The STEAM Story

Bill Whelan grew up in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. He earned a BSc in physics from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), an MSc (in health and radiation physics) and a PhD (in medical physics) both from McMaster University.

Bill is currently a professor of physics at UPEI. He joined UPEI in 2008 as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Biomedical Optics, after 12 years at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). His research interests include the development of optical detectors for environmental sensing, and photoacoustic imaging and laser therapies for the detection and treatment of cancers.

As a father and teacher, Bill volunteered with local home and school associations and later served as the president of the PEI Home and School Federation. As a cancer researcher, he served as president of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) and as a director on the national CCS Board. Drawn in early by the vision and ambition of STEAMPEI founder Amber Jadis, he served as a founding director of STEAMPEI. Bill has also volunteered with the Canadian Association of Physicists (CAP) for over 15 years and now serves as the Past President of CAP. Since 2008, he has supported education/science outreach in PEI including serving as chair of the PEI Science Fair and co-chair of the Canada-Wide Science Fair. Bill is currently co-chair of the PEI Education Minister’s Advisory Council on Lifelong Learning tasked with providing advice on how best to support a culture of lifelong learning for Islanders of all ages.

He is married to Michelle Cottreau and the proud father of two grown daughters.

Kathleen Brennan is the Acting Director of Policy and Planning serving the Province of Prince Edward Island's Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action and the PEI Energy Corporation. She holds a Master of Public Health Science from the University of Toronto, Faculty of Medicine, undergraduate degrees from St. Francis Xavier University in both Biology and Human Nutrition, and is a Registered Dietitian. As a provincial civil servant for almost 20 years, Ms. Brennan has practical experience and strong aptitudes in government relations and a solid appreciation for the complexities of building healthy public policies while working in collaborative, multi‐sectoral environments. She has been instrumental in leading the Province’s unique, whole-of-government approach to climate action which has helped bring awareness to pathways for reducing energy poverty on PEI.

Rory Francis is a native of Prince Edward Island. He earned a BSc in geology and chemistry from Mount Allison University and an MSc in hydrogeology from the University of Waterloo.

Since 2005 he has been CEO of the Prince Edward Island BioAlliance, a not-for-profit partnership of bioscience businesses, academic and research organizations, and government agencies that includes 50 companies earning over $600 million in annual sales, making the bio sector the second largest industry in the Province. He is a founder of the Emergence, Atlantic Canada’s Bioscience Business Incubator, Natural Products Canada, a national natural products ecosystem and business accelerator, CASTL, the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences, Canada’s national ecosystem for biopharmaceutical manufacturing skills and training, and VetHealth Global, one of the top animal health and nutrition business conferences in the world. From 1991 to 2003 Mr. Francis held Deputy Minister positions in several provincial
government departments, including Environment; Agriculture and Forestry; Fisheries and Aquaculture; and Health and Social Services.

Mr. Francis has served as a Board member with the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce, the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, and is President of the Eastern Canada Oilseeds Development Alliance.

He is a Board Member with Canada’s Ocean SuperCluster, chairs the Advisory Board for the Culinary Institute of Canada’s Technology Access Centre, chairs the National Research Council’s Advisory Board for the Aquatic and Crop Resource Development Program and is Chair of the Board for STEAM PEI, a not-for-profit that provides engaging programing in science, math, engineering, and the arts to over 7000 children and youth each year. He is Finance Warden of St. Peter’s Anglican Cathedral in Charlottetown.

He is married to Ann Francis and father of three grown children.

Jaclyn Reid is the Director of French Education, Programs and Services for the Department of Education and Early Years. Jaclyn is originally from Labrador City, NL and a proud Early French Immersion graduate. She moved to PEI after high school to attend UPEI. During her time at UPEI Jaclyn completed a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biology and a minor in Environmental Studies. She then went on to take her Bachelor of Education, specializing in International Education. She began her teaching career in Charlottetown teaching in the French Immersion program at the junior high level for 12 years before leaving the classroom to work at the Department of Education as the 7-12 Math and Science leader and French Second Language Coordinator. Jaclyn was in this role for 6 years before accepting the Director position in 2023. Jaclyn has always had a love of science, while in the classroom she promoted science education through various science clubs (including Science Fair and lunchtime science clubs). Jaclyn has been a STEAM PEI board member since 2023 and is proud to be able to support the important work that STEAM PEI does to foster a love of science for children and youth in PEI.

Gordon has been a Professional Accountant for over 30 years. He started his career and received his designation with the Grant Thornton team. He worked with various industry partners (public companies, entrepreneurs, not for profits and municipalities) while he was with Grant Thornton. After his time at Grant Thornton Gordon has led various sized finance teams in organizations in the salmon aquaculture, bakery, university research, media industries and is currently at PEI BioAlliance since 2022.

He has always been a partner with all co-workers and has worked on large projects including accounting and operation system updates, product launch and redevelopment, company purchase & sales and capital project management. Gordon received his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Mount Allison University and obtained his Professional Accounting Designation while working in Nova Scotia. Gordon was born and raised on PEI and has worked/lived in New Glasgow, NS; St Stephen, NB;
Halifax, NS and returned to PEI in 2022. Gordon and his wife live in Cornwall.

Angela Lawlor is the CEO of STEAM PEI and has over 25 years of experience in the tech and consulting world. With a Masters in Health Informatics and extensive experience building and leading teams, she is passionate about helping individuals meet their potential by creating a supportive environment where people feel empowered to explore, take risks and grow.

Angela is passionate about inspiring future generations to pursue opportunities in STEAM and is excited to build upon Amber’s vision and mission. Having worked with youth through her volunteerism, she looks forward to expanding STEAM PEI’s programming and service offerings, ensuring that all Island children have the same access and exposure to the possibilities that exist within STEAM.

Dr Kimberly Wishart Chu Foon is the Director of Partnership Development and Climate Science Specialist with STEAM PEI. Kimberly has a PhD in Environmental Science at UPEI and has conducted and published research on social network analysis and the effectiveness of organization networks in conservation spaces. She has over 5 years of experience working on collaborative projects within small island communities which have focused on conservation, sustainability, environmental education and climate resilience and adaptability.

Kimberly always had an avid interest in outreach and environmental education. When she worked as a Conservation Officer in her home country (Trinidad and Tobago), one aspect she enjoyed the most was being able to share her knowledge and experiences with youth. She believes it’s important to establish meaningful connections between young people and their natural environment.

Haifa Vernet Augustin is STEAM PEI’s Director of French Programs. Originally from Haiti, Haifa brings a background in engineering and architecture, along with years of experience managing education programs across Prince Edward Island.

Passionate about uncovering the science behind everything, from everyday details to big-picture ideas. Haifa is dedicated to making science education engaging and accessible. She is especially committed to supporting French language learning and helping students across the Island thrive in bilingual environments.

Haifa has been an integral part of the STEAM PEI team since 2021, bringing curiosity, creativity, and a deep commitment to inspiring young learners.

Phoenix Horrocks is STEAM PEI’s Director of English Programs. She has a Masters in Educational Psychology and has taken a wide variety of STEM courses with minors in math and physics. She has experience educating students from preschool to university ages, with an emphasis on inquiry-based approaches and fostering curiosity. She has published papers on impacts of social support and motivation on STEM students’ well-being and academic success; consequences of emotion regulation in STEM degree programs; and effects of teacher-student relationships on teacher motivation and well-being.

Ja’far is our Office and Retail Manager at STEAM PEI. Currently pursuing dual MBAs in Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence and Data Analysis, he brings over five years of experience in leadership, sales, supply chain, and data analysis across sectors including GMP manufacturing, retail, technology, and e-commerce. He is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt professional, and a Certified Scrum Master.

Makena has an undergraduate degree from McGill University in environmental studies and geography and has also studied in web design and digital marketing. She has worked with kids as a swim instructor and through various volunteering roles. STEAM is the perfect place to mesh her educational background, her experience with kids, and her desire to create a better world. She hopes to instill curiosity and confidence in the next generation through her work at STEAM. Makena will be taking on the role of Bilingual Educational Facilitator.

Emily is STEAM PEI’s Program Coordinator. Her educational background includes a BA in Criminology/Child Psychology and an Early Childhood Education Diploma. She has been working in various roles throughout the education system across the maritimes and has spent years as an Entrepreneur creating education programs, event planning, and community building. Emily has a passion for STEAM education rooted in her childhood on a PEI dairy farm and loves to encourage curiosity and knowledge building in others.

Jaime is our Education Coordinator at STEAM PEI, bringing a diverse background in science education, accessibility, program development, Mi'kmaq culture, trades work, and outdoor learning. With a strong commitment to inclusivity, Jaime is dedicated to creating engaging environments where individuals are encouraged to challenge themselves, broaden their perspectives, and deepen their understanding of both themselves and the world we are a part of. Jaime is excited to join and contribute to the STEAM PEI team, particularly in the areas of climate science, geology, traditional knowledge, and community-based learning. She is inspired by STEAM’s ambitions and looks forward to fostering collaboration and helping to create educational experiences that energize and empower all participants.

Yvan is our Bilingual Sustainable Energy Educational Facilitator. He is fluent in English, French, and Creole. With a background in sustainable design engineering, he has a unique way to convey intricate ideas in a clear and engaging manner. He tailors his approach to meet the specific needs of his audience, whether it is students, professionals, or the community. Yvan loves to sketch, design, and build. If you’re curious about exploring these hands-on technologies, Yvan is the person to connect with!

Georgia is an Education Facilitator at Ulnooweg Education Centre, and has been supporting STEAM PEI programs since joining the team in May of 2023. With a unique B.A in Diversity and Social Justice Studies earned at UPEI, she is passionate about inclusive education, Mi’kmaq culture and traditional learning, and her cats, Karo and Nitro. She has created an arts curriculum for Indigenous students grades 4-6 that lends itself to previous passions mentioned. She has networked, organized, and designed the creation of a High School Academic Credit course for Indigenous students, alongside her supervisor, Sarah. Georgia travels with Sarah frequently to deliver educational STEAM sessions with different Indigenous youth groups. Georgia believes that two-eyed seeing is fundamental in a STEAM setting, and employs it in her lessons.

Sarah is an Education Facilitator at Ulnooweg Education Centre, and has been supporting STEAM PEI programs since joining the team in 2022, thanks to a partnership between both organizations. With a BA in English and an Ontario Advanced Diploma in Museum Studies, Sarah not only helps put the “A” in STEAM, but also brings experience in creating fun and exciting activities and programs that engage as well as educate. Sarah loves to learn alongside (and from!) participants in STEAM PEI Programs, and tries to impart that joy and passion for knowledge with everyone!

Krishna is a Bilingual Education Facilitator with academic training in bioscience technology and biotechnology from Holland College and University of Prince Edward Island. She is really passionate about bringing sciences to the limelight as a fun and accessible tool for daily life. After working as a research scientist assistant for some years, she realized that science has a stronger personality than being in the lab. Coming from a french speaking country, Krishna considers the ability to communicate sciences in various forms a privilege that should be shared to foster a strong bond in the science community.

Aurora is a returning STEAM Education Facilitator with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a specialization in Video Game Programming. She is a born Islander with a passion for STEAM, who loves Art and Technology in equal measure. She is a lifelong learner who is passionate about increasing digital literacy and accessibility for folks of all ages, a strong advocate for members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and a firm believer in the power of community and positive role models. She adores children and is looking forward to meeting and learning with everyone!