Researchers and Experts

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Sask Polytech has the in-house capacity to conduct experiential development, business validation, and technology adoption and provides the resources industry needs to innovate. Faculty and staff combine their expertise with a wide spectrum of leading-edge technology such as 3D printers, water and laser-jet cutters, and computer numerical control (CNC) machines to assist research partners with the capital-intensive components of the product development process. 

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

Research associate

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

leila.benmerrouche@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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

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

Research manager

Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship (CHRIS)

lindsey.boechler@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Lindsey Boechler, MA

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

blaine.chartrand@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Blaine Chartrand, MSc.

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)

cyril.coupal@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Dr. Cyril Coupal, PhD

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.

Danielle Faris, Geological Technologies, FCP

Program head

Mining Engineering Technology School of Mining, Energy and Manufacturing

danielle.faris@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Danielle Faris, Geological Technologies, FCP

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

Research Chair

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

pamela.farthing@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Dr. Pamela Farthing, RN, PhD

Dr. Pamela Farthing holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Masters of Science in Medicine (Community Health and Epidemiology) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Nursing) from the University of Saskatchewan, a diploma in nursing from Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences and has specialized graduate training in Public Health and the Agricultural Rural Ecosystem. She has been a faculty member of the Saskatchewan Polytechnic School of Nursing since 2008. She is currently an adjunct professor with the University of Regina and a research chair of Diabetes Care. Pamela’s nursing background includes long term care, rural nursing, and neonatal intensive care.

Pamela Farthing holds a research chair in Diabetes Care at Saskatchewan Polytechnic. She is President of the Saskatchewan Nursing Informatics Association and jurisdictional representative of the Canadian Nursing Informatics Association. Her research experience includes rural pediatric respiratory epidemiology, informatics, and rural advanced nursing education. She has published articles and presented internationally. Pamela’s PhD focus was type 1 diabetes in adolescents and her program of research is focused on 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)

david.halstead@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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

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

Research associate

CAD/CAM Engineering Technology, Sustainability-Led Integrated Centres of Excellence (SLICE), Research in Additive Manufacturing and Prototyping (RAMP)

alexander.heilmann@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Alexander Heilmann

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. Sarah Kostiuk, EdD, MN

Research chair

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

sarah.kostiuk@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Dr. Sarah Kostiuk, EdD, MN

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

Regional program manager

MICA

paul.labbe@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Paul Labbe

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

Research chair

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

leon.lipoth@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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

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

Research associate

joseph.lorer@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Joey Lorer, CAD/CAM Engineering Technology

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.

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

Research associate

bhabani.panigrahy@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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

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, BSN, MN, PhD

Director and Research Chair

Centre for Health Research, Innovation and Scholarship

michelle.pavloff@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Dr. Michelle Pavloff, RN, BSN, MN, PhD

Dr. Michelle Pavloff is a Sask Polytech alumna, registered nurse, and holds a master’s degree and PhD in nursing from the University of Saskatchewan. She is currently enrolled in a post-graduate certificate program in Effective Writing for Health Care through Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA. Before becoming the director and institutional research chair of CHRIS, Michelle was in a four-year research chair position for rural health. Michelle is the principal investigator for the Saskatchewan Farmer and Rancher Mental Health (FARMh) Initiative and the co-founder and research lead of the SaskAgMatters Mental Health Network. Michelle’s current program of research includes patient-oriented research, rural nursing, farmer mental health, telephone-based social programming for rural older adults, and rural health. 

Dr. Terry Peckham, PhD

Director and research chair

Digital Integration Centre of Excellence (DICE)

terry.peckham@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Dr. Terry Peckham, PhD

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.

Mary Ann Quimado, P.Eng (Philippines)

Research associate

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

maryann.quimado@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Mary Ann Quimado, P.Eng (Philippines)

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 2nd-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

abdul.raouf@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Dr. Abdul Raouf, PhD

Dr. Abdul Raouf has been with Sask Polytech since 2014. He has over 30 years of applied research, teaching and training experience, including working with 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

Research associate

volker.schmid@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Volker Schmid, B.Sc., RPFT

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) 

phil.ursulescu@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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Phil Ursulescu, RSE (Machinist)

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

blake.weiseth@saskpolytech.ca

Biography

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

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.