Betsy Donald

Betsy Donald serves as Associate Vice-Principal (Research) at Queen's University under the Vice-Principal Research Portfolio, holding a faculty position as Professor in the Department of Geography and Planning within the Faculty of Arts and Science. Appointed to her administrative role on August 1, 2020, for a three-year term, she also functions as Queen's SSHRC delegate supporting scholarship in creative arts, humanities, and social sciences.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Geography (1999), University of Toronto
• M.Sc.Pl. in Planning (1994), University of Toronto
• M.E.S. (1992), York University
• B.A. (Honours) in History (1990), McGill University

Her research integrates multidisciplinary perspectives on cities, sustainable food systems, and rural economies. Focusing on spatial dimensions of socio-economic-political change, she examines urban governance through geography, planning, political science, and economics. Her food systems research emphasizes local job creation and sustainability through reduced carbon footprints in processing/distribution. Rural economy studies address small-city dynamics, main street renewal, and planning for slow-growth communities.

Professional Affiliations:

• Full Member, Canadian Institute of Planners (MCIP)
• Registered Professional Planner (RPP), Ontario Professional Planners Institute (OPPI)
• Member, Canadian Association of Geographers
• Member, Association of American Geographers

Dr. Donald previously held administrative roles as Associate Head in Geography and Planning and Associate Dean (School of Graduate Studies). Her international engagements include Visiting Professorships at Kwansei Gakuin University (Japan), Eccles Centre at the British Library (UK), and Special Visiting Scientist at Harvard Kennedy School's Rappaport Institute.