New CRCs have focus on quantum physics

Roger Melko and Kevin Resch, from the Department of Physics and Astronomy in the Faculty of Science, have been named Tier 2 Canada Research Chairs by the Government of Canada for their work in quantum physics.

“Quantum research is a strategic priority for the University of Waterloo and the research happening here has the potential for global impact,” says Feridun Hamdullahpur, President and Vice-Chancellor of Waterloo.

Roger Melko holds the Canada Research Chair in Computational Quantum Many-Body Physics. An affiliate member of the Institute for Quantum Computing and associate faculty member of the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Melko’s research uses state-of-the-art tools and computer simulations to model novel quantum systems that will be the foundation for future materials, devices and information systems.

Kevin Resch holds the Canada Research Chair in Optical Quantum Technologies. A member of Waterloo’s Institute for Quantum Computing, Resch’s work focuses on generating new quantum states of light with applications ranging from quantum computing to future medical imaging instruments.

“Kevin and Roger’s discoveries have the potential to turn today’s impossibilities into tomorrow’s reality,” says Terry McMahon, Dean of Science. “Their appointments are a great source of pride for this Faculty and reiterate our leadership in physics and quantum information research.”

The Canada Research Chairs program is at the centre of a national strategy to make Canada a global leader in research and development. Chairholders are recognized for research excellence in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities and social sciences.

“Through programs such as the Canada Research Chairs, we are supporting cutting-edge research at Canadian universities and fostering innovation by helping researchers bring their ideas to the marketplace, to benefit Canadians and improve our quality of life,” says Minister of State Rickford.

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St. Paul's marks 50 years with Blackforest party

by Stephen Loo.

On Saturday, November 2, St. Paul’s University College hosted 60 alumni for a special 50^th anniversary reunion edition of the Blackforest Coffeehouse – an annual music and talent show founded by St. Paul’s students in 1972.

Several Blackforest founders were in attendance, including John Greenwood (’74) who helped plan the event and provided the opening performance (pictured above). Alumni came from as far away as Florida and Ottawa and for some it was the first time on campus in over twenty years.

A total of fourteen student and alumni acts took the stage delighting the crowd with a mix of folk, indie rock, a cappella , spoken word and even some bagpipes.

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Celebrate GIS Day with location-enabled photos

by Eva Dodsworth.

Wednesday, November 20 is GIS Day! To celebrate this worldwide event, Mapping, Analysis & Design (MAD) and the Geospatial Centre are hosting an open house in the EV1 Courtyard from 1:00 - 3:30 pm.

This year's event will include lightning talks showcasing how people around campus are using GIS, as well as software demonstrations and digital posters.

New this year is our Twitter photo contest. Between now and GIS Day tweet a picture (e.g. of your favourite place on campus) using the hashtag #gisdayuw and make sure location is enabled for your tweet! A live map of the incoming tweets will be on display in the courtyard. The best pictures may win a prize.

Everyone is invited to join us for this event. For more information including the detailed schedule, or to let us know that you are coming, please visit the GIS Day website.

Photograph by Joe Bevan.

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This week, explore your world

by Katie Eley.

From November 18-22, departments across campus are running events showcasing cultures and international exchange opportunities in support of International Education Week (IEW). 

IEW events invite participants to explore their world through various activities including cultural dance lessons, country presentations, an international movie night and photo contests.

Students, staff and faculty can win a prize of $100 on their WatCard and a Lonely Planet travel book when they participate in IEW events.  If you collect stamps from at least five IEW events can enter your passport in to a draw for the prizes. Passports are available at each of the IEW events, the Student Success Office and Waterloo International.   

Eligible passports must be dropped off to the front desk of the Student Success Office no later than Monday, November 25, 2013 at 4:30 p.m. 

Explore your world, uWaterloo!

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Senate meets today

The university's Senate will hold its November meeting today in NH 3001 at 3:30 p.m.

On the agenda is a motion for Senate to endorse the version of the strategic plan approved by the Board of Governors on August 28. The Senate will also consider amendments to the guidelines for the awarding of honorary degrees and changes to the academic plan for the Software Engineering Option in Entrepreneurship and Computer Engineering and Electrical Engineering programs. A new research specialization and practice specializations in the Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Honours International Development is also up for approval. In addition, Senate will also be asked to consider changing the name of the department responsible for delivering, among other things, the Daily Bulletin. The proposal is to change the current name of the department, Communications and Public Affairs, to "Marketing and Strategic Communications."

Senators will also hear a teaching presentation from Professor Gordon Stubley of Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering.

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