LIGHT SOURCE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Mechanical CAD Technologist
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- Associate Scientist ( Brockhouse )
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Business Development Committee
- Member of the Human Resources Committee
- Professor, Department of Biochemistry Associate Dean and Director, School of Biomedical Sciences and Canada Research Chair at McGill University
Alba Guarne's research is focused on understanding how proteins determine the fate of DNA during chromosome replication and repair. In particular, she's interested in how regulatory proteins orchestrate the stabilization of damaged replication forks with DNA repair and forks restart.
Since most of the proteins that regulate these processes lack a measurable enzymatic activity, Alba's research is aimed at seeing how they work using a broad range of structural biology techniques. She and her team are combining structural information with biochemical and genetic analysis to understand at a molecular level the functions of these proteins.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
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- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
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- Enterprise Risk and Cyber Security Advisor
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- Scientist - Bio / Life Sciences
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- Associate Scientist, BioXAS / HXMA
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- Administrative Services Lead
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- Infrastructure Applications Analyst
Anna is the Project Coordinator for the Industry Services Group. She is responsible for ensuring Industrial projects run smoothly, and coordinating between Industry Clients, Scientists, and staff.
She completed a BSc in Mathematics, a BFA Honours in Studio Art and a MSs in Regenerative Sustainability from the University of Saskatchewan. This diverse educational experience lends itself to being a "translator" for various fields of study and ways of knowing to aid collaborative scientific exploration. She completed her Masters project with the City of Saskatoon where she studied best practices for developing and implementing climate resilient affordable housing within Saskatoon. Anna brings a passion for learning and creating connections into her role with the CLS. She previously worked with the Centre for Quantum Topology and Its Applications at the University of Saskatchewan where she translated scientific concepts into public art installations. Her work has been featured at Nuit Blanche Eve and during performances by the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra and the U of S Greystone Singers.
In her free time Anna loves to do anything creative, from baking intricate pies and quilting, to making hand drawn animations.
Job Titles:
- Systems Support Technician
Job Titles:
- System Support Technician
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee
- Researcher
- USask Representative
- Vice - President Research, University of Saskatchewan
Baljit Singh is a highly accomplished researcher, educator and administrator in the field of veterinary medicine, with specific expertise in lung biology and anatomy. He began his role as Vice-President Research at the University of Saskatchewan in 2021, after serving as Dean of the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (2016-2021), and as Associate Dean of Research at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan (2011-2016).
Baljit's formal education includes a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc and AH) and Master of Veterinary Science (MVSc) from Punjab Agricultural University in Punjab; a PhD from the University of Guelph; post-doctoral training at Texas A&M University and Columbia University, New York. He completed licensing requirements set by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) for foreign veterinary graduates.
Baljit has received the 3M National Teaching Fellowship, the University of Saskatchewan's Provost's Prize for Innovative Practice of Teaching and Learning, University of Saskatchewan Master Teacher Award, and the Carl J. Norden Distinguished Teacher Award. He has also received the Outstanding Veterinary Anatomist Award from the American Association of Veterinary Anatomists, as well as the Pfizer Award for Research Excellence. In 2013 he was named a fellow of the American Association of Anatomists.
His research has focused on cell and molecular biology of lung inflammation. He is the author or co-author of more than 90 peer-reviewed journal articles and books, and has supervised the research training of more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students.
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist at the Canadian
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( Brockhouse )
Beatriz Moreno is a senior scientist at the Canadian Light Source, responsible for the three Brockhouse beamlines dedicated to diffraction and scattering for materials science. Beatriz has a background in physics and materials science, using x-ray diffraction techniques to characterize the structure of a variety of samples, including powders, thin films, single crystalline samples, nanostructured samples, catalysts, magnetic and semiconductor thin films.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- CA, CBV
- CEO Bill Matiko / Chief Executive Officer
Bill joined the CLS in April 2019 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With the retirement of the CLS's Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September 2020, Bill took on the additional role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) until February 2023, when he was appointed CLS CEO.
Bill Matiko joined the CLS in April 2019 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In September 2020, Bill took on the additional role of Chief Operating Officer (COO) until February 2023, when he was appointed CLS CEO.
As CEO, Bill's primary responsibility is the operational and strategic administration of the facility, including securing and managing the operating budget. Bill also oversees all operations to ensure consistency with strategic plans and direction, and compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Before joining the CLS, Bill was the COO and CFO at Suncorp Valuations, a global provider of appraisal, business valuation, and risk management services. He started his professional career with Deloitte, where he obtained his Chartered Accountant and Chartered Business Valuator designations. Bill spent close to 20 years with the Deloitte Financial Advisory team, where he eventually became a Partner and led the Business Valuation and Litigation Support services practice for the province of Saskatchewan. At Deloitte he served clients in the public, private, government and not-for-profit sectors across Canada, the US, and Mexico.
Bill graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Commerce with Great Distinction, majoring in Accounting.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Machine Advisory Committee
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- Training Development Advisor
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- Electrical CAD Technologist
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- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( Far - IR )
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- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Coordinator
- Laboratory Coordinator - Electron Microscopy
Burke Barlow is Laboratory Coordinator of the Industry Services group at the CLS. He works to ensure smoothly operating labs and equipment for all users of the facility.
Burke's early fascination with matter at the molecular scale led him to study chemistry at the University of Saskatchewan. Following undergraduate research in electrochemistry, he pursued a Master's degree in chemistry at the U of S where he collaborated with industry to improve nickel electroplating processes. Following his M.Sc., he worked as a research assistant studying corrosion problems encountered in the potash industry. Burke continues to fuel his love of research through participation in Industry Services projects and collaborations with internal and external users at the CLS.
Outside of the CLS, Burke can be found at soccer pitches, enjoying a beer at local pubs, or taking in some live music.
Job Titles:
- Software Development Lead
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director of Science and Innovation
- Mgr
Chithra Karunakaran was appointed CLS Director of Science and Innovation in June 2024, after serving as Interim Science Director since September 2023. Prior to that, in her role as Science Manager for Environmental and Earth Sciences, Chithra led and grew the CLS plant imaging and innovation research program and promoted the innovative use of synchrotron techniques for agricultural and food sciences research.
In her current role, Chithra oversees the efficient operation of the Science Division, and ensures CLS experimental facilities and scientific programs remain competitive with other third-generation synchrotrons. Chithra also supports the Chief Science Officer in the creation of a science strategy and in enabling the Canadian scientific community to do outstanding research using high-brilliance synchrotron radiation.
Chithra completed her Masters and PhD in Biosystems Engineering from the University of Manitoba. In 2016 she became a Chartered Professional Manager (C.Mgr.) and in 2021 obtained her MBA from the University of London. Currently, she is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Manitoba.
Job Titles:
- Mechanical CAD Technologist
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Committee
- SAC Chair
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- Systems Analyst ( Infrastructure Technology )
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- Controls & Instrumentation Advisor
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- Support Scientist ( VLS - PGM )
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- Electrical Engineer / RF and HV Lead ( Interim )
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- Network Analyst ( Infrastructure Technology )
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- Software and Data Services Manager
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- Mechanical CAD Technologist
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- Controls and Instrumentation Development Manager
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- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( IDEAS ) / Environmental & Earth Science Manager ( Interim )
Job Titles:
- Director of Finance
- Director of Finance David Patola / Director of Finance
David Patola joined CLS in June of 2023. As Director of Finance, David provides strategic leadership for the Finance Division and its related systems, including core financial services, procurement, corporate reporting, and contracts.
Before coming to the CLS, David was the Finance Business Advisor for the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan. David spent nearly 18 years Saskatchewan Blue Cross, where he held executive leadership positions in finance, administration, and operations. He also worked as Controller for Saskatchewan Polytechnic.
A graduate of the University of Saskatchewan, David is active as a volunteer in the community and is a past Chair and Director for Emmanuel Health Inc, which oversees 12 non-profit health care organizations around Saskatchewan. He continues to serve on the company's Audit and Finance Committee.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee
- Member of the Human Resources Committee
- Professor of Public Administration, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS
David Stuewe has a research focus on public sector governance and the role of government in economic development. In addition to teaching at Dalhousie, he co-ordinates the RSBconnect initiative, a program that links the business school with businesses in the community.
David has held senior public service positions including 11 years as CEO of the WCB of NS, and in Saskatchewan served in the Departments of Finance, Northern Saskatchewan, Intergovernmental Affairs and Consumer & Commercial Relations. He is Chair of Segelberg Trust and the YMCA's Big Cove Camp Advisory Committee. David is also currently a member of Parks Canada's Audit Committee and the Board of Governors of Commissioners Nova Scotia. He has served on community, national, and international boards and advisory bodies.
Job Titles:
- Mechanical CAD Technologist
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Business Development Committee
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Finance and Audit Committee
- Certified Corporate Director
- Global Innovation Leader in Commercialization, Transformation ( Merger Integration ), Patent - Pending Inventor in Artificial Intelligence
Debora Bielecki is a highly accomplished, ESG-certified corporate director with over 30 years of global experience driving innovation and sustainability. Her extensive expertise in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and AI positions her as a strategic leader adept at steering complex business transformations.
Debora currently chairs the board of Circular Rubber Technologies, where she has spearheaded the company's transition to a more sustainable, circular business model. Under her guidance, Circular Rubber has achieved significant milestones in reducing waste and increasing the use of renewable materials.
As a strategic advisor to the boards of Kruger Inc. and DealMaker, Debora leverages her deep industry knowledge and innovative mindset to drive growth and positive impact. Her board education includes certifications from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, ESG Competent Boards, and the Canadian Council of Innovation's Innovation Governance Professionals. She received a WXN Corporate Director EDI Award in 2022 for her contributions to corporate governance and sustainability.
Throughout her distinguished career, Debora has consistently advocated for pay equity and diversity in the boardroom, fostering more inclusive and equitable decision-making processes.
Job Titles:
- Staff Scientist ( CLS@APS )
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- Mechanical Engineer ( EIT )
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- Member of the Finance and Audit Committee
- Chief Financial Officer, University of Saskatchewan
- Financial Sustainability Leader
Dee is a financial sustainability leader in governance, strategy, risk management, and integration of key metrics across policies, practice, and reporting. Dee has led business transformation initiatives and operational turnarounds in higher education and health care. She's also an active researcher, serving as a co-principal investigator focused on responsible business and investment practices.
Dee's previous experience includes serving as Chief Financial Officer within Ontario Higher Education, where she led finance, ancillaries, business development initiatives, including supporting research spin-offs. Dee chaired the Canadian Climate Charter Technical Committee, a consortium of over 15 universities decarbonizing asset portfolios, and served on the Implementation Committee for the Canadian Sustainability Standards Board in 2022/23. In March 2024 she was appointed to CPA Canada's Reporting and Assurance Standards Oversight Council.
Job Titles:
- Industrial Scientist
- Senior Scientist ( MX Services )
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- Document Control Coordinator
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- Junior Software Developer
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( SM )
Dr. Jian Wang is a Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible of the Spectromicroscopy (SM) Beamline of the Canadian Light Source, and an Adjunct Professor of Chemistry with the University of Saskatchewan. He received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from McMaster University, Canada, in 2008. After the postdoctoral work resident in the Advanced Light Source, USA, he joined CLS in 2009. He was a Research Associate or Acting Beamline Scientist until 2015 when he was promoted to the Beamline Responsible Scientist, and became the Senior Scientist in 2021. His current research interests include materials analysis (focused on energy, catalysis, magnetism, and environmental) and instrumentation developments for STXM, Ptychography, and X-PEEM, with over 180 peer-reviewed publications.
Job Titles:
- Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( SXRMB )
- Staff Scientist
Dr. Mohsen Shakouri is a staff scientist and the beamline responsible of the Soft X-ray Microcharacterization beamline (SXRMB) at the CLS. Mohsen has more than 10 years of professional experience in developing and synthesizing structured nanomaterials catalysts, designing and fabricating lab-scale test set-ups to evaluate catalyst performance, and handling various characterization and analytical instruments. He is also experienced in investigating materials' chemical structures using X-ray spectroscopy, microscopy and crystallography techniques. Mohsen likes to conduct hands-on experimental work, from designing the experiments, building the setups, to completing the runs and interpreting the results.
Mohsen obtained his PhD and MSc degrees in the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department at the University of Saskatchewan in 2018 and 2012, respectively, and his BSc. in Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the Sharif University of Technology in 2008.
When he needs a break, he like to cook. He is also a huge fan of soccer and volleyball, and has played in various tournaments here at Saskatoon.
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( HXMA )
- Senior Staff Scientist
Ning Chen is a senior staff scientist and the designated beamline responsible for the Hard X-Ray MicroAnalysis beamline (HXMA) at Canadian Light Source (CLS). Ning obtained his Ph.D. in 2002 at the Department of Geological Sciences, University of Saskatchewan, and worked as postdoctoral fellow at CLS between 2001-2003 before becoming a staff scientist at CLS. He involved in building and commissioning HXMA, and is responsible for the beamline operation and XAS user program afterwards. Ning's expertise is X-ray absorption spectroscopy and its application in material and environmental studies.
Ning is committed to making every effort to develop the hard X-ray XAS facility at CLS as a leading center of excellence in synchrotron XAS research, developing user community at his beamline, and promoting XAS both in Canada and internationally. A hypothesis driven and theoretical modeling guided XAS roadmap has been developed at HXMA and promoted throughout HXMA XAS user community, helping users' research effectively and efficiently proceeded at HXMA. Ning deeply involves in supervision and training of HQP as many graduate student XAS users and visiting scientists at his beamline can attest to, and collaborates in many scientific and industrial XAS user projects. Outside of his beamline responsibilities, he has adjunct faculty appointments at six Canadian universities [University of Saskatchewan (Geological Sciences and Chemical and Biological Engineering), University of Regina (IEESC), Western University (Mechanical and Materials Engineering), McMaster University (Chemical Engineering), Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics), University of Waterloo (Department of Chemical Engineering)] and as Executive Committee Member representing Americas in International X-ray Absorption Society (IXAS) since 2022.
Job Titles:
- Currently CLS Bio / Life Sciences Manager
- Science Manager ( Biological & Life Sciences )
Job Titles:
- Director of Information Technology
- Director of IT Dustin Wasyliw / Director of Information Technology
Dustin joined the CLS in 2019 as Systems Technology Infrastructure Lead, was promoted to System Technology Manager in 2020, and appointed Director of IT in 2023.
He is responsible for developing and executing CLS's technology infrastructure and strategy, with a focus on software, data acquisition, controls systems, and data and cyber security strategy. Dustin leads and manages a team of IT professionals, collaborating with business and scientific leaders to identify technology opportunities, and ensuring our technology aligns with our overall strategic goals.
An experienced IT professional, Dustin has a strong background in enterprise resource management, lifecycle management, large-scale data warehousing and aggregation, and process and manufacturing automation.
Dustin has a Computer Systems Technology diploma from SIAST, a Bachelor of Computer Science degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and many certifications, including ITIL, MSCE, MCSD and CISSP.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
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- Industry Services Manager
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- Risk Analyst and Special Projects Advisor
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- Infrastructure Technology Lead
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- Junior Software Developer
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- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
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- Member of the Machine Advisory Committee
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- Financial Services Technician - Shipping and Receiving
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- Accelerator Operations and Development Manager
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- Member of the Machine Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Electrical CAD Technologist
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- Associate Scientist, Mid - IR
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- Health, Safety, and Environment Manager
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- Communications Coordinator
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- Quality Assurance Specialist
Job Titles:
- Chief Science Officer
- Chief Science Officer Ingrid Pickering / Chief Science Officer
Ingrid Pickering joined CLS in August 2024 as Chief Science Officer (CSO). Concurrently, she is a Professor and Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Molecular Environmental Science at the University of Saskatchewan, where she also leads the NSERC CREATE to INSPIRE graduate training program associated with the CLS.
As CSO, Ingrid manages, guides, and builds relationships nationally and internationally, to help ensure CLS remains a leading synchrotron with a global reputation for attracting leading-edge researchers. Ingrid also leads the development and implementation of CLS's science strategy, ensures the Industry Services group brings the benefits of synchrotron science to industry, and that CLS's experimental facilities and related scientific programs remain competitive with third-generation synchrotrons worldwide.
Ingrid holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Imperial College London (UK). She moved to USask in 2003 following an appointment at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource in California. She was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 2018 and served as Chairperson of the Board for the Canada Foundation for Innovation from 2018 to 2024.
Job Titles:
- Financial Services Technician
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Scientist
- Associate Scientist ( CMCF1 )
Job Titles:
- Board Chair, NorthGuide
- Expert
James Meddings is an expert in global innovation policy, economic development, and community sustainability, with more than 30 years of experience working in the Public Service of Canada. James served as Deputy Minister of the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and held senior roles in line departments and central agencies, including the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the Privy Council Office, Human Resources Development Canada, Environment Canada, and Western Economic Diversification.
James has extensive international experience; he represented Canada on the OECD Regional Development Policy Committee for many years and chaired the OECD Expert Meeting on Multi-level Governance and Public Investment.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Business Development Committee
- Member of the Finance and Audit Committee
- Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee
- Vice - Chair / Former Associate Deputy Minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada
Janet King joined the federal public service in 1995 as a research scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada (Natural Resources Canada). She went on to hold increasingly senior positions in policy development, regulation and operations at Natural Resources Canada, Health Canada, Innovation Science and Economic Development, and Western Economic Diversification Canada.
From 2018-2020 Janet was the Associate Deputy Minister at Public Services and Procurement Canada, where she was responsible for Laboratories Canada, an initiative to revitalize federal science laboratories. Prior to that, she was President of the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, contributing to economic development across Canada's three territories, and Assistant Deputy Minister of the Northern Affairs Organization at Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, where she led work to devolve northern lands and resource governance and to establish the Canadian High Arctic Research Station.
Janet is currently Chairperson with the Board of Directors at Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) / Savoir polaire Canada (POLAR) and Chairperson for NSERC PermafrostNet, as well as being a member of the Board of Directors for the Canadian Science Policy Centre. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society and an International Fellow with the Explorers' Club.
Job Titles:
- Scientist
- Strategic Support Group Lead
- Strategic Support Group Lead / Jarvis
Jarvis is a Scientist and Lead of the Strategic Support Group at the Canadian Light Source (CLS), where he has spent over a decade contributing to the planning and execution of synchrotron experiments across a broad range of scientific disciplines. Since joining CLS, Jarvis has played a pivotal role in the development and expansion of research programs, most notably establishing the highly successful Plant Imaging Program in 2017 - a program that has become an essential resource for agriculture-focused researchers who traditionally may not have engaged with synchrotron techniques.
Jarvis holds a PhD in Food Chemistry from the University of Guelph, where his research examined the role of phospholipids in chocolate tempering. His technical expertise at CLS centers on micro-computed tomography (µCT) phase-contrast imaging (PCI) of soft tissues, including food, plants, and gels. He also has experience working with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and infrared spectromicroscopy, and is highly skilled in sample preparation techniques across multiple beamlines.
As a leader and technical expert, Jarvis is dedicated to advancing imaging capabilities at CLS while supporting the scientific community in addressing complex challenges in agriculture, food science, and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Beamline Software Analyst
Job Titles:
- Chairman
- Member of the Governance and Nominating Committee
- Full Professor, Research Stream Chair - Department of Chemistry, York University
- Member at York University
Jennifer van Wijngaarden has been a faculty member at York University since August 2022. Her research group, regular users of CLS's Far-IR beamline, employ state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques in the microwave through infrared regions to probe the energy landscape of molecules. Before coming to York she was a professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Manitoba, where she oversaw the graduate program.
Jennifer received her B.Sc. Honours (Chemistry) from Western University in 1997, then went on to complete her PhD at the University of Alberta in 2002. Following a NSERC-funded postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Basel (Switzerland) in 2004, she joined the faculty at Mount Holyoke College -- a women's liberal arts institution in Massachusetts -- where she began her career as a teacher, researcher, and mentor to the next generation of scientists.
In 2005, Jennifer had her first exposure to synchrotron science through a six-week stay in Saskatoon working at the Far-IR beamline in its early stages of operation. When the opportunity arose to return to Canada the following year, she accepted a position at University of Manitoba.
Job Titles:
- Electrical CAD Technologist
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- Senior Human Resources Consultant
Job Titles:
- Industrial Scientist
- Senior Industrial Scientist
- Senior Scientist ( Diffraction )
Joel Reid is a Senior Industrial Scientist at the CLS, specializing in powder diffraction for the Industry Services group. His collaboration with fellow scientists of many disciplines ensures a holistic approach to industrial partner's real-world problems.
Prior to joining the CLS in 2011, Joel held a position as Senior Scientific Editor at the International Centre for Diffraction Data. An engineering physicist by training, he completed his undergraduate and PhD in engineering physics at Queen's University. Joel continually searches for potential advancements to elevate the professional experience that he provides on behalf of the Industry Services team. His work with clients often involves identification and quantification of multifaced mixtures and the solving of new structures.
When he is not at the CLS, Joel can be found spending lots of quality time with his wife and son. He contributes to the community of Saskatoon through his volunteer role as the Chair of a refugee organization. In his spare time, Joel enjoys going to the ice to play hockey.
Job Titles:
- Beam Instrumentation Lead, Scientist
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- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
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- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
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- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Chairman of the Human Resources Committee
- Member of the Finance and Audit Committee
- HRC Chair
- Professor of Economics and Public Policy, University of Regina
During his 40-year career in the public sector, John served as the Deputy Minister of Finance and the Deputy Minister of Health for the Government of Saskatchewan. He also was appointed as the President and CEO of several Crown corporations, including the Saskatchewan Power Corporation, Crown Investments Corporation, and Saskatchewan Government Insurance.
Most recently, John was working in Ottawa as the CEO of the Canadian Institute for Health Information in Ottawa.
Over the years, John has served on a number of board and commissions including the Canadian Mental Health Commission, the Canadian Electricity Association, the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, Casino Regina, CIC Industrial Interests Inc., and the board of governors of the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Regina.
In the late 1990s, he was the Government of Saskatchewan's lead negotiator for the establishment of the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan. John is the recipient of the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal and the Queen's Gold Jubilee Medal for contributions to Saskatchewan.
Job Titles:
- Mechanical Engineering Lead
Job Titles:
- Associate Scientist, Strategic Support Group / Associate Scientist, Mid - IR
Job Titles:
- Member of the Business Development Committee
- Chief Executive Officer, Innovation Saskatchewan
Kari Harvey is CEO of Innovation Saskatchewan; in her role she works with community partners to nurture an environment that supports the success of startup tech companies in the province, and with the research community to maximize Saskatchewan's research and commercialization interests.
Over her 29-year career in Saskatchewan's public service, she has served as Director of the Agri-business Development Branch in the Ministry of Agriculture, Executive Director of Capital and Regional Services with the Ministry of Health, and Assistant Deputy Minister, International Relations and Protocol, with Executive Council and Office of the Premier as. Kari is currently a board member with the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), and Saskatchewan's first tech incubator, Co.Labs. In fall 2020, she was appointed to the NRC-IRAP Advisory Council.
Job Titles:
- Associate Scientist, BXDS
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Director, Legal, Wealthsimple Technologies Inc
Kate Goddard is a commercial lawyer based in British Columbia specializing in commercial agreements, emerging technology, and intellectual property law. She is currently Director, Legal, at Wealthsimple Technologies Inc. Kate holds degrees in common law and civil law from McGill University, and a Bachelor of Social Science from the University of Ottawa. She is also a registered trademarks agent and has been an instructor in intellectual property law for startups with the Creative Destruction Labs at the University of British Columbia.
Kate helped start the Captain Nichola Goddard Fund with True Patriot Love, supporting female veterans and serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces through a national leadership series connecting leaders of corporate Canada with leaders in the Canadian Armed Forces. She has also been on the disbursement committee for True Patriot Love since 2018 and serves as honorary counsel for the Conference of Defence Associations Institute.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Scientist
- Associate Scientist ( CMCF ) and User Experience Lead
Kathryn joined the CLS in 2010 after completing her Masters of Physics degree at the University of Regina. Her experience with GlueX, an international collaboration of particle physicists, left her well-prepared for the challenges of developing in-house software solutions for data collection and management at our CMCF beamlines.
Following ten years of supporting a dynamic and active user community of crystallographers at the CMCF beamlines, Kathryn expanded her role at the CLS by becoming our User Experience Coordinator. She now balances her time between continued support of the CMCF research program, and overseeing activities of our User Services Office, including the peer review process, user feedback, workshop planning, and much more.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant, Machin
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- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
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- Machine Director ( Interim ) / Engineering Manager
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- Mechanical Operations Lead
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- Industrial Support Scientist
- Support Scientist ( MX Services )
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- Human Resources Assistant
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- Member of the Machine Advisory Committee
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- Director of Human Resources
- Director of HR
Lisa Olson joined CLS in November 2022. As Director of Human Resources, she is responsible for all aspects of human resource management for the organization, including ensuring corporate compliance with HR-relevant legislation and regulations, and mitigating risk applicable to the HR function. Lisa also leads development and implementation of the CLS's human resource strategy, in alignment with the organization's overall strategic plan.
Prior to joining the CLS, Lisa was HR Director for the Saskatoon Police Service. She has been an HR practitioner for over 25 years, with extensive experience in employment, training, performance management, organizational development, disability assistance, and occupational health and safety.
Lisa holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Saskatchewan, a Diploma in Strategic Human Resource Management for Police Organizations from Dalhousie University, and a Labour-Management Certificate and Advanced Human Resources Diploma from Queen's University
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( VLS - PGM )
Job Titles:
- Mechanical Engineering Intern
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- Associate Scientist, BioXAS
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Machine Advisory Committee
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- Electrical Operations Lead
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- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Management System Advisor
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- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chairman / Former Vice - President ( Research and Innovation ) at McGill University
Martha Crago has extensive leadership experience including serving as chair of the Governing Council of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and vice-chair and chair of the Research Committee of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities. She was also chair of the Comité de recherche du Bureau de Cooperation Interuniversitaire, and a member of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council's (NSERC) Research Partnership Committee and the Senior Research Officers Committee of the Association of American Universities (AAU).
Throughout her distinguished 40-year career, Crago has made significant contributions to numerous boards of university science projects and various international, national, and provincial committees. In 2016, she was appointed by the Minister of Science of Canada to be a member of Canada's Fundamental Science Review. She has been honoured as a Chevalier dans l'ordre des palmes académiques by the French government, was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 2017 and awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia in 2020. Most recently, on March 22, 2022, Crago received the Knight's Cross of the Order of Merit from the President of the Federal Republic of Germany.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Associate Scientist, Strategic Support Group
Mary-Ellen is an Associate Scientist within the Strategic Support Group at the Canadian Light Source. She specializes in diffraction techniques and in situ experiments under extreme conditions, supporting researchers in advancing complex materials studies.
Mary-Ellen earned both her MSc. and PhD. in physics from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where her research focused on the crystal structures and high-pressure phase transitions of inclusion compounds, such as gas hydrate clathrates. Following her PhD, she held postdoctoral positions investigating the behaviour of hydrogen-rich materials and mixtures under compression using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and neutron scattering.
Before joining CLS in 2024, Mary-Ellen held technical roles at leading neutron user facilities. She served as a Scientific Associate for the VENUS instrument at the Spallation Neutron Source (Oak Ridge National Laboratory) and as an Instrument Operations Engineer for the Test Beamline at the European Spallation Source in Sweden. Drawing on more than a decade of combined experience as both a user and beamline scientist at neutron and x-ray facilities, she now helps new CLS researchers navigate and apply advanced synchrotron techniques to their work.
Outside of the laboratory, Mary-Ellen enjoys hiking, baking bread, and playing board and video games.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Associate Scientist, SXRMB
Job Titles:
- Systems Support Technician
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( CMCF )
Job Titles:
- Support Scientist ( Spectroscopy )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Scientist, Interim Beamline Responsible ( BMIT )
Job Titles:
- Associate Scientist - BMIT
Job Titles:
- Junior Software Developer
Job Titles:
- Mechanical CAD Technologist
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Staff Scientist ( Spectroscopy )
Peter Blanchard is an Associate Industrial Scientist at the CLS, specializing in X-ray spectroscopy for the Industrial Services Group. Peter brings over 10 years of synchrotron science experience to the group with a strong history of collaborating with scientist in academia and industry.
Prior of joining the CLS, Peter completed his undergraduate degree in Chemistry at Memorial University in his home province of Newfoundland. Following his undergraduate studies, he travelled to Edmonton, Alberta to complete a Ph.D in Chemistry at the University of Alberta. Peter next completed a post-doctorial fellowship at the University of Sydney in Sydney, Australia where he specialized in using X-ray spectroscopy metal oxides. A post-doctorial fellowship at the University of Saskatchewan is where he learned how to applied synchrotron sciences to investigating environmental pollutants. As a member of the Industrial Science Group, Peter is passionate about using synchrotron science to investigate environmental problems that impact Canadians.
Outside the CLS, Peter enjoys spending time with his family and friends, camping, and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Machine Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Mechanical Engineer ( EIT )
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( VESPERS )
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Consultant
Job Titles:
- Systems Analyst ( Infrastructure Technology )
Job Titles:
- Mechanical CAD Technologist
Job Titles:
- Mechanical CAD Technologist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Operations and Technical Services Manager
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Scientist
- Associate Scientist ( CMCF )
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( Mid IR )
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Member of the Business Development Committee
- Member of the Finance and Audit Committee
- Full Professor, Assistant Chair, Academic ( Undergraduate Studies ) for the Department of Physics, University of Ottawa
Serge Desgreniers's research is focused on the measurement and understanding of the physical properties of material submitted to extreme pressure and temperature conditions, the experimental study of pressure-induced solid-to-solid phase transitions, the synthesis and study of novel ultra-hard materials, the synthesis and study of dense gas hydrates, and the development of new methods to probe materials submitted to extreme conditions.
Serge received his PhD from Cornell University. He has over 35 years of research experience in the physics of condensed matter at extreme conditions, with a particular interest in dense molecular systems and instrumentation. He has used laser light scattering and synchrotron radiation to carry out various infrared spectroscopic and X-ray scattering experiments for the study of phase transitions and physical properties of dense solids. Serge has been a synchrotron radiation user at various facilities around the world (CHESS, APS, ESRF, and SPring-8) and a regular user and beam team member at the Canadian Light Source (CLS) since 2006.
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( QMSC )
Job Titles:
- Radio Frequency and High Voltage Technologist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Governance and Nominating Committee
- Partner
- Partner, Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP
Tamara Korassa is a partner with the law firm of Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP in Edmonton, Alberta. Her corporate and commercial legal practice includes advising businesses of various sizes on asset and sale transactions, secured financing, and commercial real estate. Tamara holds both a Juris Doctorate and Master of Business Administration from the University of Alberta, which give her a comprehensive and practical perspective when advising clients.
She has served as the Vice President of Labour Relations and Executive Vice President for the University of Alberta Graduate Students Association and sat on the Board of Governors Safety, Health, and Environment Committee, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research Council and the University of Alberta Senate. Tamara has also been a sessional instructor on business law and commercial transactions at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant - Scienc
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( REIXS )
Job Titles:
- Associate Scientist, CMCF
Job Titles:
- Associate Scientist, Strategic Support Group
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations
- CLS As General Manager
- Director of Operations Tim West / Director of Operations
Tim joined the CLS as General Manager in 2020, and became the Director of Operations in 2023.
As Director of Operations, Tim leads business operations, ensuring alignment with operational and business needs in order to deliver on the scientific mandate of CLS. He oversees the collaboration between staff, leadership, and the Board of Directors, to develop and achieve strategic and operational objectives, and is also the designated Research Security Officer, managing our facility's research security policy.
Before coming to the CLS, Tim held senior leadership positions with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, focused on safety culture, quality, continuous improvement, and operational and strategic management. As a former pharmacy owner with Target Canada, Tim also has experience in the private sector.
Tim obtained his PhD in Social Administrative Pharmacy from the University of Saskatchewan, and has several certificates in lean, rapid process improvement, and quality improvement. He recently received his Project Management Professional Certification.
Tim joined the CLS as General Manager in 2020. He previously served as the Director of Patient and Staff Safety with the Saskatchewan Health Authority and as the Director of Safety and Infection Prevention and Control with the Saskatoon Health Region. Both client-centred roles had a strong focus on safety culture, quality, and continuous improvement and required considerable operational and strategic management. As a former pharmacy owner with Target Canada, Tim also brings his experience in the private sector to the CLS.
Over the last ten years Tim has earned several certificates in lean, rapid process improvements, and quality improvement and most recently received his Project Management Professional Certification. He is leading the Project Management team at the CLS to ensure organization-wide continuous improvement.
Job Titles:
- Industrial Scientist
- Senior Scientist ( Energy Storage, X - Ray Imaging )
Job Titles:
- Senior Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( SGM )
Job Titles:
- Chairman of Finance and Audit Committee
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Associate Vice - President Controls and Reporting
- FAC Representative
- Interim Chair
- Vice - President, Finance of Federated Co - Operatives Limited
- Vice - President, Finance, Federated Co - Operatives Limited ( FCL ), SK
Tony Van Burgsteden is Vice-President, Finance of Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL). He is responsible for all aspects of the finance, accounting, tax and audit services functions of the enterprise.
Tony joined FCL in April 2015 as Associate Vice-President Controls and Reporting. Before that he was the Vice-President Finance and Chief Financial Officer for AREVA Resources Canada Inc., where he also served in a number of progressively more responsible positions in the Finance Department. Tony has experience with many joint venture operations, major projects, technology systems and corporate social responsibility including government relations and First Nations relationships.
Tony has been active in the business community and is a Past President of the Greater Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, where he served as President in 2014-15. Tony was also a long-term board member of Junior Achievement of Saskatchewan and several other community organizations. He is a CPA, CA, and a CFA.
Job Titles:
- Associate Scientist - Environmental & Earth Scienc
Job Titles:
- Member of the Machine Advisory Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Scientist, Beamline Responsible ( SyLMAND )
Job Titles:
- Communications Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Scientist - BioXAS Beamlin
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Member of the Beamline Advisory Team
Job Titles:
- Scientist - Beamline Responsible ( BioXAS )
Job Titles:
- Junior Software Developer