The DeGroote Heersink Hub is McMaster University’s integrated home for innovation and entrepreneurship training, uniting The Clinic and the Marnix E. Heersink School of Biomedical Innovation & Entrepreneurship.
Our team brings together academic, operational, and strategic expertise to support learners, innovators, and partners, working collaboratively across both entities to advance education, innovation, and real-world impact.
Executive Director, DeGroote Heersink Hub
John provides overall leadership and strategic direction as Executive Director of the DeGroote Heersink Hub. He guides vision, priorities, and partnerships, supporting teams and programs that advance entrepreneurship training, venture development, commercialization, and real-world impact across McMaster University.
Manager, The Clinic
Fiona oversees the operations of The Clinic, ensuring its work remains aligned, collaborative, and impactful. Fiona’s role focuses on guiding activities, programs, and staff throughout the academic year while strengthening partnerships across the internal and external innovation ecosystem.
Senior Coordinator, Projects & Strategic Initiatives
Mallory supports executive leadership in advancing projects and strategic initiatives for the DeGroote Heersink Hub. Mallory’s role focuses on ensuring priorities are aligned, coordinated, and effectively delivered.
Director of Strategy & Operations
Sarah leads strategic planning and supports organizational decision-making across the DeGroote Heersink Hub. Sarah’s role focuses on setting direction, aligning priorities, and enabling effective execution to support long-term growth and impact.
Program Manager, Master of Biomedical Innovation
Jennifer oversees the administration and delivery of the Master of Biomedical Innovation program within the Marnix E. Heersink School of Biomedical Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Jennifer’s role includes managing academic operations, student engagement, and program logistics while supporting curriculum implementation and collaboration across faculty and partners.
Program Assistant, Master of Biomedical Innovation
Caitlin supports the delivery of the Master of Biomedical Innovation program within the Marnix E. Heersink School of Biomedical Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Caitlin’s work focuses on coordinating curriculum, events, and day-to-day operations to ensure a seamless experience for students, faculty, and partners.
Assistant Professor
Anna is a founding contributor to the Master of Biomedical Innovation program within the Marnix E. Heersink School of Biomedical Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Anna supports interdisciplinary and experiential learning that connects academic scholarship with real-world health innovation, helping strengthen the integration of research, education, and innovation across the DeGroote Heersink Hub’s activities.
Director, Executive Innovation Programs
Dave provides strategic guidance and insight to support the development and advancement of innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives across the DeGroote Heersink Hub. Dave brings extensive experience in stakeholder engagement, organizational leadership, and program development, working closely with leadership to help shape priorities and inform decision-making.
Acting Director, Master of Biomedical Innovation
Alan provides academic leadership for the Master of Biomedical Innovation program within the Marnix E. Heersink School of Biomedical Innovation & Entrepreneurship. A long-standing leader in medical education at McMaster University, Alan has held multiple senior academic roles and was instrumental in developing the COMPASS MD curriculum.
Program Administrator, The Clinic
Dua coordinates programs, supports innovators, and oversees day-to-day operations within The Clinic. Dua’s role focuses on ensuring smooth program delivery and operational support for activities and initiatives within The Clinic.
Jon contributes to innovation and entrepreneurship education within the DeGroote Heersink Hub. Jon’s work focuses on advancing interdisciplinary approaches that connect academic research with real-world health and biomedical innovation, supporting experiential learning and collaboration across research, education, and practice.
Communications Assistant
Nate supports marketing and communications initiatives across DeGroote Heersink Hub. Nate’s role focuses on content development, coordination, and day-to-day communications support to help ensure clear and consistent messaging.
Administration & Project Coordinator
Sarah provides executive-level administrative and project coordination support to the DeGroote Heersink Hub’s leadership team. Sarah oversees the day-to-day operations of the executive office and supports project-related activities on behalf of the executive team.
Manager, Finance & Administration
Raquel oversees human resources, finances, and operational processes for the DeGroote Heersink Hub. Raquel works closely with leadership to support the effective, sustainable delivery of programs and initiatives and to ensure organizational operations remain aligned with strategic priorities.
Relationship Manager
Alex strengthens and grows the health innovation ecosystem by building and stewarding relationships with students, alumni, contributors, faculty, hospital, and industry partners. Alex’s role focuses on designing and coordinating engagement across programs, supporting contributors and participants through the program lifecycle, to cultivate connection, collaboration and community involvement.