July 10, 2002

Wednesday, July 10, 2002

UW scientist leads satellite team
Guide lists 290 high-tech companies
Events for a Wednesday

Editor:
Chris Redmond
credmond@uwaterloo.ca

Study or work abroad: DestinEducation

UW scientist leads satellite team -- from the UW news bureau

A UW scientist was among those attending the recent unveiling of Canada's first science satellite in more than 30 years, SCISAT-1, at a ceremony at Magellan Aerospace's Bristol facility in Winnipeg.

[scisat-1 logo] Scheduled for launch next January 19, SCISAT-1 will help a team of Canadian and international scientists improve their understanding of the depletion of the ozone layer, with a special emphasis on the changes occurring over Canada and in the Arctic.

The ozone research to be undertaken by the SCISAT-1/ACE (Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment) mission will be headed by Peter Bernath, of the chemistry department, who leads a scientific team of researchers from around the world.

"Our atmosphere and climate are changing and at least a part of these changes is due to human activities," Bernath said. "The ACE mission will improve our understanding of the chemical processes that control the creation and destruction of ozone in the upper atmosphere."

Bernath said the ACE mission will look at a number of secondary science objectives. "For example, we are able to provide global measurements of all the major greenhouse gases: water, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. Increases in the amounts of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide are a major cause of global warming."

The scientific goal of the ACE mission is to measure and understand the chemical processes that control the distribution of ozone, particularly at high latitudes. The data, recorded as SCISAT-1 orbits the Earth, will provide Canadian and international scientists with improved measurements relating to global ozone processes and help policy makers assess existing environmental policy and develop protective measures for improving the health of our atmosphere and prevent further ozone depletion.

The Fourier Transform Spectrometer (ACE-FTS), built by ABB Bomem of Quebec City is the primary instrument selected for the ACE mission onboard SCISAT-1. A second instrument, built by EMS Technologies of Ottawa, Measurements of Aerosol Extinction in the Stratosphere and Troposphere Retrieved by Occultation (MAESTRO) will also fly on the SCISAT-1 satellite.

Rey Pagtakhan, federal minister of veterans affairs and junior science minister, was among the VIPs at the event. "SCISAT-1 is an excellent example of how universities, government and industry are working together to drive the design of innovative technologies and support leading-edge scientific research," said Pagtakhan. "This research addressing ozone depletion -- a major concern for all Canadians -- will help to improve our quality of life."

Guide lists 290 high-tech companies -- a news release from Canada's Technology Triangle

The recently published Canada's Technology Triangle 2002 Industry Guide identifies 290 high tech companies in Waterloo region, indicating potential markets and desired alliances as well as traditional business contact information.

"Silicon Valley North, the leading news journal for Canada's high-tech communities, is proud to present this invaluable resource for the use of the business and technology community," said Kerry Mitchell, publisher of Silicon Valley North.

The Tech Guide project for Canada's Technology Triangle in 2002 follows the well-received production of guides for Toronto, Ottawa and Alberta in 2001. "With the publication of the guide, Canada's Technology Triangle is being recognized as one of the preeminent centres for technology in Canada" said Randy Ellis, CEO, Canada's Technology Triangle, Inc. "The guide is an exciting project for us, allows us to identify who the high tech players are, and ultimately raises the profile of the innovative capabilities of this exceptional area."

The guide, produced in partnership with InBusiness Media, Canada's Technology Triangle, Communitech Technology Association and PricewaterhouseCoopers, will serve as a comprehensive source of information for one of Canada's most vibrant business communities and be considered an invaluable resource to those wishing to know more about the technology industry in Canada's Technology Triangle.

In addition to the printed guide, a companion Web site is available, detailing additional information on high tech companies as well as interactive search capabilities.

Canada's Technology Triangle Inc. is the local regional private/ public economic development corporation marketing the Region of Waterloo and the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener and Waterloo to the world.

Events for a Wednesday

At noon today in MC 5158 the Teaching Resources and Continuing Education office will host a skills-based workshop on designing assignments. The workshop is open to all faculty members, graduate students, and staff instructors. Registration information can be found on the TRACE website.

Career services offers a career development workshop today from 2:30 to 4 p.m. in NH 1020. The session will focus on "successfully negotiating job offers."

Gays and Lesbians of Waterloo hosts its regular Wednesday night discussion group this evening at 7 p.m. followed by a social event at 8:30 in HH 373. Tonight's topic: maintaining intimacy relationships.

Also tonight, Gary White, president of the Cambridge Rocketry Club, will talk about his experience developing more than 150 rockets at tonight's meeting of the Students for the Exploration and Development of Space. The talk starts at 7 p.m. in RCH 307, "and I think it's gonna be a long long time...."

Looking ahead to tomorrow, East Coast Night is "back by popular demand" at the Grad House starting at 9 p.m. The Graduate Student Association event will feature the Nonie Crete Celtic Band, East Coast food, prizes, and "kiss the fish," a charming East Coast custom traditionally involving the head of a cod.

Avvey Peters

TODAY IN UW HISTORY
July 10, 1991: Peter Hopkins is appointed to the new position of associate provost (student affairs).