Educational policy expert appointed Dean of Ontario Tech’s Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education

Ontario Tech University announces the appointment of Dr. Amanda Cooper as the new Dean of the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education (FEd), effective Sunday, September 1.

Dr. Cooper joins Ontario Tech after most recently serving as Associate Dean of Research and Strategic Initiatives, and Professor of Educational Policy and Leadership at Queen’s University. She explores knowledge mobilization and translation (making academic research accessible to non-academic audiences to inform policy change and advance social innovation), interdisciplinary collaborations, and measuring research impact across diverse groups within public service sectors.

She is Founder and Principal Investigator of RIPPLE (Research Informing Policy, Practice, and Leadership in Education), a program that investigates how to improve linkages between research, policy, and practice to accelerate impact in public services.

Dr. Cooper’s passion for equity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education was ignited in 2004 when, as a high school Science teacher, she recognized the lack of women and diversity in STEM disciplines, especially among students pursuing higher education. To address this gap, her most recent funded research focuses on developing a national strategy to integrate equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigeneity in STEM education through provincial policy tables, curriculum, capacity-building for teachers, and community engagement and outreach.

Her studies emphasize the importance of research-practice partnerships and cross-sector collaboration, exploring how the voices of communities are amplified through co-production. Her newest areas of inquiry create training, curriculum and resources for using artificial intelligence as a teaching tool across kindergarten to Grade 12 and higher education sectors.

Dr. Cooper has contributed her expertise as a member of the Ontario Education Research Panel, a co-ordinating committee member of the Canadian Knowledge Translation and Exchange Community of Practice, and through advisory roles on international projects in the U.S., U.K., Singapore, and for the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. To date, she has led 39 capacity-building workshops on topics including knowledge mobilization, interdisciplinary research partnerships, and research impact.

Her scholarly contributions have been recognized internationally and locally. She received the 2023 Excellence in Research into Practice Award from the American Educational Research Association, and the Research Excellence Award from Queen’s University in 2019.

She holds a PhD and a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, a Bachelor of Education from Christchurch College of Education in New Zealand, and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Queen’s University.

Quotes

“Dr. Amanda Cooper’s devotion to improving modern educational practices and eliminating historical systemic barriers to success position her well to lead the Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education at Ontario Tech University. Her research findings inform improvements in policy, leading to a better experience for students across all levels of education. On behalf of the university, I welcome Amanda to Ontario Tech, and we look forward to working with her as she leads and oversees our Faculty of Education’s research, degree programs and activities.”
- Dr. Lori A. Livingston, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Ontario Tech University

“I’m excited to lead the vibrant community of faculty, staff, and students at Ontario Tech University’s Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education as we prioritize best practices to ensure educational access and opportunity for everyone. Ontario Tech is uniquely positioned to prepare professionals who can leverage research and technology to transform society. I look forward to cultivating interdisciplinary collaborations with industry, government, schools, and community partners to conduct cutting-edge research, develop innovative curricula, and create transformative learning experiences. Together, we will redefine the boundaries of what's possible in education and empower our graduates to become leaders who will shape a brighter future for all.”
- Dr. Amanda Cooper, Incoming Dean, Mitch and Leslie Frazer Faculty of Education, Ontario Tech University