2004 CFISU Scholarship Recipients

Donald Bedard

Captain Donald Bédard is a Space Systems Scientific Officer at Defence R&D Canada in Ottawa. He leads a wide range of R&D activities related to space systems and their associated technologies, as Program Manager of the Future Space-Based Radar Platform Reduction Project. He is also a participant in international defence collaboration projects such as the Tri-Lateral Technology Research & Development Program with the U.S. and the U.K. He joined the Canadian Forces in 1990, and graduated from the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean in 1995 with a Bachelor of Science (Space). After completing his training as a Signals Officer at the Canadian Forces School of Communications and Electronics in Kingston, he was posted to 79 Communication Regiment in Kingston where he served two years as a troop commander for both the radio operator and technician troops. In 1998, he was posted to Valcartier where he served as the Signals Officer for the 5e Bataillon des services du Canada. During this time, he was deployed in Bosnia-Herzegovina as part of the NATO multinational peacekeeping force. Donald obtained a Master of Science degree in Space Studies in May 2002 from the University of North Dakota, and in June 2002, was posted to Defence R&D Canada. His career path permits him to live his dream, which is to be part of humanity’s “great adventure” in space. Through the SSP, he hopes to gain a better understanding of policy and management issues that affect space programs. In return, he will actively contribute his wide range of professional and academic experience to group discussions, assignments and projects.

Julie Bellerose

Julie Bellerose obtained her Bachelor of Engineering – Mechanical Eng. (Honours) at McGill University in 2003. She is now pursuing her Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan, working on the dynamics of binary asteroids. Particularly interested in the field of orbital mechanics, she is preparing for a career in mission planning and navigation of probes to investigate our solar system. Her Honours thesis focussed on the Dynamics of a Tethered System in the vicinity of the Earth-Moon Lagrangian Points. To complement her academic studies, she has participated in projects such as the design of a radio-controlled plane (SAE-Air Cargo) at McGill and the Field Emission Get-Away-Special Investigation (FEGI) at the University of Michigan. She also regularly attends seminars on subjects related to aerospace and planetary sciences to round out her understanding of the “real-life” applications of aerospace sciences. She is fluent in French, English and Spanish and has studied abroad in Guatemala and Australia. A multiple award and scholarship winner, Julie’s participation at the SSP is enthusiastically supported as the next logical step in her quest to advance aerospace research. Her motivation and creativity have impressed her mentors who rank her in the upper 5th percentile of her peer graduate students, and who praise her knowledge and thoroughness in her work as Teaching Assistant, for which she received an award at McGill’s Faculty of Engineering. Julie’s appreciation of the importance of teamwork and collaboration in reaching a project’s goals extends beyond research and study to social endeavours and sports. From playing the oboe in her secondary school orchestra, to scuba diving, climbing, soccer and volleyball, she has developed strong leadership and communication skills. She also competes in triathlons and studies piano. She looks forward to the challenges and the promise of SSP ’04

Jeffrey Cain

Jeffrey Cain is a senior member of the technical staff at COM DEV Ltd. where, for the past five years, he has been the technical lead in electro-mechanical waveguide switches and has acted as mentor to the junior engineers. He has also been involved in a small satellite group as the attitude control sub-system lead. His primary areas of interest include dynamic analyses, attitude control systems, mission design and mechanism design. Dr. Cain received his B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering, graduating at the top of his class in 1994. He completed his Master’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering in May 1996 and received his Ph.D. in March 1999, all from Carleton University. His outstanding work has formed the foundation for the development of the GyroWheel™, an attitude control component, now in orbit above the Canadian SciSat spacecraft. During his graduate years, Jeff was the teaching assistant for the fourth-year spacecraft design project at Carleton University, where he developed a strong understanding of the needs of a multi-disciplinary team project. His employers and peers alike recognize his diligence, cheerfulness, well-organized approach and exceptional skills. His experience extends from the academic world and the component, spacecraft, and mission design levels of the satellite industry to the business and marketing aspects of the space industry in general. Jeff eagerly anticipates the learning opportunity of SSP ’04, and the chance to contribute his unique perspective to its success.

James Doran

James (Jamie) Doran is a doctoral candidate at the University of Guelph, studying aspects of the photosynthesis and flavour chemistry of Alliums (leeks) grown in controlled environments. His research is part of a larger initiative at the University to develop the science of biological life-support and controlled environment crop production, in anticipation of long-term space missions that will require biological sciences and technologies to supply food and fresh oxygen to space pioneers. He is also a Biofiltration Technologist working for Air Quality Solutions Ltd. installing the world’s largest biofilter at Guelph Humber College in Toronto. His work demonstrates the beneficial terrestrial applications of these technologies. Jamie’s undergraduate project led to several publications; he currently has a paper in press, with two more submitted. Incorporating his experiences as a high school science teacher and skills as a research scientist, he has gained recognition for his ability to present data in an informative, entertaining and professional manner. Jamie has twice been honoured with the Best Paper Award at large scientific meetings. His talents as an artist and draftsman allow him to communicate complex scientific conceptualizations as sketches or plans. James Doran is well-liked by his fellow students and peers, who along with his mentors, praise the unique approach, philosophical perspective, musical talents and excellent sense of humour which he will share with the international contingent of space enthusiasts at SSP 2004.

Natalie Hirsch

Natalie Hirsch joined the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) in 1996 after completing a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University. As a project officer for the Operational Space Medicine Group at the Canadian Astronaut Office, Natalie is involved in exercise and nutrition activities and represents the CSA on International Space Station working groups in these areas. In addition, Natalie is responsible for educational and outreach initiatives in space medicine including coordinating an elective program for medical students and residents and managing the documentation of Canadian involvement in the development of space medicine. Previously, Natalie has worked as a research assistant studying decompression sickness during spacewalks and the effects of noise on performance, as a quality assurance officer for space science payloads and as an editor of a technical report on an international short duration space mission simulation. Natalie is looking forward to contributing her experience in the Canadian space program to the Summer Session Program, while broadening her understanding of space-related disciplines in an international forum.

Jean-Sebastien Joyal

Dr. Jean-Sébastien Joyal is a Pediatric Resident and Pediatric Intensive Care Fellow at the Hôpital Sainte-Justine in Montreal. He completed medical school at McGill University with excellent credentials, where he received the Boehringer Ingelheim Medical Award. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Pharmacology at McGill. Through his academic pursuits, Jean-Sébastien’s goal is to merge bedside clinical observations with laboratory benchwork to provide molecular insight into underlying physiological mechanisms. In practice, he has proven his exceptional medical knowledge and his ability to translate it in situations applicable to patient care, even in settings in which complex patients and emotionally charged situations are encountered. In his international experiences with Doctors of the World in Chiapas, Mexico and the Red Cross in Croatia, Jean-Sébastien has faced the challenge of adapting to culturally and medically difficult conditions, developing strong adaptation skills and the ability to make critical decisions under largely unfamiliar circumstances. Dr. Joyal’s participation in SSP ‘04 is most enthusiastically supported by his mentors and colleagues, who recognize him as a remarkably intuitive and skilful researcher whose systemic approach to the comprehension of physiological problems and whose outstanding ability to communicate his findings have led them to declare him a ‘rarity’ among physicians in-training.

Christyne Legault

Christyne Legault, a pedagogical consultant in science with the Commission scolaire de Montréal, is both Chairperson of the Science Festival and Coordinator of the Science Awareness Project (in conjunction with the Aerospace Trade School of Montreal), responsible for promoting science and supporting teachers in the development of various science projects. As Chairperson of the Festival, her role is teacher training and liaising with various adult vocational training centres. As Coordinator of the Awareness Project, Christyne uses a small-scale space station to educate teachers and students on the subject of space sciences. She also writes textbooks and creates activities favouring project-based learning and encourages the integration of space science in elementary and high school curricula. With her students, she has participated in various activities offered by the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), such as their 1996 CAPE contest (Canadian Experiment on the Crystallization of Proteins) for elementary and high school levels. Of the 17 projects accepted by the CSA, twelve were from Quebec and six were from students under Christyne’s supervision. Her group also attended the space shuttle launch (Atlantis). She has visited scientific installations, participated in Canolab, Marsville and Tomatosphere Projects. In 1998, as the only Canadian participating at the International Space Camp in Alabama for teacher training, Christyne received the “Right Stuff” Medal for outstanding potential and involvement. She is President of the Board of Directors for the Science Festival, leading 18 members, developing and organizing the annual “Expo-Science” event, creating and supporting partnerships between schools, and helping to produce its annual science magazine. Christyne is also a director on the Boards of the Science Teachers Association of Quebec and the Elementary Teachers Association of Quebec. As an educator, Mme Legault will provide a new focus to the forum, that of the educator’s perspective. Her unique experience of SSP ’04 will be shared with teachers across her school board and will serve to enrich the already high quality of her student workshops

Anjali Nayar

In 2003, Anjali received a B.Sc. Honours degree in Biology and Geology from the University of British Columbia, where she currently works as a Research Assistant. She will begin her M.Sc. work in Environmental Change and Management at Oxford University’s Environmental Change Institute in the fall of 2004. Her fascination with the interactions of life and environment and the application of space technologies to ecological problems have led her to work on many conservation initiatives related to corals, Steller Sea Lions, oceanography, and climate change. As an exchange student in Australia, Anjali led a large-scale study on climate change and corals using satellite imagery to determine sea surface measurements. She sees herself as a member of the next generation of Canadian environmentalists who will use space technology to revolutionalize our understanding and management of global environmental issues. Her aspirations include working at the Canadian Space Agency on the translation of satellite derived eco-climatic patterns into governmental management plans for the mitigation of greenhouse gases in Canada. Anjali is a natural leader, an effective multilingual communicator who looks on science as a whole, in the context of its social responsibilities. She is currently working on her first scientific publication in an international journal, and has travelled extensively throughout Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. A classical violinist, photographer, and a dancer having recently represented Canada at the Annual Beijing Multi-cultural Festival in Tiananmen Square (Indian folk), Anjali somehow also finds time to compete in triathlon and running events and to play competitive soccer.

Sam Ng

Sam Ng graduated from the University of Waterloo, with a Systems Design Engineering degree and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, with a focus on the control of flexible robotic manipulators for space application. He works as a Software Engineer in the Advance Systems Department of MD Robotics, providing software and control support for space-related projects and future Mars mission proposals. His work projects have applications in various aspects of space technology, from designing a graphical user interface for an operator-in-the-loop control of a satellite, and modelling of a LIDAR unit for the simulation of planetary landing system, to the writing of a proposal for a Mars mission. Sam has considerable skills in developing real-time software for injection molding machines, robots, and various automation systems in the manufacturing industry which, combined with his experience in the space sector, will contribute significantly to the multidisciplinary environment of the SSP. Well-respected by his employers and colleagues, Sam is recognized for his hardworking, enthusiastic and professional approach to teamwork and his ability to meet deadlines. A fitness enthusiast, Sam holds a 4th degree black belt in Karate, a 2nd degree belt in Kendo, participates in rowing and Dragon Boat competitions, and enjoys photography and still life drawing.

Alexandre Nicolas

Alexandre Nicolas holds an Engineering degree in Electronics and a Specialization in Microelectronics. He is currently completing a Master’s degree in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Sherbrooke, working on the development of a new optical technique for DNA analyses. He has experience in advanced laser design through Nortel Networks and HPOCS, has worked on electron beam lithography techniques at Quantiscript Nanotechnologies, and has participated in many research activities in artificial intelligence at the Mobile Robotics and Intelligent Systems Laboratory. Alexandre’s academic achievements place him in the top two percent of his class. He is a Faculty of Engineering scholar, and has received a Postgraduate Scholarship from the National Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada. His professors and mentors describe Alexandre as a born leader, a natural entrepreneur, an excellent communicator and a visionary who has already employed his considerable skills in the founding and directing of “RoboToy Inc.”, a non-profit organization dedicated to putting technology to the service of sick children. His company promotes the use of robots to help autistic children develop their interrelation with other people and with their physical environment. Among many other interests, he is a glider and plane pilot and an instructor in flying theory, survival and military drill. Alexandre’s intellectual curiosity, strong interpersonal skills and leadership will be an asset to SSP ’04.

Sean Peterson

A native of North Bay, Sean Peterson is currently studying medicine at the University of Western Ontario. In addition to holding an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Toronto, Sean is also an instrument-rated Commercial pilot. He has worked in a variety of industries including management consulting, biomedical research, and space robotics engineering. Sean spent nearly two years working with MD Robotics on Dexter, a two-handed robotic device destined for the International Space Station. For his performance in this project, he was the sole junior engineer recipient of an Outstanding Leadership and Engineering Work on the SPDM Program award. In 2003, he received the Dr. Edward Hall Award, the top entrance scholarship to the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Western Ontario. As he continues to explore the many career possibilities ahead, Sean’s long-standing passion for space research and exploration guides his educational pursuits and personal interests. Through his research work on functional MRI of pre-surgical epileptic children, he has gained an understanding of the dramatic benefits here on Earth that result from our endeavours in space. He aspires to become a Canadian expert in space medicine. With such developing concepts as telemedicine, remote robotic surgery, and real-time managing guidance, Sean considers the SSP to be a unique opportunity to bridge the technologies on the forefront of space and medical advancement. In return, his agreeable manner and effectiveness as a leader, teacher and team member combined with his strong analytical and problem solving skills will enhance the overall experience of the Summer Session Program.

Stéphane Ruel

Stéphane has been employed at Neptec Design Group in Ottawa since 2001. He holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Laval University. As part of the Operations team for the Space Vision System (SVS), he was involved in mission design, analysis and flight support for several International Space Station (ISS) assembly missions. He served as a systems expert for the Multi Element Integration Testing (MEIT) of the ISS at the Kennedy Space Center. Stéphane was also involved in the design of a 3D laser camera system that flew on board Space Shuttle Discovery during the STS-105 mission. This 3D sensor has been a critical element in the Space Shuttle return to flight activities following the Columbia tragedy. He now works as an R&D Project Manager, and his latest research project involves developing a vehicle inspection scanner for the ISS based on the Neptec laser camera system technology. He believes that international cooperation is key to the future of human space flight. In that spirit, Stéphane looks forward to enhancing his understanding of space business and management through the SSP experience, and to developing an international network of friends and business contacts.

Nelly Simðes

Nelly Simðes graduated from Université de Montréal in Applied Mathematics and obtained her Master of Sciences in Pure Mathematics from Simon Fraser University, in Burnaby B.C. She is currently employed at the Department of National Defence as a Defence Scientist. In her role as space systems analyst, she works within a multi-disciplinary team and is responsible for providing assessments of space programmes, primarily with respect to defence applications, operations and technologies worldwide. She also develops and improves upon original and existing analytical algorithms and computer software. Nelly has acquired a significant amount of knowledge on satellite technologies and operations and expects to garner much more information at the practical, “hands-on” engineering level of satellite systems through the SSP experience. Prior to her career at DND, she has worked as an analyst with a telecommunications company, as a crypto-mathematician, and as a college teacher. Nelly’s colleagues and superiors speak highly of her creativity, intellectual curiosity and meticulous approach to research. She is an excellent speaker who works just as easily independently, or within a team. They describe her personality as “effervescent” and she is well recognized as a person with a good sense of humour who seeks out other people, new cultures and horizons in her quest for lifelong learning. She will be an asset to the Summer Session Program.

Diane Sonya Wong

Diane is a native of Edmonton, Alberta. She graduated in 2000 from McGill University with a B.Sc. in Physics (Great Distinction; Dean’s Honour List). She continued her studies at Cornell University, and completed a Master’s degree in Physics on a Cornell Graduate Fellowship. Diane is now at University of California, Berkeley, pursuing her Ph.D. in Astrophysics. As a Research Scholar, her focus is on proving that a new type of black hole, the intermediate-mass black hole, exists. Among her many achievements, she counts two proposals that she wrote for time on the Nickel Telescope at LICK Observatory were accepted (06/’03; 03/’04); she also developed observing schedules to observe intermediate-luminosity X-ray objects at KECK Observatory (largest optical telescope in the world) (02/’03; 12/’03); has analysed data from the Chandra X-ray Satellite Observatory; and presented her work to the scientific/astrophysical communities at four conferences in 2003. Her strong desire and ability to approach her field from a humanist perspective, not only as a research scientist, will be evident at SSP ’04 as she particularly intends to focus on areas of Space Policy and Law, and Space Business and Management. She believes that scientists should be well versed in the political influences on their work as it ultimately affects the process and the progress of humanity’s advance into space. Diane has the potential to become one of the leaders of the new group of multi-wavelength astrophysics researchers using both ground-based instruments and space platforms. Through the SSP opportunity she looks forward to being exposed to a wide-range of space-related fields and the interaction with students and leaders on contemporary spaces issues.