Growing Expertise: Laurentian University Welcomes New Faculty

4 new appointments bolster faculty complement

(May 25, 2026)— Laurentian University is strengthening its academic core with the arrival of four new tenure-track faculty members this spring. This cohort represents a strategic investment in the University’s mission to drive innovative research and high-caliber education tailored to the needs of Northern Ontario.

The arrival of these scholars reinforces Laurentian’s dedication to scholarly excellence. By bridging global perspectives with local impact, these faculty members play a critical role in advancing the University’s tricultural mandate and expanding its research footprint.

"The arrival of these talented scholars represents a vital investment in our academic future and our ongoing commitment to Northern Ontario," says Dr. Alain Simard, Interim Provost and Vice-President, Academic. "By welcoming experts who are leaders in their respective fields, we are strengthening our ability to drive innovation and provide our students with impactful education. These new faculty members bring a wealth of diverse perspectives that will enrich the classroom experience and further advance Laurentian’s unique tricultural and bilingual mandate."

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Nicole Balliston, School of Natural Sciences

• Research interests: I am an ecohydrologist studying how hydrological processes regulate ecosystem function in peatland–watershed systems. Through the Wetland Integrity and Landscape Dynamics (WILD) Lab, my research connects processes across fields and scales, linking hydrology, biogeochemistry, ecology, and landscape science from the pore scale to the watershed scale. Grounded in Indigenous-partnered science, my work currently focuses on hydrological connectivity, flowpaths, and dissolved organic carbon dynamics across the Hudson Bay Lowlands and Ring of Fire region, using long-term field observations and laboratory experiments to support wetland conservation, water quality protection, and land-use decision-making.

• What drew you to Laurentian University? What drew me to Laurentian was the opportunity to build an ambitious, place-based research and teaching program in northern Ontario, in close connection with the landscapes and communities at the heart of my work. I was especially excited by Laurentian’s bilingual environment and the opportunity to engage with francophone students and communities. I am also strongly drawn to Laurentian’s capacity for hands-on, land-based teaching, where students can connect classroom learning with real wetlands, watersheds, and environmental challenges. To me, Laurentian offers a unique setting to train the next generation of environmental scientists while advancing research that supports northern environmental stewardship, Indigenous-partnered science, and informed decision-making.

   

Faculty of Education and Health

Oluwagbemiga Oyinlola, School of Social Work

• Research interests : Social work practice with older adults, Family caregiving, Brain Health End-of-life, Advanced Care Planning, palliative care and bereavement, Gerontological services, including home care,  community programs and long-term care, Social work pedagogy and Afrocentricity.

• What drew you to Laurentian University? What drew me to Laurentian University is its leadership in social work education in Northern Ontario. Situated in the North, Laurentian offers a rare opportunity to engage deeply with older adults’ experiences, from aging in place and rural isolation to resilience, community connections, and culturally responsive care in northern communities.

   

Patrick Drouin, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences

• Research interests: My primary interest lies in advancing our understanding of the fundamental physiological mechanisms determining exercise tolerance and their impact on human health and performance. Exploring both the psychological and physical determinants of fatigue drives this work, bridging the gap between the tangible and intangible.

• What drew you to Laurentian University? Laurentian University stood out to me for its unique commitment to bilingual education and community integration. These shared values make it a natural fit for my goal of raising a bilingual family, and the university's deep connection to the surrounding wilderness makes it the perfect place to grow both personally and professionally.

Library & Archives

Asha Chiraghdin, Institutional Archivist

• Research interests: Access and equity with regard to library and archives services

• What drew you to Laurentian University? I was attracted by Laurentian's bilingual and tri-cultural mission, which aligns with my own values and beliefs about what a modern Canadian university should be.