Dr. Lisa Porter

Lisa Porter is a Canadian biomedical scientist and academic leader known for her impact in cancer research, translational science, and health system collaboration. A Distinguished Professor in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the University of Windsor, she is the first woman in science at the institution to have received this honour. Her work covers basic discovery through clinical application to improve cancer care. As the inaugural Executive Director of WE-SPARK Health Institute Dr. Porter helped grow regional research capacity in Windsor-Essex. In this position, she guided the organization from a startup, establishing its governance, strategy, and long-term vision. Her leadership brought together hospitals, post-secondary institutions, and community partners to enable high impact research questions that can . Additionally, Dr. Porter has worked senior leadership positions in healthcare research. She was the former Vice President of Research and Scientific Director at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, where she led initiatives in research strategy, company structure, and institutional growth. Her career also includes leadership of the Windsor Cancer Research Group, where she strengthened collaboration and grew research activity in the region. A graduate of McMaster University, Dr. Porter completed her PhD in Medical Sciences before pursuing postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Diego. She has written more than 70 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to clinical trials on breast cancer and other diseases. Her research explores cell cycle regulation and its impact on cancer development, with a goal of finding new therapies. Dr. Porter has received several national and provincial awards, including the King Charles III Coronation Medal and the Ontario Medical Association Centennial Award. Her research, mentorship, and leadership advances scientific discovery while improving connections between research and patient care.