Maureen MacDonald, an accomplished professor, respected researcher and the Director of the University’s School of Interdisciplinary Science, is McMaster’s next Dean of Science.

Her appointment was confirmed this week. She will begin her term May 1.

“During our thorough and extensive international search, Dr. MacDonald’s candidacy stood out because of her vision for the Faculty of Science, her leadership skills and her many years’ commitment and service to McMaster,” says Provost David Wilkinson. “Our students, faculty and staff will be well-served by her appointment.”

MacDonald came to McMaster as a sessional instructor in 1998, after earning an undergraduate honours chemistry degree at Acadia University, and her Masters and PhD in kinesiology at the University of Waterloo. She held post-doctoral positions at Western University and the University of British Columbia.

She is a highly regarded expert in cardiovascular health, exercise physiology, spinal cord injury and aging, and leads important research into the effectiveness of exercise as a way of preventing illness, improving health status and lifestyle. She is an associate member of both the Department of Kinesiology and the School of Rehabilitation Science and is a member of the Exercise Metabolism Research Group.

Her research is widely published and often cited, including in the journals Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise; Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism; and the Journal of Applied Physiology, amongst others.

MacDonald is a multiple nominee for the McMaster Students Union teaching award and has undertaken significant administrative leadership roles on a variety of committees and groups on campus and in the community. You may have even taken part in the weekly cycling class she leads at the David Braley Athletic Centre.

“I am honoured to undertake the responsibility of leading our outstanding Faculty of Science,” says MacDonald. “We have the brightest minds, the most dedicated students and a highly skilled staff team all working together towards a common goal of providing the highest quality teaching and learning, research and student experience.”

The vacancy was created last year when Dean Rob Baker was appointed McMaster’s new Vice-President Research. Bruce Milliken has been serving as acting Dean for the past few months.

“On behalf of our faculty, students and staff, I warmly thank Bruce for his leadership during this period of transition and for his continued service to McMaster,” Wilkinson says.