for four months, beginning April 1. "While free to visit the campus, Li will be relieved of all university duties and privileges, and will not be able to use university resources for the duration of the suspension."

"As president and vice-chancellor, I am deeply troubled by any allegation of academic misconduct involving our students, faculty or staff," writes Hamdullahpur. "Academic integrity is expected from all members of our campus community. It is a core value encouraged through education and by example, which we are proud to see upheld by the vast majority of our students, faculty, staff and alumni."

The full statement can be found in the news section of the University of Waterloo's news page.

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