Daily
Bulletin

Dixon is Waterloo's newest dean

Dixon was one of the winners last year of UW's first Excellence in Research Awards, with a citation that said he is "considered by many of his colleagues to be the premier environmental toxicologist in Canada and one of the top researchers in his field world wide." He studies the effects of toxic chemicals on aquatic organisms, particularly fish.

A decade earlier, he was a winner of a Distinguished Teacher Award. He's also been chair of the biology department and an associate dean in the science faculty, working with Thompson.

He was the holder of a one-year-old PhD, from the University of Guelph, when he came to UW in August 1981. (His undergraduate work was done at what's now Concordia University in Montréal.)

"He is," said the president in a memo issued last year when the choice of Dixon as the next dean was made, "an accomplished scholar and an excellent collaborator, showing adaptability, teamwork and an ability to see both the larger picture and the role that individuals can play in it.

"He has published widely on a variety of topics related to toxicology and biological effects of pollution. As a researcher, his credentials are superb, and he is held in high regard as one of Canada's leading environmental scientists. He combines excellence with relevance and, as a result, enjoys a well-deserved international reputation for creative contributions to the advancement of knowledge in his chosen field.

"He is part of numerous interdisciplinary research programs with scientists from universities, governments, and industries and contributes a keen awareness of issues of concern to each sector. He interacts well with scientists and managers alike, and is experienced and successful in securing research funds from government agencies and industry. His international standing is manifested in his consistent record of publications in high-impact refereed journals, invitations to address international fora, and memberships on prestigious national and international panels. His excellence as a teacher was recognized at an early state in his career; he received the Distinguished Teacher Award in 1989.

"Professor Dixon has provided leadership and opportunities for independent research needed by graduate students. He has been an effective undergraduate officer, Department Chair (1989-1996) and, currently, is Associate Dean for Graduate Studies & Research in the Faculty of Science."

As well as the new dean, there are some other administrators who took office July 1:

• George Francis, geography professor, who becomes director of the independent studies program (succeeding Gary Griffin of psychology).
• Jim Bater, acting chair of the geography department, while Phil Howarth is on sabbatical leave for a year.
• Terry McMahon, chair of the department of chemistry, returning to a position he's held before, unexpectedly vacant because John Hepburn has left UW for the west coast.

Photo by Jesse Rodgers Patriotic face paint was a big feature at Sunday's Canada Day celebrations on the north campus. Despite cool temperatures and windy weather, thousands gathered to sample hot dogs, listen to the local talent on stage, and catch a glimpse of the impressive pyrotechnics.

Summer camps start

UW camps for kids -- from age two up to those in grade 12 -- offer unique experiences with art, computers, drama, instrumental and choral music and science projects, as well as such traditional camp activities as swimming, field trips and roasting marshmallows over the campfire. Here's what's happening:

• Arts Computer Experience (ACE) A summer day camp for children ages seven to 12 years, ACE provides a fun learning experience with a focus on art, computers, drama and music combined with outdoor activities and swimming. The camp runs four two-week sessions throughout July and August.

• Engineering Science Quest (ESQ) Now in its 11th year, this student-run program explores new horizons in engineering and science. It gives children in grades 1-12 an opportunity to see, touch, invent, design, create, and experiment in twelve distinct camps. ExXtreme Camping! programs focus on the world of computers and technology. Camps run weekly from July 2 to August 31.

• Hildegard Marsden Day Nursery Summer Camp This program of indoor and outdoor activities emphasizes the intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth of young children ages 2 1/2 to seven years. Activities include science projects, swimming, large and fine motor activities, songs, co-operative games, field trips and more. Weekly sessions are offered in July and August.

• Klemmer Farmhouse Co-operative Nursery Summer Program This weekly program for children ages 2 1/2 years to five years involves crafts, water play, music and games combined with field trips and outdoor programs during July and August.

• Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC) Boys and girls ages 12 to 16 years participate in choir, instrumental music, private coaching, a musical theatre production, outdoor activities, campfires, field trips, chapels, concerts by professional artists, and a concert for family and friends at the camp which runs from August 12 to 24 at Conrad Grebel College.

Tuesday notes

Also tomorrow a utility shutdown in the Earth Sciences and Chemistry building from 5-7:30 a.m. -- no electrical power will be available during that time. Plant operations advises that "computer equipment should be shut down in an orderly fashion (particularly UNIX systems.)"

And organizers of a coffeehouse event scheduled for July 13 are looking for aspiring performers. Those wishing to be part of the lineup can contact the organizers by email at coffeehouse2001@hotmail.com. The event is being organized by the Christian Fellowship groups on campus.

Avvey Peters

Editor of the Daily Bulletin: Chris Redmond
Information and Public Affairs, University of Waterloo
credmond@uwaterloo.ca | (519) 888-4567 ext. 3004
| Friday's Bulletin
Copyright © 2001 University of Waterloo