Karen Benzies appointed as Nursing's interim associate dean research

I am very pleased to announce that Dr Karen Benzies has been appointed as Interim Associate Dean Research for the Faculty of Nursing for the period of July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016.  

During this period, Karen will focus on articulating and advancing the current priorities and organization of the Faculty of Nursing Research Office; collaborating with the Faculty and the Dean’s Administrative Team to renew priorities for research activity; lead and manage the support staff employed in the Nursing Research Office; and provide leadership for the alignment of the research portfolio with priorities identified in the Faculty of Nursing Strategic Plan (2012-2016), and the University of Calgary Institutional Research Plan.  It is recognized that in this interim role, responsibilities will primarily emphasize maintenance and extension of current initiatives rather than development of new projects or directions.

Dr Benzies holds appointments at the University of Calgary as Professor with the Faculty of Nursing, and Adjunct Research Professor with the Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine.  She received a PhD from the University of Alberta and completed post-doctoral fellowships at Stockholm University and the University of Ottawa.  She leads a program of research in early parent and child relationships with a focus on children at risk for developmental delays, including behavior problems. She has demonstrated expertise in community-based research and development of interdisciplinary research teams.

Dr Benzies has published over 60 articles in peer-reviewed journals, 40 technical reports and two book chapters.  She has given 70 invited presentations to community groups and professional organizations, 50 media interviews and 125 oral and poster presentations at peer-reviewed conferences. Past awards received by Karen include the CARNA 2012 Nursing Excellence in Research Award;  University of Calgary’s “U Make a Difference” award (2012); and the Westbury Legacy Award from the Alberta Centre for Child, Family and Community Research (2013). 

Please join me in congratulating Karen on her appointment, and thanking her for her service to the Faculty of Nursing!

Message from Dianne Tapp, dean, Faculty of Nursing