In addition to being the owner and manager of an international internet software development company; Martin has worked as a Geographical Information System technician doing data modeling and risk assessment for oil and gas pipelines in northern BC. Martin recognized the impact that an organization like Sci-Tech North could have as a vehicle to promote science and technology and how it could address his goal of creating more opportunities to inspire and educate youth. This interest has led to his eight-year volunteer involvement on the Board of Sci-Tech North and to his current role as Chair. Martin’s focus on youth is further demonstrated by his former position as Vice-Chair of Young Scientists of Canada and through his ongoing involvement with Scouts Canada for whom he runs and hosts all of the BC websites.
Andrew is the owner, CEO and Media Producer for Motion Media, a growing media production company based in Fort St John. Born and raised in the Peace Country, he has been involved in the media and technology industry for several years. Highly involved in the community and the region, Andrew can be heard Monday mornings on Moose FM as the host of Issues and Answers, a radio talk show and podcast on which he discusses relevant regional issues with experts and involved citizens. Andrew holds a Diploma of Cinema, Television, Stage and Radio from SAIT. Andrew received Sci-Tech North’s 2007 Innovation Award for Technology Application in Business and our 2008 Youth and Innovation Award.
Paula has been involved in the Information Technology field since 1987 following her graduation from the University of British Columbia with a B.Sc. in Computer Science. Her first 15 years in the field focused on systems analysis, installation and support. She has since moved into the Training end of IT, and is currently working on her CTT+ (Certified Technical Trainer) and MCT (Microsoft Certified Trainer) certifications. Paula’s Board level volunteer work includes Sci-Tech North, Fort St. John Ladies Curling Club, and local Toastmasters Clubs. Paula says , ”There have been many significant changes in the IT field over the years and it is really exciting to be involved with an organization like Sci-Tech North which promotes putting innovation to work in our community.”
A long time resident of the Peace Region, Margaret brings her diverse academic, professional and cultural background to the Sci-Tech North Board. She has a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources Management with a Forestry major, and an Associate of Arts, General Studies degree. She is both a BC Registered Professional Forester and a BC Professional Agrologist. Her ten years experience in Natural Resources Management has mainly been garnered working with the BC Oil & Gas Commission in the capacity of Aboriginal Resource Officer, Oil and Gas Resource Officer – Forestry Specialist, and manager of Petroleum Development Roads. Margaret has conducted forestry reviews for conventional oil and gas exploration and development, Coal Bed gas, geothermal, and other projects. Her experience includes being a scientific advisor for the Commission’s Science, Community and Environmental Knowledge (SCEK) Fund. Within the community she does Inuit throat singing at events including the High on Ice Festival, is active in the Fort St John Farmer’s Market where she and her mother supply home baking and Native sewing, and is a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority.
Lisa Buckley is one of the two palaeontologists based out of the Peace Region Palaeontology Research Centre (PRPRC) in Tumbler Ridge. She completed her BSc in Geology-Geophysics and Zoology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2002, and is currently working on completing her MSc in Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta. Lisa has participated in several palaeontological expeditions in the wilderness of British Columbia, Alberta, and Montana. Her primary research focus is on fossil terrestrial vertebrate skeletal remains; specifically meat-eating dinosaur teeth. Lisa is a dedicated advocate for the conservation and protection of British Columbia's fossil resources, and for the promotion of interest in science education at both elementary and secondary school levels.
Brent is a long time resident of the North having been born and raised in Fort Nelson and now a resident of Fort St. John for the previous six years. He works for the Northeast News as the Associate Publisher, and, apart from his involvement in Sci-Tech North, also sits on numerous boards including the Fort St. John & District Chamber of Commerce and Synergy FSJ.
He is a blogger (www.brenthodson.ca) plus an active tweeter (www.twitter.com/brent_hodson)
Having been involved in the media for quite a few years, he understands how important it is to participate in your community whether it's by attending events or by giving a helping hand. This is what makes a community your community.