New appointments in quantum materials, graduate studies
December 10, 2025
This January, UBC Science is welcoming new leadership at the university’s premier quantum materials research hub, and announcing the launch of a portfolio dedicated to graduate and postdoctoral studies at the Dean’s Office.
New leadership for UBC’s quantum materials institute
Dr. Marcel Franz, a leading expert in theories of topological quantum matter, will assume the role of scientific director of UBC’s Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute for a five-year term starting January 1, 2026.
Dr. Franz has served as deputy scientific director of the institute since 2015, and is a member of the steering committee of the Max Planck-UBC-UTokyo Centre for Quantum Materials. As scientific director, he’ll provide administrative, research and intellectual leadership across Blusson QMI, and work to elevate its status across the globe by pursuing funding opportunities and building strategic partnerships.
“I want to welcome Marcel into his new role as we continue to advocate for the Stewart Blusson Quantum Matter Institute nationally and internationally,” said Dean Dr. Mark MacLachlan in making the appointment.
“The institute has quickly emerged as one of the top five quantum research hubs globally, in no small part due to the leadership of Dr. Andrea Damascelli as scientific director over the past decade. His leadership, and the work of the entire QMI community, has helped cement Vancouver’s reputation as the Quantum Coast—a nexus for emerging quantum technologies and talent.”
Over the past decade the institute has expanded into a dedicated building, and more than doubled its faculty complement, expanded its staff and trainee community, and launched 12 state-of-the-art research facilities.
Improving support for graduate students and postdocs
This January, the Faculty is also launching a portfolio dedicated to graduate and postdoctoral studies, headed by UBC zoologist Dr. Michael Gordon. The new role is designed to enhance the Faculty’s support for graduate students and postdocs, including recruitment, professional development and awards.
Dr. Gordon has served on the Department of Zoology graduate committee since 2015, and as one of two graduate advisors in the department from 2020 to 2024. He recently served a three-year term as a Faculty of Science representative on UBC’s Graduate Council.
“As our new associate dean of graduate and postdoctoral studies, Mike views the role as an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of students, postdocs and supervisors across the Faculty,” said Dean MacLachlan.
“I look forward to working with him to provide excellent support to our graduate students and postdocs, which are crucial to our research enterprise.”
Dr. Gordon’s research interests are in the neuroscience of how animals detect chemical cues and translate them into appropriate behaviour—primarily using the fruit fly model system. His lab has been consistently funded by both NSERC and CIHR, and he has mentored 16 graduate students, six postdoctoral fellows and numerous undergraduate students.
The new position will work closely with the research and innovation portfolio of the Dean’s Office, led by Dr. Curtis Suttle.
Learn more about Dr. Michael Gordon
Interim leadership for the Faculty’s DAE portfolio
Kari Streelasky will be stepping in as interim assistant dean development and alumni engagement for UBC Science beginning in January. She currently leads the campus initiatives unit of UBC’s Central DAE team, and brings ten years of experience in fundraising as former assistant dean of development and alumni engagement at the Allard School of Law.
Streelasky is filling the role in the wake of the retirement of Allan Berezny this December.
