Lisa Porter

I’m a scientist, educator, and research leader who believes in the power of curiosity and collaboration to improve lives.

My work is rooted in cancer and cell biology, where I study the fundamental mechanisms that control cell growth and division. I’m fascinated by how small changes at the molecular level can have profound consequences for human health, and I’m motivated by the challenge of turning that knowledge into progress that matters beyond the lab. I currently serve as a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Windsor, where mentoring students and trainees is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

From 2019 to 2024, I was the Founding Director of the WE-SPARK Health Institute. Leading WE-SPARK was an opportunity to help build something new and meaningful: a research institute designed to bring people together across disciplines, institutions, and sectors. I’m proud of the collaborative culture that emerged and of the focus on research that is not only excellent, but relevant and responsive to community needs.

I served as the Vice President of Research and Scientific Director for St. Joseph’s Health Care in London, Ontario, from February 2024 to August 2025. In this role, I launched a newly branded Lawson Research Institute with a revised governance structure and a five-year strategic plan. I made significant headway in capacity building, including securing a $65 million partnership focused on workplace safety.

Beyond my regional work, I’ve been actively engaged at the national level. I served as a University Delegate and an Advisor for the University Delegates for the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). I have continually served in national peer review throughout my career, including for CIHR, NSERC, Terry Fox Foundation, and Cancer Research Society.

I am also a founding member of the Windsor Cancer Research Group and continue to work closely with colleagues who share a commitment to rigorous science and collective impact. My own research program has been supported by top national and provincial organizations, as well as important local philanthropy and charitable organizations. I value the trust and partnership that funding agencies and the community place in researchers.

At my core, I care deeply about people. I strive to create environments where researchers, students, patients, and communities feel empowered, connected, and heard. I believe that progress happens when knowledge is shared openly, when partnerships are built with intention, and when research is guided by both excellence and purpose. My goal is to help move us toward a future where scientific discovery leads to better health, stronger communities, and real hope for those facing complex diseases like cancer.