UOIT announces new Faculty of Science dean

She is praised by colleagues and students alike for her distinguished record of achievement at three universities in Western Canada over the past 15 years. Dr. Deborah Saucier will be bringing her outstanding personal and career reputation back to Ontario where she earned her doctoral degree to become the new dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) effective July 1.

"I am honoured to have such a great opportunity. The values and mission of UOIT are so inspiring and demonstrate a real involvement with the community and a commitment to excellence," said Dr. Saucier. "I look forward to working in such a forward-thinking institution among such innovative and committed individuals."

Dr. Saucier will come to UOIT from the University of Lethbridge in Alberta where she was most recently the chair of the Department of Neuroscience and a Tier II Canada Research Chair in Behavioural Neuroscience. Dr. Saucier received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Neuropsychology at Western in 1995. Dr. Saucier spent three years as a faculty member in Psychology at the University of Regina and then in 1999 she accepted a position at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon where she was an associate professor of Psychology.

Dr. Saucier joined the University of Lethbridge in 2006 and progressed from associate professor to professor and department chair in 2009. During that time she was appointed director of the Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience and also served as a member of the Canada Research Chair Secretariat's taskforce for diversity and equity.

"Dr. Saucier has a proven track record of attracting research funding, investing wisely in her department and ensuring its success by providing opportunities for everyone to succeed, regardless of where they are in their career," said Dr. Richard Marceau, UOIT provost. "We are looking forward to Dr. Saucier's arrival and to providing a warm welcome when she joins UOIT as our second dean of the Faculty of Science."

Dr. Saucier's appointment coincides with the retirement of founding dean, Dr. William Smith, who has overseen the Faculty of Science since UOIT first opened its doors to students in 2003.

"In building the Faculty of Science from day one, over a very short time frame William has developed an amazing team and established a tremendous reputation for UOIT and the Faculty of Science," added Dr. Saucier. "It is a testament to his vision that the Faculty of Science has accomplished so much. He has a remarkable legacy and I look forward to working with him and the entire faculty to ensure a seamless transition."

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