Researchers and Experts

Leila Benmerrouche, B.A.Tech., Dip. (IRM)

Research associate, School of Natural Resources and Built Environment Hannin Creek Education and Applied Research Centre (HCEARC) 

benmerrouche2786@saskpolytech.ca

Leila Benmerrouche’s background in science, technology, engineering and math extends across multiple disciplines including natural resource management, geographical information science, remotely piloted aircraft systems and various types of satellite and imaging sensor technology. Leila has been working at Sask Polytech for the past five years after successfully completing the Integrated Resource Management and Geographical Information Science programs. Benmerrouche holds a Bachelor of Applied Technology in Geographic Information Systems.
 
Leila’s applied research credits include investigations into conservation-related crime scene analysis using drones, LiDAR assessment of wetlands, multispectral analysis of riparian areas and forestry road planning involving landscape analysis.  

Lindsey Boechler, MA 

Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS) 

lindsey.boechler@saskpolytech.ca

Lindsey Boechler joined the Sask Polytech School of Health Sciences in 2015 as a paramedic programs faculty member, transitioning into the role of program head in 2017. She has held a full time research role since 2019. Prior to becoming an educator, Lindsey had been practicing as an advanced care paramedic in urban, rural and industrial settings since 2004. Lindsey is currently a PhD student in the Interdisciplinary Studies program at the University of Saskatchewan. She obtained her Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University in 2019. As a paramedic researcher Lindsey is a pioneer and leader within the profession.  

Lindsey’s research focuses on the experiences of frontline personnel during COVID-19, healthcare access for marginalized populations and virtual health supports. Her research prioritizes optimizing pathways of care in hopes of reducing health disparities and improving care for patients of all backgrounds. Lindsey is exploring various patient opinions, experiences, values and preferences in hopes of enhancing culturally responsive care and supporting improved patient outcomes. Taking a predominately qualitative, community-based research approach allows Lindsey’s research to be adapted to the needs of participants while embracing diversity and ensuring inclusivity.

Blaine Chartrand, MSc.

Research chair, program head, BioScience Technology program

chartrandb@saskpolytech.ca

Blaine Chartrand is Sask Polytech program head in the BioScience Technology program where he instructs molecular biology with a focus on synthetic biology and its uses in biotechnology. His current research includes synthetic biology, microbiology and the applications of antimicrobial products, next generation sequencing, and cannabis research. As part of the research group at the Bioscience Applied Research Center (BARC), Blaine uses the latest in analytical instrumentation equipment including GC-MS, ICP-MS, Ion Chromatography, and HPLC to support applied research. The recently added next generation sequencing technologies allows BARC researchers to include microbial metagenomic analysis, genotype analysis, and transcriptome analysis in applied research.

Dr. Cyril Coupal, PhD 

Research manager, Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE)

coupal@saskpolytech.ca

Dr. Cyril Coupal has worked at Sask Polytech as a computer scientist specializing in database and machine learning for the past 20 years. He coded his very first program with punched cards in WATFOR (Waterloo Fortran) in 1973 to run on an IBM 360 mainframe. Two graduate degrees and 37 years of teaching and contract IT work brought him to the applied research team of DICE. 
 
Cyril’s areas of interest include software development (algorithms and engineering), database systems (especially graph databases) and data architecture. Much of the applied research at DICE has a machine learning/artificial intelligence (ML/AI) focus, which means working with massive amounts of data from various sources and in various formats. Cyril has been with DICE since 2016 and enjoys interaction with students and recent graduates in an applied research setting.

Graeme Drysdale, PhD, P.Eng.

Instructor, Innovative Manufacturing, School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing

drysdaleg@saskpolytech.ca

Dr. Graeme Drysdale is a physicist and professional engineer who joined Saskatchewan Polytechnic in 2013. He holds a B.Sc. (honours) degree in Physics, a M.A.Sc. in Electronics Systems Engineering, and a PhD in Industrial Systems Engineering. Formerly, he taught computer engineering technology and currently teaches in the Innovative Manufacturing and Continuing Education programs. 

Graeme’s areas of expertise are physics, engineering mechanics, programming and data science. His most recent applied research contributions have focused on engineering education, pavement testing, digital signal processing and digital image processing, economic development in rural and Indigenous communities, and greenhouse gas accounting. He has had a long-standing interest in quantum mechanics and is exploring applications in quantum computing. 

Danielle Faris, Geological Technologist, FCP

Program head, Mining Engineering Technology  School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing

dunn6918@saskpolytech.ca

Danielle Faris is a geological technologist, currently working on a Bachelor of Science degree from Athabasca University. Danielle has worked in both hard rock and soft rock mines in Canada and has spent most of her time working with geology and as a ventilation technologist. Throughout her time working in the mines and at Sask Polytech she has developed many contacts and is well connected with industry members. She has recently been involved in a research project with Queen’s University and Nutrien.

Dr. Pamela Farthing, RN, PhD

Faculty, Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing  Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

farthingp@saskpolytech.ca

As an RN in Saskatchewan for over 29 years, Dr. Pamela Farthing has practiced in long term care, rural nursing and neonatal intensive care. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master of Science in Medicine (Community Health and Epidemiology) from the University of Saskatchewan, a diploma in nursing from Sask Polytech and specialized graduate training in Public Health and the Agricultural Rural Ecosystem. Currently, she is a PhD candidate in the College of Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan. 
 
Pamela’s research focus for her PhD is adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Her additional research experience includes pediatric respiratory epidemiology, rural advanced nursing education, informatics, rural mental health, ​and diabetes care.

David Halstead, B.Sc., M.Sc., P. Biol.

Research chair, School of Natural Resources and Built Environment Hannin Creek Education and Applied Research Centre (HCEARC)

halstead@saskpolytech.ca

David Halstead has been actively involved in biological research for the past 40 years. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Zoology in 1979, David worked as an aquatic biologist with various consulting companies and government agencies throughout Alberta and the Northwest Territories. He switched gears in the late 1980s to pursue a master’s degree in remote sensing and landscape ecology before taking on a teaching role at Sask Polytech in 1993. 
 
David taught aquatic sciences and supervised student research projects for 20 years before assuming the role of Research Chair in the School of Natural Resources and Built Environment in 2014. This new role coincided with a successful bid to acquire drone technology, which provided the basis for a renewed emphasis on remote sensing. David and his team of researchers work with a variety of drone and remote sensing platforms including LiDAR, multispectral, hyperspectral, thermal and RGB systems. His research currently revolves around forestry, agriculture, land reclamation, aquatic science and fish and wildlife interests.

Alexander  Heilmann, CAD/CAM Engineering Technology

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP)

heilmann6900@saskpolytech.ca

Alexander is a CAD/CAM Engineering Technology professional with experience in design, engineering, manufacturing, and technology. He obtained his academic background in CAD/CAM Engineering Technology from Saskatchewan Polytechnic and has since been committed to honing his skills and expanding his knowledge.

In his career, Alexander has developed extensive CAD modelling skills in multiple sectors including manufacturing, energy, and mining. He has also contributed to engineering projects with designs, quotes, and work process automation.

Alexander's research interests lie in exploring new ways to enhance the design and prototyping process through additive manufacturing. He is passionate about leveraging technology to assist businesses in creating more efficient, durable, and cost-effective products that align with environmental and societal goals. As he continues to progress in his career, Alexander is devoted to discovering innovative solutions that improve the quality of life for people and the environment.

Dr. Natasha Hubbard Murdoch, RN, PhD

Research chair, Centre for Health Research Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

natasha.hubbardmurdoch@saskpolytech.ca

The interdependence of education and practice has complex effects on patient outcomes. Interprofessional collaboration and practice change the nature of care and education. My experiences with teams in oncology, orthopedics and long-term care have brought me insights into the philosophies and structures that support interprofessional teams.

My work is focused on how caregivers of those living in the community experience belonging. I work with a network of colleagues and students supporting caregivers to assist aging in place across an interprofessional approach to education and research initiatives. The pandemic experience for front line providers and the community showed us where the work needs to happen. With mentorship and partnerships we can cast a net of care.

Dr. Sarah Kostiuk, EdD, MN

Research chair, patient-orientated curriculum research, Centre for Health Research Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

sarah.kostiuk@saskpolytech.ca

Dr. Sarah Kostiuk is a research chair with Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s Center for Health Research, Innovation, and Scholarship. She has educated Registered Nursing students for over 10 years on topics including community nursing, population health, primary health care, cultural safety, leadership in nursing, issues in nursing, nursing research, and mental health. Sarah has presented and published at the international and national level. She was a part of CICan’s Virtu WIL Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion working group. Sarah is dedicated to working with communities and building capacity through applied research. Dr. Kostiuk has explored ways to improve Saskatchewan immigrants’ and newcomers’ mental health and wellbeing. Additionally, she has investigated approaches that could improve rural Saskatchewan international students’ access to healthcare. She also looked at how handover reporting communication could be improved in nursing practice.

Currently, Sarah’s applied research focuses on patient-orientated curricula. Her research explores how organizations can include patient partners to be involved in undergraduate curricula and how to support an organizations’ transformational change. Potentially, the partnership with patients could enhance students’ understanding of patient-centered care and its application to practice, which in return can produce graduates with the ability to integrate these values into practice settings.

Paul Labbe

MICA regional program manager, School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing

labbe@saskpolytech.ca

Paul Labbe’s formal training is in mechanical engineering technology and management, and he has worked for more than 35 years in these areas.  Paul's research interests include automation, IIOT, alternative energy systems, energy recovery/storage and battery systems, machine design, advanced manufacturing, dynamic simulation/modelling/twining and SMR fuels research. 
 
Paul has performed executive responsibilities in engineering design (EPC/EPCM), capital projects, international construction, manufacturing and research for Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC); Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), Vecima and WorleyParsons/Stantec/Tetratech Top 10 Global EPC/EPCM firms. He has been a lead on dozens of global mining projects including potash, uranium, gold, nickel, SOP, iron ore, phosphate, copper, diamonds, gypsum, other base metals and rare earths/energy metals before returning to research and education. 
 
Paul is currently the Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Northwest Territories Mining Innovation Commercialization Accelerator (MICA) regional program manager. Since joining Sask Polytech he has received funding for and has led applied research projects on a wide variety of subjects including mining solutions, safety systems, wild rice harvesters-processing plants and agricultural irrigation. 

Leon Lipoth, M.Eng, P.Eng, FCP

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP)

Leon.Lipoth@saskpolytech.ca

Leon is a Professional Engineer with a BSc. in Electronic Information Systems Engineering from the University of Regina and an M.Eng. in Systems and Computer Engineering from Carleton University.  He has over 20 years of engineering experience in industry on advanced technology projects in areas including telecommunications research, semiconductor design and verification, and embedded systems. He also has 12 years of experience creating and integrating projects into the classroom as an instructor at Saskatchewan Polytechnic in the Computer Systems Technology (CST), Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CADCAM), Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), and Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology (DMET) programs.  Most recently, he developed the hands-on content for the mechatronics stream of courses in the DMET program. He enjoys designing, innovating, creating and building.

In his role as Research Chair, Leon facilitates projects with industry and the Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) team located at the Saskatoon campus. The RAMP team is capable of designing, modelling, and creating physical prototypes using digital technologies including an array of 3D printing and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) equipment in the lab.

Current research interests include leveraging additive manufacturing to produce prototypes for products and automation across a range of industries.  Expertise includes engineering design and project management, embedded hardware and software systems, communications systems, additive manufacturing (industrial 3D printing), CAD, CAM, CNC, and internet of things (IoT).

Joey Lorer, CAD/CAM Engineering Technology

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP)

lorer3077@saskpolytech.ca

Joey Lorer joined the RAMP team in 2020 after more than 15 years working in the manufacturing industry. He is a graduate with Great Distinction from the CAD/CAM Engineering Technology program and now works as a part-time instructor in both the Design and Engineering Manufacturing Technology and Mechanical Engineering Technology programs at the Saskatoon campus of Saskatchewan Polytechnic. 

Since joining the RAMP team, Joey has worked on product design and development, prototyping, mechanical design, and mechatronics projects for clients in a number of industries including agriculture, mining, utilities, construction, education, recreation, and manufacturing. Joey has a keen interest in discovering the ways that additive manufacturing can be used in valuable industrial applications including prototyping, tool-making, and direct digital manufacturing. He is also an enthusiastic practitioner of lean manufacturing philosophy and holds a Six Sigma Green Belt certificate.  

Tim Muench, M.Sc., P.Eng.

Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology 

muench@saskpolytech.ca

Tim is a professional engineer (P.Eng.) with industry experience in robotic system integration and automation. He has a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.Sc. in Control Systems related to robotics and completed the bulk of an interdisciplinary PhD program between the Colleges of Engineering and Education at the University of Saskatchewan, related to the teaching of engineering design. He previously served as associate professor of Engineering at USask, where he held the Listwin Family Chair in Innovative Teaching, focusing on engineering design. 
 
Tim is a Cisco Certified Academy Instructor and a Cisco Certified Networking Associate. He has instructed courses related to additive manufacturing (3D printing), prototyping, computer aided manufacturing (CAM), CNC machine tools, robotic welding, computer networking, 3D CAD / solid modeling, concurrent engineering (integrated engineering design) and quality assurance. He has worked with additive manufacturing (3D printing) since 1995.  

Bhabani Sankar Panigrahy, M.Sc., P.Eng. (India)

Research associate

panigraphyb@saskpolytech.ca

Bhabani Sankar Panigrahy is a researcher with Sask Polytech's Innovative Manufacturing Centre (IMC). Holding engineering degrees from India, Ukraine and Canada (University of Regina) with industrial and marine engineering foci, Bhabani has research expertise is extrusion technology (both food and bioplastics), bio composite, biomaterial testing and prototyping (B-TAP). He has worked as a research engineer for the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre and is currently focused on bioplastics applied research. 

Dr. Michelle Pavloff, RN, PhD

Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship

pavloffm@saskpolytech.ca

Dr. Michelle Pavloff is a Sask Polytech alumna, registered nurse, and holds a master’s degree and PhD in nursing. Michelle works through the Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship as the research chair in rural health and is the principal investigator for the Saskatchewan Farmer and Rancher Mental Health (FARMh) Initiative. She holds a faculty position in the Saskatchewan Collaborative Bachelor of Science in Nursing (SCBScN) program, through Sask Polytech. Michelle’s current program of research includes rural nursing and rural health. She is the former president of the Canadian Association for Rural and Remote Nursing and is currently the research lead for the SaskAgMatters Network. 

Dr. Terry Peckham, PhD

Director and research chair, Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE)

peckhamt@saskpolytech.ca

Dr. Terry Peckham has performed multiple roles at Sask Polytech since 2004 including instructor, online course developer and senior researcher. In 2014 Terry was provided release from instructional duties to found and grow the Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE). DICE now has 37 employees and is continuing to grow under his guidance as director and research chair. 

Terry’s area of expertise involves data analytics, artificial intelligence and data storage. The vast majority of his current research projects involve the industrial application of machine learning (especially with sensor-based systems), data integration and migration for machine learning across data silos. 

Terry currently serves on the College and Institutes Canada (CICan) IT and Security Advisory committee and the Researcher Council for the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

Dr. Madeline Press, RN, PhD

Director, Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

pressm@saskpolytech.ca

Dr. Madeline M. Press holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) from the University of Saskatchewan, a Master of Nursing from Athabasca University and a Doctor of Philosophy (Educational Administration) from the University of Saskatchewan. In her nursing career, she has worked as a neuroscience nurse, a patient care supervisor and a researcher.  
 
Madeline is a nationally recognized researcher with experience in both applied and nursing research.  Her program of research includes high fidelity simulation, community-based interventions and patient-oriented research. She has led or co-led studies involving interprofessional practice, nursing education and practice, community health and wellness, and technological innovations to support practice.

Mary Ann Quimado, P.Eng (Philippines)

Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE) Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) 

quimado2719@saskpolytech.ca

Ann completed her degree in Civil Engineering and obtained her professional license in the Philippines in 2014. Ann worked in the construction industry for 7 years and gained experience in quantity surveying for international projects. Ann shifted careers and became a Property Engineer and Property Manager focused on land development and facilities management. After that, she decided to work for the government (Philippines) and became a Senior Engineer for the national housing agency. Ann monitored residential projects constructed for the urban poor of the country. After those years, she decided to broaden her horizon and explore new opportunities in Canada. Ann moved to Canada in 2021 as an International Student to take Design and Manufacturing Engineering Technology at SaskPolytech. She is currently in her 2^nd-year and will complete the program in the spring (June). As a Research Associate, Ann is working on projects focused on product design and development, prototyping, and automation.

Dr. Abdul Raouf, PhD

Research chair

raoufa@saskpolytech.ca

Dr. Abdul Raouf has been with Sask Polytech since 2014. He has over 30 years of applied research, teaching and training experience, including work the European Space Agency and other space research organizations. His research interests are focused on the applications of remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) technologies for resource exploration/mapping/management, environmental impact assessment, land-cover/land-use mapping, vegetation mapping and disaster mitigation. Abdul is particularly interested in the use of LIDAR data for vegetation analysis, landslide mapping and flood zone delineation. His research papers have been published in peer reviewed journals, and he has reviewed research papers published in scientific journals and worked as a guest editor. He has been actively involved in curriculum development for various institutes and professional organizations such as the Canadian Board of Examiners for Professional Surveyors (CBRPS).

Volker Schmid, B.Sc., RPFT

Prince Albert campus

schmidv@saskpolytech.ca

Volker is a registered Professional Forester. Over the course of his 7-year career in the forestry sector, he has developed a skill set directly relevant to the Research Associate role at Sask. Polytech.

Volker obtained a forestry degree with in-depth studies of forestry-economics from Rottenburg University of Applied Sciences, Germany.

After he had finished his degree, he took a job as Forest Technician and Timber Cruiser with Forsite Consultants in British Columbia. Upon his return to Saskatchewan in 2017, he was employed in the forest industry as Stewardship Forester with Carrier Forest Products.

Phil Ursulescu, RSE (Machinist)

Program head, Innovative Manufacturing and Machinist programs  Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) 

ursulescup@saskpolytech.ca

Phil Ursulescu manages the Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP) facility at the Regina campus. He has 25 years industry experience in manufacturing and CNC programming. Phil is a Red Seal machinist and has completed the Advanced Faculty Certificate program and the Leadership Fundamentals program at Sask Polytech. 

Blake Weiseth, M.Sc., P.Ag.

Research chair, Glacier FarmMedia Applied Research Lead

ursulescup@saskpolytech.ca

Blake Weiseth is a Sask Polytech research chair and applied research lead at Glacier FarmMedia Discovery Farm, Langham, through joint appointment. Blake has a master’s degree in Soil Science from the University of Saskatchewan and holds a Professional Agrologist (P.Ag) designation with the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists. His research interests currently focus on evaluating strategies to optimize nutrient and water use efficiency across agricultural landscapes. Blake has a passion for knowledge transfer and dissemination activities.