FACULTY
Dr. Meghan Azad, UM Canada Research Chair in early nutrition and the developmental origins of health and disease, and a professor of pediatrics and child health, has been appointed Science Advisor for Human Milk. Human Milk is an organization built on 11 years of harnessing the influence of fashion, media, art and pop culture to deliver products, knowledge and community that connect, embolden and support mothers all over the world. Dr. Azad will help guide the sharing of both established research and emerging discoveries related to breastmilk and breastfeeding.
Dr. Chris Anderson, professor of pharmacology and therapeutics, was appointed director of the new School of Biomedical Sciences at the Max Rady College of Medicine. He began the position on September 1, 2026.
Dr. Denice Bay, associate professor, was appointed acting head of the department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases. The term is from July 1 to January 31, 2027.
Dr. James Bolton, professor, was appointed head of the department of psychiatry and provincial medical specialty lead, mental health and addictions, Shared Health. His five-year term began July 1, 2026.
Dr. Vern Dolinsky, professor, was appointed interim head of the department of pharmacology and therapeutics. The term is from September 1 to November 30, 2026.
After more than 12 years as head of the department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, Dr. Keith Fowke concluded his term in June. Under his leadership, the department experienced remarkable growth in research productivity, funding success, faculty development and trainee excellence. Throughout his tenure, Dr. Fowke championed mentorship, collaboration and innovation, helping strengthen the department’s reputation both nationally and internationally. Although he is stepping down as head, Dr. Fowke will continue his active research program within the department. Dr. Fowke was recently appointment scientific director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Infection and Immunity, where he will provide national leadership in advancing Canada’s infection and immunity research agenda. Read more
Dr. Aviva Goldberg, professor of pediatrics and child health, was appointed assistant dean of academic affairs at the Max Rady College of Medicine. She began the position on July 1, 2026.
Dr. Robert Lakin has joined the department of physiology and pathophysiology. He is a basic scientist with expertise in cardiovascular and exercise physiology. He also has expertise in electrophysiologic changes to conduction in atrial tissues in heart, as well as the impact of intense exercise and aging in the heart. Read more
Dr. Xiong Liu has joined the department of physiology and pathophysiology at the Max Rady College of Medicine. He is a physiologist whose expertise is in ion channel electrophysiology, pancreatic islet biology and diabetes research. Read more
Dr. Barbara Porto, assistant professor, was appointed the graduate studies chair in department of medical microbiology and infectious diseases while Dr. Denice Bay serves as acting head. Dr. Porto will serve in this role from July 2026 through January 31, 2027. She has previously served as chair of the postdoctoral career development committee and the biosafety committee and is widely recognized for her teaching and mentorship contributions.
Dr. Mojgan Rastegar, professor of biochemistry and medical genetics, has been appointed president of the Canadian Society for Molecular Biosciences.
Dr. Zulma Rueda, UM Canada Research Chair in sexually transmitted infection – resistance and control, and a professor of medical microbiology and infectious diseases, received tenure (July 1), promotion to full professor (March 30), and her Canada Research Chair was renewed (announced in May). Department leadership highlighted Dr. Rueda’s outstanding performance, research productivity, and impact on public health research as key factors in her promotion.
Shayne Taback, associate professor of pediatrics and child health, began the role of National Chair of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons Clinician Investigator Program Specialty Committee in July.
STAFF
Linsey Liu has joined the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program as its research and scholarship administrator.
Andrea Mair has joined the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program as its operational support administrator.