Michael Wagner

Richard's Bio

Richard Phillips | General Manager, Bow River Irrigation District, Alberta Irrigation Districts Association
Round Tables (Friday afternoon)

Richard is the chair of Irrigating Alberta Inc., the consortium of irrigation districts participating in the Alberta Irrigation Modernization Program. He has been with the Bow River Irrigation District since 1996, initially as the district engineer, and as the general manager since 2004. He serves as vice chair of the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association and the Bow River Basin Council and chair of the Vauxhall and District Regional Water Services Commission. He has a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Alberta and is a professional engineer. He enjoys fishing and a variety of other outdoor recreational activities.

Alberta Irrigation Districts Association

Dr.Vanessa's Bio

Dr. Vanessa Swarbrick | Senior Science Advisor, Office of the Chief Scientist, Government of Alberta
Water 101 (Friday morning)

Vanessa Swarbrick is passionate about using science to advance the way we manage aquatic ecosystems and has worked on water-related issues across academic, non-profit, industry, and government sectors. As a scientist, she is interested in the intersection of limnology, biogeochemistry, and resource management.

From the highest alpine lakes to our prairie rivers and streams, Dr. Swarbrick’s research has evaluated the impacts of different types of pollution, like mercury, organic contaminants, and nutrients, on freshwater ecosystems in Canada. Since joining the Government of Alberta in 2014, she has focused on improving the way water is managed through science and monitoring, policy, and resource management programs. 

Office of the Chief Scientist

Jennifer's Bio

Jennifer Shearer | Subteam, University of Calgary Solar Car Team
Innovation Gallery (Saturday morning)

The University of Calgary Solar Car Team has the vision of leading the community in the pursuit of sustainable technology. To do so, our team members design, build and race practical solar cars that engage the community and encourage the growth of student leaders.

Throughout our 18 years of impact in the community, our team has aimed to educate younger generations, innovate within our Calgarian community, and inspire the automotive industry to push for the implementation of renewable energies within our daily lives.

University of Calgary Solar Car Team

Dr.Jessica's Bio

Dr. Jessica Liggett | Senior Hydrogeologist, Alberta Geological Survey / Alberta Energy Regulator
Round Tables (Friday afternoon)

"Water is essential for life. My fascination with water started as a kid, when I’d sit by rushing mountain streams, watching the water toss and turn over the rocks. I am now a hydrogeologist at the Alberta Geological Survey where I map and model Alberta’s precious groundwater resources to balance groundwater use with sustainability." - Dr. Jessica Liggett

Alberta Energy Regulator