News

Where are you from? What did you do before coming to Dalhousie?

We lived in Edmonton for 14 years and decided to return last fall. I had completed my Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) in the Faculty and always wanted to come back. While I was away, I completed my PhD at the University of Alberta’s School of Business and worked in a variety of research and academic positions. I also was a health librarian for almost 20 years. My work stories come in very handy in the classroom!

What drew you to the Rowe School and Dalhousie?

Quality and innovation. I admire the university’s innovative, collaborative and creative approach. I was already familiar with Dalhousie’s high-quality programs and excellent faculty, having taken courses in both the School of Information Management and the Rowe School of Business. Also, many faculty members also have very interesting research projects, and I am fortunate to have support for my own research.

From my very first day of my university studies, I knew I wanted to be a professor, so I am excited to give back as a faculty member.

What are your research and teaching interests?

My research is interdisciplinary and focuses on organizational and practice change, professional identity and the use of vocabulary in change initiatives.

One current project examines how, despite increasing public support and high-profile court cases, it took decades for physician-assisted death to be legalized in Canada. Understandably, the Canadian Medical Association played a key opposition role since this meant a shift in its professional practice and identity. Through a textual analysis, we are examining the changes in vocabulary and tone in Canadian newspaper articles from 1972 to 2016.

Another collaborative project with Dr. Susan Kirkland in Community Health & Epidemiology investigates the effects of involving older adults in technology research and design.

My teaching interests include strategy, organizational behaviour and international business. I also really enjoyed teaching ethics to MBA students.

What were your first impressions of the School/Faculty/Dalhousie?

Friendly! Everyone has been so welcoming and so excited to meet me; it has been wonderful.

What’s your favourite thing (so far) about working here?

The faculty and staff who have all been so helpful and willing to share.

Tell me about something you’ve accomplished.

I was very fortunate to be the Principal Investigator on a CIHR Patient Engagement grant while working in a health authority. Given the competitiveness and that I was not in a university, it was a huge team accomplishment. This set a new precedent for collaborative and interdisciplinary research. I plan to continue this success at Dalhousie.

What advice would you give to a new faculty or staff member?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions; everyone is more than glad to help you out.

What’s something most people here don’t know about you?

I love to bike, hike and kayak. I sometimes set up an outdoor office in the summer because I love to be outside so much. It is especially fun doing these activities with my daughter now that she is old enough.