University of Waterloo Faculty of Science

The University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Science was proud to welcome nearly 300 guests to this year’s Turtle Island Indigenous Science Conference earlier this week. The conference highlights how Indigenous science enriches fields such as ecology, health, technology, and sustainability. Through presentations, panels, and knowledge-sharing, it creates space to recognize Indigenous ways of knowing and their vital role in addressing today’s most pressing global challenges. Thank you to everyone who joined us in a meaningful dialogue that brought together diverse voices and knowledge systems.

Join us at TWB Brewing on June 2 at 6:30 PM for Science in the City: Skies & Eyes. 🔭 Dr. Lisa Dang is exploring exoplanets with the James Webb Space Telescope, studying lava worlds and what it might be like to visit them. 👁️ Dr. Austin Roorda is pushing the boundaries of human vision, working toward the discovery of entirely new colours through Oz Vision. From distant galaxies to the way we see the world, this event highlights groundbreaking research happening right here at the University of Waterloo. Secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/4dIrgxL

We were pleased to welcome Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State for Nature, to the University of Waterloo, alongside the Honourable Bardish Chagger, Member of Parliament for Waterloo, and Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener – Conestoga. The visit highlighted the impactful work of the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation, including a tour of our environmental reserve that supports hands-on learning and applied research. We appreciated your interest in Waterloo’s leadership in climate adaptation, environmental resilience, and community-engaged sustainability research!

60 Seconds of Science! 💊 Meet Dr. Wajd Alkabbani, an Assistant Professor in the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy at the University of Waterloo! As a pharmacoepidemiologist, Dr. Alkabbani integrates pharmacology and epidemiology to study how medications are used in real-world settings and their safety and effectiveness over time. Using large healthcare databases, she uncovers patterns in medication use and patient outcomes. Her research helps improve medication safety and guides smarter prescribing, supporting better decisions for patients, healthcare providers, and policymakers. Stay tuned for more bite-sized science from #UWaterlooSci researchers!

As a Master of Biology student, Jordan Francis (MSc ’26) used a mouse colon made from stem cells to research a key gut protein called ESRP1. When diseases like inflammatory bowel disease occur, the expression of the ESRP1 protein becomes dysregulated. Despite its importance, scientists still don’t fully understand what ESRP1 does in the intestine, and that's where Jordan's important research comes into play. Full story: https://lnkd.in/gcMNJejp | #GRADImpact

The University of Waterloo community was proudly represented at the 2026 Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest BMO Women of the Year Awards, with numerous winners demonstrating leadership, innovation and service across disciplines. We are proud to celebrate the following award recipients with strong ties to #UWaterloo: - Dr. Donna Strickland (STEM) – Professor in the Faculty of Science and Nobel Laureate, recognized for her global leadership in optical physics and advocacy for women in science. - Nadine Quehl (Health & Wellness) – Senior Manager of Knowledge Mobilization and Partnerships recognized for her facilitation of yoga, meditation, and mindful movement to support mental health and community well-being in diverse settings. - Mary Robinson (BASC ’02, MASC ’10) (Education) – Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, recognized for her dedication to student-centred learning and innovation in engineering education. - Dr. Sirisha Rambhatla (Vanguard) – Professor in the Faculty of Engineering, recognized for her leadership in advancing ethical and transparent artificial intelligence. - Amanda Amaral (Arts & Culture) – Recognized for contributions that support community and campus initiatives. - Lucia Harrison (Community Service) – Honoured for her contributions through her affiliation with Conrad Grebel University College. - Judy Nairn (Lifetime Achievement) – Recognized for her longstanding leadership and governance contributions at St. Jerome’s University. These accomplishments reflect the strength of the University of Waterloo’s community and its ongoing commitment to advancing research, education and community impact within Waterloo Region and beyond. More: https://lnkd.in/gmqnhv4Z | #UWaterlooProud

University of Waterloo's Dr. Scott Hopkins and University Health Network's Dr. Arash Zarrine-Afsar, in collaboration with Cancer Digital Intelligence at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN, have developed a user-friendly application that integrates with UHN’s novel Picosecond Infrared Laser Mass Spectrometry (PRIL-MS) technology. This innovative tool enables the analysis of tissue samples in seconds, supporting the rapid identification of central nervous system cancer subtypes. Learn more about this important step towards accelerating cutting-edge research into scalable cancer care innovations on page 14 of CDI's Impact Report: https://lnkd.in/gC2zpCEf

Working together to find solutions. Group study sessions. Friendships that last a lifetime. A sense of belonging that changes everything. 💙 On University of Waterloo’s Giving Day, you can help create more of these moments. Support the new Science Learning Hub, a dedicated space where first-year students can access free tutoring, study together, and build community from day one. Every gift helps a student feel they belong in Science. Will you be part of that? Learn more about how you can support Science on Giving Day: https://lnkd.in/ezJXsHer

Today is Waterloo Giving Day! 💙 It’s a day where the whole University of Waterloo community gives back to our students. This year, #UWaterlooSci is championing a new Science Learning Hub through the SCI of Relief fund. When students have the confidence and support they need, they are more likely to succeed academically and in their mental health. Please consider helping #UWaterlooSci with our goal of raising $10,000 today. Support the Science Learning Hub by making a gift towards the SCI of Relief fund, and today, each eligible donation will be matched 1:1, up to $1,000, while matching funds last! Together, we can build a supportive Science community: https://lnkd.in/eqtijxjh

Congratulations to Travis Craddock and Will Percival, who have been awarded funding through the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) 2025 Exploration Competition. Exploration grants through the NFRF support projects that push boundaries into new and exciting areas by bringing disciplines together and exploring new concepts that, while bold, have potential for significant impact. Learn more about their innovative projects: https://lnkd.in/e34QrqF9