Meet your AEiR mentors
Steve Larter
Research Chair in Petroleum Geology, University of Calgary
Steve Larter is a former Canada Research Chair and Geoscience Professor at the University of Calgary with expertise in carbon cycle geochemistry and deep subsurface biosphere research. His background includes R&D in the oil and gas industry and roles at universities such as Oslo and Newcastle. Larter has founded initiatives like Carbon Management Canada, co-founded startups like Gushor Inc., and advises university-based ventures. He's received prestigious fellowships and awards, including recognition from the Royal Society and the Royal Society of Canada.
Steven Bryant
Research Chair in Materials Engineering, University of Calgary
Steven Bryant, the Schulich School of Engineering Research Chair in Materials Engineering at the University of Calgary, leads interdisciplinary energy and climate research, merging nanotechnology, materials, and microbiology for sustainable hydrocarbon use. His efforts have led to numerous inventions and startups, and with a background at the University of Texas at Austin and European industry research, he's authored 360 publications, trained over 150 students, and received the 2021 Society of Petroleum Engineers Sustainability Award.
Lian Willetts
Assistant professor, University of Calgary
Lian Willets, an assistant professor at the Cumming School of Medicine, blends medical education with innovative biomedical research. After joining in 2017, she gained global recognition as the 2015 Young Innovator of the Year in Berlin. As a Falling Walls Forum ambassador, Lian spearheads innovation at the University of Calgary through initiatives like Innovation 4 Health hackathons. Since 2019, her team has enhanced orthopedic surgical training using a patient-based simulator, improving technique proficiency.
Victoria Hodgkinson-Brechenmacher
Executive Director of the Digital Health Innovation Lab and the Canadian Neuromuscular Disease Registry, University of Calgary
Victoria Hodgkinson-Brechenmacher, Executive Director of the Digital Health Innovation Lab at the University of Calgary, leads in digital health and neuromuscular research. Directing Real-world Evidence at Lumiio Inc., a company stemming from her Hotchkiss Brain Institute work, she amplifies Calgary's health research profile. Formerly with Innovate Calgary, she's adept at forging partnerships across sectors, showcasing her pivotal role in healthcare innovation.
Belinda Heyne
Department Head and Professor, University of Calgary
Belinda Heyne, Department Head and Professor at the University of Calgary's Chemistry Department, emphasizes interdisciplinary research through membership in the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute. With a Ph.D. from the University of Liege and post-doctoral tenure at the University of Ottawa, she achieved full Professor status by 2020. Specializing in photochemistry and photobiology, she founded Hnu Materials Inc. in 2018 and advised Singletto in 2021, showcasing her blend of academia, entrepreneurship, and impactful contributions to global challenges.
Adam Pidlisecky
Professor & Director of AEiR, University of Calgary
Adam Pidlisecky, an associate professor at the University of Calgary, excels in geophysics and hydrogeophysics while advising Seequent. Previously CEO of 3point Science Inc., acquired by Seequent in 2016, his expertise in computational geoscience and entrepreneurship shines. With degrees from Stanford and the University of British Columbia, Adam seamlessly merges academia with scalable industry solutions.
Philippa Ngaju Makobore
Ph.D. Candidate in Biomedical Engineering, University of Calgary
Philippa, a biomedical engineering expert, contributes to the University of Calgary's Wearable and Bio-Integrated Technologies Lab. Her focus on non-invasive devices comes from the Uganda Industrial Research Institute. With degrees from the University of Alberta and Purdue University, she melds academic expertise with practical insights. As a former Health Innovation Specialist at the Hunter Hub, Philippa drives impactful life sciences programs at UCalgary. Her consultancy roles highlight a commitment to advancing medical technologies.
Jeff Ryzner
Innovation Specialist, University of Calgary
With 25 years in technology commercialization, Jeff, an Innovation Specialist at the University of Calgary, champions collaboration and innovation. Beyond Calgary, he mentors at Co.Labs, directs WestGrid, and advises at Yukonstruct Society. Globally, he mentors at Singularity University and has held leadership roles in startups like PriceRazzi and North Forge. Recognized with awards like Futurpreneur of the Year, Jeff's mentorship leaves a lasting impact.
Paula Berton
Research Associate & AEiR Innovation Manager, University of Calgary
Paula Berton, a Research Associate at the University of Calgary, focuses on Ionic Liquids for sustainable processes in biomass and energy. Co-founding the Academic Entrepreneurs in Residence program, she guides ventures to commercial success and serves as Chief Scientific Officer at CalAgua Innovations Corp. Holding a Ph.D. from Universidad Nacional de San Luis, Argentina, she mentors future scientific leaders. With patents, publications, and citations, Paula's impact resonates in research, innovation, and mentorship.