Waterloo Students Win $60K to Tackle Global Challenges

The University of Waterloo secured CAD$330,000 in funding this week as six doctoral candidates received Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships. These awards support research addressing critical global challenges, including projects developing low-cost gas sensors for air quality monitoring, utilising AI to predict heat-related health crises in vulnerable communities, and employing computational methods to advance solid-state battery technology. The scholarships will enable these researchers to investigate issues ranging from the impact of US policing on Canadian trust in law enforcement to climate change adaptation strategies in Uganda, and financial inclusion for people with disabilities.

Sociological and Societal Impact Research

The doctoral research undertaken by these scholars extends beyond purely technical innovation, encompassing critical investigation into the societal implications of technological advancement and environmental change. Richard Adeleke’s work on financial inclusion for people with disabilities highlights the importance of equitable access to essential services, a factor frequently overlooked in broader economic analyses. This research directly addresses social vulnerabilities and seeks to inform policy interventions aimed at reducing inequality within established communities.

Irfhana Zakir Hussain’s interdisciplinary approach to predicting and preventing heat-related health crises demonstrates a commitment to applied research with direct public health benefits. By integrating AI, data science, and community collaboration, her work not only identifies vulnerable populations but also actively contributes to the development of proactive strategies for mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events, particularly for those with limited resources.

Furthermore, the geographical analysis conducted by Satveer Dhillon in Uganda provides crucial insights into the complex interplay between climate change, resource scarcity, and psychosocial well-being. This research is vital for understanding the specific challenges faced by vulnerable communities in developing nations and for informing the design of effective, locally-led adaptation strategies. The focus on community-led interventions underscores the importance of incorporating local knowledge and perspectives into climate resilience planning.

These sociological and geographical investigations, while distinct from the materials science and engineering projects, complement the development of new technologies by providing a crucial understanding of the social context within which these technologies will be deployed. This holistic approach is essential for ensuring that advancements in areas like energy storage and sensor technology contribute to broader societal benefits and do not exacerbate existing inequalities. The findings have implications for responsible innovation and the ethical deployment of technology in addressing global challenges, including those related to sustainable energy research.

Engineering Innovation in Sensing and Energy

Cameron Dean’s doctoral research in Chemistry focuses on enhancing the performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness of solid-state batteries through computational modelling. This work addresses fundamental challenges in energy storage, with potential implications for a range of applications, including portable electronics, electric vehicles, and broader sustainable energy research initiatives. By investigating the core building blocks of these batteries, Dean’s research seeks to unlock improvements that could accelerate the adoption of cleaner energy technologies.

Complementing this materials science focus, Ahmed Shahin, a PhD student in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, is developing a new generation of low-cost, highly selective gas sensors. Utilizing an innovative manufacturing technique – AP-SALD (Atomic Layer Deposition) – Shahin’s sensors are designed for applications in air quality monitoring, food safety, and health diagnostics. The technique’s ability to operate in open air significantly reduces production costs, potentially enabling widespread deployment of these sensors for environmental and public health monitoring, and contributing to advancements in sustainable energy research through improved pollution detection and mitigation strategies.

Public Health and Climate Resilience

Irfhana Zakir Hussain’s research integrates public health sciences, systems design engineering, artificial intelligence, and data science to proactively address climate-related health risks. Her work focuses on identifying neighbourhoods in Waterloo particularly vulnerable to heat-related crises, and assisting city planners in preparing for extreme weather events. Recognizing the disproportionate impact of inadequate cooling resources and poor infrastructure on lower-income communities, Hussain is currently incorporating data from indoor smart thermostats to refine predictive modelling, offering a nuanced understanding of urban heat vulnerability.

These research efforts contribute to a broader understanding of climate resilience and inform strategies for mitigating the public health impacts of a changing climate. The application of advanced analytical techniques and community collaboration is crucial for developing effective interventions and ensuring equitable access to resources during extreme weather events, ultimately supporting advancements in sustainable energy research by reducing the health burdens associated with fossil fuel dependence and promoting adaptation to a low-carbon future.