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On July 1, 2025, Anthony Singhal took on the role of vice dean of the Faculty of Science, where he will  support academic leadership across the faculty while advancing priorities in research and graduate education. His background in cognitive neuroscience and experience as chair of the Department of Psychology — which he served as from 2019 to 2024 — mean that he brings considerable scientific and leadership  expertise to the role.

Singhal’s research explores how the brain supports cognition, emotion and action. His approach to leadership, much like his research, starts with collaboration, communication and a deep curiosity about how people work and thrive together.

Meet Anthony Singhal, vice dean of science.

Tell us about your vision for the vice dean role — what is the work you will be involved in?

I am keen to engage with the opportunities and challenges associated with the vice dean of Science portfolio. My overall vision of the role is to serve the Faculty of Science for continued success at all levels. In addition to providing critical support for the dean and the senior executive team, some of my main activities will include: faculty and academic teaching staff annual evaluation, academic recruitment and retention, overseeing aspects of the research chair processes, actively supporting the research and graduate portfolios, and leading the Faculty of Science’s access, community, and belonging initiatives. 


In addition to your research, you've also served as chair of the Department of Psychology. What is your philosophy when it comes to leadership?

I strive to be collaborative, positive, and to build consensus whenever possible. Ultimately, this kind of work is about people — and creating and supporting the right kinds of environments where those people can thrive. 


Tell us a bit about your research. What area(s) have been your focus?

I am a cognitive neuroscientist with expertise in neuroimaging including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and electroencephalography (EEG). My team and I conduct basic research on the neural circuitry of cognition, emotion, and action, as well as interdisciplinary research with clinical populations, and in the context of human performance in safety sensitive environments. We collaborate with industry to understand the nature of impairment in the workplace, broadly defined to include fatigue, workload, substance use and cognitive decline.

What led you to pursue a career in psychology?

I have always been fascinated by science and understanding the nature of things. I was fortunate to have talented mentors and professors when I was starting out who fostered my curiosity and passion for science. The big question that first motivated me was about human consciousness, and how our subjective experience and awareness emerges from the physical brain.

Can you share a project or initiative you are particularly proud of? What was its impact?

Our work on the nature of the emotional brain and its impact on cognition and human performance involves collaboration with research colleagues across the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥, as well as at other Canadian and international institutions, government, and private industry. Throughout this innovative work, we have recruited tens of thousands of healthy and patient research participants across all ages, and utilized technically challenging protocols that continue to evolve. It is sometimes challenging to work with such a range of stakeholders who can have unique sets of priorities. Despite the potential for pitfalls in this kind of large-scale and multifaceted approach, our team has enjoyed a great deal of success, which has been greatly satisfying for me. 

What skills or experiences have been most valuable to you in your work?

There are certainly many. I benefited from an early research experience supported by the Canadian Space Agency to study perceptual-motor deficits in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. This work required considerable international collaboration and involved many serious challenges. For example, the project was delayed for several years after the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster because our experimental payload was to fly on the next mission, and all flights were cancelled pending the investigation. I guess it makes me realize the value of working together to solve problems, and reach goals. When challenges come up, I try to remember that the best solutions emerge from staying focused and committed as well as flexible while working as a team. 

What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?

Many years ago, I worked as a taxi driver. I drove both the night shift and the day shift. It was quite an interesting job.