![Lisa Porter](http://www.uwindsor.ca/dailynews/visualarts/sites/uwindsor.ca.dailynews/files/styles/full/public/900_lisaporter_2.jpg?itok=ilviHdnu)
Distinguished Professor, Dr. Lisa Porter, is expanding her research reach with an exciting new leadership role. The Biomedical Sciences professor became Vice President, Research and Scientific Director at St. Joseph’s Health Care London in late February.
“We are excited to congratulate Dr. Porter on her new position,” says Interim Dean of the Faculty of Science, Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved. “Moreover, we are proud and grateful for Dr. Porter’s amazing and dedicated leadership in advancing health research in Windsor-Essex.”
“As the founding director of WE-SPARK Health Institute, She led and engaged actively with the core partners to create and champion a strong collaborative and inclusive health research ecosystem that supports multidisciplinary teams, increases opportunities for trainees and actively engages our community.”
Established in 2019, WE-SPARK Health Institute brings together health research strengths across the University of Windsor, Windsor Regional Hospital, St. Clair College, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and Erie Shores HealthCare with a mission to enhance the health, well-being and care of people through transformative research and knowledge translation.
Over these last 5 years, Dr. Porter has led a grassroots movement bringing health researchers together to form a thriving research environment that drives advancements in health in Windsor-Essex. Her new role in London will increase her ability to continue making a difference in health research. She will remain an active faculty member at the University of Windsor.
In light of new leadership role Dr. Porter has taken on, she will be stepping down as director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. In the interim, WE-SPARK will be overseen by Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, the Dean of Science, with support from Assistant Director, Karen Metcalfe, and the WE-SPARK staff. Through collaborative efforts, WE-SPARK will continue to build a thriving and impactful health research ecosystem alongside our core regional partners.