Expert Guests

Colin's Bio

Colin Angus is a leading adventurer, filmmaker and bestselling author of Amazon Extreme, Lost in Mongolia, Beyond the Horizon and Rowed Trip.

He was awarded National Geographic’s Adventurer of the Year award for being the first to circle the world exclusively by human power, was listed by Outside Magazine as one of the world’s top 25 bold visionaries and is a Canadian Geographic Fellow.

Colin’s human-powered circumnavigation of the world included travelling 43,000 km in 720 days, rowing across the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, trekking and cycling through 16 countries, enduring winter in Siberia and searing heat in the tropics. He is also the first to raft the world’s fifth longest river, the Yenisey, and is one of a handful of teams to successfully raft the Amazon river from source to sea.  Colin’s spent years offshore sailing and has rowed thousands of kilometers in waterways around the world.

Colin is also an award-winning filmmaker whose films have aired around the world on National Geographic television and in film festivals. Some of his awards include Best Adventure Film at Taos Mountain Film Festival for Beyond the Horizon and Best Adventure Film at the Telluride Mountain Film festival for The Yenisey River Expedition.

Angus Adventures

Elder's Bio

Elder Heather Poitras, a member of the Sawridge First Nation (Treaty 8), is currently serving as an Elder for her Nation. Elder Heather grew up by the Kehewin Cree Nation (Treaty 6). Proud of both her First Nation and Métis culture, she has dedicated her 25+ year federal career to Indigenous awareness and culture. 

As the Elder-In-Residence at the Northern Forestry Centre (NRCAN) in Edmonton, she also played an instrumental role in the establishment of the We Walk Together Forward – Indigenous Learning Centre at the Northern Forestry Centre, Edmonton, Alberta.

Elder Heather Poitras, a descendant of Big Bear, comes from a long line of leaders. Her chapan (Cree for great-grandfather) J.F. Dion, one of the founders of the Métis Nation of Alberta, ensured that the Métis in Alberta had land base. The only province to do so.  

Elder Heather strives to ensure that her people, the original people of this country, are included in every aspect of society. She has been dedicated to creating awareness of Canada’s true history, to help with the healing process of reconciliation, and to improve relationships.

Northern Forestry Centre

Jessica's Bio

Jess is passionate about creating connections between people and forests. A graduate from University of Toronto’s Master of Forest Conservation program, Jessica (Jess) Kaknevicius has spent over 15 years in the non-profit sector including nearly nine years with Forests Ontario in a range of management and director roles between 2009 and 2018, focusing on growing education and awareness programming, fundraising, and supporting strategic development for the organization.

She also acted as the Vice-President of Education for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), where she played a critical senior leadership role overseeing philanthropic efforts and government agreements, governance, and supporting strategic planning and communications. She is a well-known advocate for the forest sector and co-founded Women in Wood, a networking group for women in the forest and wood-related sectors to share advice, information, and encouragement.

Forests Ontario

Women in Wood

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

Michael's Bio

Michael Wagner is a Registered Professional Forester and Forest Hydrologist with the Government of Alberta - Ministry of Forestry and Parks. He has over 20 years of experience in research hydrology, forestry, and land and watershed management issues. The position he has with the Forestry Division is focused on developing policy and decision support tools related to sustainable forest management and cumulative effects for addressing water and watershed management issues across Alberta’s forested regions.

Alberta Ministry of Forestry, Parks & Tourism

Alix's Bio

Alix is focused on supporting the development of the new SFI Urban and Community Forestry Sustainability Standard. As part of SFI’s urban and community forestry team, Alix works to increase the resiliency and sustainability of communities, both large and small. She is passionate about urban forestry and creating sustainable standards for the forest sector.

Before joining SFI, she worked as a tree specialist at a nursery, a landscape technician for the City of Edmonton, and was part of the environmental team at the District of North Vancouver. Alix holds a Bachelor of Urban Forestry from the University of British Columbia and is pursuing an Environmental Management Certificate from the University of Calgary.

Bob's Bio

Bob Jackle has worked for West Fraser for almost 29 years and started testing effluent in the lab at a pulp mill as an Environmental Technologist. Through the years, Bob has done many jobs including process expert, relief supervisor, shift supervisor, technical manager, and general manager.

West Fraser

Dr.'s Bio

Dr. Kevin Kemball is the Business Development Lead for Forestry and Environmental Sustainability with NAIT Applied Research. In this role Kevin supports project development identifying opportunities and working with researchers and research partners to initiate applied research and training. Kevin is a professional biologist (P.Biol.) in Alberta with a diverse background including degrees in biology, forestry, and ecology.

Areas of practice include ecological impact assessment, analysis, mapping, reclamation of disturbed lands including peatlands, and GHG protocol and project development. Prior to joining NAIT in 2018 Kevin consulted extensively with the oil and gas industry, mining, forestry, and government.

NAIT Applied Research

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

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

Patti's Bio

Patti is the Executive Director of the Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory that has been monitoring migratory and breeding bird populations in northern Alberta since 1994. She is also the Director of the Boreal Centre for Bird Conservation; an exciting education and research centre located in Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park.

Patti is passionate about the importance of community engagement and connecting people to the scientific research that takes place at her station. Using her unique ability to combine her experiences as a biologist and a teacher, Patti has created innovative hands-on education programs that connect visitors of all ages to the world of boreal birds and why we need to care about them.

Lesser Slave Lake Bird Observatory

Britni's Bio

Britni attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry. She worked as a silviculture summer student for Sundre Forest Products (West Fraser) for two summers as well as in the mill for a few months one winter.

Upon graduation, Britni started full time as a Silviculture Area Supervisor in Sundre and has been there ever since. As a silviculturist, Britni is responsible for all aspects of the reforestation after logging including site prescriptions, mechanical site prep, tree planting, vegetation management, surveys, and much more.

West Fraser

Aspen's Bio

Aspen is the Director of Communications for the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA) and has proudly worked as a part of Alberta’s forest industry for 5 years.

In her role, she leads public education campaigns, works with media partners to showcase the value of sustainable forest management, and hosts AFPA’s podcast, Forestry Talks. Aspen also serves on the leadership team of the newly established Forest Sector Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Alliance (FSEDIA).

Alberta Forest Products Association

Stephanie's Bio

Stephanie Leonard (She/Her) was brought on by Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada in 2017 in the roll of Environmental Coordinator. As part of the Land and Resource Department, Stephanie assists with environmental projects, consultation activities, GIS mapping, and is the Program Manager for AWN’s Caribou Patrol Program, which received an Emerald Award in the Wildlife and Biodiversity category in 2023.

Stephanie loves being outdoors near the small mountain town of Grande Cache, where she lives, spending time camping, hiking, and horseback riding. She is passionate about the work she does with caribou and on the environment.

Aseniwuche Winewak Nation of Canada

Mike's Bio

Mike Toffan knew early in life that he wanted a job that allowed him to work in nature. As the Founder and Executive Director of Project Forest, Mike secures land, creates planting plans and raises funds for Project Forest’s rewilding projects.

Connecting with people and communities is among the most impactful parts of his work through Project Forest. Mike values his opportunity to contribute to making a positive impact in people’s lives through building forests; this is a rare and extremely fulfilling part of his job. One of Mike’s biggest passions is to share the human impact stories of his work and inspire people to find their own way of making a positive impact in the world.

Project Forest

Dave's Bio

Dave Critchley is an engaging and experienced Senior Researcher with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry and is recognized internationally through various awards and honours. He is skilled in remote expedition research, educating adult learners, public speaking, rare species monitoring, sustainable development, and wetland restoration.

Past and present collaborations include all levels of Canadian government; industry, academic organizations, not-for-profits, and volunteer organizations. As a Royal Canadian Geographical Society Fellow and author celebrating and exploring Canada, he maintains three professional designations (RP.Bio., P.Biol., P.Ag.,) and a Master’s Degree in Ecosystem Restoration.

NAIT Conservation Biology

Denise's Bio

Denise Beaven has over 35 years of IT experience, mainly in the oil and gas industry. Co-Chair of Girls Talk Tech, which educates, encourages and empowers young girls to consider STEM careers.

ConocoPhillips Canada

Colin's Bio

Colin Harris has been immersed in the field of outdoor learning for nearly 15 years. He has been the Director of Outdoor Education at an Ontario-based centre, has instructed canoe trips for Outward Bound Canada and has worked with Indigenous students in the Northwest Territories.

He has been a classroom teacher, has completed a Master’s of Environmental Education and Communication through Royal Roads University and is currently pursuing a PhD in Education Research through the University of Calgary. He is the founder and Executive Director of Take Me Outside and initiated the organization by running across Canada, going into 80 schools across the country and engaging 20,000 students in the conversation of their time spent in front of screens compared to their time spent outside.

Take Me Outside

Tim's Bio

Tim Patterson was born Morris Coutlee who is a member of the Lower Nicola Indian Band that belongs to the Scw̓éxmx (“People of the Creeks”) a branch of the Nlaka’pamux (Thompson) Nation of the Interior Salish speaking peoples of British Columbia Canada. Tim grew up in Revelstoke where he began his passion for mountains. Tim developed Zuc’min Guiding by combining his Academic, Indigenous and Guiding knowledge together to advance Indigenous Knowledge of the mountains.

Zuc’min Guiding

Michelle's Bio

Michelle Harris is an environmental educator with over 12 years of experience in her field, and truly loves helping people to connect with outdoors and become inspired to want to protect it. As an Assistant Manager with WILD Outside, Michelle helps this high-school age conservation leadership program run smoothly not only in Alberta, but from Winnipeg to Vancouver as well. When Michelle is not working with this fantastic program, you can find her out kayaking, camping, downhill skiing, and doing citizen science with iNaturalist.

Canadian Wildlife Federation: WILD Outside

Kristen's Bio

Passionate about the environment, Kristen Foxcroft began her career in reclamation and remediation for the upstream oil and gas industry in southern Alberta after earning an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. Embracing the outdoors, Kristen found fulfillment in returning former well sites to a pre-disturbed state.

Over the past 13 years, Kristen has transitioned to a role with an energy producer, managing diverse projects. From overseeing reclamation efforts to leading caribou habitat restoration initiatives, Kristen works closely with Indigenous communities to refine restoration approaches. Her commitment extends to participating in the development of sustainability projects, shaping a positive environmental impact.

ConocoPhillips Canada

Michael's Bio

Michael leads a team that enables Cenovus’ upstream and downstream hydrocarbon business in Western Canada with up-front project approvals as well as after approval environmental monitoring and special issue support. Michael has an MSc. in Agroforestry (1999) as well as a BSc. in Forestry (1992) and is a Registered Professional Forester in Alberta.

Michael has 30 years of experience spanning the forest industry, applied science and consulting, as well as the energy industry in BC and Alberta. Michael pioneered the first forest habitat restoration trials in oilsands and led the establishment of the Cenovus Caribou Habitat Restoration Project, which is believed to be the largest and most comprehensive project of its kind in the world. Michael is a co-author on ~ 8 restoration-related publications, which support evidence-based continual improvement of restoration outcomes for carbon and caribou in the boreal.

Cenovus Energy

Bri's Bio

Bri Huot is the dynamic Communications and Engagement Specialist at the Alberta Emerald Foundation, a registered charity that accelerates environmental excellence by recognizing Alberta’s leaders and driving the adoption of best practices through educational storytelling. With a Bachelor of Commerce, Bri specializes in digital marketing, content creation, and public outreach.

In addition to spearheading the AEF’s social media and website management, Bri manages the Foundation’s four programs, including the What On EARTH Can We Do? Podcast. With over eight episodes per season, she engages in impactful conversations with environmental leaders to explore actionable solutions against climate change and environmental challenges.

Alberta Emerald Foundation

Jennifer's Bio

Jennifer Klutsch is a forest entomologist who works on bark beetles. Prior to her work at the Canadian Forest Service, she identified factors that impact mountain pine beetle populations in lodgepole pine and jack pine ecosystems while working on her PhD and post-doc at University of Alberta. She has also done research on the impact of mountain pine beetle on fuels and fire hazard.

Her current research focuses on early detection of mountain pine beetle and understanding whether the community of insects and fungi in jack pine may allow mountain pine beetles to expand its current range.

Northern Forestry Centre

Keyara's Bio

Keyara Carifelle is a member of the Bigstone Cree Nation located in Northern Alberta. Keyara is a recent alumnae from the University of Alberta with a bachelor of arts in Native Studies and a minor in Political Science. Currently, Keyara is an Assistant Implementation Officer for the Federal Government in Northern Forestry.

Keyara’s roles are to assist with grants and contributions for The Indigenous Forestry Initiative Program, as well as deliver Indigenous Knowledge to federal employees through our Knowledge Exchange Program and our Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation Program. Keyara is grateful to work alongside the Elder-in-Residence, and many other Elders throughout Turtle Island in helping to braid Indigenous Knowledge with Western Sciences, while providing Cultural competency training.

Northern Forestry Centre

Sarah's Bio

Sarah Nason’s family comes from a European settler background. Sarah has lived on Treaty 6 in Edmonton most of her life. She grew up loving nature, animals, horse-riding, and wandering around the city’s river valley trying to take good photos of ducks with my grainy camcorder.

After a Bachelors and Masters in Biology, Sarah wanted to reincorporate her artistic side. She now specializes in science communication: helping to bring research to a wider audience through creative means like drawing, illustration, infographics, storytelling, social media, and videos. At the Northern Forestry Centre Sarah is working to incorporate Indigenous Knowledge alongside science to help achieve a more holistic understanding of Canada’s forests.

Northern Forestry Centre

Alta's Bio

Starting work at a lab that included an enviro-analytical division, Alta quickly developed a focused interest in emissions and the regulations that constantly evolve, improving transparency in disclosures and encouraging reductions.

After nearly a decade of almost-exclusive focus on regulatory, voluntary, and project-based reduction GHG quantification, Alta has explored a broader scope of environmental practices. Over the last six years, she has gained exposure to many interesting frameworks that guide responsible environmental stewardship during energy production, across the life cycle. 

ConocoPhillips Canada

Denyse's Bio

Denyse Dawe is a Wildfire Science Analyst with the Canadian Forest Service. Denyse got her start in forestry by working as a field technician for a variety of research programs, spanning from identifying plants in bogs, electrofishing to learn more about fisheries’ species at risk, to collecting grizzly bear hair samples.

After doing a Masters in fire ecology and conservation, she found herself working for the CFS where she’s now been for five years. Denyse supports fire ecology science, fieldwork, and fire risk studies with the Wildfire Group at CFS.

Northern Forestry Centre

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

Hyerin's Bio

Hyerin is excited to answer any questions you may have about the environmental and forestry-related programs at the University of Alberta!

Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences

Winona's Bio

Winona Lafreniere is a proud member of Minegozibe Anishinabe Nation in Treaty 4 Territory in Manitoba. Her leadership role at Indian Resource Council and partner with Indigitech Destiny Institute, allows her to live out her passion in supporting the economic, social, and cultural aspirations of Indigenous people across Western Canada.

She is an active member of the Energy Futures Lab, Clean Resource Innovative Network, Economic Developers of Alberta, Calgary Aboriginal Urban Affairs Committee, Project Forest and is currently working on several community-led projects provincially and internationally. She continues to create innovative solutions that focus on regeneration and restoration of Mother Earth.

Indian Resource Council

Maxine's Bio

Maxine and Tangle McClaron have worked with a variety of Parks Organizations throughout Western Canada on a municipal, provincial and federal level. They also both have a background in theatre, which informs their communication styles. Through their work with the Alberta Parks Interpretation, Maxine and Tangle love finding creative ways to engage diverse audiences and spark interest in natural history. 

There is a one main difference between them: Max is very good at organizing things. Tangle is very good at making messes. 

Alberta Parks - Kananaskis Country

Tangle's Bio

Tangle and Maxine Bennett have worked with a variety of Parks Organizations throughout Western Canada on a municipal, provincial and federal level. They also both have a background in theatre, which informs their communication styles. Through their work with the Alberta Parks Interpretation, Tangle and Maxine love finding creative ways to engage diverse audiences and spark interest in natural history. 

There is a one main difference between them: Max is very good at organizing things. Tangle is very good at making messes. 

Alberta Parks - Kananaskis Country

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

Sithara's Bio

Sithara Fernando is a pioneering force in STEM, challenging conventional norms and advocating for diversity within environmental careers. As a woman of colour and a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, she brings a unique perspective to our panel.

Sithara has worked in a variety of Environmental roles in both the Public and Private sectors. She is currently the Academic Program Manager of STEM Programs at NorQuest College assisting students to find careers in Environmental Technology, Energy Management and Machine Learning. Sithara is also a supporter of the 1000 Women for STEM scholarship, which assists females to enter non-traditional STEM fields.

NorQuest College

Jeremy's Bio

Jeremy is a professional biologist, soccer coach and awesome Gran Turismo driver who has worked in the Alberta Oil and Natural Gas sector for 20 years.

Professionally, Jeremy has driven amphibious ATVs in the middle of the night looking for toads, jumped out of helicopters to search for rare plants, and had a few too many close calls with bears. Personally, Jeremy is a father of three kids, enjoys computer coding in his spare time and is always training for the next marathon.

Canadian Natural

Trevor's Bio

Trevor Nichols runs the JFR (Junior Forest Rangers) program across Alberta and has been doing so for the last eight years. Trevor has a passion for teaching and learning from others in the outdoor field. He also loves birds, canoeing/kayaking, photography, playing sports and Dungeons and Dragons.

Junior Forest Rangers

Louis's Bio

As a Forest Health and Air Attack Officer in the Calgary Forest Area for Alberta Forestry and Parks, Louis Price originally hails from Newfoundland. Louis earned a Bachelor of Science degree in forestry from the University of New Brunswick and went on to spent six years in various forestry roles with Alberta Parks in Cypress Hills.

After obtaining a Master of Environmental Management degree from UNB in 2010, Louis contributed to creating forest management plans with a consulting firm in Edmonton. In 2012, he returned to the Government of Alberta, starting as a Wildfire Ranger and eventually becoming a certified Wildfire Air Attack Officer out of Slave Lake.

Alberta Forestry and Parks

Ben's Bio

Ben Cress is an environmental enthusiast with a passion for sustainability and conservation. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and over 10 years of hands-on experience in the energy sector, Ben has led numerous initiatives including emissions reductions, waste management, water management and biodiversity conservation.

His expertise includes environmental regulations and compliance and finding innovative solutions to complex environmental challenges. Ben is passionate about reconnecting people with nature and changing how we value the services and wisdom nature offers.

Keyera 

Craig's Bio

Craig Johnson is the Regional Director for Alberta Fish and Wildlife Stewardship in southern Alberta. After graduating with a B.Sc. in Biology from the University of Lethbridge, he worked in every corner of Alberta as a fisheries biologist, with a focus on trout and forestry and other types of land use.

Craig eventually returned home to Southern Alberta and spent several years working on recovery of westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout. Recently, his work has expanded to lead a team of biologists on recovery and management of native trout, sage grouse, grizzly bears, deer, elk, moose, ferruginous hawks, bats, and other species.

Alberta Environment and Protected Areas

Amit's Bio

Amit Saxena is a large mammal wildlife biologist, working in the Environmental Planning Section of TC Energy. Amit has spent a large part of his career working as a biologist in Alberta’s energy sector, focusing on predator/prey dynamics related to large mammals (especially wolves, bears and caribou).

Amit’s Masters studies took him to places all over the world studying everything from Grizzly bears to tigers. Amit has been a frequent speaker on Inside Education teacher workshops and many previous youth summits.

TC Energy