Neil’s passions are supporting small- and medium-sized businesses on their innovation journeys to commercial success and working with early career professionals and watching them grow into well-rounded leaders. 

Neil holds an MBA in Innovation Leadership from the Sandermoen School of Business at the University of Fredericton, an Ontario Graduate Certificate in Research Analysis from Georgian College, and a BSc in Applied Biochemistry from Liverpool John Moores University in the United Kingdom.

Sylvia has over 25 years of experience in utility metering, energy management and operational efficiency.  She started her career at Measurement Canada, where the focus was on legal metrology in the electricity and gas utility sector.

She carried this knowledge to the energy management sector working with a large municipality, and then with Welland Hydro.  While there, she successfully delivered the Save On Energy program, achieving energy savings targets for the Conservation First Framework.

Sylvia is a graduate of Electrical Engineering Power Systems from Mohawk College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration. As a resident of Niagara, she is excited to support local manufacturers and work in the community she calls home.

During his time at Nidec Mobility Canada, Dave acted as the industry partner on collaborative research projects with the University of Waterloo and mentored student teams, so he will bring the customer/client perspective to WAMIC as well as his ability to help students gain real-world knowledge in the industry. Dave holds a diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology (Design Option) from Mohawk College, as well as several other certificates in various leadership, training, and business courses.

Brian trains students and graduate employees, along with staff and researchers, on standard and specialized equipment and processes, and is responsible for creating, maintaining and updating maintenance-related standard operating procedures (SOPs).  

Brian is a graduate of Niagara College’s Electronics Engineering Technology (Co-op) program and has worked in the research labs at both WAMIC and the Agriculture & Environmental Technologies Innovation Centre (AETIC). He has also been a partial-load professor teaching electronic fabrication skills.

Joshua is a graduate of Niagara College’s Mechanical Engineering Technologist program, and Brock University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. With more than 12 years in the field, Josh has extensive experience in mechanical engineering, quality control, and managing teams to establish a lean manufacturing culture.

Her role at WAMIC also involves facilitating shipping and receiving logistics, overseeing accounts receivable, and planning events and tours to promote the Centre’s initiatives. With over 10 years of experience, Shahad is a seasoned administrative professional specializing in office management, client relations, and executive support.

Previously, she served as an Executive Assistant to a Vice President, supporting cross-departmental teams and ensuring seamless operations in areas such as marketing, customer service, and accounts receivable. Her career also includes roles as a Guest Services and Social Media Coordinator and a Client Services Supervisor, where she honed her skills in customer service, social media strategy, and team leadership.

Shahad holds a diploma in Tourism Management and Business Development from Niagara College. She has also pursued extensive professional development, including certifications and training in social media strategy, customer engagement, and workplace safety.

Through the Community Sponsored Project course, Dave has led student teams to create and deploy inventory management applications, document management systems and custom Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools. 

Dave is also a Professor for the Computer Programmer and Computer Programmer Analyst program at NC. David studied math and physics at the University of Toronto and holds a Certificate from Georgian College in Teaching and Training Adults. David is a member of NC’s Program Advisory Committees for Computer Programming and Analysis and Computer Programming programs.