Home of the Academic Dean
The Academic Dean’s Office is responsible for academic administration and programming at Algoma University. The Academic Dean and office staff are committed to ensuring that the quality of education at Algoma University is held to the highest standards.
In collaboration with faculty, and in conversation with students, our work on course and program development and quality assurance processes contribute to the University’s overarching mandate to provide meaningful and exciting educational opportunities to the community of Sault Ste. Marie, the province of Ontario, and beyond to the international community.
The Academic Dean’s Office plays a critical role in providing faculty with the tools and support they need to enhance their teaching, research, and service commitments.
In our office, and on these webpages, full- and part-time faculty will find a range of resources including general information (e.g., faculty handbooks), forms and templates (e.g., annual reports), as well as administrative and committee support documents.
The Academic Dean’s Office also serves as the hub for where issues or concerns that students bring to our attention are examined and solutions facilitated, and where initiatives to help provide a positive student experience at Algoma University are supported.
Collectively, our team has many years of experience in working with faculty, staff, and students at Algoma University in a wide variety of capacities. We are committed to offering friendly and professional support to our fellow employees and enhancing the experience that students have while at Algoma University.
Please send comments, queries and suggestions regarding academic programming at Algoma University to dean@algomau.ca.
Dean’s Honour List
Algoma University is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of students who have earned the distinction of being on the Dean’s Honour List. These students have achieved an overall average of 80% or higher on the last 30 credits completed during the 2020-2021 academic year or on the last 30 credits completed part-time.
Dean’s Honour List 2020-2021 (PDF)Meet our Academic Dean's Office Staff
The Academic Dean's office staff contributes to the well-being and growth of Algoma University by providing support to full time and part-time faculty, academic programs and units, staff and students.
Daniella Cádiz Bedini
Executive Assistant to the Academic Dean
Dr. István Imre
Acting Academic Dean, Full Professor

istvan.imre@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4341
Office: ECC 402
Dr. István Imre is a Professor in the Department of Biology. He holds a B.Sc. (Fisheries Biology, 1997) and a M.Sc. (Zoology, 1999) degree from University of Guelph and a Ph.D. from Concordia University (Biology, 2003). Dr. Imre completed postdoctoral fellowships at Université de Montréal and McGill University before accepting a tenure-track position at Algoma University in 2006. His research interests include population ecology of salmonid fishes and behavioural and chemical ecology of invasive species, such as sea lamprey. Dr. Imre was instrumental in developing the University’s esteemed four-year Honours Bachelor of Science in Biology program and the highly successful Department of Biology. In 2013, Dr. Imre received the Distinguished Faculty Award. Over the years, he served in a broad variety of roles, including many university and Senate committees, Chair of the Biology department and Assistant Dean of Student Success and Wellbeing. Most recently, he has been overseeing the Quality Assurance processes and program management as Associate Academic Dean, Academic Programs and Curriculum.
Brittany Paat
Academic Support Officer

Brittany brings a wide range of experience to the Dean’s Office and contributes to its overall function through the provision of administrative support to faculties and program committees, student evaluations of teaching (SETs), full-time faculty hiring, faculty manuals, orientation, program review and a variety of other projects. Brittany has a B.A. (Hons) in History from Algoma University and an M.A. from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) at the University of Ottawa. Brittany is the athlete of our team, often heading to baseball or soccer games after work. When not on the field, she’ll attend spinning and other fitness classes just for fun. She is also the proud and devoted “fur mamma” to Dottie June, often heading out at lunchtime to check in on her.
Codey Boss
Senior Application Developer

Codey is new to Algoma University and to the area of Sault Ste. Marie. As LMS support agent, he is responsible for handling the technical aspects of the Learning Management System and helping to educate and support users with instructional walkthroughs, enrolments, and troubleshooting of technical issues. Codey has a Computer Programmer Analyst advanced diploma, A+ certification, and CCNA certificate. With over five years experience providing IT support to college and university students and staff in Durham Region, he is no stranger to providing technical support in a post-secondary environment and looks forward to continuing to do so at Algoma U.
Christina Barbeau
Faculty Relations Assistant
Brandie Sanderson
Graphics/Multimedia/Learning Object Developer

A member of the Academic Dean’s team, Brandie fills the role of Graphics/Multimedia/Learning Object Developer supporting faculty in the development of graphic/video elements for courses. Brandie also works closely with the Online Learning Instructional Designer to layout new courses within Brightspace. Brandie holds an Honours Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design and an Art Fundamentals Certificate from Sheridan College.
Melissa Meakin
Online Learning Instructional Designer

Melissa brings a wide range of experience in the field of education to the Academic Dean’s team. As the eLearning Specialist, Melissa is responsible for preparing the LMSs for the start of each term as well as providing support and training to faculty on topics such as the use of both Moodle and Brightspace, elearning best practices, instructional design strategies and educational technologies. Melissa holds a Bachelor of Science from Lake Superior State University, a Bachelor of Arts from Algoma University, a Bachelor Education from Nipissing University and is working on a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Design from Athabasca University. Melissa is a certified teacher with the Ontario College of Teachers and plans to complete a MEd in Open, Digital and Distance Education from Athabasca University.
David Jamieson
Copyright Specialist

David is the copyright specialist here at Algoma University, and is available to help with all related questions or concerns. If you are designing a course and want to know the best way to make materials available to your students, or you’re concerned about protecting your own work, or you’re organizing a multimedia event on campus (or anything in between), please don’t hesitate to write to him with your questions. Whether you are faculty, student, or staff – all are welcome. David is currently completing his PhD in English Literature.
Taylor Jaehrling
CityStudio Project Coordinator

Let’s hangout!
Email: taylor.jaehrling@algomau.ca
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- Why Algoma? I chose Algoma University because of this program, as it is unique in its kind and provided me the resources to be able to network within the community and secure employment upon graduation. Living and studying beside the Great Lakes comes with benefits such as evening kayaking and amazing hiking.
- Favourite student question: “What kinds of activities can I get involved in at Algoma?”
- Why visit Algoma? Algoma holds a rich history and a very diverse culture, we are located between the Great Lakes and are surrounded by magnificent beaches, fishing areas and hiking trails. Winters bring the perfect amount of snow to go cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding! Algoma definitely has something for everyone.
Key Contacts & Structure
The Algoma University academic structure is comprised of three Faculties: Faculty of Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, and the Faculty of Humanities. Each of the Faculties is led by a Faculty Chair. The Faculty Chairs work in cooperation with the Academic Dean in the administration of Faculty business and provide leadership in the development of curriculum and programs at Algoma University.
Each Faculty has a number of Department Chairs. Department Chairs provide academic leadership for curriculum and programs within Algoma University’s departments. Below is a summary of names and contact information for Faculty and Department Chairs as of March 2021.
Faculty Chairs, Department Chairs and Directors
Locate and learn more about our faculty and department chairs

Dr. Laura Wyper
Department Chair, Community Economic and Social Development, Assistant Professor
View Contact Info
Dr. Nairne Cameron
Department Chair, Geography, Geology & Land Stewardship, Associate Professor
View Contact Info
Andrea Pinheiro
Department Chair, Music, Visual Arts, and Modern Languages, Associate Professor
View Contact Info
Dr. Brandon Schamp
Head of the School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Full Professor
View Contact Info
Pelham Matthews
Department Chair, School of Business and Economics, Associate Professor
View Contact InfoDr. Laurie Bloomfield
Faculty Chair, Sciences, Associate Professor
laurie.bloomfield@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4314
Office: SH 502

Dr. Jennifer Foote
Department Chair, Biology & Environmental Science
jennifer.foote@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4368
Office: ECC 404

Dr. Laura Wyper
Department Chair, Community Economic and Social Development, Assistant Professor
Assistant Professor
laura.wyper@algomau.ca
705-949-2301 ext. 4811
Office: SH 421
I was born in Sudbury and largely raised in Sault Ste. Marie, so I have spent summers on Goulais River, Goulais Bay, and Lake Superior kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. I’ve also spent a good deal of my time walking local hiking trails, camping at local provincial parks, and sitting on the Robertson Lake cliff tops while working a student summer job in my early twenties. This has given me a love for this land, an understanding of indigenous sovereignty, and a consciousness of my place in this history as someone of settler ancestry who sees reconciliation as our way forward.
I spent more than a decade away from the area related to my studies and my work as I have a Bachelor of Health Sciences in Midwifery from Laurentian University, a Bachelor of Education from Trent University, a Master of Arts in Adult Education and Community Development from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto, and a PhD in Adult Education and Community Development with a specialization in Comparative, International and Development Education from OISE, at the University of Toronto.
I have worked in community development for more than twenty years in women’s health care, informal community-based adult education settings, and formally within adult education for the Algoma District School Board (ADSB) at Northland Adult Learning Centre as a Literacy and Basic Skills Instructor and then a Program Coordinator for three of their adult education programs. From 2012 – 2017 I worked for both ADSB and at Algoma University (AU) in the Community Economic and Social Development (CESD) Department. My CESD work has included both part-time and full-time faculty positions with a complete move over to Algoma University in January of 2018 for a full-time contract position.
Because of my background I have a commitment to Northern Ontario in relation to place-based development and I love working at Algoma University in what I consider my ‘home’ community. Outside of my university work I put into ‘praxis’ some of the activism I teach in courses like: Environment and Community Resilience, Sustainable Community Development, and Community Advocacy and Social Justice, for CESD.
As most of my degrees, besides my Bachelor of Health Science degree, were acquired while raising my daughter and working fulltime, I have an appreciation and understanding of adult learners who often have full plates, and a respect for the work I see from students in the classroom. I love meeting, working with, and learning from students and other faculty, and I look forward to meeting all new students!

Dr. Alice Ridout
Department Chair, English & History, Associate Professor
alice.ridout@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4390
Office: SH 409

Dr. Nairne Cameron
Department Chair, Geography, Geology & Land Stewardship, Associate Professor
nairne.cameron@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4374
Office: SH 302D

Dr. Sheila Gruner
Faculty Chair, Social Sciences, Associate Professor
sheila.gruner@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4375
Office: SH 500C

Dr. Trevor Tchir
Department Chair, Law and Politics, Associate Professor
trevor.tchir@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4388
Office: SH 415

Dr. Paul Dupuis
Department Chair, Psychology, Associate Professor
paul.dupuis@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4332
Office: SH 501

Andrea Pinheiro
Department Chair, Music, Visual Arts, and Modern Languages, Associate Professor
andrea.pinheiro@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4284
Office: SH 508

Dr. Rose Cameron
Director, School of Social Work, Associate Professor
rose.cameron@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4355
Office: SH 501
Credentials: BA, HBSW, BEd, MSW (Lakehead University), PhD (University of Toronto)

Dr. Simon Xu
Director, School of Computer Science & Technology, Full Professor
Sault Ste. Marie Campus
simon.xu@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4346
Office: WW105F
Credentials: BSc, MSc (Peking University), MSc (University of Windsor), PhD (Université de Liège), PhD (Wayne State University)
Areas of Expertise: Software engineering and evolution, program analysis and understanding, cognitive models of software development processes.
To learn more about Dr. Simon Xu, visit his his website! http://people.auc.ca/xu/

Cathy Denomme
Director of School of Business & Economics, Associate Professor
Brampton & Sault Ste. Marie campus
cathy.denomme@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4343
Office: NW 304E

Dr. Brandon Schamp
Head of the School of Life Sciences and the Environment, Full Professor
brandon.schamp@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4358
Office: ECC 413

Dr. Linda Burnett
Faculty Co-Chair, Humanities, Associate Professor
linda.burnett@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4324
Office: SH 405

Dr. Nicola Shaw
Faculty Co-Chair, Humanities, Full Professor
nicola.shaw@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4751
Office: SH507

Dr. Deborah Woodman
Department Chair, Sociology, Assistant Professor
deborah.woodman@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4354
Office: CC 3302A

Pelham Matthews
Department Chair, School of Business and Economics, Associate Professor
Sault Ste. Marie campus
pelham.matthews@algomau.ca
705-949-2301, ext. 4329
Office: NW 304

Teaching & Learning
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