EDUCATION AND ENGAGEMENT

Training future water leaders

Co-delivered by 11 departments and schools from across all six faculties, the Collaborative Water Program (CWP) is the most interdisciplinary water graduate program in Canada. Co-ordinated and supported by the Water Institute, the CWP encourages students to push the boundaries of their research and discover innovative ways to tackle global water challenges. Students in the CWP complete their specialist training in their respective home department or school, while working with students from a variety of disciplines in two interdisciplinary courses (WATER 601 and WATER 602) to understand how different perspectives can contribute to addressing complex water problems.

The Collaborative Water Program had such a lasting impact on me. So much of my thinking has been shaped by the CWP paradigm and I hope the program continues to challenge and inspire young water professionals.

MARICOR JANE ARLOS, Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta

participating departments/schools

students enrolled since 2013

supervisors with students in the CWP since 2013

World Water Day celebrations

THE LEGACY OF ENVIRONMENTAL RACISM IN NORTH AMERICA

The Water Institute and Students of the Water Institute Graduate Section (SWIGS) hosted their annual World Water Day Celebration on March 22, 2022 with a mix of virtual and in-person events that attracted hundreds of attendees around Canada and beyond.

The morning session featured “A Cross-Country Checkup on Canada’s Groundwater: Perspectives on the Future of one of Canada’s most Valuable Resources” which explored the vast diversity of Canada’s groundwater resources with a panel of leading hydrogeologists. “The Legacy of Environmental Racism in North America: Perspectives from Canada and the United States” session featured keynote presentations from Dr. Ingrid Waldron (2022 Water Institute RBC Distinguished Lecturer; HOPE Chair in Peace and Health, McMaster University; author/producer of “There’s Something in the Water”) and Monica Lewis-Patrick (2022 University of Waterloo Jarislowsky Fellow; co-founder of We the People of Detroit) who examined the legacy of environmental racism in their communities and the grassroots mobilization and resistance activities communities have engaged in.

Nothing in my background says that I should be here, other than my compassion for my community, my self-determination and the women that I have the honour of serving with have pushed me to go further than I ever dreamed I’d go

MONICA LEWIS-PATRICK

SWIGS — Inspiring the water professionals of tomorrow

The Students of the Water Institute Graduate Section (SWIGS) connect water students from across Waterloo’s faculties and departments who embrace and value an interdisciplinary approach to learning. SWIGS expands networks and provides academics, social and community outreach programming. Water and You is a great example of SWIGS community impact where each year SWIGS invites local elementary school students to submit artwork to express what water means to them. This year a record number of submissions with a groundwater theme were received and featured during World Water Day celebrations.

Faculty Accolades

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