Stuart Cullum directs NAIT's applied research, enterprise development and technology transfer activities. Stuart has significant experience in business, technology transfer and early stage investment. In his previous role with WestLink Innovation Network, he was responsible for identifying and building on opportunities to grow business ideas from the research stage into sustainable products. As an investment manager with AVAC Ltd., he assessed project plans and recommended commercialization strategies and investments for a range of clients, including researchers, companies and community stakeholders. Stuart is the inaugural Executive Director of novaNAIT.

Phone 780.378.6190  Email stuartc@nait.ca

As the Director of Applied Research and Scholarship, Dr. Klay Dyer oversees, coordinates, and facilitates applied research activities across the NAIT community, providing creative and high-level support for novaNAIT's exemplary team of school-based Research Officers. Klay also liaises with the leadership of NAIT's schools and program areas, with industry and business across Alberta, as well as with the various local, national, and international agencies supporting applied research within Canadian universities, colleges, and polytechnic institutes. With a PhD in English (University of Ottawa), Klay brings over two decades of post-secondary teaching and research experience to novaNAIT, along with a passionate belief that learning, innovation, and creativity are the true engines of the future.

Phone 780.378.6176   Email klayd@nait.ca

David Burry has over 30 years of private and public sector experience in managing teams and facilitating industry-focused projects and activities. As the Manager of Enabling Programs, David has the responsibility for the development and delivery of services and engagement programs to enhance, promote and support novaNAIT business activities and NAIT applied research priorities which lead to lasting partnerships with industry. He also manages a team of professionals who provide business incubator programming and business development activities, including commercial assessment and feasibility studies, as well as  intellectual property management and commercialization activities. David has a passion for technology development, holds an MBA from Cape Breton University, and has 18 years of experience in many facets of academia.


Phone 780.378.6187   Email dburry@nait.ca

Hugh Seaton has been professionally involved in applied research and economic development in northern Alberta since 1985. Hugh holds a Masters in Environmental Design, University of Calgary and is based in Peace River. Hugh was the founding manager of the Boreal Research Institute in 1995, a regional partnership of industry, post secondary, and communities. Hugh manages a team responsible for applied research, technology transfer, and forest education. Prior to NAIT, Hugh was Research Director with the Northern Alberta Development Council.

Phone 780.618.2602   Email hseaton@nait.ca

Randy Thompson provides valuable guidance and mentoring assistance to novaNAIT incubator clients and small and medium enterprises as novaNAIT's first Entrepreneur in Residence. He has also relocated the Edmonton VentureAlberta office to the Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation, which will provide novaNAIT and incubator clients a closer tie to the investment community. Randy is currently invested in 7 companies and has been working in the startup venture space since 1992 when he started the first ISP in Alberta. In 1999, he started working on developing angel groups in Alberta, starting with an organization that matched deals for Western Canada investors on the Internet. In 2001, Randy began to work as a venture capital advisor to the Province of Alberta and started the Alberta California Venture Channel, bringing together investors and companies in both regions. He is president of the VentureAlberta Forum, one of the largest gatherings of business angels in Edmonton and Calgary, which has funded 64 startups.

Phone 780.378.6196   Email rthompson@nait.ca

As the Business Manager, Sandra works within novaNAIT to oversee the management of assigned programs and projects, external contracts, operations management and reporting. She is responsible for financial analysis and reporting of novaNAIT programs and novaNAIT operations. With her project management experience and work in other areas of novaNAIT, she grasps underlying business processes and is responsible for working with stakeholders on projects to map existing processes; identify redundancies, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks. Sandra strives to improve and redesign processes where necessary; create process measures and controls, and implement and communicate new improved processes.

Phone 780.378.6166   Email sandrals@nait.ca

Bernard Johnson provides a focused point of contact for industry regarding enterprise development and technology transfer requests. He also supports SME clients in business incubation and development activities including: business planning, commercial viability assessments, technical and market assessments, competitive and financial analysis, and operational analysis. Between 1997 and 2007, Bernard lived and successfully operated a small business in Taiwan. Upon his return to Canada, he completed a MBA specializing in International Business in April 2011.

Phone 780.378.6183   Email bernardj@nait.ca

Dr. Olle Lagerquist facilitates applied research programming at NAIT and provides mentorship to faculty and staff who wish to engage in research activities.  Olle also acts as a research committee liaison between NAIT and external institutions and administers the internal grant funding program for NAIT faculty and staff. Olle holds a Ph.D in Neuroscience from the University of Alberta and has completed his MBA in Technology Commercialization. In addition to a background in teaching and curriculum development, he has experience in several areas of research including neuroscience, rehabilitation, human performance and public health.

Phone 780.378.6175   Email ollel@nait.ca

Michelle Caza facilitates applied research programming at NAIT for the JR Shaw School of Business and the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts. She has over 10 years of applied research experience and has worked as an evaluation consultant in health and mental health, and been employed in economic development, information technology, oil and gas, and market and social research. She is skilled in both qualitative and quantitative research methods and analysis and has published in the area of mental health. This experience positions her to provide mentorship to NAIT faculty and students seeking applied research opportunities.

Phone 780.378.6168   Email michellec@nait.ca

Jennifer Hicks is a research assistant at novaNAIT and has legal experience from working as a paralegal for 3 years prior to returning to school at NAIT. She is currently enrolled in the BBA program focusing on Management. Jennifer provides assistance to the novaNAIT research officers on a number of novaNAIT initiatives and projects.

Phone 780.378.6184   Email jennifhi@nait.ca

Monique Mackay – Administrative Assistant to the Executive Director

Monique works with the Executive Director and all the novaNAIT staff in their applied research, prototype development and technology transfer activities. She is a long-time NAIT employee who has held administrative positions in various programs across the institute, ranging from Optical Sciences and Academic Upgrading to Continuing Education diploma programs in Occupational Health and Safety and Emergency Management. She joined novaNAIT in early 2009.

Phone 780.378.5300   Email moniquem@nait.ca

As a receptionist and administrator, Colleen Porter is the primary contact at the novaNAIT St. Albert campus.  Her position involves providing administration assistance to novaNAIT incubation clients and NAIT researchers, and coordinating the daily operations of the facility. Colleen's past professional experience includes working as a Deposit Application Administrator in the Credit and Collection department at Lilydale Inc. and she has worked for several years as a Condominium Property Administrator.

Phone 780.378.2899   Email cporter@nait.ca  

Melissa Cordeiro assists with NAIT's Applied Research Chairs as well as performing administrative duties in support of the novaNAIT Office with focus on the needs of the Duncan McNeill Centre for Innovation. She is a graduate of Business Administration, Project Management, Special Events Management, and pursuing her BBA here at NAIT. In 2008, Melissa came to NAIT from the Government of Alberta and has just recently Joined novaNAIT in May 2011.

Phone 780.378.6170   Email mcordeir@nait.ca