L-R Dr. Amy Mack and Dr. Alex Tetarenko (Supplied)

By Nathaniel Leigh

Prestigious Recognition

New University of Lethbridge Canada Research Chairs at forefront of critical studies

Oct 28, 2025 | 2:52 PM

A pair of University of Lethbridge staff members have been named research chairs in federal projects.

Dr. Alex Tetarenko, an astrophysicist in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, has been named a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Black Hole Astrophysics, and Dr. Amy Mack, an assistant professor in the Department of New Media, has been named a Tier 2 CRC in Digital Extremism.

Dr. Tetarenko is an internationally recognized researcher in high-energy astrophysics.

“My research focuses on developing creative new ways to study jets of material launched from stellar-mass black holes in our galaxy and extract vital new information about black-hole physics,” says Tetarenko. “This program will further enhance the growth of the Canadian astronomy talent pool by training postdoctoral fellows, graduate students and undergraduates, and have a wide-reaching impact in Canada and internationally.”

Dr. Mack is an internationally recognized researcher, speaker and writer in critical far-right studies and anthropology.

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“In an era of democratic backsliding and rising authoritarianism, we need to ensure that academic knowledge about the far right and other reactionary, anti-democratic movements is used effectively by stakeholders to disrupt radicalization and promote trust and social cohesion in our communities. This needs to be a whole-of-society approach that includes policy makers, tech companies, practitioners, educators, community advocates and the public,” says Mack.

Doctors Tetarenko and Mack will also be receiving $71,233 and $123,345 respectively, in funding for infrastructure through the John R. Evans Leaders Fund from the Canada Foundation for Innovation.

“This recognition reflects the high calibre of research taking place at the University of Lethbridge,” says Dr. Dena McMartin, vice-president research. “These Canada Research Chair appointments honour the achievements of Dr. Tetarenko and Dr. Mack and illustrate ULethbridge’s commitment to advancing knowledge and understanding in a broad range of fields from astrophysics to new media.”