Liz Nilsen named new Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs

On July 1, 2020, Professor Liz Nilsen began her role as the Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs. She joins Jeff Casello, Associate Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs and Kirsten Müller, also Assistant Vice-President, Graduate Studies and Postdoctoral Affairs.

Liz is a Professor within the Department of Psychology and is a Clinical Psychologist, registered with the College of Psychologists of Ontario. She has been a faculty member at the University of Waterloo since 2007. Within the Department of Psychology, she held the position of Graduate Chair for three years (2014 – 2018, excluding 2016). Most recently, Liz was the interim Associate Dean, Grad Studies (Arts), a position she also held in 2018. While holding these positions, Liz established new procedures for the Psychology Annual Progress report, created the Psychology Graduate Supervision Guide, established an Arts Graduate Petitions committee, revised processes for the Arts Faculty scholarship review, and fostered a strong sense of community amongst the faculty/staff involved in graduate studies.

Liz’s focus as the AVP, GSPA will be on innovation in among other things work-integrated learning opportunities and lifelong learning. Kirsten, who began her APV, GSPA work in November 2018, will continue her focus on student support and international activities.  Additionally, Liz and Kirsten will work alongside Jeff to provide academic leadership and oversight on graduate studies and postdoctoral affairs at the University of Waterloo.