A lot of buildings are packed full with research labs and classrooms. One thing we want is making sure we have space to mix and mingle. We want to decompress our space.

She has the vision and experience to ensure a strong focus on student engagement in Western's planning for the future, particularly in areas such as interdisciplinary programs, service learning, co-op and internship opportunities and career services.

The space that we build is going to need to be flexible and adaptable so that we don't build it and have to use it for the exact purpose for the next 45 years because we can't change it. We want flexibility.

Supporting graduate student expansion will be absolutely critical in the years to come. We also want to do a better job on student services. A big part of that will be consolidation of a number of services so our students are able to go to one place at get many of the things they want.

You never know, if you don't dream big, what is possible.

I'd much rather do research on up and coming companies that have potential and take the risk. It boils down to doing a lot of homework and learning the underlying fundamentals.