Christopher Paci, PhD
Chris Paci, PhD, brings a wealth of experience to his new role as Vice President Research at Aurora College’s research division, Aurora Research Institute (ARI). After several years in Ontario's college system, where he held roles including Dean, Associate Dean, and Chair, Chris is excited to lead research initiatives at the ARI.
Chris’s diverse background spans academia and management. He has taught and developed programs and courses at colleges and universities, managed initiatives at Indspire, the Metis Nation of Ontario, and managed the Lands and Environment program for the Dene Nation where he also advised the Arctic Athabaskan Council. Chris has served as Executive Assistant to the Chiefs of the Yellowknives Dene and he spent a year with the Government of the Northwest Territories before leaving the north to work in the south. His interdisciplinary doctorate is from the University of Manitoba, Natural Resources Institute, and he has experience as a consultant working for the Deh Cho Chiefs, West Point First Nation, and a range of other clients.
In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Chris has served on local, national and international boards, including the Folk on The Rocks, Friends of Gatineau Park, Sierra Club of Canada Foundation, and the Great Lakes Water Quality Board. Chris has family in Yellowknife and he is committed to sustainable development, continuous improvement, and empowerment (decolonization).
An avid cross-country skier, runner, cyclist, and home cook, Chris looks forward to spending time with his two eldest children and their families while advancing research excellence at Aurora College's campuses in Inuvik (Western Arctic Research Centre), Fort Smith (South Slave Research Centre), and Yellowknife (North Slave Research Centre).