Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe Named Acting Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies

Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe, professor in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Canada Research Chair in Human Gut Microbiome Function and Host Interactions, will be stepping into the role of acting associate dean of research and graduate studies, effective May 25.

Allen-Vercoe fills the vacancy left by Dr. Graham Holloway, who has been appointed interim dean of the College of Biological Science.

“Emma is an exceptional researcher, a thoughtful colleague and a committed teacher and mentor,” says Holloway. "I know the college will benefit greatly from her leadership.”

Since joining U of G in 2007, Allen-Vercoe has established an internationally recognized microbiology research program exploring the human gut microbiome and its role in health and disease. The human bioreactor system she established, the RoboGut Lab, is now used in research ranging from the microbiome of an Indigenous community in South America to honeybee gut health. Most recently, Allen-Vercoe and Dr. Kari Dunfield from the School of Environmental Sciences established the Microbiome Preservation and Analysis Research Centre (MiPARC), which supports research on the role of microorganisms in human, animal, plant and soil health from across the University.

Allen-Vercoe brings a strong understanding of the University of Guelph research community and Canada’s funding landscape, along with a demonstrated commitment to graduate student teaching and mentorship. Last year, she received the CBS Graduate Mentoring Award in recognition of her support for graduate students.