Waterloo News - Science

Innovative new program addresses Canadian doctor shortage

Pamela Smyth — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 01:06:06 +0000

Groundbreaking partnership between University of Waterloo and St. George’s University streamlines route to medical school and addresses shortage of physicians in Canada

As millions of Canadians live without access to a family doctor, a transformative academic program will address this shortage by offering Canadian students a streamlined path from high school to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

The partnership between the University of Waterloo and St. George’s University (SGU) in Grenada is a Canadian first. Their new 5-Year and 6-Year MD Tracks will allow aspiring physicians to begin their training earlier, moving seamlessly from pre-medical studies into SGU’s School of Medicine.

More than 6 million Canadians lack access to a family physician. A 2022 comparison of 37 OECD countries ranked Canada 27th with three physicians per 1,000 people.

From L to R: Laura Bruno, vice-president, student recruitment at SGU; Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the School of Medicine at SGU; Dr. Chris Houser, dean of the Faculty of Science at Waterloo; Dr. Laura Deakin, associate dean for teaching and learning, Faculty of Science at Waterloo. (University of Waterloo)

“This partnership is more than an academic offering — it’s a strategic response to a national healthcare challenge,” said Dr. Marios Loukas, dean of the SGU School of Medicine. “By collaborating with the University of Waterloo, we’re providing a new and guaranteed pathway for driven Canadian students to begin medical training earlier, supported every step of the way.”

Program highlights:

Earn a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (BMSci) from Waterloo
Secure guaranteed entry into SGU’s MD program
Canadian students can skip the MCAT and apply through SGU’s simplified admissions process
Access comprehensive academic and career advising from entry to residency
Students may enter the program directly from high school or after some undergraduate study, providing flexible on-ramps to a medical career.

“The first of its kind in Canada, this program is a creative solution to help solve our country’s overwhelming need for more doctors and to keep up with population growth,” said Dr. Chris Houser, dean of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science. “With many SGU alumni already practicing in Canada, there is a clear path for graduates of this new program to return home after their studies to provide needed medical care for Canadians.”

SGU has been North America’s largest provider of new doctors for more than a decade, placing an average of 94 per cent of eligible graduates into residencies over the past five years. More than 2,100 Canadian SGU alumni are already making a difference in communities across Canada and worldwide.

The program starts in September 2026. More details and information on applying are available on the SGU website.

About the University of Waterloo
University of Waterloo is a leading global innovation hub that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. With more than 41,000 students, we are home to the world's largest co-op education talent pipeline, to game-changing research and technology, and to an unmatched entrepreneurial culture. Together, these create partnerships and solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.   

About St. George's University  
St. George's University is a center of international education, drawing students and faculty from 140 countries to the island of Grenada, in the West Indies, to its programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, science, and business. SGU is affiliated with educational institutions worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, Ireland, and the Netherlands. The University's over 31,000 graduates include physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and public health and business professionals across the world. St. George's University School of Medicine is accredited by the Grenada Medical and Dental Council which has been recognized by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). For more information, visit  www.sgu.edu.

Science

Research

Health Futures

Waterloo mourns the loss of Dr. Raymond Laflamme

Bernice Ma — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 21:03:46 +0000

A trailblazer in quantum information processing and a pioneer of the Institute for Quantum Computing, Laflamme was pivotal in building Canada's reputation in quantum science

Dr. Raymond Laflamme, a trailblazer in quantum information processing and pioneer of the Institute for Quantum Computing (IQC) at the University of Waterloo, died on June 19 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

A legacy of quantum research excellence

Originally from Québec City, Canada, where he studied Physics as an undergraduate at the Université Laval, his curious mind led him to England. At Cambridge University, Laflamme earned his PhD under the supervision of Stephen Hawking and then moved to the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where his interests shifted from cosmology to quantum computing.

In 2001, he was attracted back to Canada where he joined the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Waterloo, and the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. He served as the founding executive director of IQC from 2002 to 2017. Through his leadership, IQC became a world-class research hub, positioning Canada at the forefront of the quantum revolution.

Dr. Raymond Laflamme presents a gift to his former PhD supervisor Dr. Stephen Hawking during a visit to the IQC.

In his scientific research, Laflamme pioneered theoretical and experimental approaches to quantum information processing and quantum error correction. Laflamme and colleagues developed an innovative approach to quantum information processing using linear optics, the results of which became one of the most referenced works in quantum computing. He devised and implemented new methods to make quantum information robust against corruption in both cryptographic and computational settings. Laflamme coauthored two textbooks on quantum computing: Building Quantum Computers: A Practical Introduction and An Introduction to Quantum Computing.

Laflamme received many national and international awards in recognition of his remarkable scientific accomplishments and leadership. He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada and was awarded the Canadian Association of Physicists CAP-CRM Prize in Theoretical and Mathematical Physics. He received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, was recognized in the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s inaugural Top 50 Discoveries list for 2006, received a Premier Research Award from the Government of Ontario, and held a Canada Research Chair from 2002 to 2023. Laflamme was a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, a Fellow of the American Physical Society, and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). He held the inaugural Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis “John von Neumann” Chair in Quantum Information.

Building IQC and Canada’s quantum strategy

Laflamme played a pivotal role in building Canada’s global reputation in quantum information science and technology. In his 15 years as executive director, IQC grew from an idea to a world-leading centre for multidisciplinary research and attracted $530 million in funding to realize this vision, including generous donations from Mike and Ophelia Lazaridis. Today, IQC has 30 faculty members, and a community of over 300 researchers, making IQC and the University of Waterloo one of the largest centres for quantum research in the world.

Dr. Raymond Laflamme sits with Mike Lazaridis.

Laflamme’s impact in quantum technology extended beyond the University of Waterloo. Laflamme was named co-lead of the National Quantum Strategy Advisory Council, was the scientific director of QuantumWorks, led the Quantum Information Processing program at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and the NSERC-funded QuantumWorks.

In 2020, Laflamme and his wife established the Raymond Laflamme and Janice Gregson Graduate Scholarship for Women in Quantum Information Science, awarded annually to recognize top women entering Waterloo’s quantum graduate programs.

Research driven by community and curiosity

Throughout his career, he found ways to bring people together. This was accomplished on an international scale by leading networks and organizing conferences, and within the local community through pick-up hockey games and sharing his insights generously with students and colleagues. In 2023, his former students and postdoctoral fellows held a conference in his honour.

Laflamme had an adventurous spirit and a light-hearted sense of humour. His curiosity about the world never dimmed. When he was diagnosed with lung cancer, he turned something tragic into a new research avenue. He started a project with researchers at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener to investigate quantum technologies for cancer research and treatment.

The IQC, Science and Waterloo community has lost a leader, teacher, mentor, and friend. We offer our deepest condolences to Laflamme’s family.

Campus

Science

Community

New horizons for Waterloo’s Canada 150 Chairs

Angelica Sanchez — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:18:02 +0000

Dr. Anita Layton and Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn complete their C150 terms but their research impacting the future of health and technology continue

Eight years ago, to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, the Government of Canada invested $117 million to launch a new initiative aimed at enhancing Canada’s reputation as a global centre for science, research and innovation excellence.

The Canada 150 (C150) Research Chairs program set out to attract top-tier internationally-based scholars and researchers to Canada – with two international researchers joining the University of Waterloo.

As their C150 terms come to an end, both Dr. Anita Layton and Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn who will continue as professors at Waterloo, look back at their terms fondly and ahead to the future.

As C150 Chair in Intelligent Robotics, Dautenhahn says the Chair was a tremendous opportunity to open the Social and Intelligent Robotics Research Laboratory (SIRRL) and relocate her family to Canada following her previous role in the United Kingdom.

Dr. Kerstin Dautenhahn, professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

“This has worked out really well, and Waterloo is a great place. Collaboration across the University and with the faculties is encouraged, which is needed as my work is very interdisciplinary,” says Dautenhahn, who is a professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. “I couldn’t have done these projects without Waterloo. It’s a place with a lot of opportunities.”

Since arriving at Waterloo, she has advanced and furthered her research in therapeutic and educational usage of social and intelligent robots. The robots have demonstrated the benefits and support that can be provided to children with speech and language challenges, along with helping children to learn about bullying and empathy.

Additionally, intelligent robots offer a tremendous opportunity to teach people without judgement, says Dautenhahn, making them highly suited for the role of a public speaking coach or a mental wellbeing coach, allowing students to practice skills and techniques.

“I really believe that there are many applications where robots can be beneficial, not replacing people, but taking advantage of the specific characteristics of robots,” she says.

For Layton, the C150 Chair in Mathematical Biology and Medicine, the different funding landscape in Canada meant more research prospects.

Dr. Anita Layton, professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics, cross-appointed to Computer Science, Pharmacy and Biology.

“With my research funding I was able to have a large group of students, branch out, collaborate, get more support — and do the things I found exciting,” Layton says. “I learned a lot about chronic disease and drug simulation — and was able to take my knowledge to the public through the media.”

She is a professor in the Department of Applied Mathematics, cross-appointed to Computer Science, Pharmacy and Biology, and this interdisciplinary lens is central to her research.

Her research team uses computational modelling tools to better understand health and disease, in an approach she describes as using mathematics as a microscope. Through the use of computer simulations and mathematical analysis, her research has revealed insights into the progression and treatment responses of chronic diseases, and how sex hormones may explain individual differences. One of her recent studies found adding more potassium-rich foods to a diet may have a greater impact on blood pressure than reducing or eliminating sodium. This work gained significant media attention for promoting a simple change that can make a difference to many people.

As her seven-year term as a C150 Chair comes to an end, she has been named a University Professor at Waterloo.

Her plans include working with collaborators and the community, supporting the advancement of faculty, guiding postdoctoral fellows in knowledge translation, and training students to become independent thinkers who initiate research direction and communicate research.

“I want to do more to elevate others,” Layton says.

Awards, Honours and Rankings

Technological Futures

Waterloo represents within BetaKit Most Ambitious List of 2025

Sam Charles — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:38:24 +0000

More than 20 founders from Waterloo highlight the newly unveiled list that celebrates those making the biggest impact inside Canadian tech and innovation

As a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation, it’s no surprise that companies and founders linked to the University of Waterloo have a noticeable presence among those featured within BetaKit’s Most Ambitious List.

Waterloo ranks as the top university in Canada for startup founders and 21st in the world according to the Pitchbook University Rankings. Recently released data shows that Velocity, Waterloo’s core entrepreneurship incubator, has more than 500 companies with a combined enterprise value of $40 billion.

The Most Ambitious List includes several categories including the “Moon Shots” (Canadians reaching for the stars), “Deep Tech,” “World Savers,” “Category Challengers,” “Expats,” “The Products,” and “The Next Generation.”

From student leaders to established founders and companies, the BetaKit list featured some of Waterloo’s best and brightest. Of the four organizations listed among the next generation of Canadian tech was Socratica. The social entrepreneurship collective recently hosted an event in Waterloo that brought together nearly 2500 people to collaborate and share ideas.

"We’re proud to show how when we bring people in, hand them real responsibility and resources, and believe in them, we can do more as an ecosystem," says Jake Rudolph, an engineering student and one of the Socratica’s organizers.

Jetson recognized in the “World Savers” category

Co-founded by Stephen Lake (BASc ’12), Aaron Grant (BASc ’12) and Matt Bailey (BASc ’12), Vancouver-based Jetson is a climate tech product manufacturer that is developing new ways to install heat pumps in residential buildings and homes.

Challengers are breaking open markets and making Canada more competitive

Rachel Bartholomew (MBET ’14), Float, and MappedIn are listed as challengers for reshaping Canadian markets. Bartholomew is the founder and CEO of Hyivy, a company focused on creating therapeutic and remote monitoring devices for gynecological conditions. She is also the founder and lead advisor for Femtech Canada, an advocacy organization for women working in the innovation space.

Former engineering student Hongwei Liu co-founded MappedIn’ while at Waterloo along with Toby Gu (BASc ’15), Mitch Butler and Leander Lee (BCS ’13). Waterloo alum Edward Wei (BCS ’06) is MappedIn’s CTO. The Velocity-linked company is an indoor maps wayfinding platform.

Another Velocity-linked company to make the list is Float which is making waves in the corporate credit card market. Last year, Float co-founders Ruslan Nikolaev (BCS ‘20) and Griffin Keglevich secured $50 million to expand its financial products and innovate business-to-business financial services.

Wealthsimple also made the challenger category. Its Chief Legal Officer is Waterloo arts alum Blair Wiley (BA ’04).

Most ambitious products that have people talking

Among the list of ambitious products are Able Innovations. Able Innovations is a Velocity company that develops solutions for lifting and moving patients within health care settings.

"Being recognized in BetaKit's Most Ambitious list is a great affirmation that Canadian innovation can compete on the global stage when we're willing to take calculated risks and push boundaries,” says Jayiesh Singh, CEO of Able Innovations. “This recognition isn't just about what we've accomplished, it's about the responsibility we have to continue driving solutions that are improving lives and creating better systems."

Rounding out the list are Core Devices, Ideogram, Wave View Imaging and 1Password. Smartware company Core Devices was founded by Eric Migicovsky (BASc ’09). The company recently announced a pair of new smartwatches that run on open-source PebbleOS. Ideogram, a text-to-image platform, was co-founded by William Chan (BASc ’11) in 2022. The following year, it received $16.5 million in seed funding. Wave View Imaging, a non-intrusive imaging system designed to enhance early detection, was co-founded by Elise Fear (BASc ’95) who now serves as CSO.

The CEO of the Waterloo-led unicorn, 1Password, is Jeff Shiner (BMath ’92). The global cybersecurity company protects more than 150,000 businesses and millions of consumers around the world.

The moon shots reaching for the stars

Two companies with Waterloo connections were featured for their Canadian-made innovations that are literally reaching for the stars. Canadian Space Mining Corporation (CSMC) is led by COO Adam Gryfe (MBET ’11). CSMC is an infrastructure and technology company focused on filling key gaps in future space exploration in areas that address Earth’s immediate challenges. The CEO of MDA Space is Mike Greenley (MSc ’97). The space mission partner supports communications satellites, Earth and space observation, space exploration and infrastructure.

Deep tech working on the next big breakthrough

Photonic and Xanadu were among the companies included within the deep tech category. Photonic was founded by Stephanie Simmons (BMath ’08). Today, she serves as the company’s Chief Quantum Officer. The company is building one of the first scalable, distributed, fault-tolerant and unified quantum computing and networking platforms based on optically-linked silicon spin qubits.

Xanadu recently unveiled the world’s first scalable, networked and modular quantum computer. The company’s CTO is Nathan Killoran (PhD ’12, physics).

Since its founding, the University of Waterloo has always been bold and unconventional. It continues to be a place where ambitious innovators and ideas take root. Through transformational research and inspired learning, Waterloo is helping to identify and solve the complex challenges facing humanity and our planet.

The Betakit’s Toronto Tech Week Special Issue also includes an interview with Waterloo professor Larry Smith.

Technological Futures

Congratulations, Class of 2025!

Darren Mc Almont — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 21:45:21 +0000

Waterloo welcomes more than 7,700 new graduates to its alumni club and celebrates their bold new journeys

Spring 2025 Convocation was a spectacular celebration of dedication, resilience and triumph. As graduates crossed the stage, their hard work and perseverance shone brightly after navigating some of the most challenging times in recent history, including beginning their degrees during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Across five days and 14 vibrant ceremonies, Waterloo’s campus came alive with the cheers of proud families, friends, faculty and staff — all gathered to honour the incredible accomplishments of our graduating students.

“I was truly inspired by the remarkable accomplishments of our graduates,” says Dr. Vivek Goel, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Waterloo. “As each new graduate transitions to Waterloo’s remarkable alumni community, they are poised to tackle global challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future for humanity and our planet.”  

Behind the scenes, the magic was made possible by a dedicated team of 207 staff and alumni volunteers, 94 student ambassadors and seven retirees. From ambassadors and ushers to stage support and accessibility assistants, these incredible individuals ensured that every moment ran smoothly for thousands of graduates and their loved ones.

A total of 230 PhD, 957 master’s and 6,155 undergraduate degrees were conferred to new alumni during Spring 2025 Convocation. Here are some of the memorable moments from the ceremonies.

‘Curiosity is my own superpower’

In the chancellor’s address to the Class of 2025, Dr. Jagdeep Bachher (BASc ’93, MASc ’94, PhD ’00) encouraged graduates to unlock new possibilities by remaining curious and embracing the changes occurring around them.

“Waterloo is a place of change, innovation and new, bold beginnings. ‘What supercharges new beginnings?’ Curiosity,” he said. “That means asking audacious questions of yourself and of others.”

Bachher further encouraged graduates to be steadfast in their values in the face of injustice and external pressures.

“What makes me proud to be your chancellor is your courage. The courage to stand up for what’s right, to challenge the status quo, to be kind when it’s easier not to be, and to choose inclusion, humility and decency … even when the world doesn’t reward those things. These are my Sikh values, these are Canadian values, these are human values,” he shared.

Watch the Chancellor’s full speech on YouTube

‘The perfect year to graduate’

On June 11, Faculty of Mathematics valedictorian Keeley Isinghood (BMath ’25) delivered a creative address on why 2025 is the perfect year to graduate from Waterloo. As her fellow mathematicians would appreciate, Isinghood used numbers, equations and percentages to inspire her peers.

“There is something special about the number 2025. 2025 is a perfect square — 45 times 45 gives you 2025,” she explained “Some of you may be thinking that this is not so special, but only those aged 89 or older were alive for the last perfect square year, 1936, and it will be 91 years until the next perfect square year, 2116,” she said. “So, for the majority of us in this room, 2025 is the only perfect square year we will live to see.”

Isinghood also encouraged the graduating class to make the most of every moment even when things don’t seem to add up.

“Our lives are the sums of all the events, the perfect and the imperfect.”

Watch Isinghood’s full speech on YouTube

Remembering Mana Mao (BSc ’25)

After passing away suddenly from a medical issue in December last year, Mana Mao (BSc ’25) was posthumously awarded a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology, which was accepted by her mother, Anisa Mohamed and father Hussein Haji. Mao is remembered by her colleagues and professors in the Faculty of Health as a dedicated student and active member in university sports, who also served as a trainer for the women’s volleyball team. In a show of support, the audience stood and applauded for more than two minutes to honour Mao’s achievement.
Watch the moment her degree was awarded

‘You get to carve your own path’

Learning is continuous. This was the message Faculty of Engineering valedictorian Chinemerem Chigbo (BASc ’25) shared with his graduating colleagues on June 14.

“Real learning happens beyond the lectures and labs, in moments when you face problems that weren't listed anywhere on the syllabus,” he shared. “If at any point we stop learning, we stop growing. So don’t just think of yourself as a graduate of the University of Waterloo. Think of yourself as a lifelong undergraduate. Embrace each day with curiosity and a sense of adventure.”

Watch Chigbo's full speech on YouTube

A moment to remember

A proud Faculty of Science graduate celebrates convocation with a heartwarming selfie alongside his baby and the chancellor.

Sarah Dupuis (BA ’25), who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Development Studies (Honours), shares how the accessibility of online education at Waterloo connected her with opportunities she thought to be out of reach.

Together, we celebrated not just a milestone, but the beginning of your bold new journeys. Congratulations, Class of 2025 — your future is bright, and the world is ready for your brilliance.

Celebrating Waterloo’s Class of 2025 valedictorians

Angelica Sanchez — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Meet the 14 exceptional students representing Waterloo’s newest grads

Convocation marks a significant milestone for University of Waterloo graduates. This year, 14 outstanding students have been chosen to represent the graduating Class of 2025.

Their selection as valedictorians demonstrates their dedication and creativity within their faculties. Below, they share parts of their academic journeys filled with inspiring tales of overcoming challenges and embracing opportunities for growth.

Congratulations to our 2025 Waterloo valedictorians and fellow graduates, who now join a powerful network of more than 255,000 alumni who are making an impact on the world.

Watch video on YouTube

Why did you choose to study at the university of Waterloo?

Raksha Aravind (BSc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology.

Raksha Aravind’s (BSc ’25) was drawn to Waterloo for its remarkable Kinesiology program.

“The program mixes everything — biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, nutrition and even social sciences — and it gave me the full picture of human movement,” Aravind says.

She completed three co-op terms as a research assistant in the Nutrition and Aging Lab, earning the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research award. Her work focused on nutrition risk in older adults and supports the development of screening tools to improve early health assessments for underserved communities.

Aravind is preparing to write the MCAT and aspires to practice medicine in Canada as a surgeon. “For me, medicine is not just about diagnosing or treating — it’s about understanding the humanity of each patient,” she says.

Daisy Birch (BA ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Arts and Business in Honours Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies, and a minor in Human Resource Management, and certificates in Global Experience and Community Leadership.

Daisy Birch (BA ’25) chose Waterloo for its interdisciplinary Arts and Business program, which allowed her to combine her deep interest in business with her passion for sexuality, marriage and family studies.

A standout moment in her academic journey was studying abroad in Athens, Greece — an experience she describes as transformative. On campus, Birch served as a Student Ambassador for four terms and a Residence Life Don for nine terms. Another highlight was presenting at the 2020 Ontario Association of College and University Housing Officers Residence Life Conference, where she earned a Top 5 Presenters award for her work on fostering consent culture.

“One thing you should know about me is that I always have at least five plans in the works, so don’t be shocked if you see me on Broadway or on your television someday,” she says.

Putri Cullinane (BES ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Environment, Resources and Sustainability.

For Putri Cullinane (BES ’25), Waterloo’s renowned co-operative education program and interdisciplinary pathways made it the ideal place to combine her passions in environmental studies and economics.

A highlight of her student journey include a two-week field course in Atlantic Canada and completing her undergraduate senior thesis on the experiences of women entrepreneurs in informal water markets. Being a valedictorian has very special meaning for Cullinane.

"With both my parents still living in Indonesia and having sacrificed a lot for me to be here, I feel incredibly honoured to have been nominated,” she says.

After convocation, Cullinane will join the Canada Water Agency as a policy analyst, a role she worked in part-time while completing her final year at Waterloo.

Keeley Isinghood (BMath ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Mathematics in Honours Biostatistics and a minor in Pure Mathematics.

Keeley Isinghood (BMath ’25) came to Waterloo to pursue her love of numbers and problem-solving. In the Biostatistics program, she discovered a meaningful way to apply math to real-world challenges and a supportive community who deepened her passion.

“I remember one night, I finally solved a problem that I had been stuck on all week — it was a wonderful feeling to figure it out on the whiteboard with the help of my friends,” Isinghood says. “Working on mathematics collaboratively has always been a highlight of my degree.”

Isinghood was active in student life, from Women in Mathematics and MathSoc to participating in the curling club and intramural sports teams. She is especially proud of mentoring 20 first-year students as a peer leader in the Honours Math Living and Learning Community.

Isinghood will begin her Master of Mathematics in biostatistics at Waterloo this fall.

Salahuddin Said (BASc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering.

Salahuddin Said (BASc ’25) vividly remembers attending a university fair in Grade 11 and asking every booth about their co-op programs. Waterloo’s emphasis on real-world experience quickly made it his top choice.

“Waterloo has a prestigious name in engineering, and co-op really helped me find what I enjoyed working on and finding my place in engineering as a whole,” he says.

While at Waterloo, Said supported classmates with resume critiques, job applications and mock-up interviews. He also created a technical interview question database, which more than 30 students contributed to and used for their full-time job applications.

“The achievements I feel the proudest are not so much what I have done myself, but what I have been able to do for others,” Said says. “I’ve been incredibly lucky with my co-op experiences and opportunities across different avenues, and because of that, I’ve been able to pay it forward to other students.”

Lyvia Yanover (BSc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Physics and Astronomy.

After attending one of Waterloo’s fall open houses, Lyvia Yanover (BSc ’25) knew she found the right fit.

During her undergraduate studies, she served as a Science Ambassador for three consecutive years and volunteered as a tutor at the Physics Tutorial Centre.

“I’m proud of finishing both PHYS437A and B research courses, where I worked on researching a hypothetical model of the Big Bang with Dr. Niayesh Afshordi,” she says. “I also managed to fit a minor in Mathematics into my degree, which I’m extremely happy with.”

Being named valedictorian holds both a deep and personal meaning for her. “It means I pushed through the difficulties of my university experience, despite everything that happened in my personal life that made it harder,” she says. “It’s something I know my mom, who passed away in 2023, would be proud of.”

She will be returning this fall to pursue a Master of Science in Physics, supervised by Dr. Will Percival, a distinguished research chair in astrophysics.

Tell me about some of the achievements you are most proud of to date.

Chinemerem Chigbo (BASc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering.

Chinemerem Chigbo (BASc ’25) chose Waterloo for its strong reputation in innovation, co-operative education and academic excellence — especially in computer engineering.

He found joy in hands-on learning like building a hair-cutting robot with a friend. Through UW Blueprint, Chigbo helped develop technical products for nonprofits and later founded his own organization, providing pro bono software maintenance to keep essential tools running effectively.

“Being chosen as valedictorian is deeply humbling,” he says. “It reflects not only my own efforts, but also the support of my peers, professors and family. It’s a privilege to represent our shared journey, struggles and successes.”

After convocation, he will volunteer in Nigeria teaching technical skills to youth.

“I’m passionate about creating opportunities through education,” Chigbo says. “Access to technical skills can empower young people to shape their own futures.”

Viren Pandya (BA ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics.

One of Viren Pandya’s (BA ’25) proudest achievements is co-founding the Hindu Students Council, which grew from a simple idea into a vibrant community that fostered cultural connection and belonging.

“It wasn’t just about creating a cultural club,” Pandya says. “It was about creating a space where students could connect, celebrate their culture and find support.”

Pandya sees his selection as valedictorian as a testament to the support he received from friends, family and professors. Representing his class and all they have overcome is a memory he will cherish forever.

“It isn’t just a title, but a reflection of my university journey — how much I’ve grown, how many times I have struggled and how every setback was just a steppingstone to something bigger,” he says.

Pandya will be starting a full-time position at Ernst and Young in Toronto.

Mankirat Singh Sains (BASc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering.

Mankirat Singh Sains (BASc ’25) describes being named valedictorian at one of the world’s leading universities as deeply meaningful, especially coming from a small school in Uganda.

“It’s more than a personal milestone — it’s a tribute to the sacrifice and unwavering support of my family, to whom I owe everything. Their belief has carried me here, and this moment is for them,” he says.

At Waterloo, Sains was nominated for Co-op Student of the Year by five employers and won an intramural championship. But it was the friendships and memories — like Engineering Day, with purple ring toss, laughter and professors in the dunk tank — that he cherishes most.

Nina Tan (BCS ’24) graduated with a Bachelor of Computer Science.

Before coming to Waterloo, Nina Tan (BCS ’24) carefully planned her ideal university experience, aiming to complete each co-op term in a different city. She succeeded by living and working in Vancouver, Boston, Mountain View and Munich.

“I’ve always loved adventures and exploring new places, so the co-op program really appealed to me,” Tan says. “I still look back fondly on the memories and friendships I made in each one.”

She also held several executive leadership roles within Women in Computer Science (WiCS), which include serving as director of Publicity, Outreach and Mentorship. Over the course of her degree, Tan helped organize numerous professional, mentorship and community-building events that became a meaningful part of her university experience.

Tan will be returning to Google, one of her former co-op employers, as a software engineer. In the long term, she hopes to build solutions in sustainability, education and women’s health, while reacquainting herself with old hobbies like singing and arts and crafts.

What is one of your fondest memories as a Waterloo student?

Matthew Jones (BAFM ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Accounting and Financial Management with a specialization in Financial Markets.

Like many Waterloo students, Matthew Jones (BAFM ’25) used the co-op program to explore different industries and roles, learning more about himself with each experience. Jones was actively involved in the School of Accounting and Finance (SAF), supporting first-year students and leading peer initiatives.

“Mentorship played a pivotal role in my own development early on, so it’s been incredibly meaningful to contribute to that same supportive SAF community,” he says.

One of his most cherished memories is playing on Waterloo’s frisbee team, where he eventually became team captain.

“Being part of the [team] allowed me to connect with an incredible group of people from across different programs. It was a highlight of my university experience,” he says.

He will be starting a full-time position at BMO Capital Markets in Toronto.

Michael Hanley (BASc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Nanotechnology Engineering with a Nanoelectronics Specialization and a Physical Science Option.

Michael Hanley (BASc ’25) remained deeply engaged in campus life throughout his time at Waterloo. His fondest memories are the friendships he built — late-night study lounge talks, game nights, snowball fights, parties and countless shared moments that reminded him there’s more to university life than academics.

“I’m very lucky to have met people that I can call life-long friends during my time here at the University,” he says.

Hanley placed second at the Nanotechnology Engineering Capstone symposium and led Waterloo’s Midnight Sun team in building a solar-powered car from scratch for three years.

“Being able to make something so complicated from nothing, while doing it with a great group of people was amazing,” Hanley says. “I was even able to drive the car during the competition at the Formula Sun Grand Prix — one of the most rewarding things I have done.”

Hanley will be moving to California to join Tesla as an associate manufacturing engineer.

Karen Abdel Sater (BMath ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Mathematics in Honours Mathematical Economics.

Karen Abdel Sater (BMath ’25) began her degree during a global pandemic, balancing her studies and extracurricular activities while adapting to a new environment. She turned these challenges into motivation, becoming deeply involved on campus — joining student clubs, serving as a residence life don and leading the Waterloo Arab Student Association.

“Building connections and creating spaces where people felt at home added a whole new dimension to my university experience,” Abdel Sater says. “It made me stay grounded in my own culture while encouraging others to embrace both our similarities and differences.”

For Abdel Sater, being named valedictorian is about representation. As a Lebanese woman in mathematics, she hopes her story inspires others to pursue unconventional paths.

Abdel Sater will join the Royal Bank of Canada, where she previously worked as a co-op student, to work full-time as a data engineer.

Meera Thavarajah (BSc ’25) graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences and a minor in Medical Physiology.

Meera Thavarajah (BSc ’25) reflects on her many different roles during her time at Waterloo. She held executive positions in student clubs like Make-a-Wish Canada, Big Spoon Lil Spoon, Waterloo’s Lion’s Club, hera.co and the Science Society. Thavarajah also worked with Campus Housing, research labs and shared her student experience as a TikTok creator.

“As the daughter of immigrants who did not have the opportunity to attend post-secondary, I’m proud to dedicate my degree to them in recognition of all their efforts and sacrifices that paved my way for success,” she says.

Thavarajah will be attending the University of Toronto this fall to pursue a Master of Kinesiology. In the future, Thavarajah plans to pursue medical school and advocate for inclusive, compassionate health care — especially for children.

“I want to make people feel seen, heard and cared for, regardless of their background or circumstances,” Thavarajah says. “As a person of colour myself and second-generation immigrant, I am passionate about bridging communication gaps in the medical field to create more inclusive care for all.”

Awards, Honours and Rankings

Co-op and Experiential Education

Community

Talent

Q & A with the Experts: Wildfire smoke gets in your eyes

Pamela Smyth — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 15:16:14 +0000

Optometry professor discusses the effect smoke can have on our eyes, plus ways to find relief

Warnings about air quality are a common occurrence during wildfire season. Dr. André Stanberry, professor and clinic director at the School of Optometry and Vision Science at the University of Waterloo, says our eyes can feel the effects of wildfire smoke even far away.

Why does smoke irritate our eyes?
The surface of the eye has the highest concentration of nerve endings in the body, making it extremely sensitive to even minor environmental changes. Smoke contains fine particles and various gases that can irritate this delicate surface, leading to discomfort such as burning, redness, or watery eyes. Some individuals may also have allergic reactions to specific components in the smoke, making their eyes itchy as well. Inflammation can disrupt tear production or reduce tear quality, leading to dry-eye symptoms such as burning, a gritty sensation, and excess tearing. People with pre-existing dry eye or ocular allergies may experience more pronounced or prolonged symptoms.

Why would our eyes get irritated from wildfire smoke far away?
Wildfire smoke can travel great distances, and even when it’s not visible, the air may still contain a high concentration of fine particulates and gases. These airborne irritants can trigger symptoms depending on their levels and an individual’s sensitivity, regardless of the fire’s proximity.

How can we protect our eyes from irritation or provide relief?
Responses to smoke exposure can vary, but the first line of defence is avoidance, especially during high-smoke advisories. When outdoors, you can get some protection by wearing wraparound sunglasses, such as the one that fit over your glasses or ones for people with dry eyes. Lubricating eye drops used throughout the day can help flush out irritants and soothe the surface of the eye. For persistent symptoms, an optometrist may prescribe anti-allergic or anti-inflammatory eye drops to reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Science

Research

Health Futures

Indigenous Elders guide Science students in land-based learning

Sarah Fullerton — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 12:30:00 +0000

University of Waterloo's first fully Indigenous-led field course takes learning beyond the classroom to be immersed in Indigenous knowledge

In Havelock, Ontario near Alderville First Nation Reserve, Indigenous Elders and instructors welcomed 25 Faculty of Science students for a four-day Traditional Medicines Land-Based Field Course. This immersive experience offered students a unique opportunity to engage with Indigenous knowledge systems, deepening their understanding of science through land-based learning, oral traditions, and cultural teachings.

Led by Anishinaabe Elders Mark and Wendy Philips and supported by five facilitators, the course is the first at the University of Waterloo to be fully Indigenous-taught and coordinated. It is a step forward in advancing the Faculty of Science’s Strategic Plan and the University of Waterloo’s Indigenous Strategic Plan by promoting Indigenous experiences and strengthening commitments to inclusion and reconciliation.  

The idea for the course derived from Savannah Sloat, Manager of Science Indigenous Initiatives, and Dr. Laura Deakin, Associate Dean of Science (Teaching and Learning) as they looked for ways to weave Indigenous science into the curriculum.

“Indigenous science is rooted in understanding our relationship with the land,” says Sloat. “We felt the most impactful way to explore that was by taking students to a First Nation Territory, where they could learn directly from Elders. We aimed to immerse them in traditional knowledge and create space for meaningful connections.”

Each day of the course was grounded in a unique theme designed to deepen students' understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing. The first day emphasized relationship-building and learning protocols tied to land and territory. On day two, students strengthened their connection to the land by working together to construct a traditional tipi using a series of 40-foot poles totalling around 300 lbs. Elders also shared intergenerational knowledge about plant-based medicines and their significance in Indigenous science. Day three focused on traditional healing, as students gathered plants from the land to create medicine boxes while engaging in discussions about the practice of Indigenous medicine.

The course concluded with a sacred healing ceremony inside a traditional sweat lodge, where students took part in a gratitude sweat. The ceremony centred on giving thanks to one another, the community, and oneself, offering a powerful moment of reflection and connection.

“It’s a great honour to participate in a sweat lodge,” says Sloat. “Because of the impacts of colonization, few people today can facilitate these ceremonies, making this experience especially meaningful for our students.”

Artwork submitted by Science students Reine Deng and Ethan Gardner.

At the end of the course, students could submit either a traditional field report or a creative project, with many choosing the creative route. Their submissions included oil paintings, podcasts, journal reflections, and visual essays, offering thoughtful and personal reflections on their learning in formats that resonated with them.

“Students told us this experience expanded their perspective,” says Sloat. “Engaging with different ways of knowing equips them to approach their work with greater thoughtfulness, cultural awareness, and respect for diversity.”

The Faculty of Science plans to explore future offerings of this course as part of its dedication to transform science education by weaving Indigenous and Western scientific teachings into the classroom. By teaching through diverse perspectives, the faculty is preparing the next generation of scientists to utilize an inclusive approach to research and scientific discovery.  

Science

Societal Futures

Three Waterloo graduates earn prestigious gold medals

Darren Mc Almont — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:15:00 +0000

The Governor General Gold Medal awards graduate students for their remarkable academic achievements and transformative research

The University of Waterloo is pleased to recognize three outstanding graduate students as recipients of the prestigious Governor General’s Gold Medal at Spring 2025 Convocation.

This distinguished award honours graduate students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a remarkable commitment to scholarly excellence. These recipients exemplify the brilliance and impact of our academic community, contributing transformative research and advancing knowledge for the betterment of society.

Each year, the Advisory Committee on Graduate Scholarships and Awards carefully reviews nominations to select the medal recipients. Nominees who are not selected will be recognized as University Finalists and will receive a certificate of distinction.

This year, we are delighted to present the Governor General’s Gold Medal to one master’s and two PhD graduands. Please join us in celebrating their extraordinary accomplishments and the inspiration they bring to our academic community.

Laura Pierson (Master of Mathematics in Combinatorics and Optimization)
Faculty of Mathematics
Supervisors: Drs. Oliver Pechenik and Logan Crew

Laura Pierson’s research applied algebraic tools to the study of discrete mathematical structures. She studied colouring problems (like finding all ways to colour a map so that neighbouring countries get different colours) using deep and modern ideas from pure mathematics like homology and K-theory. Pierson proved several unrelated conjectures that had been posed by established mathematicians. She was also the first to make significant progress on multiple other open problems.

“I chose to study at Waterloo because unlike most schools, it has an entire Faculty of Mathematics, with a whole department uniquely focused on the area of math I'm most interested in,” she says. “I don't think there are many schools where I could have been surrounded by so many people with similar mathematical interests to me.”

Pierson plans to pursue a PhD in mathematics.

Dr. Michelle Anagnostouo (PhD in Geography)
Faculty of Environment
Supervisor: Dr. Brent Doberstein

Dr. Michelle Anagnostou’s research examined global illegal wildlife trade — a significant and growing form of organized crime which intersects with other forms of serious crimes like trafficking in drugs, humans and arms — a phenomenon called “crime convergence.”

Her work also explored the types and global patterns of crime convergence in illegal wildlife trade by uncovering its conceptual and theoretical foundations.

Her dissertation is comprised of data from interviewing 112 law enforcement personnel and other experts in key source, transit and destination regions that include Canada, South Africa and Hong Kong.

“I chose the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Environment for its reputation as a leader in innovative research and its vibrant, world-class faculty,” she says. “Throughout my PhD, I received outstanding support in career development, skill-building, and had the privilege of working with exceptional mentors who guided me every step of the way.”

Immediately following her doctoral defense in the fall of 2024, Anagnostou took up a prestigious Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Oxford, working with global experts in the Interdisciplinary Centre for Conservation Science to advance the use of financial investigations to mitigate illegal wildlife trade.

Dr. Fasih Rahman (PhD in Kinesiology)
Faculty of Health
Supervisor: Dr. Joe Quadrilatero

Dr. Fasih Rahman’s doctoral research investigated the role of mitochondrial remodeling pathways in skeletal muscle, emphasizing mitochondria as critical regulators of both energy production and cellular health. His findings have significant implications for therapeutic approaches aimed at maintaining skeletal muscle health.

During his doctoral studies, Rahman authored and co-authored 32 conference proceedings, and published 32 full-length papers and book chapters, including contributions to leading journals such as Autophagy.

Rahman is continuing his research as an NSERC-funded postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph, aiming to expand his expertise in bioenergetics and metabolism. His current goal is to bridge the gap between mitochondrial stress responses and metabolic regulation.

“One of the things I will miss the most about Waterloo is the opportunity to work closely and collaborate with passionate peers in a research environment that consistently fostered curiosity, creativity and growth,” he says.

Master’s finalists

Aparajita Bhattacharya, Public Issues Anthropology

Supervisor: Dr. Alexis Dolphin | Faculty of Arts

Felicia Mae Watterodt, Geography

Supervisor: Dr. Brent Doberstein | Faculty of Environment

Doctoral finalists

Dr. Esther Ai-Leng Foong-Reichert, Pharmacy

Supervisors: Drs. Kelly Grindrod and Sherilyn Houle | Faculty of Science

Dr. Sepehr Hajebi, Combinatorics and Optimization

Supervisor: Dr. Sophie Spirkl | Faculty of Mathematics

Dr. Megan Olivia Kelly, Psychology

Supervisor: Dr. Evan Risko | Faculty of Arts

Dr. Aravind Ravi, Systems Design Engineering

Supervisors: Drs. Ning Jiang and James Tung | Faculty of Engineering

Technological Futures

From discovery to impact: Celebrating our PhD graduates

Darren Mc Almont — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 04:15:00 +0000

Six Waterloo graduates share their stories of perseverance, innovation and advocacy as they prepare to cross the stage at convocation

The path to earning a PhD is rarely straightforward. It demands not only intellectual depth through rigorous coursework and research, but also creativity, resilience and interdisciplinary thinking.

Throughout their doctoral journey, candidates push the boundaries of conventional knowledge — developing innovative approaches to address some of the world’s most complex challenges. Their research opens new frontiers and contributes to solutions that can shape a healthier, more sustainable future. As we celebrate our PhD graduands at Spring 2025 Convocation, we invite you to learn more about a few of their stories as they prepare to cross the stage and step into the next chapter of their journey.

Dr. Tasneem Alsayyed Ahmad, PhD in Philosophy

While pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, I was introduced to feminist philopsophy and social epistemology and wanted to apply these ideas to contexts familiar to me.

As a woman from a Muslim background, I noticed a troubling gap in scholarship on the topic since the literature was either Islamophobic or contained very strict and narrow views of Muslim women’s experiences. This motivated me to address the marginalization of Muslims in academic discourse.

My doctoral research critically examined hijab debates and veiling practices with a focus on how these discourses are manipulated to marginalize Muslims. Specifically, I explored how both Western imperialist narratives and Islamic right-wing politics exploit hijab-related discourse, reinforcing colonial ideologies while obstructing solidarity among Muslim women.

My work reveals how dominant narratives about the hijab silence diverse Muslim voices and perpetuate epistemic and social injustices.

I chose the University of Waterloo to work specifically with my supervisor Dr. Jennifer Saul and was happy to find a department supportive of my focus on Islamophobia and gender. Having taken up a position as assistant professor at the University of Canada West, my goal is to grow as an educator, to challenge colonial knowledge and to continue my research on the social and epistemic oppression of marginalized groups.

Dr. Nicole Sandra-Yaffa Dumont, PhD in Computer Science

Six years ago, during my master’s degree, I started learning more about artificial intelligence (AI) at a time when the field was evolving quickly. While I found AI fascinating, I kept wondering, ‘What — if anything — do artificial neural networks reveal about real brains? Can we use models to reverse-engineer cognitive processes?’

Those questions pulled me toward theoretical neuroscience, where my PhD research, under the supervision of Drs. Chris Eliasmith and Jeff Orchard, focused on building biologically plausible neural network models of spatial cognition. I was interested in how the brain represents space and the neural mechanisms behind navigation — and what those mechanisms can tell us about cognition more generally. 

I hope the findings of my research will not only advance our understanding of navigation in the brain but also push the field to rethink how we model cognition more broadly — from memory and planning to social behaviour.

Looking ahead, I’ll be pursuing postdoctoral research since I would like to extend my expertise to understand how computations underlying spatial navigation may apply to other domains like navigating a social landscape.

Dr. Muzi Li, PhD in Astrophysics

At five years old, I was captivated by the vastness of space and time, during a visit to the Beijing Planetarium with my grandmother. I knew shortly after that visit that I wanted to become an astronomer, but never imagined a childhood fascination would one day lead me here.

My PhD research how the energy released by supermassive black holes at their centers can precisely offset cooling in the surrounding hot gas, keeping the system in balance.

I was drawn to the University of Waterloo after a visit to the Perimeter Institute in 2018 where Dr. Brian McNamara — who later became my supervisor — gave a talk on finding the missing cooling gas in galaxy clusters. That brief visit and talk also gave me a strong impression: Waterloo is a young, vibrant and intellectually exciting place to be.

As I head back to China to continue my astrophysics research as a postdoctoral fellow, I hope my contribution to the field can be tested and refined by more precise observations in the future, helping to complete a small part of the puzzle in our understanding of galaxy clusters.

Dr. Arlene Oetomo, PhD in Public Health Sciences

I have always been a nature lover and a bit of a technology nerd. In 2018, during the heatwave in Ontario and Quebec, I thought, “What could we do to prevent individuals from dying indoors from extreme heat, especially if they don’t have air conditioning?”

That question was the impetus for my doctoral research at the University of Waterloo where I explored indoor temperatures of low-income homes across British Columbia and Ontario. Importantly, my research intersects with climate science and technology and demonstrates how interdisciplinary action is key to tackling the climate crisis.

My research, under the supervision of Dr. Plinio Morita, supported heat response efforts like checking on vulnerable tenants in person or via phone by using smart thermostats and creating a system to provide real-time temperature alerts.

While the thermostat is a ubiquitous device, it also demonstrates how there are solutions to our biggest problems, including the climate crisis, all around us.

The findings of my research will empower my advocacy efforts to protect vulnerable populations via policy, legislation, and awareness building of the dangers of extreme heat.

Dr. Ade Oyegunle, PhD in Sustainability Management

As the world faces increasingly complex challenges including climate change, my research helps to bridge the gap between climate science and financial decision-making.

Having worked as a sustainability professional in the financial industry, I was motivated to pursue this area of research after realizing that climate change is not just an environmental issue, but also a systemic financial risk.

My PhD research explored the intersection of climate policy, financial risk and banking regulation, with a focus on how climate transition risks like carbon pricing affect the credit risk exposure and financial stability of banks.

My research found that as carbon prices rise, the risk of financial distress increases for companies with high carbon footprints. This, in turn, increases the risk to banks that lend to them.

I chose to pursue this research at the University of Waterloo because of its strong reputation for interdisciplinary research, innovation and applied problem-solving. The School of Environment, Enterprise and Development offered a unique platform to explore the intersection of climate change, finance and policy, something that few other institutions could provide in such an integrated way.

Looking ahead, I want to help translate my research into action, ensuring that financial systems evolve to meet the demands of the climate transition.

Dr. Fatima Suleiman, PhD in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering

After completing my undergraduate degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, I dreamed of designing the next revolutionary product. In 2015, I attended a conference in Lagos, Nigeria, where Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple was asked, “Who represents the future of engineering innovation?” His answer on the transformative power of an interdisciplinary background stuck with me — and ultimately led me to pursue a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and Graduate Diploma in Design Engineering at the University of Waterloo — renowned for its commitment to interdisciplinary research.

My PhD research focused on improving temperature measurement for advanced high strength steels (AHSS), which helps the automotive industry produce lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I was drawn to this area of research after taking a course on heat transfer with Dr. Kyle Daun, who later became my supervisor.

At the start of this research project, I hoped to eliminate pyrometry errors entirely. I hope my research will contribute meaningfully to the much larger collective effort towards mitigating climate change, specifically by enabling more precise thermal control during AHSS processing, which in turn supports more sustainable vehicle production through improved manufacturing efficiency and reduced emissions.

Technological Futures