Dr. Anju Bajaj is an exceptional leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education, making an indelible impact on Manitoba, Canada, and beyond. As the Manitoba chapter lead for SCWIST (Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology), she is on a mission to empower, inspire, and connect women in STEM across the province, with a vision extending nationwide. Her goal is to create a Canada where women and girls can freely pursue their interests and careers in STEM.

Dr. Bajaj's commitment to advancing STEM education is remarkable. She serves as a STEM Educator at Holy Cross School and STEM Advisor for Manitoba Catholic Schools. She is deeply engaged within the STEM community, working as a Let's Talk Science Teacher Leader, a devoted SCWIST volunteer, a sought-after consultant, a dedicated researcher, and an engaging public speaker. Her teaching philosophy aims to instill a lifelong passion for learning in her students and inspire them to explore the captivating world of STEM.

Her dedication to holistic growth is evident through the hands-on learning experiences she creates both in and out of the classroom, focusing on academic excellence and nurturing her students' social, emotional, and physical development. Dr. Bajaj actively shares her expertise through conferences, webinars, seminars, and engaging STEM activities, solidifying her leadership in the field.

In 2021, Dr. Bajaj received the Prime Minister's National Award for Teaching Excellence in recognition of her exceptional contributions to STEM education. She is also dedicated to promoting STEM subjects in remote First Nations communities and founded the annual Bison Regional Fair, which supports young scientists and provides professional development opportunities for teachers.

Her initiatives, such as the nationally accredited Bison Regional Science Fair and various STEM clubs and programs, connect STEM with real-world applications, igniting a deep appreciation for science in her students. Dr. Bajaj actively contributes to national curriculum organizations and passionately engages with professional associations, advocating for science education and community involvement in STEM.

One of her most enduring legacies is her mentorship, which has inspired countless students and professionals, guiding them toward successful STEM careers. Dr. Bajaj's commitment to diversity and innovation continues to drive STEM forward through mentorship, publications, and community engagement. Beyond her impressive career in education, she is a certified basketball coach and an enthusiastic kickboxer.

Dr. Bajaj's unwavering commitment to nurturing a passion for science defines her as a true STEM leader. Her multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on STEM education, inspiring countless individuals and shaping the future of STEM in Canada.

Dr. Melanie Ratnam serves as President for The Society for Canadian Women in Science and Technology (SCWIST).  With a mission to champion four decades of advocacy, Dr. Ratnam represents SCWIST at gender equality and STEM policy forums across Canada. She is leading the SCWIST Policy and Impact Team to develop a national strategy to target systemic disparities along the STEM pipeline, emphasizing five pivotal domains from early education to career progression: IDEAS in STEM (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, Sustainability), pay equity, childcare accessibility, equitable STEM education, and gender-based violence.

Melanie’s national initiatives at SCWIST are deeply rooted in her Scarborough origins where she has mentored over 1000+ elementary, high school, and university students to solve critical twenty-first century challenges such as climate change and transportation, through innovation in science and technology. As Tamil immigrants, Melanie arrived in Canada when she was less than a year old with her family who were in search of a life free from war and discriminatory educational policies that limited endeavours in science and mathematics. Her family's experiences were foundational to her journey, shaping her commitment to strengthen the collective voices of Canadians for a more equitable future that fuels Canada's economic growth through advancements in STEM. She has a PhD in neurobiology from the University of Toronto, and she has contributed to the understanding of how resident immune cells of the brain, microglia regulate inflammation after cerebral ischemia.

Melanie has been honoured by Women and Gender Equality Canada for her contributions to advancing gender equality during the current Women’s History Month national campaign. The advice Melanie would give future generations of women and girls who aspire to make a difference is “Embrace your past and understand your ‘why’ because within it lies the strength to shape our shared journey towards a brighter future.”

Karen E. Mosier is a Research Coordinator/Navigator for the Department of Surgery in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Karen has her BA in Psychology and MSc in Pharmacy. Karen has over seventeen years’ experience in research administration. Karen is also the author of the self-help book entitled Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office.  

Karen has been a CARA member since 2010. She completed her Certificate in Research Administration through ARMA in 2017. Karen is also a co-chair of CARA’s Professional Development committee and serves on the CARA Executive. She is also an instructor at Mohawk College for the Certification in Research Administration program and has taught the Funding Proposal Development course for the last 3 years. 

Karen was the recipient of the Dan Chase Distinguished Service Award – Priority Initiatives in 2018, the Community Builder Award in 2019, the Spirit of Kindness Award in 2020, and the Research Management Excellence Award in 2021. Karen appreciates all the professional development opportunities available through CARA and cherishes all the wonderful relationships she has made through her volunteer activities with CARA.

Scott Baker is the Manager, Sensitive Research at UBC Advanced Research Computing. He leads a group of privacy and security professionals focused on assisting researchers find balanced solutions for their research projects. He is a member of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada national security council, and has over 20 years of experience managing people, projects, and IT systems.

Maria Pawlowska, PhD is an expert in  open science as well as international R&D collaborations (with a focus on the EU). Following her PhD in the Earth Sciences at Cambridge University she transitioned to research management and has not looked back. Maria has over a decade of experience in managing international, interdisciplinary research projects and providing R&D support. In the past Maria has collaborated with EU governments, Science Europe and Fortune200 companies. She is also the co-author of the Practical Guide to the International Alignment of Research Data Management. She has assisted in the set up of over a dozen international research centres of excellence, with institutions such as Oxford University, Uppsala University and CNRS. Her work in open science and international collaborations also includes assisting institutions and individual researchers with successfully applying for the most prestigious EU funding schemes and implementing and designing open science policies.

Jacquelynn Brown is a seasoned research administration professional with over 15 years of experience. Currently serving as Manager, Research Finance & Administration, at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, she has held various roles with diverse responsibilities, including research ethics, budgeting, human resources, finance, student awards, reporting, and marketing. Jacquelynn has a bachelor’s degree in management and has completed the CARA Certificate in Research Administration and most recently has been appointed a CARA Executive Member at Large.

Jennifer Abel is the Research Data Management Librarian at the University of Calgary, having joined Libraries and Cultural Resources in May 2023 from UCalgary’s Research Services Office. She coordinated UCalgary’s work on developing its inaugural Institutional Research Data Management Strategy. Prior to coming to UCalgary in December 2021, she was the Training Coordinator for the Portage Network, an RDM-focused initiative of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, and for the RDM team in the Digital Research Alliance of Canada. She continues to be active in the RDM Network of Experts as the co-chair of the National Training Expert Group. She holds a PhD in Linguistics and an MLIS from the University of British Columbia.

"I am an ambitious administration and management professional with international experience in research management, projects, and program administration with academic, healthcare organizations, and non profits organizations. Throughout my career, I have been trained to perform and develop standard operating procedures to ensure the best professional practice to maximize the outcome with limited resources. My personal and professional vision has always been about creating an impact beyond my immediate self through my work, my life, and the talent I developed. 

Currently, I am associated with the University of Calgary and pursuing my research management career pursuing my Research Administration Certification from Mohawk College, Ontario. I have recently registered for online Project Management Courses at the University of Calgary to complete my Project Management Certification. I am honored that Ms. Robyn Roscoe, my mentor and faculty at Mohawk College is graciously supporting me for the mentioned project.

"

Jessica Galo is a Sensitive Research Security Analyst with the UBC Advanced Research Computing (ARC).  She has extensive experience facilitating clinical and administrative data research and providing consultation to researchers across Canada to ensure that their projects meet privacy, data transfer, and governing body policy requirements.  Jessica was also a part of the Data Access Support Hub (DASH) under the Health Data Research Network (HDRN).  In her time as the BC DASH lead, she collaborated with representatives from major data centres across Canada with a common goal of harmonizing data access processes for research requesting Pan-Canadian data.  Jessica completed the Information Access and Protection of Privacy Certificate Program at the University of Alberta and has a Canadian Institute of Access and Privacy Professionals (CIAPP) - Professional designation. 

Katya MacDonald is an applied research facilitator at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. We have interests in fostering connections and partnerships among research administration professionals, researchers, institutions, industry, and community.

Gwen Machnee is applied research coordinator at Suncrest College. We have interests in fostering connections and partnerships among research administration professionals, researchers, institutions, industry, and community.

Karen E. Mosier is a Research Coordinator/Navigator for the Department of Surgery in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Karen has her BA in Psychology and MSc in Pharmacy. Karen has over seventeen years’ experience in research administration. Karen is also the author of the self-help book entitled Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office.  

Karen has been a CARA member since 2010. She completed her Certificate in Research Administration through ARMA in 2017. Karen is also a co-chair of CARA’s Professional Development committee and serves on the CARA Executive. She is also an instructor at Mohawk College for the Certification in Research Administration program and has taught the Funding Proposal Development course for the last 3 years. 

Karen was the recipient of the Dan Chase Distinguished Service Award – Priority Initiatives in 2018, the Community Builder Award in 2019, the Spirit of Kindness Award in 2020, and the Research Management Excellence Award in 2021. Karen appreciates all the professional development opportunities available through CARA and cherishes all the wonderful relationships she has made through her volunteer activities with CARA.

Karen E. Mosier is a Research Coordinator/Navigator for the Department of Surgery in the College of Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Karen has her BA in Psychology and MSc in Pharmacy. Karen has over seventeen years’ experience in research administration. Karen is also the author of the self-help book entitled Soft Skills and Professional Tips for the Office.  

Karen has been a CARA member since 2010. She completed her Certificate in Research Administration through ARMA in 2017. Karen is also a co-chair of CARA’s Professional Development committee and serves on the CARA Executive. She is also an instructor at Mohawk College for the Certification in Research Administration program and has taught the Funding Proposal Development course for the last 3 years.  

Karen was the recipient of the Dan Chase Distinguished Service Award – Priority Initiatives in 2018, the Community Builder Award in 2019, the Spirit of Kindness Award in 2020, and the Research Management Excellence Award in 2021. Karen appreciates all the professional development opportunities available through CARA and cherishes all the wonderful relationships she has made through her volunteer activities with CARA. 

Jamie McInnis is the Director of Applied Research at SAIT and has been in research administration for over 15 years. Candice Davis is the lead at Illiad Solutions and they supported the development of the first strategic research plan for SAIT.

Tamsin draws on 30 years’ experience as an IP lawyer - in England, Australia and BC - to provide Canadian post-secondary institutions with strategic legal advice and training on a variety of agreements and policy, especially relating to research. She works with universities, colleges, health authorities and tech start-ups on R&D, commercialization, risk management, and the negotiation of a range of contracts to support academic and research activity. 

Tamsin has also managed a university research office, worked as in-house legal counsel and serves on the Research Ethics Board of Fraser Health, giving her valuable insights into the institutions she advises and informing her pragmatic approach to problem-solving. 

She says, in her experience, that challenges with IP and contracts are the same the world over!

MacKinley Darlington has over ten years of experience as a research administrator and specializes in helping researchers be deliberate and strategic when planning for impact and providing guidance on integrating engagement and mobilization activities throughout the research lifecycle. MacKinley has been at Athabasca University, which has a unique mission as Canada’s Open University, since the Fall of 2021 and previously worked as the Manager, Knowledge Engagement at the University of Calgary. 

Lauren Gogo is currently the Manager of Research Contracts at Hamilton Health Sciences Corporation.  She is responsible for reviewing and negotiating clinical research contracts and providing direction to a team of contract negotiators, as well as focusing on strategic and policy projects involving research.  Prior to joining HHSC, Lauren was a Contracts Officer at the University of Toronto and a Research Business Analyst at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and negotiated many clinical trial agreements as well as participated on the research ethics board to answer any contract-related questions.

Dean Strickland is a Research Contracts Officer with Research Initiatives and Services at Memorial University of Newfoundland.  Dean started out his career at Memorial in 1994 teaching Chemistry and Environmental Science before moving to the administrative realm in 2007, serving first as a Project Manager and then as Research Manager, Grenfell Campus, Memorial University of Newfoundland.  Dean joined RIS in 2015.  Dean has been active in CARA since 2010 and has served on a variety of committees and special initiatives, including the Board of Directors and the Professional Development Task Force.

Before joining the UCalgary Research Service Office (RSO), Chris had over 13 years at Innovate Calgary, UCalgary’s Technology Transfer Office, facilitating commercialization of early stage research results. Chris has been with the University’s RSO Legal and IP team for the over 10 years, helping to facilitate legal matters related to research, including research partnerships

Megan Vanstone has recently taken on a new role as Provincial Manager of Research Support for the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, but for the last 8 years her duties have included research contract review. Beginning her career with a focus on human genetics and rare disease, Megan’s expertise has expanded to more general research administration within the healthcare system. She completed the Certificate in Research Administration through Mohawk College in 2021. Most recently, Megan worked as a Contracts & Privacy Specialist within the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency and was responsible for maintaining the organization’s contract management system, drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements, and consulting on privacy and risk-management-related matters for research.  

"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 topics of corporate interest and importance. 

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 Masters in Health Administration from the University of Ottawa and an Honours Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Windsor. "

Dr. Zsuzsa Papp is a Senior Advisor, Business Development at Mitacs. In her role, she supports universities and colleges with access to Mitacs funding for research and innovation projects in all disciplines and sectors. As a member of the Business Development team, Zsuzsa connects postsecondary researchers with industry and community for mutually beneficial collaborations. She is a PhD graduate and accomplished researcher of the University of Saskatchewan.

Kathleen Lorenzo is a Manager in the Colleges and Networks Division of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). In her role, Kathleen is responsible for the Applied Research and Development Grants, which support R&D projects led by college researchers in partnership with private sector, public sector or not-for-profit organizations while encouraging collaboration with universities and/or other colleges. "

Nigel Fitch is the Regional Advisor for British Columbia and the North at Public Safety Canada’s Research Security Centre. Nigel joined Public Safety in 2018, where he has worked on a range of security-related issues. He currently resides in Victoria, British Columbia.

Nigel holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of Calgary, and a Master of Arts degree in International Affairs from Carleton University.

Erin Dorgan is the Research Security Centre Regional Advisor for the Prairies. She is based in Edmonton.

Robyn Roscoe is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with 20 years of experience in the management of large health research projects, and 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. 

Scott Baker is the Manager, Sensitive Research at UBC Advanced Research Computing. He leads a group of privacy and security professionals focused on assisting researchers find balanced solutions for their research projects. He is a member of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada national security council, and has over 20 years of experience managing people, projects, and IT systems.