Science does its networking at full speed

with files from the Science Alumni Office.

Science students descended into the EIT foyer yesterday to meet with science alumni in what has become an eagerly- anticipated event: Speed Networking.

Pictured above: Mia Bernier (right) talks to alumna Colleen Loree (BSc '06, nurse, part-time ICU,  St. Mary's General Hospital, Kitchener; part-time Emergency Department, Groves Memorial Community Hospital, Fergus).

In its fourth installment, sponsored by Faculty of Science Foundation and Science Society and organized by Bonnie Fretz of the Science Alumni Office, this flagship career exploration event united 32 science alumni, working in traditional and non-traditional science careers, with career-minded undergrad and graduate science students exploring work options upon graduation. During the event, students paired with alumni for eight one-on-one speed sessions, engaging in enthusiastic chats and open discussion about chosen fields, job satisfaction, serendipity, mentoring, conscious planning and old-fashioned hard work, opening doors to the breadth of options attainable upon graduation.

Alumni working in the wine and brewing industries, genetic counselling, product development, aviation, acting, scientific writing and law—in addition to traditional careers such as Optometry, Pharmacy and medicine—reflected the diversity of careers open to science grads.

Terry McMahon, dean of the science faculty, is proud of the numbers and scope of alumni who came back to campus to speak with students. “It’s a great opportunity for our students to meet and be inspired by science alumni in different careers and see where their degrees can take them. Our alumni see the benefit of this type of interaction; they feel like they have helped the next generation of science graduates.”

 

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Celebrating National Co-op Week in style

by Shannon Tigert, Co-operative Education and Career Action

National Co-operative Education Week, presented by the Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE), is an opportunity for universities and colleges across Canada to celebrate their respective co-op programs.  In 1957, when the University of Waterloo opened, we became the first university in Canada to implement a co-op program.   The program thrived, and in 2013 well over 16,500 students are enrolled - definitely something to celebrate.

On Tuesday, March 19, two events to celebrate co-op at Waterloo were held.  The first was Waterloo’s Co-op Student of the Year Ceremony, during which 6 students, one from each faculty, were recognized for their accomplishments (see full bios of the winning students).  The second function was the University of Waterloo’s Top Employer Event at the Tannery in Kitchener, a celebration of businesses in the Kitchener-Waterloo/Cambridge area that have recently hired first work term students. These local employers play a vital role in the success of our students. They provide students not only with a start to their careers, but also tremendous work experiences. 

Representatives from approximately 80 organizations attended the event.  Waterloo President Feridun Hamdullahpur, Peggy Jarvie (Executive Director of CECA), Dominique Souris (Environment Student of the Year), and representatives from Toyota were all speakers at this event.

Peggy Jarvie had the opportunity to talk with 570News this week about the many ways that co-operative education benefits students both during school and after graduation. Listen to Jarvie’s interview.

The University of Waterloo is also participating in CAFCE’s National Co-op Week Social Media Contest.   Over 40 schools across Canada are taking part in the contest, which involves co-op students using Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn as platforms to discuss and celebrate co-operative education in Canada.  Every challenge completed equals one entry into the grand prize draw for one of five $100 Future Shop gift cards! CECA is also offering the daily prize of a $25 Retail Services gift card. Head over to www.coopweek.com for more information.

Last Week’s Question:

85% of you guessed correctly! The University of Waterloo had 74 students when it opened in 1957! Congratulations to this week’s draw winner, Jennifer Wong.

This Week’s Question: 

The University of Waterloo is a major sponsor of the National Co-op Week Social Media Contest.  Did we donate social media monitoring, contest translation, the contest grand prize, or web hosting? (Hint: You’ll find the answer on this website)

Take a guess  and win a mug!

 

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Students attend mental health seminar

by Kristin Brown, Stand Up to Stigma.

On March 15 and 16, six University of Waterloo undergraduate and graduate students travelled to Toronto for Unleash the Noise: The First Student Mental Health Innovation Summit in Canada. As part of a group of over 200 delegates from ten provinces and two territories, the students participated in brainstorming sessions related to student mental health and the associated stigma that presents a barrier to seeking support. These sessions included suggesting ideas for how to initiate student-led mental health strategies in high schools and universities. The discussions from the summit will be summarized into a national strategy to be released in Fall 2013.

Additionally, three students had the opportunity to showcase Stand Up to Stigma, a student-led mental health awareness initiative at the University of Waterloo.  Attending the summit was an inspiring experience for the six students and they look forward to bringing the strategy to Waterloo next year.

 

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Historic hockey and other notes

The Warriors men's hockey team weren't the only ones making history on the ice recently, with students and faculty members from Engineering settling scores promoting camaraderie during a friendly tournament on Saturday, March 2. Dean Pearl Sullivan dropped the puck at the beginning of the game, which was ultimately won by the faculty after a simultaneous shootout. Pictured above are members of both teams.

"The game was very close until the 3rd period, when the profs pulled out to an 8-2 lead," writes John McPhee. "With goals by all four right-wingers from Systems Design Engineering, there are now rumors that the right wing of the next engineering building will be dedicated to Systems."

"Bill Baer was outstanding in the faculty goal, until another miracle on ice occurred and
the students scored 6 quick goals in the last second, forcing a shootout that was narrowly won by the profs," McPhee continues. "Aren Patel hit our left goal post so often during the game that we think he deserves to have his name engraved on it."

And as for the history, the teams were playing for a trophy that had been last handed out in 1977, and as the Iron Warrior reported, one of the members of the faculty team, Professor John Wright, played in that game 36 years ago on the student side. Photograph by Jeff Luo.

Other notable notes this week:

Be sure to check the university's facebook page for co-op student profiles during National Co-op Week this week. Shannon Hall from Applied Health Sciences, who did a co-op work term for the Athletics department, is the second student profiled.

A VeloCity Campus alumni workshop has been scheduled for this evening at 7:30 p.m. in EV3 4412. Waterloo alumna Maria Ly from Skimble will be speaking. There will be free pizza. Register for the event online.

Here's today's nutrition "myth vs. fact" from Health Services Dietician Sandra Ace:

"Myth:"  Microwaving zaps nutrients from food.

"Fact:"  When used correctly, the opposite is true: a microwave oven’s shorter cooking time helps food to retain nutrients. Microwaves work by causing water molecules in food to move rapidly, creating a quick rise in food temperature in a short period of time. Microwave energy passes through food and does not remain in food once the oven is off.  As with all kitchen appliances, knowing how to use your microwave safely and efficiently is important.

 

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