I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Lia Tsotsos as the Director of the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research. Lia takes on this role effective immediately, following the retirement of Pat Spadafora in December. In her new role, Lia will provide strategic leadership to the Centre, establishing research collaborations and partnerships, and fostering a learning environment. Our focus will continue to be on delivering compelling value to students, growth opportunities for faculty, and exceptional benefits to the community.
For nearly seven years, Lia has been part of the team in the Elder Research Centre, most recently as project manager and principal researcher. Lia has contributed significantly to the Centre’s national recognition through her role on dozens of applied research projects, including designing new apps, launching innovative online platforms and developing evidence-based services for community and industry use.
Lia’s research interests include cognitive neuroscience, health promotion, sensory systems and accessible design, and she has a keen interest in scientific literacy and interdisciplinary research. She holds a PhD in neuroscience from McMaster University and an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Health Science from York University.
The Centre for Elder Research, one of Sheridan’s five research centres, was founded in 2003 as an interdisciplinary, on-campus applied research facility. The Centre is a nationally respected research group with a track record of more than 100 successful research, evaluation and design projects that have directly benefited older adults and their families, and engaged more than 500 Sheridan students. The Centre embodies Sheridan’s differentiated culture of scholarship, research and creative activities (SRCA), providing opportunities to serve our learning community as well as our industry and community partners.
Please join me in congratulating Lia on her appointment. I wish her every success in further enhancing Sheridan’s reputation for excellence in aging research.
Brian Jervis
Vice-Provost, Research
