Science Community
The COVID-19 pandemic has faced us with an unprecedented challenge and is naturally causing considerable uncertainty, fear and anxiety in our society. To provide you with the best possible support as we move forward throughout this academic year, this page will keep you up to date with important information, emerging regulations, and other newsworthy items such as Faculty of Science based COVID-19 related research. As we navigate the constantly evolving situation and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on how we teach, learn, and conduct research, we hope you will find this information helpful.
COVID-19 information for the campus community
Visit this website to view information on University of Calgary COVID-19 guidelines and announcements.
Community Resources
These resources can help you find information on health and safety, wellness, connect with the campus community, and recognize a person or group in our community for their hard work and accomplishments during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wellness Resources
If you are struggling, please remember there are a number of mental health resources available to students, faculty and staff.
Event Planning
Planning an event? University events on and off campus must align with the current UCalgary COVID-19 event requirements.
Give Recognition
Recognize a champion of science for the positive impact they have had on the Faculty of Science community. Some stories will be shared here.
Sharing our Stories
While many of us worked or studied remotely throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, some members of our staff remained on campus to ensure that high calibre research and teaching could continue as seamlessly as possible. Get to know some of the staff members who kept the Faculty of Science going during a time like no other.
Nelson Cruz
Nelson is a Stores Administrator in the Science Stores.
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Job Title
Store Administrator
How long have you been in your current role?
I have been doing this for more than 6 years.
How long have you been working at the University of Calgary?
I have been working at the University for more than 6 years.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
I am typically busy all the time. In the morning, I assemble orders, fill liquid nitrogen, and answer emails. In the afternoon, I do receiving and pick up time for lab orders.
What are the most enjoyable parts of your job?
I most enjoy dealing with customers from different departments and extending help to every person who asks for it. I am always open for ideas and concerns to enable me to perform to the highest level of my capacity as a University employee.
What are the biggest challenges?
In every job there are always challenges; you just need to adapt and get used to it. I had my biggest challenges when I was just starting and learning the university environment and protocols .
What was it like on campus during COVID?
It was tough during the COVID pandemic. Protocols needed to be followed carefully and strictly. It was a big adjustment for me, especially in dealing with customers coming to the store.
What do you like to do outside of work time?
Outside of work time, I usually spent time with my family doing sports activities like biking, paddleboarding, and camping, which we love to do every year.
Magdi Khalil
Magdi is a Stores Administrator in the Science Stores
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Job title
Stores administrator, Technical Operations Group
How long have you been in your current role?
I have been in the job 16 years.
How long have you been working at the University of Calgary?
I have been working at the university for 16 years.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
A typical work day involves processing supply orders for the Department of Chemistry and Science stores, responding to email orders, filling orders, invoicing customers, dealing with customers coming to the store, filling liquid nitrogen, and receiving shipments for the Faculty of Science.
What are the most enjoyable parts of your job?
The most enjoyable part is dealing with people (customer service).
What are the biggest challenges?
The biggest challenge is processing Chemistry department lab orders and Science stores orders in a timely manner. I also need to keep the store inventory always up to date, make sure that I fulfill all the customers' requests regarding lab supplies, and make sure all the customers are satisfied.
What was it like on campus during COVID?
It was stressful during COVID. It still is, but it’s a bit better because of the vaccine.
What do you like to do outside of work time?
I like to exercise, and watch soccer, hockey, basketball, and tennis.
Recognizing our champions of science
Our staff and faculty have gone above and beyond to continue providing excellent service.
...your continued hard work is greatly appreciated by all of the Faculty of Science leadership team. Navigating the intricacies of the past year has been a unique challenge. Although the challenges of the past many months of remote work are not yet over, I want to thank you for your patience, adaptability, flexibility and continued hard work. It is highly appreciated.
Dr. Bernhard Mayer, dean, Faculty of Science
...of our students and faculty members over the last 18 months. This pandemic could have pulled us apart, but in many ways, it brought us together. We found ways to work and support each other, developed solutions to so many problems, and discovered new opportunities…all while making it through challenges with respect and grace. You are all amazing.
Dr. Cindy Graham, vice dean, Faculty of Science
...to providing enriching learning experiences for our students despite facing the many challenges brought about by our changing work environment over the last 18 months. Your resilience has been greatly appreciated by all of the Faculty of Science leadership team!
Dr. Wendy Benoit, associate dean, Faculty of Science
...helping our undergraduate students navigate the challenges of university in COVID times. Thanks to each and every USC member for all your hard work. I know many of you put in a lot of extra time and effort to make sure our students were supported, and it did not go unnoticed – we appreciate you!
Dr. Nancy Chibry, associate dean, Faculty of Science
As a brand new team who was formed remotely in 2020, they hit the ground running to support our graduate students through a period of major uncertainty while navigating new roles themselves. Thank you so much for staying the course – I am looking forward to meeting you all in person soon.
Dr. Cathy Ryan, associate dean, Faculty of Science
Magdi and Nelson have been extremely busy in Science Stores. They have taken on many additional tasks during COVID to help distribute items and support the teaching and research needs of Science and other faculties. I am grateful to them for all their hard work, and for telling us what it was like to stay on campus!
Michelle Forgeron, Manager, Technical Support Services
Faculty of Science researchers making a difference
Testing wastewater for COVID-19 can help catch localized outbreaks faster
Wastewater monitoring has potential to revolutionize how we track public health.
Global study investigates decontamination methods for medical masks
Research collaboration could help alleviate shortages of personal protective equipment.
Leading metabolomics researcher in Faculty of Science helps with COVID19 relief
Ian Lewis part of four new collaborative projects for testing, rapidly diagnosing viral infection.