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AVAC Member Spotlight - Nov 25, 2009

Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick is used to taking on projects that may seem daunting to others. As the Vice-President (Research) at the University of Lethbridge (U of L), Fitzpatrick became known for his commitment to research that has impact and his knack for assembling teams that can tackle complex research questions. During his two terms as Vice-President Dr. Fitzpatrick, who is also a longtime AVAC member, helped the university establish a reputation for research excellence; recruiting researchers, securing funding and developing the infrastructure the university needed to take on big network projects.

Dr. Dennis Fitzpatrick is used to taking on projects that may seem daunting to others. As the Vice-President (Research) at the University of Lethbridge (U of L), Fitzpatrick became known for his commitment to research that has impact and his knack for assembling teams that can tackle complex research questions. During his two terms as Vice-President Dr. Fitzpatrick, who is also a longtime AVAC member, helped the university establish a reputation for research excellence; recruiting researchers, securing funding and developing the infrastructure the university needed to take on big network projects.

Prior to joining the U of L, Dr. Fitzpatrick was head of the Department of Foods and Nutrition for ten years at the University of Manitoba and worked as a research scientist in the Animal Feed Safety and Nutrition Program for Agriculture Canada. Once at the U of L, he championed a number of important projects and initiatives, including a neural science group exploring dementia, heart disease and stroke and an innovative water research program that laid the foundation for Alberta’s water conservation strategy. The water research program, which brought together experts from several disciplines, set out a concept for how the university and community groups could work together to address water conservation issues. “We had a great idea, and an incredible amount of expertise, but we were just ahead of our time,” recalls Fitzpatrick.

Although neural sciences and water conservation were two of the larger projects Dr. Fitzpatrick worked on at the U of L, it was a project on edible oils that connected him with AVAC. Dr. Randy Westlake, who was leading the edible oils project, introduced AVAC to Dr. Fitzpatrick, and together they applied for funding to incorporate an applied research component to the project. “I got involved with AVAC because they were doing a fantastic job supporting the kind of things I was interested in,” notes Dr. Fitzpatrick. “I became a member because I wanted to give back, and by attending the meetings and being involved, I felt I could contribute. AVAC has created a community and it’s important to play a part in that community.”

Currently on administrative leave from the University of Lethbridge, Dr. Fitzpatrick is involved in a number of complex research projects, including a water and environmental quality project for the Northwest Territories. “We’re really hoping to create research and academic ties between U of L and the Northwest Territories,” he notes. Dr. Fitzpatrick is also leading the development of a terrestrial imaging centre in Lethbridge that will help the province create a more detailed land use framework. And despite his increasingly busy schedule, he continues to lend his time and support to AVAC.

“AVAC meetings give you a chance to talk with people who are interested in moving Alberta from where we are today to where we should be, which involves creating a more value-added economy,” explains Dr. Fitzpatrick. “It’s an ideal group to know and an incredible group to work with.”