Eryn Beddoes
Eryn is the Manager of Facility Engineering and Infrastructure at Red Deer Polytechnic. This role includes managing the campus electrical, mechanical, and civil infrastructure, maintenance, utilities, renewable energy, and sustainability initiatives on campus. She has helped move forward the Green Campus Master Plan and is working towards achieving the institutional goals of Net Zero Energy and Net Zero Carbon by 2041. Eryn received her Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering from the University of Northern British Columbia. She is a member of the Army Reserves, working with the Canadian Cadet Program for over 15 years, and is currently the Commanding Officer of the Red Deer Sea Cadet Corps. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym and spending lots of time in the outdoors with her dog, Bandit.
David Dodge - EMCEE
David is an environmental journalist and a photojournalist who has worked for newspapers, published magazines, produced radio, and was the production manager for a Canadian nature publisher. He produced more than 350 award-winning EcoFile radio programs on sustainability for the CKUA Radio network. David has worked for not-for-profit organizations such as the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Pembina Institute. He served as a founding co-chair of Edmonton’s Energy Transition Advisory Committee and is also involved with Evansdale Community League in his neighbourhood where he’s led solar and energy efficiency projects. His community league gets all of its electricity from solar energy on a net annual basis.
Tariann Bowman
With over 20 years combined experience in bookkeeping and administrative roles, Tariann is a friendly face of SIES’ accounting, marketing, and everything else departments. Her passion for community, outdoors, and building a better future for the next generation is evident in her volunteerism in many organizations within the community.
Spencer lee
Spencer is a Environmental Program Specialist with the City of Red Deer and has a degree in Conservation Biology from the University of Alberta. Some of his projects with The City include developing a Sustainable Building Strategy, establishing an Energy Diversification and Emissions Strategy, and working to achieve the goals of the Environmental Master Plan. Spencer believes in protecting and preserving the environment so that it can be enjoyed for many generations.
Rene Michalak
Rene is an enterprising renewable energy electrician, permaculture designer, biomimicry professional, and open-source technology enthusiast. As Project Manager with ReThink Red Deer he initiated the Red Deer Renewable Energy Fair which evolved into the Energy Innovation Fair (EIF). As a renewable energy electrician, he is presently studying smart microgrids, agrivoltaics, and renewable energy technologies. In 2024, Rene is leading the coordination of the EIF event with the help of a strong planning committee.
Sherri O’Muir
After receiving a certificate of French language competency from Université Laval and graduating with a degree in communications from Simon Fraser University, Sherri spent several years planning and promoting regional, provincial, national, and eventually world skills competitions for students in trade and technology programs.
Sherri worked in the non-profit sector, for private industry, and at all levels of government before joining Red Deer Polytechnic in 2021. As a Communications and Marketing Strategist, she supports the business development of the Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation.
John powell
John Powell serves as Innisfail’s Economic Development Officer and has been a member of the Energy Innovation Fair (EIF) planning committee since 2023. He is dedicated to fostering business partnerships that address environmental challenges, build resilience, and create job opportunities. John collaborates with EIF board members to advance the goals of the EIF and support Central Albertan communities.
Debjyoti sen
Debjyoti Sen is an accomplished leader with a vision to shape Alberta’s technology landscape and foster innovation. He brings extensive experience bridging academia and entrepreneurial endeavors to his role as the Director of the Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation.
With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta and a strong background in applied research, Debjyoti founded two technology ventures that helped entrepreneurs, SMEs and large industries in the adoption of digital technology solutions. He has a deep-rooted belief in Alberta’s potential to thrive in advanced manufacturing, energy innovation, and digital technologies, and sees the Centres for Manufacturing and Energy Innovation as a linchpin for propelling technological advancements and nurturing a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Chelsah Thomas
Chelsah has a passion for sustainable construction and renewable energy. After completing her Master’s in Environmental Management at Western State Colorado University, she founded a social enterprise in 2016 that transformed into Sol Invictus Energy Services.
Chelsah’s motivation to help others build better flowed from her own experience in constructing Central Alberta’s first Net Zero, Passive Solar Home with her partner, Jesse Thomas.
art van zanten
Art van Zanten is the owner and founder of the newly launched Integrated Feed Solutions. Launched in May 2024, the goal of the new business is to marry data and AI in one place to inform feed solutions. He works as an agent for Masterfeeds, with time and freedom to work in the two areas of industry that he finds most fascinating – water and data. Van Zanten believes in industry working together to find the best solutions for reading and distributing data and he is currently working on initiatives to make that happen. He previously worked as a feed specialist for Hi-Pro Feeds and Trouw Nutrition from 2014 – 2024.
Art is the founder of the Common Ground Garden Project (CGGP) in Red Deer, which launched in 2020. CGGP is an urban farming project which works to address local food security in central Alberta while creating a safe and vibrant public space that offers accessibility, inclusion, sustainability, and fellowship.