Meet the members of the Sheridan Research community who play a crucial role in supporting all of the ongoing and upcoming projects. 

Dean, Sheridan Research -Darren Lawless, PhD

The Dean, Sheridan Research has a broad mandate to work with Sheridan faculty and students to conduct innovative research and to develop collaborative industry partnerships that will be linked to our academic programs. The Dean’s role is to build research expertise, develop creative approaches to problem solving and, through research results, inform curriculum.

Dr. Lawless is an accomplished senior research and development executive with a sound track record in moving technology from concept to market. Darren holds a PhD in Chemistry, and is a multiple award recipient from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Darren brings expertise in research, new product commercialization, new product development, funding, writing, and general business management and development for the water, environmental and chemical industries. Dr. Lawless joined the Sheridan Research team in November of 2009. Prior to this, Darren was the Director of Research and Development at Monteco Holdings Ltd. in Mississauga since 2005, with responsibility for identifying and assisting in all aspects of the commercialization of related technologies. In the last two years alone he has been co-inventor on six patents. He has experience in university-industry relationships, most recently in assisting with the commercialization of a technology developed at McMaster University. He has also assisted in the launch of two new start-up companies based on university research.

Director, Sheridan Elder Research Centre (SERC) - Pat Spadafora, MSW

The Director, Sheridan Elder Research Centre is the principal investigator and director of operations for all research activities within the Oakville-based centre.

Ms. Spadafora has a demonstrated track record in leading innovative projects from concept to reality, taking them from “lab to life” TM. The founding Director and principal investigator of the Sheridan Elder Research Centre (SERC) has had extensive experience in developing unique linkages between people, ideas and resources in the field of aging. Ms. Spadafora has an M.S.W. from Wilfrid Laurier University and over 30 years of experience in the social work and education fields. Ms. Spadafora’s research interests include, among others, global population aging, aging in place, accessible technology, civic engagement and retirement, the impact of the creative and performing arts on health, program evaluation, building community capacity and preparing organizations to meet the demands of a growing aging population.

Ms. Spadafora is a member of a number of organizations, including her role as a Director with the International Federation on Ageing (IFA) and as a member of the NGO Committee on Ageing in New York at the United Nations.