Mike Toffan

Emma's Bio

Emma Kniel has worked in forestry education for over 6 years. In her role as program coordinator with CAREERS she mentors youth taking their first steps into exploring future career pathways, especially within the forest sector. She has also spent many years in the classroom leading students and teachers through forestry awareness and career preparedness workshops.

Prior to her work in forest education, Emma attended the University of Alberta’s forest management program. She also worked with West Fraser, and Weyerhaeuser in their silviculture departments monitoring tree planting programs, conducting reforestation surveys, and assisting in tree improvement research efforts.

Careers The Next Generation

James's Bio

James Agate has 25 years of environmental management experience, both in consulting and industry. He graduated from the University of Calgary, majoring in geography, and has been with Canadian Natural Resources Limited since 2002. James has held several roles in the environmental and reclamation space, engaging with internal and external stakeholders to improve reclamation practices and accelerate the pace of site closure.

In addition, James represents Canadian Natural at the COSIA Land Steering Committee collaborating with peers and academics on innovations to address oil sands reclamation priorities.

Canadian Natural

Philip's Bio

Philip Hoffman (he/him) is an arthropod biodiversity technician at the Northern Forestry Centre in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton, AB), Treaty 6 Territory. He specializes in spider and beetle identification. He is passionate about sharing knowledge and being involved in research with the goal of preserving and protecting Mother Earth. In his spare time he enjoys hiking, biking, fishing and skateboarding.

Northern Forestry Centre

Dr.'s Bio

As the Professor & Chair of the Renewable Resources Department at the University of Alberta, Dr. Nadir Erbilgin earned his PhD from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, in 2001, followed by post-doctoral research at the University of California, Berkeley, until 2007. After joining the University of Alberta as a Canada Research Chair, Nadir became a full professor in 2017. Nadir’s expertise in forest health, reflected in top-tier publications, conference invitations, Senate testimonies, and substantial funding, spans invasive biology and chemical ecology.

Over the years, Nadine has supervised numerous researchers and students, hosted international scholars, secured grants, and maintained an impactful publication record. Nadir’s service contributions extend to leadership roles, academic committees, and international peer review activities, while his teaching commitments have remained consistent over the past 15 years.

Renewable Resources - University of Alberta