Strengthening the relationship between the Botanical Garden and academic units

By Rebecca Cohoe | April 29, 2015

A new position at Memorial University’s Botanical Garden will help build the relationship between the garden and Memorial’s academic campuses and units.

As the first academic director of the garden, Dr. Norman Goodyear will help develop its academic and scientific research potential.

“Many people understand the garden’s value from a recreation and teaching perspective; however, its potential as a research facility is significant,” he explained. “There are possibilities for collaboration within a broad range of disciplines.”

For example, Dr. Goodyear’s own research focuses on a range of topics, including horticultural therapy, an intersection between botany, psychology and other life sciences, and sustainable agriculture in cold climates.

The position is a joint appointment with Grenfell Campus – another emerging hub for agricultural research at Memorial. The relationship emphasizes Memorial’s dedication to enhancing research and public engagement activities at the garden.

Originally from Newfoundland and Labrador, Dr. Goodyear has spent the past 20 years in Nova Scotia, most recently as an associate professor in Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture, where he has developed diverse experience in national and international development projects.

“We’re very pleased to have someone with Dr. Goodyear’s background in this new role,” said Dr. Antony Card, associate vice-president (Grenfell Campus) research. “Research and public engagement projects between the garden and Memorial’s campuses and academic units have the potential to offer major benefits, both within the university and across the province.”


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