Meet the Research Innovation Office
Office of the Assistant Vice-President, Research (Innovation & Knowledge Mobilization)
Jessica Bowes
Assistant Vice-President, Research (Innovation & Knowledge Mobilization)
With an entrepreneurial outlook and a genuine passion for supporting commercialization and adoption, Jessica leads innovation efforts across the University of Guelph campus. She collaborates closely with the broader community to cultivate and sustain strategic research alliances with private and public sector partners. Her work focuses on collaboration to foster innovation, translate and transfer knowledge, and transform research into viable commercial opportunities.
avprikm@uoguelph.ca | 519-824-4120, Ext. 54100
Technology Transfer
Steve De Brabandere
Director, Technology Transfer and Industry Liaison
Leads the technology transfer team in IP protection, licensing & commercialization activities.
sdebrab@uoguelph.ca | 519-824-4120, Ext. 54916
David Hobson
Manager, Technology Transfer & Entrepreneurship
Supports inventions moving through the technology transfer process, while fostering entrepreneurship in university research programs.
Steve Dinka
Technology Transfer Manager, Germplasm
Works with plant breeders, government, industry leaders, companies, and growers to increase the commercial impact of new U of G plant varieties.
Mohammad Khodabakhshi
Technology Transfer Officer
Assists with the evaluation, protection, marketing, and commercialization of new U of G inventions and innovations.
Beth Brittain
Technology Transfer & Agreements Assistant
Primary administrator of the technology transfer database ensuring licensing and agreements are kept in good standing.
Industry Liaison
Kaleigh Rajna (On Leave)
Industry Liaison Officer
Promotes meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange by facilitating research opportunities between faculty and external partners.
krajna@uoguelph.ca | 519-824-4120, Ext. 56426
Karinna Yu
Industry Liaison, Business Development Officer
Fosters collaborative opportunities and facilitates relationships between faculty and industry partners.
karinna@uoguelph.ca | 519-824-4120, Ext. 53351
Maya Aaram
Industry Liaison Officer
Promotes meaningful collaboration and knowledge exchange by facilitating research opportunities between faculty and external partners.
aaramm@uoguelph.ca | 519-824-4120, Ext. 56426
Fatemeh Bakhtiari
Business Development Advisor - University of Guelph (Mitacs)
Promotes and supports Mitacs program delivery across all colleges, fostering strategic research partnerships between academia and partner organizations, and driving innovation through effective collaborations.
Emily Gordon (On Leave)
Senior Advisor - University of Guelph (Mitacs)
Promotes and supports Mitacs program delivery across all colleges, increasing opportunities for collaborative research.
New Venture Creation
Tyler Zemlak
Manager, Innovation Strategy
Enhances innovation, entrepreneurship, and partnerships through efficient program implementation and support services.
tzemlak@uoguelph.ca | 519-824-4120, Ext. 53512
Kelly Ziegler
Project Coordinator, New Venture Creation
Develops and manages operational work plans within the New Venture Creation portfolio to achieve strategic goals and project objectives.
kziegler@uoguelph.ca | 519-824-4120, Ext. 58289
Knowledge Mobilization
Valerie Hruska
Knowledge Mobilization and Communications Coordinator
Supports new and existing knowledge mobilization initiatives, including training, capacity development, and the Policy Fellowship Program.
vhruska@uoguelph.ca | (519) 824-4120
Agricultural Genomics Action Centre (AG-ACt)
Alex Burdett
Operations Director, Agricultural Genomics Action Centre
Spearheading innovation and knowledge mobilization efforts to advance Genome Canada’s Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Systems research portfolio.
burdetta@uoguelph.ca | (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53093
Laine Young
Portfolio Manager, Agricultural Genomics Action Centre
Engages ecosystem partners associated with Genome Canada’s Climate Smart Agriculture and Food Systems research portfolio.
Project SOY Plus
Project SOY Plus Student Coordinators support the competition through planning, recruitment, archives, and events, while contributing to strategic initiatives and ensuring the program resonates with students.
Dhruv Bhat
Senior Student Coordinator
Dhruv Bhat, a fourth-year Zoology major and Senior Student Coordinator, contributes creative ideas and student perspectives that strengthen the program’s focus on biodiversity and sustainability.
Adanna Nwaozomudoh
Student Coordinator
Adanna Nwaozomudoh, a first-year Psychology student, brings event planning skills and fresh creativity that help Project SOY Plus engage students across campus.
Support Staff
Nakita Byrne-Mamahit
Project Coordinator, Commercialization Outcomes
Enhancing the awareness of existing and arising intellectual property through various commercialization projects.
nbyrnema@uoguelph.ca | (519) 824-4120, Ext. 53592
Michelle Provencher
Financial Officer
Oversees financial management and related reporting aspects for Research Innovation Office activities and portfolios.
riofinance@uoguelph.ca | (519) 824-4120, Ext. 52557
Michelle Stringer
Project Coordinator
Accelerates the advancement and implementation of various projects.
ebling@uoguelph.ca | (519) 824-4120, Ext. 56009
Melissa Williams
Office Coordinator
Offers administrative support to Research Innovation Office staff, ensuring the office's smooth operation.
melissaw@uoguelph.ca | (519) 824-4120, Ext. 58878
