Kim Sturgess

Patrick's Bio

Patrick Hanington | Professor, University of Alberta
Projects in Action Workshops (Saturday morning)

Patrick is an associate professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Alberta. Patrick and his group use molecular biology to detect and quantify organisms that pose a risk to human and environment health in aquatic ecosystems. Part of this research involves engagement of community and school-based participants to expand the scope of research projects, encourage community participation in scientific research and increase water literacy.

University of Alberta

Jessica's Bio

Jessica Needham | Youth Advisory Council Coordinator, Ducks Unlimited Canada
Projects in Action Workshops (Saturday morning)

Jessica is currently the Youth Advisory Council Coordinator for Ducks Unlimited Canada. She has the privilege of working with youth from across Canada who are helping to shape the future of conservation and youth engagement at DUC. Jessica is also a part of the National Education Team at Ducks Unlimited Canada, where she helps to develop and deliver educational programming.

In recent years, Jessica has been conducting research on how to transform local knowledge into spatial data that can be used to help make conservation decisions. She completed the Master of Environmental Studies program and a BSc in Environmental Science at Dalhousie University.

Ducks Unlimited Canada

Paige's Bio

Paige Kuczmarski | Invasive Species Technician, Alberta Invasive Species Council
Round Tables (Friday afternoon)

Born and raised in Edmonton, Paige has become a ’Jill of all trades’ with invasive species. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences from MacEwan University in 2017 where she was first introduced to invasive species through multiple research projects with garlic mustard and forest tent caterpillars. Soon after, Paige started a position with Alberta Agriculture where she focused on a flowering rush control project and creating the coveted ’Aquatic Invasive Species Pocket Guide’.

Since then, contracts with Alberta Environment and Parks have brought her all over the province for fieldwork as well as allowed her knack for creating punny education and outreach methods to grow. In 2021, she joined the Alberta Invasive Species Council as an Invasive Species Technician where she organizes the Biocontrol Release Program, social media initiatives and everything else under the invasive species sun!

Alberta Invasive Species Council

Lisa's Bio

Lisa Pollio | Program Manager, Careers in Energy (Energy Safety Canada)
Innovation Gallery (Saturday morning)

Lisa joined Energy Safety Canada (ESC) as a Program Manager in 2013, after six years of working in the oil sands region of Fort McMurray. Lisa learned valuable field experience as a Health, Safety and Environment Advisor and then transitioned to a Disability Management role. This hands-on knowledge allowed her to obtain the Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) designation.

Being part of the Training and Industry Development and Support teams at ESC has enabled Lisa to bring her expertise of our sector to the Careers in Energy group. An adventurer at heart, Lisa loves spending her free time in the mountains or travelling to different parts of the world with her family.

Careers in Energy