News

A research team led by Waterloo Engineering students, including several undergraduates, has created a tissue-like hydrogel material for potential use for artificial muscles in robotics.

Hydrogels are soft, biocompatible materials with great promise for developing microrobots to perform non-invasive biomedical tasks within the human body, including the gastrointestinal and reproductive tracts.

Two Faculty of Engineering professors were among the winners at this year's Kitchener Waterloo Oktoberfest BMO Women of the Year Awards, which celebrate women advancing Waterloo Region through leadership, innovation and service.

Dr. Mary Robinson received the educator award, and Dr. Sirisha Rambhatla received the Vanguard award at the annual ceremony.

A professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering has been honoured by transportation authorities in the United States and Canada for his contributions to vehicle safety research.

Dr. Duane Cronin received a Safety Engineering Excellence Award from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the 28^th International Technical Conference on the Enhanced Safety of Vehicles (ESV) in Toronto on May 12, 2026. He was cited for his commitment to and advancements in road safety.

A graduate student at Waterloo Engineering is in the running in a national photography contest meant to showcase and generate interest in scientific research.

Matthew Krmpotic, who is studying the aerodynamics of vehicles as he pursues his doctorate in mechanical and mechatronics engineering, was named one of 20 finalists in the 2026 Science Exposed competition sponsored by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

Two professors from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have been recognized with prestigious IEEE Canada awards for their contributions to electrical and electronics engineering.

Dr. Alfred Yu has been named the 2026 recipient of the IEEE Canada Outstanding Engineer Award for his transformative innovations in next-generation ultrasound imaging technology, while Dr. Xuemin (Sherman) Shen has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the IEEE Canada A.G.L. McNaughton Award for his contributions to wireless and ultra-band communication networks.

A Waterloo Engineering professor has been recognized with a provincial engineering medal for research and development.

Dr. David Clausi, a University Research Chair and professor in the Department of Systems Design Engineering, has been awarded the Ontario Professional Engineers Award (OPEA) Engineering Medal in Research and Development.

A Waterloo Engineering research team has received federal funding to develop a made-in-Canada solution to one of the country's most pressing environmental challenges.

Dr. Sushanta Mitra, a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, along with chemical engineering professors Dr. Boxin Zhao and Dr. Nasser Mohieddin Abukhdeir, has been awarded $600,000 through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

Researchers at Waterloo Engineering used nanotechnology to develop a new formulation that is both greener and more effective than existing methods for applying pesticides to plants.

Their water-based solution reduces costly waste and environmental contamination by making pesticides stick to plant leaves better – even in wind and rain – minimizing splash and runoff.

A PhD student in the Faculty of Engineering has been recognized for exceptional contributions to teaching and learning at the University of Waterloo.

Ryan Tennant, a systems design engineering doctoral student, is the recipient of the 2026 Certificate in University Teaching (CUT) Award, presented by the Centre for Teaching Excellence. The CUT program recognizes graduate students and postdoctoral scholars who demonstrate a strong commitment to evidence-based, inclusive teaching.

Two Waterloo Engineering professors have been elected fellows of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE), among the highest honours the profession bestows in Canada.

Dr. Amir Khajepour and Dr. Boxin Zhao were among 56 new fellows named this year in recognition of outstanding contributions to engineering in Canada and internationally.