Indigenous Knowledge Systems Fireside Chat
Skye Anderson
9:15 AM
Presenter:
Senior Manager in Indigenous Partnerships, Business Development
Ontario Power Generation
October 17, 2024
Skye Anderson is a Senior Manager in Indigenous Partnerships, Business Development at Ontario Power Generation. She is also the co-spokesperson for the Indigenous Circle at Onatrio Power Generation (OPG).
Skye has over 10 years experience building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities in various sectors. Skye has experience working with community based organizations, Federal and Provincial agencies, and First Nations communities to develop communication pathways to achieve mutual understanding and success. She is passionate in her pursuit to help bridge the knowledge gap that exists and build meaningful relationships between non-Indigenous and Indigenous people. She has helped the Indigenous Relations and Partnership team with Indigenous education platforms, and OPG wide lunch and learns. Her current portfolio includes New Nuclear Development and Nuclear Sustainability at OPG.
She has spent her life learning Indigenous histories from Elders, Indigenous knowledge holders, and community members. Her education has been in Indigenous Studies and Public Administration at universities in Ontario.
Skye is a proud Anishnaabe-Kwe. Her mother and stepfather are from Alderville First Nation, of the Williams Treaties First Nations and her father is from Wabauskang First Nation in Treaty 3. Skye proudly raises her two children in her home community of Alderville First Nation.
Biography:
Developments in Nuclear Waste Management
Ranziba Nehrin
9:45 AM
Presenter:
Associate, Government and External Relations
Nuclear Waste Management Organization
October 17, 2024
Ranziba Nehrin is an Associate, Government and External Relations at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO), where she has worked for five years. Before joining NWMO, she held senior roles in communications working across various industries such as public health, financial services, automotive, entertainment and in the Ontario Public Service. Ranziba has spent her entire career working with subject matter experts to translate knowledge into public awareness, building partnerships and establishing signature programs that deliver impact. She holds a Masters of Public Policy, Law and Administration from York University and volunteers her time with West Neighbourhood House and Big Brothers Big Sisters Toronto.
Biography:
Nuclear New Build TED Talks
François Cussac
10:30 AM
Presenter:
Deputy Program Director of the CANDU MONARK Reactor
AtkinsRéalis
October 17, 2024
As CANDU MONARK Deputy Program Director, François Cussac is responsible for the development and deployment planning of the next generation of CANDU® nuclear plants, the CANDU MONARK reactor. François has worked with AtkinsRéalis (and predecessor companies) since 2007, beginning in the Plant Life Management group. Since then, he has had a well-rounded career, first taking responsibility on engineering services projects, and then moving into project management in 2019. Since 2022, François has been supporting the development of the new generation of CANDU nuclear plants within the new nuclear & new market team, leading into the CANDU MONARK program.
François is an ardent supporter of the development of new leaders and has led various communication and leadership programs such as Toastmasters.
Biography:
Nuclear New Build TED Talks
Nathan Lewcock
10:30 AM
Presenter:
Engineering Director
Westinghouse Electric Company
October 17, 2024
Nathan Lewcock, Engineering Director at Westinghouse leads a global engineering department, based in 3 countries, specializing in Material Handling & Tooling. Projects range from small robotic tooling for nuclear inspection and maintenance to large fuel handling machines for the refueling, transfer and storage of nuclear fuel. Teams support a wide range of nuclear technologies including AP1000, AP300, eVinci and CANDU. In addition, Nathan is the in-country Engineering Director for Westinghouse Canada for which he oversees all engineering functions, growth, and development. Nathan is a licensed Ontario professional engineer in the discipline of Mechanical Engineering and has served the nuclear industry for over 15 years.
Biography:
Nuclear New Build TED Talks
Chad MacLean
10:30 AM
Presenter:
Manager of Business Development and Energy Innovation
Bruce Power
October 17, 2024
Chad MacLean is responsible for the Business Development & Energy Innovation team who leads the implementation of many strategic focus areas, carrying out supporting functions associated with the isotope program as well as power recovery projects under Project 2030, which will generate additional clean energy through optimizing the site’s output. The group also monitors and identifies opportunities related to the development of nuclear technology in Canada and seeks and develops investment options for projects that will contribute to Bruce Power achieving Net Zero by 2027. Prior to working in Business Development, Chad has spent time in Operations, Chemistry, Environment, Maintenance and Radiation Protection (RP) at Bruce Power.
Biography:
Nuclear New Build TED Talks
Sahil Joshi
10:30 AM
Presenter:
Senior Engineering Manager, Mechanical Systems, BWRX 300
GE Vernova SMR Technologies
October 17, 2024
Salil Joshi is Senior Engineering Manager at GEH SMR Technologies Canada Ltd. In 2006, Salil began his career in Canada as a Systems Engineer in Aerospace Industry, mainly engaged in developing various simulation models on the Rapid Prototyping System (RPS) platform for electrical power systems as well as environmental control systems. In 2010, he moved to nuclear industry as a Systems Engineer at BWXT NEC (formerly GEH Canada) where he performed various design tasks of requirement management, FMEA, Reliability, Availability and Maintainability (RAM) analysis and Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM).
Salil was also placed at Ontario Power Generation (OPG) for an on-site assignment in CANDU Fuel Handling group. In 2016, Salil became a Team Lead and two years later the Functional Manager of their Systems Engineering team. In this role he established a new sub-group for Human Factors Engineering to provide cost effective integrated solution to customers. In 2020, Salil took on new management position as the leader of Instrumentation and Controls Engineering group. An exciting SMR opportunity brought Salil back to GEH in September 2021 as a Canadian Engineering Manager, leading the engineering function within Canada and helping to build and integrate the engineers from all disciplines with the rest of the organization in support of BWRX-300. In Salil’s current role, he provides leadership to a diverse technical team of dedicated engineers and scientists responsible for the design and procurement of equipment and technical services in support of New Nuclear Plants.
Biography:
Isotope Supply Chain Panel
Melody Greaves
11:30 AM
Presenter:
Manager of Business Strategy
Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council
October 17, 2024
Melody Greaves is the Manager of Business Strategy at the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council – an independent not-for-profit advocacy organization consisting of representatives from various levels within the Canadian health sector, nuclear industry and research bodies, convened specifically to advocate for our country’s role in the production of the world’s isotope supply. In her role, Melody led the development of the organization’s Isotopes for Hope campaign, an ambitious vision to double Canada’s production of medical isotopes by 2030. She is now primarily responsible for the CNIC’s major strategic initiatives and business expansion activities.
Melody completed her undergraduate and graduate studies at Wilfrid Laurier University and holds a Master of Applied Politics degree in Public and Environmental Policy and a bachelor’s degree in political science and French.
Biography:
Isotope Supply Chain Panel
Dr. Karin Stephenson
11:30 AM
Presenter:
Director of Nuclear Research and Education Support for Nuclear Operations and Facilities
McMaster University
October 17, 2024
Dr. Karin Stephenson is the Director of Nuclear Research and Education Support for Nuclear Operations and Facilities at McMaster University. Dr. Stephenson graduated with her PhD in Chemistry from McMaster University and completed postdoctoral fellowships in Radiology at the University of Pennsylvania and at the PET Centre at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health/University of Toronto. She has more than 20 years of experience in nuclear research, radiochemistry, and radiopharmaceuticals.
Before joining McMaster University, she was the Director of Discovery at the Centre for Probe Development and Commercialization, where she led research and discovery of new radiochemistry and radiopharmaceuticals with applications in oncology and neurology research. Dr. Stephenson is also the CSO for the Canadian Nuclear Isotope Council, and a board member of the Nuclear Innovation Institute and the Canadian Medical Isotope Ecosystem.
Biography:
Isotope Supply Chain Panel
Yosuef Yaccob
11:30 AM
Presenter:
Director of Medical Isotope Production & Projects
Kinectrics
October 17, 2024
Yousef Yacoob is the Director of Medical Isotope Production & Projects at Kinectrics. He is primarily responsible for advancing the production of Lutetium-177 through Isogen, a Kinectrics and Framatome company, in partnership with Bruce Power. Over the past 10 years, Yousef has held various roles at Kinectrics, including engineering, reactor safety, nuclear projects, and strategic growth.
Biography:
Isotope Supply Chain Panel
Dr. Artem Lebedev
11:30 AM
Presenter:
Scientist
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories
October 17, 2024
Dr. Artem Lebedev is a scientist with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, working on the projects related to targeted alpha therapies. Prior to joining CNL, Artem was responsible for medical isotope sales at McMaster Nuclear Reactor, working with Canadian and international customers to supply I-125, Lu-177 and Ho-166. Before that, he served as a Chief Technology Officer at TraceAbility – a startup that introduced a first-of-its-kind integrated system for quality control of radiopharmaceuticals.
Artem received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Moscow State University in 2005 and recently completed a Masters in Data Science program at UC Berkeley.
In the time that is left from work and being a dad, Artem enjoys trail running and mushroom hunting in the Ottawa Valley.
Biography:
Build a Successful Nuclear Career Plan
Jennifer Alsop
1:15 PM
Presenter:
Director of the Brilliant Energy Institute
Ontario Tech University
October 17, 2024
Jennifer Alsop is the Director of the Brilliant Energy Institute at Ontario Tech University, within the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation. The institute harnesses the university's energy expertise and talent to promote clean energy technologies and facilitate an inclusive and effective transition to net-zero emissions. Brilliant Energy Institute collaborates with energy sector stakeholders to enhance technical, social, and economic outcomes. Previously, Jennifer worked in the Partnership Office, where she collaborated with organizations and associations across Canada, North America, and globally on talent recruitment, research and special projects.
Biography:
Build a Successful Nuclear Career Plan
Dan Miller
1:15 PM
Presenter:
Talent Acquisition Strategy Lead
Bruce Power
October 17, 2024
As a Talent Acquisition Strategy Lead for Bruce Power, Dan Miller leads the Early Talent Development Program, managing a student program with over 100 students at the world's largest nuclear power generating site. He collaborates with hiring managers and campus stakeholders to recruit, onboard, and retain motivated students for internships, co-op roles, and new grad opportunities. Dan is passionate about student development and helping them launch their careers. Dan graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Nipissing University, where he also served as the captain of the Varsity Men's volleyball team for three years. Through this experience and various roles with the North Bay Youth Volleyball Club and the Nipissing University Student Union, he developed strong leadership, teamwork, and communication skills. He was recognized by the university with several awards for his academic and athletic achievements.
Biography:
Build a Successful Nuclear Career Plan
Kayla Morin
1:15 PM
Presenter:
Talent Acquisition Advisor
Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL)
October 17, 2024
Kayla is a Talent Acquisition Advisor with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories supporting HSS&E and the Human Resources team in radiating leadership, refining excellence, and powering careers. Prior to joining CNL, Kayla supported several organizations including the Ottawa Hospital and WeCare home health services in administrative and coordination roles. When Kayla is not helping the organization achieve its recruitment objectives, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, embracing the rewarding role of being a mom.
Biography:
Nuclear Trades and Operations Panel
Neil Mohan
2:00 PM
Presenter:
Assistant Operations Senior Manager
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
October 17, 2024
Neil Mohan graduated from McMaster University as a Chemical Engineer with a focus on Process Control. He is an accomplished leader in the energy sector, currently holding the position of Assistant Operations Senior Manager at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Over the course of more than 14 years with OPG, Neil has built a robust career, marked by key leadership roles such as Shift Manager and Assistant Maintenance Senior Manager. In their current role as Assistant Operations Senior Manager, they are responsible for managing operations at the Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Generating Stations, where they ensure the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of critical nuclear facilities. Federally certified as both a Shift Manager (SM) and Control Room Shift Supervisor (CRSS) for Pickering Units 1-4, Neil has a proven track record of overseeing all control room activities and leading licensed staff through routine operations, outages, and non-standard situations. Their expertise extends to managing large teams, including over 400 nuclear professionals in support of a $200M+ maintenance program at Darlington Nuclear.
Biography:
Nuclear Trades and Operations Panel
Blair Evans
2:00 PM
Presenter:
Small Modular Reactor Mechanical Trainer
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
October 17, 2024
His career with Ontario Power Generation has spanned across three different power stations starting at Nanticoke Thermal Generating station. He moved to Pickering Nuclear Generating Station after Ontario’s largest climate change initiative eliminated Coal generated electricity and continued to Darlington Nuclear Generating station where he was a valve and actuator specialist. Now Blair is starting in role as the Small Modular Reactor Mechanical Trainer at Ontario Power Generation’s Darlington Nuclear site with the BWRX300 project. Having a career spanning over 20 years in industry, Blair has a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from Mohawk College and holds an Industrial Mechanic/Millwright Certificate of Qualification after completing his apprenticeship. His most notable accomplishments are being a Culture Action Team member at OPG while striving to transform company culture and completing the NAYGN NucLeaders program. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling, snowboarding and scuba diving in the Caribbean.
Biography:
Nuclear Trades and Operations Panel
John Froats
2:00 PM
Presenter:
Leader
Froats & Froats and Associates
October 17, 2024
John Froats has over 48 years of nuclear industry experience including many plant roles including the executive roles of Chief Nuclear Engineer and VP Engineering and Modifications, VP Nuclear Security Enhancements and President & CEO of the CANDU Owners Group (COG). Coupled with a decade of educating nuclear engineering students in Canada and around the world, John can blend hands on practical experience with modern learning approaches. In his engineering roles, he is experienced in design, commissioning and nuclear plant operation. He has led teams to develop and implement several of the processes that are in use in the industry today. His experience includes leading the delivery of plant modifications for a portfolio of approximately $500M annually, driving a culture of safe delivery, high quality and on budget and schedule performance. John is currently the leader of Froats & Froats and Associates and an Associate Professor and Nuclear Engineer in Residence at Ontario Tech University. He remains fully active in the nuclear sector and in educational work in support of the sector, focusing on independent assessments in technical and leadership areas, advisory support to Boards, and educational activities including the areas of nuclear engineering, Leadership and Safety Culture.
Biography:
Nuclear Trades and Operations Panel
Mark Phillpotts-Delisser
2:00 PM
Presenter:
Construction Manager, Nuclear Island, SMR-X Project at Darlington Nuclear Generating Station
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
October 17, 2024
Mark is the Construction Manager for Nuclear Island on the SMR-X project at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station (DNGS). He has been in Construction for almost 25 yrs. He started as a Union Construction Millwright Mechanic in Hamilton Ontario. Prior to being Construction Management he worked in the Steel Mill industry, food processing, car plants, cement plants and chemical plants before transitioning into Nuclear Construction in 2007. His strength is working with people and bringing them together to form high functioning Teams. His in-depth knowledge of construction practices and his strategic management style has helped him to influence policies and programs, promote organizational change management and helped him to influence leadership skills for organizations. He does this by leveraging client service, service delivery, employee engagement, diversity and inclusivity initiatives while maintaining high standards and integrity.
Biography:
Allyship - Women in Nuclear
Rachna Clavero
3:00 PM
Presenter:
President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
CANDU Owner's Group (COG)
October 17, 2024
Rachna Clavero was appointed President and CEO for CANDU Owners Group (COG) in December 2022. She first joined COG in October 2015, where she developed the Strategic R&D program and helped the industry establish long term priorities for R&D. She further developed the Waste and Decommissioning program and the SMR program at COG as the Director of Nuclear Safety and Environmental Affairs. From 2020-2022, Rachna was the Senior Director of Strategic Growth & Innovation for Kinectrics. In this role, she had oversight of the nuclear business development team, the innovation portfolio and the company’s sustainability initiatives.
Prior roles in the industry include senior positions with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Candesco Corporation and the Ontario Ministry of Energy. She has consulted internationally at the IAEA and is a member of the Nuclear Strategic Steering Committee for the Canadian Standards Association. A strong supporter of diversity in the workplace, Rachna is a mentor and coach to emerging leaders in the industry.
Biography:
Allyship - Women in Nuclear
Aiman Khan
3:00 PM
Presenter:
Senior Program Manager for ECPM Contracts
Bruce Power
October 17, 2024
Aiman Khan is a Senior Energy Leader with a strong dedication to breaking barriers and advocating for women in the clean energy sector. She excels in high-pressure environments, leading mission-critical projects ranging from automated tooling to large-scale refurbishments.
Aiman holds an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering with a major in Mechatronics from Ontario Tech University and recently earned her MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management in 2024. Currently, Aiman is a Senior Program Manager for EPCM contracts at Bruce Power, where she oversees and develops new strategies for innovative projects. She is known for fostering a culture of out-of-the-box thinking, building diverse and collaborative teams to drive innovation. In addition to her professional achievements, Aiman is the Vice President on the board of Women in Nuclear (WiN) Canada, actively advocating for diversity and inclusion within the nuclear industry.
Biography:
Allyship - Women in Nuclear
Leslie McWilliams
3:00 PM
Presenter:
Deputy Site Vice President, Darlington Nuclear Generating Station
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
October 17, 2024
Leslie McWilliams is the Darlington, Deputy Site Vice President at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Leslie started her career with OPG 25 years ago and has held roles within Engineering, Project and Outage Management, Maintenance and Inspection Services and has held Station Leadership roles at Pickering, Darlington, Nuclear Refurbishment and Corporate. She is also a Board Member for the CANDU Owners Group.
Leslie graduated from the University of Waterloo with a degree in Chemical Engineering and option in Environmental Engineering. She is actively involved in her community as a soccer coach and Girl Guide Leader promoting STEM and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.
Biography:
How to Become an Effective Nuclear Advocate Keynote
Matthew Mairinger
3:40 PM
Presenter:
Manager of Business Development (Secondment)
Laurentis Energy Partners
October 17, 2024
Matthew Mairinger served in the NAYGN Durham chapter leadership position from 2015-2019. He was elected to the Canadian Operating Officer role from 2018-2022 and was elected to the NAYGN Presidency position for 2022-2025.
Matthew holds a P. Eng. and PMP designation and received his Bachelor of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering degree and Nuclear Technology graduate diploma from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. He currently is on a secondment with Laurentis Energy Partners as the manager of Business Development.
Biography:
How to Become an Effective Nuclear Advocate Keynote
Osama Baig
3:40 PM
Presenter:
Safeguards Officer at the Darlington Waste Management Facility
Ontario Power Generation (OPG)
October 17, 2024
Graduating from the Nuclear Engineering B. Eng program in 2020, Osama has spent a collective 6 years working for the Canadian Nuclear Industry. At Ontario Power Generation, he is currently a Safeguards Officer at the Darlington Waste Management Facility where he works closely with safeguards technologies as well as closely interfaces with the IAEA and CNSC. In his role, he maintains a strong technical acumen as well as fosters relationships with stakeholders. In his former role, he was an Innovation Lead at OPG’s Centre for Canadian Nuclear Sustainability where he demonstrated expertise in business development and strategy. With a focus on collaboration to address technical challenges, he spearheaded innovative feasibility studies to implement both commercial and early stage research for CANDU decommissioning technologies.
Biography: