Ben Cress

Maxine's Bio

Maxine and Tangle McClaron have worked with a variety of Parks Organizations throughout Western Canada on a municipal, provincial and federal level. They also both have a background in theatre, which informs their communication styles. Through their work with the Alberta Parks Interpretation, Maxine and Tangle love finding creative ways to engage diverse audiences and spark interest in natural history. 

There is a one main difference between them: Max is very good at organizing things. Tangle is very good at making messes. 

Alberta Parks - Kananaskis Country

Sithara's Bio

Sithara Fernando is a pioneering force in STEM, challenging conventional norms and advocating for diversity within environmental careers. As a woman of colour and a member of the LGBTQ2S+ community, she brings a unique perspective to our panel.

Sithara has worked in a variety of Environmental roles in both the Public and Private sectors. She is currently the Academic Program Manager of STEM Programs at NorQuest College assisting students to find careers in Environmental Technology, Energy Management and Machine Learning. Sithara is also a supporter of the 1000 Women for STEM scholarship, which assists females to enter non-traditional STEM fields.

NorQuest College

Denise's Bio

Denise Beaven has over 35 years of IT experience, mainly in the oil and gas industry. Co-Chair of Girls Talk Tech, which educates, encourages and empowers young girls to consider STEM careers.

ConocoPhillips Canada

Dr.'s Bio

Dr. Kevin Kemball is the Business Development Lead for Forestry and Environmental Sustainability with NAIT Applied Research. In this role Kevin supports project development identifying opportunities and working with researchers and research partners to initiate applied research and training. Kevin is a professional biologist (P.Biol.) in Alberta with a diverse background including degrees in biology, forestry, and ecology.

Areas of practice include ecological impact assessment, analysis, mapping, reclamation of disturbed lands including peatlands, and GHG protocol and project development. Prior to joining NAIT in 2018 Kevin consulted extensively with the oil and gas industry, mining, forestry, and government.

NAIT Applied Research