Bruce Newbold has been appointed Acting Dean of the Faculty of Science for a one-year term, effective July 1, while a search is undertaken for the faculty’s next dean.  

Newbold is currently associate dean of Graduate Studies in the Faculty of Science and had previously served two five-year terms as director of the School of Earth, Environment & Society. 

“I am thankful to Bruce for agreeing to take on this leadership role while a search is undertaken for the next dean,” says Jerry Hurley, acting provost and vice-president (Academic.)

“Bruce is highly respected among his faculty and staff colleagues for his collaborative and collegial approach to leadership and brings a wealth of experience to the role as an administrator, educator and researcher.”  

Newbold has held a number of leadership roles across McMaster during his 25-year career with the university, including as chair of the President’s Advisory Committee on Natural Lands, director of the McMaster Institute of Environment & Health and a member of the Master’s in Public Health program committee, McMaster Accommodation Review committee, and McMaster Research Ethics Board.  

Newbold earned both his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and PhD in Geography at McMaster. Following six years as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois, he returned to McMaster as an associate professor in 2000 and was promoted to professor in 2006. 

With a research focus in immigration, mobility, health and aging, Newbold has supervised six postdoctoral fellows, 16 PhD students, 66 master’s and  undergraduate students. 

Newbold postponed plans for a research leave to serve as Acting Dean.  

“The Faculty of Science has a culture where faculty, staff, and students share responsibility for taking on leadership roles,” says Newbold.

“I’m excited to support ongoing initiatives and cultivate new opportunities that will position our Faculty of Science for long-term success”. 

Laura Parker, a University Scholar and professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, has been appointed acting associate dean of Graduate Studies for a one-year term.  

Gianni Parise, who has served as Acting Dean since July 1, 2024, during Dean Maureen MacDonald’s administrative leave, has been appointed the university’s next vice-president, Research. 

After seven years as dean, MacDonald is McMaster’s next provost and vice-president (Academic). Both start in their new leadership roles on July 1. 

The Faculty of Science has more than 8,800 undergraduate and graduate students, 230 faculty members and 160 staff across eight departments and schools and four institutes and centres.