Office of Research & Innovation Contact Information

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7601
Email:  cathybruce@trentu.ca

Dr. Cathy Bruce is the Vice-President Research and Innovation at Trent University. With 17 years of proven leadership in the Trent Community, Professor Bruce was most recently the Dean of Education, Teaching and Learning at Trent University (since 2016). Her research focuses on mathematics learning and the role of spatial reasoning and self-efficacy in that learning. Fun Fact: She has two grown sons and enjoys traveling (when possible!) where she finds very good chocolate along the way.

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7209
Email:  chrisrooney@trentu.ca

Christopher Rooney is the Senior Director of the research office. A big part of his role is to support and lead the amazing service team that is dedicated to the review and administration of research awards, the conduct of compliance activities, and the provision of high quality support services. He is also responsible for helping to enhance the service culture, facilitating new research initiatives, and identifying potential collaborations and funding opportunities. Fun Fact: Together with his wife Meggie, he has two amazing little girls named Lyla and Rosa, and a wonderful Cavachon named Daisy. In his spare time, he is also working on a PhD in Canadian Studies through the Frost Centre.

[on leave]

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 6241
Email:  ashleyhorne@trentu.ca

Acting Manager, Research Engagement - Jamie Elcombe

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 6241
Email:  jamieelcombe@trentu.ca

The Manager, Research Engagement is responsible for the administration of communications, governance and external relations priorities for the Vice President, Research and Innovation and the Office of Research and Innovation. Fun Fact: Ashley and her daughter Brenna represent first and second generation Trent alum in their family.

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7050
Email: blisinski@trentu.ca

As the Research Operations Coordinator, Brianne is the Executive Assistant to Vice-President, Research and Innovation, Dr. Cathy Bruce, and provides administrative support with Cathy’s scheduling & meetings, travel, expenses, and general inquiries related to the the vice president. 
Brianne also oversees the operations of the Office of Research and Innovation including providing administrative assistance for operational and cyclical tasks related to research projects, major grants applications, project tracking, budgeting, meeting support, event scheduling, metrics collection, reporting, communication, general inquiries, and maintenance of files. 
Fun fact: Brianne is a Trent Alumna with an MSc. in Psychology. She has a Polish Dwarf rabbit named Otis, and a Maltipoo named Daisy who keep her very busy.

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7943
Email: chhettiarachchi@trentu.ca

As the Strategic Research Initiatives Coordinator, Chat is responsible for the delivery of key research initiatives and special research projects across the University. Chat oversees the administration of Trent’s research awards program, which includes the Internal Research Grants, Early Career Researcher Award, Distinguished Research Award, and Research Impact Award. Additionally, Chat facilitates key programs for undergraduate student awards that includes the Undergraduate Student Research Awards (URSA) and Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP) and coordinates Trent University’s Canada Research Chair program. Fun Fact: She loves to travel around the world and explore new cultures and is a Trent Alumna with a Master of Management degree.  

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7674
Email: seanlockwood@trentu.ca

Sean is a Classical archaeologist (BA, WLU; MA, McMaster; PhD, University of Cincinnati) who spent many years gaining practical research experience on multidisciplinary projects in Turkey. He also served as a faculty member in the Department of History at Boğaziçi University in Istanbul and in Ancient History and Classics at Trent University. Since 2015 he has been a research administrator, first at the University of New Brunswick, and more recently at Wilfrid Laurier University. Throughout his administrative career, Sean has facilitated international research partnerships, overseen the day-to-day administration of a university research centre, and helped researchers raise and manage millions of dollars from various funding agencies. At Trent, Sean helps with Research development, proposal review, and grant administration for all faculty. Fun Fact: Sean has a very energetic rescue dog from Greece who is part border collie and part greyhound (as far as he can tell!).

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 6186
Email: innaseviaryna@trentu.ca

Inna has a background in Natural Sciences (MSc in Biology, PhD in Chemistry) with practical research experience in a wet lab/physics lab gained on multidisciplinary projects. She has worked as a PDF/ Research Associate at the University of Windsor, focusing on adapting imaging techniques for industrial and biomedical applications. Prior to coming to Trent, Inna worked as a project manager at Tessonics Inc., a high-tech company in Windsor. She served as a Research Ethics Board member at the University of Windsor. Inna has knowledge of the Canadian research funding landscape in the natural sciences and environmental studies. She is also familiar with the US research funding agencies, including NIH, CDMRP, DoD, GLFC, NFWF. At Trent, Inna helps with research development, proposal review, and grant administration for all faculty.

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7367
Email: kevindriscoll@trentu.ca

Research development, proposal review, and grant administration for all faculty at Trent University. Kevin has spent considerable time assisting university researchers with the clarification of draft or full proposals in order to help them best present their research plans and achieve success. He has worked with researchers across the Tri-Agency spectrum -- his background includes education and experience in the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. Prior to coming to Trent, Kevin worked as a research facilitator at the University of Saskatchewan and Cape Breton University, and also was a senior program officer in NSERC's Research Partnerships directorate. Fun Fact: Kevin met his wife of over 20 years, Deanne, while scuba diving in South Africa.

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7866

Email: annakisiala@trentu.ca 

As the Coordinator, Research Conduct and Reporting, Anna oversees and coordinates the administrative operation of Trent University’s compliance committees (Research Ethics Board, Animal Care Committee, Biosafety and Radiation Safety Committees) and acts as a primary point of contact for all members of the research community (faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scholars, adjuncts, external stakeholders, etc.) regarding matters related to the responsible conduct of research at Trent University.

Fun fact: Anna holds a PhD in Agronomical Sciences from the University of Technology and Life Sciences in Bydgoszcz, Poland. Before joining the Office of Research and Innovation, Anna worked at Trent for over 10 years conducting research in the area of plant physiology.

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7267
Email:  jallen@trentu.ca

Manages facilities, personnel, and programming for animal science related work in support of the Trent Animal Care Committee and Office of Research. Fun Fact: Jason has worked with approximately 100 species with representatives from all kinds of animals in captivity. The kinds of animals range from common species in science such as rodents and fish, to more exotic animals such as 14-inch giant millipedes or alpaca. The list continues to grow! 

Phone: 705-748-1011 x6617
Email: monicahowes@trentu.ca

To support and oversee the Research Finance Team as they work with Researchers to administer their grants and awards, prepare financial reporting and provide compliance support. Working collaboratively with both the Finance Department and the Office of Research and Innovation to provide a cohesive service to Research Account Holders. Fun Fact: Monica has a Golden Doodle named Moose. 

[on leave] 

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 6613
Email: esullivan@trentu.ca

Junior Research Accountant (covering leave) - Dev Upadhyay

Email: dupadhyay@trentu.ca

Provides financial support, including budgeting, financial reporting, and financial advisory, for Researchers with last names beginning with letters M-Z. Fun Fact: Cooking is her passion and she loves to travel!

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7697
Email: corrinecollins@trentu.ca

Corrine provides financial support, including budgeting, financial reporting, and financial advisory, for Researchers with last names beginning with letters A-L.  

Fun Fact: Corrine loves dogs, especially her Jack Russell Sadie. 

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7556
Email:  taniadearling@trentu.ca

Tania provides financial support on the day-to-day activities for Researchers with surnames beginning with A-L. Services provided include interpreting granting agency and University policies to assist with determining eligibility and ensuring expenses meet compliance requirements, invoicing granting agencies, and providing expertise on financial procedure. Fun Fact: Tania joined Trent University in 2006 and obtained her certificate in Research Administration in 2019. She enjoys spending time at the cottage with her family and cake decorating.

Phone: 705-748-1011 ext. 7721
Email: madams@trentu.ca

Marlon provides financial support on the day-to-day activities for Researchers with surnames with M-Z. Services provided include interpreting granting agency and University policies to assist with determining eligibility and ensuring expenses meet compliance requirements, invoicing granting agencies , and providing expertise on financial procedure. Fun Fact: Marlon enjoys sports and travelling!