Fedoruk Centre at USask announces new executive director

Hall, the former director of research at SNOLAB, will step into the new role in the Fedoruk Centre following the planned departure of long-serving Executive Director Dr. John Root (PhD).

Since 2017, Hall has been a leader at one of Canada’s premier facilities for astro-particle research, heading the research group, project management office and scientific support team to ensure the lab’s science program continues the tradition of world class research.

“I am excited to join the team at the Fedoruk Centre and continue the work set out by its leadership and board,” said Hall. “The Fedoruk Centre has built a strong foundation of nuclear innovation in Saskatchewan, and I look forward to helping move it into its next phase.”

Hall completed his PhD at the University of Utah, studying gamma rays produced by dark matter annihilation. He went on to complete a post-doctoral fellowship at Fermilab, where he contributed to underground dark matter experiments including CDMS-II, SuperCDMS, and COUPP. Hall’s work ranged from improving electronics performance in cryogenic detectors to analyzing acoustic signatures in bubble chambers and deploying new technologies at SNOLAB.

At SNOLAB, Hall has overseen a broad portfolio of projects while maintaining the integrity and operation of the scientific infrastructure of the lab, and is known for his ability to work across disciplines and bring together teams to advance major initiatives in physics and nuclear research.

“As the Fedoruk Centre and the Province of Saskatchewan enters a new and exciting phase of nuclear innovation, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Hall to the organization,” said Dr. Esam Hussein (PhD, PEng), chair of the Fedoruk Centre Board of Directors. “With Saskatchewan poised for the deployment of nuclear energy technologies, building on a foundation of nuclear research, development and training, we look forward to seeing how Dr. Hall will contribute to the Fedoruk Centre’s continued success.”

Joining the Fedoruk Centre in 2011 as its foundational executive director and then again in 2017 to steer the organization into its next stage of growth and development, Root has served the organization and worked to position Saskatchewan among global leaders in nuclear research, development and training.

Through strategic partnerships with universities and industry, Root’s vision has helped maximize the social and economic benefits of nuclear innovation for the people of the province. Root has been instrumental in strengthening Saskatchewan’s nuclear research community.

The Fedoruk Centre established research chairs in nuclear detectors and imaging technology, radiopharmacy, nuclear imaging in veterinary science, and neutron imaging. Root established a regular practice for funding research projects, empowering Saskatchewan scientists to participate in a wide range of nuclear subjects. He helped to establish the business framework for the Saskatchewan Cyclotron Facility and secured capital funding for an innovation wing with specialized equipment enabling scientists to safely conduct radiochemistry, preclinical studies and clinical trials for nuclear medicine.

“Dr. Root’s commitment to supporting nuclear research in Saskatchewan is unmatched,” said Hussein. “His vision and dedication have laid a strong foundation for the Fedoruk Centre’s future. While we are excited to move into this next chapter, Dr. Root’s legacy will continue to shape the Fedoruk Centre for years to come.”