New One Health Institute Director Aims to Build Interdisciplinary Collaborations

Dr. Elizabeth Finnis, an anthropologist whose research and teaching draws on biological and cultural anthropology, has been appointed to a five-year term as the new director of the University of Guelph’s One Health Institute beginning May 1, 2025.

Dr. Cate Dewey, the current director, will continue in the role for the winter semester.

As a professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS), Finnis’ research has focused on working with smaller-scale farmers in India, Paraguay and Canada, addressing topics including food security, the political ecology of agricultural and dietary and culinary transitions, rural livelihoods, and perceptions of health in people, animals and the environment.

Before joining U of G, Finnis completed her PhD in the Department of Anthropology at McMaster University where she researched the political ecology of crop commercialization and dietary change in India. Next, she conducted post-doctoral research in the Department of Anthropology and the Centre for Society, Technology and Development at McGill University in Montreal.

“Dr. Finnis’ appointment highlights and reinforces the unique transdisciplinary attributes of our Institute that have brought us so much international attention to date”, said Dr. Jeff Wichtel, Ontario Veterinary College dean and chair of the One Health Institute’s advisory board. “Dr. Finnis brings unique perspectives and a strong vision for the Institute.”

A vision for the future of One Health at U of G

“I am excited by the possibilities ahead for the One Health Institute,” said Finnis. “Over the next five years, I look forward to leading transdisciplinary collaborations that build on the Institute’s strong and innovative foundation.”

Finnis emphasized the importance of inclusivity in shaping the Institute’s future. “I value and prioritize diverse voices and experiences in developing and implementing shared goals and priorities,” she said. “Together, we will continue advancing research and teaching agendas on national and international levels.”

Since joining U of G, Finnis has served in a range of leadership roles, including as chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, and graduate coordinator for the Public Issues Anthropology MA.

“As the inaugural director of the One Health Institute, I am proud to reflect on all that the University of Guelph has accomplished since 2019,” said Dewey. 

“Due to the dedication of faculty and staff we have highly successful undergraduate and graduate training programs as well as a micro-credential course. Faculty from across the university are leading exciting transdisciplinary One Health research projects.  Our student committee is robust, and our international reputation is stellar. Dr. Finnis has a solid foundation on which to build.”