Distinguished plant biochemist and student success champion appointed Dean of Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Science

Ontario Tech University announces the appointment of Dr. Ken Wilson as the new Dean of the Faculty of Science, effective Sunday, September 1.

A plant biochemistry expert, Dr. Wilson is an Associate Professor in the University of Saskatchewan’s (USask) Department of Biology. His research focuses on how photosynthetic organisms detect changes in their environment and respond to protect themselves from stress and cellular damage. He also investigates how the microbial nature of green algae can be used to develop and test theories related to plants’ detection of and response to such changes.

Dr. Wilson has held numerous administrative roles at USask, including Head of the Department of Biology, where he expanded student enrolment, led the development of a new Certificate in Biological Research, received a number of teaching excellence awards, and helped raise funds for student scholarships and awards.

As USask’s Vice-Provost of Faculty Relations, he led faculty recruitment and retention across the university, supported and mentored faculty members, and advanced research excellence through the creation of new research chairs.

Currently, he also serves as Acting Head of USask’s Department of Indigenous Studies, where he facilitates reverse mentoring (younger or more-junior employees mentoring senior leaders). He also supports pre-tenure faculty member leadership development, and develops new internal procedures to streamline decision-making and improve program delivery. He has participated in the highest levels of USask’s governance, and worked closely with students, staff and faculty to develop new pathways to graduate education.  

In 2023 he received the Rawson Professorship, which is awarded to a senior faculty member in USask’s Department of Biology for distinguished service, as elected by the faculty.

Dr. Wilson holds a PhD in Plant Sciences from Western University. He also holds a Master of Science in Biology, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, both from the University of Waterloo.

Quotes

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Ken Wilson to Ontario Tech University in the role of Dean, Faculty of Science. Dr. Wilson has established a record of distinguished scholarship and teaching, along with fastidious attention to detail and a commitment to the role the university community plays in promoting societal well-being. Through his support and encouragement of underrepresented faculty and students, he demonstrates a strong appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion. Along with the rest of the university’s senior leadership team, I look forward to working with him as he provides leadership and strategic oversight for our Faculty of Science’s research, degree programs and activities.”
- Dr. Lori A. Livingston, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Ontario Tech University

“I see Ontario Tech University as a rising star in the Canadian academic landscape. I’m excited for this opportunity to lead Ontario Tech’s Faculty of Science and work with the university’s senior leadership team and the campus community to advance exciting research, high-quality instruction, and thoughtful community engagement in an environment where everyone feels valued and respected for who they are and what they do.”
- Dr. Ken Wilson, incoming Dean, Faculty of Science, Ontario Tech University