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Dr. Jennifer Tomes, associate professor of psychology, is ������Ƶ Allison’s new interim Dean of Science. Tomes began her one-year appointment on July 1, 2021.

“I am excited to begin this new role at ������Ƶ Allison. I see the Dean’s role as a bridge between a lot of different areas in the University and I’m looking forward to working with students, faculty, and staff members across campus - learning more about what they do and how I can help support them in this role,” says Tomes. “The past year has had its challenges but I’m optimistic about the plans for the Fall, taking what we, as a University, learned from the pandemic to make the student experience even better.”

Tomes has worked at ������Ƶ Allison since 2000 and specializes in cognitive psychology. In addition to teaching courses in the department of psychology and recently serving as department head, she runs an extensive research program focusing on true and false memories, the impact of concussion, and applying cognition into the classroom. For the latter she co-edited the book, ������Ƶ A Teaches in 2016 with Dr. Louise Wasylkiw, which showcases the pedagogical methods and philosophies of faculty members across all disciplines at ������Ƶ Allison.

“Dr. Tomes’ leadership as a department head, in addition to her teaching and research program and service to the University, have made important contributions to ������Ƶ Allison and wider community,” says Dr. Jeff Hennessy, ������Ƶ Allison’s Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research. “I look forward to working with her in the Dean’s role over the next year.”

In addition to her duties in the Deans’ office, Tomes will continue teaching, leading the third-year forensic psychology course in the Winter term, one of the department’s most popular courses. She will also serve as a faculty supervisor for a ������Ƶ Allison honours student and a directed studies project.

Tomes is joining Dr. Nauman Farooqi, Commerce professor and Dean of Business and Social Sciences and Dr. Vicki St. Pierre, Music professor and Dean of Arts, who was recently appointed for a five-year term in the Deans office. Tomes is following biochemist Dr. Amanda Cockshutt who served as Dean of Science for the past five years.

Each of ������Ƶ Allison’s three faculties – Arts, Sciences, and Social Sciences — is headed by an academic dean. The dean is responsible for: promoting quality teaching and learning within the faculty; encouraging faculty professional development; administering student academic advising; supporting faculty and student research; and managing the faculty budget. The Deans work closely with faculty members in their areas as well as the Provost and Vice-President, Academic and Research and other members of the senior administration team.

As Dean of Science, Tomes will oversee the Faculty of Science which includes the Departments of Aviation, Biology, Biochemistry and Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Psychology. The faculty also includes a Master’s program in some Sciences as well as several new certificate programs recently introduced.