SACKVILLE, NB — Dr. Catherine Lovekin, Mount Allison University Physics Department Head and Associate Professor, is part of a group of researchers working to improve digital tools and services in research programs across the country. 

Lovekin is a member of the newly-established Researcher Council with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada (The Alliance), a national not-for-profit with a vision to harmonize and improve access to digital tools and services for Canadian researchers.

“The council gives researchers direct representation in The Alliance and opportunities to communicate the needs of their specific areas around digital resources for research programs,” says Lovekin. “I’m excited to be part of this organization, represent my colleagues, and learn more about other research projects happening across Canada.”

Established in March 2020, the Alliance oversees all digital research infrastructure in Canada and works to ensure researchers across sectors have the tools and services needed for their programs. Its services are aimed at anyone eligible for tri-council grants. This includes universities, as well as other sectors including healthcare, engineering, and the environment.

The Alliance Researcher Council — which is made up of researchers from across Canada — is a key initiative to help advance the work and growth of the national organization.  
 
Lovekin is one of three Atlantic-based researchers on the Council. She says ensuring diversity and representation in these kinds of organizations was one of the main reasons she decided to get involved.

“A lot of my own research is computational in nature. I wanted to ensure that the fields of astronomy and physics, as well as the educational sector, including small primarily undergraduate universities like Mount Allison, are represented at this level,” she says. “I’ve learned a lot about how other areas of research work and their digital needs and resources.”

Lovekin is an astrophysicist and currently serves as Physics Department Head at Mount Allison. She also oversees the Mount Allison Gemini Observatory, which is used for classes, research, and community outreach.

As an inaugural member of the Researcher Council, Lovekin will meet with researchers and staff and directors of The Alliance to help support digital research needs and services across Canada. Her appointment is for three years.