Editor:
Brandon Sweet
University Communications
bulletin@uwaterloo.ca
Problem of the Week achieves 50,000 subscriber milestone
A message from theCentre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC).
The Centre for Education in Mathematics and Computing (CEMC), housed in the Faculty of Mathematics at the University of ݮƵ begins 2023 with a milestone achievement. Problem of the Week, CEMC’s global initiative providing problem resources at five different levels to educators every week has crossed a subscriber base of 50,000. Launched by the CEMC in 2011, Problem of the Week aims to equip educators with math resources to help inspire students towards a greater interest in math in class every week.
Problem of the Week, as the name suggests, is a digital resource consisting of one mathematical problem shared with subscribers every week. These problems are meant for students from Grade 3 to Grade 12 and are organized into themes, grouping them into various areas of the curriculum, carefully created by experts at the CEMC. Educators utilize these resources to present students with a variety of mathematical opportunities, improving their ability to solve problems of different topics in a non-sequential manner. Additionally, these problems and their solutions are posted on the CEMC’s website and are available publicly for non-subscribers as well. There has been an average growth of more than 20 per centannually in the number of unique subscribers. The subscriber base primarily consists of educators from across Canada and internationally.
“With over 1,600 problems posted since 2011, Problem of the Week aims to create an interest and enjoyment in math classrooms. Through our vast subscriber base of educators spread worldwide, Problem of the Week reaches about 1.4 million individuals on a weekly basis introducing them to the University of ݮƵ via the CEMC. As we celebrate a milestone of 50,000 subscribers, the CEMC is committed to continue our effort to provide educators and learners with resources, challenges and opportunities to increase confidence, enjoyment and ability in mathematics and computer science,” said Ian VanderBurgh, Director, CEMC commenting on this accomplishment.
March Break tours, Open House this week
A message from Marketing and Undergraduate Recruitment.
You might notice some excited future students and their families around campus this week.We're thrilled to have almost 800 guests registered to tour campus, faculties, and University Colleges during our March Break week tours running March 13 to 17.
Wrapping up the week is our March Break Open House on Saturday, March 18 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Main campus will be busy with more than 8,000 guests expected. From information sessions and sample lectures to faculty, residence, and University College tours, future students will have plenty of opportunities to discover their story at ݮƵ. Open house activities are also planned at the School of Architecture, Stratford School of Interaction Design and Business, and the School of Pharmacy.
If you know a university-bound student,invite them to register.
No matter how you slice it, it's Pi Day
Every March 14, the University of ݮƵ joins in global Pi Day celebrations, and this year is no exception.
Pi Day marks one of life's constants: the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. This year marks the 35th anniversary of Pi Day celebrations, as the daywas by physicist Larry Shaw.
The Faculty of Mathematics has put together this helpful Pi Day explainer for your reading pleasure.
The Mathematics Society (MathSoc) will becelebratingtheoccasion at 1:59 p.m. today, andas per tradition all math students, faculty, and staff are invited to partake in a slice of free pie, which will be handed out on the third floor of MC by the Math Coffee & Donut Shop.
As part of the traditional festivities, there will be a Pi Recitation Contest beginning at, when else,3:14 p.m.,held in the MC Comfy Lounge.Math students (or social members of MathSoc) may win prizes for reciting the most consecutive digits of pi. The top 3 Prizes are respectively $314, $159, and $26. A Pi-themed kahoot will follow where smaller prizes may be up for grabs for the top 3.
The Faculty of Mathematics and Alumni Relations are encouraging ݮƵ math alumni to get in on the fun worldwide this Pi Day. Follow along on social media with#PiDay2023. "Share your favourite UݮƵ Math memory withmathalumni@uwaterloo.caor on one of our social media channels using #PiDay2023, and we will send you a special Pi Day gift!"
Math alumni have an opportunity to be one of the first five peopleinݮƵ, Toronto, Vancouver, Seattle, San Francisco, or New Yorkto identify themselvesas a ݮƵ Math alumni at a list of pie shops to receive a free pie.
Boosting clean energy adoption
By Rose Simone. This article is part of the Global Futures series.
Keith Cleland(Ѵ‘22)
Student, Faculty of Engineering
> Founder, Aqua-Cell Energy
> Velocity
As someone born and raised in Calgary, Keith Cleland initially thought he would end up working in the oil industry. “Being from Alberta, that seemed like the natural thing to do,” he says.
However Cleland decided to follow a different path and work for a sustainable future instead. “I really want to be contributing to sustainability, cleaning the world up and transitioning the world away from fossil fuels.”
He switched his undergraduate minor to energy and environmental engineering and later beganresearchinga battery that would use a cheap and available resource—saltwater—to store renewable energy.Clelandcontinued developing his technology as part of his master’s in chemical engineering at the University of ݮƵ where he metEllsworth Bell (MASc‘21), a classmate working in the same lab.Together, they foundedwith plans to commercialize a saltwater battery.
The companyrecentlyaccepted acovetedresidencethrough VentureReadyatݮƵ’s,which helps the founders of early-stage companies get the expertiseԻconnections they need to make their businesses a success.Aqua-CellEnergy has also won several pitch competitions including the Concept $5KthroughVelocity in2020, the GreenHouse Social Impact Fund in 2021 and the $15K Problem Pitch in 2022.
Although solar technology has dramatically come down in price over the years, Cleland explains that lithium batteries are expensive to store a lot of excess energy. This costly energy storage is a barrier to clean energy adoption. If excess solar energy on sunny days could be stored and used to lower energy costs in the evening when electricity is most expensive, or on cloudy days, renewable energy would become much more cost-effective, attractive and widespread.
Cleland hopes to make that happen with Aqua-Cell Energy’s technology.
Although the idea has been around for some time, previous technology to do this was not that efficient. So when Cleland realized excess renewable energy could be stored in a saltwater battery, he set out to make the process commercially viable. He proposed the project to professor Anne Benneker at the University of Calgary and professor Jeff Gostick, his master’s supervisor at ݮƵ. Cleland says both have been meaningful mentors for the project.
In Gostick's lab at ݮƵ, Cleland developed a prototype for a much more efficient energy storage battery. He has tested the prototype and proven that it works well in the lab. It uses salt that is cheap and can be mixed with water in tanks.
In 2020,Aqua-Cell Energy has been working with Velocity studentsupports whenthey applied to the Problem Lab’s Problem Pitch.This is acompetition that invites teams to thoroughly research an important industry problem and pitch findings to a panel of judges for funding to support their venture. They were successful in winning the pitch in winter 2022 after being a finalist in spring 2021. Through, Aqua-CellEnergywas able to identify their customers and target market.
Now, with the help of Velocity, Aqua-Cell Energy is moving forward with a pilot project and is seeking grants to help them scale. “We are in the phase of scaling up the technology to store a lot more energy. We know it works in the lab but now we need to scale it up and build confidence in the technology.”
Cleland aims to sell Aqua-Cell Energy’s batteries to renewable energy developers and industrial facilities who utilize solar energy such as having solar panels on their roofs, or businesses that operate fleets of electric vehicles and want to use more of the solar power they generate on site.
Although Aqua-Cell Energy will initially focus on the solar energy storage market, Cleland says the battery could be used to store wind energy or clean, low cost hydroelectricity from the grid overnight as well.
Eventually, if the battery can be developed for use on an even larger scale, hydro companies might be interested. Right now, the operators of electricity grids have a problem known as curtailment. This happens when there is more clean energy being produced than can be safely stored, which means the energy has to practically be given away to neighbouring jurisdictions at prices far below what it costs to produce it. Better energy storage would save them a considerable amount of money.
Cleland says working with Velocity will be a huge boost for Aqua-Cell Energy. “We need to grow our team and develop relationships with potential customers. Velocity is providing a space we can work out of and will be helping us as we get in touch with people who face this problem of expensive energy storage. The mentorship will be incredibly helpful,” he says.
Cleland is passionate about contributing to a cleaner environment.
“I believe we have the power to reduce fossil fuel emissions and be a catalyst for improving solar energy adoption. Expensive energy storage is a huge problem right now, but if we can bring those costs down and boost solar adoption, then we have a possibility to change the world.”
EPOCH: Annual Senior Undergraduate Exhibition opens March 16
"It is with great pleasure that the Department of Fine Arts invites you to the opening reception of, the49th annual senior undergraduate exhibition," says an announcement from Fine Arts. "The exhibitionreflects both the creativity of the students and the diversity of practices that they have been exposedto inthe studio program."
"Having made it pastthedifficultand isolatingcircumstancesofthese pastfewyears, they are collectively anticipating what lies ahead," says the event invitation."Perhaps this is why “epoch” is so fittinga titlefor this exhibition.Our students share the following thoughts:
“T University of ݮƵ’s Fine Arts class of 2023 stands at the edge of an epoch: the ending of a distinct period in our lives and the beginning of a new one. is a reflection of what has brought us here, a celebration of what we have accomplished, and an introspection of what is to come.This epoch is coloured by excitement, trepidation, and curiosity.”
The exhibition will feature artworks from Amy Bee, Renee Christensen, Leah Creelman, Lyn Michelle Cruz, Victoria Edghill, Leah Friesen, Emilia Haag, Ashley Harper, Riley Hexamer, Yu Ji, Rachel Jung, Sophie Kleist, Britney Nguyen, Jazlin Nicholas, Theris Olazo, Victoria Ross, Nour Salem, Haochen Shen, Lanbin Wen, Jasmine Woo, and Yue Zha.
ճ49th Annual Senior Undergraduate Exhibition will run from March 16 to April 1.
The opening reception takes place on Thursday, March 16 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with opening remarks at 6:00 p.m. in theUniversity of ݮƵ Art Gallery in Room 1239 ofEast Campus Hall.
"Please join us for this celebration of undergraduate creativity and achievement," the announcement from Fine Arts concludes.
Link of 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).
Faculty, staff, post-doc and graduate student instructorscan find upcoming teaching and learning workshops, self-directed modules and recordings of previous events onCentre for Teaching Excellence Workshops and Events page.
Instructors can access theEdTech Hubto find support on ݮƵ’s centrally supported EdTech tools. The Hub is supported by members ofIST’sInstructional Technologies and Media Services,Centre for Teaching Excellence,Centre for Extended LearningԻsubject matter expertsfrom other campus areas.
Supports are available foremployeesreturning to campus. VisitԻworkplace protocolsto assist with the transition.
Studentswith permanent, temporary and suspected disabilities and disabling conditions (medical conditions, injuries, or trauma from discrimination, violence, or oppression) can register withAccessAbility Servicesfor academic accommodations (classroom accommodations, testing accommodations, milestone accommodations).
Instructorscan visit AccessAbility Services'Faculty and Staff web pagefor information about the Instructor/Faculty role in the accommodation process. Instructors/Faculty members are legally required to accommodate students with disabilities. AccessAbility Services (AAS) is here to help you understand your obligations, and to offer services and resources to help you facilitate accommodations.
Did you know that theWriting and Communication Centreoffers manyin-person and virtualservices to supportyouwithanywriting or communication project? This term we've addedThe Write Spot: a new student space in South Campus hall, complete with bookable workspaces, drop-ins with our peer tutors, and free coffee and tea. We also havewith our writing and communication advisors and peer tutors,email tutoringfor grads and undergrads,,,,, and even. For any communication project, the Writing and Communication Centre is here to support you.
Research Ethics:Find yourself with an ethical question, unsure if your work requires an ethics review, or need advice about putting together a research ethics application? Reach out to one of our friendly staff bybooking a consultationoremailus with your questions.
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 to in-personon Thursdays from5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in DC and DP. Join a Peer Success Coach 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 here to help, both in person and online. Our spaces are open for access to book stacks, study spaces, computers/printers, and the IST Help Desk. For in-depth support, meet one-to-one with Librarians, Special Collections & Archives and Geospatial Centre staff. Visit theto access our online resources for anywhere, anytime learning and research.
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 Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Anti-Racism (EDI-R)works with students, faculty and staff across campus to advance equity and Anti-racism through evidence-based policies, practices and programs.If you have a concern related to Anti-racism and/or equity, please complete ourintake form.
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 United College,provides support and resources for Indigenous students, and educational outreach programs for the broader community, including lectures, and events.
WUSAsupports for students:
Peer support -,,,-Click on one of the linksto book an appointment either in person or online for the term.
food 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.
all available online.
-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.
-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 all students, 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
Fitness andPersonal Training -Registrations opened January 5this winter withandas well as a.
Student Health Pharmacyin the basement of the ݮƵ Centre is now offering Covidbooster shots (Pfizer and Moderna)and flu shots. Call 519-746-4500 or extension 33784 for an appointment. Walk-ins always welcome.
KIX 2023: Knowledge Integration eXhibition,Monday, March 13 to Saturday, March 18, St. Jerome's University, Siegfried Hall Residence Wellness Centre Gym.
Master of TaxationVirtual Information Session,Tuesday, March 14,5:00 p.m.To register visit.
Quantum Matters seminarfeaturing Dr.Roger Melko(University of ݮƵ, Perimeter Institute),“Language models for quantum simulation,” Wednesday, March 15, 11:00 a.m., QNC 1201.
,presented byNadja Kunz.Part of the Water Institute'swebinar series:The Value of Water in Canada,Wednesday,March 15, 12:00 noon.
Velocity $5K semi-finals, Wednesday, March 15, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Quantum Shorts Film Festival Public Screening, Wednesday, March 15, 7:00 p.m., Apollo Cinema.
WIN Industry Speaker: Aaron Guan, Friday, March 17, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.