Home of the Academic Deans
The Academic Deans' 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.
Meet our Academic Deans and Office Staff
The Academic Deans and office staff contribute 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.

Iryna Pedko
Academic Administrative Assistant, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and Cross-Cultural Studies
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Judy Bentham
Executive Assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science & Cross-Cultural Studies
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Tvarit Dhupar
Administrative assistant to Humanities, social sciences and cross cultural studies
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Jasleen Kaur
Administrative Assistant to Faculties of Humanities and Social Science & Cross-Cultural Studies
View Full BioDr. William Wei
Dean of the Faculty of Business and Economics

Brampton Campus
[email protected]
Dr. Wei received an MBA in International Management and an MA in World Heritage Studies from the Berlin University of Applied Sciences and Brandenburg University of Technology in 2002. After receiving his PhD from the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick in 2006 on EU-Asia Economic Relations, he then became a postdoctoral visiting fellow at the Ivey Business School of Western Ontario. Subsequently, he joined MacEwan University School of Business, and was promoted to Professor in 2017.
While at MacEwan, Dr. Wei served as Associate Dean (Research and International) for five years and more recently as Department Chair since 2021.He is a holder of ICD.D (Institute of Corporate Directors Director Designation) and served on the board for four international and two provincial organizations, and as President of the Edmonton chapter of the Hong Kong – Canada Business Association. Dr. Wei has taught a wide range of courses in international business, finance, intercultural communication and international studies. He developed and taught field seminars, established experiential learning opportunities for students, and developed a network of international collaborations. Dr. Wei is associate editor of two Emerald academic journals and his research focuses on FDI (Foreign Direct Investments), emerging markets, emerging market multinational and business case studies. His research success is impressive – he published 153 peer reviewed journal articles, books, book chapters, conference papers, presentations and business cases; received 35 internal and external research grants; co-organized 31 international business conferences, workshops and competitions; and supervised 18 undergraduate student projects and 12 PhD and Visiting Scholars.
At MacEwan University, Dr. Wei also developed a research institute on Asia Pacific Business and played an instrumental role in MacEwan’s EFMD accreditation and the development and implementation of the first research strategy that brought about increased research output. These included a Business Undergraduate Research Participation Pool, and an Indigenous Research Forum, which was a cooperation between the Kihêw Waciston Indigenous Centre at MacEwan University and the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business. He also initiated a case publishing agreement with Ivey Publishing, the only partnership world-wide between an undergraduate business school and Ivey. Some of the game-changing contributions to the MacEwan School of Business include the initiative of a Canada Research Chair and the Alberta Innovates funding for Venture Lab.
Dr. Wei states, “My international experience in higher education, dedication to student learning and scholarship, and commitment to truth, healing and reconciliation are hallmarks of my personal character and professional aspirations.” He has established strong international and Indigenous relationships, has led fundraising events, and is passionate about his research and the success of students and colleagues.
Dr. Laurie Bloomfield
Acting Dean, Cameron Faculty of Science, Associate Professor

[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4314
Educational Background:
- PhD (University of Alberta)
- MA (Queen’s University)
- BA Hons (Laurentian-Algoma University)
My area of specialization may be broadly listed as Cognitive Psychology; I am interested in how songbirds, which are vocal learners like humans, pay attention to, and utilize, their vocalizations in their social world. Therefore my research areas encompass the following aspects of psychology: attention, perception, language/communication, and comparative psychology. I teach courses on cognition, perception, and neurobiology, and act as coordinator for the fourth year thesis course where I assist in research design and data analysis.
In collaboration with fellow faculty members and student research assistants, I am also investigating whether birds use particular vocalizations to communicate the discovery of profitable food sources. This is being conducted both in the field and in my laboratory, which has an operant conditioning testing room, a spatial cognition testing room, and a sound-attenuating chamber for recording individual birds. Check out my website for more information and pictures.
On a more personal level, I enjoy reading horror/suspense/sci-fi novels, and baking and decorating cakes. When I have the opportunity to get out of the house, I spend time with my husband and our young daughter at our camp north of the city, riding our four-wheeler or snowmobile. I also enjoy visiting with extended family in southern Ontario during the summer.
For more information, check out my website.
Dr. Simon Xu
Acting Dean, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology, Full Professor

Sault Ste. Marie Campus
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4346
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/
Liam Brechin
Academic Operations Coordinator
Brittany Paat
Quality Assurance 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.
Christiane Facey
Academic Operations Coordinator; Faculty of Science

Ashley Dzama
Executive Assistant to the Dean, Faculty of Science

Lily Midwinter
Executive Assistant to Dean, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology

Lily brings decades of experience in both administrative and academic roles within educational institutions, along with a background in marketing within corporate environments. She holds a formal education from Anhui University and the Graduate School at the University of Science and Technology (UTSC) and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), specializing in English Literature and Applied Linguistics. Additionally, Lily has earned professional certifications in purchasing (PMAC) and sales management (AOLCC). She is currently pursuing a post-graduate certificate from York University.
Yug Modi
Administrative Assistant
Aroob Pirzada
Administrative Assistant

Aroob holds an MBA from the National University of Computers and Emerging Sciences and a Postgraduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from Sheridan College. She has over five years of experience working in human resources and administrative roles in both private and public organizations. Aroob’s professional experience involves streamlining administrative processes, supporting essential operations, and addressing employee communications with a focus on fostering a supportive and engaging workplace environment. She is a Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and an active member of the Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Iryna Pedko
Academic Administrative Assistant, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences and Cross-Cultural Studies
Teresa Ko
Academic-Executive Assistant to the Dean, Faculty of Business and Economics

With a master’s degree in corporate governance and professional accounting from City University of Hong Kong, Teresa Ko has over ten years working experience related to secretarial, governance, legal and administration in both commercial companies and NGO. She is a Chartered Secretary and Chartered Governance Professional holding an Associate membership of The Chartered Governance Institute (CGI).
Judy Bentham
Executive Assistant to the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Science & Cross-Cultural Studies

In this position, Judy works closely with the Dean Of HSS & CCS to support faculty and students. organizes meetings with the Dean and facilitates communication between Departments and students.
Calyssa Skeggs
Administrative Assistant, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology

Sault Ste. Marie Campus
Tvarit Dhupar
Administrative assistant to Humanities, social sciences and cross cultural studies

Tvarit collaborates closely with department chairs and faculty members in the Humanities & Social Sciences, providing administrative support for various procedures.
Jasleen Kaur
Administrative Assistant to Faculties of Humanities and Social Science & Cross-Cultural Studies

Jasleen collaborates closely with Department Chairs and faculty members of the Cross-Cultural Studies, providing administrative support for various procedures.
Yi Avena Li
Academic Operations Coordinator, Faculty of Computer Science & Technology

Work Location:
24 Queen Street, Brampton, ON
Esther Baffour
Administrative Assistant, Brampton, Psychology and Computer Science

Administrative Assistant,
Faculty of Computer Science & Technology
Department of Psychology
Office:
24 Queen Street, Brampton, ON
Nav Kaur
Administrative Assistant, Sault Ste. Marie, Faculty of Science

Sault Ste. Marie
Contact: [email protected]
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 Member. The Faculty Members 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 Department Chairs.
Department Chairs and Directors

Dr. Laurie Bloomfield
Acting Dean, Cameron Faculty of Science, Associate Professor
View Contact Info
Dr. George Townsend
Full Professor; Chair, Department of Computer Science and Technology, Mathematics
View Contact Info
Dr. Aaron J. Gordon
Associate Professor; Chair, Department of Business Administration
View Contact Info
Cathy Denomme
Associate Professor; Chair, Department of Applied Business Studies and Executive Education
View Contact Info
Dr. Alice Ridout
Associate Professor; Chair, Department of English, History and Philosphy
View Contact Info
Dr. Vivian Jimenez Estrada, PhD (she/her/elle)
Department Chair of Sociology-Anthropology and Associate Professor, Research Associate, NORDIK Institute
View Contact Info
Dr. Edward Turgeon, BMus, MMus, MMA, DMA
Professor; Chair, Department of Music, Musician-in-Residence (Duo Turgeon)
View Contact InfoDr. Laurie Bloomfield
Acting Dean, Cameron Faculty of Science, Associate Professor
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4314

Dr. Nairne Cameron
Chair, Department of Geography, Geology and Land Stewardship
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4374


John-Paul Chalykoff
Assistant Professor; Chair, Department of Modern languages
John-Paul Chalykoff (Michipicoten First Nation) is an Assistant Professor in Anishinaabe Studies at Algoma University / Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig. He previously taught Anishinaabemowin and Intro to American Indian & Indigenous Studies at Michigan State University. He also taught Anishinaabemowin for Michipicoten First Nation and Algoma District School Board. He was an elected councilor for Michipicoten First Nation’s Chief & Council for two terms. He specializes in Anishinaabemowin revitalization. He uses an interdisciplinary approach to language revitalization, combining language, music, and education. His research interests include Anishinaabemowin revitalization, Anishinaabe / Indigenous history around the Great Lakes, music, and puppetry.

Dr. Sean Meades
Department Chair of Community, Economic and Social Development

Dr. George Townsend
Full Professor; Chair, Department of Computer Science and Technology, Mathematics
Sault Ste. Marie Campus
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4359/4517 BCI Lab
Credentials: BSc (Lake Superior State University), MSc (University of Waterloo), PhD (Technishe Universitat Graz)
Areas of Expertise: Dr. George Townsend is the most senior faculty member in the School of Computer Science and Technology at Algoma University, where he has served for nearly 40 years. An expert in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCI), Dr. Townsend was recognized as one of the top ten BCI researchers internationally at the 2010 Annual International BCI Meeting. His research contributions include collaborative work with the Wadsworth Research Center in Albany, New York, where he advanced their BCI system enabling paralyzed patients to control a computer solely through thought. Dr. Townsend is currently working with the BCI lab at East Tennessee State University on a novel brain-signal-based authentication system aimed at replacing traditional usernames and passwords with secure, brainwave-based login methods.

Dr. Trevor Tchir
Associate Professor; Chair, Department of Law and Politics
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4388
Personal Site: https://trevortchirmusic.com/academics

Dr. Aaron J. Gordon
Associate Professor; Chair, Department of Business Administration
Sault Ste. Marie Campus
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4376

Cathy Denomme
Associate Professor; Chair, Department of Applied Business Studies and Executive Education
Department of Applied Business Studies and Executive Education (ABSE)
Sault Ste. Marie Campus
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4343

Dr. Alice Ridout
Associate Professor; Chair, Department of English, History and Philosphy
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4390

Dr. Hari Luitel
Chair, Department of Finance, Economics and Decision Sciences
Finance, Economics, and Decision Sciences (FEDS) department & Department of Applied Business Studies and Executive Education
Sault Ste. Marie campus
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4757

Dr. Dwayne Keough
Associate Professor; Chair, Department of Psychology
[email protected]
705-949-2301

Dr. Miguel Garcia-Ruiz
Graduate Officer, Full Professor
Sault Ste. Marie Campus
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4312
Credentials: BSc (University of Colima), MSc (University of Colima), PhD (University of Sussex)
Areas of Expertise: Human-computer interaction, usability, computer graphics, olfactory interfaces, multi modal interfaces, virtual reality and games user research.

Dr. Vivian Jimenez Estrada, PhD (she/her/elle)
Department Chair of Sociology-Anthropology and Associate Professor, Research Associate, NORDIK Institute

Dr. Edward Turgeon, BMus, MMus, MMA, DMA
Professor; Chair, Department of Music, Musician-in-Residence (Duo Turgeon)
[email protected]
705-949-2301, ext. 4382

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