Dr. Lisa Porter

Early life

Lisa Porter was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, where she was the eldest of three siblings in a close and supportive family. Her early interest in science, combined with strong academic encouragement at home, shaped her path toward a career in biomedical research.

She pursued undergraduate studies at McMaster University, earning a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Biology and Pharmacology through the university’s co-operative education program. This training provided her with early exposure to both academic and industrial research environments. She continued at McMaster University to complete a PhD in Medical Sciences, where her doctoral research focused on the molecular mechanisms regulating cell growth and division, laying the foundation for her future work in cancer biology.

Dr. Porter later completed postdoctoral training at the University of California San Diego, where she contributed to research characterizing key proteins involved in cell cycle regulation. During this period, she expanded her expertise in molecular and cellular biology while working within an internationally recognized research environment.

Career

Following her postdoctoral training, Dr. Porter returned to Canada and joined the faculty at the University of Windsor, where she established a research program focused on cancer biology, cell cycle control, and the molecular drivers of tumour growth. Her work examines how disruptions in normal cellular regulation contribute to cancer development, with increasing relevance to brain health and stem cell biology.

In addition to her academic role, Dr. Porter held a senior research leadership position at St. Joseph’s Health Care London, where she served as Vice President of Research. In this capacity, she provided strategic oversight for hospital-based research programs, supported clinical–academic partnerships, and strengthened research governance and infrastructure within the health care setting. Her tenure at St. Joseph’s reflected her ability to bridge discovery science, clinical research, and institutional leadership.

From 2019 to 2024, Dr. Porter was the Founding Director of WE-SPARK Health Institute, a joint initiative designed to foster cross-border research collaboration between Canada and the United States. Under her leadership, WE-SPARK grew into a hub for health research innovation, partnership development, and community engagement, emphasizing translational research and real-world impact.

Dr. Porter is also a founding member of the Windsor Cancer Research Group, contributing to the strategic direction of cancer research in the region.

At the national level, Dr. Porter plays an active role in shaping Canada’s research ecosystem. She serves as a University Delegate and member of the College of Reviewers with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, participating in peer review and research funding strategy. She is also a board member of Research Canada, where she contributes to national advocacy efforts supporting health research, innovation, and evidence-based policy.

Her research has received competitive funding from CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR).

Net Worth

Dr. Lisa Porter’s net worth has not been publicly disclosed.