In conversation: A Q&A with Dr. André McDonald, Memorial's vice-president (research and innovation)
For some, day one in a new job can feel like a blank page.
But for Dr. André McDonald, he is already working on Memorial's next chapter.
Dr. McDonald officially begins his five-year term as Memorial’s vice-president (research and innovation) [VPRI] on Oct. 19, bringing a fresh perspective and ideas to collaborate with the university community.
The Gazette caught up with Dr. McDonald to learn more about his vision and Memorial’s challenges and opportunities.
JG: What drew you to this role?
AM: I found it very interesting that Memorial was in search of an inaugural vice-president (research and innovation), given that the institutional research enterprise had grown significantly over the last decade or so. However, this attracted me to the role because it signaled that Memorial, scholars and researchers were keen on growing and strengthening research.
I also appreciated the intentional inclusion of innovation in the title because it highlighted a renewed focus on Memorial's strength in technological and social innovation. When I looked at the websites, spoke with colleagues and alumni, and learned more about the accomplishments of researchers and learners at Memorial, I felt that the work that is being done here is probably the best kept secret in Canada!
JG: How have your background and experience prepared you for this role?
AM: I was an associate chair for research in the Faculty of Engineering and the associate vice-president for strategic research initiatives and performance at the University of Alberta. These two leadership roles gave me the platform at both a faculty/school level and at an institutional level to test approaches for creation of a collegial and shared institutional vision for research and innovation that I am charged to lead here at Memorial. My experience leading a funded international-facing hub in manufacturing with external partners has endowed me with a strong understanding of external partnership stewardship and access to an international network of scholars who are keen to collaborate with Memorial.
One of the best decisions that I made in my career was co-creating and co-leading the Experiential Learning in Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship (ELITE) Program for Black Youth. Through this program and as academic leader, I had the opportunity to work directly with community groups, engaging in a youth workforce development initiative that was closely tied to social innovation, socio-economic mobility of people and socio-emotional skills development. As a mechanical engineer, my experience and exposure to non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) disciplines and engagement with community have prepared me tremendously to serve the multidisciplinary, multi-campus research and innovation ecosystem here at Memorial in ways that will be equitable and inclusive.
JG: What are your biggest priorities? What's your vision for research and innovation?
AM: When I think about research and innovation at Memorial, the directions that it can take and the impact it's outcomes can have on the province, Canada and globally, I like to frame the institutional vision for research and innovation as one that is a collaborative and shared vision, among researchers, staff, learners and our partners.
Based on conversations that I have had with the Memorial community across all campuses during my recent familiarization visit, I heard about a shared vision around building or strengthening research capacity, supporting interdisciplinary communities of researchers across the campuses and expanding the research reputation further and internationally.
"Memorial is strategically well-positioned for key opportunities."
To align with this vision that is developing, my priorities in the first year or two of my tenure will be to work with research administrative staff to streamline administrative support processes and structures for researchers, develop targeted training programs for researchers around use of administrative support platforms and strategic grant proposal development, diversify funding sources further for growth and strengthen external communication and promotion of research and innovation emerging from Memorial.
JG: When it comes to research and innovation, what are some of Memorial's biggest challenges and opportunities?
AM: I will start with the challenges and end with the opportunities. Memorial has geographical challenges being an island out in the North Atlantic.
We can sometimes be forgotten when national and international opportunities emerge.
That said, Memorial is strategically well-positioned for key opportunities.
Our location in the North Atlantic and at the most easternly point in North American makes us the gateway to both the Arctic, north Atlantic and Europe. For example, this primes for new partnerships in defence, energy, and with European researchers and industry. As Newfoundland and Labrador's only university, this gives us the flexibility to explore multidisciplinary lines of scholarship and inquiry and engage deeply with local communities.
"I am excited ... what the future holds for us in emerging areas of science, engineering, fine arts and social innovation."
As I reflect on the impactful work that Memorial researchers have successfully co-led with community partners on Newfoundland and Labrador music and folklore, ocean science and fishery, renewable energy and sustainable mining, among others, I am excited by this broad capacity, the very high-quality outcomes that researchers and trainees have produced, and what the future holds for us in emerging areas of science, engineering, fine arts, and social innovation.
JG: Tell me about growing up in Jamaica and New York City. How did those experiences inform your life? Did you always want to work in research?
AM: My life growing up in Jamaica and in New York City really shaped the leadership values that I have today. I was not wealthy growing up and we were close to the poverty line sometimes. So, there was always a strong emphasis on education and learning in my family. This informed my leadership value around encouraging growth and continuous learning.
Growing up, I wanted social upward mobility for me and my family. My experiences in New York City, working at a young age to cover basic essentials and the costs of my high school and undergraduate education, taught me how to be focused, strategic and pragmatic, tying those skills to negotiation and communication. These experiences, which had success and lots of failures, made me resilient, which has served me well throughout my life.
As it relates to research, I was initially thinking of working exclusively in industry and I worked for mechanical design consulting firms. However, I wanted to do work that was more creative and nove. Research provided me with the best pathway to do that.
JG: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
AM: I tend to think about the future a lot while simultaneously thinking about the past. Instead, I would tell my younger self to live more in the present and enjoy it.
JG: Who inspires you?
AM: I am personally drawn to people who exhibit resilience, show and exercise care for others, and are purposefully driven. In my personal life, my cousin, Waynette, who is a sister to me, and who cared for me when I was born, is a person who inspires me. She has surmounted major challenges in her life, usually doing so with a smile and good spirit, all while always selflessly prioritizing others in her family.
JG: What keeps you curious?
AM: I wouldn't say that there is anything in particular that keeps me curious. I am naturally excited about learning and listening to others. For those who know me, I usually follow up with a lot of questions, primarily to learn more. I think that this natural curiosity keeps me energized and connected to people.
JG: What book are you reading at the moment?
AM: I am currently re-reading The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
JG: What's one thing that has surprised you about this province and its people?
AM: The entrepreneurial mindset and drive of the people here.
I heard that Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were friendly, but I did not expect that they would be so successfully driven and entrepreneurial.
It speaks to their creativity and resilience.
JG: Outside of work, what do you enjoy?
AM: I love to walk and hike, usually while listening to music. I cannot wait to get out on more of the hiking trails in the province!
Jeff Green is manager of communications in the Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation). He can be reached at jeffg@mun.ca.