Stephanie Melles is an Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University in the Department of Chemistry and Biology with research interests in spatial analyses of ecological data, particularly in freshwater (urban) systems. Recent work focuses on impacts of freshwater salinization on lake zooplankton diversity and abundance; impacts of forest harvesting operations on soil mercury; drivers of fish mercury concentrations; and global change drivers of extinction, diversity, and species range.

Michael Olson is a Canada Research Chair in Molecular Cell Biology and Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biology at Toronto Metropolitan University. After receiving his PhD in Pharmacology from the University of Toronto, he did post-doctoral fellowships at University College London and the Institute for Cancer Research in London UK. Dr. Olson was a Principal Investigator in London, Philadelphia and Glasgow UK before moving to TMU in 2018. The research in his lab is focused on the signalling pathways that regulate the dynamic organization of the actin-myosin cytoskeleton, and the role of the cytoskeleton in fundamental cell processes including motility and proliferation.

Christian is the CEO and Co-founder of Biofect Innovations, a company at the forefront of synthetic biology, leveraging microbial fermentation to produce high-value molecules. 

His extensive academic journey, marked by a Ph.D. in Molecular Science, and experience in genetic technology commercialization, has been the foundation of his leadership and innovation at Biofect.

Fueled by a deep belief in science as a tool for positive change, Christian is committed to making a significant impact, starting with creating more sustainable ways to produce food ingredients. 

Driven and focused, Christian and his team are driven to translate scientific insights into real-world solutions, steering Biofect Innovations toward scientific breakthroughs for a healthier, more sustainable tomorrow.

As the Director of Scientific Liaisons at BenchSci, Victoria leads the implementation and adoption of AI solutions in pharmaceutical R&D pipelines. With a Ph.D. in molecular sciences from TMU, she excels at the dynamic intersection of science, technology, and business, delivering innovative solutions to R&D scientists to advance life-saving research. Passionate about science communication and relationship building, she champions diversity in STEM and mentors women in tech leadership.