New faculty members add to Laurentian University’s academics and research

November 12, 2025 - A cohort of new faculty members is being welcomed to Laurentian University once again this year. With a wide range of expertise and a shared passion for teaching, their work will enrich classrooms, drive innovative research, and foster meaningful community partnerships.

"The addition of this exceptional group of faculty members strengthens our commitment to scholarly excellence and innovation," says Dr. Malcolm M. Campbell, Provost and Vice-President, Academic. "Their expertise spans diverse fields and benefits each of our faculties. We welcome them to Laurentian University, where we know they will inspire students, contribute to impactful research, and enable our university to shine bright in the North and beyond.”

Through their research and teaching, these new faculty members will help expand Laurentian’s northern impact, Indigenous education, and interdisciplinary innovation.

Fourteen of these newly-appointed faculty members are listed by faculty below. Many are new to Laurentian, and some have been with the University for many years, and are taking on new responsibilities.

Faculty of Arts

Birgit Pianosi, School of Social Sciences

Research interests: Intimacy and sexuality in later life, gerontology education, competencies in gerontology, age-friendly communities.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
I earned my MA in Human Development from Laurentian University in 1998. After completing my PhD in Germany in 2001, I joined Huntington University’s Gerontology program, launching a two-decade academic career. Although my academic journey was unexpectedly interrupted by Laurentian University’s CCAA proceedings, I’m honoured to return to my alma mater as a tenured professor. I look forward to advancing gerontology education and conducting research that enriches the lives of older adults.

Christine Sansalone, School of Liberal Arts

Research interests: Modern and contemporary literature and theater.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
The unique combination of academic strengths and community values. I was also drawn to Laurentian’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and its strong sense of connection to the northern Ontario community.


 

Melissa Schnarr, School of Liberal Arts

Research interests: Indigenous expression (poetics, literature, film, music, pop culture), Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing, Indigeneity and self-determination, Indigenous storytelling (Indigenous metaphor, rhetoric and rhetorical sovereignty).

What drew you to Laurentian University?
I am inspired by the work being done to strengthen and celebrate Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing at Laurentian — to see a swell of Indigenous excellence through the circle of Indigenous academics at Laurentian and be part of that building journey is exciting and spirit-nourishing.

Valérie Gauthier-Fortin, School of Liberal Arts

Research interests: Phraseology and its intertwinement with culture and multiple connections with other disciplines, such as pragmatics, linguistic variation and language pedagogy.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
I was drawn to the Department of French Studies at Laurentian for my undergraduate studies. During my specialization, I had the privilege of meeting outstanding, passionate and caring professors who helped me discover a keen interest in linguistics, statistics, research and academics. With their guidance, I chose to continue my studies at Laurentian, first at the master’s level (Sociologie, with major paper) and then for a Ph.D. in Human Studies and Interdisciplinarity (thesis in progress).

Faculty of Science, Engineering and Architecture

Lisa Gibson, Harquail School of Earth Sciences

Research interests: Magmatic sulphide deposits, geoscience data modeling.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
I accepted the role of director of the MSc in Geology-Applied Mineral Exploration for the opportunity to apply my industry expertise in optimizing the program to best prepare graduates for this evolving field. I look forward to mentoring emerging geoscientists, and growing the program's global reach through new collaborations and partnerships.

Nabil Shawwa, Harquail School of Earth Sciences

Research interests: Sedimentology, stratigraphy, Precambrian geology

What drew you to Laurentian University?
I was drawn to Laurentian because its location in Sudbury offers a unique opportunity to study the Huronian Supergroup, a world-class geological sequence exposed right on campus and central to my research for many years.

Subash Bastola, Bharti School of Engineering and Computer Science

Research interests: Rock mechanics and operational ground control, dynamic rock mass failure, numerical modelling, rock mass characterization, geotechnical hazard assessment, mining-induced micro-seismicity, optimization of mining sequence constrained by geotechnical hazards.

What drew you to Laurentian University? 
Laurentian University's strategic location provides immediate access to major operational sites and this proximity facilitates direct research collaboration with the industry, ensuring the research remains relevant to challenges in the industry. The faculty position at Laurentian University presents me with a career-defining opportunity to work closely with major mining operations in northern Ontario. Furthermore, the opportunity to collaborate with research institutions such as MIRARCO, which focuses on high-impact mining research, was truly instrumental in my decision to join Laurentian University.

Amanda Reis, McEwen School of Architecture

Research interests: Design solutions for social and environmental injustice issues, relationship between art and architecture, resource-conscious and efficient design practices.

What drew you to Laurentian University? I was drawn to the McEwen School of Architecture at Laurentian University for its community-oriented and design-build pedagogy, scholarship of engagement and application, and focus on sustainability and wood construction. In addition, I was interested in the School and University for their commitment to diversity and bilingualism.

Faculty of Management

Amir M. Fathollahi-Fard, School of Business Administration

Research interest: Operations management, operations research, supply chains, transportation, scheduling, sustainability.

What drew you to Laurentian University? 
I am happy to join Laurentian University due to its strong commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and community impact. I was particularly attracted to the University’s interdisciplinary environment, which aligns perfectly with my research in operations, supply chain management, and data-driven decision-making. Laurentian’s emphasis on applied research and collaboration with industry partners provides an ideal platform for bridging theoretical advances with real-world applications, something that has always been central to my work.

Nabhan Refaie, School of Business Administration

Research interests: Social comparisons, organizational culture, job attitudes.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
The importance of francophonie, bilingualism, and Indigenous education.

Khaled Al Masri, School of Business Administration

Research interests: Extra-financial information and its impact on corporate image and value.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
At Laurentian, I have an opportunity to evolve in a vibrant university that is rich in research, professionalism, and cultural and linguistic diversity.

Faculty of Education and Health

Alicia Williamson, School of Indigenous Relations

Research interests: Anishinaabe quillwork, resurgence, research-creation, Anishinaabe methodologies, land-based pedagogy.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
I had the pleasure of completing my undergraduate education at Laurentian University in the Indigenous Social Work program. I continued on to work as a research project coordinator alongside Dr. Joey-Lynn Wabie. Throughout this time, I connected with Indigenous scholars and communities in N’Swakamok (Sudbury) and across the region. These lasting relationships and the proximity to my home territories (Mnidoo Mnising, Manitoulin Island) drew me back to Laurentian University. I am thrilled to be working alongside a collective of brilliant Indigenous scholars in the Robinson Huron Treaty territory!

Charles Daviau, School of Education

Research interests: Mathematics, financial literacy, economics, and game theory.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
I was born in northern Ontario and attended Laurentian for my undergrad. I have always felt that Laurentian University's faculty and staff have students' success as their primary goal. This focus on students is what has always drawn me to the Laurentian community.

Library & Archives

Kat A. Hicks

Research interests: Information behaviour and practices, information literacy.

What drew you to Laurentian University?
I was drawn to Laurentian University for its interdisciplinary and close-knit academic community. I enjoy the variety and challenges that come with supporting students and faculty across multiple and diverse disciplines -- everyday is different and exciting. I am honoured to be part of a passionate and supportive community.