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Brandon Sweet
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Donna Strickland inducted into the National Academy of Sciences

Donna Strickland, professor in theDepartment of Physics and Astronomyat the University of ݮƵ and Nobel laureate in physics, was inducted into the, considered the most prestigious honorary scientific society in the United States.
NAS, based in Washington, is a non-governmental organization. It is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, known as the National Academies, advising to the U.S. government on science and technology. Members are elected by their peers.
“I’m thrilled to join the National Academy of Sciences, a long-standing and respected organization,” says Strickland. “Its mandate of providing objective, pro-bono advice to government on matters of science and technology resonates with me, and I’m excited to contribute.”
to NAS back in 2020, however induction ceremonies were delayed until an in-person event was possible. This ceremony took place April 29 and included the 146 new inductees from 2020 signing their names to the official Registry of Members.
There are nearly 2,500 members of NAS, with about 500 of them coming from outside the U.S. President Abraham Lincoln approved the creation of NAS in 1863.
Elevating the optometric profession with new Advanced Procedures Program
InstructorDr. C. Lisa Prokopich (left) instructs participants on laser peripheral iridotomy techniques.
This article wasoriginally published on the School of Optometry and Vision Science website.
As the contemporary practice of optometry evolves, the University of ݮƵ’s School of Optometry & Vision Science (UWOVS) continues to be at theforefront of education for all Canadian optometrists with the introduction of a new Advanced Procedures Program.
Led by faculty members Drs. Sarah MacIver and C. Lisa Prokopich, UWOVS’ certificate program is a uniquely Canadian training opportunity designed for Doctors of Optometry to enhance their knowledge and skills to North America’s highest scope of optometric practice. Over the course of four weeks, optometrists participated in a robust 36-hour program - including the completion of virtual self-study modules, didactic lectures, and a series of in-person workshops.
"We are pleased to serve as a contemporary resource for optometric professional development in Canada and are even more thrilled to now offer a Canadian designed advanced procedures program,” says Dr. MacIver. “We’re looking forward to running this program twice annually, and hope optometrists recognize the value this program can offer them in their practices now and in the future.”
On April 8-10, the School of Optometry & Vision Science capped off its inaugural offering of the Advanced Procedures Certificate Program with an on-campus weekend of in-person instruction and hands-on workshops. During the three-day weekend, over thirty Canadian optometrists learned about and practiced laser treatment for anterior segment disease, and the fundamentals of minor ophthalmic procedures – including eyelid lesion management, intravenous and intramuscular injection techniques, and suturing.
Self-study modules, didactic lectures and in-person workshops were taught by Northeastern State University’s Dr. Richard Castillo, UWOVS Drs. MacIver, Andre Stanberry, Nadine Furtado, and C. Lisa Prokopich, and visiting clinical optometrists Drs. Sophia Leung, Martin McDowell, Josh Smith, and Rachel Amaral.
Instructor Dr. Richard Castillo (middle) offers instruction on radiosurgical techniques.
Dr. Bronwyn Mulherin, a practicing optometrist in New Brunswick and inaugural program participant, recommends this program to all Canadian optometrists – regardless of whether these skills are included in their respective provincial scope of practice. “UݮƵ’steaching team, organizational team, facilities, and equipment throughout the program were all top-notch.It might seem intimidating to take courses on these advanced practice topics, but it is well within our abilities as optometrists - and the pre-study modules prepare you well for the hands-on workshops,” she says. “I feel much more confident in my advanced skills and realize I am capable of so much more as a practitioner.”
As Dr. MacIver prepares for the next Advanced Procedures program set to be in the fall, she believes keeping up with the latest trends in North American optometry will be crucial for preparing Canadian optometrists to continue delivering contemporary patient-centred care.
“Our goal is to continually evolve our program to ensure we’re delivering an evidenced-informed program with exposure to the latest instrumentation and techniques,” says Dr. MacIver.
“As the demand for treatment and management of eye disease increases with an aging population, it is critical for optometry as a primary care health profession to continue to improve access to care and expand the scope of practice.With more optometrists trained in advanced procedures, our profession will be better positioned to meet this need."
The Advanced Procedures Program is accredited by the Council on Optometric Practioner Education (COPE) and endorsed by the Alberta College of Optometrists and Optometry Association of Louisana. UWOVS is pleased to be ramping up our offerings of continuing education programs, including certifications courses for glaucoma, oral TPAs and lab testing.
For more information on all of UWOVS' continuing education programs,please visit our website.
ݮƵ Centre for German Studies announces diversity and inclusion grant winners
A message from the ݮƵ Centre for German Studies.
The ݮƵ Centre for German Studies is pleased to announce the recipients of our Diversity and Inclusion Grants. These grants have been created to support scholars and programs in their efforts to diversify German studies in Canada. For 2022 - 2023, we are funding three Graduate Research Grants and four Curriculum and Programming Grants:
Graduate Research Grants
- Jordyn Bailey, PhD Candidate in History, University of New Brunswick,The Intimacy Frontline: Female Sexuality and the East German Ministry of State Security, 1950-1989
- Ѳ, PhD Candidate in Sociology, McGill University,The Recruitment and Training of Refugees as Elder Care Workers in Germany
- Kate McGregor, PhD Candidate in History, University of New Brunswick,“There is only one way to be pretty!” Racialized Beauty Norms in the Global German Empire, 1884 - 1939
Curriculum and Programming Grants
- Claudia DueckԻSofia Bach, German-Canadian Studies, University of Winnipeg,What They Can Teach Us: Stories from German-Canadian Women, 1950-1993
- Markus Hallensleben, Department of Central, Eastern, and Northern European Studies, University of British Columbia,Decolonizing and Indigenizing German, European and Migration Studies
- JA Marrow, Wirth Centre for Austrian and European Studies, University of Alberta,The Uses of Convivial Tools for Equitable Urban Planning: Stadt Wien and the Practicalities of Gender Mainstreaming
- Matt Pollard, Department ofGermanicand Slavic Studies, University of Victoria,Developing Inclusive Teaching Materials and Assessment Tools for First-Year German
$16,986.56 in total has been awarded. The award holders will be making the results of their work public, and the ݮƵ Centre for German Studies will publicize this information as it comes available. Please join us in congratulating these colleagues on the work they're doing to make German studies in Canada more inclusive.
To learn more about each project, please click here and visit our website.
Senate meets today and other notes
The University's Senate meets today at 3:30 p.m.Among the agenda items:
- A motion to approve a number of Faculty research programs joining the Collaborative Aeronautics Program (CAP), effective 1 September 2022;
- A motion toapprove the proposed English – Creative and Professional Writing program, effective 1 September 2023; and
- A motion todelegate Senate's approval of the Roster of Graduands for the upcoming Convocation ceremonies to its Executive Committee for its 6 June 2022 meeting.
Additionally, as part of the President's Update, Senate will receive a presentation on the President's Anti-Racism Taskforce report as well a sustainability update.
The names of the 2022 University Research Chairs will also be officially announced.
The next talk in theCrySPSpeaker Series on Privacywill feature Pamela Wisniewskiof the University of Central Florida.will take place Tuesday, May 17 at1:30 p.m..
"Privacy is a social mechanism that helps people regulate theirinterpersonal boundaries in a way that facilitates more meaningful connections and safer online interactions with others," says the talk's abstract. "Dr. Wisniewski’s research focuses on 1) community-based approaches for helping people (adults and teens) co-manage their online privacy with people they trust, 2) teen-centric approaches to online safety that promote self-regulation and empower teens to effectively manage online risks, and 3) online safety interventions that protect our most vulnerable youth from severe online risks, such as sexual predation. Through herresearch trajectories above, she has become a leading HCI scholar at theintersections of adolescent online safety, developmental science, interaction design, and human-centered computing."
Dr. Wisniewski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Central Florida. She is a Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) scholar whose research lies at the intersection of Social Computing and Privacy. Dr. Wisniewski is an expert in the interplay between social media, privacy, and online safety for adolescents.
Velocity will be hostingon Tuesday, May 17 in a hybrid event taking place in South Campus Hall and live on Zoom from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
"In this must-see workshop, the legendary Professor Larry Smith will discuss what makes an important problem, why pursuing important problems is advantageous for start-up founders and business owners, and how students can uncover important problems," says a note from Velocity. "Larry will share students’ success stories and mistakes that he observed while teaching at UݮƵ for over 40 years."
The Office of Indigenous Relations is hostingYou Don't Know What You Don't Know Part 1online on Wednesday,May 25 from1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
"This is part one of a two-part workshop that journeys through First Nations, Inuit, and Metis relations with settlers," says a note from Indigenous Relations. "As the title indicates, you don't know, what you don't know so everyone is welcome. You will be introduced to the concept of Miskasowin (wholistic self-evaluation) that will define content, context, and relationship promoting further action, accountability, and responsibilities as a treaty person in this land now known as Canada."
Ela Smith, who teaches in theMSW, BSW, and Social Development Studies programs at the University, will be hosting the virtual workshop..
The University of ݮƵ is hiring:Are you or someone you know a skilled tradesperson, groundsperson or custodian?has full-time positions currently available for millwrights, plumbers, electricians, painters and carpenters among many more. Apply today:.
Watching birds like a hawk:Kim Tremblay,Graduate Studies Supervisor in theFaculty of Mathematics, has been keeping tabs on anest of red-tailed hawks in a tree outside of MC and has snapped some perfectly-timed images of the mated pair and their fledglings. I have it on good authority that mama hawk is named Henrietta.
Also, birds of prey are so cute when they're tiny, aren't they?
Upcoming office closure
Finance and Student Financial Services will be closed for in-person servicetodaywhile EC5 undergoes building maintenance.
Linkof the day
When and Where to get support
Studentscan visit theStudent Success Officeonline for supports including academic development, international student resources, immigration consulting,leadership development, exchange and study abroad, and opportunities to get involved.
Instructorslooking for targeted support for developing online components for blended learning courses, transitioning remote to fully online courses, revising current online courses, and more please visitAgile Development | Centre for Extended Learning | University of ݮƵ (uwaterloo.ca).
Instructorscan visit theto get support on adapting their teaching and learning plans for an online environment.
are available within your course in LEARN to help you build and edit your content and assignment pages quickly.
The following workshops, webinars, and events are offered by the KL team (CTE, CEL, ITMS, LIB):
- Independent Remote Course Design Essentials,self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
- Independent Blended Course Design(iBlend), self-directed, ongoing
- Copyright Overview for ݮƵ Instructors and Staff-self-directed, continuous self-enrollmentcourse in LEARN.
Supports are available foremployeesreturning to campus. VisitԻworkplace protocolsto assist with the transition.
Thehas virtual services and programs to helpundergrads,grad students, postdocsԻfaculty memberswith academic writing.
- Meet with writing advisors inone-to-one appointmentsto brainstorm, draft, revise, and polish. No time for an appointment? Tryemail tutoring for undergrads.
- Beat isolation and make writing progress at weeklyVirtual Writing Cafésfor grad students and faculty orPJ-Friendly Writing Groups for Undergrads.
- Take anonline workshopor apply to our popularDissertation Boot Campprogram.
- Faculty can requestcustom in-class workshopsfor their courses, or the WCC can facilitate anyexisting workshopsfor student groups.
- Course-integrated support available.Attention faculty and instructors:Theapplication form for Writing and Communication Centre course-integrated supportis now available online. We offer five unique support streams for your courses including synchronous and asynchronous workshops and monitored discussion boards.
Co-op studentscanget help finding a joband find supports to successfully work remotely, develop new skills, access wellness and career information, and contact a co-op or career advisor.
The Centre for Career Action (CCA)hasservices and programstosupport undergrads, grad students, postdocs, alumni, and employees in figuring out what they value, what they’re good at, and how to access meaningful work, co-op, volunteer, or graduate/professional school opportunities. Questions about CCA's services?, call 519-888-4047, or stop by our front desk in the Tatham Centre 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,Monday to Friday.
Drop-in toWarrior Virtual Study Hallson Wednesdays from5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Come together in this virtual space to set goals and work independently or in groups each week.
Renison's English Language Institutecontinues to offervirtual events and workshopsto help students practice their English language skills.
If you feel overwhelmed or anxious and need to talk to somebody, please contact theUniversity’s Campus Wellness services, eitherHealth Servicesor Counselling Services. You can also contact the University'sCentre for Mental Health Research and Treatment.Good2Talkis a post-secondary student helplineavailable to all students.
The Libraryis open with expanded hours for access to book stacks, drop-in individual study space, bookable group study rooms, drop-in access to computers and printers, book pick-up services and IST Help Desk support. Librarian consultations, Special Collections & Archives and the Geospatial Centre are available by appointment. Full details on current services and hours are available on the Library’sCOVID-19 Update webpage.
TheFaculty Association of the University of ݮƵ (FAUW)continues to advocate for its members.for more information.
TheUniversity of ݮƵ Staff Association (UWSA)continues to advocate for its members.Check out the UWSA blogfor more information.
The Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Office (SVPRO)supports all members ofthe University of ݮƵcampuscommunitywho have experienced, or been impacted, by sexual violence.This includes all students, staff,facultyand visitorsonthemain campus, the satellite campuses, and at the affiliated and federated ݮƵ Institutes and Colleges.For support, email:svpro@uwaterloo.caor visit theSVPRO website.
TheOffice of Indigenous Relationsis a central hub that provides guidance, support, and resources to all Indigenous and non-Indigenous campus community members and oversees the University's Indigenization strategy.
TheݮƵ Indigenous Student Centre, based at St. Paul’s University College,provides support and resources for Indigenous students, and educational outreach programs for the broader community, including lectures, and events.
WUSA supports for students:
Peer support - MATES, Glow Centre, RAISE, Women’s Centre -Visitto book an appointment either in person or online for the Fall term.
Food Support Servicefood hampersare currently available from the Turnkey Desk 24/7 in the ݮƵ Centre. Drop off locations are also open again in SLC, DC, DP, SCH and all residences.
Co-op Connectionall available online. Checkfor more details.
Centre for Academic Policy Support-CAPS is here to assistݮƵ undergraduates throughout their experience in navigating academic policy in the instances of filing petitions, grievances and appeals. Please contact them atcaps@wusa.ca..
WUSA Student Legal Protection Program-Seeking legal counsel can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time facing a legal issue.The legal assistance helpline provides quick access to legal advice in any area of law, including criminal. Just call1-833-202-4571.
is a confidential mental health and wellness service that connects students with qualified counsellors 24/7. They can be reached at1-833-628-5589.
GSA-UW supports for graduate students:
Thesupports students’ academic and social experience and promotes their well-being.
Advising and Support-experiencing challenges and can help with navigating university policies & filing a grievance, appeal, or petition.
Mental Health covered by the Health Plan- Thenow has an 80 per centcoverage rate (up to $800/year) for. Your plan includes coverage for psychologists, registered social workers, psychotherapists, and clinical counselors.
Dental Care- Thecovers 60to 70 per centof your dental costs and by visiting dental professionals who are members of the, you can receive an additional 20to 30 per centcoverage.
Student Legal Protection Program- Your GSA fees give you, accessible via a toll-free helpline: +1-833-202-4571. This advice covers topics including housing disputes, employment disputes, and disputes with an academic institution.
The Graduate House: Open Monday to Tuesday 11:30 a.m. to7:00 p.m. and Wednesday to Friday 11:30 a.m. to9:00 p.m.We’re open to allstudents, faculty, staff, and community members. Theis a community space run by the GSA-UW. We’re adding new items to the menu.Graduate students who paid their fees can get discounts and free coffee.
When and Where (but mostly when)
Warriors vs. Laurier Blood Donation Battle.Join ouron the Blood.ca website or app. #ItsInYouToGive
Equity and inclusion in industry sponsored contract research and commercialization consultations for researchers, Monday, May 9 to Friday, May 27..
via MS TeamsSession 001,Monday, May 16, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m..
University Senate meeting, Monday, May 16, 3:30 p.m.
NEW -featuring Pamela Wisniewski, University of Central Florida, Tuesday, May 17, 1:30 p.m.,.
“Physics at the End of the Universe” public lecture by Dr. Katie Mack, hosted by ݮƵ Centre for Astrophysics, Followed by Q&A and book signing. In-person or online, registration required. Wednesday, May 18, 7:00 p.m., QNC 1011 or Zoom.
, Thursday, May 19, 10:00 a.m., Microsoft Teams.
NEW -Discovery lab and world café,“The Future of Sustainable Transportation”, Tuesday, May 24, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., STP 201 (Alumni Hall).
NEW - Master of Taxation, Virtual Information Session,full-time virtual info session,Tuesday May 24, 3:00 p.m., part-time virtual info session, Tuesday, May 24, 4:00 p.m.
PhD oral defences
Geography and Environmental Management.Esra Alkim Karaagac, “In Debt to the State: Lived Experiences of Indebtedness in State-led Housing Projects in Istanbul”. Supervisor, Nancy Worth. Available upon request from theFaculty of Environment, Administrator, Graduate Studies. Oral defenceTuesday, May 17,9:30 a.m.
Psychology.Emma Green, "What do you think? Associations between social anxiety, mentalizing, and social competence in middle childhood." Supervisor,Heather Henderson.Available upon request from the Faculty of Arts, Graduate Studies and Research Officer. Oral defence Tuesday, May 17, 1:00 p.m.
School of Planning.Jonathan Woodside, “Not Just Along for the Ride: Work, Justice, and Municipal Regulation of Ridehailing Platforms”. Supervisors, Markus Moos, Tara Vinodrai. Available upon request from theFaculty of Environment, Administrator, Graduate Studies. Oral defence Wednesday, May 18, 1:00 p.m.
School of Public Health Sciences.Oluwakemi Aderibigbe, "Substance Use and Marginalization Among Youth Living with Mental Health Conditions in Ontario." Supervisor,Chris Perlman.EmailHealth Graduate Administrationfor a copy. Oral defenceWednesday, May 25, 9:00 a.m.
Applied Mathematics.Brydon Eastman, "Machine Learning Techniques and Stochastic Modeling in Mathematical Oncology." Supervisor,Mohammad Kohandel. Thesis available from MGO -mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Monday, May 30, 1:30 p.m.