Keynotes

Prof. Dr. Hamid Aït Abderrahim is the General Manager of MYRRHA. He was Deputy Director-General of SCK CEN2, the Belgian nuclear research center. He lectures reactor physics and nuclear engineering at the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) and at the mechanical engineering department of the Ecole Polytechnique de Louvain (EPL3).

Since 1998, he is the director of the MYRRHA4 project, an accelerator driven system (ADS) coupling a sub-critical Pb-Bi cooled reactor and a high power proton linear accelerator through a spallation target.

He is or has been coordinator of various projects of the European Commission framework programme related to advanced nuclear systems and the advanced nuclear fuel cycle.

He is author of more than 100 scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences.

In February 2015 he received the title of Doctor Honoris Causa at the Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania for his personal achievements and his long term collaboration with the Kaunas University of Technology and more specifically with the Baršauskas Ultrasound Research Institute.

Last but not least in April 2014, he has been honoured by the King of Belgium by nominating him as “Grand Officer in the Crown Order” for his contributions in the scientific representation of Belgium in the field of nuclear energy science and closing the fuel cycle.

Kim Baines is an Environmental Remediation Specialist at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and former Technical Authority at the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). Kim has over 20 years’ experience in the management and remediation of both conventional and radioactively contaminated land.

In her current role, Kim is a Technical Officer providing support for technical cooperation projects in several IAEA Member States including Ukraine and Kazakhstan.  Kim is also managing projects on characterisation and use of controls for contaminated land and leads a Community of Practice focused on legacy radioactive waste trench sites. Kim also has a passion to teach and train with a focus on building capacity for the characterisation of contaminated land.  In her former role, Kim was responsible for developing the UK’s approach to defining the ‘Site End State’ and providing technical support to the UK decommissioning sites. Kim’s practical approach to environmental management is underpinned by many years of site assessment and remediation on sites ranging from petrol stations to nuclear decommissioning sites.

Theresa Dekker is the Vice President of Nuclear Decommissioning Strategies at Ontario Power Generation (OPG).  In her current role, she has accountability for the development of plans and cost estimates for decommissioning all OPG’s nuclear assets.  To support this, her team is focused on meaningful engagement with communities, developing a framework that supports decommissioning, and developing solutions for nuclear and conventional materials.

In her prior role leading the Corporate Business Development & Strategy team, Theresa had accountability for executing various elements of OPG’s growth strategy, supporting the company’s Climate Change Plan, including acquisitions, electrification, hydroelectric and energy storage development.  Theresa held roles within both PowerON Energy Solutions and the Ivy Charging Network, two of OPG’s subsidiaries focused on electrifying different aspects of transportation.  She also led the acquisitions of Eagle Creek Renewable Energy and Cube Hydro, expanding OPG’s hydroelectric portfolio into the U.S. Theresa has been with OPG since 2004 and has held a variety of positions throughout the company, gaining experience in Nuclear Project Management, Organizational Design, and Enterprise Risk Management.  Theresa holds a chemical engineering degree from the University of Toronto and is a Professional Engineer.

Fred Dermarkar is AECL’s President and CEO. He was appointed in February 2021 for a term of three years. As President and CEO of AECL, Fred is leading the organization in its oversight role, seeing that the priorities of Government are delivered safely and efficiently under the Government-owned, Contractor-operated model.

Prior to joining AECL, Fred was President and CEO of the CANDU Owners Group, where he led the not-for‐profit organization to advance collaboration between CANDU nuclear reactor operators worldwide.

Fred has been working in the Canadian nuclear industry for close to 40 years. Throughout his career, he has occupied a variety of key technical and senior leadership positions at Ontario Power Generation in support of the design, commissioning, operation and refurbishment of its CANDU reactors.

Fred has received the Canadian Nuclear Association’s Ian McRae award in recognition of his substantive engineering contributions, leadership and positive influence on the Canadian nuclear industry and the advancement of nuclear energy in Canada, and the Nuclear Excellence Award from the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) in recognition of his contributions to Ontario Power Generation’s overall post-Fukushima response.

Claire Gallery-Strong has developed her career working across a variety of sectors including pharma, environmental and nuclear. She is currently Director for Strategy and Integrated Waste Management, Nuclear Waste Services. Her portfolio focusses on introduction of new technologies as well as addressing system improvements in the waste lifecycle.

Her nuclear experience spans roles from nuclear operations, project, programme and portfolio management through to developing radioactive waste strategies. Her projects include the return to service of THORP (reprocessing fuels) following a significant pipework failure and radioactive leak. She has developed her leadership capabilities directing engineering and science programmes. In her volunteering capacity she regenerated the Young Generation Network in 2000 and built a sustainability plan to enable a thriving network.  She has recently been recognised for her contribution to the field of science and engineering through an appointment as Hon Treasurer, a Trustee for the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Terence Hubbard was appointed President of the Impact Assessment Agency (IAAC) on November 28, 2021. In his role, he is responsible for leading all reviews of major projects under the Impact Assessment Act, in cooperation with other Government of Canada regulatory agencies, as well as provinces and territories and Indigenous groups.

Previous to his appointment as President, Terence served as Vice President, Operations, of IAAC, where he oversaw federal environmental and impact assessments across Canada to support sustainable development objectives and ensure meaningful participation of Indigenous groups and the public.

Prior to joining IAAC in 2018, Terence was Director General of the Petroleum Resources Branch with Natural Resources Canada. In this role, he had responsibility for Canada’s oil and gas policy, including overseeing the development and implementation of Canada’s pipeline safety and offshore oil and gas regulatory regimes.

Terence also worked as the Government lead on legislative proposals to modernize the National Energy Board (NEB). He has significant background and experience on environmental assessment and regulatory matters having had the responsibility of policy oversight for the NEB and for the Canada-Newfoundland and Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Boards, as well as serving as Canada’s representative on the Governing Board of the International Energy Agency.

Tristan Jackson is Vice President of Corporate Development at Moltex. He is a life-long advocate for sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, as well as a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded and grown two successful startups focused on smart grid technologies and the broader energy transition. Between the acquisition of his first startup and launching the second, Tristan served as Global Director of Smart & Distributed Energy at Worley, leading a diverse international team covering all continents in building microgrids and other advanced, onsite energy systems. Tristan has an MBA with Sustainability Certificate from MIT where he was a Legatum Fellow, and a BA double-major in Psychology and Sociology from Cornell University. He lives with his wife in Ontario, outside Toronto, in a net-zero home they designed and built together.

With his extensive engineering background, diverse skill set, and passion for both the technical and adventurous aspects of life, Matt King is a valuable asset as Deputy General Manager at CNL’s Whiteshell Laboratories site in Manitoba, ensuring the safe and efficient progress of this critical environmental undertaking.

In his four years at Whiteshell Laboratories, Matt has held various roles in senior leadership. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise, with his main point of focus being the Standpipe and Bunker Waste Retrieval Project, a project that will bring a first-of-its-kind set of equipment to Manitoba.

Matt graduated from CSU Chico in 2006, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He is a licensed engineer with the State of California, reflecting his dedication to maintaining high professional standards. During his time at university, he actively participated in the American Society of Civil Engineers chapter and various engineering clubs, showcasing his commitment to continuous learning and professional development.

Before joining the nuclear decommissioning industry in 2010, Matt gained valuable hands-on experience in construction, logging, and heavy equipment repair, which provided him with a solid foundation in practical skills.

Christina Mohan is in her final year of chemical engineering at the University of Waterloo, specializing in process control, modelling and optimization. In 2021, Christina co-founded and has since led the North American Young Generation in Nuclear (NAYGN) Waterloo chapter, which has hosted many successful events to raise awareness about the opportunities for students in the nuclear industry. She has also been a member of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries 2022/2023 Youth Shadow Council supporting their social media campaigns and webinars on nuclear energy. Christina has amplified her passion for nuclear power generation with her co-op placements at Natural Resources Canada in the Nuclear Energy Division, Nuclear Promise X Inc. and currently at Westinghouse Electric Company.

Brenda Morrisseau is proudly Anicinabe from Sagkeeng First Nation in Manitoba that is treaty 1, 3 and 5 where she grew up and lived most of her life. Her community is an independent Band with a growing population. Sagkeeng means mouth of the river and is known as the meeting place.
Brenda represents her community’s Community Environment Monitoring Program, named Niigan Aki which translates to Earth First, a new program for her community. Her description of the program includes hope and a unique opportunity to understand and implement Indigenous monitoring and conservation. She looks forward to healing on the land for her community and program guardians. She hopes other Canadians will be open to understand the meaning of Indigenous conservation and Treaty Rights to the land that is shared by many.
Brenda’s education includes a Bachelor of Indigenous Health and Human Services, from Brandon University. Indigenous Counselling from the University of Manitoba. Clinical practice with the Prairie Region Centre for Focusing and Complex Trauma. Has years of work experience in various human service roles.
Brenda was raised by a father who lived off the land trapping, fishing and more, and a mother who worked the land by gardening. She feels her upbringing has prepared her for the Niigan Aki work.

Reg Niganobe is a member of Mississauga #8 First Nation along the North Shore of Lake Huron. He has served in a leadership capacity since 2009 where he started as a councillor and also held the position of Chief from 2011-2021. He now serves as the Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief.

Reg has been a strong advocate for retaining history and preservation of traditional territories. He has strong ties to the community through his family and many relations and continues to be an advocate for youth and supports their knowledge around governance, treaties, and the history of Anishinabek territory.

Reg has also served as the Chair of the North Shore Tribal Council for six years and has a Public Policy and Governance Diploma from Toronto Metropolitan University.

Jennifer Nugent is currently the Head of Technical Solutions at Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) (part of the NDA group) where she is a recognised leader. NTS is the leading global provider of safe, secure, and reliable nuclear transport and logistics solutions that help make the world safer and more sustainable. Jennifer started her nuclear career at BNFL Springfields in the research laboratories, moving into the Environmental department and then to her preferred area of Nuclear Transport. Having led teams working on Package Design, Safety Case development and Licensing through to consignment and delivery she is keen to ensure that the skills relating to the transport of nuclear material are maintained as without transport there is no nuclear industry.

Paul Saunders is the President of Suncoast Solutions and has over 50 years of professional experience in nuclear-related fields and is an active member of our industry. Paul’s specialty is developing innovative solutions and strategy development in the areas of Radioactive Waste, Radiation Protection, Radioactive Water Processing, and Liquid Effluents Management.

Paul spent sixteen years at New York Power Authority’s Indian Point Unit 3 where he finished as Acting Radiation Protection Manager and eight years at CENTEC XXI as a partner and Vice President of Development before starting Suncoast Solutions in 2002. In 2023, Paul was the recipient of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Sarge Ozker award that honors an individual for distinguished service and eminent achievement in the commercialization of nuclear energy, particularly in the field of radioactive waste management.

Paul’s contributions to the industry include taking lead roles in reviewing the adequacy of liquid and solid waste processing and radiation safety design features for advanced nuclear plants including the Westinghouse AP1000, General Electric ESBWR/ABWR, and the Bechtel mPower SMR design was the lead consultant for updates to the Electric Power Research Institute Advanced Reactor Utility Requirements Document as it applies to Radioactive Waste and Radiation Protection. He has authored or contributed significantly to an extensive list of EPRI, IAEA, ANSI, CNL, and other facility-specific documents. Paul has supported projects at over 80 domestic and international agencies and reactor sites on five continents, helping them solve unique and often complex radioactive waste challenges.

Kristan Schruder is Deputy Vice President, Decommissioning and Environmental Remediation, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. Kristan is a professional engineer and project management professional and has been working in the nuclear industry for over 20 years largely on engineering, construction and decommissioning projects.  His portfolio covers both decommissioning and environmental clean-up, as well as site operations at the Chalk River Laboratories site, as well as CNL’s three prototype reactor sites – Gentilly-1, Douglas Point and Nuclear Power Demonstration.

Grace Stanke is Miss America 2023 and a recent graduate in Nuclear Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Grace Stanke is a strong advocate of nuclear power as a safe and clean source of energy. Here passion for nuclear is undeniable as is the work she’s been doing to change the perception of nuclear power and nuclear engineers, as well as break down the myths about break down the myths about nuclear waste. Grace is a tremendous youth advocate for the industry. Grace is also a very accomplished violinist.

Dr. Sriram Suryanarayan, Ph.D., PMP, is a seasoned leader and innovator with over 25 years of experience in the technical fields of nuclear waste management and decommissioning, nuclear power plant chemistry control, and process development for various stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. As the Director of Innovation at Kinectrics Inc., Sriram oversees the company’s innovation program, which spans a wide range of technical areas, including artificial intelligence, advanced materials and manufacturing, augmented, virtual and mixed reality, novel inspection technologies, fusion and medical radioisotopes.

Sriram’s contributions to the field of radioactive waste management are numerous and ground-breaking. He has played a critical role in developing innovative processes for the management of problematic radioactive and mixed waste and has led projects for Canadian and international utilities and facilities. His work has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including the “Innovative Achievement Award” on Waste Management from the Canadian Nuclear Society and the Canadian Nuclear Association.

Laurie Swami is the President and CEO of the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NWMO). She was appointed to the role in 2016 and is responsible for implementing Canada’s plan for the long-term management of used nuclear fuel.

Prior to joining the NWMO, Ms. Swami spent 30 years, primarily in nuclear operations, at Ontario Power Generation. She served as Senior Vice-President of Decommissioning and Nuclear Waste Management, overseeing the operation of nuclear waste management facilities and planning for the decommissioning of a nuclear generating facility.

Ms. Swami has extensive experience leading Environmental Assessment projects, including nuclear refurbishments. She has appeared before Joint Panel Reviews (CEA and CNSC) for the Darlington New Nuclear Project and OPG’s Deep Geologic Repository Project.

She is an ardent supporter of and advocate for the advancement of women to leadership positions. In recognition of this contribution, she received the Women in Nuclear Canada Leadership Award in 2016.

Mackenzie holds a B.Sc in Medical Physics and M.Sc in Radiation Science. She is a strong supporter of the nuclear sector and passionately advocates for accessible science. She was recently awarded the Communication & Education award (2023) from the Canadian Nuclear Society for her contributions to the industry and public outreach initiatives.

Jason Van Wart is Senior Vice President, Nuclear Sustainability at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). OPG’s Nuclear Sustainability division is responsible for nuclear waste management, decommissioning and medical isotope production. Under Jason’s leadership the division has focused on reducing Ontario’s nuclear waste footprint through waste minimization, and nuclear by-product repurposing. Jason began his career at OPG in 2001 and has worked in progressively senior positions with Nuclear Engineering, Finance, and Inspection and Maintenance.

Jason is also the President, of Laurentis Energy Partners and has been instrumental to the company’s growth, expanding its operations beyond North America to include clients in Romania and Poland.

Jason has also worked to position the company as a key supplier in global isotope markets including a partnership with BWXT to establish a large scale North American supply of Molybedenum-99 (Mo-99). This partnership saw the installation of an innovative isotope irradiation system at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station in 2022, which enables the production of Mo-99 and other medical isotopes.

Rumina Velshi was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) in August 2018.

Ms. Velshi has had a long association with the CNSC, having been a Commission member from 2011 until her appointment as President and CEO.

Ms. Velshi has extensive technical, regulatory and adjudication expertise in the energy industry. Throughout her career, she has worked in various capacities at Ontario Hydro and Ontario Power Generation, the electrical utilities in the province. Ms. Velshi also previously served as a part-time Board member of the Ontario Energy Board, the economic regulator of the province’s electricity and natural gas sectors.

In February 2020, Ms. Velshi was appointed Chairperson of the Commission on Safety Standards (CSS), established by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), for a four-year term.

Ms. Velshi very actively promotes careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), especially for young women. Since joining the CNSC as President and CEO, she has launched a women-in-STEM initiative to consider ways to support women in STEM careers at the CNSC and elsewhere, and to further STEM education by working with interested partners. She has also delivered several international keynote addresses about breaking down barriers for women in STEM.

Ms. Velshi was one of the founding members of Canada’s Women in Science and Engineering and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Institute for Women in Engineering and Science (CIWES), an institute that advances education in the STEM fields worldwide through an international network of organizations, foundations and experts.

She has served as Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors of Scientists in School, a non-profit organization that offers STEM-focused workshops to more than 700,000 students each year. Ms. Velshi is one of 150 Canadian women whose stories are compiled in Your Turn, a book published to mark Canada’s 150th anniversary and inspire the next generation of women leaders.

Ms. Vickerd has worked at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories for over 15 years primarily supporting decommissioning and waste management. In her current role as the Deputy Vice President of Waste and Fuel Programs, Ms. Vickerd is responsible for the operation of radioactive waste processing and storage facilities as well as the development of strategic waste services and capabilities required to support CNL’s cleanup mission as well as the continued operation of the Chalk River site.  CNL has a history of over 70 years in the area of nuclear waste management and Ms. Vickerd started her career rummaging around Canada’s oldest waste management areas thus has a true appreciation for the evolution of waste management and application of modern standards.

Ms. Vickerd has been part of the CNL team actively implementing long-term waste management solutions through three proposed waste management projects currently undergoing federal environmental assessments and submitted licence applications to the Canadian regulator.  This includes the Near Surface Disposal Facility (NSDF) which is the proposed disposal facility for Canadian government-owned low-level waste and enables the environmental cleanup missions underway at CNL sites.  In the last few years, Ms. Vickerd has had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with the public and Indigenous peoples in the area of nuclear waste and realize the benefit this engagement has on the overall safety case of a nuclear waste facility.

Robert (Bob) Watts is a much sought-after expert in Indigenous policy, negotiations, training and conflict resolution.
He is the former Interim Executive Director of the Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which examined and made recommendations regarding the Indian Residential School era and its legacy. Bob led the process, supported by an excellent team and many organizations from across Canada and internationally, to create the policies and processes in order to firmly establish the Commission.

Bob also served as the Chief of Staff to the National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations Phil Fontaine, where he was a member of the team that negotiated the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, the largest class action settlement in Canada’s history.

Bob is currently the Vice President of Indigenous Relations and Strategic Programs at the Nuclear Waste Management Organization.
His public service includes Assistant Deputy Minister for the Government of Canada and Senior Executive in Ontario. Bob is a graduate of the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and Fellow at the Harvard Law School where he researched and lectured on the role culture plays in conflict. Bob has had the benefit of excellent Indigenous mentorship and western learning which allows him to work well in both worlds. Some of his Indigenous learning has focused on medicine plants, traditional songs, traditional environmental knowledge and leadership. Bob has led the negotiations of co-management agreements, helped build strong corporate partnerships and has lead processes focused on strategic plans and community development.

In 2019 Bob served as Chief of Staff to National Chief Perry Bellegarde and played a key role in historic budget allocations and the passage of Bills C-91 and 92. Currently, Bob is the Vice President of Indigenous Relations and Strategic Programs at the NWMO.

Bob is an Adjunct Professor and Distinguished Fellow at Queen’s University, where he developed one the first graduate level courses on Reconciliation in the country. Bob was recently appointed to the University’s Board of Trustees.

Bob is a Board Member with the Consensus Building Institute, Cambridge MA and with the Indigenous Advanced Education and Skills Council. He is also the Chair of the Gord Downie-Chaney Wenjack Fund and Chair of Reconciliation Canada. Bob is a recipient of the Indspire Award for Public Service and recently received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws from McMaster University. He has taught, debated and lectured at a number of universities in Canada and the United States.

He is from the Mohawk and Ojibway Nations and resides at Six Nations Reserve, Ontario. Bob carries and honours his Ojibway. Spirit Name, Kinoozishingwak (Tall Pine) and is a member of the Bear Clan.

Loong Yong is an engineer and business owner with over 35 years of professional experience in the nuclear industry. His expertise includes radiological engineering, radiation measurements, waste characterization, dose assessments, nuclear materials and waste management, and safety basis development. He has worked extensively at U.S. Department of Energy facilities and commercial nuclear power plants in support of D&D projects as well as construction and ongoing operations.  Loong has co-chaired the nuclear waste characterization and assay technical session at the Waste Management Symposia (WMS) for the past 12 years and is a member of the WMS Board of Directors.