Academic Leadership Structure

Implemented in stages in the 2022-2023 academic year, the new leadership structure for the Faculty of Science has been designed with a balance of two objectives in mind: aligning with the One University model, while also leveraging the culture of excellence that Science has built in research, teaching and learning, and service to our community at large. 

Changes to the leadership model were developed through thorough consultations with department chairs and their department members, the deanery and the dean of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS). This page outlines the current leadership structure, portfolios and incumbents of the various leadership positions in the Faculty of Science.

 

Dean of Science

Declan Ali

Deans serve as the chief executive officer of their faculties and report to their associated college dean, with general supervision over and direction of the academic work and instructional staff of the faculty and of the officers and employees employed in connection with that work. The Dean of Science determines the strategic priorities of the faculty and, through consultation with deanery and chairs, supports that vision in service of our core research and teaching mission.

Vice Dean

Eleni Stroulia

The vice-dean’s leadership role provides critical support to the dean and to the Faculty of Science. The vice-dean represents the Dean, when required, and oversees the following responsibilities: 

  • Carries out dean duties per relevant formal delegations
  • Oversees faculty and staff recruitment and hiring, according to the faculty strategic plan
  • Oversees research chair processes (CRC, CERC, etc.)
  • Oversees the research and graduate portfolios

Associate Dean Undergraduate (Student Progress)

Gerda de Vries

The ADU-SP provides leadership and strategic planning on all matters pertaining to the success of Faculty of Science undergraduate students, including:

  • Academic standing
  • Overseeing the BSc renewal undergraduate programs update
  • Convocation clearing
  • Probation

Associate Dean Undergraduate (Student Experience)

Jocelyn Hall

 

 

The ADU-SE provides leadership and strategic planning on all matters pertaining to the overall rounded experience of Faculty of Science undergraduate and graduate students, including:

  • Enriching student programs (including research experience and work-integrated learning),
  • Liaising with departments and the CNAS college
  • Liaising with departments for QA activities
  • Liaising with student groups (e.g., ISSS)

Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning)

Deanna Singhal

The AD-TL provides leadership and strategic planning to ensure the pedagogical excellence of Faculty of Science programs and the quality of the learning experience of our students, including:

  • Supporting instructors on matters of course administration and management,
  • Driving faculty practices for multifaceted evaluation of teaching and learning
  • Interpreting academic policies and regulations pertaining to teaching
  • Managing appropriate student accommodations

Senior Associate Dean Research (Strategic Initiatives)

Paul Myers

The ADR-SI provides leadership and strategic planning on matters of strategic initiatives planning and major grants. The ADR-SI is responsible for:

  • International research activities
  • Developing and supporting major grants and initiatives
  • Strategic planning at the faculty level
  • Major research infrastructure initiatives
  • Support and coordination of centres, institutes and national networks of centres of excellence
  • Facilities and space
  • Coordination across the institution, centrally and with other colleges and faculties, to enhance research capacity

Associate Dean Research (Grants and Innovation)

Jon Veinot

The ADR-GI provides leadership and strategic planning on matters of faculty research, working with the departments, the Research Services Office and Facilities and Operations on all matters relating to Science needs around pursuing its excellent research (and education) programs. The ADR-GI is responsible for:

  • Facilitating research grant development and management (including approvals and changes to previously approved programs)
  • Overseeing all funding programs outside the major grant designation (e.g., NSERC, Alberta Innovates, etc.)
  • Facilitating research partnerships with industry, government and innovation and commercialization activities
  • Representing the faculty on committees discussing the university policies around innovation, commercialization, and intellectual property
  • Representing the faculty on research ethics and associated commitees (CAR/UAPWC)

Associate Dean Research (Mentorship and Awards)

Lisa Stein

The ADR-MA provides leadership and strategic planning on all matters relevant to mentoring and supporting Science researchers (PDFs, ECRs, and mid-career faculty members) towards expanding their research programs, launching new initiatives, and taking on new service roles, including:

  • Supporting grant development
  • Working with early-career and mid-career faculty to increase funding success
  • Preparing and nominating worthy candidates for awards (including leading the faculty awards committee)
  • Developing new faculty mentoring programs

Associate Dean (Graduate)

Mark McDermott

The ADG provides leadership and strategic planning on all matters pertaining to the success of the graduate Faculty of Science students, including:

  • Admissions
  • Advising (including mediating advisor-advisee conflicts)
  • Reviewing progress
  • Quality assurance
  • Coordinating examinations
  • Scholarships, bursaries and awards

As part of the final planned changes to academic leadership structure in the Faculty of Science, additional associate deans (graduate) will be added to the leadership team in July 2023.