Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science
Appointment announcement
Nov. 5, 2024
The search committee for the role of dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has completed its work and recommended Dr. Octavia Dobre for the position. The president accepted the recommendation, which was approved by the Board of Regents on November 4. Dr. Dobre, who has been interim dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science since May 2022, will begin a five-year term effective Jan. 1, 2026, upon completion of a year of administrative leave during which she will be focused on her tier 1 Canada Research Chair program.Read more in the Gazette.
Feedback and presentations for dean candidates
July 2, 2024
Members of the Memorial community who plan to attend the two remaining candidate presentations (July 4 & 9) for the role of dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science can click this link to enrol in the course titled “Search for the dean of Engineering and Applied Science.” The link, which requires MUN Login, will automatically enrol you and take you to the course site in Brightspace. This can be done at any point between now and the event start time. Attendance is also welcome in person in room EN-4002. Members of the university community who are not able to attend the presentations can request the video recordings by contacting academicsearches@mun.ca. Please note that the recordings will be available until July 18 at noon. Feedback on the candidates can be provided via the feedback form which can be found on the Brightspace page for the presentations. The deadline to provide feedback is July 18 at 5 p.m.
Shortlisted candidates
June 18, 2024
The search committee for the role of dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science has shortlisted the following candidates. Each candidate will give a public presentation to the university community; the times, dates and locations are noted below.
Dr. Ali Akgunduz, Concordia University
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
9-10 a.m.
Dr. Octavia Dobre, Memorial University
Thursday, July 4, 2024
9-10 a.m.
Dr. Michael Lipsett, University of Alberta
Tuesday, July 9, 2024
9-10 a.m.
All presentations will take place in person in room EN-4002 in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science with an option to participate virtually. In the coming days, candidate CVs and registration information for virtual participation will be available in Brightspace. MUN login credentials will be needed to access the CVs and presentation links. Details will be shared via Newsline.
As part of the search process, each candidate will have a formal interview, offer a public presentation, and hold meetings with faculty, staff, students and others. Following these visits, the search committee will seek input on the candidates’ suitability for the role from internal and external community members and stakeholders.
Search update
March 5, 2024
Throughout December/January, the search committee engaged in a consultation process to gather feedback from the university community and key stakeholders on the opportunities, challenges, priorities and profile for the Faculty and next dean.
A copy of the advertisement can be found here. Consideration of candidates will begin in April/May 2024 and continue until the position is filled.
Search update
Jan. 15, 2024
In preparation for advertising this opportunity, the search committee is engaging in a consultation process to gather feedback from the university community and key stakeholders on the opportunities, challenges, priorities and profile for the unit and next dean. If you are interested in participating in this consultation process please contact Shauna Quinlan at shauna.quinlan@mun.ca. A copy of the advertisement and details on the progress of the search will be shared as they become available.
Search committee established
In accordance with Procedures Governing the Appointment, Review, Promotion and Tenure of Academic Administrators, a search committee has been established for the role of dean, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
Elected members:
Dr. Ahmed Elruby, assistant professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Dr. Yuri Muzychka, professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Dr. Sam Nakhla, associate professor, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering
Geoff Smith, deputy director and academic staff member in Co-operative Education
Dr. Baiyu (Helen) Zhang, professor, Civil Engineering
Appointed members:
Dr. Natasha Hurley, dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Dr. Syed Imtiaz, professor and head, Process Engineering
Madison Squires, senior undergraduate student
Dr. Lihong Zhang, professor and head, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Dr. Jennifer Lokash, provost and vice-president (academic) pro tempore - chair
The search committee is being supported by Shauna Quinlan, senior consultant, senior leadership recruitment in Memorial's Department of Human Resources, and staff in the Office of the Provost and Vice-President (Academic).