Joelle Thorpe
About Joelle Thorpe
Joelle Thorpe serves as the Acting Senior Policy Advisor and Executive Assistant at the Government of Canada, where she has worked since 2021. She has a strong academic background in psychology, neuroscience, and biology, and has held various roles in science policy and research since 2014.
Work at Government of Canada
Joelle Thorpe has been employed at the Government of Canada since 2016. She initially served as a Canadian Science Policy Postdoctoral Fellow for one year before transitioning to the role of Science Policy Analyst in 2017. In this capacity, she has worked for seven years, contributing to various science policy initiatives. Since 2021, she has taken on the position of Acting Senior Policy Advisor and Executive Assistant, where she manages the daily activities of the Director General's Office at Defence Research and Development Canada. In her current role, she provides strategic advice and liaises with the Assistant Deputy Minister's Office and other Director General offices.
Education and Expertise
Joelle Thorpe holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University, which she completed from 2009 to 2013. Prior to this, she earned a Master of Science (MS) in Zoology/Animal Biology from Queen's University, studying from 2007 to 2009. She also obtained a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology/Biological Sciences from Queen's University, graduating in 2007. Her educational background provides a strong foundation for her work in science policy and research.
Background
Joelle Thorpe began her career as a Clinical Research Associate at Queen's University, where she worked from 2014 to 2016. This role involved engaging in clinical research projects in Kingston, Ontario. Her transition to the Government of Canada marked a shift towards policy analysis and advisory roles, where she has since focused on science policy and strategic advice within the defense sector.
Achievements
In her current role as Acting Senior Policy Advisor and Executive Assistant, Joelle Thorpe reviews briefing notes and provides feedback prior to submission to the Director General. Her responsibilities include managing the daily operations of the Director General's Office at Defence Research and Development Canada and providing strategic advice to support the Director General. These contributions are essential for the effective functioning of the office and the advancement of science policy initiatives.