Executive Committee

Chairs - Executive Committee and National Organizing Committee

  • Mount Royal University / Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES)

    Katherine is fascinated by the processes that form the “Earth beneath our feet”. She is the Director for the Community Science Liaison program that strives to embed place- and curriculum-based citizen science programs in Canadian kindergarten to grade 12 classrooms. Teachers appreciate these projects because they bring the real world into their classrooms, students feel empowered because they contribute towards improved understanding of their scientific-environmental backyards and scientists get rejuvenated passions for their disciplines through these student’s enthusiasm and energetic approaches to these programs.

    Katherine is also a very passionate promoter of the geosciences and has just recently developed a model to change the general public perception of the geosciences through national and international collaborations across these geoscience communities represented by various components of this Canadian bid to host IGC 2028.

    In addition to being the Chair for the CNC – IUGS and the International Director for the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences; Katherine developed significant management, leadership and communication skills through her 33 years in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserves (RCNR) where she was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee medal for her combined service to the RCNR and the geoscience academic community.

  • University of Calgary

    Glenn is a geologist, turned ninth-grade earth science teacher, turned geoscience education researcher.

    He is currently an associate professor at the University of Calgary in the Department of Earth, Energy, and Environment, where he has been since 2013. His research focuses on teaching geoscience content using the history and philosophy of geology. He also researches how the use of metaphor impacts teaching and learning and how students learn when using virtual outcrop models.

Professional Conference Organiser and Secretariat

  • Global Planning Solutions

    John Daugulis works for Global Planning Solutions (formerly Venue West Conference Services) as the Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships. John is an Honours graduated from the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business with a double major in Service Management and Entrepreneurship. He first joined Venue West as a co-op student in 2011 and was hired full time in 2012. Since joining the company, he has worked in all facets of the conference industry from finances to project management to business development and company leadership. As the Vice President of Business Development and Partnerships, John is responsible for securing Venue West’s national and international business, along with fostering relationships with partners around the world.

Scientific Program Subcommittee Co-Chairs

  • Economic Geology, UNB

    David R. Lentz received his BSc and MSc (1983, 1986) degrees in geology from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in Fredericton, then completed a PhD (1992) at the University of Ottawa. In 1991, he joined the Geological Survey of Canada for a 3.5 year term position, then in 1994, Lentz joined the New Brunswick Geological Survey as their mineral deposits geologist.

    Since 2000, he has held the Research Chair in Economic Geology at UNB, with a research focus on the petrogenesis of ore deposits.

    He has been a P.Geo for over 25 years and a Fellow of Geoscientists Canada.

    Dave is particularly well known for his formal and informal short courses, workshops, and field trips. Dave has received many awards, but he is most proud of his service awards; presently he is on the executive for the Mineralogical Association of Canada and International Association on the Genesis of Ore Deposits continuing his long dedication to service of the geoscientific community.

  • Manitoba Geological Survey

    Tânia Martins obtained her PhD in Geology in 2009 from the University of Porto (Portugal) studying Li-Sn-Nb-Ta mineralization in granitic pegmatites.

    In 2010 and 2011 Tânia worked at the University of Manitoba, Canada, on the mineralogy of alkaline rocks and carbonatites.

    Tânia joined the Manitoba Geological Survey in November 2011 and has since May 2023, been Chief Geologist for the Precambrian Geoscience section.

Field Excursion Subcommittee Co-Chairs

  • University of Calgary / Mount Royal University

    Murdoch McKinnon is completing his PhD in Geography at the University of Waterloo. His research is focused on the restoration of ecosystem function in wetlands disturbed by industrial development. He seeks to improve our understanding of environmental controls on vegetation re-establishment in support of developing novel restoration strategies.

  • Mount Royal University

    Jerry is an enthusiastic geoscientist and a member of the International Venus Research Group (IVRG). He advocates for community engagement and volunteerism, fostering collaboration among geoscientists across Canada and globally.

    Jerry is a dedicated adventurer, nature lover, and marathon runner, who is excited to contribute to the International Geoscience Conference  with a passion for education, research, and exploration.

  • Mount Royal University

  • Manitoba Geological Survey

    Patricia is the Stratigrapher and Sedimentary Geologist with the Manitoba Geological Survey. Her work integrates sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geochemistry to assess reservoir characteristics and critical mineral potential in the Williston Basin.

    She holds a PhD and BSc from the University of Calgary and an MSc from the University of Ottawa.

  • Sedimentary Geology Consultant

    Dr Jean Hsieh has worked for over 20 years in the petroleum industry in both the USA and Canada.  She is currently at Cirrus Oil & Gas/Sedimentary Geology Consultants as a geologist.  Her interests lie in carbonate stratigraphy and diagenesis, particularly the ability to predict the spatial distribution of different geobodies by integrating geological, geochemical, and geophysical data and visualizing this through 3-D geocellular models. 

Education and Outreach and Young Earth Scientists (YES) Subcommittee Co-Chairs

  • UNICAM / IUGS-COGE

    Susanna Occhipinti is a geologist and educator with expertise in student engagement and innovative geoscience teaching methodologies.

    She is a lecturer at UNICAM, Italy, as well as the IUGS-COGE vice chair and Field Officers network coordinator.

    Susanna is also the 2024 prize winner for Excellence in Scientific Education, and author of "Geosciences with New Eyes", a book dedicated to inspiring the next generation of geoscientists.

  • Simon Fraser University/ GAC

    Courtney is a Ph.D. candidate at SFU studying geoscience communication. She is VP of GAC’s Geoscience Education & Communication Division and was the Communications Director for CFES (2021 – 2023). Based in Cranbrook, she enjoys mountain adventures, running, and time with her pets, Tuzo (named after Tuzo Wilson), Mookie, and Karen.

  • Acadia University

    I am an early career Indigenous geoscientist currently completing my Masters in Geology at Acadia University. I am mapping the geochemical variability on geomorphic elements and its impact on viticulture in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia. I stay involved with the geoscience community by volunteering and participating in events such as the Atlantic University Geoscience Conference, Atlantic Geoscience Society Colloquium, GAC-MAC, and Acadia University’s geology society. I keep myself busy by rock climbing, hiking, and playing guitar. I’m excited to help promote Canada’s bid for the IGC.

  • Mount Royal University

    Jerry is an enthusiastic geoscientist and a member of the International Venus Research Group (IVRG). He advocates for community engagement and volunteerism, fostering collaboration among geoscientists across Canada and globally.

    Jerry is a dedicated adventurer, nature lover, and marathon runner, who is excited to contribute to the International Geoscience Conference  with a passion for education, research, and exploration.

Social Media and Communications Subcommittee Chair

  • Cape Breton University / CFES

    Dr. Lilian Navarro is currently working as a Lab Instructor at Cape Breton University (CBU). Prior joining CBU, Lilian earned her B.Sc. from the Universidad Central de Venezuela, and she received her M.Sc., Ph.D., and Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Ottawa. Her research work has particularly focused on process-based sedimentological characterization, stratigraphic architecture, geochemical analyses, and sedimentary evolution of ancient deep-water systems in Canada and Venezuela. She is currently the Secretary of Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES).

Sponsorship Subcommittee Chair

  • RhoB Energy Advisors LTD

    Roberta has 25 years of energy industry experience in multiple worldwide basins. She has explored, appraised, and developed both conventional and unconventional plays on projects in Canada, Egypt, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.

    Roberta has worked for Canadian juniors and multinational corporations (Apache, Schlumberger, and Saudi Aramco), consistently delivering and moving projects forward through collaboration and effective communication. She has performed in a leadership capacity both domestically and internationally.

    Currently at RhoB Energy Advisors, Roberta is evaluating domestic and international business development opportunities.

    Roberta has a BSc in Geology and an MBA from the University of Calgary. She is a registered Professional Geologist with APEGA.

International Advisory Committee (IAC) Chair

  • Past Director of GSC

    Daniel Lebel spent most of his career in the Geological Survey of Canada, including Director General from 2011 to 2024 and other executive and managerial roles.

    He also led geoscience research in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and Quebec Appalachians and authored over 50 geoscientific research and other papers.