Trina Innes

Murdoch's Bio

Murdoch McKinnon | PhD Student, University of Waterloo
Youth Environmental Action Panel (Saturday Morning)

Murdoch is a PhD student in Geography at the University of Waterloo. His research involves studying a new method to turn oil well pads back into peatland wetlands just outside of Slave Lake, Alberta. Accordingly, he spends much of his time knee-deep in peat, swatting mosquitoes, and pouring water out of his boots—all in the name of science.

He is also a member of the new Youth Advisory Council at Ducks Unlimited Canada, where he works as part of a team of young people from across the country to help improve wetland conservation programming for youth. When not out studying a wetland or in the lab, Murdoch can usually be found exploring the Canadian Rockies on foot or on skis.

DUC Youth Advisory Council

Elizabeth's Bio

Elizabeth Murphy | MSc student, Chemistry Department, University of Alberta
Innovation Gallery (Saturday 11:15-12:15)

Elizabeth Murphy completed her BSc in chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Western Ontario before moving to Edmonton in 2021 to pursue her masters. She is currently a second year MSc student in the department of chemistry, researching the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into useful fuel precursors using transition-metal catalysts. This research has a long-term goal of developing net-CO2-zero fuels by repurposing CO2 waste.

Department of Chemistry - University of Alberta
 
 

Dinara's Bio

Dinara Millington | Western Network Lead, The Transition Accelerator
Round Tables (Friday afternoon)

As the Western Network Lead at The Transition Accelerator, Dinara Millington is responsible for catalyzing the development and linkage of a network of strategically located hydrogen hubs across Western Canada. This work includes building and managing strategic relationships, identifying promising locations for new hubs in Western Canada, and developing systems of communication and knowledge sharing to link new hubs.

Dinara’s advanced knowledge of the energy industry and regulatory landscape, along with her technical and leadership skills have contributed to her almost 20-year energy career. In her previous role, Dinara was responsible for leading research programs, liaising with board and senior management, assisting in fundraising, and managing various committees.

Her effective communication skills and ability to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders are evidenced through publication of numerous research reports and appearances in articles and television interviews with local, national, and international media. Dinara holds Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Economics from the University of Calgary.

The Transition Accelerator

Sam's Bio

Sam Effah | Canada Games Gold Medalist, Right to Play Ambassador, Amazing Race Canada Finalist
Keynote Speaker

As a native Albertan, Sam has speed. He represented Canada at 3 World Championships, 3 World University Games, 2 Commonwealth Games and was inducted into the 2021 Canada West Hall of Fame. Most recently, Sam was named co-Chef de Mission for the 2022.

As a volunteer, he’s an athlete ambassador with Right To Play and a past Classroom Champions mentor, where he focuses on using his platform to inspire the next generation of youth around the world.

In 2019 he was cast on The Amazing Race Canada Season 7 and placed second overall. 

Outside of athletics and in-office work, Sam loves to speak. He leads a strong stage presence, developed over the course of a ten-year career as a seminar speaker, workshop facilitator, and motivational presenter.

Learn More About Sam Effah