RRC Polytech is thrilled to introduce Dr. Jolen Galaugher as its new Director of Research Partnerships and Innovation (RPI). The RPI team works tirelessly to find solutions for today’s challenges – and those of tomorrow. Driven by the needs of industry and community, RPI fuels the reputation and success of the College.

Dr. Galaugher has a demonstrated track record of elevating opportunities for students to participate in solving practical problems, supporting entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses, and strengthening relationships with partners and funders across all sectors.

“Dr. Galaugher is a proven visionary leader and her passion for connectivity shone throughout the competitive hiring process,” says Jamie Wilson, RRC Polytech’s Vice President, Indigenous Strategy, Research and Business Development.

“Her unique blend of post-secondary and private sector experience will increase the College’s award-winning applied research capacity and create new opportunities for organizations to access Manitoba’s top talent and our leading-edge facilities and equipment.”

She led business development, research commercialization, and partnerships strategy for the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Science in her most recent role as Director of Science Innovation. Her ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders advanced U of M’s research innovation across a range of disciplines and she leaves the faculty’s new Science Innovation Hub as her legacy.

As a former business owner and consultant, she also brings expertise in business development, contract negotiation, large bids and RFPs, project and stakeholder management, and partnerships strategy from her time in the healthcare industry.

She holds a PhD in Philosophy from McMaster University and is the author of an award-winning book in her field, while still making time to serve on various Boards and Committees both in the community and in Manitoba’s innovation ecosystem. She is a proud parent of two young daughters and enjoys riding sport horses.

Dr. Galaugher has dedicated her career to envisioning, building, and implementing high-impact initiatives, new programs, and partnerships that spark innovation and drive alignment between stakeholders. She is eager to begin building new relationships and start finding solutions for both the College and its partners in industry and the community.

“I’m immensely impressed with what RRC Polytech’s RPI team has built and look forward to working together to achieve our shared goals of accelerating applied research innovation in Manitoba and co-creating the workforce of tomorrow.”