Research Studies/Consulting
Archaeological Consulting
The Department of Anthropology answers questions regarding archaeology from community members. It assists in the identification of artifacts and bones and dates them if the item is archaeological.
Contact: 519-888-4567, ext. 32520
Centre for Child Studies
The centre is always looking for children to take part in studies. Parents of children between the ages of 12 months and six years, who live in or near the Kitchener-Waterloo area, are invited for a one-time visit to the centre to take part in a study. Studies help the centre gain a better understanding of how language and thinking develop in the preschool, toddler, and early kindergarten years. Children receive a certificate and a small gift.
Contact: Daniela O'Neill
519-888-4567, ext. 35416
doneill@uwaterloo.ca
Centre for Contact Lens Research
The centre is always looking for study participants over the age of 17 for studies relating to the cornea and contact lens wear. Experience wearing contact lenses is not necessary for every study, and participants are reimbursed for their time. All studies conducted by the centre have been reviewed and have received ethics clearance through the University of Waterloo Office of Research Ethics.
Contact: Alisa Sivak
519-888-4567, ext. 36805
amsivak@quark.uwaterloo.ca
Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD)
CRE-MSD is a research network based at the University of Waterloo that is funded by Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). Its mandate is to develop, through basic and applied research, ways to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The centre is made up of a network of researchers who are multi-disciplinary and hold research agendas that cover MSD-prevention topics from lab-based research to workplace-intervention health research. The network of researchers are spread over eight different institutions across Ontario.
Contact: Richard Wells
519-888-4567, ext. 33069
wells@uwaterloo.ca
Contracts Research & Industrial Grants (CRAIG)
The CRAIG section in the Office of Research provides assistance to faculty members, industry, government, and other partners in negotiating, approving, and setting up research contracts and industrial grants. It also provides liaison with the industrial and public sectors and communicates contract and grant research opportunities to university researchers.
Contact: Barry Scott
519-888-4567, ext. 33948
bscott@uwaterloo.ca
Heritage Resources Centre
The centre promotes a better understanding of natural and human heritage for the improvement of planning, management, and public policy through research, education, and extension work. A range of workshops and information sessions are offered in the field of heritage.
Contact: Robert Shipley
519-888-4567, ext. 35615
rshipley@uwaterloo.ca
Institute for Polymer Research
The institute carries out research in areas that are of vital interest to the plastics, coatings, adhesives, and elastomers industries. It provides advice and help to industries on matters related to polymer/plastics production and processing technology.
Contact: Alex Penlidis
519-888-4567, ext. 36634
ipr@uwaterloo.ca
Residential Energy Efficiency Project
This project uses the EcoENERGY rating system to provide homeowners with a comprehensive report of heat loss in their homes and advice for energy efficiency improvement. Participants are asked to complete a survey about electricity, climate change, and attitudes toward energy issues, which is used in research and policy discussions. Renewable energy such as solar is added to conservation initiatives to move houses toward net zero energy status when they produce as much as they consume.
Contact: Paul Parker
519-888-4567, ext. 33404
pparker@uwaterloo.ca
Science Shop
The Science Shop provides research information to community service organizations in Waterloo Region. It is operated by University of Waterloo graduate students who have the skills to find, evaluate, and summarize existing research findings. Faculty serve as volunteer advisors by providing advice, training, and mentorship to students and staff. Community service organizations use research evidence to assist in developing competitive funding proposals, improving the effectiveness of programs, and assessing the impact of their efforts. The Science Shop is dedicated to providing organizations with the information needed to achieve these goals.
Contact: contact@scienceshop.ca
Statistical Consulting Service
This service provides consulting on all aspects of study design and statistical analysis. It also offers advice on the use of statistical packages, SAS and SPSS.
Contact: Jeanette O'Hara Hines
519-888-4567, ext. 35535
johara@uwaterloo.ca
Survey Research Centre
The centre provides research and consulting on survey methods. Seminars and workshops on survey design and analysis can be arranged.
Contact: Mary Thompson
519-888-4567, ext. 35543
methomps@uwaterloo.ca
Usability and Interactive Technology Lab
This lab offers research and consulting in the assessment of software interfaces and documentation, input device design and ergonomic evaluation, use of virtual environments, and 3-D simulations for training. Professional Development for engineering students research/talks includes experimental approaches to on-line learning and assessment of professional skills for the workplace, design and development of competency-based programs for professional skills, and working with students on professional development skills.
Contact: Carolyn MacGregor
519-888-4567, ext. 32897
cgmacgre@uwaterloo.ca
Waterloo Centre for Atmospheric Sciences (WCAS)
The WCAS carries out research, analysis, and consulting on a wide range of atmospheric issues, including ozone depletion, regional air pollution, and climate change. WCAS scientists participate in atmospheric research projects involving satellite measurements as well as climate and air quality modeling. WCAS works with the private sector and government laboratories and offers public seminars on atmospheric subjects of current interest.
Contact: James Sloan
519-888-4401
sloanj@uwaterloo.ca
Waterloo Public Interest Research Group (WPIRG)
WPIRG is a social-justice, environmental, and leadership action centre that is funded and directed by University of Waterloo students. WPIRG’s mandate is to provide resources and knowledge to empower students and community members to take action on important public interest issues. Opportunities to get involved include:
• volunteer with an action group such as Amnesty International, Fair-Trade Action Group, or Students Against Sweatshops
• provide help planning a project such as Car Free Day or the Human Rights Conference
• attend lectures by speakers such as David Suzuki, Stephen Lewis, or Ralph Nader
• attend a leadership-skills-building workshop
• borrow materials from the resource library
WPIRG is located in the Student Life Centre, room 2139. Office hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Contact: 519-888-4882
info@wpirg.org
www.wpirg.org
Waterloo Research in Aging Participant Pool (WRAP)
WRAP is looking for healthy men and women over the age of 60, who live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area, to be involved in research. A number of University of Waterloo researchers from various fields are conducting studies examining the effects of aging on cognition.
Contact: 519-888-4567, ext. 37776
wrap@healthy.uwaterloo.ca
www.wrap@healthy.uwaterloo.ca
Weather Station
The University of Waterloo weather station is located on the north campus of the University of Waterloo. It is used for educational and research purposes by the university and surrounding community. The weather station website shows the current readings updated every 15 minutes along with an archive of weather data going back to 1998. The website averages 4,000 hits a day, although that number can double at times when the weather is severe. Data available from the station include current temperature, wind chill, precipitation, relative humidity/dew point, wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, and incoming radiation. Gardeners, landscapers, engineering consultants and schoolchildren are among the people who have used the current readings and the archives from the weather station.
Contact: Frank Seglenieks
519-888-4567, ext. 36112
frseglen@uwaterloo.ca
www.weather.uwaterloo.ca