As the Director of BCCAI, I support BC's agriculture and agri-food sectors in developing and adopting next-generation technology solutions to solve pressing challenges due to climate change and economic uncertainties. I work closely with stakeholders and partners from industry, government and academia to build sustainable partnerships and programs for B.C.’s economic development. I provide direction and oversight for the BCCAI business, including leading a team of professionals to grow the Centre and position BC as a leader in Agritech. I provide strategic direction to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Centre, develop and implement strategies and plans to advance strategic priorities and opportunities, increase revenue, and launch initiatives. I also lead BCCAI operations, oversee Industry relations and project pipelines, and manage operating budgets.As a staunch advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), I also ensure these principles are woven into the work environment of BCCAI and the broader community it supports.

Providing leadership to the BCCAI team in developing industry projects, training and upskilling opportunities. Applying Quadruple Innovation Model (Industry-Academia-Government-Society) to support innovation and technology adoption in B.C.'s agriculture and agrifood sectors. Closely work with partners and stakeholders in the public-private sector in BC and internationally. Developing industry-focused innovation programs and training and upskilling opportunities.

Leading a team of experts in the Agrifood and Natural Resources sectors. Closely working with stakeholders in the forest sector to promote adoption of genomics for a resilient, sustainable, and productive sector, advancing circular bioeconomy benefiting all.

Managed the forest sector portfolio ($109M/33 projects). Established strategic partnerships with key stakeholders within government, academia, and industry. Attracted multimillion dollars for research funding in partnership with end-users/industry to advance tree breeding and bioproducts in BC. Championed for Equity Diversity, and Inclusion.

Managed multiple complex research projects related to health, environment, forestry, energy, and mining sectors.

• Successfully contributed to large-scale multi-million dollars applied research projects• Used genomics and proteomics to develop enzyme based sustainable technologies• Developed high-throughput platforms for enzyme discovery and engineering• Developed analytical methods to characterize small molecules and bio-polymers• Co-patented modular protein class structures for forest biomass transformation• Directly supervised/mentored nine students and technical staff• Initiated and established successful collaborations with interdisciplinary groups• Generated content and budget for large-scale grant applications

• Characterized the first wood degrading bacterial enzyme (highlighted in Science)• Identified and characterized protein nanoparticles that encapsulate target proteins• Directly supervised two under/graduate students and mentored one MSc student

• Conducted transient-kinetic and spectroscopic characterization of metallo-proteins from pathogens• Used protein engineering and isotope labeling to identify drug oxidation sites in proteins

• Characterized KatG, the enzyme that activates the anti-tuberculosis drug INH in M. tuberculosis• Discovered activities related to the drug activation and formation of the inhibitor complex• Contributed to the elucidation of unique mechanistic features and drug binding sites in the enzyme

Successfully established and led a team of technical sales representatives for efficient and productive sales and after-sales technical support for immunodiagnostic equipment and biomarkers for cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Successfully established the startup in my territory and provided sales and technical support for immunomarkers for cancer, autoimmune disorders and infectious diseases. Established a team of associates and expanded the business.