The University of Winnipeg is pleased to announce the appointment of three faculty members as academic research chairs.
Dr. William “Rory” Dickson has been named United Church of Canada Research Chair in Contemporary Theology. Dickson is an associate professor in the Department of Religion and Culture at UWinnipeg whose research and published works focus on contemporary Islam in general, and on Islamic mysticism (Sufism) in particular. As United Church of Canada Research Chair, he will produce a new book, tentatively titled “Being in the World: Understanding Sufism and Islam through the Fusus al-Hikam,” which aims to make some of Islamic spirituality’s profound insights available to a broad reading audience, particularly those interested in how the wisdom within historical religions can assist us in addressing the pressing social challenges we currently face as a global society.
The University of Winnipeg is home to so many talented academic researchers who are making an impact on society through their excellent work.
Dr. Jan Stewart
Dr. Chantal Fiola has been named Distinguished Indigenous Scholar’s Chair. Fiola is an assistant professor in the Department of Urban and Inner-City Studies at UWinnipeg and an award-winning writer. As Distinguished Indigenous Scholar’s Chair, she will mobilize a research program titled “Métis Expressions of Spirituality and Religion” — bringing together Métis elders, scholars, community members, and allies in two historic Métis communities (St Laurent, MB, and Lac Ste Anne, AB) to explore the continuum of Métis spirituality and religiosity.
Dr. Caleb Hasler has been named Chancellor’s Research Chair. Hasler is an assistant professor in UWinnipeg’s Department of Biology whose research focuses on freshwater fish. His lab uses an array of techniques to solve real-world conservation issues and to understand how fish interact with their environment. As Chancellor’s Research Chair, he aims to incorporate Indigenous views and students into his research program, helping to increase the Indigenization of natural resource management in Canada and support reconciliation.
“The University of Winnipeg is home to so many talented academic researchers who are making an impact on society through their excellent work. On behalf of the UWinnipeg community, I would like to congratulate Dr. Dickson, Dr. Fiola, and Dr. Hasler and wish them much success in the pursuit of their respective endeavours as UWinnipeg research chairs,” said Dr. Jan Stewart, Interim Vice-President, Academic.
