Dr. Barbi Law appointed Associate Vice-President, Research, Innovation and Graduate Studies at Nipissing University 

North Bay, ON - Nipissing University is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Barbi Law as Associate Vice-President, Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies (AVP, RIGS) for a five-year term, effective August 1, 2024. As a member of the University’s leadership team, Dr. Law will play a key role in advancing innovative research, fostering excellence in graduate education, and building relationships with community and industry to grow Nipissing’s research enterprise. 

“Barbi is an exceptional leader and natural collaborator; she has a clear vision for the growth of research, innovation, and graduate studies at Nipissing,” said Dr. Ann-Barbara Graff, Provost and Vice-President, Academic, Nipissing University. “I’m thrilled that she’ll be able to continue to advance the work that is already underway to position Nipissing as a destination of choice for researchers and graduate students alike.” 

Dr. Law brings over 15 years of post-secondary experience to the position and spent the last two years serving as Interim Dean of Graduate Studies and Research and then Interim Associate Vice-President Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies. In these roles, she led the development of policies and partnerships to support Nipissing’s new innovation and commercialization portfolio, including the Northern and Rural Innovation Cluster with Laurentian University, Trent University, and Lakehead University, funded by Intellectual Property Ontario. Dr. Law joined Nipissing in 2009 as an Assistant Professor in the School of Physical and Health Education, earning Full Professor status in 2019.  

“I’m honoured and excited to have the opportunity to support continued development of a vibrant culture of research, innovation, and graduate studies at Nipissing that builds upon our existing research strengths,” said Dr. Law. “I believe there is great potential for collaboration and innovation partnerships that offer meaningful contributions to the community and valuable learning and employment opportunities for our students. Nipissing is an important resource and economic driver for our region; I look forward to the opportunity to expand our impact and build networks across our region and beyond.” 

Dr. Law holds a PhD in Kinesiology from Western University, a Master of Arts in Human Kinetics from the University of Ottawa, and a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McMaster University. Her research explores strategies for creating positive sport and physical activity experiences that promote physical literacy and mental well-being for children and youth within organized sport, school, and community settings. Collaboration, student mentorship, and community engagement are integral to her research program which has been funded by provincial and federal agencies, including both the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). 

To learn more about Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies at Nipissing University, visit: nipissingu.ca/research and nipissingu.ca/gradstudies. 

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Media Contact:

Khia Beauchesne 
Communications Officer 
Nipissing University 
705-473-3450 ext. 4035 
communications@nipissingu.ca