Charles Russell

Jenn's Bio

Jenn is a Logician (according to her 16 Personalities test). With an unquenchable thirst for knowledge she leans to innovative inventions, approaching life and work in unconventional ways. A flexible thinker, Jenn often finds herself walking unlikely paths with a strong focus on objectivity and rationality.

Alberta Pulse Growers

Balwinder's Bio

Dr. Balwinder Kumar is a Research Scientist at Lakeland College’s Applied Research in Vermilion, Alberta. He specializes in cereal and forage crop agronomy, nutrient management, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient farming systems. With over 20 years of experience in research, teaching, extension and administration, Dr. Kumar works closely with farmers, scientists, and students to solve real-world agricultural challenges.

At Lakeland College, he leads projects focused on improving production of wheat, barley, oat, triticale and forage crops to support crops and livestock producers across the Prairies. His research helps farmers grow healthier, more productive crops using smarter agronomic management and conservation practices.

Originally from India, Dr. Kumar has shared his research in over seven countries and has received international recognition for his work. He’s passionate about engaging youth and the next generation of agricultural leaders in science, sustainability, and innovation.

Lakeland College

Jamie's Bio

Jamie Gervais Rietveld is a passionate advocate for food literacy and positive societal impact. With a degree in Nutrition and Food Science from the University of Alberta, Jamie focused in nutraceuticals, complimenting earlier studies in dietetics at Southeast Missouri State University.

In response to a corporate takeover, Jamie founded FoodImpact, an initiative that delivered nutrition and food education to Alberta’s elementary schools for 11 years until the 2020 pandemic disrupted operations. During this period, Jamie pursued further education in Marketing at the University of Calgary, gaining experience in product development and social media marketing. This sparked an interest in psychology, leading to studies at Athabasca University in decision-making, behavioral science, and learning psychology.

Currently, Jamie is a graduate student in Transdisciplinary Research and a graduate research assistant at the University of Calgary, where her research bridges marketing, public health, and education to explore decision-making around food choices for youth. To address reduced funding for food education in low socioeconomic status communities, Jamie established the Food Discovery Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to providing food literacy education to children and disabled individuals in need.

Jamie’s enthusiasm for learning, exploration, and creating meaningful change continues to shape her impactful journey.

FOOD IMPACT

Stacy's Bio

Stacy Murray is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and the agriculture industry. Currently the extension coordinator with Gateway Research Organization (GRO), a non-profit producer-led applied agriculture research association, she has spent her career sharing her knowledge and passion with youth and producers around the province. GRO does research and demonstration projects relating to crop production, soil, water, livestock and grazing. Stacy supports this work hands-on in the field, by organizing field days and workshops, sharing with school groups, and through various print and electronic means. 

Stacy grew up on a mixed farming operation and her family’s involvement in various agriculture organizations provided opportunities to travel much of Western Canada and learn about wide range of operations in the agriculture industry. She was raised with a belief in sustainable and regenerative concepts before they became terms applied to the agriculture industry. Stacy has a BSc in Agriculture and believes that cooperation between all involved in the agri-food value chain - producers, industry, processors and consumers - can lead to solutions that will benefit everyone economically, environmentally, and for health.

Gateway Research Organization