KNOWLEDGE TRANSLATION AND COLLABORATION
WISA creates opportunities for people with a shared passion and vision for sustainable aeronautics to come together and create positive change. In 2021, we amplified the conversation, grew our membership, and strengthened our partnerships.
1,000+
newsletter subscribers
1,200+
followers across social media platforms
6,690
website visitors from 120+ countries
Cultivating a shared vision and collaborative solutions
One of the defining qualities of WISA is our collaborative approach to driving sustainable progress in aeronautics. We believe great things can happen when we bring stakeholders from diverse backgrounds together, bridging the gap between industry, researchers, and the public. That belief is at the heart of everything we do, including our newly launched WISA Talks webinar series.
Through our first four WISA Talks in 2021-22, we convened panels of academic, industry, and government leaders for a deep dive into the challenges facing aeronautics. The series has been viewed by hundreds around the globe, live and through the recordings. Our audience for WISA Talks includes everyone from students to community members to academic, industry and government professionals.
Reducing pilot error through evidence-based training
Moderated by Dr. Elizabeth Irving, WISA Associate Director of the Social Pillar
Using data to inform aeronautical best practices
Moderated by Dr. Shi Cao, WISA Associate Director of the Economic Pillar
4
free webinars
17
researchers
12
industry panelists
1,500+
views
Minimizing aviation’s environmental impact
Moderated by Dr. Paul Parker, WISA Associate Director of the Environmental Pillar
Exploring future directions in aeronautical sustainability
Moderated by Dr. Suzanne Kearns, WISA Founding Director
Who we are
As the world’s leading hub for sustainable aeronautical research, technology, and education, WISA is a team of researchers, graduate and undergraduate students, advisors, industry leaders, government professionals, aviation enthusiasts, and more. We’re made up of a board of directors, advisory committee, regular and associate members, and staff.
A growing movement
WISA started with 50 regular members at the time of our launch in October 2021. Within 6 months, we have grown to 75 members — and counting.
Regular Members
WISA regular members include faculty researchers from all six faculties across Waterloo in every discipline. WISA is fueled by passionate researchers, innovators and leaders who contribute their skills, knowledge and resources to the development of sustainable solutions in aeronautics.
Associate Members and Staff
WISA associate members include researchers, postdocs, and graduate students from not just the University of Waterloo, but from universities all around the world. Our associate membership also consists of industry professionals and community members interested in supporting WISA’s mission of developing environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable solutions in aeronautics.
Advisory Committee
The WISA Advisory Committee plays a pivotal role in our success, providing operational advice and helping us maintain strong connections to industry. We are grateful to the entire committee for their invaluable support and guidance in our inaugural year:
Commander Chris Hadfield, Decorated Canadian Astronaut
Dr. Sunjoo K. Advani, International Development of Technology
Ms. Wendy Bailey, Transport Canada
Mr. Derrick Cheung, Defence Construction Canada
Dr. Logan Jones, NAVBLUE
Mr. Drew Hamblin, Supermarine Holdings Ltd.
Mr. Rod Regier, Region of Waterloo
Dr. Martin Smith, Presage Group Inc.
Mr. Peter Studer, CFN Consultants
Dr. Joelle Thorgrimson, Flight Surgeon
Mr. Simon Witts, International Air and Space Training Institute
Dr. Ibrahim Yimer, National Research Council Canada
“In my mind, WISA stands for UW and the world. We’re bringing together global leadership from across government, industry, and academia to build a more sustainable future for aeronautics. I welcome every individual and organization that shares our mission and vision to join us.”
— Dr. Sunjoo K. Advani, Advisory Committee Co-Chair
Associate Directors
WISA is fortunate to have the leadership of three associate directors, each representing one of the three pillars of sustainable aeronautics — social, environmental, and economic.
Dr. Elizabeth Irving, WISA Associate Director of the Social Pillar
Dr. Elizabeth Irving is a clinician/scientist with internationally recognized expertise in vision science, including eye tracking and binocular vision. Currently she is investigating the interactions between vision and aviation and the effects of space travel on the eye.
“I live far from family, and I need airplanes to keep flying. The challenges faced by aviation and, indeed, the world are complex and will take ‘a village’ to solve. WISA's interdisciplinary, cross-sector approach to sustainability is exciting and I am honoured to be involved in creating solutions.”
Dr. Paul Parker, WISA Associate Director of the Environmental Pillar
Dr. Paul Parker is a sustainability researcher with a passion for low carbon aviation, a love of teaching and publications on a range of topics: zero-carbon buildings, energy retrofits, smart grid technologies, renewables in remote communities, and more. Electric and low carbon aviation is the next challenge.
“Why join WISA? I love the passion and sustainable solution focus of the team. Yes, aviation faces many challenges, but we also have many ideas for solutions. By working together – industry + university + government; technical + human; environment + social + economic – we can create sustainable solutions. It is a winning combination. The magic is the team approach.”
Dr. Shi Cao, WISA Associate Director of the Economic Pillar
Dr. Shi Cao (“SHER TSAO”) studies human factors engineering. His research projects include human performance and workload modeling, human-machine system reliability, the applications of virtual and augmented reality, and new aviation training technologies.
“I joined WISA because there are tremendous needs and opportunities for innovation in the field of sustainable aeronautics. Aviation is an important mode of transportation providing essential services and connecting people around the world. WISA connects people with multidisciplinary vision and big dreams for tomorrow. I believe WISA will be a national and international key player in sustainable aeronautics research and innovation.”
Industry Partners
Our industry partnerships align with WISA’s mission to support a sustainable future for the air transport sector. Partners get a direct line to world-leading researchers and talent and are among the first to learn about cutting-edge aeronautical research innovations through our newsletters and events.
Our partners offer in-kind advice, support, and guidance towards research projects focused on improving social, environmental, and economic sustainability in the air transport sector. Our goal is to foster a mutually beneficial collaboration to ensure the full innovative capacity at Waterloo targets relevant, practical, and applied questions that can have a direct impact on aviation and aerospace.
