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alumni network committee

Formed in 2004, the Alumni Network Committee provides leadership for Let's Talk Science alumni and represents alumni viewpoints in Let's Talk Science decisions. The committee provides guidance to Let's Talk Science staff in matters related not only to alumni and their programs, but also to other Let's Talk Science programs and services. Members provide ideas on recruitment and science outreach opportunities for alumni, and encourage Let's Talk Science alumni to stay connected and engage in alumni activities. 

Stacey Brydges, Chair
Stacey served as a founding co-coordinator of Let's Talk Science at McMaster University (1997-1999). After completing her PhD in inorganic chemistry, she relocated to New York City and Columbia University, where she held the position of lecturer and research scientist (2004-08). Currently, she is a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of California, San Diego, with a focus in chemical education practices and research. Her work is underscored by a desire to develop the capacity and connections of K-21 students, educators, and education systems, and to expand science literacy and communication through programs and pedagogical methods that provide all learners with meaningful experiences in the (chemical) sciences.

Alicia Davis
Alicia is Administrator of the History Department at The University of British Columbia where she handles the financial, HR, and administrative responsibilities for the department. After spending a few years at a local biotech company, she is happy to be back in the university setting, and is still active with the local Let’s Talk Science outreach site. Although the switch from Science and Biotech to History and Humanities has been a real eye-opener, her interest in science is partially fulfilled through the goings-on of the large History of Science group at UBC. Her involvement with Let's Talk Science began at Dalhousie University (2001) where she was a coordinator for 2+ years before moving to UBC (2004) for another year. In addition to the coordinating side of the program, she has been involved with countless classroom and community activities, and is excited to continue as part of the alumni committee.

David Kent
David originally hails from St. John's, Newfoundland. He completed his doctoral studies at The University of British Columbia, and is currently completing postdoctoral training at the University of Cambridge. His research is in the field of stem cell biology where he is interested in understanding blood stem cells and their role in human diseases. David was coordinator of Let's Talk Science at UBC from 2004-2007 and remained a volunteer with the program until 2009.  David currently writes on issues affecting science trainees in Canada (The Black Hole) and on stem cells for the Canadian Stem Cell Network's blog.

Hana Kucera
Hana started Let's Talk Science at the University of New Brunswick site in October of 2004. By the time Hana passed the torch to new coordinators in 2008, the site had grown to over 60 volunteers, reaching approximately 1,500 youth each year. After completing her PhD in molecular systematics of seaweeds, Hana moved to the remote community of Bamfield on the west coast of Vancouver Island, where she is an instructor at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.

 
Marianne Stanford
Marianne started working with Let's Talk Science in 1997 as a volunteer at Memorial University of Newfoundland during her MSc training, and helped start the Let's Talk Science at Dalhousie University during her time there as a PhD student (2000-2004). Marianne reconnected with Let's Talk Science during a postdoctoral fellowship at the Robarts Research Institute in London, ON, and continued during her second postdoctoral fellowship at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI), where she worked on oncolytic viruses. This lead her to her current position as the Director of Research at Immunovaccine in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This is a biotechnology company that is working to develop new and innovative vaccines, both for infectious disease and cancer.

Brea Williams
Brea joined Red River College in Winnipeg, Manitoba as an instructor in 2010. She teaches in the new Construction Management Bachelor Degree Program in the Civil Engineering Department. Prior to this, she worked as a Structural Engineer with Halsall Associates Limited in Ottawa for six years. While attending grad school at Queen’s University, she was involved in Let's Talk Science outreach. Brea is the proud mother of two girls.

Glenda Casimir
Glenda is Coordinator, Alumni & Community Partnerships, for Let’s Talk Science. Her role is to administer all aspects of this initiative including: identifying and locating alumni, sending invitations, communication, creating opportunities (for advocacy, social events, networking), funding, identifying science outreach opportunities and providing support for alumni volunteers. She began volunteering with Let’s Talk Science in 1996 and became an employee in May 1999. She has held several positions during the past eight years, including National Partnership Program Coordinator, providing her with the opportunity to get to know many past volunteers. 

Linda Turner
Linda is Let’s Talk Science's Development Officer. Her role is to research, cultivate, acquire funding from, develop reports for and provide stewardship to individuals, businesses and foundations in support of all Let's Talk Science programs and administration. She has development, marketing, communications and administration experience in the non-profit and private sectors, including University of Guelph, Digital Wizards (multimedia publisher) and Nature Conservancy of Canada. Her education includes: diploma, Broadcast Television, Fanshawe College and BA, The University of Western Ontari