Sprott Faculty Retirements
Goodbyes are never easy, especially when parting with those who have been significant in shaping the Sprott School of Business as it is today. This year, we are honouring retiring faculty whose contributions leave a lasting mark not only on our research community but also on our academic leadership and institutional memory.
Alejandro (Alex) Ramirez, Information Systems
For nearly three decades, Alex’s legacy has been a trusted mentor, innovative researcher, and dedicated leader. His research focused mainly on decision-support systems and digital innovation, with significant work in digital twinning. This work has appeared in many high-quality peer-reviewed journals, including Analytics and the International Journal of Energy Sector Management.
Recognized with Best Paper and Reviewer awards and supported by major grants, Alex not only advanced academia but also enriched the experiences of students who were fortunate enough to have worked with him. We thank him for his vision, leadership, and lasting contributions to the community.
Diane Isabelle, International Business
From motorcycles to entrepreneurship, Diane has brought a remarkable range of interests and experiences to Sprott, embodying the innovative spirit that defines this community. Her expertise in international business, technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation has helped students grow through exciting experiential learning opportunities.
Diane has led by example, strengthening Carleton’s innovation ecosystem by building lasting collaborations with industry and government partners through networking skills, skills she encourages her students to develop. Her research, published in leading journals and supported by global funding, has been presented at major conferences worldwide. Diane’s global perspective and adventurous spirit have left her students and Sprott as a whole, better connected to the world it serves.
Gerald Grant, Information Systems
Gerry’s time at Sprott is embodied by his commitment to research that creates real-world change. As Co-Lead and Principal Investigator of the Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub, he not only strengthened connections between business and academia to advance entrepreneurship, equity, and inclusion, but also inspired thought leadership and fostered community capacity building across Canada—leaving a legacy that will continue to grow.
Recognized by esteemed organizations such as the Black Business Professional Association (BBPA), Gerry leaves a lasting mark through the research he advanced, the communities he supported, and the many students who will carry his passion for using knowledge as a conduit for meaningful change.
Leighann Neilson, Marketing
Over her nineteen years at Sprott, Leighann has been an inspiring scholar, mentor, and colleague whose curiosity and dedication have left a lasting mark on our community. Her work in marketing history and consumer culture explored the historical, anthropological, and sociological aspects of marketing and consumption.
Recognized with the Capital Educators Award, multiple Best Paper and Outstanding Reviewer Awards, Leighann’s passion for research has been matched only by her generosity in sharing her knowledge and supporting our graduate students during her time as Academic Director of the graduate research programs. Sprott Shares will carry an ongoing legacy thanks to her leadership and dedication to our students. Her time at Sprott is a story of excellence, mentorship, and impact—one that we celebrate with deep gratitude and warmest congratulations.
Michael McIntyre, Finance
Mike is known for his curiosity and ability to work across diverse sectors, including finance, international business, strategy, and organizational learning. This work, which includes his award-winning research on pricing and derivative securities, has been published in top journals such as Corporate Governance: The International Journal of Business in Society.
Mike reminds us that the best ideas often come from questioning conventional wisdom. This is a lesson his colleagues and students will carry with them—along with the curiosity and courage he inspired—as they approach new problems to solve in their careers.