Dr. Rebecca Hallett has been appointed as the new interim associate vice-president research (agri-food partnership) at the University of Guelph. In this role, Hallett will lead the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance, a collaboration between the Government of Ontario and the University of Guelph, providing strategic management and support to the largest single research agreement at the University. Her term starts November 18, 2024.
Hallett is taking over the position from Dr. Shayan Sharif who is currently the interim vice-president research & innovation. Both Hallett and Sharif will remain in their new roles until a presidential search has been completed.
“I am honoured to step into this role and excited at the opportunity to help support and champion the Ontario Agri-Food Innovation Alliance. The Alliance has been critical to my own research program throughout my whole career, and I know the tremendous value it brings to the University and to Ontario,” she said.
Hallett is currently the associate dean, research and graduate studies in the Ontario Agricultural College, a role she has been in since 2017. She is also a professor in the School of Environmental Sciences.
She received her PhD and Master of Pest Management in Entomology from Simon Fraser University.
Hallett’s research interests include the ecology of invasive insect species, the chemical ecology of insect-host plant interactions, impacts of climate change on agricultural pests, and the development of integrated pest management programs for insect pests of vegetable and field crops. A major goal of her research is the development of pest management programs that help to reduce reliance on pesticides and conserve natural enemies of common plant pests.
“Dr. Hallett has been instrumental in advancing OAC’s research initiatives and fostering a vibrant academic community,” says Sharif, interim vice-president research & innovation. “As an accomplished researcher and active contributor to the Alliance, she brings to this role a wealth of knowledge, deep experience in research and administration, and a strong commitment to fostering innovation in the agri-food sector.”
The Alliance leverages U of G expertise and brings together academia, government, and industry to support Ontario’s $51-billion agri-food sector with cutting-edge research and innovation, training, and laboratory services. It contributes $1.4 billion to Ontario’s GDP and has an annual economic impact of approximately $120 million.
In this role, Hallett will lead research programs and training as well as diverse agri-food research centres owned by Agricultural Research and Innovation Ontario and operated by U of G, including at U of G’s Ridgetown Campus. She will also oversee the Laboratory Services Division as well as relationships with numerous public- and private-sector partners.