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Vivek Goel appointed to the Order of Ontario

By Sam Charles. This article was originally published on ݮƵ News.
The President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of ݮƵ, Vivek Goel,isamong theannounced by theHonourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor ofOntarioand Chancellor of the Order of Ontario.
The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest civilian honour. It is awarded to an Ontarian who has shown the highest level of excellence and achievement in their field, and whose impact has left a legacy in our province, in our country and around the world.
Asa world-renowned public health researcher and expert in health-services evaluation, Goelchampionsthe use of research evidence inhealth policymaking.He was a founding scientist of the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and founding President of Public Health Ontario.As an academic and administrator, he continues to advance public health services and research innovation.
Dr. Goel has shaped the public health workforce, influencing education over many decades.He is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and the Fields Institute for Research in Mathematical Sciences.Hewas invested as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2024.
“I’m grateful for this recognition and wish to offer my congratulationstomy fellow appointees,” said President Goel. “I am honoured to be in the company of people making such important contributions to their fields and to the province.”
Appointments to the Orderof Ontarioare made on the recommendation of an independent advisory council based on the merit of accomplishments of nominees put forward by members of the public.
874 people have been appointed to the Order of Ontario since it was established in 1986.Goel becomes the first University of ݮƵ president to be appointed to the Order of Ontario.
Management Science and Engineering celebrates the career of Dr. Jatin Nathwani

This article was originally published on the Management Science and Engineering website.
The Department of Management Science and Engineering recently gatheredto celebrate the remarkable career and well-deserved retirement of ProfessorJatin Nathwani. As the founding Executive Director of theݮƵ Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE)and an esteemed faculty member at the University of ݮƵ, Professor Nathwani has dedicated his professional life to shaping the future of sustainable energy.
Professor Nathwani joined the MSE department, together with the department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in 2007, and in that time he's come to be known as a voice that promotes positive change, both in the progress of the MSE department, but also in global sustainability. His visionary leadership in the realm of energy transition, policy, and innovation has paved the way for groundbreaking research and transformative solutions.
Through theGlobal Change Initiative - Affordable Energy for Humanity, Professor Nathwani has brought light to many who previously lived in energy poverty, changing lives and communities around the globe. His influence extends far beyond the academic sphere, leaving a lasting legacy that inspires future generations to continue the quest for a zero-carbon future.
The MSE department extends its gratitude to Professor Nathwani for his years of hard work and leadership. Though he is stepping down from his official duties, his impact will continue to resonate for years to come.
At his retirement celebration, Professor Nathwani was presented with a plaque of theEngineering Pin.Although the original purpose of this pin was as a dedication from students to the values and meaning of being an Engineer, this bigger version can now signify Professor Nathwani's dedication to these same values over his career, and continued dedication to them in his retirement.
From UpStart to Cornerstone, Velocity deadlines coming up

Velocity has put the termly call out for the UpStart funding opportunity and the Cornerstone experience.
UpStart
Turning technology into a product is challenging, which is why Velocity and the ݮƵ Commercialization Office (WatCo) are combining expertise in startups and technology transfer to accelerate your ambitions.
“We are looking for research projects that have commercial potential and researchers with an interest in bringing those ideas to market, as well as students or alumni actively working on businesses with high commercial potential,” says a note from Velocity.
Applications for the Winter 2025 are due Thursday, January 9 11:59 p.m.
Cornerstone
Ready to take your idea to the next level?
“So, you’ve got an idea?” says Velocity. “Before building anything in startups, you have to validate that it’s actually something somebody wants. And that’s exactly what you will learn without fooling yourself and others with bias.”
“Join us for a reimaginedCornerstoneexperience. Lead by Eric Blondeel, a two-time YC alumni, you’ll learn how to validate your idea. Learn about the mistakes of the teams that came before you and maybe earn some prizes along the way, too.”
Applications for the Winter 2025 term are due Tuesday, January 14 at 11:59 p.m.
January's first batch of notes

Students are gearing up for the start of a new term. The winter 2025 term and the co-operative work term begin on Monday, January 6.
Here's a resolution for you: Information Systems & Technology (IST) has published the latest entry in the Atlassian blog series entitled New Year, New Goals: Setting Up Atlassian Goals for Success in 2025.
Human Resources has provided employees and managers with a holiday from the usual annual performance evaluation process in 2025, according to a memo sent by Chief Human Resources Officer Michelle Hollis before the break in December.
"We continue to work towards a newthat includes an updated approach to performance reviews," Hollis writes. "As we transition to the new framework, we will not require managers and employees to complete forms for the 2024 performance year. Instead, we are asking managers to have performance conversations with their direct reports to review 2024-25 plans, to provide feedback for the 2024 year, and to set goals for the coming year."
"In the new year, Human Resources will be sharing new performance conversation guides that integrate ݮƵ’s institutional values," Hollis's memo continues. "We will also be offering workshops to support performance conversations and provide information on the Strategic Talent and Performance Framework."
Keep your eyes peeled for info on those workshops.
Link of the Day
When and where
The(located in the lower level of the ݮƵ Centre) is now offering new COVID booster shots and flu shots. Call for appointments to register for the vaccination at 519-746-4500 or dial extension 33784. Walk-ins are welcome.
Purchase your single game tickets or season packages today to cheer on your Warriors this season. Tickets on sale now for Basketball, Football, Hockey and Volleyball. Check out theand!
NEW - Join theDisability Affinity Programmailing list to receive meeting information for the Disability Community Network and the Accessibility Ally Network.
Co-operative work term begins, Monday, January 6.
Winter 2025 term lectures and classes begin, Monday, January 6.
, Monday, January 6 to Friday, January 10.
, Monday,January 6 to Sunday, January 12.
Master of Taxation, Virtual Information Sessions, Tuesday, January 7, 9:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m.
Keeping Connected: An Evening of Indigenous Storytelling, Wednesday, January 8, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., EC5 1111 and online.
Chemistry Seminar:The enterococcal cytolysin: Action mechanism and anti-virulence strategies featuring Ryan Moreira, Department of Chemistry, Howard Hughs Medical Research Institute, University of Illinois, Thursday, January 9, 10:30 a.m., C2-361 Reading Room.
, Thursday, January 9, 11:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m., WUSA Thrift.
opening reception, Thursday, January 9, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., University of ݮƵ Art Gallery.
Lectures in Catholic Experience Presents - Dr. Amir Hussain, Thursday, January 9, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., St. Jerome’s University.
Bonhoeffer: Cell 92, Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Conrad Grebel Great Hall.
, Monday, January 13 to Friday, January 17.
registration deadline, Monday, January 13, 12 noon. New and improved registration system this term. Over 15 leagues to choose from.
Office of Indigenous Relations Anniversary Celebration Open House, Monday, January 13, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., EC5 4201.
Warrior Athletics and Recreation Open House, Tuesday, January 14, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., SLC/PAC Atrium by Jugo Juice. Find out how to get active and engaged with your fellow Warriors.
Innovation Open House Mixer, Tuesday, January 14, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., SCH Cafeteria.
You Don't Know What You Don't Know with Ela Smith, three-part workshop hosted by the Office of Indigenous Relations, Thursday, January 16, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., online.
, Thursday, January 16, 3:00 p.m. to 4:25 p.m., reception 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., E7-2409.
PhD oral defences
Statistics and Actuarial Science. Liyuan Zheng, "High-Dimensional Statistical Inference and False
Discovery Rate Control with Covariates." Supervisors, Dr. Yingli Qin, Dr. Kun Liang. Thesis available from MGO - mgo@uwaterloo.ca. Oral defence Thursday, January 9, 1:00 p.m., M3 4206.
Mechanical & Mechatronics Engineering. Wenrui Ye, "Data-Driven Simulation and Optimization of Renewable Energy Systems." Supervisors, Dr. John Wen, Dr. Jatin Nathwani. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Thursday, January 9, 1:00 p.m., remote.
School of Environment, Enterprise and Development.Monica Mic,“Refining Ecolodge Certification: A Bottom-Up Evaluation of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council Framework as Measured by Certification Systems”.Supervisors, Dr. Paul Eagles, Dr. Jason Thistlethwaite.Available upon request from theFaculty of Environment, Administrator, Graduate Studies. Oral defence Friday, January 10, 9:00 a.m.
Chemical Engineering. Andrew Wang, "Engineering cell-penetrating peptides mediated protein-bound nanoparticles for delivering siRNA and chemotherapeutics." Supervisor, Dr. Pu Chen. Thesis available via SharePoint - email eng.phd@uwaterloo.ca to request a viewing link. Oral defence Friday, January 10, 9:00 a.m., remote.
Upcoming service interruptions
Stay up to date on service interruptions, campus construction, and other operational changes onthe Plant Operations website. Upcoming service interruptions include:
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Energy Research Centre, Math 3, Burt Matthews Hall fire alarm testing, Friday, January 3, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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DWE A and B Wing process hot water system maintenance, Friday, January 3, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., process hot water not available in laboratories during this time.
- Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre electrical shutdown, Saturday, January 4, 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., normal power will be offline to all floors including labs for the duration of this shutdown, emergency power will be online to the building.
- Mike & Ophelia Lazaridis Quantum-Nano Centre fire alarm testing, Monday, January 6, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.
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Psychology, Hagey Hall, Tatham Centre, Arts Lecture Hall fire alarm testing, Monday, January 6, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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East Campus 1, East Campus 2, East Campus 3 fire alarm testing, Monday, January 6, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Biology 2 electrical panel shutdown, Tuesday, January 7, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., power will be off in rooms 150,247,247A, 249, 249A-D,354,354A-C.
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Needles Hall electrical shutdown, Wednesday, January 8, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., rooms 1101-1903, all receptacles, appliances and some corridor lighting.
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Physical Activities Complex, ݮƵ Complex, RAC1, RAC2, Federation Hall fire alarm testing, Wednesday, January 8, 6:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.
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Modern Languages electrical shutdown, Sunday, January 12, 8:00 a.m., lasting for four hours, elevator will be off, emergency power will be operational.