Media
BEYOND Prediction
PolyGone Technologies has created a reliable method to detect microfibres in liquids
Waterloo-based company working to remove plastics from water
The Eco MarketRadio/Podcast
We’re Eating Plastics From Our Own Dirty Laundry
Interview with Lauren Smith of PolyGone
Biography
Lauren Smith is a PhD candidate and Vanier Scholar researching gender equity within water-related decision-making and the implications of threatening messaging on appraisal of others. She is particularly interested in gender bias within male-dominated workspaces. Smith is also the CEO and co-founder of PolyGone Technologies, a cleantech startup developing novel methods for microplastic detection in consumer beverages. She has been recognized as a Clean50 2020 Emerging Leader and has won awards for her startup and research. Smith holds an MES in Sustainability Management.
Additional Titles and Affiliations
PolyGone Technologies
CEO and co-founder
University of Waterloo
PhD Candidate (current)
MES Sustainability Management (2017)
Hon. BA Philosophy - Minors in Biology and Environment (2014)
BA Psychology (2010)
Research Grants
Gender Equity Research Grant
Organization: University of Waterloo - He4SheDate: May 1, 2020
Grant amount: $10,000
Details:
The University of Waterloo is part of the United Nations Women’s HeForShe campaign, a global effort that invites men and boys to work with women and girls, as equal partners, in advancing gender equity. As part of the campaign, the UN Women launched the 10x10x10 IMPACT framework, which involves 10 corporations, 10 governments, and 10 universities.
As part of our involvement in the 10x10x10 IMPACT framework, Waterloo has made three specific commitments to address gender equity on campus:
Commitment 1: Boost girls’ participation in STEM experiences to build future female leaders
Commitment 2: Enhance female faculty representation to drive toward parity in the future
Commitment 3: Advance women into positions that lead the university
The Gender Equity Research Grants support research that investigates and addresses gender equity with preference given to projects that advance Waterloo's three IMPACT 10x10x10 commitments or of demonstrated relevance to Waterloo.
More information: https://uwaterloo.ca/heforshe/projects/university-waterloo-gender-equity-research-grants
Vanier CGS
Organization: CIHRDate: September 1, 2020
Grant amount: $150,000
Details:
The Government of Canada launched the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program in 2008 to strengthen Canada's ability to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering and health.
Scope
Up to 166 scholarships are awarded annually
A total of up to 500 scholarships are active at any time.
Value
$50,000 per year
Duration
3 years (non-renewable)
Scholarships are distributed equally between the three federal granting agencies:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
Selection Criteria
Academic Excellence
Research Potential
Leadership (potential and demonstrated ability)
More information: https://vanier.gc.ca/en/home-accueil.html