Team Members

Dr. Christina DeRoche - Director, Research Centre

Dr. Christina DeRoche is the Director of the Research Centre. In her previous experience, Christina worked as a Manager for the local children’s treatment centre where she managed various rehabilitation programs and research and evaluation services. In this role she worked directly with community professionals in Nipissing, Parry Sound, and Muskoka districts. Prior to this, Christina worked for the local hospital in their Research Department and Quality Department supporting various internal projects and initiatives. Christina earned her PhD from McMaster University in Sociology working within an interdisciplinary setting with the School of Family Medicine and School of Rehabilitation Sciences. Her research interests include women and children’s health and mental health, and applied research bettering the community service model for families and children.

Christopher (Kip) Arlidge – Research Specialist

Kip is our genomics research specialist who helps manage projects, students, and partners for genomics and biotechnology related projects. In addition to his role with the research department, Kip is a partial load professor for Canadore’s Functional Genomics and Biotechnology programs and runs an advanced genomics techniques workshop at the Wellcome Genome Campus in the UK. Kip’s research interests include the development and implementation of new molecular lab techniques and using genomics to address a variety of health and environmentally-related questions. In his spare time, Kip is a volunteer fire fighter, enjoys backcountry camping, trail running, and spending time with his family.

David Villeneuve – Professor and Functional Genomics Laboratory Coordinator

David is currently a Professor in the Biotechnology and Functional Genomics and Clinical Consultation programs, as well as the Lab Lead for the Canadore College Genomics Laboratory. He has been with Canadore College for 18 years teaching students in Biotechnology and in Genomics since 2019. He has participated in a variety of research projects and contract laboratory services for the College expanding the reach and scope of the laboratory.

Prior to Canadore College he worked as the Senior Research Associate to the Chair in Cancer Research in Sudbury, ON.  In that capacity he published numerous scientific investigations and received two patents for research work accomplished during his ten years with the research group.

David has also worked in a variety of scientific laboratories throughout the North including work in environmental radiation monitoring, analytical chemistry in the mining sector, molecular virology and commercial blood component production.  He was once one of the “famous” Bluecoats at Science North’s Atmosphere Lab (under the direction of Alan Nursall) early in his career.

David achieved an Honours Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Laurentian University and returned there for a Master’s degree in Biology specializing in immune receptor pharmacology.

Always the entrepreneurial spirit, David was also the President of photography partnership early in his career. This company partnership was born out of his very passionate hobby of photography.

Dr. Tara McGoey – Professor and Coordinator

Tara McGoey began her career at Canadore College in 2003 as a fulltime faculty member in the Biotechnology (BTN) Program. In 2020, Tara collaborated with members of the BTN program to develop and launch a post-graduate certificate program in Functional Genomics and Clinical Consultation (FGC). As a faculty member and coordinator for both BTN and FGC programs, Tara’s responsibilities include designing, maintaining and delivering curricula in the classroom and laboratory. During the pandemic, Tara and her colleagues altered the programs to highlight relevant techniques and analyses that could assist with the global response. As a result, the team received the Minister’s Award of Excellence in the category of Everyday Heroes. Tara received her M.Sc. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Queen’s University where her research involved tissue sampling and the development, optimization, and use of immunohistochemistry protocols. For her Ph.D. research, which occurred at Nipissing University, she focused on health behaviour and health promotion, exploring the implementation of a provincial policy designed to increase the daily physical activity levels of schoolchildren. Integrating her scientific background with principals of health psychology broadened Tara’s research perspectives, and she is currently involved with a number of opportunities directed by Canadore’s Research Centre. 

Gavin Park - Professor

Gavin Park is a faculty member in the Biotechnology program at Canadore College. With a background in genomics, bioinformatics, and science education, his research focuses on two primary areas: the effective teaching of science in higher education and the ethical use of genomic data.
 
Gavin’s interest in science education grew from his personal experience as an undergraduate student, where a conversation with a professor sparked his ongoing exploration of how science can be better presented to improve student comprehension. He has extensive experience in instructional design and educational technology, including running a successful educational consulting business since 2014.
 
In genomics and bioinformatics, Gavin researches the science of genomics, which involves the study of an organism’s DNA, drawing heavily on molecular biology, cell biology, and biochemistry. Bioinformatics, which involves analyzing the vast amounts of data produced by genomics, combines biological, statistical, and computer science approaches. Gavin is particularly interested in the ethical use of genomic information, recognizing that our genomes contain significant insights into our potential futures. As such, access to genomic data and its use must be governed by strong ethical principles.

Siddharth M. Ramani - Research Coordinator

Siddharth M. Ramani (Sid) is a dynamic professional specializing in Research Coordination and Project Management. With a Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering from Asia's third-oldest engineering institute, College of Engineering, Pune, and a post-graduate certificate in Environmental Project Management from Seneca College, as well as Construction Project Management from Canadore College, Sid brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role.

Currently serving as the Research Coordinator at Canadore College, Sid plays a pivotal role in coordinating project and event duties, drafting and implementing contracts and agreements, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to execute various initiatives such as TEDxCanadoreCollege and Student Expos.