New business dean brings passion for research

Joseph Doucet hopes to enhance the student experience and make graduates more attractive to the job market

With a number of groundbreaking achievements already under his belt, University of Alberta professor Joseph Doucet has another one to add to his list as the newly-appointed interim dean of business.

Doucet, who came to the University of Alberta from the Université Laval, has now been a member of the School of Business for almost 12 years as both a professor and researcher.

After plunging into the Alberta energy scene upon his arrival in 2000, he was awarded the title of Enbridge Professor of Energy Policy in the department of marketing, business economics, and law. His term as interim dean began in January and is set to run for two and a half years.

“I came here principally because of the interest and challenge in energy policy and teaching research in the business school, as well as the energy environment here in Alberta,” Doucet said. “That’s what attracted me ... and so far, it’s been an absolutely fabulous match.”

After arriving at the U of A, Doucet helped to cultivate an MBA specialization in natural resources, energy and the environment — something that was just on the cusp of blossoming when he arrived.

“I (also) created a research centre,” said Doucet, who spearheaded the Centre for Applied Business Research in Energy and the Environment. “I’ve hired people to teach and do research in this area, so it’s been very exciting.”

Considering his recent appointment as interim dean, Doucet said that one of the things he is planning to focus on is adding to and improving the student experience.

“We already have tremendous programs and a lot of great experience for our students,” Doucet said.

“We have a whole lot of complimentary activities to our academic program — case competitions, study tours, or study abroad.  I hope to do more of that — more of the things that compliment and benefit the traditional academic learning in the core competencies, whether that’s accounting or finance or marketing.”

Doucet added that he wants to enhance the student experience to not only improve their time at the School of Business, but also to make them more attractive and productive when they go out into the job market.

“I think they’re going to enjoy it,” Doucet said in regards to his plans for business students. “I’m really excited about this job and this opportunity — it’s exhilarating.”

Doucet’s passion for energy research has taken him to the top of energy associations and committees across Canada. He served as president of the Canadian affiliate of the International Association of Energy Economics, and also edits a number of energy-related journals such as the Journal of Regulatory Economics and Energy Studies Review.

“I’ve been very fortunate to have all these opportunities,” Doucet said. “Now that I’ve come into the dean’s role, I’m very excited about the possibilities that open up in terms of helping the school develop and move to the next level.”

As an applied economist, Doucet works in areas of applied energy and regulatory policy for his research, looking at things that have an impact on resource or infrastructure development.

“I find (my research) very exciting, and I believe it’s very important because of the significance of energy on all levels throughout the economy,” Doucet said. “If you think of Alberta, you obviously think about the energy resources we have that can be developed.”

Doucet added that an equally important thing Albertans should think about is technologies used to extract or consume energy, which leads to efficiency issues.

“It’s important to understand how good government policy and the right policy tools have an impact on the development of technology and innovation,” Doucet said. “While people might not be directly employed in the energy sector, they certainly feel the impact and benefit of the development of it.”

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