Panel to bring pipeline debate to campus

“Not a week goes by without pipelines making headlines - whether it’s a new spill, an unexpectedly slow and expensive clean-up, or an ongoing controversy over new or proposed pipelines," writes the Faculty of Science's Heather Neufeld in a note highlighting "Pipelines Through Paradise: a panel discussion on Alberta Oil."

Two of the Faculty of Science's newest members, Rebecca Rooney and Heidi Swanson of the biology department, will be hosting a panel discussion with Peter Hodson, professor in the department of biology at Queen's University and Stella Swanson of Swanson Environmental Strategies on Thursday, May 30 at 7:00 p.m. in OPT 347.

"We will learn the science of diluted bitumen (“dilbit”) and the potentially unique environmental challenges of dilbit spills," continues Neufeld. "We will also delve into the real meaning of risk assessment and risk communication, and explore how myriad social and scientific issues are playing out in the politics of the Northern Gateway Pipeline."

According to information on the event website, there are more than 70,000 km of oil and gas pipelines running throughout Canada. Fourteen spills were reported in 2010 and 2011.

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Career options in health sciences explored

by Shannon Tigert, Co-operative Education & Career Action (CECA).

This past March, over 60 Science and AHS students gathered in the Tatham Centre in eager anticipation of the seven Waterloo grads assembled by the Centre for Career Action to speak about their various career paths for their event entitled ‘Explore Your Options: Health-Related Careers of Science Alumni.’

This event was designed as a resource for Science and Applied Health Sciences students who are trying to discover career opportunities beyond becoming a doctor or working in a laboratory – positions very typical of these degrees.  The panel (pictured above) consisted of:

• Catherine, an Emergency Management Co-ordinator;
• Surinder, a Physiotherapist/Head Therapist for the Canadian National Wrestling Team;
• Andrew, a Pharmaceutical Territory representative;
• Robyn,  a PhD of Neuroscience candidate;
• Kristen,  a Dietician;
• Kelly, a High School Physics Teacher; and
• Alysa, a Health and Safety Consultant.

This impressive range of careers gave students a real opportunity to hear some atypical career advice.

One of the most interesting things to hear was that all of the panelists did not end up where they thought they would during their undergraduate studies and that most of them were expecting to become a doctor of some kind. 

The panelists also discussed how many of them changed their minds often, and explored various career paths before settling.  “I love my job.  Don’t be afraid if it takes a while to get there,” said Catherine, who taught fitness classes on a cruise ship before realizing her passion for nutrition.  Each of the panelists urged the students to find their passion and follow it.

“Your passion is there, it’s going to come,” said Kelly, who entered teachers college after failing her MCATs and applying to every program available that was of possible interest to her.  She found her passion was teaching and “never looked back,” even though it wasn’t what she had initially seen herself doing.  The panelists also gave focused advice to the students regarding broadening their options beyond academia: “Be proactive about opportunities to network,” suggested Andrew. 

The topic of student chatter as they left the event was all in the same vein; they were surprised and excited that the degree they were working towards could be a stepping stone to virtually unlimited career paths, a number of which had never occurred to them before. 

Waterloo alumni are always ready and willing to help guide undergraduates, an example being the recent launch of the Centre for Career Action’s Career View Mirror,, a tool that connects Science undergraduates with alumni and their stories.  

Looking for more information regarding further education or career advice? The Centre for Career Action holds various workshops  every term, or you can contact your Career Advisor.

Last week’s question: 95 per cent of you guessed correctly! PD 1 was first offered in Fall 2006.  Congratulations to this week’s winner, Emily Brown, speech communication student.

This week’s poll: How many scheduled work terms were there 2012 for Science and Applied Health Sciences combined? Hint: check this infographic.

• 3000
• 2054
• 5629
• 1746

Take a guess  and win a mug!

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St. Paul's names director to tend GreenHouse

St. Paul's University College has announced that Tania Del Matto has been appointed as Director of GreenHouse, the university college's sustainable residence community.

GreenHouse is billed as "innovation community" built around social entrepreneurship goals. Under the guidance of professional mentors and specialized learning opportunities, upper-year undergraduate students from various faculties will "conceive of initiatives that create environmental or social justice change and work in teams to implement them. While involved in the program, students gain valuable skills, build relevant networks and put their academic knowledge into practice."

Del Matto is the founder and executive director of My Sustainable Canada, a not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to help people and organizations make more sustainable choices. She has managed and led regional, national and international projects on sustainable consumption and production, pesticide reduction, and environmental education for a variety of public and private sector clients. She is also a Waterloo alumna with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies - Honours ERS & Economics and a Masters of Environmental Studies, both from Waterloo.

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Wednesday's notes

Friends and colleagues of Martin Van Nierop are invited to his retirement celebration today from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the University Club. Van Nierop, the university's Senior Director, Government Relations & Strategic Initiatives and before that the director of Communications & Public Affairs, retires after 29 years with the university.

Three green energy articles appear on the Waterloo Stories page this week featuring Jennifer Lynes (School of Environment, Enterprise and Development, Linda Nazar (Faculty of Science/Faculty of Engineering), and James Coleman (first-year School of Planning student).

Human Resources is reporting that Ann Tillich, who started working at the university in September 1967 as a part-time Food Services Assistant in Food Services and who retired in July 1996 as a housekeeper in Student Village II, died May 7. Ann was predeceased by her husband, Toni.

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