Professor of Educational Studies Joyce Mgombelo has been appointed Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Student Services in the Faculty of Education.

Mgombelo brings specialized expertise to the role, having served as Graduate Program Director of the Joint PhD in Educational Studies and as a mentor for graduate students and new faculty members.

“I am delighted to recognize the experience and wisdom that Joyce brings to her new role as we continue to enhance our robust research portfolio in the Faculty of Education,” said Professor Mary-Louise Vanderlee, Interim Dean of the Faculty.

In her new role, Mgombelo said she strives to amplify the innovative work of faculty and graduate students. Maclean’s magazine ranked Brock 11th for its research reputation in the publication’s 2024 ranking of Canada’s 20 top schools for education programs.

“I look forward to finding new and interesting ways we can support faculty and graduate students in their work,” she said.

Mgombelo offers extensive experience in research practices learned through her own research agenda in mathematics education, focusing on cognition, teacher education, computational thinking, identity, and ethics.

A strong supporter of interdisciplinary and collaborative research practices, Mgombelo has also secured extensive internal and external funding for various research projects with international reach and said collaboration is key to her success.

“I have worked with many collaborators, locally, nationally and internationally, and have seen the great value of group work among graduate students, faculty and, of course, local and international communities who are involved in our research,” Mgombelo said.

To encourage collaboration, Mgombelo will work to create events and research forums that gather faculty and graduate students together for knowledge sharing and discussion, fostering the connection between experienced faculty and those just starting their graduate studies journey.