Our 2023 Mentors
Tech Futures Challenge teams and participants are supported and guided by our valued volunteer mentors

Julie Legault
Amino Labs
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
bioengineering, synthetic biology, design thinking, rapid prototyping, lean start-up, visual design, intellectual property, science/tech communication |

Ethan Agena
University of Toronto
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Engineering principles, bioengineering, synthetic biology, design thinking, visual design, tech project management, science/tech communication |

Marcel Koupantsis
University of Lethbridge
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Coding, engineering principles, bioengineering, bioinformatics, synthetic biology, design thinking, intellectual property, science/tech communication |

Kristi Turton
Northern RNA Inc.
Hello! My name is Kristi Turton. I have a Masters degree in Biochemistry from the University of Lethbridge. My thesis was on the biophysical characterization of the alpha carboxysome. During my time at the University, I have worked with both University and High School iGEM teams, mainly concerning wetlab design and experiments.
I am currently working for Northern RNA Inc, a CMO that works on developing and manufacturing nucleic acids.
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Synthetic biology, nanotechnology, science/tech communication |

Kushan Wickramarachchi
Standens IMT
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
3D design , 3D printing, engineering principles, design thinking, rapid prototyping |

Soohee Park
AC Robotics
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
3D Design, 3D printing, rapid prototyping, visual design. |

John Whitbread
General Dynamics
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Coding, automation, robotics, 3D design, engineering principles, design thinking, rapid prototyping, intellectual property, tech project management, science/tech communication |

Emily Hicks
FREDsense
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Bioengineering, synthetic biology, design thinking, rapid prototyping, lean start-up, sustainable/green tech, tech project management, science/tech communication |

Jessica Semmelrock
University of Lethbridge
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Bioengineering, synthetic biology, design thinking, visual design, science/tech communication |

Robert Mayall
FREDsense
Robert holds degrees in both Chemistry and Biomedical science, with expertise in synthetic biology, nanoscience, electrochemistry, and biosensor development. During his PhD, Robert received the prestigious Vanier award at the University of Calgary and was selected as one of the Emerging Leaders in Biosecurity by Johns Hopkins University. His technical excellence has been recognized with multiple research and innovation awards from academic and private institutions and demonstrated by contributions to over 60 technical presentations, reports, publications, and patents. Robert has developed a diverse range of sensors with applications in military, industrial, O&G, and water treatment sectors and is leading FREDsense’s R&D team.
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Bioengineering, synthetic biology, nanotechnology, design thinking, rapid prototyping, lean start-up, intellectual property, sustainable/green tech, tech project management, science/tech communication |

Anam Rizvi
Suncor Energy Inc.
My name is Anam Rizvi and I am a Mechanical Engineer currently working with Suncor. I have experience working in R&D in the Energy industry where I have worked heavily in 3D Printing and CAD Design. I am passionate about working as team to solve design challenges and this is what ultimately led me to pursue mechanical engineering.
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Robotics, 3D design, 3D printing, design thinking, rapid prototyping, tech project management |

Nana Yamoah
AC Robotics
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Coding, robotics |

Laura Keffer-Wilkes
University of Lethbridge, Synbridge
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
More to come! |

Mary Mohamed
Start Strong STEM, Happyness Avenue, MARIELLA SKIN
I started my education in New York, finding passion in both neuroscience and clinical biochemistry. I have worked in areas of genetic biology, instrumental analysis and the clinical laboratory settings. I am currently pursuing my post-graduate studies, working towards becoming a neuroscientist-physician, and as a social entrepreneur. I founded Start Strong STEM, an education start-up to help students navigate STEM beyond just academics. I further founded Happyness Avenue, a non-profit org working with youth to find their voice in advocacy for social justice, important global issue, and becoming change-makers. My current start-up is MARIELLA Skin, a halal biomedical skincare brand which is founded on the bases of science, medicine, research, and innovation. In my free time, I’m a classically trained musician on 6 instruments, and find joy in volunteering with children, baking, painting, and writing!
Areas of Expertise / Skill |
Synthetic biology, app development, design thinking, lean start-up, visual design, intellectual property, tech project management, science/tech communication |