Esteemed researcher, Dr. Jon Doan (PhD ’06), whose work has focused on improving the lives of those affected by disease and disability, has been appointed dean of the University of Lethbridge’s Faculty of Health Sciences.
Doan, who has worked primarily out of ULethbridge’s Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education since 2005, has advanced the study of sport-derived exercise programs and their neurotherapeutic benefit to Parkinson’s disease patients, led studies aimed at alleviating health and wellness concerns for care workers, and worked with industry to develop sustainable work practices through a participatory and proactive ergonomics approach, among others.
“I am excited to join the Faculty of Health Sciences. We are a collection of students, faculty and staff with a strong sense of purpose and a commitment to a connected and collegial culture,” says Doan. “The efforts of the students and graduates from these programs and the faculty and staff who lead them touch countless people’s lives every day. It is an exciting opportunity and a great honour to lead a group that is ready to build from that long and strong foundation to create new community connections, explore new academic areas and continue to achieve valuable outcomes.”
Over the course of his research career, Doan’s work has been funded by national and provincial funding bodies such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Alberta Innovates – Health Solutions, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, MITACS and more. His academic career began at the University of Guelph where he earned a Bachelor of Science in biological engineering. He then completed a Master of Science in biomechanics at Queen’s University before completing his PhD in neuroscience at ULethbridge.
Doan is a strong proponent of interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary teaching and research, combining work from his Engineering and Human Performance Lab with researchers in neuroscience, physics and astronomy and health sciences.
“Dr. Doan has spent much of his research career focusing on how to improve people’s lives,” says Dr. Erasmus Okine, provost and vice-president (academic). “The impact of his work has been tangible and measurable on workers, caregivers and so many people affected by disease and disability. His demonstrated ability as a researcher and administrator will be a great asset to the Faculty of Health Sciences, whose faculty members have been bettering the lives of people through their activities for years.”
Faculty and students within health sciences have consistently been at the forefront of scholarship related to areas in public health, nursing, Indigenous health, addictions counselling and therapeutic recreation. Doan is excited to continue to enhance connections between the Faculty and the community.
“I think students and faculty in health sciences have made major contributions to their campus, their community, and throughout academic and professional practice, stemming from their hard work, dedication, creativity and enthusiasm. I look forward to working with these students and faculty to make an even better ULethbridge, concentrated on serving our community, our society, and the health science practice and research areas.”
This placement is one of four new dean appointments that will be filled this year, in addition to the recent announcements of Dr. Digvir Jayas as president and vice-chancellor and Terry Whitehead as chancellor.
Dr. Doan will officially begin his role as dean on July 1, 2023.