Our Team

Executive Team

President and CEO
Barb earned her Master's of Science at the University of Calgary and her Doctorate in Geography and Environmental Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University and she previously ran a spatial analytics consultancy. Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is knowing that what she does matters. โ€œBeing part of an organization that is improving how technology is accessed and used, for everyone, makes me proud to come to work!โ€ If she's not at her desk, you will find her on the road, working and meeting with Cyberaโ€™s member community.

Bill Friedrich

COO
Bill is a senior leader and enterprise architect who flourishes where business and technology meet. He has a BSc (Distinction) in Computer Science, is certified in the TOGAF 9 Enterprise Architecture framework, and holds the CIPS designation of Information Systems Professional of Canada. Prior to joining Cybera, he was the Managing Director of Enterprise Architecture for North Americaโ€™s largest public bank.ย If heโ€™s not at his desk, you will find him at a concert or movie, bicycling around town, or snowboarding down a mountain.

Karimย Teja

CFO
Prior to joining Cybera, Karim was CFO of one of the fastest growing tech companies in Canada, Imaging Dynamics Company Ltd. His favourite thing about working here is the culture of curiosity: โ€œbeing a not-for-profit allows for long-term thinking and planning, objectivity, neutrality and being able to pursue โ€˜doing the right thing'.โ€ If he's not at his desk, you will find him walking his dog.

Joeย Topjian

Vice President, Technology
Joe leads the Network, Security, and Technical operations teams. As well as facilitating the vital digital infrastructure used by thousands of researchers, students, and teachers in the province, his teams run ground-breaking technical investigations and pilots, with the goal of improving the lives of everyday Albertans. Joe has 23 years of professional IT experience and is passionate about supporting open-source tools and helping others benefit from technological developments. He is a co-author of the OpenStack Operations Guide, a foundational guide for cloud computing.

Meagan Hampel

Vice President, External Relations
Meagan has a journalism degree from Carleton University, and previously worked as a science reporter, where she was required to write up to 20,000 words a month. She continues to write at Cybera, and enjoys creating blog posts or news updates that raise awareness of the great things Albertans are doing with new technology. If she's not at her desk, you will find her traveling the world, zumba-ing, or working on the office puzzle. Three things she could not live without are cereal, chocolate, and sarcasm.

PROJECT AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

May Lynnย Lee

Director of Programs & Services
During her time at Cybera so far, May Lynn has overseen the launch of some of our most important services, including ShareIT and the Pika Federation, and has also led collaborations with government and industry partners. She appreciates the variety of projects at Cybera, as it allows her to continually learn new things. When sheโ€™s not working, May Lynn likes to experiment in the kitchen, creating both food and beauty products. An avid traveler, her bucket list includes visiting Morocco, Costa Rica, Peru, Austria, and Japan.

Catherine Farr

Project Manager

Catherine has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Alberta, and worked within several technology and education sectors in Alberta before coming to Cybera. Since joining, she says every day brings new adventures, and loves Cyberansโ€™ willingness to jump in, try out something new, and see what happens. If she's not at her desk, you will find her โ€œin the library, with the candlestick...โ€

Brad White

Project Manager
Brad is well experienced with IT project management, having managed the end-to-end delivery of several solutions architecture, business analysis, and IS projects before joining Cybera. The three things he could not live without are: his outdoor adventuring and world travel partner, his friends and board game collection.

Scott Baker

Project Manager
Scott has worked as technology project manager for years, helping to build solutions for construction and networking companies. A typical day for him involves budgets, managing ad-hoc requests or tasks, and meetings. If heโ€™s not at his desk, you will find him telling bad puns to those willing to listen, or riding on his motorcycle.

DATA SCIENCE

Byronย Chu

Director, Data Science
Byron has a PhD in biochemistry, and is a certified project manager. His proudest achievement at Cybera (so far) has been working with Callysto, and introducing new technologies and problem-solving approaches to grades 5-12 teachers and students. If he's not at his desk, you will find him running or spending time with his family.

Zachary Shand

Senior Data Scientist
Zachary has a MSc in Physics from the University of Calgary, and previously led the data science department at a start-up. A typical day at Cybera involves helping teach Albertans about data science, or helping build data science solutions for Alberta companies (and showing them how their data can work for them). If he's not at his desk, you will find him biking along the Bow River. The one place heโ€™d most like to travel to is London, UK, to see his family.

Jiaxin Zhang

Data Scientist

Jiaxin has a MSc from the University of Alberta and previously worked as a consultant in the universityโ€™s Statistics Division. One of his greatest career accomplishments (so far) was placing second place in the Case Studies in Data Analysis Poster Competition at the Statistical Society of Canada 2019 annual meeting.

Huyue Liย 

Data Scientist

Huyue holds a Master of Computer Science from the University of Alberta, and is a passionate online gamer (he has even created his own games using the Unity 3D development platform). His favourite thing about working at Cybera is mentoring interns as part of the Alberta Data Science Lab, and helping people get started with their data science career. If he's not at his desk, you will find him browsing at GameStop, or playing the harmonica (seriously!).

Jordan Swanson

Data Scientist

Jordan holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology and Master of Data Science and Analytics, both from University of Calgary, and previously managed a health research lab at the university. As part of his data science work at Cybera, he enjoys teaching others about the cool ways they can incorporate data science into their everyday lives. A general fixit kind of guy, Jordan is as comfortable under the hood of a car as he is behind a computer.

Minshan Xie

Data Scientist

Prior to working here, Minshan was a machine learning developer at WOWzer Technology. At Cybera, she has played a valued data science role on both the Callysto and Applied Data Science Lab projects. She particularly enjoys helping people develop new creative and critical thinking skills through data. โ€œIt's moments like these that remind me of the profound impact our work can have on shaping the next generation of thinkers and innovators.โ€ If she's not at her desk, you will find her playing with her dogs.

Callysto Project

David Hay

Learning and
Development Manager
David is a teacher from Elk Island Public Schools. His work on the Callysto project involves incorporating computational thinking and data science into regular curricular activities, and fostering digital literacy among teachers and students. If he's not at his desk, you will find him on a bicycle with his family, or inside a virtual reality headset.

Ishruna Muniyat

Communications Specialist

Ishruna has a Master of Pharmacy degree from the University of Dhaka and a Masters of Science in Chemistry with a specialization in Biophysical Chemistry from the University of Calgary. She is passionate about understanding and communicating concepts in science. When she is not at her desk, you will probably find her playing with her feline companions or making art.

Mary Grant

Education Specialist

Mary has a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta & Master of Educational Technology from the University of British Columbia. She has been an Educator in Grades 2 to 12 for twenty years, and loves to immerse herself in the school culture and build meaningful connections. Three things Mary cannot live without are her family, the ocean, and pencils, (yes, pencils!).

Bobbi Belsek

Education Specialist

Bobbi has spent the past eight years teaching in Alberta classrooms, primarily working with Grade 5 students. As part of Cyberaโ€™s Callysto team, he is helping classroom teachers integrate data science into their lessons through outreach events and presentations, and he enjoys the challenges this role brings. The three things he could not live without are: coffee, the gym, and camping.

Rania Mahdi

Education Specialist Intern

Jenny Lee

Data Science Intern

Eric Lee

Data Science Intern

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

Anna Leung

Controller

Anna received her Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary and is a designated Chartered Professional Accountant. She enjoys building spreadsheets and takes pride in a balanced budget. Outside of work, Anna is an adventurous spirit. She dreams of one day crossing an ocean by sailboat, immersing herself in the vastness of water with no land in sight. Anna also cherishes the companionship of her dog and has a fondness for chicken nuggets, which are a must-have in her life.

Carolineย Felsmann

Finance Administrator
Caroline has been with Cybera since it was launched in 1994, helping the company implement its internal systems, procedures, and policies. Her favourite thing about working here is the forward-thinking nature of the company, and the sense that sheโ€™s "making a difference in a challenging, fun and flexible environment (with great people)." If she's not at her desk, you will find her in the mountains, or behind her guitar.

Amynย Ramzan

Accountant
Amyn brings 18 years of experience in accountancy / accounts management to his current role. As the person responsible for distributing cheques to employees, Amyn is one of the most cherished and celebrated members of our staff. For his part, he enjoys the friendly, stress-less environment of Cybera. Outside of work, he is an accomplished singer and bagpipe player. His dream holiday is to go on an African Safari.

Alyshiaย Auston

Senior Human Resources Generalist
A typical day for Alyshia is as follows: "Coffee. Organize. Schedule. Schedule. Organize. Meeting." Her previous non-profit experience includes managing an amateur sporting grant program for the Calgary Flames. Her favourite thing about Cybera is its culture, ambition, flexibility, and people. If she's not at her desk, you will find her at the pottery studio. The one place sheโ€™d most like to go is the Great Bear Rainforest in BC: โ€œIt looks quiet and peaceful there.โ€

Meg Smith

Executive Assistant

Meg is an experienced Executive Assistant with over 10 years of supporting C-level executives under her belt, and has worked extensively on Boards of Directors as a Corporate Secretary in the non-profit space. In addition to her main roles, Meg is also Cyberaโ€™s office manager and Chair of Cyberaโ€™s social committee. Megโ€™s favorite thing about Cybera is our culture and our people. If sheโ€™s not at her desk, you can find her walking her rescue husky, Indy.

Riley Merchant

Human Resources Administrator

Prior to joining Cybera, Riley worked at the Leighton Art Centre, a non-profit museum and art gallery, where she was responsible for developing and organizing an art inventory management process. As well as supporting the general administration of Cyberaโ€™s HR, she is also involved in hiring and onboarding new staff. A big fan of art, she hopes to one day visit the Museo del Prado in Spain to check out the great works they have on display.

SHAREIT

Maryย Friedrich

ShareIT Manager
Mary was the first female firefighter in Ontario, and the first to open up a Goodlife Fitness Centre in western Canada. At Cybera, her biggest achievement so far was winning the CUCCIO โ€œCollaboration of the Yearโ€ award for a project that's never been done before (ShareIT). Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is being given the trust to steer her own ship. The three things she could not live without are her son, her dog, and her canoe.

Harold Berry

Procurement Lead

Harold is a Supply Chain Management Professional who, prior to joining Cybera, spent several years working at the City of Medicine Hat and Mount Royal University. There, he implemented numerous shared services initiatives, including Purchasing Card Programs, and successfully tendered the construction of large buildings focusing on culture and sports. His favourite thing about working at Cybera is โ€œthat I go home at the end of the day with a smile on my face because I feel valued and I am making meaningful contributionsโ€.

Charlotte Beauparlant

Senior Project Lead

Charlotte previously worked at Alberta Municipalities in its business servicesโ€™ department, where she helped leverage economies of scale to support municipalities across the province. When sheโ€™s not at work, she enjoys bouldering low, indoor rock climbing. The one place sheโ€™d most like to travel to is Bora Bora, to stay in an overwater bungalow and go scuba diving.

Anna Kosmala

Project Lead

Anna has a Bachelor of Science from Western University and is a certified Project Management Professional. She came to Cybera from British Columbiaโ€™s transportation infrastructure sector, where she managed various subway, interchange, bridge, and bike lane improvement projects. Anna appreciates ShareITโ€™s commitment to selflessly serving and supporting Albertaโ€™s postsecondary and K-12 institutions. A wine and viticulture enthusiast, she hopes to one day travel to the Italian countryside.

Erik Krochak

Project Lead

Erik received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta and previously worked for the Edmonton Public School Board. Erik appreciates being able to connect and learn from tech leaders across the country. When heโ€™s not at work, you can find him on the golf course, unless itโ€™s winter, in which case you can find him at his desk, dreaming about golf.

TECH SERVICES - Security & Network

Kevin Paul

Director of Cybersecurity Operations
Kevin obtained his Offensive Security Certified Professional designation and leveraged that experience to develop the CPS Advanced Cyber Capabilities (Red) Team and a public-private-public partnership between the Calgary Police Service and the University of Calgary Canadian Cyber Assessment, Training and Experimentation Centre. If he's not at his desk, you will find him at the cabin on the water, or on hackthebox attempting to gain a foothold or elevate privilege.

Luis Novoa

Cybersecurity Analyst

Luis holds a Masterโ€™s Degree in Information Technology Security, and started his career in cybersecurity at the Central Bank of Mexico. He appreciates the opportunity to use his knowledge to support the development of the society around him. If heโ€™s not at his desk, you will find him with his family, watching a movie or tv, and, if it is not cold outside, camping, swimming, hiking, biking, or otherwise barbecuing, baking a pizza, or cooking some Mexican food.

Kolby MacDonald

Cybersecurity Analyst
Kolby holds an Information System Security Diploma from SAIT, and previously served as a Corporal in the Kings Own Calgary Regiment. He enjoys working in positions where he can apply his personal interests towards helping others. If he's not at his desk, you will find him working on one of his vehicles, backcountry camping, or writing software.

Logan Thies

Systems Administrator
Previous to joining Cybera, Logan worked as a System Administrator in both Oil & Gas and education sectors, before becoming a cybersecurity consultant for a variety of European and North American clients. At Cybera he focuses on a variety of projects ranging from Systems Architecture, Automation, as well as Security Operations. If he's not at his desk, you will find him enjoying the great outdoors.

Mike Norton

Network Administrator
Mike comes from the K-12 IT space, where he experienced the evolution of classroom connectivity from printer access, to dial-up access, to the Alberta SuperNet, to Wi-Fi and beyond. He holds a Telecommunications Engineering Technology diploma from NAIT, and greatly enjoys the important but behind-the-scenes role that network administrators play. If he's not at his desk, you will find him at his other desk, hacking away at random personal projects or playing with music and sound.

Courtney Davis

Network Administrator
Courtney holds an Information Technology: Network Systems diploma from SAIT. Since joining Cybera, sheโ€™s learned a lot about the specialized world of R&E networking! Her favourite thing about working here is its focus on enabling and helping our members, not making a profit (and also the people and community). The three things she could not live without are: family, friends, and a stable internet connection.

Alvaro Pereira

Network Administrator

Bio coming soon...

TECH SERVICES - OPERATIONS

Michealย Jones

Technical Operations Manager
From managing our cloud services to now being in charge of the Technical Operations department, Micheal and hisย  team take care of Cybera's cloud services, internal IT, internal infrastructure, and the ever nascent "other tasks as required". As well as brewing a fine cup of coffee for his colleagues, he cites writing his staff bio as his greatest professional accomplishment (so far) in his 10+ years at the organization. His favourite thing about working at Cybera is knowing that he's helping Albertans accomplish so much more than they realize.

Scott Hurd

Senior Systems Administrator
Scott is a seasoned systems analyst. His career accomplishments include redefining the role of a release manager for a large B2B international software development project involving hundreds of team members. A typical day for him at Cybera involves coffee, then collaboration and learning, then fixing things, then lunch, then more fixing things, then more collaboration and learning. The three things he could not live without are 1) a purpose, 2) his family, and 3) Cheetos.

Chad Garrovillas

Systems Administrator

Chad holds a Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communications Engineering from De Salle University in the Philippines. Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is supporting the Rapid Access Cloud, which provides free cloud computing resources to researchers and educators to help with their testing, analysis and experimentation. If she's not at her desk, you will find her cuddling with her fur babies, camping, or travelling with her hubby.

Ashley Taylor

System Administrator
Ashley previously worked in the QSR technology space, where she developed tools in Python and automated onboarding processes. She doesnโ€™t shy away from challenges, and enjoys surmounting the stumpers that Cybera throws at her on a daily basis. When Ashley isnโ€™t working, sheโ€™s playing games, working on her own personal development projects, or competing in computer overclocking competitions. She couldnโ€™t live without her computer, the internet, and most importantly of all, pizza.

Neil Jubinville

Senior System Administrator

Bio coming soon...

TECH SERVICES โ€” DEVELOPMENT

Darin Brox

Development Manager

Sindhu Srinivasan

Lead Developerย 

Sindhuja holds a Master of Computer Applications from the National Institute of Technology in Karnataka, India. In a previous role, she secured the best employee award from IBM India. A typical day at Cybera is unpredictable, which she appreciates. The one place she would most like to visit is the moon, but if she had to stay on Earth, she would also enjoy going on a submarine ride.

Rulan Lu

Software Developer

Rulan holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Calgary, and has previous experience volunteering with a Calgary non-profit to create an application for recruiting mentors for at-risk youth. Her favourite part of working at Cybera is knowing what sheโ€™s doing is making a real difference to others. In her free time, she enjoys making art for friends and family, including pet portraits or designing tattoos.

Jaide Porter

Software Developer

While a student at the University of Calgary, Jaide was the telemetry team lead for the Solar Car team. An active advocate for women representation, she was selected as the team's representative for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is the ability to work in a fun and inclusive environment, while collaborating with the team on new challenges. If she's not at her desk, you will find her playing board games, listening to music, or drawing.

Derek Walz

Software Developer

Derek holds a Master of Engineering in Software Engineering from the University of Calgary, and previously spent eight years working as a process engineer in oil and gas. A typical day for him at Cybera is spent learning and applying new skills and practices to solve that weekโ€™s pressing issues. Outside of work, he maintains a small addiction to accumulating vinyl records, and plays the washboard in a bluegrass band.

SHARED CISO

Curtis Blais

Shared CISO
Curtis is a multi-discipline certified security and risk expert with a networking and application development background. He finished at the top of his Cyber Risk Management class at Harvard, has a Masters degree in Leadership and Organizational Change and has worked for every level of government and for numerous verticals both in Canada and internationally.

COMMUNICATIONS AND POLICY

Grahamย Sucha

Public Affairs Specialist
Prior to joining Cybera, Graham was a Member of the Legislative Assembly for Calgary Shaw, where he chaired the Standing Committee on Albertaโ€™s Economic Future. If he's not at his desk, you will find him at a Canadian football game, cheering for the Roughriders or the Calgary Dinos.

Imranย Mohiuddin

Policy Analyst
Imran has over 7 years' experience as a policy and political staffer, working in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the federal House of Commons. Prior to joining Cybera he served as a policy advisor to a federal representative sitting on the Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Technology, working on a number of federal policy changes in innovation, technology and rural broadband access.
Imran has a B.A in Political Science from the University of Calgary.

Lauraย Hutchinson

Communications & Design Specialist
Laura holds a B.A. in Mass Communications / Media Studies from Carleton University, as well as diplomas in Integrated Marking Communications and Graphic Design. She has worked extensively in not-for-profit organizations, both as an employee and as a volunteer. Her favourite thing about Cybera is 1) the amazing culture and great staff, and 2) the ability to help improve the lives of Albertans. The three things she could not live without are: tea, wireless headphones, and sleep.

Interested in joining the team? Take a look at available positions!