Dr. Tamara Kelly will take on the role of Interim Chair, Department of Biology, for a term of six months. Dr. Seyed Moghadas has been appointed Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Education. And, Dr. Andrew Skelton will step into the portfolio of Associate Dean, Faculty. The latter two appointments are in effect for a term of three years.

We welcome these distinguished colleagues to their respective roles and look forward to their continued leadership and service to the Faculty.

Dr. Tamara Kelly – Interim Chair, Department of Biology

Dr. Tamara Kelly is a Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Department of Biology and served as the inaugural Pedagogical Innovation Chair in Science Education for the Faculty of Science. In this position, she championed evidence-based inclusive teaching strategies and led initiatives to improve student learning experiences.

Since joining FSc in 2008, Dr. Kelly’s commitment to teaching excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the OCUFA Teaching Award, the President's University-Wide Teaching Award, and the Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Awards. She has played a key role in curriculum redesign and faculty development within the department. She is institutional lead for the Canadian Consortium of Science Equity Scholars (CCSES) and current president of the Open Consortium of Undergraduate Biology Educators (oCUBE). Dr. Kelly holds a PhD from McGill University and completed postdoctoral training at the University of British Columbia.

Dr. Seyed Moghadas – Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Education

Dr. Seyed Moghadas is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and a leading expert in computational epidemiology and vaccine science.

He is the founding director of the Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory at 91ÑÇÉ«, where his research focuses on advanced mathematical and computational modeling of infectious disease dynamics, public health interventions, and health economics. Dr. Moghadas has received several prestigious honors, including the 2022 President’s Research Impact Award and recognition as a 91ÑÇÉ« Research Leader. He holds a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Sharif University of Technology and has led international research efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His work bridges theory, policy, and practice to support evidence-based decision-making in public health.

Dr. Andrew Skelton – Associate Dean, Faculty

Dr. Andrew Skelton is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, with a primary focus on mathematics education and pedagogy. He won the 2021 Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award and has served as the Academic Coordinator in Bethune College, the Coordinator of the Mathematics for Education major and was the inaugural Director of the Data Science major.

Dr. Skelton is deeply involved in research aimed at supporting first-year students in their transition to university. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Guelph and has extensive experience in both secondary and postsecondary education. Dr. Skelton is committed to enhancing the student experience and supporting academic success through innovative teaching and curriculum development. 

We would also like to thank outgoing Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Education, Vivian Saridakis, and Associate Dean, Faculty, Gerald Audette, for their dedication and service to the Faculty of Science.

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Maydianne Andrade, Dean

scidean@yorku.ca

Dr. Andrade joined the Faculty of Science as Dean for a five-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026.

A professor in the Department of Biology, Dr. Andrade is an internationally recognized expert on widow spiders; her research explores how ecological and social factors shape reproductive strategies and evolutionary patterns. She has authored more than 70 peer-reviewed articles and received over $4.5 million in research funding, along with numerous awards, including the 2024 Canadian Science Policy Centre Trailblazer Award.

Prior to joining 91ÑÇÉ«, Dr. Andrade was a Professor of Biological Sciences at University of Toronto. She held several senior academic roles, including vice-dean, faculty affairs and equity, acting vice-principal academic and dean, and special advisor on inclusive recruitment. A former Canada Research Chair in Integrative Behavioural Ecology, she earned her PhD in neurobiology and behaviour from Cornell University.

A committed advocate for equity in science, she co-founded the Canadian Black Scientists Network and the Toronto Initiative for Diversity and Excellence.

Dr. Andrade is Chair of the National Killam Selection Committee, Chair of the Council of Canadian Academies’ Scientific Advisory Committee, and a member of the Tri-Council EDI Policy Advisory Committee.

Associate Deans

Andrew Skelton
Associate Dean, Faculty

sciadfac@yorku.ca

Dr. Andrew Skelton is an Associate Professor, Teaching Stream, in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, with a primary focus on mathematics education and pedagogy. He won the 2021 Faculty of Science Excellence in Teaching Award and has served as the Academic Coordinator in Bethune College, the Coordinator of the Mathematics for Education major and was the inaugural Director of the Data Science major.

Dr. Skelton is deeply involved in research aimed at supporting first-year students in their transition to university. He holds a PhD in Applied Mathematics from the University of Guelph and has extensive experience in both secondary and postsecondary education. Dr. Skelton is committed to enhancing the student experience and supporting academic success through innovative teaching and curriculum development.

Seyed Moghadas
Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Education

sciadres@yorku.ca

Dr. Seyed Moghadas is a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics and a leading expert in computational epidemiology and vaccine science.

He is the founding director of the Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory at 91ÑÇÉ«, where his research focuses on advanced mathematical and computational modeling of infectious disease dynamics, public health interventions, and health economics. Dr. Moghadas has received several prestigious honors, including the 2022 President’s Research Impact Award and recognition as a 91ÑÇÉ« Research Leader. He holds a PhD in Computational and Applied Mathematics from Sharif University of Technology and has led international research efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. His work bridges theory, policy, and practice to support evidence-based decision-making in public health.

Michael Scheid
Associate Dean, Students

sciadstu@yorku.ca

Michael Scheid is an associate professor in the Department of Biology. His research activities have been funded by CIHR, NSERC and CFI. As a molecular and cellular biologist, he is most interested in protein signalling pathways that control cell growth and survival in the development and treatment of cancer.

As the associate dean of students, he provides leadership towards matters of undergraduate programming including course planning, recruitment and retention, experiential education, and cyclical program reviews. His role also supports undergraduate student success, scholarships, advising and degree progression while maintaining sound pedagogical principles.

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