ANTIGONISH: St. Francis Xavier University has named Kara Thompson as the first Director of the Victor and Mona Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health.
Thompson, a nationally recognized researcher in alcohol policy and substance use in young adults, will lead the institute for a three-year term.
An Associate Professor in the Psychology Department at StFX, Thompson brings an impressive background to the role, having secured over $4.5 million in research funding and published 75 peer-reviewed articles.
She is also the Research Chair in Substance Use Policy & Prevention within the Dahdaleh Institute and the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government. Thompson, who holds a PhD in Lifespan Development Psychology from the University of Victoria, was awarded StFX’s 2021 President’s Research Award and serves as the 2023-2025 Jules Léger Scholar in the Humanities and Social Sciences.
“It’s an honor and an exciting challenge to take on the role of Director,” Thompson said. “I look forward to working with faculty, community organizations, and students to bring our shared vision to life.”
The Dahdaleh Institute aims to advance health and wellness initiatives with a focus on smaller and rural communities in Nova Scotia. It will serve as a collaborative hub, engaging faculty, community partners, and healthcare professionals in developing innovative solutions to address health challenges specific to the province.
Academic Vice-President and Provost Amanda Cockshutt expressed excitement about the appointment.
“Dr. Thompson’s national leadership in health research, along with her commitment to policy development and collaboration, makes her the ideal person to establish the foundational framework of the Dahdaleh Institute.”
In her first year as Director, Thompson will work closely with health-focused faculty and community organizations to create a strategic plan outlining the institute’s goals and priorities.
The Dahdaleh Institute will provide a space for researchers, patients, and community groups to collaborate on projects that span new technologies, healthcare solutions, and wellness initiatives.
Thompson’s extensive work in health policy includes co-chairing the Nova Scotia Alcohol Policy Coalition and serving as a collaborating scientist with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research.
As a scientific expert for Canada’s latest alcohol and health guidelines, she brings a wealth of experience and connections that she plans to leverage to strengthen health partnerships across the province.
“I’m excited by the potential of this new role to build partnerships that leverage our collective expertise and resources,” Thompson said. “I’m confident that the Dahdaleh Institute will set new standards for health innovation in Nova Scotia and beyond.”
With Thompson at the helm, the Dahdaleh Institute for Innovation in Health is poised to become a pivotal force for health research and community wellness, addressing current health challenges and paving the way for future advancements.