Following an internal search process, Professor Deborah O\u2019Leary has been appointed Associate Vice-President, Research (AVPR), effective Jan. 1.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very excited once again to step into the AVPR role and be an integral part of the Research Enterprise team,\u201d says O\u2019Leary, who served as Acting AVPR from summer 2023 to summer 2025.<\/p>\n
The AVPR supports the Office of the Vice-President, Research\u2019s mission in enhancing the University\u2019s Research Enterprise, which fosters the vision and work of research, scholarship, innovation and creative activity in all stages at Brock.<\/p>\n
O\u2019Leary will provide dedicated support in areas such as the University\u2019s Responsible Conduct of Research<\/a> policy, the Canada Research Chairs Program<\/a> (CRCP) and the CRCP\u2019s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion<\/a> (EDI) policy.<\/p>\n As Acting AVPR, she provided leadership on institutional priorities such as major research infrastructure, EDI in research and the initiative to promote research honours, awards, prizes and distinctions for Brock scholars.<\/p>\n \u201cI look forward to collaborating with colleagues across Brock to advance the 2025\u20132030 Research Enterprise Plan with the goal of cultivating research excellence and impact through inclusivity, innovation and integrity,\u201d says O\u2019Leary. \u201cMy priority is to help strengthen the conditions that enable research success.\u201d<\/p>\n Vice-President, Research Tim Kenyon says he looks forward to O\u2019Leary\u2019s continuing contributions in advancing Brock\u2019s research and scholarship.<\/p>\n \u201cAs a researcher who\u2019s having a tremendous impact in her field and in Niagara, Dr. O\u2019Leary is known and respected for her track record of leadership and effective administration,\u201d he says. \u201cHer commitment to supporting colleagues, students and partners is demonstrated in her many activities and ways of connecting with people around her.\u201d<\/p>\n As a Professor of Health Sciences, O\u2019Leary specializes in cardiovascular health throughout the lifespan, particularly the impacts of childhood growth, adult aging and lifestyle factors on the cardiovascular system.<\/p>\n