Announcement - Vice-Dean, Undergraduate Studies

MEMORANDUM 2010/11-17

To: Members of the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering

From: Cristina Amon, Dean

Date: June 28, 2011

Re: Appointment of Vice-Dean, Undergraduate Studies

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Susan McCahan as Vice-Dean, Undergraduate Studies for a five-year term beginning September 15, 2011.

Professor Susan McCahan joined the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in 1992 and was promoted to Associate Professor in 1998. She served the Department as Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies from 2001- 2004 and currently serves the Faculty as Chair, First Year, a position she has held since 2006.

She is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and has been recognized for her contributions to teaching and innovations in education by receiving the President’s Teaching Award, the 3M National Teaching Fellowship and the Allan Blizzard Award for Team Teaching, all in 2007, as well as the Engineers Canada Medal of Distinction in Engineering Education in 2009.

Her scholarly work focuses on engineering educational research and she is considered a leading innovator and contributor to this field within Canada and the international community. During her years as Chair, First Year, she has had a tremendous role in shaping the undergraduate programs across the Faculty. She was a key member of the Curriculum Change Task Force that led to enhanced Design throughout all our curricula including the development of our Award-winning First Year Design course, Engineering Strategies and Practice (ESP). Her capability in leading positive change across the Faculty has been demonstrated by her transformation of our recruitment efforts, which coupled with an emphasis on retention, has continuously enhanced the quality and success of students in all our programs.

Please join me in congratulating Susan on her appointment and wishing her all the best in this important role.

I am also pleased to announce that Professor Sanjeev Chandra of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering has agreed to extend his term as Acting Vice-Dean, Undergraduate Studies until September 15, 2011. I am grateful to Professor Chandra for his willingness to continue to provide leadership within the Vice-Dean, Undergraduate Studies portfolio.

I extend my thanks to the following members of the Advisory Committee in this search for their time and thoughtful input:

Mr. Freddy Chen, Undergraduate Student and Vice-President Academic, Engineering Society
Professor Brenda McCabe, Chair, Department of Civil Engineering
Ms. Barbara McCann, Registrar, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering
Professor Wai Tung Ng, Associate Chair, Undergraduate Studies, The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dr. Graeme Norval, Senior Lecturer and Associate Chair & Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry
Ms. Lisa Romkey, Senior Lecturer and Assistant Chair, Division of Engineering Science

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my deepest appreciation and thanks to Professor Grant Allen for his leadership as Vice-Dean, Undergraduate Studies since 2007 and congratulate him once again on his appointment as Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry.