Tangle McClaron

Dr.'s Bio

Dr. Robert Froese grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia surrounded by the forests of Pacific Spirit Park. He has always been drawn to forests and inspired by their relationship with human well-being.

Robert’s core values include the importance of knowledge in informing decisions people make about their place in the natural world and is committed to the role that universities have in promoting wide general good. This commitment has been shaped by his academic and professional experiences in British Columbia, Idaho, Michigan, and Alberta, and is the foundation of Robert’s research and teaching in forest biometrics, modelling, and growth & yield.

Alberta School of Forest Science & Management

Jason's Bio

Jason Krips has been the President and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) since April 2020. In his role, Jason works with the Alberta forest industry and policy makers to grow this vitally important renewable and sustainable sector, which currently creates jobs for over 30,000 Albertans.

Prior to joining AFPA, Jason spent nearly 20 years with the Government of Alberta in numerous roles, with his last 6.5 years as Deputy Minister of two different ministries – Economic Development, Trade and Tourism and Agriculture and Forestry. A lawyer by training, Jason has a strong and diverse background in the areas of industry policy, issues management, team building and stakeholder engagement.

Alberta Forest Products Association

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

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