Stories about Waterloo graduate students who are transforming their fields of study, communities, workplaces and the world.
FACULTY OF ARTS
NADINE GHANEM
MA STUDENT, PSYCHOLOGY
Helping kids reach their potential, from research to real world
For this master's student, a love of working with children grew into a thesis that explores how to nurture their independent learning skills.
HEATHER GEORGE
PHD STUDENT, HISTORY
Reimagining the museum through Indigenous values and teachings
This doctoral student says Indigenous practices can make heritage preservation more equitable and inclusive.
KARMVIR PADDA
PHD STUDENT, SOCIOLOGY (CO-OP)
The surprising power of asking questions
For this PhD student, curiosity opens the door to new opportunities.
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING
CHINAZOM UWAOMA
MASTER OF BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY (MBET) STUDENT
Driving social impact through entrepreneurship
Inside Waterloo's vibrant startup ecosystem, this MBET student found the resources and inspiration he needs to scale.
DANIELLE RIPSMAN
PHD STUDENT, MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
Puzzling with purpose
From solving brain teasers to optimizing outcomes for cancer patients.
NIKOLAI BURTON
PHD STUDENT, CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
Improving the planet, one process at a time
For this graduate student, there’s no better feeling than bringing a design to life.
FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENT
NATALIE MAJDA
MA STUDENT, PLANNING
Restoring Indigenous voices and knowledge in heritage planning
Graduate studies in planning brought this master’s student new perspectives and opportunities to build community.
AUGUSTINE OSEI
PHD STUDENT, SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY
Harnessing the power of plants to fight climate change
This PhD student is using his passion for soil science to advance green energy.
LISA HUANG
MASTER OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION GRADUATE
Creating opportunities for Canada’s rural and remote communities
Following her purpose led this master’s graduate to economic development.
FACULTY OF HEALTH
NATALIE DOAN
PHD STUDENT, PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES
Uncovering dimensions of health inequity
What prevents Canadian adults from eating well? This PhD student turned to lived experience – and data – to answer the question.
GIANA TOMAS
PHD STUDENT, RECREATION AND LEISURE STUDIES
Pursuing research that hits home
Your sense of home matters for health and well-being, says this PhD student.
KALSHA DE SILVA
PHD STUDENT, KINESIOLOGY
Embracing detours on the road to discovery
Science gets this PhD student smiling, even if it’s not the route she had in mind.
FACULTY OF MATH
MOJTABA VALIPOUR
PHD STUDENT, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND PART-TIME MASTER OF BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY (MBET) STUDENT
Tapping into technology to revolutionize academic research
In the MBET program, this entrepreneurial PhD student is learning to balance social impact and financial success.
NICHOLAS RICHARDSON
MMATH GRADUATE, APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Finding harmony between work and play
From a cappella to academics, this Math graduate’s research connects passion with purpose.
VEGA KAPOOR
MMATH GRADUATE, ACTUARIAL SCIENCE
Predicting what’s next without a crystal ball
This master’s graduate honed her actuarial skills to invest in a future of impact.
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
CAMERON MORGAN
PHD STUDENT, PHYSICS
Exploring galactic mysteries and a lifelong fascination
To this PhD student, who studies galaxies 50 million light years away, the possibilities for discovery in astrophysics are endless.
BENJAMIN MACLELLAN
PHD STUDENT, PHYSICS (QUANTUM INFORMATION)
Unlocking the promise of quantum technology
This trailblazing PhD student explores how quantum systems can help us see the world differently.
QUINN WORTHINGTON
MSC GRADUATE, EARTH SCIENCES
Bringing aha moments from the lab to the world
This graduate found her spark studying rocks. Now she’s helping other people find theirs.