Dr. Heffernan joined Lakehead University’s Orillia Campus in 2018 to support research and innovation initiatives in the County of Simcoe. Representing the Office of the Vice President, Research and Innovation, Dr. Heffernan works to increase research funding on the Orillia campus as well as builds community and industry partnerships across the County of Simcoe with key stakeholders and sectors. As Lakehead University is committed to driving economic prosperity in the regions that we serve, Dr. Heffernan also oversees Lakehead Orillia’s involvement in regional economic development initiatives.
Dr. Heffernan has many years of experience in research and innovation administration and understands the importance of partnerships to grow a sustainable regional economy. Prior to joining Lakehead University, Dr. Heffernan was Brock University’s Institutional Research Officer working on large strategic institutional grant initiatives. Dr. Heffernan completed her Ph.D. at the University of Guelph and worked as an industry/academia postdoc through the Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship. She also holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Guelph.