Prof. Nusha Keyghobadi will start a one year term as Acting Biology Chair beginning July 1, 2020
On May 20, 2020 Prof. Mark Bernards, the current Chair of the Biology Department, made this announcement.
"I am very pleased to officially announce that Prof. Nusha Keyghobadi has agreed to a one year term as Acting Chair in Biology, beginning July 1, 2020.
Nusha received her PhD (Biology) from the University of Alberta in 2001, and completed an NSERC-supported
postdoctoral fellowship at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History & Academy of Natural Sciences Philadelphia before joining the Department of Biology, Okanagan University College (later UBC Okanagan) as an Assistant Professor. Prof. Keyghobadi joined Western University in 2006 as a Tier II Canada Research Chair (Landscape Genetics) in 2007 (renewed in 2012). She was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2012, and will become a Full Professor the day she assumes the Acting Chair role.
In addition to her undergraduate teaching, Nusha maintains an active research lab in the area of landscape genetics. It is safe to say that Nusha has been one of the pioneers in the development of this field, and is well recognized as a leader in it. Who knew chasing butterflies could lead to such an influential position in science!?
Nusha has been an active member of the Department of Biology, fulfilling various service roles over the years. She gained valuable leadership experience during her recent term as Director for the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, playing a key role in its transition to a primarily teaching unit. She has also played a major leadership role as chair of the Faculty of Science Environment and Sustainability Research Theme development committee. In addition, Nusha is an Associate Editor for the journal Insect Conservation and Diversity, and is an NSERC panel member (Evaluation Group 1503). She is also actively involved in the promotion of science through various outreach activities, especially to school-aged children.
Personally, I think that Nusha will do a terrific job as Acting Chair. It will be a challenging year ahead, but I am confident that Nusha will guide us through it with a steady hand, and a generous helping of common sense and compassion. I hope you will all join me in congratulating Nusha on her appointment, and rally around to support her in the coming year. As I count down to the end of my term I am relieved by the knowledge that we will be in good hands."
