ABOUT CUTRIC
Our Successful Team of
Professionals
Executives
Josipa
Petrunic
Petrunic
President & CEO, CUTRIC
About Josipa
As the President & CEO of CUTRIC, Dr. Josipa Petrunic is leading the formulation of national transportation and energy systems analyses, including battery electric vehicles (BEV), hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and zero-emissions transit technologies.
As one of Canada’s leading experts in Zero-Emissions Bus (ZEB) innovation deployment projects, Dr. Petrunic has designed, developed and launched the Pan-Canadian Electric Bus Demonstration & Integration Trial (Phases I-II), the Pan-Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Demonstration…
Education
PhD – Science and Technology Studies (Economics and Mathematics Stream), University of Edinburgh
M.Sc. – Science and Technology Studies (Economics and Mathematics Stream), University of Edinburgh
M.Sc. – Political Science and Public Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science
BJ – Political Science and Journalism, Carleton University
About Nadia
Nadia is recognized for creating revenue generating and cost saving opportunities for Canadian advanced manufacturers and non-profits. For the past 15+ years, she has served as a convener
across industry, government, and academia leading exciting projects around Canadian Innovation and the low carbon economy.
During her time with Canada’s national Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) and Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, she successfully implemented structured sales strategies to improve membership and foreign direct investment goals, respectively. In addition, she has worked extensively with global automotive suppliers and manufacturers, where she led Industry 4.0 implementations, planned and executed corporate Environmental Social Governance (ESG) strategies, and secured government funding for over $150M in global business expansions
At CUTRIC, Nadia holds an advisory role in supporting the planning and execution for strategic initiatives around Membership, Marketing and Communications
Nadia is currently based in Mississauga, Ontario.
During her time with Canada’s national Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA) and Ontario’s Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, she successfully implemented structured sales strategies to improve membership and foreign direct investment goals, respectively. In addition, she has worked extensively with global automotive suppliers and manufacturers, where she led Industry 4.0 implementations, planned and executed corporate Environmental Social Governance (ESG) strategies, and secured government funding for over $150M in global business expansions
At CUTRIC, Nadia holds an advisory role in supporting the planning and execution for strategic initiatives around Membership, Marketing and Communications
Nadia is currently based in Mississauga, Ontario.
Bachelor of Science, University of Guelph
About Vincent
Vincent Guglielmo, Director of Innovation Initiatives at CUTRIC, will be taking an active role in special projects, partner development and other strategic development work supporting CUTRIC’s build out of the all-important public transit sector.
Vincent brings over 20 years of automotive industry experience, with foundational understandings of manufacturing and supply chains, operations, marketing, and stakeholder engagement, as well as extensive involvement in the evolution of Canada’s automotive, mobility and transportation industries.
As a past senior executive of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), he helped grow the organization through member, strategic partnership and stakeholder development, government advocacy and policy development, event and operational management and engaging in international trade development activities, to support and help strengthen the Canadian auto sector through its technological and digital transformations, as it evolves in new manufacturing processes, connectivity and new vehicle technology development.
More recently, he has worked as Director, Ecosystem and Business Development at the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM), a Regional Technology Development Site operating at the Innovation Factory in Hamilton, Ontario within the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), developing the ecosystem, supporting partner development and the start-up community for innovations in automated/connected vehicles, electrification, mobility, multi-modal and transportation technologies.
Vincent is currently based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and is a graduate of McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business.
Vincent brings over 20 years of automotive industry experience, with foundational understandings of manufacturing and supply chains, operations, marketing, and stakeholder engagement, as well as extensive involvement in the evolution of Canada’s automotive, mobility and transportation industries.
As a past senior executive of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA), he helped grow the organization through member, strategic partnership and stakeholder development, government advocacy and policy development, event and operational management and engaging in international trade development activities, to support and help strengthen the Canadian auto sector through its technological and digital transformations, as it evolves in new manufacturing processes, connectivity and new vehicle technology development.
More recently, he has worked as Director, Ecosystem and Business Development at the Centre for Integrated Transportation and Mobility (CITM), a Regional Technology Development Site operating at the Innovation Factory in Hamilton, Ontario within the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), developing the ecosystem, supporting partner development and the start-up community for innovations in automated/connected vehicles, electrification, mobility, multi-modal and transportation technologies.
Vincent is currently based in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada and is a graduate of McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business.
Marie-Claude
Perreault
Human Resources Legal Advisor
About Marie-Claude
Marie-Claude has been a member of the Quebec Bar since 1990, and a member of l’Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés as a certified industrial relations counsellor (CRIA) since 2002. She was a partner at a major Montreal law firm for 23 years, during which time she worked for employers operating out of Quebec for Canadian, American, and European companies. In addition, from 2013 to 2016, she held the position of Vice President Human Resources, Occupational Health and Safety and Legal Affairs for a public company (TSX Toronto) with operations in Canada and the United States. Marie-Claude was responsible for the integration of working conditions for all companies acquired by the head office (approximately 20 acquisitions over a 3-year span) across different jurisdictions.
Her management experience, combined with her years of experience as a managerial attorney in labour and employment law as well as in occupational health and safety law, has bestowed her with a global understanding and vision that allows her to adopt strategies that encompass all aspects of the business.
Her management experience, combined with her years of experience as a managerial attorney in labour and employment law as well as in occupational health and safety law, has bestowed her with a global understanding and vision that allows her to adopt strategies that encompass all aspects of the business.
ZEB Consulting Services
About Alexis
Alexis Dunphy, the Project Manager, Sustainable Transit Initiatives at CUTRIC, oversees work within the Zero Emissions Bus Consulting Services division. Mrs. Dunphy also manages potential clients as part of the zero-emissions transit funding (CETF) client recruitment process.
Prior to CUTRIC, Alexis worked in Project Management in battery management systems, nuclear commercial grade dedication, and solar racking systems. She is also the Ontario Chapter Leader for Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy.
Alexis Dunphy is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Prior to CUTRIC, Alexis worked in Project Management in battery management systems, nuclear commercial grade dedication, and solar racking systems. She is also the Ontario Chapter Leader for Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy.
Alexis Dunphy is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
About Caren
Caren Moss, the Senior Program Coordinator at CUTRIC, is responsible for project management coordination leadership through supporting and strategically guiding the project managers and their teams in the ZEB Consulting Services.
Ms Moss also supports operations standardization and administration for the CEO. Prior to CUTRIC, Caren worked in operations and volunteer management and has extensive experience with NGOs and grassroots organizations in the art industry in South Africa.
Caren Moss is currently based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Ms Moss also supports operations standardization and administration for the CEO. Prior to CUTRIC, Caren worked in operations and volunteer management and has extensive experience with NGOs and grassroots organizations in the art industry in South Africa.
Caren Moss is currently based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
PGDip. Marketing Management, University of South Africa
Hons. BA Art History, University of South Africa
BA. Art History, Rhodes University
Certificate in Creative Writing, Rhodes University
Certificate in Public Relations, University of South Africa
Managing for Results, Gordon Institute for Business Science
Hons. BA Art History, University of South Africa
BA. Art History, Rhodes University
Certificate in Creative Writing, Rhodes University
Certificate in Public Relations, University of South Africa
Managing for Results, Gordon Institute for Business Science
About Holly
Holly Hixson, Project Manager of Sustainable Transit Initiatives, manages a diverse portfolio of work within the Zero Emissions Bus Consulting Services division at CUTRIC. Prior to CUTRIC, Ms. Hixson managed various stakeholder engagements, dissemination projects, and international events focused on mobility, housing, and wellbeing in cities.
Holly has completed a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Amsterdam, as well as dual Bachelor's degrees in Planning, Public Policy, & Management, and Psychology at the University of Oregon. Holly is a member of the Founding Board of Directors at Women in Urbanism Canada.
Holly is currently based in Montreal, Quebec.
Holly has completed a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Amsterdam, as well as dual Bachelor's degrees in Planning, Public Policy, & Management, and Psychology at the University of Oregon. Holly is a member of the Founding Board of Directors at Women in Urbanism Canada.
Holly is currently based in Montreal, Quebec.
M.Sc. - Urban and Regional Planning, University of Amsterdam
B.Sc. - Planning, Public Policy, & Management, University of Oregon
B.Sc. - Psychology, University of Oregon
B.Sc. - Planning, Public Policy, & Management, University of Oregon
B.Sc. - Psychology, University of Oregon
Roberto
Sardenberg
Senior Lead – Data Science and Knowledge Management
About Roberto
Dr. Roberto Sardenberg currently works modelling the performance of ZEB buses and related infrastructure in transit systems through the use and development of the Rout∑.i™ 2.0 tool. The outcomes of this predictive modelling help transit agencies to assess technologies and make appropriate choices for their deployments. Roberto also works in gathering and analyzing empirical data coming from the operation of zero-emission vehicles, providing valuable key performance indicators to the operators and incorporating real world operation data into the modelling work.
Roberto previously worked with electrical measurement techniques to retrieve microscopic information on electrochemical cells and nano-structured samples. His research interests include the electrical characterization, modelling and simulation of electrical devices, sensors, and electrochemical cells. He contributed to the development of the measurement theory of Impedances by investigating constraints imposed on measured data by physical principles such as causality relations.
Dr. Roberto Sardenberg is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Roberto previously worked with electrical measurement techniques to retrieve microscopic information on electrochemical cells and nano-structured samples. His research interests include the electrical characterization, modelling and simulation of electrical devices, sensors, and electrochemical cells. He contributed to the development of the measurement theory of Impedances by investigating constraints imposed on measured data by physical principles such as causality relations.
Dr. Roberto Sardenberg is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
PhD – Physics, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
M.Sc. – Physics, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
BSc – Physics, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
M.Sc. – Physics, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
BSc – Physics, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil
About Junli
Junli Hu is the Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Simulation GIS Technician responsible for working on ZEB performance modelling and geospatial data analysis. This work assists cities and transit agencies across Canada and the US to plan their fleet electrification. Mr. Hu also performs literature reviews to aid CUTRIC’s modelling projects to enhance the functionality of the RoutΣ.i 2.0 modelling tool.
Junli received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences Co-op with a specialization in Geographic Information System (GIS) from McMaster University and he is currently pursuing the GIS Professional (GISP®) designation.
Prior to CUTRIC, Junli worked as a GIS Technician for Ontario Land Trust Alliance. He created the maps and geoprocessed spatial data through ArcGIS to support various land conservation projects. During Junli’s co-op, Junli utilized his GIS knowledge and geospatial techniques to support electric mobility data analysis for McMaster Institute for Transportation & Logistics and to assist the implementation of Source Protection Plans for the Regional Municipality of Halton.
Junli Hu is currently based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.
Junli received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences Co-op with a specialization in Geographic Information System (GIS) from McMaster University and he is currently pursuing the GIS Professional (GISP®) designation.
Prior to CUTRIC, Junli worked as a GIS Technician for Ontario Land Trust Alliance. He created the maps and geoprocessed spatial data through ArcGIS to support various land conservation projects. During Junli’s co-op, Junli utilized his GIS knowledge and geospatial techniques to support electric mobility data analysis for McMaster Institute for Transportation & Logistics and to assist the implementation of Source Protection Plans for the Regional Municipality of Halton.
Junli Hu is currently based in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada.
Hon. B.Sc. – Earth and Environmental Sciences Co-op, McMaster University
About Titash
Through industry-led collaboration such as research, project development, demonstration, and integration of new technology, Titash, in her new role, will be working with industry, consultancy, utilities, transit agencies, transit operators, government, academia, not-for-profit to strategically develop new opportunities that supports planning and commercialization of Canada’s low-carbon smart mobility eco-system.
As an Anthropologist, Titash is very excited to bring a new lens to this industry because she combines her traditional anthropological concepts with business development. According to her, helping transit understand and visualise the future of the rapid transforming global and North American transit industry and its local impact is key to the overall adaptation and success of low carbon smart mobility technology.
In her new role, Titash will continue to spearhead CUTRIC’s social-scientific work. She and the team will continue to undertake research for CUTRIC’s members and clients to understand the social impact of transit electrification in Canada to advanced CUTRIC’s analytic outcomes within its Zero Emission Bus Consulting Services.
Titash Choudhury is currently based in Edmonton, Alberta.
As an Anthropologist, Titash is very excited to bring a new lens to this industry because she combines her traditional anthropological concepts with business development. According to her, helping transit understand and visualise the future of the rapid transforming global and North American transit industry and its local impact is key to the overall adaptation and success of low carbon smart mobility technology.
In her new role, Titash will continue to spearhead CUTRIC’s social-scientific work. She and the team will continue to undertake research for CUTRIC’s members and clients to understand the social impact of transit electrification in Canada to advanced CUTRIC’s analytic outcomes within its Zero Emission Bus Consulting Services.
Titash Choudhury is currently based in Edmonton, Alberta.
M.A – Anthropology (University of Alberta)
M.A – Ecology Environment, and Sustainable Development, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Hon. B.Sc – Microbiology, West Bengal State University
M.A – Ecology Environment, and Sustainable Development, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
Hon. B.Sc – Microbiology, West Bengal State University
About Ted
Ted Wojcinski works as an Electric Utility Senior Consultant with CUTRIC.
He utilizes his demonstrated expertise in the electricity distribution utility industry for CUTRIC’s ZEB Consulting Services Team to contribute to the needs assessment from an electrical and technical standpoint for energy transition and ZEB implementation.
He utilizes his demonstrated expertise in the electricity distribution utility industry for CUTRIC’s ZEB Consulting Services Team to contribute to the needs assessment from an electrical and technical standpoint for energy transition and ZEB implementation.
About Scott
Scott Saunders is a Professional Engineer (P.Eng) working in the role of Electrical Engineer: Sustainable Transit Initiatives. His main duties at CUTRIC involve supporting the ZEB Consulting team in performing customer site visits, developing standards related to electrical infrastructure data collection and planning, and managing engineering design work completed in support of a wide variety of sustainable transit feasibility and implementation projects taken on by CUTRIC.
Scott graduated with a B.Sc Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and has worked in a wide variety of industries including metal fabrication, electric utility operations and capital projects, and most recently as a project manager for heavy construction work in the Pulp & Paper industry. Scott has experience with budgeting, planning, procurement, design, construction and commissioning as it relates to electrical substations and infrastructure.
Scott is currently based in Saint John, New Brunswick.
Scott graduated with a B.Sc Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador and has worked in a wide variety of industries including metal fabrication, electric utility operations and capital projects, and most recently as a project manager for heavy construction work in the Pulp & Paper industry. Scott has experience with budgeting, planning, procurement, design, construction and commissioning as it relates to electrical substations and infrastructure.
Scott is currently based in Saint John, New Brunswick.
B.Sc Electrical Engineering from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador
About Bernard
Bernard Ross, the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Simulation Modeller at CUTRIC, works on simulating ZEB performance using the RoutΣ.i modelling tool, helping transit agencies to make informed decisions in implementing decarbonization strategies. Mr. Ross also collaborates with the ZEB consulting team to improve the tool’s functionality.
Prior to CUTRIC, Bernard worked as a computational physicist for six years, using algorithms to solve complex physical systems. He received a Master’s in Science from the University of Guelph, where he used mean-field theory equations to simulate neutron star matter. He has also been driving a Zero Emission Power Wheelchair for as long as he can remember!
Bernard Ross is currently based in Guelph, Ontario.
Prior to CUTRIC, Bernard worked as a computational physicist for six years, using algorithms to solve complex physical systems. He received a Master’s in Science from the University of Guelph, where he used mean-field theory equations to simulate neutron star matter. He has also been driving a Zero Emission Power Wheelchair for as long as he can remember!
Bernard Ross is currently based in Guelph, Ontario.
M.Sc. - Physics, University of Guelph
Certificate in Data Science, University of Guelph
B.Sc. - Nanoscience, University of Guelph
Certificate in Data Science, University of Guelph
B.Sc. - Nanoscience, University of Guelph
About Mahnoor
Mahnoor Ayyaz, the Zero-Emission Bus Simulation GIS Technician at CUTRIC, is responsible for GIS data analysis and zero emission fleet implementation and rollout planning. This work assists cities as well as transit agencies across Canada and the US to plan their fleet electrification. Ms. Ayyaz is also working to enhance the functionality of the RoutΣ.i 2.0 modelling tool.
Prior to CUTRIC, Ms. Ayyaz worked in the Transportation industry where she was responsible for creating streamlined workflow and cost-saving analysis for the collection of road-data. She also worked in Utilities where she made efficient processes and GIS related solutions.
Ms. Ayyaz received her Bachelor of Environmental Studies Degree in Geography and Environmental Management with a Specialization in Geomatics from the University of Waterloo. She also has her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification received from QCDMS Consultants.
Ms. Ayyaz is currently based in Milton, Ontario.
Prior to CUTRIC, Ms. Ayyaz worked in the Transportation industry where she was responsible for creating streamlined workflow and cost-saving analysis for the collection of road-data. She also worked in Utilities where she made efficient processes and GIS related solutions.
Ms. Ayyaz received her Bachelor of Environmental Studies Degree in Geography and Environmental Management with a Specialization in Geomatics from the University of Waterloo. She also has her Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification received from QCDMS Consultants.
Ms. Ayyaz is currently based in Milton, Ontario.
BES, Geography and Environmental Management, Geomatics Specialization, University of Waterloo
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, QCDMS
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification, QCDMS
About Ryan
Ryan Welfle, the Zero-Emission Bus Transportation Planner and Developer at CUTRIC, works with the GIS expert advisor and Senior Data Scientist to identify the manual aspects of the currently used GIS methodology that can be automated efficiently and effectively. Mr. Welfle designs and develops automated GIS toolsets to perform route-based, block-based and vehicle-based modelling, to generate outputs such as – route profiles integrating non-revenue and revenue distances, feasibility outcomes, charger cluster analyses, and on-demand options.
Prior to CUTRIC, Ryan Welfle worked as a GIS Technician designing fibre optics circuits. He also volunteered as a coordinator for various community garden/seed-saving initiatives. He received his Bachelor in Environmental Studies, as well as a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing from York University
Ryan Welfle is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Prior to CUTRIC, Ryan Welfle worked as a GIS Technician designing fibre optics circuits. He also volunteered as a coordinator for various community garden/seed-saving initiatives. He received his Bachelor in Environmental Studies, as well as a Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing from York University
Ryan Welfle is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Bachelor in Environmental Studies, York University
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, York University
Certificate in Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, York University
About Jessica
Jessica has extensive experience launching and managing complex bidding cycles, collaborating with civil society actors, liaising with municipal governments and conceptualizing and developing in-person and online events.
Jessica started her career in the publications department of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, before taking on a number of project development and program management roles at FIM-Forum for Democratic Global Governance and the World Design Organization, including leading five cycles of the World Design Capital initiative.
Ms. Hanson completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at McGill University, a Masters of Arts in International Relations at the University of Sussex and obtained the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2015.
Jessica is currently based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Jessica started her career in the publications department of the Centre for International Governance Innovation, before taking on a number of project development and program management roles at FIM-Forum for Democratic Global Governance and the World Design Organization, including leading five cycles of the World Design Capital initiative.
Ms. Hanson completed a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at McGill University, a Masters of Arts in International Relations at the University of Sussex and obtained the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2015.
Jessica is currently based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
MA in International Relations
BA in Political Science
MA in International Relations
BA in Political Science
About Morgane
Morgane Kuyl, the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Consulting Services Project Coordinator at CUTRIC, coordinates the ZEB-C team operations and supports project management of zero-emission bus implementation planning projects across Canada. Ms. Kuyl also works to ensure high-level client satisfaction through maintaining registries and operationalizing necessary project systems.
Prior to CUTRIC, Morgane worked as a Program Coordinator to organize several in-person and virtual events focused on new mobility, transit and technology. She received her Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Studies from McGill University.
Morgane Kuyl is currently based in Montreal, Quebec.
Prior to CUTRIC, Morgane worked as a Program Coordinator to organize several in-person and virtual events focused on new mobility, transit and technology. She received her Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Studies from McGill University.
Morgane Kuyl is currently based in Montreal, Quebec.
Hon. B.A. - Urban Studies, McGill University
About Desmond
Desmond Jaricha, the Social Scientist: Low Carbon Smart Mobility undertakes Zero Emissions Bus (ZEB) and low-carbon mobility stakeholder surveying, focus groups and interviews. He also develops, researches, writes and edits literature reviews related to CUTRIC’s ZEB and low-carbon mobility project initiatives, and develops and maintains the Canadian ZEB database. In addition, Desmond performs general social scientific research and manages project documentation.
Prior to CUTRIC, Desmond worked in project and programme management, international affairs, policy analysis, research and communications in government, private sector and academic organizations. He is a certified ISO 21502 Lead Project Manager from PECB, Six Sigma Green Belt from Edhut Knowledge Solutions (Pvt Ltd) and a Project Management Professional (PMP®) from PMI. He is also a holder of a Bachelor of Social Science in Industrial and Economic Sociology, a Bachelor of Social Science with Honours in Development Studies, and a Master of Social Science in Sociology, all from Rhodes University.
Desmond Jaricha is currently based in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada.
Prior to CUTRIC, Desmond worked in project and programme management, international affairs, policy analysis, research and communications in government, private sector and academic organizations. He is a certified ISO 21502 Lead Project Manager from PECB, Six Sigma Green Belt from Edhut Knowledge Solutions (Pvt Ltd) and a Project Management Professional (PMP®) from PMI. He is also a holder of a Bachelor of Social Science in Industrial and Economic Sociology, a Bachelor of Social Science with Honours in Development Studies, and a Master of Social Science in Sociology, all from Rhodes University.
Desmond Jaricha is currently based in Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada.
M.Soc-Sci - Sociology, Rhodes University
Hon. B. Soc-Sci - Development Studies, Rhodes University
B. Soc-Sci - Industrial & Economic Sociology, Rhodes University
Hon. B. Soc-Sci - Development Studies, Rhodes University
B. Soc-Sci - Industrial & Economic Sociology, Rhodes University
About Mohammad
Mohammad Kharouf, the Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Simulation Modeller at CUTRIC, conducts techno-economic feasibility studies using the RoutΣ.i modelling tool in order to help transit agencies make informed decisions towards decarbonizing public transit bus routes. Mr. Kharouf also works with the ZEB consulting team to enhance the functionality of the RoutΣ.i modelling tool. Prior to CUTRIC, Mohammad worked for 10 years as an electrical engineer leading the electrical design and construction of massive, electrified railway projects. He received a Masters of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of British Columbia where he developed a novel optimization model for the decarbonization of the transit bus system considering emissions reduction targets and distributed energy resources.
Mohammad is currently based in Kelowna, British Columbia.
M.A.Sc. – Electrical Engineering, University of British Columbia
B.Sc. – Electrical Engineering, University of Jordan
B.Sc. – Electrical Engineering, University of Jordan
Membership Success
About Majdi
Majdi El-Sadek is a dynamic and experienced international business development specialist with a proven track record of driving global expansion and closing multi-million-dollar contracts. With 20 years of industry experience in environmental biotech and air pollution control, he identified and capitalized on emerging market opportunities and fostered strong relationships with clients and providers to advocate for the adoption of innovative solutions.
As Business Development & Membership Engagement Officer at CUTRIC, Majdi will focus on establishing and executing membership recruitment and retention strategic plans to ensure maximum engagement and satisfaction of our members. He will develop executive relationships with member organizations, academic, government and industry stakeholders to understand their goals and zero-emission plans.
Majdi El-Sadek is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
As Business Development & Membership Engagement Officer at CUTRIC, Majdi will focus on establishing and executing membership recruitment and retention strategic plans to ensure maximum engagement and satisfaction of our members. He will develop executive relationships with member organizations, academic, government and industry stakeholders to understand their goals and zero-emission plans.
Majdi El-Sadek is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
MEng – Construction Engineering and Management, KFUPM
Hon. BSc – Architectural Engineering, KFUPM
Hon. BSc – Architectural Engineering, KFUPM
Operations & Communications
Kristina
Petrusic
Administrative Coordinator
About Kristina
Kristina Petrusic, the Administrative Coordinator at CUTRIC, manages calendars and schedules events for the CEO and Vice Presidents. She assists with board governance and daily operations and ensures efficiency throughout the planning and execution of events. Ms. Petrusic also coordinates activities and registries and contributes to membership support.
Prior to CUTRIC, Kristina worked as a recruitment officer for Brock University, and facilities management for Indigo. While completing her undergraduate degree, Kristina worked as a social justice research and development coordinator, student ambassador for Women’s and Gender Studies and a customer experience representative for Indigo.
Kristina Petrusic is currently based in Thorold, Ontario, Canada.
Prior to CUTRIC, Kristina worked as a recruitment officer for Brock University, and facilities management for Indigo. While completing her undergraduate degree, Kristina worked as a social justice research and development coordinator, student ambassador for Women’s and Gender Studies and a customer experience representative for Indigo.
Kristina Petrusic is currently based in Thorold, Ontario, Canada.
Hon. B.A.- Women’s and Gender Studies, Brock University
About Leah
Leah Geller is a senior writer and editor with more than 20 years of experience communicating complex information in an engaging and meaningful way.
With a B.Sc. from McGill, Leah specializes in translating technical and scientific information into content for a general audience. She has written on behalf of cabinet ministers, senior executives and Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, and has been published in university and trade magazines.
Leah Geller is currently based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
With a B.Sc. from McGill, Leah specializes in translating technical and scientific information into content for a general audience. She has written on behalf of cabinet ministers, senior executives and Canada’s Chief Science Advisor, and has been published in university and trade magazines.
Leah Geller is currently based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Harvey
Chao
Senior Accounting Manager / Junior Controller
About Harvey
Harvey Chao, the Senior Accounting Manager / Junior Controller at CUTRIC, supports and oversees the financial management for different projects. Mr. Chao also manages AP/AR, reporting, financial analyzing and budgeting, and internal controlling.
Prior to CUTRIC, Harvey had worked in accounting and finance management at various organizations for more than ten years. He is a CPA CGA. Harvey received his Bachelor Degree in Business and Administration from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and his Master Degree of Business and Administration from Beijing Jiaotong University.
Harvey Chao is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Prior to CUTRIC, Harvey had worked in accounting and finance management at various organizations for more than ten years. He is a CPA CGA. Harvey received his Bachelor Degree in Business and Administration from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and his Master Degree of Business and Administration from Beijing Jiaotong University.
Harvey Chao is currently based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Bachelor Degree in Business and Administration from Huazhong University of Science and Technology
Master Degree of Business and Administration from Beijing Jiaotong University.
Master Degree of Business and Administration from Beijing Jiaotong University.
Marketing
About Melissa
Melissa Heynes is the National Marketing and Communications Manager. In this role, Melissa leads CUTRIC’s marketing initiatives and provides marketing and communications support to the CUTRIC team across Canada. Melissa is responsible for event management, internal communications, marketing and advertising strategies and sponsorship sales.
Melissa has 15+ years of experience in various marketing and communications roles in government and non-profit sectors. She has led multiple projects including new website development, sponsorship and event management, digital application development and marketing strategy and campaigns. She is adept in advanced digital marketing, analytics and SEO as well as web support and design.
Prior to CUTRIC, Melissa worked as a Professional Officer of Marketing and Communications at the City of Cape Town (South Africa).
Melissa Heynes is currently based in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada.
Melissa has 15+ years of experience in various marketing and communications roles in government and non-profit sectors. She has led multiple projects including new website development, sponsorship and event management, digital application development and marketing strategy and campaigns. She is adept in advanced digital marketing, analytics and SEO as well as web support and design.
Prior to CUTRIC, Melissa worked as a Professional Officer of Marketing and Communications at the City of Cape Town (South Africa).
Melissa Heynes is currently based in Okotoks, Alberta, Canada.
Diploma in Public Management at the University of South Africa
Certificate in Public Relations at the University of South Africa
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) from the Digital Marketing Institute
Certificate in Public Relations at the University of South Africa
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP) from the Digital Marketing Institute
Commercialization
About Jess
Jess Smith, as the Manager of Commercialization and Operations, is responsible for the EBus Phase I Project (including all Program Steering Committees and Subcommittees), along with our Pan-Canadian Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Bus Project (with MiWay), and our National Autonomous Smart Shuttle Project (with various transit agencies) in addition to coordinating activities for CUTRIC’s Board of Directors.
Jess has previously sat on the boards of Halifax Pride, Fierté Canada Pride, Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project, East Coast Rainbow Softball Association, and Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue. Prior to CUTRIC, they worked as a Legal Coordinator and Digital Producer in Halifax.
Jess Smith is currently based in Halifax, Nova Scotia with plans to return to Alberta later in 2023.
Jess has previously sat on the boards of Halifax Pride, Fierté Canada Pride, Nova Scotia Rainbow Action Project, East Coast Rainbow Softball Association, and Lunenburg County Ground Search and Rescue. Prior to CUTRIC, they worked as a Legal Coordinator and Digital Producer in Halifax.
Jess Smith is currently based in Halifax, Nova Scotia with plans to return to Alberta later in 2023.
Prateek
Gandotra
Intern: Membership and Commercialization
About Prateek
Prateek Gandotra, Intern: Membership and Commercialization at CUTRIC, supports and coordinates CUTRIC's Zero Emission Transit & Mobility Conference and other events. Prateek also undertakes research focusing on industry mobility goals and zero emission plans to spearhead CUTRIC’s outreach.
Prior to CUTRIC, Prateek worked as an intellectual property and patent research analyst, handling studies and projects across industries spanning automobile/transportation, specialty chemicals and chemistry amongst others. Prateek holds a bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering from Panjab University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sustainability Management from the University of Toronto.
Prateek is currently based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
Prior to CUTRIC, Prateek worked as an intellectual property and patent research analyst, handling studies and projects across industries spanning automobile/transportation, specialty chemicals and chemistry amongst others. Prateek holds a bachelor degree in Chemical Engineering from Panjab University and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Sustainability Management from the University of Toronto.
Prateek is currently based in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
MSc - Sustainability Management, University of Toronto
B.E. - Chemical Engineering, Panjab University
