SMARTICE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Knowledge Coordinator - Arctic Bay
Job Titles:
- Application Developer - St. John's
Originally from Pakistan, Aizaz came to Newfoundland in 2012 to complete his Masters in Computer Science at Memorial University, and since then, has worked for a number of different companies in St. John's. He is passionate about software development and is experienced in a number of Software Development languages including Java, C# and PHP. Aizaz has worked in developing a number of applications including development of Ground Control Station for Satellites and developing an AI plugin for a Ground Control Station for an unmanned Air Vehicle. Aizaz is currently working on updating the software for SmartQAMUTIK and SmartBUOY at SmartICE.
Job Titles:
- Regional Operations Lead, Qikiqtaaluk Region - Mittimatalik
Job Titles:
- Procurement & Logistics Coordinator - St. John's
- Procurement & Logistics Coordinator - St. John's / Field Operations
Bob is our Procurement & Logistics Coordinator. In his role, Bob contributes to stages of the entire life cycle of SmartICE equipment. This includes procurement of raw materials, production, logistics and maintenance. He also works with the operations team to ensure technology/tools are delivered in community, ready for training and deployment. Bob grew up on the West Coast of Newfoundland and moved back to St. John's last year after moving away for 35 years. Outside of work he is a sports enthusiast, nature lover, home renovator and a dog lover.
Job Titles:
- Communications and Engagement Coordinator - St. John's
- Communications and Engagement Coordinator - St. John's / Engineering
Brianna graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Business Administration. Born and raised in Nain, Nunatsiavut, Brianna moved to St. John's to complete her degree. In her role, Brianna helps execute the organization's communication strategy, along with project coordination and community outreach. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, staying active outdoors and at the gym.
Job Titles:
- Business Development
- Chief Executive Officer - St. John's
Carolann Harding, ICD.D, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from the business development world. A dynamic leader and team player, she thrives on creativity, problem-solving, collaboration, and engagement. As Chief Executive Officer of SmartICE, Carolann is leading a diverse coast to coast to coast award-winning team (President's Award for Public Engagement Partnerships 2020, Governor General Innovation Award 2019, United Nations Momentum for Change 2017, Arctic Inspiration Prize 2016, Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award 2021, Canadian Museum of Nature Awards 2021), focusing on meeting SmartICE's social enterprise mandate, strategic directions, and social impacts. Carolann is currently the Chair of FoodFirst NL, a director on the Pinnguaq Board, and is Vice Chair of the ICD NL Chapter Executive. In 1990, Carolann was named the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for NL, in 2002 she won a Public Service Award of Excellence, and in 2014 she received a World of Difference 100 Award presented by The International Alliance of Women (TIAW). Carolann is a graduate of both Memorial and Dalhousie Universities. In March 2021, Atlantic Business Magazine named Carolann as one of Atlantic Canada's 25 Most Powerful Women in Business and in November 2021, Carolann was named a national finalist for the RBC Women of Influence Awards.
Job Titles:
- Finance Lead & HR Coordinator - St. John's
Cathy has over 20 years of experience in the administrative field. Her responsibilities include managing all payroll related tasks, managing accounts payable and receivable, and coordinating travel and logistics.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Social Impact and Training - St. John's
Christina is responsible for helping to implement a social impact strategy by overseeing the implementation, planning and documentation of community building and human capacity initiatives. Christina supports a range of organizational and programmatic learning and community efforts, with a focus on research, monitoring, evaluation, and learning work to inform SmartICE's program strategies and social impact efforts.
Christina has an MBA in Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship from Memorial University, and has been a registered social worker for 10 years. She also has extensive experience in program, training and policy development in Northern Labrador. Christina enjoys spending time outside with her dog and taking road trips to explore new places.
Job Titles:
- Field Operations Lead - St. John's
Dave is a Memorial University of Newfoundland alumni receiving a BSc in Physical Geography. He has over 25 years' experience in field operations and project management spending time in Labrador and the Arctic, working on environmental issues with stakeholders and communities. He loves the outdoors and is an avid hiker.
Job Titles:
- Director of Knowledge Co - Production - Ottawa
Katherine Wilson is in the final stages of her PhD program at Memorial University of Newfoundland under the guidance of Dr. Trevor Bell and Gita Ljubicic at McMaster University. She is interested in new ways of doing research to support Inuit self-determination in research. She has been working with Inuit in Mittimatalik, Nunavut since 2015 to mentor Inuit youth in mobilizing Inuit knowledge to aid community sea ice travel decision-making. Katherine is on interchange with SmartICE from the Canadian Ice Service, where she is the Chief of Strategic Policy and Planning. Katherine is a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) scholar and a Fellow of Memorial University's School of Graduate Studies.
Job Titles:
- Geospatial Education Curriculum Development - Calgary
- Geospatial Education Curriculum Development - Calgary / Finance & Admin
Lynn is leading our Sikumik Qaujimajjuti project, where she instructs team members how to interpret satellite imagery and create ice travel safety maps for their communities. Lynn is a professor at Mount Royal University where she teaches physical geography and spatial analysis. She is a member of the executive of Canadian Geographic Education, and Governor of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society.
Job Titles:
- Founding Director - St. John's
- Research Professor in Geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland
Trevor Bell, University Research Professor in Geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland, is a champion of issues surrounding climate change and Indigenous people in the Arctic, and whose extraordinary creativity, drive, and concern has had a substantial impact on the wellbeing of Canadians across the North. He has merged natural and social sciences with Indigenous knowledge and expertise to create a truly multi-disciplinary approach to his research on climate variability and change. In recognition of the significance of his research to his discipline, policy change, and the community, Dr. Bell was named a Fellow of both the Royal Society of Canada and the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. He has twice received the Arctic Inspiration Prize, in collaboration with the Nunatsiavut Government, for knowledge-to-action plans that benefit Arctic Peoples. His most recent partnership-SmartlCE-has transformed into a social enterprise recognized by the United Nations (2017) for its novel climate solution, and the Governor General's Innovation Award (2019) for its "truly exceptional, transformative, and positive impact on quality of life in Canada". In 2021, Trevor received the inaugural Frederik Paulsen Arctic Academic Action Award and the Martin Bergmann Medal for Excellence in Arctic Leadership for his ground-breaking achievements on climate change adaptation.
Job Titles:
- Development Officer ( SmartICE Foundation ) - Goose Bay
Job Titles:
- Business Development Coordinator - St. John's
- Business Development Coordinator - St. John's / Expert Collaborators
Emily recently graduated from Memorial University's Bachelor of Commerce program. Emily previously completed three internships with SmartICE primarily focused on research and communications. Her responsibilities include documenting and outlining current SmartICE projects. Emily's hobbies include reading, travelling, and spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Communications and Media
- Communications Lead, St. John's
Emma is a recent graduate of Memorial University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree, majoring in Political Science & minoring in Law & Society, and a Criminology Certificate. She also brings experience in working with a not for profit assisting them with fundraising, community engagement and social media/communications. In her spare time, you can find her reading, exploring new places, or spending time with friends and family.
Job Titles:
- Training Lead - St. John's
Inspired by her curiosity for natural and cultural spaces, Gillian has worked as an educational facilitator, program developer and leader for over twenty years. Following the completion of her MSc (Physical Geography) from Queen's University, she taught as a sessional lecturer in the Department of Geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Given her interest in education, Gillian returned to school and earned her BEd (Secondary), after which she found her passion for place-based, experiential education in both formal and informal educational settings.
Job Titles:
- Finance Manager - St. John's
Kelsi is working towards her Chartered Accountant Designation, while managing the budgeting and general accounting procedures for SmartICE. Kelsi holds a Bachelor's degree in Commerce from Memorial University. When she is not working or studying, Kelsi enjoys hiking with her dog and reading.
Job Titles:
- Sikumik Qaujimajjuti Mapping Specialist - Gjoa Haven
Leanne is a graduate of Nunavut Arctic College's Environmental Technology Program and is heavily involved in other community outreach activities. She is also currently co-developing the Sikumik Qaujimajjuti project where she is learning how to interpret satellite imagery and create ice travel safety maps for her community.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Lead - St. John's
Mark pursues new funding opportunities, researches new commercial prospects for SmartICE, and tracks project tasks, budgets, resource needs, and reporting requirements, while working to develop pricing structures and strategies. Mark has a background in business, with an MBA from Memorial University, and has interests in project management, business sustainability, and social enterprise business models. Mark is from St. John's and enjoys hiking, mountain biking, and travelling.
Job Titles:
- Knowledge Coordinator - Qikiqtarjuaq
Job Titles:
- IT Coordinator - St. John's
Nathan is responsible for all IT related support and services such as buying/setting up laptops, software licenses, and managing user accounts for Google/Slack/Asana. Nathan is a recent graduate of Software Development at Keyin College and is starting his first experience at SmartICE. Nathan has always had a love for tech from building computers to coding programs. When Nathan is not at work, you can catch him at the gym.
Job Titles:
- Mechanical Designer - St. John's
Job Titles:
- Knowledge Coordinator - Mittimatalik
Job Titles:
- Community Engagement Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Manager of Nunatsiavut Operations - Nain
- Northern Operations
Rex is instrumental in collaborating with communities in the region, supporting and training operators, and providing ongoing support and troubleshooting for day-to-day operations. Rex also delivers the Employment Readiness and Technology Development Program to Indigenous youth at our Northern Production Centre and is co-developing the Sikumik Qaujimajjuti project.
Job Titles:
- Knowledge Co - Production Coordinator - Taloyoak
Job Titles:
- Process Improvement Coordinator - St. John's
Shawna recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University and hails from Nain, Nunatsiavut, Newfoundland and Labrador. Shawna brings a unique Indigenous youth perspective and has presented about her experiences at the local, regional, national, and international level. She is an environmental, youth, and equality advocate and loves to be outdoors on the land. Shawna serves on the Youth Advisory Committee for the National Conversations on Gender Equality project with Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada and the National Inuit Youth Council, and she is a Students on Ice Alumni.
Job Titles:
- Junior Mechanical Designer - St. John's
Stephanie is a recent Mechanical Engineering graduate from Memorial University. In this position, she will primarily focus on research & development for upcoming projects, with a secondary focus on operation support. Outside of work she is part of Mosaic Dance Company and loves climbing, traveling and spending time outdoors. Welcome, Stephanie!
Job Titles:
- Engineering and Production Manager - St. John's
Tyler brings a combination of technical experience, project management, and expertise working with northern communities. He is a Mechanical Engineer and has been researching and developing SmartICE technology since 2018. Tyler currently manages the YYT Tech Shop and future SmartICE technology developments. He also played an integral part of the current SmartBUOY design and development of the Employment Readiness and Technology Development Program.