Bio-based chem program debuts at conference

Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Université de Bordeaux, France are gathering this week to create a bio-chemistry program that will support research into sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels, beginning a a longer conversation about combining strengths with a joint conference that takes place from May 19 to 21.

The conference, which aims to showcase research from the two institutions and explore challenges they might take on together, will introduce Canada’s only Bachelor of Bio-based Chemistry program to be jointly managed by Bordeaux and Waterloo.

Bio-based chemistry looks for sustainable alternatives — trees and algae, for example — to replace fossil fuels as the prime raw material for polymers, surfactants and other chemicals.

“The complexity is greater,’’ says John Honek, chair of Waterloo’s Department of Chemistry. “You can’t just drill a hole in the ground and have things shoot out.

“We are trying to create the international scientist who fully understands the chemistry, and will be able to design new chemistry that will handle bio-based materials. And, in addition, not be afraid of spinning off companies, working on patents and so forth.”

Feridun Hamdullahpur will be joined today by Jean-François Casabonne Masonnave, France’s consul general in Toronto, and Laurent Servant, Bordeaux’s vice-president, international, to sign a letter of intent to set up the bio-based chemistry program.

The conference covers a wide range of interests: Aging, nanotechnology, energy consumption, smart resource management, biotechnology and maintaining a safe and sustainable water supply.

The Waterloo-Bordeaux conference is expected to draw about 100 researchers and other delegates.

 

Back to top

Walking a path to sustainability

by Jacqueline Martinz.

Sustainable Campus Initiative (SCI), a Federation of Students service, is ecstatic to have their Davis Centre Redevelopment Project completed. Spurred by an idea the service brainstormed years ago, the new, smooth path that leads to the building has been long-awaited by volunteers.

“The project was established in August 2013. The goal was to pave the egress created by people walking in the Math courtyard and revitalize the area,” said Elspeth Holland, an SCI volunteer who played a key role with the initiative.

She was driven by her interest in landscape architecture and construction, along with the desire to make a difference at the University of Waterloo.

“We wanted to create a more inviting space for all people to enjoy. The pavement stones are a permeable solution, meaning that they allow for water to irrigate between the stones to promote healthy ground systems.”

The project was a major undertaking for SCI, which focuses on identifying and initiating environmental initiatives in response to student needs.

“SCI is incredibly proud to have completed a construction project entirely driven by students. We are overjoyed with the support we have received from staff and faculty,” says Elspeth. “This proves that students can contribute towards the campus that they want to have. We hope that more students will take on large projects with big impacts in the future.”

The service would like to thank the following groups for their donations and support: Federation of Students, Dean of Mathematics, Math Endowment Fund, Mathematics Society, Plant Operations, Oaks Pavers and Helmutz Interlock.

Update: The University community is invited to join SCI at the Path Party on Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and BBQ.

 

Back to top

Velocity Alpha kickoff today

The Velocity Alpha campus program for student entrepreneurs has its kickoff event today at 12:30 p.m. in the Great Hall of the Student Life Centre.

Velocity Director Mike Kirkup will be joined by four young entrepreneurs—Ashish Bidadi, founder of Palette, Rahul Kulkarni, co-founder of TrendRadius, Henry Shi, co-founder and CTO of uMentioned, and Ryan Denomme, founder and CEO of Nicoya Lifesciences—for a panel discussion entitled "Why Startup Now?"

Says Velocity's website:

"Velocity Alpha, created in September 2012, is a program open to uWaterloo students with any kind of business idea, tech-related or not, and for those students who are just interested. Its goal is to empower students with the resources to run their own business and immerse them in uWaterloo’s vibrant startup culture. Students at any stage of their entrepreneurial projects are invited to attend Velocity Alpha sessions and take advantage of the networking and skill-building opportunities they provide."

"Velocity Alpha consists of weekly workshops, panelist discussions and networking events that run throughout all three-school terms. Each weekly event focuses on a specific business topic, designed to build upon each other and provide hands-on experience in a number of areas of business. By the end of each term, students who have attended all sessions will be well equipped with the practical, real world skills they need to launch their own businesses."

The first 100 people in the audience will receive a free boxed lunch, and you can register to be entered to win a bicycle by Critical Cycles.

 

Back to top

Tuesday's notes

In late April the Library launched a new Library News site as a successor of sorts for News @ Your Library. The site is now the Library's primary site for news and other updates. News @ Your Library will still exist as an email newsletter that will recap top news items each month. The Library Communications team welcomes your feedback on the Library News site.

Get to steppin': Wellness Walk 2014 gets its start today and runs (well, walks) until Friday, June 13. Individuals and teams can register on the Wellness Walk website and track their distance daily. Last year, more than 50 University of Waterloo teams made up of 333 walkers took part. The Wellness Walk is organized by the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

They're still trying to make "fetch" happen: A Mean Girls party will take place at the Bombshelter Pub on Wednesday, May 21 at 7:00 p.m. The event celebrates the 10th anniversary of the 2004 film, which starred Lindsay Lohan and Rachel McAdams, and is a particularly resonant entry in the "high school cafeteria" film genre.

TEDxUW is looking for a new Chair for next year's event. More details can be found at the TEDxUW website.

IST is reporting that OnBase web server maintenance will be taking place on Wednesday, May 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to address the system's performance capabilities. During the maintenance window, OnBase will be unavailable, and graduate applicant documents viewed through Quest will also be unavailable. Anyone with questions is encouraged to contact Gina Reichard via email or by calling extension 31279.

 

Back to top