R. Cassandra Lord named director of Black Research Network

R. Cassandra Lord has been named director of the Black Research Network (BRN). 

Lord, an associate professor of sexuality studies in the department of historical studies and the Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies program at the University of Toronto Mississauga, has served as acting director since June 2025. Her appointment will be effective until June 30, 2027. 

She succeeds Enid Montague, a professor at the department of mechanical and industrial engineering in the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, who assumed the BRN directorship in July 2024. 

“When the steering committee co-founded the BRN, our vision was to build Canada’s leading Black academic research network – one that advances research excellence and makes a meaningful difference for Black researchers at the University of Toronto,” says Rhonda McEwen, president and vice-chancellor of Victoria University of Toronto and a BRN steering committee member.  

“As the work of our members continues to inform and sustain our mission, we move forward with purpose, momentum and a shared commitment to impact.” 

Montague’s tenure marked a new phase of strategic growth for the BRN, highlighted by expanded programming and the launch of the inaugural BRN Research Symposium. The annual event showcases Black-led, interdisciplinary research, recognized emerging scholars via poster awards and established a foundation for structured mentorship pathways, a central pillar of the network’s mandate.  

She also helped to advance collaborations that broadened the amplification of funding opportunities for future scholars in STEM, including for applications to the Undergraduate Student Research Award, administered jointly by Canada’s three research granting agencies.  

Under Montague’s leadership, the BRN cemented the sustainability of its physical spaces across the tri-campus and advocated for the creation of the Centre for Black Excellence and Belonging at the University of Toronto Mississauga. It also continued to support initiatives aligned with the BRN’s commitment to Black inclusion, such as the BE-STEMM conference, hosted by the Canadian Black Scientists Network. 

These efforts have continued under Lord’s leadership, with new programming focused on curated mentorship experiences at the recent BRN Inspires Social and resources that support success in academic pathways spanning research and teaching, including the BRN Academic Practice Lab.  

This year, the initiative opened calls for members to join the Black Research Network Advisory Committee, a consultative body that provides recommendations, insights, and feedback to support the development and implementation of programming. 

“I’m proud of the progress the BRN has made and thankful for the opportunity to contribute to its mission,” Montague says. “Dr. Lord has played an important role in that growth, and I’m confident the network will continue to realize new avenues for impact under her leadership.”