Bryan Helfenbaum

Bryan's Bio

Bryan Helfenbaum is the Vice President of Clean Energy at Alberta Innovates, where he oversees programs in Clean Technology and Advanced Hydrocarbons with key initiatives in hydrogen, CCUS, digital energy, bitumen beyond combustion, and others. Before joining Alberta Innovates, he spent 20 years in technical, business, and innovation roles in the private sector.  Bryan has taught courses at the University of Calgary and worked on innovative community residential development projects.  

Bryan has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Waterloo and an MBA from Calgary.

Alberta Innovates

Aaron's Bio

A Grade 12 student currently attending Westmount Charter Mid-High School, Aaron is very excited to lead the MFC Games again this year. Ever since he and his team won two similar challenges in 2020, Aaron has been interested in this innovative new technology. Through the MFC Games, Aaron has been able to improve his communication skills and network with many prominent figures in the environmental sustainability industry.

MFC Games

Valerie's Bio

Valerie Miller (she/her) holds a PhD in land reclamation from the University of Alberta, which focused on building soils using mine waste at a diamond mine in northern Canada.

As Outreach and Engagement Lead for Future Energy Systems, a research program at the University of Alberta, Valerie manages the Energy Explorers training program, coordinates the extensive outreach and engagement program, and works with numerous external partners to provide public access to research and researchers. She is the author of The Energy Adventures of Tommy and Remi series.

Future Energy Systems

Aspen's Bio

Aspen Dudzic is the Director of Communications at the Alberta Forest Products Association and has been working with the association for over 5 years. She supports media and government relations at the AFPA, but most of her work is centered around public engagement and educational initiatives including leading AFPA’s award-winning campaigns, Work Wild and Love Alberta Forests.

Aspen serves on the leadership team of the Forestry Together alliance, an initiative that works to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canada’s forest industry. She is also the host of AFPA’s podcast, Forestry Talks, which explores all things forestry in Alberta and can be streamed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube.

Alberta Forest Products Association