Dr. Greg Crawford appointed Dean of Science at UOIT

OSHAWA, ONTARIO – The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) in Oshawa, Ontario is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Greg Crawford as the new Dean of the Faculty of Science, effective July 1, 2014. Dr. Crawford’s career has been dedicated to physical oceanography and limnology (the study of inland waters) as well as the development and application of remote sensing techniques.

“I am excited to get started at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology,” said Dr. Crawford. “I am impressed with the university’s approach to providing students with the practical knowledge and hands-on learning opportunities to grow and excel in their chosen careers. The faculty offers an impressive array of programs and the professors are clearly successful, engaging researchers and educators.”

Dr. Crawford comes to UOIT from Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, British Columbia where he is Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology. Prior to arriving at VIU in December 2009, he spent 12 years at Humboldt State University (part of the California State University) in Arcata, where he was Interim Associate Dean of Marine Sciences, as well as Professor and Chair of the Department of Oceanography.

“The University of Ontario Institute of Technology is excited to have such a unique and distinguished Canadian scientist lead the Faculty of Science,” said Dr. Deborah Saucier, UOIT Provost and Vice-President, Academic. “The search committee was highly impressed with Dr. Crawford’s track record in higher education, his ability to attract research funding and his commitment in establishing connections with the community to get young people interested in scientific disciplines. He will be a tremendous leader for our dynamic faculty and a great ambassador for our university.”

Born in Calgary, Alberta, Dr. Crawford grew up in Victoria, British Columbia. He earned his PhD in Oceanography from the University of British Columbia, a Master of Science in Physics from the University of Victoria, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Victoria. He also obtained a master’s degree in Public Administration in 2006 from California State University in Dominguez Hills, California.

His postgraduate experience includes four years as a research associate at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon (1993 to 1997). He also spent two years as a graduate student at the Boulder, Colorado-based National Center for Atmospheric Research and, in a completely unrelated role, two years as a research assistant with the Co-operative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Upon his arrival at UOIT, Dr. Crawford will succeed Dr. Douglas Holdway, who has served as Interim Dean of the Faculty of Science since April 2013.

About UOIT

The University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) advances the discovery and application of knowledge through a technology-enriched learning environment and innovative programs responsive to the needs of students, and the evolving 21st-century workplace. With more than 9,800 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 70 programs delivered by exceptional faculty, UOIT promotes social engagement, fosters critical thinking and integrates outcomes-based learning experiences inside and outside the classroom. UOIT's commitment to accelerating economic growth and social innovation is realized through research collaborations with leading organizations such as Ontario Power Generation, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) and the Durham Regional Police Service. To find out more, visit uoit.ca.

Media contact:

Melissa Levy
Communications and Marketing
University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT)
905.721.8668 ext. 6733
289.928.0268 (cell)
melissa.levy@uoit.ca