Our Team

Executive Team

Barb Carra

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. “Being part of an organization that is improving how technology is accessed and used, for everyone, makes me proud to come to work!” If she's not at her desk, you will find her on the road, working and meeting with Cybera’s member community.

Karim 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: “being a not-for-profit allows for long-term thinking and planning, objectivity, neutrality and being able to pursue ‘doing the right thing'.” If he's not at his desk, you will find him walking his dog.

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.

Joe Topjian

Vice President, Technology
Joe is the co-author of the “OpenStack Operations Guide,” a foundational document for cloud developers. His favourite thing about working at Cybera is the opportunity it offers him to create innovative solutions that help others benefit from technology. In his spare time, he helps maintain several open source projects, including the Terraform OpenStack Provider, and Gophercloud, the OpenStack SDK for Go. His favourite saying: "I told you so."

PROJECT AND PARTNERSHIP DEVELOPMENT

May Lynn 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 she’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.

Badri Venkataraman

Project Manager
Badri holds a MBA from the University of Alberta, and previously worked as a Project Support Manager at a management consulting firm. His achievements there included running data and financial analysis for a First Nations management firm that was looking to build a gas station in Alberta. He enjoys the open and transparent culture at Cybera. Thre three things he could not live without are “food, music and my dog Simba.”

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 Cyberans’ willingness to jump in, try out something new, and see what happens. If she's not at her desk, you will find her “in the library, with the candlestick...”

Brad White

Project Manager
Brad oversees Cybera’s work on the Cybersecurity Initiatives Program, which funds security projects for post-secondary institutions in Alberta and across Canada. He enjoys contributing to the overall protection of the province’s critical research and education infrastructure. Brad is well experienced with IT project management, having managed the end-to-end delivery of several solutions architecture, business analysis, and IS projects. 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 previously worked within the virtual reality field, helping to build solutions for construction and networking companies. At Cybera, he manages several programs, and is part of a national security service evaluation. A typical day for him involves budgets, managing ad-hoc requests or tasks, and meetings. If he’s not at his desk, you will find him telling bad puns to those willing to listen, or riding on his motorcycle.

 Divine Ezeagwuna 

Project Manager
Bio coming soon...

DATA SCIENCE

Byron Chu

Director, Data Science
Byron has a PhD in biochemistry, and is a certified project manager. In his current role at Cybera, he not only manages projects, but also works with data, and delivers technology training to Albertans (and Canadians) of all ages. 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 he’d most like to travel to is London, UK, to see his family.

Jerric Chen

Data Scientist
Jerric has a MSc in Computing Science from the University of Alberta, where he researched the intersection of human-computer interactions and AI. One of his proudest achievements in that role is developing a recommender system that helped students learn more collaboratively. A typical day at work involves fixing the bugs he created the day before. The three things he could not live without are Coke (with sugar), Manga, and his laptops.

Jiaxin Zhang

Data Scientist

Jiaxin has a MSc from the University of Alberta and previously worked as a consultant in the university’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 Li 

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 delivering hackathons and presentations to schools, and 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

Bio coming soon...

Vadim Avkhimenia

Data Scientist

Bio coming soon...

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 Cybera’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

Caroline Felsmann

Finance Manager
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 she’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.

Amyn 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.

Alyshia 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 she’d most like to go is the Great Bear Rainforest in BC: “It looks quiet and peaceful there.”

Meg Smith

Executive Assistant

Meg is an experienced not-for-profit professional with excellent event planning skills. She has planned successful conferences for hundreds of people, and is looking forward to supporting Cybera’s outreach activities. Her favourite thing about working at Cybera is the culture, people, and passion for what we do. If she's not at her desk, you will find her walking her rescue husky, Indy.

Anna Leung

Finance & Budget Specialist

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.

Riley Merchant

Human Resources Administrator

Bio coming soon...

SHAREIT

Mary 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 “Collaboration of the Year” 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 “that I go home at the end of the day with a smile on my face because I feel valued and I am making meaningful contributions”.

Charlotte Beauparlant

Senior Project Lead

Charlotte previously worked at Alberta Municipalities in its business services’ department, where she helped leverage economies of scale to support municipalities across the province. A typical day for her at Cybera involves working on consortium procurement projects on behalf of the ShareIT membership, building relationships with current providers, and managing existing master agreements. When she’s not at work, she enjoys bouldering low, indoor rock climbing. The one place she’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 Columbia’s transportation infrastructure sector, where she managed various subway, interchange, bridge, and bike lane improvement projects. Anna appreciates ShareIT’s commitment to selflessly serving and supporting Alberta’s postsecondary and K-12 institutions, and spends her days collaborating with vendors and working groups to bring members the best professional development, training, and shared procurement opportunities. 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. He currently oversees the development of the ShareIT/CUCCIO Special Interest Groups Pilot Project, a platform that facilitates interprovincial IT knowledge sharing and problem solving. Erik appreciates being able to connect and learn from tech leaders across the country. When he’s not at work, you can find him on the golf course, unless it’s winter, in which case you can find him at his desk, dreaming about golf.

TECH SERVICES - Security & Network

Logan Thies

Systems Administrator
Logan worked his way up from help desk support at Foothills Hospital, to become a cybersecurity consultant for a variety of European and North American clients. In his role at Cybera, he supports projects such as the Virtual Firewall Service, which has allowed him to tap into his cybersecurity experience, while learning new cloud skills. If he's not at his desk, you will find him venturing outdoors, spending time with friends, or playing with kitties.

Luis Novoa

Cybersecurity Analyst

Luis holds a Master’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 he’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.

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. His role at Cybera sees him bringing people and ideas together by keeping the connectivity infrastructure humming. 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.

Harshivpreet Kaur

Network Administrator
Harshivpreet graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Information Systems Technology - Network Management, and previously spent two years at Shaw as a network analyst. A typical day for her at Cybera involves working on assigned tasks, learning new technologies, troubleshooting issues, and staying ready to jump in and help others as required. If she's not at her desk, you will find her spending time with friends, listening to music, and hiking.

Kevin Paul

Director of Cybersecurity Operations
Bio coming soon...

Courtney Davis

Network Administrator
Bio coming soon...

TECH SERVICES - OPERATIONS

Micheal Jones

Technical Operations Manager
Micheal came to Cybera from the world of film and television (where he tackled an interesting variety of IT issues). As well as brewing a fine cup of coffee for his colleagues, he is also involved in building many of Cybera’s tools and services. His favourite thing about working here is knowing that he is helping Albertans do more. A modest person, Micheal says writing this staff bio has been his greatest professional accomplishment (so far).

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 doesn’t shy away from challenges, and enjoys surmounting the stumpers that Cybera throws at her on a daily basis. When Ashley isn’t busy writing tutorials, testing and implementing new systems, or performing general server maintenance, she’s playing games, working on her own personal development projects, or competing in computer overclocking competitions. She couldn’t live without her computer, the internet, and most importantly of all, pizza.

TECH SERVICES — DEVELOPMENT

Darin Brox

Development Manager

Bio coming soon...

Sindhu Srinivasan

Senior Full Stack Developer

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 she’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

Bio coming soon...

Derek Walz

Software Developer

Bio coming soon...

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. He is currently working on a manuscript for a book aimed at helping organizations formalize their cybersecurity efforts in a simple but effective manner.

COMMUNICATIONS AND POLICY

Graham 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 Alberta’s Economic Future. In his current role as Community Outreach Specialist, he actively engages innovators in the tech and education ecosystem, as well as Cybera’s members. If he's not at his desk, you will find him at a Canadian football game, cheering for the Roughriders or the Calgary Dinos.

Imran 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.

Laura 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!

Career Opportunities