Michael Walesiak: Michael Walesiak, CPA, CA has 20 years of senior management experience at the University of Alberta (UofA) in the field of Research Administration. As Director, Research Administrative Services, he is responsible for the delivery of end-to-end research services for the over $500 million annual research enterprise at the UofA. This includes application review, award processing, contract negotiation and financial reporting.

Mark Leslie is the Manager, Research Finance at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. Mark brings over 13 years of experience in the Canadian university sector. During his tenure at Laurier, he has contributed to financial resources, faculty support, student affairs, and ancillary services through roles focused on finance and continuous improvement. Today, he leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to simplifying grant management for researchers and partners.

Melissa Joyce has been the Director of Research Accounting at the University of Victoria for 9 years and has worked in other roles at the University for over 17 years. She has attended several CARA conferences and looks forward to hosting sessions again this year. She has her CPA designation and has been both a course facilitator and mentor for CPA students. Her main focus is providing excellent client service and creating efficiencies within her department at UVic. She is excited to share ideas with other institutions to help make research administration easier!

Snjezana Cekrlija is a research finance leader with nearly two decades of experience supporting complex research portfolios in the Canadian university sector. As Director of Research Finance at the University of Waterloo, she oversees more than $250 million in annual research funding, leads a multidisciplinary team of professionals, and serves as the institution’s senior financial liaison to major research sponsors and external auditors. She is recognized for her expertise in research financial management, compliance, internal controls, and institutional risk frameworks. Snjezana has played a central role in advancing national best practices, presenting regularly at CARA conferences and leading sector-wide discussions on compliance, financial stewardship, and research administration. Throughout her career, she has championed process improvements, strengthened institutional governance, and built training and capacity-building programs for researchers and administrators. A CPA and experienced strategic leader, Snjezana is committed to fostering strong partnerships, enabling operational excellence, and supporting the responsible and transparent management of research funds.

Rachel Brown has been a committed member of the Research & Innovation Division at Niagara College since 2007. With a strong foundation in business, Rachel is a proud graduate of Niagara College's Business Administration, Operations Management program and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Management from Athabasca University. A lifelong learner and dedicated professional, Rachel is passionate about continuous improvement and actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and expertise. Since 2011, Rachel has been an active member of CARA, and she has served on the CARA board since 2019. In her current role as Vice-President, Rachel continues to contribute her expertise and leadership to support the advancement of research administration in Canada. In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors, whether hiking or paddling on the water. When she’s indoors, you can find her cozy on the couch, cross stitching and listening to true crime podcasts.

As the Research Finance Officer at Niagara College, Jesse assists with budget management, internal and external financial reporting and ensuring Funder compliance. Jesse has over 10 years of experience working in the consulting industry managing small-scale projects, providing quality management administration, and writing technical reports within the construction aggregate industry. Jesse holds an Honours BSc from Brock University, as well as a Business Administration diploma from McMaster University.

Megan Parker is a Research Financial Analyst in the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) at Durham College. With more than 20 years of experience at the college, she was actively involved when applied research was first introduced and has since held a variety of roles within the research office, including serving as REB Administrator.

In her current role, Megan oversees a wide range of financial responsibilities to ensure the effective and efficient operations of ORSIE. Her work includes creating and maintaining financial records for multiple research initiatives, managing day-to-day financial transactions, tracking expenditures, conducting reconciliations, preparing financial claims for external funding agencies, and supporting audit processes. She also provides guidance on budget activity, supports the College’s annual budget process, and contributes to general administration.

Through her expertise in budgeting, forecasting, expenditure tracking, and reporting, Megan plays a key role in supporting the success and sustainability of research at Durham College.

Mike Folinas is the Director, Research Administration at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto. An alumnus of the University of Toronto, Mike brings over two decades of progressive experience in financial and research administration, spanning multiple faculties and units within the university. Before his current role, Mike managed portfolios for the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and various internal programs. His strategic acumen has led to the development of numerous successful business plans and strategies. Mike's extensive experience includes direct engagement with a diverse array of sponsors such as CFI, NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, National Institutes of Health, Canadian Space Agency, Environment Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and many other federal, provincial, and foundation entities. His knowledge of Tri-Agency programs and other sponsor programs, coupled with his expertise in the full cycle of research funding administration (pre- and post-award), makes him an asset in the research community. As the Director of Research Administration, Mike leads a dedicated team that excels in supporting the submission of applications, negotiating agreements, managing adjudication panels, operational funds, and collaborative initiatives. His leadership ensures day-to-day support for researchers, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence.

Karen Mosier is Research Coordinator in the Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, of the University of Saskatchewan. A prolific writer and public speaker, Karen has over 18 years’ experience in research administration working on campus in multiple departments and colleges which has given her a high-level understanding of the research processes at the University of Saskatchewan. She is the author of Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office (2020) as well as Deconstructing the Art of Grantsmanship: The Roles of the Storyteller, Grant Writer, Typesetter, Proofreader, Accountant and Reviewer (Journal of Research Administration, 53,1, Spring 2022).

Dominique Michaud is an independent consultant in research administration, development & funding with over 25 years of experience in academia. She is the Immediate Past President of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA) and a Past President of l'Association des administratrices et administrateurs de recherche universitaire du Québec (ADARUQ). She is currently chairing the 2027 Congress of the International Network of Research Management Societies (INORMS).

Tanna Giroux is Specialist Advisor, external awards and recognition in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. With more than 15 years of experience supporting award and recognition nominations, she is dedicated to ensuring that faculty achievements are meaningfully highlighted and celebrated. She has developed nomination procedures, guidelines, and best practices within the school, drawing on her combined background in research administration and marketing. This expertise gives her a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape, including both grants and research awards.

Erin O’Toole has a decade of experience in research administration. Erin is currently the Manager, Research Recognitions at the University of Calgary, where she oversees the Tri-Agency Canada Research Chairs portfolio and honorific research awards. She has held diverse roles supporting research funding programs across all academic levels, including studentships, scholarships, fellowships, proposal development, and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into research practice and administration. Originally from Nova Scotia, Erin holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in tuba performance.

Mona Rahman is the Research Awards Officer in the Vice-Principal Research Portfolio at Queen’s University where she coordinates external award nominations for faculty members. Born and raised at Queen’s, she holds a BSc(Hon) and PhD in Biochemistry from Queen’s, and completed a post-doctoral fellowship in Vascular Biology at the Robarts’ Research Institute. She returned to Queen’s to join a multidsciplinary research group and transitioned into research administration in 2017. Passionate about I-EDIAA issues, she was the inaugural interim Chair of the University Committee on Anti-Racism and Equity (UCARE) and currently sits on the Queen's University Anti-Hate Advisory Group (QUAHAG).

Snežana Obradović-Ratković, PhD, is Research Awards Program Facilitator in the Office of the Vice-President, Research at Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario. She has worked as a research administrator at Brock University since 2005, supporting researchers through a lens of peace, friendship, respect, and coexistence.

Alda O’Grady brings a decade of research administration and program management experience across several Canadian institutions, including Simon Fraser University, Western University, the University of Toronto, and NSERC. In her current role as a Research Project Manager at SFU, she oversees the university’s research chairs portfolio, including the Canada Research Chairs and Canada Excellence Research Chairs programs, and advances strategic and equity-focused initiatives that enhance transparent institutional processes, support inclusive research environments, and enable evidence-informed decision-making in the delivery of institutional programs.

Erin O’Toole has a decade of experience in research administration. Erin is currently the Manager, Research Recognitions at the University of Calgary, where she oversees the Tri-Agency Canada Research Chairs portfolio and honorific research awards. She has held diverse roles supporting research funding programs across all academic levels, including studentships, scholarships, fellowships, proposal development, and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion into research practice and administration. Originally from Nova Scotia, Erin holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in tuba performance.

Mika Johnson has been in research support roles since 2005, and in strategic research and grant development since 2013, having worked across several Canadian institutions, including the BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, and Queen’s University. In her role at Queen’s within the Institutional Programs team and VP Research portfolio, Mika guides pre- and post-award processes related to complex programs of institutional priority. She serves as the lead program advisor for the Canada Research Chairs (CRC) and Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) Programs, working closely with leadership to inform the allocation of chairs and to facilitate the recruitment and nomination of CRC and CERC candidates. Mika is committed to ongoing learning about Indigenization – Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism (I-EDIAA), and is accredited by the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion (CCDI).

Gwen Elaine Thompson Hill works at Royal Roads University as the Manager of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Research. She is a queer, cisgender, neurodivergent woman with ancestral roots in Scotland, France, and England; and is an uninvited settler on the traditional Lands of the Lekwungen-speaking Peoples; the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations. Gwen holds a Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies, which has informed her personal and professional commitments to the creation of more safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces in the Canadian post-secondary environment.

Catherine Copley is the Science Communication Specialist with the Health Sciences North Research Institute (HSNRI) in Sudbury, Ontario. She holds a Master of Science Communication degree from Laurentian University, as well as a Master of Science in Microbiology and Immunology (University of Ottawa, CHEO Research Institute). She completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Biology (Carleton University). She has worked to plan and execute large scale science-focused public engagement events such as HSNRI’s Catalyst, Northern MedTalks, and Ottawa’s Brain Awareness Week, and in her present role was also responsible for conceptualizing and implementing the strategic communication plan for HSNRI. She has provided science communication training to a variety of research-oriented and medical audiences. Catherine has several years of basic science and clinically-oriented research experience in the areas of diabetes, neuro-HIV, and neuro-oncological immunotherapies. More recently, she has produced rhetorical research related to COVID-19 risk communication as well as the language used to characterize patients with chronic pain, and has presented this work internationally. Through her work, Catherine endeavours to increase the accessibility of research, and is passionate about patient-focused communication and engagement in care.

Brice Rousseau is a Research Partnership and Business Development Officer in the Office of the Vice-Principal, Research & Innovation at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC). In this role, he supports a wide range of stakeholders—from faculty seeking research collaborations to anchor institutions across the Greater Toronto Area—with a particular focus on building international and industry partnerships aligned with UTSC’s strategic priorities.

Brice brings more than 15 years of experience working with European research funding programs. He previously served as a research project manager at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) in France and as a research funding advisor at the University of Munich in Germany, gaining extensive expertise in proposal development and project management. He has also contributed to working groups within the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and the European University Association (EUA), helping shape position papers on EU research programs and engaging in discussions with EU policy makers.

Brice studied at the Institute for Political Sciences in Strasbourg and holds a Master’s degree in European Public Policies from the University of Strasbourg.

Clotilde Ribaut, PhD Clotilde Ribaut is a Senior Advisor, International Research at the Office of the Vice-President Research and Innovation at the University of Ottawa, where she oversees the European portfolio. Her missions consist of providing support on international collaborations to the research community, by providing seed funding and guidance on external grants, including Horizon Europe. 

She is also in charge on maintaining existing and strengthening institutional relations by hosting international delegations. She has a strong knowledge of the research landscape both in Canada and Europe, connecting both continents since 2019. Prior, Clotilde pursued a career in research, for more than 10 years, in Europe with an expertise in developing biomedical tools. She has a PhD from the University of Toulouse (France) and has completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Belgium under H2020 programme. 

Dr. Mark Phillipo With prior experience as an academic editor and proofreader in the UK, Mark has worked in UBC’s SPARC (Support Programs to Advance Research Capacity) as a Research Development Officer since 2023. In this role, he leads support for UBC applicants to NSERC’s Discovery Grants program. Starting in May 2024, he has taken on additional responsibilities as part of UBC’s Horizon Europe team, supporting prospective consortium members from UBC as they navigate the possibilities of a program that is still novel to many of us.

Derya Buyuktanir Karacan is the regional representative at EURAXESS North America and works as an adjunct professor at George Washington University, focusing on science diplomacy, science policy, and the EU. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics and the International Relations of the European Union. She continued her studies at Georgetown University, Washington DC, as a post-doctoral fellow between 2014 and 2015. Following her tenure at Georgetown University, she taught courses on global politics, international relations, and the European Union as an assistant professor.

Besides her academic credentials, she has 13 years of experience as a participant, trainer, or coordinator on different national and international projects on youth supported by the European Commission and the World Bank. Dr. Buyuktanir Karacan is the guest editor of the peer-reviewed journals Science and Public Policy and Frontiers.

About Dr Leslie Cove (she/they) Leslie Cove brings a decade of strategic inclusive leadership along with deep transformation and change management policy and program experience to her coaching, consulting and outreach. Leslie currently works at the University of Waterloo where she is the Director of Inclusive Research and Innovation and adjunct faculty in Sociology and Legal Studies. Trained as a social psychologist, Leslie works with several different organizations and institutions on leadership communication, strategy and decision making. She is an award-winning university teaching professor, a researcher, and specializes in coaching academics and consulting on research.

Fariba Soetan is a seasoned higher education policy expert with over 20 years’ experience working across HE research policy, science, innovation, sustainable development, and and inclusion. As Head of Policy and Research at the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) based in London, she leads strategic initiatives that influence global higher education policy.

Fariba convenes the ACU’s Higher Education Taskforce, a group of 20 vice-chancellors from across the Commonwealth, tackling key challenges such as equitable access, research ecosystems, HE funding, employability, digital transformation, and sustainability. Their work supports governments in delivering the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Fariba has held influential roles at the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE), Springer Nature, and the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), managing multi-million-pound portfolios and advising senior stakeholders. Fariba has also collaborated with the Commonwealth Secretariat to embed sustainability into education systems and is a regular contributor to sector thought leadership.

Lauren Gogo is an accomplished research management professional and the Director of Research Contracts & Grants at Hamilton Health Sciences, one of Canada’s leading research hospitals. A strong leader in the academic and health sectors, Lauren has extensive knowledge of clinical research agreements and various health policies related to clinical trials and other research, both in Canada and internationally. With over 14 years of experience working in non-profit, university, and hospital settings, Lauren has reviewed contracts, drafted and reviewed granting applications, negotiated commercialization terms and intellectual property agreements, and provided expert advice on clinical trial regulations and privacy considerations in accordance with PHIPA. Her wealth of experience ensures that research agreements and processes are managed efficiently and in compliance with relevant policies. In her current role, Lauren oversees a dedicated team of contracts and grants professionals, managing the review, negotiation, and execution of research-related agreements and grant applications/awards. She also actively contributes to the development of research policies and plays a key role in strategic projects aimed at enhancing research capabilities. Lauren’s collaborative approach extends to participating in working groups to further strengthen research contracts and foster key partnerships. In addition to her managerial duties, Lauren has delivered numerous internal and external presentations on topics including the clinical trials process, clinical trial registration, privacy in research, and contracts & ethics, sharing her expertise with a wider audience to advance knowledge in these critical areas. With her strong leadership and commitment to healthcare research, Lauren continues to make a significant impact on the research landscape at Hamilton Health Sciences. Lauren has a Masters in Biomedical Technology (MBT) from the University of Calgary, and is currently Vice President of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA).

Erin Cherban is the Chief Clinical Research Officer for the CIHR Pan-Canadian Network for HIV and STBBI Clinical Trials Research (CTN+) and the Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes. The CTN+ is a national network of clinical trial sites that has received continuous federal funding for the last 36 years. Established in 1998, the Advancing Health is a multidisciplinary health research centre founded to pursue excellence in research through the rigorous evaluation, interpretation, and dissemination of health outcomes information. Erin’s expertise includes management of academic clinical research centres; clinical trial protocol development; international, multi-centre clinical trial project management oversight; monitoring/auditing clinical trial sites; co-designing and implementing competitive funding programs; and, collaborative leadership of multidisciplinary teams that include patient partners. Throughout her career in research, Erin has volunteered with organizations that promote clinical research continuing education and professional development. In addition to being the current Chair of the Network of Networks Canada (N2) board of directors, she previously served as an elected member of the Society of Clinical Research Administrator (SOCRA) board of directors.

Mike Folinas is the Director, Research Administration at the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto. An alumnus of the University of Toronto, Mike brings over two decades of progressive experience in financial and research administration, spanning multiple faculties and units within the university. Before his current role, Mike managed portfolios for the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and various internal programs. His strategic acumen has led to the development of numerous successful business plans and strategies. Mike's extensive experience includes direct engagement with a diverse array of sponsors such as CFI, NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, National Institutes of Health, Canadian Space Agency, Environment Canada, Public Health Agency of Canada, and many other federal, provincial, and foundation entities. His knowledge of Tri-Agency programs and other sponsor programs, coupled with his expertise in the full cycle of research funding administration (pre- and post-award), makes him an asset in the research community. As the Director of Research Administration, Mike leads a dedicated team that excels in supporting the submission of applications, negotiating agreements, managing adjudication panels, operational funds, and collaborative initiatives. His leadership ensures day-to-day support for researchers, fostering an environment of innovation and excellence.

Lisa is the Executive Director for the CANSTOREnergy NFRF-T research project where she supports the operations and strategic vision of the pan-Canadian initiative. Before joining the CANSTOREnergy team, she held successive roles at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she supported the co-creation of large-scale and multi-faceted partnerships between researchers and industry partners, managed the provincial partnerships portfolio, and acted as the Canadian lead for the Academic Industry Meeting Day (AIMday) program. She also previously held roles in research program administration at the provincial and national levels supporting collaborative neuroscience research. She received her BSc in Developmental Biology from the University of Toronto, MSc in Biology from York University, and her PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto.

Robin is the Associate Vice-President in the Research Grants and Scholarships Directorate at NSERC, where she is responsible for the overall administration of research funding programs and provides leadership in the development and implementation of processes and systems to ensure the harmonization of program policies and procedures. She is also the Stakeholder Champion for TGMS. Robin has over 15 years of experience in elaborating strategies and partnerships that translate emerging scientific and creative opportunities into meaningful outcomes for organizations and diverse stakeholder groups. She is passionate about multidisciplinary research collaborations, and throughout her career, has prioritized inclusive training and mentorship to further the career goals of students. Robin has a PhD and Master’s in French from Western University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.

Matthew Lucas is Executive Director, Corporate Strategy and Performance, at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada.  Here he oversees corporate operations and governance, parliamentary affairs, data analytics, policy development, and international engagement.  He is active in the field of open science and chairs the federal granting agencies’ Open Science Executive Committee and led the development Canda’s Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy.  Prior to SSHRC, Matthew worked at Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada where he held several positions, including Senior Policy Advisor to the Science, Technology and Innovation Council Secretariat, and the Departmental Advisor to the Minister of State for Science and Technology. Matthew received his PhD from the University of Toronto in the area of science, technology and innovation policy. 

Dr. Karine Duhamel (she/her) is an Anishinaabe historian and a member of Opwaaganasiniing (Red Rock Indian Band). She holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Education, as well as a master’s degree and PhD in history. As a researcher, she supported Indian Residential School survivors in preparing their cases and served as Director of Research for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (NIMMIWG) from 2018 to the end of its mandate in 2019. In 2021, she chaired the data working group to draft the MMIWG2S+ National Action Plan. In 2022, she joined the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada as Director of Indigenous Strategy, working across agency and disciplinary boundaries to support implementation of the tri-agency strategy to support Indigenous researchers. In addition to her role as a public servant, she is an official Speaker for the Treaty Relations Commission of Manitoba and a Research Affiliate of the Centre for Human Rights Research at the University of Manitoba.

Robbyn Plumb joined NSERC as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships in July 2023. She began her career at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) with the Evaluation and Statistics group and later moved into the Policy and Evaluation Division at NSERC, ultimately managing the Policy and International Relations team.

From 2004 to 2023, Robbyn was with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), holding various positions with progressive responsibility in the science and innovation policy space. She managed the Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Science and Technology and led strategic policy functions in the Science Policy Branch of the Science and Research Sector. She also served as an executive leader in program delivery, responsible for implementing the Budget 2019 announcement to create the Strategic Science Fund. Earlier in her career, Robbyn spent four years on an interchange at the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) as a Senior Program Officer, delivering several of CFI’s funds, including a joint funding opportunity with NSERC on the Automotive Partnership Canada initiative.

Robbyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and International Business from the University of Ottawa and spent a year studying international finance and economics at the University of Aston in Birmingham, England. She is also a devoted advocate for children and youth with developmental disabilities, currently serving on the Board of Directors of Children at Risk.

Robbyn Plumb joined NSERC as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships in July 2023. She began her career at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) with the Evaluation and Statistics group and later moved into the Policy and Evaluation Division at NSERC, ultimately managing the Policy and International Relations team.

From 2004 to 2023, Robbyn was with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), holding various positions with progressive responsibility in the science and innovation policy space. She managed the Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Science and Technology and led strategic policy functions in the Science Policy Branch of the Science and Research Sector. She also served as an executive leader in program delivery, responsible for implementing the Budget 2019 announcement to create the Strategic Science Fund. Earlier in her career, Robbyn spent four years on an interchange at the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) as a Senior Program Officer, delivering several of CFI’s funds, including a joint funding opportunity with NSERC on the Automotive Partnership Canada initiative.

Robbyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and International Business from the University of Ottawa and spent a year studying international finance and economics at the University of Aston in Birmingham, England. She is also a devoted advocate for children and youth with developmental disabilities, currently serving on the Board of Directors of Children at Risk.

Andrea Benoit is Director of the Program Planning and Operations (PPO) division in the Research Grants and Scholarships (RGS) directorate at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). PPO provides expert, client focused central coordination of the operational, financial, technical, and data-centric framework for the delivery and reporting of RGS programs through an inclusive and collaborative approach to change management with RGS staff and stakeholders.

Andrea’s previous experiences at NSERC include Deputy Director of Policy and Planning in RGS where her team supported program policy development for Discovery Research and made key contributions to NSERC’s policies on EDI and the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). She also held Deputy Director and Manager positions in the Research Partnerships directorate (now RTP) where she worked to advance academic-industry collaborations in key economic sectors of information and communications technologies.

Prior to joining NSERC in 2009, Andrea was a team leader in the telecommunications industry holding various customer support, product delivery, systems engineering and business planning roles at Nortel Networks. Andrea holds a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Ottawa and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from McGill University.

FRENCH biography

Andréa Benoit est directrice de la division de la Planification et des opérations des programmes (PPO) à la direction des Subventions et bourses de recherche (SRB) au Conseil de recherches en sciences naturelles et en génie du Canada (CRSNG). La PPO offre une coordination centrale experte et axée sur le client des cadres opérationnels, financiers, techniques et centrés sur les données pour la livraison et le rapport des programmes de la SRB grâce à une approche inclusive et collaborative de la gestion du changement avec le personnel et les parties prenantes de la SRB. 

Les expériences antérieures d’Andréa au CRSNG incluent le poste de directrice adjointe de la Politique et de la Planification au sein de la SRB, où son équipe soutenait le développement des politiques de programme pour la recherche découverte et apportait des contributions clés aux politiques du CRSNG sur l’EDI ainsi qu’à la Déclaration de San Francisco sur l’évaluation de la recherche (DORA). Elle a également occupé les postes de directrice adjointe et de gestionnaire à la direction des Partenariats de recherche, où elle a travaillé à favoriser les collaborations universitaires-industrie dans des secteurs économiques clés des technologies de l’information et des communications.

Avant de se joindre au CRSNG en 2009, Andrea était chef d’équipe dans l’industrie des télécommunications, occupant divers postes de soutien à la clientèle, de livraison de produits, d’ingénierie des systèmes et de planification des affaires chez Nortel Networks. Andrea détient une maîtrise en administration des affaires de l’Université d’Ottawa et un baccalauréat en génie électrique de McGill University.

Julie Nguyen brings a wealth of clinical and research experience to the OHRI Contracts Office. She previously worked as both an Ethics Coordinator for the Cancer Centre and a Unit Coordinator for The Ottawa Hospital - Cancer Centre where she was cross-trained in all departments. Her training in these areas gives her a practical grounding in her work in the Contracts Office. She holds a Master of Arts in Legal Studies that helps her navigate the legal intricacies of this role. Julie’s favorite part of her job is connecting with study teams and helping them navigate complex contract challenges, enabling their projects to progress smoothly. When she’s not fine-tuning her expertise in Clinical Trial Agreements, you can find her shopping somewhere for something for someone.

Collin Fletcher obtained his undergraduate degree from Carleton University, with a major in Law and Legal Studies with a double minor in Film/History and obtaining the Highest Honors. After obtaining his undergraduate degree from Carleton University, Collin attended University of Ottawa obtaining a Juris Doctorate and graduating Cum Laude. After graduating law school, Collin has worked in several varied legal environments – working at a fast-paced insurance defense law firm, operating his own practice for two years and working at boutique family law litigation firm. While working private practice, Collin litigated matters in court, but enjoyed the value of negotiation and alternative dispute resolution processes, like mediation. In 2022, Collin made the decision to transition to in-house counsel, working first at the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute until he joined the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute in the summer of 2024. Working in a healthcare research environment is infinitely rewarding to Collin. Assisting with contracts and legal issues is Collin’s ability to play a small role in this process. When not working, Collin enjoys spending time with his family and teaching at both University of Ottawa and Carleton University.

Renée joined the OHRI in 2014 as a Clerk, dividing her time between the OHSN-REB and the Contracts Office. In 2015, she transitioned full time to the Contracts Office, and worked as the Contracts Administrator . In 2022, after effectively managing the office for 7 years, Renée took on a new challenge as a Contracts Officer. In 2025 Renée became a Senior Contracts Officer . In her current role, Renée reviews a variety of agreements including Clinical Trial Agreements, Data Sharing Agreements, Service Agreements and Amendments, and brings with her a wealth of institutional knowledge along with strong client service skills. When she’s not at work, you can find Renée relaxing on the beach, somewhere sunny and warm.

Karen Mosier is Research Coordinator in the Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, of the University of Saskatchewan. A prolific writer and public speaker, Karen has over 18 years’ experience in research administration working on campus in multiple departments and colleges which has given her a high-level understanding of the research processes at the University of Saskatchewan. She is the author of Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office (2020) as well as Deconstructing the Art of Grantsmanship: The Roles of the Storyteller, Grant Writer, Typesetter, Proofreader, Accountant and Reviewer (Journal of Research Administration, 53,1, Spring 2022).

Terry Campbell is a research and leadership strategist with extensive senior executive experience in Canada’s post-secondary research, government and health sectors. Prior to her retirement in late 2023, she was the Assistant Vice-President, Research Services at the University of Ottawa where she was responsible for management and accountability of the University’s research portfolio, strategic planning, capacity development programs, and performance monitoring. She led the institution’s strategies for equity, diversity and inclusion in research (EDI) and for knowledge mobilization. Previously, she led Canadian national research funding programs, strategic planning and science and technology policy activities in various executive roles at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canada Research Chairs Secretariat. She has also worked in health administration and informatics roles in the health care sector. Terry is a regular contributor to the practice of research administration through delivering CARA educational sessions on topics such as strategic planning, strategy development, leadership, employee engagement and knowledge mobilization. In 2025 she received the CARA Research Management Excellence Award. She is also a member of the Society for Research Administrators International (SRAI), where she is a Distinguished Faculty and the past President of the Canadian Section. She holds a Master Degree in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois. She holds a Diversity and Inclusion certificate (Cornell).

Véronique Covanti has been a research administrator at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM) since 2013 and has worked at the Faculty of Arts of the same university since 2021. She has developed an expertise in supporting professors and artists with their grant applications and funding searches from major Quebec and Canadian granting agencies. She enjoys carefully reviewing professors’ grant proposals and leading research development activities for her faculty that consider the flourishing and the success of the professors she supports. Veronique obtained a professional certification in research administration from CARA in 2019. Before becoming a research administrator, she worked as a communications professional. Her previous studies focused on public relations, intercultural communication, and visual arts. In her spare time, she practices ceramics and is interested in eastern philosophies.

Dr. Tim Wilson is the Associate Vice-President of Research Programs at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), where he is responsible for overseeing the Agency’s grants and scholarships programs.

Prior to coming to SSHRC, Tim held a number of executive positions at the Treasury Board Secretariat and the Public Service Commission.  In addition to his career in the Public Service, Tim also teaches English Literature part-time at the University of Ottawa, specializing in Renaissance Literature and Literary Theory.  

Tim Wilson est le vice-président associé des Programmes de recherches, Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines (CRSH), responsable de la gestion des programmes de subventions et des bourses à l’agence.  

Avant de se joindre au CRSH, Tim a occupé divers postes de direction au sein du Secrétariat du Conseil du Trésor ainsi qu’à la Commission de la fonction publique. En plus de sa carrière dans la fonction publique, Tim enseigne également la littérature anglaise à temps partiel à l’université d’Ottawa. Il se spécialise dans la littérature de la Renaissance et en théorie littéraire.

Lauren Gogo is an accomplished research management professional and the Director of Research Contracts & Grants at Hamilton Health Sciences, one of Canada’s leading research hospitals. A strong leader in the academic and health sectors, Lauren has extensive knowledge of clinical research agreements and various health policies related to clinical trials and other research, both in Canada and internationally. With over 14 years of experience working in non-profit, university, and hospital settings, Lauren has reviewed contracts, drafted and reviewed granting applications, negotiated commercialization terms and intellectual property agreements, and provided expert advice on clinical trial regulations and privacy considerations in accordance with PHIPA. Her wealth of experience ensures that research agreements and processes are managed efficiently and in compliance with relevant policies. In her current role, Lauren oversees a dedicated team of contracts and grants professionals, managing the review, negotiation, and execution of research-related agreements and grant applications/awards. She also actively contributes to the development of research policies and plays a key role in strategic projects aimed at enhancing research capabilities. Lauren’s collaborative approach extends to participating in working groups to further strengthen research contracts and foster key partnerships. In addition to her managerial duties, Lauren has delivered numerous internal and external presentations on topics including the clinical trials process, clinical trial registration, privacy in research, and contracts & ethics, sharing her expertise with a wider audience to advance knowledge in these critical areas. With her strong leadership and commitment to healthcare research, Lauren continues to make a significant impact on the research landscape at Hamilton Health Sciences. Lauren has a Masters in Biomedical Technology (MBT) from the University of Calgary, and is currently Vice President of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA).

Jen Kyffin is Senior Partnerships and Engagement Strategist at the University of Victoria's Innovation and Partnerships Office, where she develops strategic collaborations that advance UVic's research mission. With over a decade of experience in research administration, Jen specializes in building respectful partnerships with Indigenous communities, non-profit organizations, and government entities. She guides researchers and research professionals through the ethical, regulatory, and practical dimensions of community-engaged research, including data governance, intellectual property, and culturally appropriate protocols. Jen worked with Indigenous scholars and community members in co-developing UVic's Resources for Research Agreements with Indigenous Communities. She brings additional experience from roles in human research ethics and community-based program leadership. She is dedicated to bridging institutional processes with community-centered approaches that honor Indigenous governance and knowledge systems.

Rachel Corder is the Manager of Research Agreements at the University of Victoria’s Innovation and Partnerships Office. In this role, she guides a team of contract specialists responsible for reviewing and negotiating complex agreements with government, industry, Indigenous organizations, and community partners. With a decade of experience in research contracting, she works closely with researchers, internal units, and external partners to create agreements that are comprehensive, efficient, and clearly aligned with the roles and obligations of all parties. Her expertise includes tailoring intellectual property, publication, confidentiality, and data protection terms to meet the unique needs of research collaborations.

Dr. Ibironke Popoola is a Research Development Officer within the Office of the Vice-President, Research (OVPR) at the University of Alberta. In this role, she plays a pivotal strategic part in enhancing researcher competencies and fostering success in external funding competitions. Expanding on her expertise, Ibironke is currently pioneering the integration of Generative AI into the grant evaluation process and other external grant application workflows. Ibironke has educational training in the Agri-food domain and experience spanning Agri-food research, research and innovation funding, and research development.

Dr. Paolo Mussone leads the development of AI Literacy initiatives in the Office of the Vice-President (Research) at the University of Alberta where his team focuses on empowering every researcher through the safe, responsible, and ethical use of AI technology at each step of the grant proposal development lifecycle. Paolo has degrees in engineering and 25 years of experience in leading fundamental and applied research projects, entrepreneurship, and research administration.

Dr Fiona Cubitt is the Director of Research Services at the University of Victoria and is responsible for grant application support and institutional approval, post-award research finance and human research ethics, in addition to supporting post-doc administration and the Research Administration Information System. Fiona has held a variety of leadership positions within the Government of British Columbia. As Executive Director of Indigenous Policy and Engagement at the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, she led a team who collaborated with Indigenous organizations and communities to implement governments post-secondary commitments within the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Prior to that she held positions at the Ministry of Agriculture, managing a team of Industry Specialists across the province as Senior Manager of Agriculture Development, and working with First Nations, local government and communities as the Aquaculture and Communities Specialist to integrate community interests into provincial decisions on shellfish and finfish aquaculture.

Alison McCluskey is the Associate Director of Research Finance at the University of Victoria and oversees the Post-Award management of the University’s research portfolio. In this role, she works closely with several other departments, including Pre-Award, Research Accounting and Contracts. In addition, Alison oversees the financial management for the Office of the Vice President Research and all internally funded research accounts. Alison is a Chartered Professional Accountant and joined UVIC in 2023. Alison has significant experience working with community organizations as a board member, in senior finance roles in both operating and funding organizations, and from working with not-for profit clients during her time with a National CPA firm. Alison brings this experience and perspective to the conversations around Community-Based research.

Asifali Momin is the Director of Research Financial Services at the University of Guelph where he provides strategic leadership and oversight for the University’s research funding portfolio. With over 14 years of progressive experience in research financial administration, he leads a team of 25 professionals managing more than $150 million in research funding annually, including over $30 million in Tri-Agency funding across 700+ research accounts. Asifali holds a CPA designation and two master's degrees in accounting, bringing a strong foundation in financial governance and compliance to his role. Outside of work, he is an avid cricket and pickleball player and actively contributes to community volunteering initiatives.

Robin is the Associate Vice-President in the Research Grants and Scholarships Directorate at NSERC, where she is responsible for the overall administration of research funding programs and provides leadership in the development and implementation of processes and systems to ensure the harmonization of program policies and procedures. She is also the Stakeholder Champion for TGMS. Robin has over 15 years of experience in elaborating strategies and partnerships that translate emerging scientific and creative opportunities into meaningful outcomes for organizations and diverse stakeholder groups. She is passionate about multidisciplinary research collaborations, and throughout her career, has prioritized inclusive training and mentorship to further the career goals of students. Robin has a PhD and Master’s in French from Western University and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto.

Robbyn Plumb joined NSERC as Associate Vice-President, Research Partnerships in July 2023. She began her career at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) with the Evaluation and Statistics group and later moved into the Policy and Evaluation Division at NSERC, ultimately managing the Policy and International Relations team.

From 2004 to 2023, Robbyn was with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), holding various positions with progressive responsibility in the science and innovation policy space. She managed the Secretariat of the Prime Minister’s Advisory Council on Science and Technology and led strategic policy functions in the Science Policy Branch of the Science and Research Sector. She also served as an executive leader in program delivery, responsible for implementing the Budget 2019 announcement to create the Strategic Science Fund. Earlier in her career, Robbyn spent four years on an interchange at the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) as a Senior Program Officer, delivering several of CFI’s funds, including a joint funding opportunity with NSERC on the Automotive Partnership Canada initiative.

Robbyn holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance and International Business from the University of Ottawa and spent a year studying international finance and economics at the University of Aston in Birmingham, England. She is also a devoted advocate for children and youth with developmental disabilities, currently serving on the Board of Directors of Children at Risk.

Matthew Lucas is Executive Director, Corporate Strategy and Performance, at the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada.  Here he oversees corporate operations and governance, parliamentary affairs, data analytics, policy development, and international engagement.  He is active in the field of open science and chairs the federal granting agencies’ Open Science Executive Committee and led the development Canda’s Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy.  Prior to SSHRC, Matthew worked at Innovation, Science, and Economic Development Canada where he held several positions, including Senior Policy Advisor to the Science, Technology and Innovation Council Secretariat, and the Departmental Advisor to the Minister of State for Science and Technology. Matthew received his PhD from the University of Toronto in the area of science, technology and innovation policy. 

Gaelle Stukart Parsons is the Program Manager for Research Systems at the University of Ottawa, where she leads the transition to an integrated electronic Research Administration System (eRAS) and develops a strategic roadmap informed by U15 best practices. With experience in research administration, contracts, and compliance, her work focuses on optimizing efficiency across the research administration lifecycle and advancing institutional priorities through innovative system solutions.

Céline Marie is the Director of Sponsored Research Services at the University of Ottawa, where she leads a team dedicated to supporting researchers in securing and managing external funding for their projects. With extensive experience in research administration, Céline oversees compliance, funding negotiations, and the implementation of best practices to facilitate impactful research collaborations. Her work focuses on fostering innovation and ensuring that sponsored research aligns with institutional priorities and sponsor requirements.

Brandi Povitz is a Grants Development Officer at the University of Calgary's Cumming School of Medicine. Prior to joining the Cumming School of Medicine Grant Development Office in 2019, Brandi worked as a Grant Development Officer and Project Manager at the Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario. Brandi’s portfolio includes the CIHR Project Grant competition and the faculty's program of support for new investigators. Brandi co-leads the CARA Grant Facilitators' journal club. She was a SRA International Future of the Field 2024 honoree and co-recipient of the CARA 2024 Innovation Award.

Samar Saneinejad is the Senior Director of Strategy, Innovation and Partnerships in the Office of the VP Research & Innovation at Unity Health Toronto, where she leads strategic initiatives to advance research excellence, commercialization, and innovation across the organization. Prior to joining Unity Health, she served as a Senior Consultant at Shift Health, advising leading research and healthcare organizations in Canada and internationally on strategy development and implementation. Samar has a strong record of guiding multidisciplinary teams, fostering institutional innovation, and advancing partnerships that bridge research outcomes with real-world impact.

Mahfam Janbakhsh is the Research Strategy Lead at Unity Health Toronto, where she drives key institutional initiatives and supports long-term strategic direction across one of Canada’s leading research hospitals. With over a decade of experience in the academic research sector, she has led complex projects, advised senior leadership and built strong partnerships spanning universities, hospitals and community organizations. Her previous roles include Project Manager for Research Strategic Projects at Unity Health and Research Program Specialist at the University of Saskatchewan, where she helped secure major federal funding and delivered initiatives to strengthen research capacity. Earlier in her career, she contributed to community-focused programs at YWCA Saskatoon. Mahfam is recognized for her collaborative approach and ability to turn strategy into impact.

Erica Conte is the Director of Funding Strategy and Stewardship at Unity Health Toronto. She has worked in Research Administration and Leadership for over 12 years within a hospital-based research institution where she supports the full breadth of health research spanning fundamental science through to translational research, health services/policy and knowledge translation. She is actively involved in the field of responsible research evaluation as part of the INORMS Research Evaluation Group that developed the SCOPE framework and More Than Our Rank Initiative as well as co-lead of the CoARA Working Group on "Thinking critically on University Rankings Network (TURN). Erica has been an active member of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA)  since 2014, during which time she has held several volunteer positions to help advance the field of research administration in Canada. 

Claire Major is Manager, Research Legal Services at Sinai Health Research. Her work spans client relations, hands-on operational problem-solving, and the often-messy legwork of guiding researchers and staff through complex processes. She is currently leading a study on the uptake of generative AI in research administration, drawing on her experience in qualitative and quantitative methods.

Kristen Cavanagh-Ray is an operations generalist with a decade of experience at NSERC, predominantly with the operations team in the Research Grants and Scholarships Directorate. She brings cross-functional agency expertise with a strength in connecting dots across diverse operational areas to analyze how processes and organizational changes affect broader systems. With a focus on lean management principles and change management best practices, Kristen is a champion of eliminating waste, optimizing processes, and guiding teams through transitions.

Kristen Cavanagh-Ray est une généraliste des opérations qui compte une dizaine d'années d'expérience au CRSNG, principalement au sein de l'équipe des opérations de la Direction des subventions de recherche et des bourses. Elle apporte une expertise interfonctionnelle à l'organisme et possède une grande capacité à établir des liens entre divers domaines opérationnels afin d'analyser l'incidence des processus et des changements organisationnels sur les systèmes dans leur ensemble. Axée sur les principes de gestion allégée et les pratiques exemplaires en matière de gestion du changement, Kristen est une championne de l'élimination du gaspillage, de l'optimisation des processus et de l'accompagnement des équipes dans les transitions.

Kim Sivak is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) who has been managing projects throughout the last 15 years. While most recently she has focused on project management in the academic sector, Kim also has extensive experience managing environmental projects for the public, private, and non-profit sectors. In her current capacity as Associate Director, Research Management at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Kim leads a team of research project managers who provide extensive post-award management for some of the university’s largest and most complex grants and contracts. She is also a co-leader of the SFU Project Management Community of Practice, a group for which Kim won the 2022 Staff Achievement Award (Team Award). Kim enjoys learning about and developing new approaches to research project management, as well as putting structures and processes in place to ensure collaborative, inclusive, and impactful teams. She holds a BA from UC Berkeley and a MA in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

Russell Bonaguro is a Project Manager at BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute (BCCHR) with 10 years of experience in research project management. He leads the BCCHR Research Project Management Unit, a small but dynamic team providing resources, consultations, and cost-recovery support to researchers. In his project management role, Russell supports large-scale project proposals, institutional strategic initiatives, and individual research group needs. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biology and Genetics from UBC, a Master of Public Health from SFU, and the Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.

Rachel Bair is the Manager of Research Programs at the Institute for Better Health (IBH) at Trillium Health Partners, where she leads the Research Project Management (RPM) team in advancing research operations and building capacity across diverse portfolios. Since joining IBH, she has fostered greater synergy and alignment within research operations, supporting collaboration, consistency, and workforce development across clinical and community-based research. With a background spanning health equity, wellbeing, and organizational development, Rachel brings a people-centered approach to designing systems that enable research excellence. Her work bridges operational strategy with a deep commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that research environments are not only efficient but also reflective of the communities they serve.

Manjinder Cheema is Manager of Institutional Programs in the Office of Research Services at the University of Victoria. His team supports faculty in developing competitive research funding proposals and manages large-scale institutional programs such as CFI-JELF, CFI-IF and other strategic initiatives. With extensive experience in research administration and project management, Manjinder focuses on ensuring compliance with funding agency guidelines and facilitating successful institutional submissions.

Robyn Roscoe is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with more than 30 years of experience in project management in the scientific and technical fields. Since 2011, Robyn has been principal of Lyric Management, specializing in management and leadership training and teaching, event coordination and delivery, grant writing and facilitation, and coaching and mentorship. In previous roles, she led the creation and expansion of project teams in a large-scale research setting, establishing project management in research as a career path for dozens of professionals. Robyn is also Operations Manager for RainCity Analytics, a health economics and outcomes research consultancy in Vancouver, B.C.  

Tiana Fech is a mom of three boys, an educator and a lifelong learner with a diversity of experience in the field of education including curriculum development, classroom teaching, and inclusive education. She spent 4 years as a sessional instructor in the Werklund School of Education at the University of Calgary and in 2021 received an Excellence in Practicum Supervision Award. Currently, Tiana is an Academic Engagement Facilitator with the ARIS Hub (Applied Research and Innovation Services) at SAIT, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. She and her colleague create and lead mentorship training sessions for ARIS Hub researchers and support the implementation of the framework they developed to increase student engagement in applied research at SAIT. In her book, Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course, and in her business, Tiana Fech Consulting, she uses a relationship-centered approach to help business owners and subject matter experts create and optimize learning experiences that inspire, engage, and connect with their clients, customers, and communities. Tiana is also the host of The People Teaching People Podcast which is the place to talk about all things teaching and learning in a world where there is always more to discover.

Teresa Bent, a past SAIT grad and business owner, has an extensive 34 year background in the field of education. Along with her classroom experience, she was an educational leader and coach in Literacy education, English language learning and Inclusive education. After receiving her Masters in 21st Century Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary she went on to teach at Werklund School of Education. Her other leadership experiences include 25 years both locally and nationally with a non - profit organization. Currently, she is excited to be one of two Academic Engageme nt Facilitators with ARIS at SAIT helping to build relationships among the research centers and academic schools and working to create a framework for student engagement in applied research.

With a Doctor of Philosophy in Human Geography from Queen's University, Rebecca applies skills she’s developed in the areas of research, relationship management, communications, and advising to provide support in her current role in the Vice-Principal Research Portfolio at the University. Rebecca is a faculty member at St. Lawrence College and has engaged in paid and volunteer work in the non-profit sector. When she is not working, you will find Rebecca enjoying time with family and friends, practicing yoga, dancing salsa, and pursuing artistic endeavours that regularly end up displayed in her home partially complete!

Dominique is a Director at Programs Canada Research Chairs Program, Research Support Fund, and Research Security.

N.B. The participating organizations in this session have been confirmed, though currently, the list of co-presenters has not been finalized. In this case, Kelly-Anne Maddox, Senior Research Advisor, uOttawa, would be representing Research Administrators as a CARA Board Member.

A physicist by training, Patrick Pilot joined the Canada Foundation for Innovation in 2003 after a brief stint in the telecommunications industry. He worked on developing several funding opportunities, from the College-Industry Innovation Fund to the Cyberinfrastructure Initiative and the John R. Evans Leaders Opportunities Fund. After co-leading the 2023 Innovation Fund competition, Patrick is now the Associate Director of Program Operations at the CFI, the team responsible for daily interactions with Canadian universities and colleges. After co-leading the 2023 Innovation Fund competition, he is now Associate Director of Operations related to funding programs at the CFI, the team responsible for day-to-day interactions with Canadian universities and colleges.

Nikolas Lamarre is the Canadian Persistent Identifier Community Officer at the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN). He holds a CILIP-accredited MSc in Book History and Material Culture from the University of Edinburgh, and is currently pursuing an M.Ed. in Educational Technology and Design at the University of Saskatchewan. At CRKN, he actively supports the ORCID-CA and DataCite Canada consortia by promoting PID adoption, developing community resources, and improving metadata practices to enhance the discoverability and use of cultural heritage and scholarly resources. 

Scott Baker manages the Research Cybersecurity and Compliance team at UBC Advanced Research Computing: a group focused on supporting researchers in navigating compliance requirements and finding secure solutions for their project architectures and research data. He is a member of the program leadership committee for UBC's Privacy & Information Security Management program. He is also a member of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada national security council where he chairs the governance and policy working group.

Erika Barrios is the Operations Manager of Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), where she leads operational strategy and support for one of Canada’s leading applied research colleges. She oversees research operations, including contracts, financial reporting, facilities coordination, health and safety compliance, and operational processes that enable collaborative research projects with industry, government, and community partners. Erika works closely with research teams, administrative units, and external stakeholders to ensure that applied research services are delivered efficiently, compliantly, and with a focus on innovation and impact.

Oscar Njiru is a researcher at CIRAMM (Centre for Innovation and Research in Advanced Manufacturing and Materials), one of the Research Centres within the Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) Hub at SAIT. He has a technical background, holding both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, along with nine years of combined experience working with industry partners across academic research, applied research, and field-based technical/commercial roles. Over the past two years, Oscar has been an active member of the Alberta Research Security Team and has coordinated a multi-departmental team at SAIT to develop the institution’s Research Security Plan in partnership with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED).

David is the administrative lead for all research and innovation programs and their impacts on local and global communities at York University (Toronto, Canada). He has received honours and awards from York University, the Canadian Association of Research Administrators, Society for Research Administration International, Institute for Knowledge Mobilization, International Network of Research Management Societies and the EU based Knowledge Economy Network. He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his work in knowledge mobilization and research impact and was named the most influential knowledge mobilizer in Canada. He sits on knowledge mobilization committees around the world and is Network Director for Research Impact Canada.

Pierre-Jean (him/he) holds a Masters in Organic Chemistry. Since 2011, Pierre-Jean contributed within Polytechnique’s Grant Office, as Grant facilitator to strategic and targeted initiatives. In 2013, he took on the stewardship of the NSERC-CREATE program, which he managed successfully, with CREATE-OPSIDIAN a training program entirely focused on Power Skills acquisition being one such grant awarded. As Knowledge Mobilization Officer, since 2018 he is structuring societal impact and knowledge mobilization strategies at Polytechnique Montreal.

DIANE E. JOHNSTON, BSC (HONS.), PHD, CPFA 

ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT, RESEARCH FINANCE AND SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Diane is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of senior leadership experience in higher education and a distinguished career in public sector financial management across Canada and the UK in health, local government and education.  Currently serving as Associate Vice President, Research Finance and Shared Business Services in the Office of the Vice President, Research and International (VPRI) at the University of Waterloo, Diane brings strategic oversight to the financial management of the research funds of the university and leads a team of professionals providing finance, HR, operations, risk management, systems, and analytics services across the VPRI portfolio. 

Diane has played a pivotal role in implementing national projects such the UK National Health Services Shared Financial Services pilot and has led initiatives to streamline administrative processes and enhance financial accountability in research.  She has served on numerous committees and boards including the Finance Committee of the National Cybersecurity Consortium, as Treasurer and Board Member of CARA and is a current Board Member of IQC Canada Inc.  She has a BSc and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and holds a UK Chartered Public Finance Accountant (CPFA) designation.  

Rawni has been with NSERC/SSHRC Finance since April 2019, working with the financial monitoring and awards administration teams. Prior to that Rawni worked in various NSERC program and corporate teams, where she managed several research grants and scholarships funding opportunities and NSERC-wide activities related to research compliance and council governance.

Jodi (she/her) is Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution Studies and serves as Director of the Research Office at Canadian Mennonite University, where strong teaching traditions are complemented by an increasingly active research environment. Since stepping into research administration in 2023, she has helped build systems and supports to enable faculty research. She also provides strategic leadership to an international research partnership that engages 10% of CMU’s full-time faculty.

Alrika Imasami Rojas (she/her) is a mixed‑heritage woman with Indigenous Andean roots from Bolivia and settler Canadian ancestry. She works as a Learning and Research Hub Coordinator, supporting collaborative research, international partnerships, and knowledge mobilization. Her work is grounded in decolonial practice and a commitment to creating spaces that center cultural and Indigenous expression.

Jamie McInnis, M.Ed., PMP, is the Director of Applied Research and Innovation Services (ARIS) at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary. With nearly two decades of experience in post-secondary applied research, she brings deep expertise in research strategy, funding development, stakeholder engagement, and student-driven innovation. Jamie is known for her highly collaborative leadership style, working across institutions and sectors to advance shared innovation goals. She played a foundational role in establishing P2INACLE, a national network of polytechnic applied research leaders, and helped launch the Alberta Corridor Polytechnic Coalition, a cross-institutional alliance aimed at strengthening Alberta’s innovation ecosystem through coordinated, high-impact research and talent development. Under her direction, SAIT has become a national leader in applied research, ranked among Canada’s top five research colleges in 2024, and leading the country in industry research income per researcher. She balances ambitious funding goals with a strong commitment to student learning, cross-sector collaboration, and research that addresses real-world challenges. An accomplished partnership builder, Jamie works across private, non-profit, Indigenous, and government sectors to support product development and innovation. She champions student engagement through digital storytelling, experiential learning, and competency-based frameworks that ensure research remains both relevant and inclusive. At SAIT, she oversees research operations across two campuses and 121,000 square feet of lab and innovation space. Her portfolio includes applied research in Clean Energy, Green Building Technologies, Advanced Materials, Manufacturing, and Unmanned Heavy Lift Aerial Vehicles. Jamie frequently shares SAIT’s student-focused research model through national showcases and public forums, reinforcing her commitment to applied research that empowers both students and industry—locally, provincially, and across Canada’s polytechnic network.

Teresa Bent, a past SAIT grad and business owner, has an extensive 34 year background in the field of education. Along with her classroom experience, she was an educational leader and coach in Literacy education, English language learning and Inclusive education. After receiving her Masters in 21st Century Educational Leadership from the University of Calgary she went on to teach at Werklund School of Education. Her other leadership experiences include 25 years both locally and nationally with a non - profit organization. Currently, she is excited to be one of two Academic Engageme nt Facilitators with ARIS at SAIT helping to build relationships among the research centers and academic schools and working to create a framework for student engagement in applied research.

Kim Sivak is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) who has been managing projects throughout the last 15 years. While most recently she has focused on project management in the academic sector, Kim also has extensive experience managing environmental projects for the public, private, and non-profit sectors. In her current capacity as Associate Director, Research Management at Simon Fraser University (SFU), Kim leads a team of research project managers who provide extensive post-award management for some of the university’s largest and most complex grants and contracts. She is also a co-leader of the SFU Project Management Community of Practice, a group for which Kim won the 2022 Staff Achievement Award (Team Award). Kim enjoys learning about and developing new approaches to research project management, as well as putting structures and processes in place to ensure collaborative, inclusive, and impactful teams. She holds a BA from UC Berkeley and a MA in International Environmental Policy from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.

Dr Fiona Cubitt is the Director of Research Services at the University of Victoria and is responsible for grant application support and institutional approval, post-award research finance and human research ethics, in addition to supporting post-doc administration and the Research Administration Information System. Fiona has held a variety of leadership positions within the Government of British Columbia. As Executive Director of Indigenous Policy and Engagement at the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills, she led a team who collaborated with Indigenous organizations and communities to implement governments post-secondary commitments within the Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act. Prior to that she held positions at the Ministry of Agriculture, managing a team of Industry Specialists across the province as Senior Manager of Agriculture Development, and working with First Nations, local government and communities as the Aquaculture and Communities Specialist to integrate community interests into provincial decisions on shellfish and finfish aquaculture.

Scott Baker manages the Research Cybersecurity and Compliance team at UBC Advanced Research Computing: a group focused on supporting researchers in navigating compliance requirements and finding secure solutions for their project architectures and research data. He is a member of the program leadership committee for UBC's Privacy & Information Security Management program. He is also a member of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada national security council where he chairs the governance and policy working group.

Melissa Squires has been a member of CARA for over 17 years. She presents and facilitates finance sessions at the CARA regional and national conference. She feels that CARA it is a great way to network and share best practices with colleagues from all across Canada. Melissa is currently the Manager of Research Accounting at Memorial University and has a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Memorial University and a CPA, CGA designation.

Angela Luciano has over 20 years of experience in Research Funds Management. She began as a project accountant and is now the director of the research and restricted accounts in financial services at Concordia University. In addition, she worked for 3 years as the grants SME in the design and implementation of the grants management module of SAP which was part of Concordia's new ERP system launched in 2021.

Mark Leslie is the Manager, Research Finance at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. Mark brings over 13 years of experience in the Canadian university sector. During his tenure at Laurier, he has contributed to financial resources, faculty support, student affairs, and ancillary services through roles focused on finance and continuous improvement. Today, he leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to simplifying grant management for researchers and partners.

Melissa Joyce has been the Director of Research Accounting at the University of Victoria for 9 years and has worked in other roles at the University for over 17 years. She has attended several CARA conferences and looks forward to hosting sessions again this year. She has her CPA designation and has been both a course facilitator and mentor for CPA students. Her main focus is providing excellent client service and creating efficiencies within her department at UVic. She is excited to share ideas with other institutions to help make research administration easier!

Dr. Leila Tang is an International Research Specialist in the International Office at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). She brings extensive experience in facilitating international research collaborations, advising on global funding schemes and application strategies, and enhancing the quality and compliance of international research proposals. Leila is passionate about exploring emerging trends in AI technology and developing strategies to integrate generative AI into research administration in an effective and responsible way. She has delivered several presentations and talks on these topics within and outside of USask, receiving positive feedback from participants.

Sharyn has been a Senior Programs Officer at the CFI since 2007. Alongside her colleagues in the Programs Operations team, she provides support to the CFI's institutional, provincial, and territorial stakeholders, coordinates post-award activities, and supports the Programs team in cross-team and organizational activities. Before joining the CFI, Sharyn was a director of research administration at the Institute of Mental Health Research and at the Ottawa Health Research Institute. She holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Windsor. Before joining the CFI, Sharyn was Director of Research Administration at the Mental Health Research Institute and the Ottawa Health Research Institute. She holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Windsor.

Mireille Labrie is Associate Director of Annual Funds at the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). Her team is responsible for delivering the John R. Evans Leaders Fund, the College Fund, and the Canada Impact+ Research Infrastructure Fund (CIRIF). She has been working at the CFI since 2008, where she has contributed to the design and delivery of numerous funding programs, as well as to the design and implementation of several modules of CAMS.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a Master of Science in Cellular and Molecular Biology from Université Laval.

Natalee Rubec is a Senior Programs Officer at the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), where she leads the Innovation Fund. Her work centers on inclusive, transparent assessment and strong program design. She holds an MSc in Epidemiology and a Certificate in Reconciliation Studies, which shape her approach to evidence‑informed decision‑making, equity, and respectful engagement. Natalee is driven by turning complex policy and analysis into clear, practical guidance to serve Canada’s research community.

Alexandra Winzeler has spent over ten years working at libraries and universities, consortia and statewide services, and vendors and services providers. Her first-hand experience allows her to share and shape the next generation of technology that will help academic institutions move into the future.

Shannon is the Associate Director of the University Research Centers at Georgia State University. She has been in Research Administration for over 25 years. Previously she was the Director of Sponsored Projects at Western Illinois University (2012-2025) and served as Interim Vice President for Finance & Administration (2021-2023). Shannon is a CPA. Shannon is very active in NCURA, having served as traveling workshop faculty, Treasurer, board member and currently serving as President.

Diane is the Assistant Director of Research & Sponsored Program Development at the University of North Dakota. She has her Certified Research Administrator certification and has been in Research Administration for over 31 years. Diane is an active member of NCURA having served as regional leadership and past NCURA Secretary and currently serves as Departmental Research Administration traveling workshop faculty and is the NCURA Vice President. Her love is helping to make this world a better place by supporting researchers and their discovery.

Arija Batura is the Director, Academic Administration Engagement at Mitacs, where she has contributed to the organization’s growth for over 15 years. In this relatively new role, a key focus includes the strategic engagement of research administrators in the adoption and feedback of our new platform to ensure a seamless academic administration experience. Previously, Arija had overseen the service delivery department of nearly 60 individuals who manage applications and awards, while providing client service and support to applicants and administrators. With her experience in administration and change management, Arija is dedicated to optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing the service delivery of Mitacs’ programs.

Christine Macdonald is the Senior Director of Business Development at Mitacs, where she leads strategic initiatives across Canada. With a background in engineering and business, Christine has been at the forefront of fostering innovation and supporting collaborative research partnerships that link expertise in post-secondary institutions to needs in industry and society. 

Melissa Joyce has been the Director of Research Accounting at the University of Victoria for 9 years and has worked in other roles at the University for over 17 years. She has attended several CARA conferences and looks forward to hosting sessions again this year. She has her CPA designation and has been both a course facilitator and mentor for CPA students. Her main focus is providing excellent client service and creating efficiencies within her department at UVic. She is excited to share ideas with other institutions to help make research administration easier!

Mark Leslie is the Manager, Research Finance at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario. Mark brings over 13 years of experience in the Canadian university sector. During his tenure at Laurier, he has contributed to financial resources, faculty support, student affairs, and ancillary services through roles focused on finance and continuous improvement. Today, he leads a team of dedicated professionals committed to simplifying grant management for researchers and partners.

Stewart Fast is Director of the Office of Research and Scholarship at University Canada West. He has over 15 years professional experience in research and science environments in higher education, private sector and government settings. Past positions include Manager at NSERC and Research Director in a multidisciplinary institute. He holds a PhD in Geography from UOttawa and is an adjunct professor at Carleton University.

Dr. Dana Chamot is the Director of the Office of Research Services at MacEwan University. Prior to this role, she served as MacEwan’s Research Grants and Development Officer. Before joining MacEwan, Dr. Chamot spent more than 20 years at the University of Alberta in a variety of research-focused roles, including conducting molecular biology research, managing large-scale research projects and metabolomics and engineering research centres, and supporting research administration. She holds a BSc and MSc from the University of Toronto and a PhD from the University of Bern in Switzerland.

Dr. Valorie Crooks is Associate Vice-President, Research at Simon Fraser University. She is also Professor in the Department of Geography. She is a health geographer by training and specializes in health services research. She previously held a Canada Research Chair and MSFHR Scholar Award. She is currently co-Editor-in-Chief of the flagship disciplinary journal Health & Place and founding editor of the popular Global Perspectives on Health Geography series published by Springer. She is the 2026 recipient of the Melinda S. Meade award for Scholarly Distinction in Health & Medical Geography.

Kilim Park is Research Project Manager with Institutional Strategic Awards at Simon Fraser University. She has also worked for SFU's International and Sustainability offices and holds a PhD in migration and Southeast Asian studies from UBC. Kilim's experience includes managing youth employment projects for the federal government and working for a provincial economic immigration program. She is a coffee-loving introvert who likes to talk about her 5 year-old cat, Pickle.

Rebekah Mahaffey (she, hers) is a Social Policy Planner at the City of Burnaby and the Executive Director of the Civic Innovation Lab, a research partnership between the City of Burnaby and Simon Fraser University. Rebekah grew up in Indonesia, Libya and England and has called the west coast home for over 20 years. Rebekah has degrees in International Development, Art History and Urban Planning and is an Adjunct Professor with the SFU School of Resource and Environmental Management. When not at work, she enjoys hiking, reading, and standing in the rain watching her child play soccer.

Abdul Zahir earned his MBA and MA in English from Simon Fraser University. He has ten years of experience working in the financial and academic sectors, and currently works as a Research Project Manager at Simon Fraser University, where he supports the institution’s relationship with the City of Burnaby. In his spare time, he enjoys chasing after his two young sons, practising his French, and strength-training at his local community centre gym.

Pierre Rondier (he/him) manages the Strategic Initiatives portfolio in the Office of the Vice-Principal, Research and Innovation at UBC Okanagan. With over 20 years in Canada and advanced training in urban planning and transportation geography, Pierre brings expertise in strategic planning, project management, infrastructure grant development, and federal research Chair nominations. Before joining UBC, he worked at the University of Montreal Hospital Research Centre on social and environmental determinants of healthy aging.

Nicole Bennett (she/her), Internal Programs Manager, brings over 15 years of experience designing and delivering complex projects and programs across post-secondary, R&D, health, and non-profit sectors. She holds a Master of Applied Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering from UBC Vancouver and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).  Driven by a love of discovery and efficiency, Nicole is passionate about refining systems that reduce administrative burden and enhance value for teams and institutions. Her work is grounded in collaboration, continuous improvement, and a commitment to equity-informed practices.

Arija Batura is the Director, Academic Administration Engagement at Mitacs, where she has contributed to the organization’s growth for over 15 years. In this relatively new role, a key focus includes the strategic engagement of research administrators in the adoption and feedback of our new platform to ensure a seamless academic administration experience. Previously, Arija had overseen the service delivery department of nearly 60 individuals who manage applications and awards, while providing client service and support to applicants and administrators. With her experience in administration and change management, Arija is dedicated to optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing the service delivery of Mitacs’ programs.

Christine Macdonald is the Senior Director of Business Development at Mitacs, where she leads strategic initiatives across Canada. With a background in engineering and business, Christine has been at the forefront of fostering innovation and supporting collaborative research partnerships that link expertise in post-secondary institutions to needs in industry and society. 

David Bruce is Director of Research Grants, St. Francis Xavier University, a position he has held since November 2018. His responsibilities include grant facilitation across all external funding sources and opportunities. He also manages the university’s CFI and CRC portfolios, its internal student research awards program, and its CGRS-Masters and Doctoral quotas. Prior to joining StFX, David served as Mount Allison University’s Director of Research Services for 10 years, where his responsibilities also included being the Research Ethics Officer and the Animal Care Coordinator. David also led Mount Allison’s Rural and Small Town Program for more than 10 years, where he honed his skills as a grant writer seeking funding to sustain that rural community economic research and outreach program.

Dr. Alexandra Kindrat, recipient of the 2025 CARA Public Engagement and Advocacy Award, is actively involved in CARA through her work on the ROI Task Force and her role in organizing the 2025 Virtual Summit Regional Conference. She brings expertise in scientific research, research administration, and digital innovation in research practices. Alexandra currently serves as the Program Manager for the Brain Repair and Integrative Neuroscience (BRaIN) Program at the McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, where she also advances key strategic initiatives at the Centre for Digital Brain Therapies. Alexandra holds a Doctorate in Education from Concordia University and Master’s degrees in Neurology and Neurosurgery (McGill University) and Human Space Flight (International Space University), with research experience at the International Space Station and NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in Houston, Texas. Certified in Management and Leadership through Harvard Business School, Dr. Kindrat has been recognized for her contributions by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Women in Aerospace. Alexandra brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and administrative leadership, leveraging her experience to demonstrate how digital AI can transform research administration by streamlining processes, improving compliance, and driving effective knowledge mobilization.

Gillyan Gravelle is the Oncology Clinical Research Manager at Health Sciences North Research Institute, where she oversees the coordination and operational integrity of oncology clinical trials. With a background in nursing and healthcare leadership, she focuses on strengthening research processes through collaboration, innovation, and patient centered approaches. Gillyan applies training in Change Management, Leadership Development, and Lean Methodologies to enhance research capacity and support continuous improvement across oncology studies.

Dr. Dana Chamot is the Director of the Office of Research Services at MacEwan University. Prior to this role, she served as MacEwan’s Research Grants and Development Officer. Before joining MacEwan, Dr. Chamot spent more than 20 years at the University of Alberta in a variety of research-focused roles, including conducting molecular biology research, managing large-scale research projects and metabolomics and engineering research centres, and supporting research administration. She holds a BSc and MSc from the University of Toronto and a PhD from the University of Bern in Switzerland.

Anita Sharma, Ph.D., is the Director of Research Services at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. With over 12 years of experience in research development and management, she leads strategic initiatives across research services, program development, and researcher engagement. Her responsibilities include managing Tri-Agency Institutional programs, overseeing grant facilitation services, and administering internal funding awards, all while promoting a culture of research excellence. Anita has contributed to the regional and national research landscape through her roles on key external advisory bodies such as the Alliance of Canadian Comprehensive Research Universities Tri-Agency Funding Advisory Committee, the Tri-Agency Grant Management Solution (TGMS) External Advisory Board, the TGMS External Change Agent Network, the BC Knowledge Development Fund Working Group, and the BCNET eRAS Procurement Working Group. She actively participates in research administration communities as a member of CARA and the Society of Research Administrators International (SRAI). Through her involvement in the SRAI Engagement and Communication Committee and the SRAI Catalyst Committee, Anita champions inclusivity and knowledge sharing.

Anita has received numerous accolades for her contributions to research administration, including the SRAI Future of the Field Honour, the Recognition of Excellence from the TRU Board of Governors, and the CARA awards, such as Excellence in Research Management, Spirit of Kindness, and Unsung Hero Award.

As a Ph.D. holder in Biochemistry, she has published 28 articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals. She shares her research expertise through various platforms, including peer-reviewed journals, blogs, and conference talks.

Amanda Crupi is the Deputy Director of Knowledge Mobilization and Commercialization in the Science Strategy Branch at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). In this role, she leads the team responsible for the implementation of CIHR’s newly released Knowledge Mobilization Strategy and Action Plan. This includes the delivery of KM funding programs and knowledge brokering activities, like CIHR’s Best Brains Exchange program. Before joining CIHR in 2013, Amanda worked in various health research environments including universities, provincial government, and research hospitals.

Regina Tiba is an Associate Director of Research Accounting at the University of Victoria where she is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Research Accounting. Her role involves leading the development and implementation of best practice processes, programs, policies, and systems that ensure compliance with grant requirements across the University. Additionally, Regina is committed to delivering great client services to researchers, providing the support they need to navigate research grant processes seamlessly.

Michael Walesiak: Michael Walesiak, CPA, CA has 20 years of senior management experience at the University of Alberta (UofA) in the field of Research Administration. As Director, Research Administrative Services, he is responsible for the delivery of end-to-end research services for the over $500 million annual research enterprise at the UofA. This includes application review, award processing, contract negotiation and financial reporting.

Stéphane Leroux is the Associate Director of Financial Monitoring at the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI). With 24 years of experience at the CFI, Stéphane leads the development of financial monitoring strategies and oversees the activities that ensure the proper use and accountability of CFI funds by recipient institutions.

Sharyn has been a Senior Programs Officer at the CFI since 2007. Alongside her colleagues in the Programs Operations team, she provides support to the CFI's institutional, provincial, and territorial stakeholders, coordinates post-award activities, and supports the Programs team in cross-team and organizational activities. Before joining the CFI, Sharyn was a director of research administration at the Institute of Mental Health Research and at the Ottawa Health Research Institute. She holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Windsor. Before joining the CFI, Sharyn was Director of Research Administration at the Mental Health Research Institute and the Ottawa Health Research Institute. She holds a Master of Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Windsor.

A physicist by training, Patrick Pilot joined the Canada Foundation for Innovation in 2003 after a brief stint in the telecommunications industry. He worked on developing several funding opportunities, from the College-Industry Innovation Fund to the Cyberinfrastructure Initiative and the John R. Evans Leaders Opportunities Fund. After co-leading the 2023 Innovation Fund competition, Patrick is now the Associate Director of Program Operations at the CFI, the team responsible for daily interactions with Canadian universities and colleges. After co-leading the 2023 Innovation Fund competition, he is now Associate Director of Operations related to funding programs at the CFI, the team responsible for day-to-day interactions with Canadian universities and colleges.

Alison Prescott is the Manager, Programs and Services for the Canadian Association of Research Administrators, and is passionate about working and leading in the Association non-profit field. She holds a BA from Wilfred Laurier University, and obtained her Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation from the Canadian Society of Association Executives in 2024. Alison speaks and serves as an advocate and volunteer to military families here in Canada, as well as internationally in two military exchange positions. In 2022 she received a Department of the Army Public Service Commendation Medal for “exceptionally meritorious dedication to public service” after serving in her role as a village mayor on Fort Leavenworth, KS. Her best work has been mom of many boys and spouse of 18 years to her husband Ted.

Helene Noddin is a Research Services Officer at St. Thomas University, a small liberal arts institution in Fredericton, New Brunswick. She supports faculty across the full research lifecycle, including funding development, compliance, industry engagement, and knowledge mobilization. Helene joined the research team in 2020 after holding various administrative roles at STU since 2013.

 Originally from a small rural town in New Brunswick, Helene brings a deep appreciation for community-rooted research and the unique context of smaller institutions. In her current role, she leads research events and outreach initiatives, facilitates industry-academic partnerships as the Springboard Atlantic Network STU industry liaison officer, and contributes to strategic projects that align research with institutional goals. She has presented at national conferences on community engagement, research administration training, and mentorship.

 Helene holds a BA in Criminology with a minor in Psychology and recently completed a Certificate of Honours Standing in Criminology and Criminal Justice. She also holds a Research Administration Certificate from Mohawk College and is currently completing a certificate in Research Management and Coordination. With additional training in grant writing, research ethics, and equity, diversity, and inclusion, Helene is committed to building strong, inclusive research environments that reflect the values of collaboration and accessibility.

Karen Mosier is Research Coordinator in the Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, of the University of Saskatchewan. A prolific writer and public speaker, Karen has over 18 years’ experience in research administration working on campus in multiple departments and colleges which has given her a high-level understanding of the research processes at the University of Saskatchewan. She is the author of Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office (2020) as well as Deconstructing the Art of Grantsmanship: The Roles of the Storyteller, Grant Writer, Typesetter, Proofreader, Accountant and Reviewer (Journal of Research Administration, 53,1, Spring 2022).

Dr. Olusola Fasunwon is a visionary leader in research administration, coordination, and innovation, with a distinguished record of advancing institutional research capacity, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships across academia and government. As Director of the Office of Research and Innovation Services and the university’s Research Security Officer, she plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s research strategy, safeguarding research integrity, and fostering a culture of innovation and impact. Holding a PhD in Geophysics and a graduate certificate in Research Management and Coordination, Dr. Fasunwon brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and administrative excellence to her work. Her leadership is characterized by the successful implementation of high-impact initiatives that streamline funding processes, support researchers, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. A recognized thought leader and mentor in research management, Dr. Fasunwon is deeply dedicated to professional development and capacity building. Her efforts contribute to strengthening Canada’s research security landscape while fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives and knowledge systems thrive. She is a recipient of the Dr. Frances Chandler Bursary and a volunteer with CARA.

Dr. Chandell Gosse is the Senior Research Officer at Cape Breton University, where she leads strategic research planning and supports the development and coordination of the university's research enterprise.

Drawing on her background as an interdisciplinary researcher, she brings a researcher-informed perspective to research administration, with a focus on strengthening systems, processes, and support for faculty and partners. Her research examines the social dimensions of digital culture, particularly technology-facilitated violence, online abuse, and digital inequalities, with an emphasis on institutional and community responses to harm.

Lucy is a Senior Consultant at Worktribe, a provider of collaborative research management software for the Higher Education sector. She has been with Worktribe for three years, during which time she has worked with many clients implementing Worktribe, including Worktribe's first Canadian client – Cape Breton University. Prior to joining Worktribe, Lucy worked at Manchester Metropolitan University for 6 years, where one of her roles was to lead the implementation of Worktribe Curriculum. She loved the system so much, she had to go work for them!

Jon is Head of Business Development at Worktribe, a provider of collaborative research management software for the Higher Education sector. He's been with Worktribe for over 10 years, being part of their growth to over 80 HE clients. Prior to joining Worktribe, he spent 14 years as Head of the Research Information Office at University College London (UCL) as a research manager, administrator, and data analyst, with particular expertise in research management systems. He's now enjoying being part of the provision of a solution that would have streamlined his activities all those years ago.

Kristen Korberg is a Research and Executive Administration professional with over 25 years of leadership experience in universities and provincial and regional non-profit organisations. Currently the Principal at KLK Research Consulting, Kristen specialises in building administrative capacity in new organisations, and/or rebuilding in established ones. She is an accomplished manager of people and processes and of program/project facilitation. Kristen is a long time volunteer and mentor with CARA, including most recently holding the role of Chair of the CARA Career Path Task Force.

Jyoti Kotecha started her research career as an analytical chemist with the Laboratory of the Government Chemist in the United Kingdom. She has over 18 years of expertise in developing national and international research centres and institutes, implementing strategic and operational plans, building strategic collaborations to support knowledge mobilization, has led phase three clinical trials, and has developed a portfolio of mixed method research programs in health science and education. As the Managing Director of the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute, she develops and implements the Institute's strategic and operation plan, is the first point of contact for collaboration enquires, supports equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, and works with researchers to manage large funding applications and research programs.

Erica Conte is the Director of Funding Strategy and Stewardship at Unity Health Toronto. She has worked in Research Administration and Leadership for over 12 years within a hospital-based research institution where she supports the full breadth of health research spanning fundamental science through to translational research, health services/policy and knowledge translation. She is actively involved in the field of responsible research evaluation as part of the INORMS Research Evaluation Group that developed the SCOPE framework and More Than Our Rank Initiative as well as co-lead of the CoARA Working Group on "Thinking critically on University Rankings Network (TURN). Erica has been an active member of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA)  since 2014, during which time she has held several volunteer positions to help advance the field of research administration in Canada. 

Manager, Research Accounting, UVic

I am an Associate Director in the Research Accounting team at the University of Calgary, where I have worked since January 2020. In this role, I lead a team responsible for the financial administration of all external grants and awards, supporting the effective and compliant management of research funding. Prior to joining the university, I built my career in financial reporting within the oil and gas industry, with specialized experience in tax and treasury.

Vivian has worked in research administration at the University of Ottawa since 2013. As the Manager of the Data Analytics and Reporting team, she focuses on integrating complex datasets, strengthening data governance practices, and developing intuitive tools that support researchers, senior leadership, and operational staff. Vivian is passionate about advancing an institutional data culture, building the foundations for evidence-based decision-making, and positioning the organization for long-term success.

Lisa is the Executive Director for the CANSTOREnergy NFRF-T research project where she supports the operations and strategic vision of the pan-Canadian initiative. Before joining the CANSTOREnergy team, she held successive roles at Toronto Metropolitan University, where she supported the co-creation of large-scale and multi-faceted partnerships between researchers and industry partners, managed the provincial partnerships portfolio, and acted as the Canadian lead for the Academic Industry Meeting Day (AIMday) program. She also previously held roles in research program administration at the provincial and national levels supporting collaborative neuroscience research. She received her BSc in Developmental Biology from the University of Toronto, MSc in Biology from York University, and her PhD in Medical Biophysics from the University of Toronto.

Jyoti Kotecha started her research career as an analytical chemist with the Laboratory of the Government Chemist in the United Kingdom. She has over 18 years of expertise in developing national and international research centres and institutes, implementing strategic and operational plans, building strategic collaborations to support knowledge mobilization, has led phase three clinical trials, and has developed a portfolio of mixed method research programs in health science and education. As the Managing Director of the Carbon to Metal Coating Institute, she develops and implements the Institute's strategic and operation plan, is the first point of contact for collaboration enquires, supports equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives, and works with researchers to manage large funding applications and research programs.

Dr. Nicole van Rootselaar earned a PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Lethbridge in 2024. She started her job in research administration shortly after and joined the Research Office to support all aspects of health research at the institution. Her current role as a Research Facilitator includes managing the internal fund competitions and supporting postdoctoral fellow and undergraduate research funding. She attended her first CARA conference in 2025.

Dr. Olusola Fasunwon is a visionary leader in research administration, coordination, and innovation, with a distinguished record of advancing institutional research capacity, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships across academia and government. As Director of the Office of Research and Innovation Services and the university’s Research Security Officer, she plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s research strategy, safeguarding research integrity, and fostering a culture of innovation and impact. Holding a PhD in Geophysics and a graduate certificate in Research Management and Coordination, Dr. Fasunwon brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and administrative excellence to her work. Her leadership is characterized by the successful implementation of high-impact initiatives that streamline funding processes, support researchers, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. A recognized thought leader and mentor in research management, Dr. Fasunwon is deeply dedicated to professional development and capacity building. Her efforts contribute to strengthening Canada’s research security landscape while fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives and knowledge systems thrive. She is a recipient of the Dr. Frances Chandler Bursary and a volunteer with CARA.

Kristine Antony is a Program Coordinator with the Research Training Centre at the SickKids Research Institute in Toronto. She brings over eight years of experience across academic environments—both hospitals and universities—where she focuses on optimizing research administration and trainee support. Kristine earned a Master of Information from the University of Toronto, specializing in Human‑Centered Data Science, and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Waterloo. Her expertise spans process improvement, change management, and automation, applying human‑centred design principles and data analytics to simplify complex workflows, reduce administrative burden, and improve service quality. Kristine is committed to building scalable, equitable systems and fostering collaborations that translate operational efficiency.

University Position: Interim Executive Director, ACE and Executive Director, Office of Research Services Over the last 25 years Jennifer Freeman has established an extensive career in research administration and transformational leadership in higher education. Jennifer currently has a dual role at Ontario Tech University, located in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada as the Executive Director, Office of Research Services and Executive Director, ACE Core Research Facility. During Jennifer’s extensive career she has developed significant expertise in strategic and operational leadership, driving the creation and operations of a central research administration office at Ontario Tech that supports research grant and contract administration, technology transfer and commercialization, research safety, security and compliance, data driven decision making, research equity diversity and inclusion, and undergraduate student research. Since joining Ontario Tech in 2005 Jennifer has created structures to help drive an increase in research funding from 250k of research funding in 2005 to over 25 Million in 2025. As a result, Ontario Tech was named as Canada’s Research University of the year for the last two consecutive years (Research Infosource, 2023, 2024). Jennifer has given back to the broader research community taking on active leadership roles in several external organizations, such as, SRAI (Past-President of the Canadian Section), CARA, CARA-SSHRC Working Group, OCUR Working Group and most importantly, ORCA, AUTM and REACH. In addition, Jennifer has been an advocate for EDI and championed the creation of the Women in Research Council at Ontario Tech.

Erica Conte is the Director of Funding Strategy and Stewardship at Unity Health Toronto. She has worked in Research Administration and Leadership for over 12 years within a hospital-based research institution where she supports the full breadth of health research spanning fundamental science through to translational research, health services/policy and knowledge translation. She is actively involved in the field of responsible research evaluation as part of the INORMS Research Evaluation Group that developed the SCOPE framework and More Than Our Rank Initiative as well as co-lead of the CoARA Working Group on "Thinking critically on University Rankings Network (TURN). Erica has been an active member of the Canadian Association of Research Administrators (CARA)  since 2014, during which time she has held several volunteer positions to help advance the field of research administration in Canada. 

Laura Beaupre is the Data Quality & Research Administration Analytics Manager at Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA, a role she’s held since August 2024. In this role she is responsible for developing and executing local data governance strategies, managing data quality, building and driving digital initiatives that support the research enterprise, and improving the analytical value of data related to the university’s research enterprise. She strives to identify and capitalize on opportunities to improve data quality across the university’s global research network. She has worked in research administration since 2003, having held several roles at the University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada, in the past. Laura completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics at the University of Guelph (2001) and her Master of Arts degree in economics at Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada (2002).

Patti Leake is part of the team that supports UHN Research to improve uptake and integration of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) principles in research methodologies and workflows. She is the lead developer and instructor for a UHN-wide trainings on Integrating IDEA into Research Methodologies with courses for people working in Basic Science, Translational Research and Clinical Research. Patti is also part of the team that conceived of and developed Project Chrysalis at UHN. Patti grew up in Peterborough, Ontario, and has studied molecular biology, education, midwifery, knowledge translation, and interprofessional collaboration. She has worked at 4 science centres across Canada, taught science to Grade 6-7-8 in a one room schoolhouse on an island in BC, collaborated with other parents to found a social justice elementary school in the Toronto District School Board, and was a founding staff member of The Institute for Education at UHN. In her current role as UHN Research IDEA Educator, she is working to shift research methodologies and research support systems at UHN to ensure our research benefits our local and national communities through rigour and inclusion.

Carolyn Mullin is the Director, Strategic Partnerships, Research and Innovation at Niagara College. Carolyn is responsible for overseeing funding proposal development, business development operations, and the creation and dissemination of research-based communications, in all relevant forms. She also oversees the two multi-institution networks led by Niagara College – the award-winning Southern Ontario Network for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation (SONAMI), and the Greenhouse Technology Network (GTN). She joined Research and Innovation in 2012 after several years in the communications industry, including many as a reporter and editor, and an award-winning freelance writer for publications across the country. More recently, Carolyn has worked as a communications specialist in the non-profit and government sector, based in the Niagara region. Carolyn is a graduate of the Journalism program at Niagara College, and holds an Honours BA and an MA, both in English Language and Literature, from Brock University.

Dr. Olusola Fasunwon is a visionary leader in research administration, coordination, and innovation, with a distinguished record of advancing institutional research capacity, regulatory compliance, and strategic partnerships across academia and government. As Director of the Office of Research and Innovation Services and the university’s Research Security Officer, she plays a crucial role in shaping the university’s research strategy, safeguarding research integrity, and fostering a culture of innovation and impact. Holding a PhD in Geophysics and a graduate certificate in Research Management and Coordination, Dr. Fasunwon brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and administrative excellence to her work. Her leadership is characterized by the successful implementation of high-impact initiatives that streamline funding processes, support researchers, and promote interdisciplinary collaboration. A recognized thought leader and mentor in research management, Dr. Fasunwon is deeply dedicated to professional development and capacity building. Her efforts contribute to strengthening Canada’s research security landscape while fostering inclusive environments where diverse perspectives and knowledge systems thrive. She is a recipient of the Dr. Frances Chandler Bursary and a volunteer with CARA.

Dr. Rana Mustafa is a multilingual Food Scientist with over 20 years of experience spanning academia, research management, innovation, and strategic project development. As a Leadership Coach and Positive Intelligence® Coach and advocate for professional growth in research environments, she has guided hundreds of students, early-career researchers, and professionals in building meaningful, impact-driven careers. In her current role as Research Facilitator at the College of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Mustafa supports faculty and researchers by guiding the development of competitive grant applications, identifying strategic funding opportunities, and streamlining submission and compliance processes. She also cultivates industry partnerships and contributes to advancing the college’s research priorities through strategic planning and collaboration.

Catherine Demers is the Director of Research Finance at McMaster University, where she leads strategic financial operations supporting the university’s research enterprise for all the faculties other than the Faculty of Health Sciences. With over a decade of experience in research finance, Catherine has developed deep expertise in financial reporting, compliance, and policy development for complex research funding environments. A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University with an Honours Bachelor of Business Administration (Accounting concentration), Catherine is passionate about building strong teams, streamlining processes, and supporting the research community from application to award completion.

Arija Batura is the Director, Academic Administration Engagement at Mitacs, where she has contributed to the organization’s growth for over 15 years. In this relatively new role, a key focus includes the strategic engagement of research administrators in the adoption and feedback of our new platform to ensure a seamless academic administration experience. Previously, Arija had overseen the service delivery department of nearly 60 individuals who manage applications and awards, while providing client service and support to applicants and administrators. With her experience in administration and change management, Arija is dedicated to optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing the service delivery of Mitacs’ programs.

Snjezana Cekrlija is a research finance leader with nearly two decades of experience supporting complex research portfolios in the Canadian university sector. As Director of Research Finance at the University of Waterloo, she oversees more than $250 million in annual research funding, leads a multidisciplinary team of professionals, and serves as the institution’s senior financial liaison to major research sponsors and external auditors. She is recognized for her expertise in research financial management, compliance, internal controls, and institutional risk frameworks. Snjezana has played a central role in advancing national best practices, presenting regularly at CARA conferences and leading sector-wide discussions on compliance, financial stewardship, and research administration. Throughout her career, she has championed process improvements, strengthened institutional governance, and built training and capacity-building programs for researchers and administrators. A CPA and experienced strategic leader, Snjezana is committed to fostering strong partnerships, enabling operational excellence, and supporting the responsible and transparent management of research funds.