Dr. Kelly R. Munkittrick
Scientific Director

Canada Research Chair in Ecosystem Health Assessment
Canadian Rivers Institute
Professor, Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick

Tel: (506) 648-5825
E-mail: krm [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Dr. Kelly Munkittrick was appointed Scientific Director of the Canadian Water Network in March 2011, a position where he leads the development of an innovative network focused on providing clean, safe and sustainable water across Canada and internationally.

Kelly is also the Canada Research Chair in Ecosystem Health Assessment in the Canadian Rivers Institute at the University of New Brunswick, where he assesses the environmental impacts of industrial and agricultural activities and develops methods for environmental effects monitoring and cumulative effects assessment of multiple stressors on aquatic environments.

Kelly received a BSc in fish and wildlife biology in 1980 and an MSc in environmental physiology in 1983, both from the University of Guelph, and completed a PhD in 1988 in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo.

In 1988 Kelly held a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Guelph, followed by an industrial fellowship at EVS Consultants in North Vancouver, BC from 1989–90. In 1990 he joined the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, where he examined the environmental fate and effects of pulp mill effluents in the Great Lakes, and helped write the National Environmental Effects Monitoring regulations.

Kelly joined the National Water Research Institute as Project Chief in 1996 and led a group of scientists in their Ecosystem Health Assessment Project. Kelly was the Associate Director of the Canadian Rivers Institute between 2001 and 2011, and has sat on international boards for scientific societies, technical experts and has led numerous working groups.

Kelly has helped organize numerous international meetings and workshops and has participated in several expert panels. He has active research projects that assess environmental impacts in Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Chile, Uruguay, Brazil, the United States and Canada, and he has worked, taught or given invited lectures in more than 25 countries.

• Download Kelly’s CV (pdf file).

Bernadette Conant
Executive Director
Tel.: (519) 888-4567, extension 36171
E-mail: bconant [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Bernadette joined the Canadian Water Network as Executive Director in April 2003, having assisted the network in other capacities on and off since its start-up in the summer of 2001.

Before joining CWN, Bernadette was involved in groundwater issues in both Canada and the US for over 17 years, including experience in research, jobs in the public and private sector, and management of university-based research programs funded by government and industry partners. Much of this experience was focused on the practical application of research findings to decision-making for site assessment and remediation at contaminated sites. Over the past few years, she has devoted increasing time and energy to the topic of improving communication of research findings and implications among the academic and various user communities. She is pleased to be able to continue to contribute to this area through her work with CWN.

Bernadette has a degree in earth sciences (BSc, 1986) and hydrogeology (MSc, 1991) from the University of Waterloo. She has made presentations on groundwater and remediation issues at a variety of venues, including invited talks at conferences in Canada, the U.S. and Japan, as well as presentations to both state and regulatory officials in the U.S. Bernadette has served as a guest lecturer in graduate courses and short courses. She is author of a number of publications, including refereed journals articles, a book chapter, a US EPA report, and conference abstracts and proceedings.

Dr. Shannon Carto
Program Coordinator
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 31144
E-mail: scarto [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Shannon joined CWN in April 2012 as the Program Coordinator of the Canadian Municipal Water Consortium. Her role is to support the overall development of Canadian Municipal Water Consortium projects by developing and coordinating research on municipal water, wastewater and stormwater, and by acting as the key point of access for partners, clients and researchers.

Shannon holds a BSc in environmental science (ecology specialization) from the University of Waterloo and an MSc in earth and ocean science (climate modelling) from the University of Victoria, where her research involved exploring the relationship between North Atlantic sea surface temperatures and the development of African aridity during the last ice age. More recently, Shannon completed her PhD in geology (paleoclimatology) at the University of Toronto, where her research focused on reconstructing the nature of past glacial environments by identifying and characterizing ancient glacial deposits.

Shannon has authored a number of refereed journal articles, two book chapters and conference abstracts. She is an avid runner and biker (and scuba diver whenever an ocean is close).

Simon Glauser
Manager of Operations
Tel.: (519) 888-4567, extension 33269
E-mail: sglauser [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Simon joined CWN in June 2010. As the Manager of Operations, Simon is responsible for the management of the corporate, business and operational elements of the network. He also supports strategic planning, and oversees the management of the network’s innovative research consortia.

Simon’s career has focused on the development and implementation of collaborative governance structures in the Canadian water sector, which has provided him with unique experience in managing and leveraging the knowledge of diverse and multidisciplinary teams to address complex water issues. He began his career in the Ontario Public Service as a policy advisor for the Ministry of the Environment, where he provided advice to senior management on municipal wastewater policies and binational Great Lakes water quality strategies. He also spent five years at the Grand River Conservation Authority, where he worked closely with municipalities, provincial ministries and conservation authorities to develop comprehensive protection plans for municipal drinking water sources.

Simon holds an honours bachelor of arts in geography from Wilfrid Laurier University and a master of environmental studies from the University of Waterloo, where his research focused on sustainability of natural resource-based communities. His spare time (and money) is spent renovating an old house and in pursuing an MBA at Wilfrid Laurier University.

Dr. Katrina Goreham Hitchman
Manager of Knowledge Mobilization and Training
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 37853
E-mail: khitchman [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Katrina joined the Canadian Water Network in February 2009 to assist in the development and management of CWN partnership-based programs, particularly the evolving research consortia. Since that time, she has been active in many aspects of consortia operations, from coordinating meetings to acting as a point of contact for a diverse array of consortia participants. In 2010 Katrina conducted a comparative organizational analysis examining the organizational structure and functions of Canadian and international organizations that share CWN’s mandate of using research to inform practice and policy. As CWN continues to explore consortia-based models for putting its research to work, Katrina will focus on the development of knowledge translation tools for researchers and research users, evaluating the success of CWN programs, and pursuing opportunities to enhance CWN’s profile as a leading knowledge translation and brokering organization.

After finishing her honours bachelor of arts degree at Mount Allison University, Katrina completed her master’s and PhD degrees in industrial and organizational psychology at the University of Waterloo. In her spare time, Katrina enjoys jogging, weight training, and cottaging. Her next challenges are to master gluten-free baking and become a competent produce gardener.

Katrina is currently on maternity leave, but will return to her position in March 2013.

Janice Levangie
Program Coordinator
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 31144
E-mail: jlevangie [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Janice joined CWN in September 2010. Her current focus is on CWN’s research programs and consortia, coordinating research projects from development of proposal calls through reporting, review and evaluation.

CWN’s ever-evolving consortia, especially the Secure Source Waters and Canadian Watershed Research Consortia, continue to be an important part of her work.

Janice’s work has involved several areas within CWN, including overall program development coordination and examination of methods to evaluate the impact of research on policy and practice using surveys, interviews and case studies. She has conducted case studies highlighting research projects that have successfully influenced policy and practice.

Janice completed her BEng at Dalhousie University and an MASc in environmental engineering and international development at the University of Guelph. Her master’s research took an inter-disciplinary approach to examine drinking water safety in First Nations communities, with help from end users such as water operators and public health officers. Janice previously worked as an engineering assistant at Conestoga-Rovers & Associates, focusing on reducing environmental risks from agricultural practices and nutrient management.

Stacey McFadzen
Events and Student Programs Manager
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 33288
E-mail: smcfadzen [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Seven years of partnership in an event management company took Stacey to the US, Europe, the Caribbean and Central America. Her company managed events and projects ranging from the Ontario Winter Games to corporate marketing strategies and sales incentive programs.

After a thrilling but exhausting stint in Turin sourcing accommodations and other services for some of the Canadian and US Olympic teams at the 2006 Winter Olympics, she decided it was time for a change and joined the Canadian Water Network in June 2006.

Stacey is a graduate from the University of Guelph. Following her degree, she obtained her certificate in human resources management and worked for several years in the HR field, specializing in recruitment and training and development. That experience was a good stepping stone towards exciting things to come in her career.

Stacey is the Canadian Water Network’s Events and Student Programs Manager.

Gail Meyer
Office Administrator
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 36367
E-mail: gmeyer [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Gail joined CWN in August 2007 as Office Administrator. She is CWN’s corpus callosum, connecting the network’s left and right hemispheres, and serves as the conduit between the network’s researchers, partners and staff.

Before joining CWN, Gail held a variety of administrative and management positions in both the public and private sectors. She spent 15 years in municipal government, starting as an executive assistant to the CEO, and progressing to human resources officer specializing in employee relations. She also worked for seven years in the insurance industry in the actuarial division. She attended the University of Waterloo for four years to complete an honours BA, followed by three years to earn a diploma in municipal administration through Queen’s University. Gail’s diverse skills, organizational flair and varied background make her an exceptional office administrator and an extraordinary asset to CWN.

Georgia Mulholland
Finance Manager
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 36056
E-mail: gmulholland [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Georgia has the distinction of being CWN’s longest-serving staff member, having been with the network almost since its inception. Before joining CWN in March 2002 as Finance Manger, Georgia held a variety of accounting and management accounting positions with organizations including Stelco, Litton Systems, Boeing Canada, Ontario Hydro and COM DEV International.

Georgia is responsible for financial reporting and the management and preparation of CWN’s financial statements. Georgia also maintains close working relationships with University of Waterloo, CWN’s host institution. She is a certified management accountant, holds a BA from the University of Waterloo and a BBA diploma from Niagara College. Georgia is an avid hiker — when not at CWN, look for her on the hiking trails.

Joe Petrik
Communications Manager
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 37709
E-mail: jpetrik [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Joe joined CWN as Communications Manager in December 2009. He is responsible for writing about CWN’s research, the researchers, partners and students, as well as preparing material for and managing the production of CWN’s print and online publications.

Before joining CWN, Joe worked for three years as a scientific writing and communications research associate at the University of Waterloo’s School of Pharmacy, five years in a similar position with a public health research centre at the University of Kentucky and two years as the publications manager at the International Institute for Sustainable Development in Winnipeg. He has also been employed as an editor at Canada Trust and the Museum of Ontario Archaeology, as well as at graphic design and medicolegal firms.

He has a BSc in ecology and evolution, an MSC in zoology and an MA in journalism from the University of Western Ontario.

Lyle Schneider
Web and Database Specialist
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 33266
E-mail: lschneider [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Lyle joined the Canadian Water Network in September 2011. As the network’s Web and Database Specialist, Lyle’s tasks include the design, build and implementation of new web applications, day-to-day management of the organization’s IT infrastructure, and IT support for CWN’s staff, researchers and partners.

Before joining CWN, Lyle worked for three years as an engineering consultant, where he integrated industry-standard manufacturing execution systems into large manufacturing environments. During this time, Lyle had the opportunity to consult in a variety of industries, including automotive, food and beverage, steel, and solar.

Lyle holds an honours bachelor of science degree in mechatronics engineering from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University.

Elizabeth Shantz
Knowledge Mobilization Officer
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 31144
E-mail: eshantz [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Elizabeth moved into the role of Knowledge Mobilization Officer at CWN in March 2012. Her responsibilities include the design of tools and training in knowledge mobilization, evaluation of CWN’s knowledge mobilization activities, and support of CWN consortia program members in their knowledge mobilization work.

Elizabeth holds a BAH in psychology and English from the University of Guelph and an MASc in industrial organizational psychology from the University of Waterloo, where she was trained in interview and survey development, training design and group facilitation skills. Elizabeth has twice held previous roles as an intern at CWN, most recently when she interviewed researchers and end users in the water, environmental and agricultural sectors about their knowledge mobilization activities. During a previous project she also had the opportunity to speak with other intermediary organizations about their knowledge mobilization work and advice about best practices in knowledge mobilization. Outside work, Elizabeth enjoys baking and playing ultimate frisbee.

Jenn Willoughby
Manager of Strategic Marketing and Outreach
Tel: (519) 888-4567, extension 37853
E-mail: jwilloughby [at] cwn-rce [dot] ca

Jenn joined CWN in March of 2012 as the Manager of Strategic Marketing and Outreach. She is responsible for bringing the organization’s mission into the limelight through strategic and tactical marketing planning.

After graduating from the University of Waterloo, Jenn’s time was spent facilitating outdoor education and recreation programs for school groups in Europe. Over the past 10 years, Jenn has honed her branding, sponsorship and advertising experience within the athletic footwear and apparel industry.

Her love of travel and the outdoors has inspired a respect for the environment and the desire to support an organization that shares similar values. Outside CWN, you will find Jenn running on the trails, downhill skiing and relaxing lakeside. Next up… paddle boarding.

CWN Advisor

Dr. Grahame Farquhar
CWN Advisor
fark [at] uwaterloo [dot] ca

Grahame has been involved with CWN since 2000, having assisted with the preparation of the proposal initially submitted to NCE to establish the network, then assisting with CWN’s management until 2005. Since that time, he has served as a part-time advisor.

Grahame is a professional engineer who received his BASc in civil engineering from the University of Waterloo in 1964 and his PhD from the University of Wisconsin in 1968. He was a faculty member in Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Waterloo until retirement and now holds the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. His research focused on wastewater treatment, solid waste management and remediation of contaminated groundwater. In 1982, he received the University of Waterloo Distinguished Teacher Award.

Grahame is a hopelessly addicted downhill skier and a dedicated grandpa.

Former Scientific Director

Dr. Mark R. Servos
Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Protection
Professor, Department of Biology, University of Waterloo

Mark was the Scientific Director of the Canadian Water Network between 2003 and 2011.

Mark is the Canada Research Chair in Water Quality Protection in the Department of Biology at the University of Waterloo. His research program and teaching are related to the science underlying risk assessment and management of emerging threats to water quality.

He received a BSc in fishery biology in 1981 and an MSc in aquatic science in 1983, both from the University of Guelph. He completed his PhD in 1988 in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Manitoba.

From 1988 to 1989, Mark worked with the Lakes Research Branch of Environment Canada as a Research Scientist. He then joined the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Great Lakes Laboratory for Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, where he examined the environmental fate and effects of contaminants such as polychlorinated dioxins, co-planar PCBs and pulp mill effluents in the Great Lakes.

Mark joined the National Water Research Institute as Project Chief in 1996, and led a group of scientists studying exposure and effects of priority substances. He has helped organize numerous international meetings and workshops and has participated in several expert panels in this field. He plays an active role in several major international societies, including the International Association of Great Lakes Research (President 1995) and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (President 2001).