A program for early-career researchers/faculty at UBC
Maximizing Impact is a 6-month cohort-based program in its fourth year. This unique and intentionally designed program provides mentorship and coaching to engage early-career researchers (ECR)/faculty in maximizing the impact of their academic endeavours. The program focuses on helping ECR learn more about how the university operates, their role in faculty positions, and advancing growth, equity, and change. The program offers workshops and group and individual coaching tailored to participants' needs.
Maximizing Impact is led by Dr. Lisa W. Loutzenheiser, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, and founded by Dr. Naznin Virji-Babul, formerly Senior Advisor to the Provost, Women and Gender-Diverse Faculty, and Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medicine.
All non-tenured faculty members at the level of Assistant Professor in both the research stream and the educational leadership stream within their first three years at UBC are eligible for the program.
The program focuses on the following components:
- Networking opportunities for faculty who are at the start of their academic careers.
- Monthly events/workshops where participants will join invited speakers to discuss navigating early-career faculty transition to faculty, fostering connection to UBC and leading change.
- One-on-one and/or group coaching with certified and experienced UBC Leadership Coaches to navigate the complexities associated with the role, explore strengths, uncover the broader system, and set and achieve goals professionally and personally. Supported by UBC Coaching Services, Learning and Talent Development, Human Resources
Events and workshops
Month | Theme | Speakers | Date | Location |
| November | What is coaching and mentoring? How to make the most of the program | Dr. Lisa Loutzenheiser, Associate Professor, UBC Faculty of Education Heather Turnbull, MA, Certificate in Organizational Coaching, Professional Certified Coach | November 27, 2023 1:00 – 2:30pm | In-person |
| February | Reframing imposter syndrome | Dee Dee Sung, Executive Director, Development, UBC Development & Alumni Engagement | February 12, 2024 1:00 – 2:30pm | In-person |
| February | Growing mentorship networks | Dr. Michelle Pidgeon, Professor; Associate Director, Centre for the Study of Educational Leadership and Policy, Simon Fraser University | February 26, 2024 1:00 – 2:30pm | In-person |
| March | Tenure expectations and balancing demands | Dr. Janice Stewart, Associate Dean, Faculty, UBC Faculty of Arts | March 11, 2024 1:00 – 2:30pm | In-person |
| April | Starting and maintaining a vibrant research program/lab and motivating graduate students | Dr. Stephanie van Willigenburg, Professor of Mathematics; Associate Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Science Dr. Anna Blakney, Assistant Professor in the Michael Smith Laboratories and School of Biomedical Engineering | April 8, 2024 1:00 – 2:30pm | Virtual |
| April | Wrap-up/celebration | April 15, 2024 1:00 – 2:30pm | In-person |