Meet the judges
Meet our 2024 judging panel! More judge bios will be added in the coming weeks!
Heats (March 20, 2024)
-
Elizabeth Brown
Title
Business Development Manager
Organization
VIA Rail Canada
Bio
I am a Business Development Manager for VIA Rail Canada. I have been with VIA for 10 years as a trusted advisor working with some of Canada's largest Corporations. My role is partner with my clients and make recommendations on how to reduce cost, lower their Carbon Foot & save time! Taking a train along the Corridor is not only a greener choice but a more productive way to Travel.
VIA Rail services over 400 communities! VIA has just introduced our New Venture Fleet which will provide an outstanding experience!
Our New Fleet offers wider seats, larger windows and have accessibility in mind. Here is the schedule for our new fleet. https://www.viarail.ca/en/plan/new-fleet -
Roxanne Meek
Title
Realtor
Organization
Royal LePage Frank Real Estate
Bio
I have been a realtor for 16 years working primarily in the Durham Region, GTA, Northumberland & Kawarthas. I am married with two young children. I love to travel, attend sporting events and concerts. I am also a Rotarian with the rotary club of Oshawa, spend my free time volunteering and participating in fund raisers alike Oshawa Ribfest, Polar Bear Plunge, food packing for Kids Against Hunger and the soup kitchen.
-
Stephanie Balogh
Title
Elementary School Principal
Organization
Durham District School Board
Bio
Stephanie Balogh has been an elementary school principal with the Durham District School Board since 2012. She has worked in education for over 25 years, in both the public and private sectors, across Canada and internationally. Stephanie is passionate about teaching and learning and loves being immersed in the energy of the post-secondary setting. When not in school, Stephanie spends her time volunteering with a number of organizations, exploring the great outdoors, and travelling the world. She is proud to be a supporter of Ontario Tech and enjoys participating in events at the university. This is her first experience judging the Three Minute Thesis competition.
-
Dr. Taryn Eickmeier
Title
Doctor, Executive Lead, Research, Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization
Organization
Grandview Kids
Bio
Dr. Taryn Eickmeier is an Adjunct Professor with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Ontario Tech University and the Executive Lead of Research, Innovation and Knowledge Mobilization at Grandview Kids. With a passion for knowledge mobilization, Taryn seeks to find creative ways to make knowledge accessible to all. Whether it is helping clinicians craft a research question to advance paediatric rehabilitation or co-creating a methodology with family advocates, Taryn believes in the value of community-led research. Alongside a Bachelor of Kinesiology, Master of Arts in Health Promotion and a Doctorate in Public Health and Health Systems, Taryn is a knowledge translation specialist, credentialed evaluator and an award-winning Toastmaster. Taryn is excited to join the 3MT judging panel and witness the knowledge mobilization in action.
Finals (March 21, 2024)
-
Jacques Plourde
Title
President & Engineering Consultant
Organization
J.A. Plourde Performance Ltd
Bio
Jacques has 50 years of experience in the Canadian nuclear industry, performing various engineering and management functions at all of Canada's nuclear facilities and at some CANDU plants overseas.
For the last 12 years, he has been providing risk control engineering support to the Canadian nuclear insurance Pool. This work now focuses on Small Modular Reactors, Advanced Reactors, and Fusion.
Jacques holds a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, and is a Professional Engineer in the province of Ontario. He is the past President of the Canadian Nuclear Society and his company is a member of the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries. -
James Lant
Title
Director, Integration and Implementations
Organization
Multi-Health Systems Inc.
Bio
James M. Lant is an esteemed judge for the Three Minute Thesis competition, leveraging his vast expertise and experience in academia and professional realms. His educational journey commenced at Durham College, progressing to Ontario Tech University where he earned his BA before earning a Master’s degree at Queen’s University. With a career spanning a decade, James has been instrumental in developing standardized risk assessments for offender populations, establishing himself as a leading figure in the field. He has trained corrections officers globally on best practices for treating and supervising individuals within the criminal justice system, presenting his insights internationally. In recent years, his focus has shifted towards technical integrations, spearheading the implementation of solutions into major ERP systems like Salesforce and Microsoft D365. Through strategic partnerships with ISV channels, James has successfully closed multi-million dollar deals, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic leader in his field.
-
Max Mercer
Title
Consultant
Organization
belairdirect, gold sponsor representative
Bio
Max is a Chartered Insurance Professional with an advanced designation from the Insurance Institute of Canada, and is currently a business development strategy consultant with belairdirect. Holding licenses Canada-wide, Max is also a Registered Insurance Broker, and is currently the Deputy Principal Broker of Johnson Insurance (now, rebranding to belairdirect).
Max has over a decade of experience working in the financial sector, in various roles across the property and casualty insurance industry including business integration, leadership, and business development strategy. -
Michelle Way
Title
Consultant
Organization
Element Fleet Management
Bio
Professional financial executive with a consistent track record of improving profit at companies and a solid track record of fiscal accountability and integrity within a highly regulated industry. An innovative and recognized customer experience leader with an extensive background in retail operations and staff management within the banking industry. An exceptional people manager and skilled communicator who inspires and motivates teams to move business ahead and achieve outstanding results. Adept at negotiations, communications, and building focused teams which is being applied in a new industry.
-
Tamara Haberman
Title
Acting Executive Director & Grants Director
Organization
Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation
Bio
Tamara is passionate about working with others to make a difference. More than 26 years of results-oriented management and fundraising experience in the community arts and social service sectors. Tamara brings a genuine passion for building sustainable organizational infrastructure to her work combined with a natural aptitude for fostering a productive and collaborative work environment. Proven success fostering unique, strategic partnerships and managing an extensive fundraising portfolio. Wholeheartedly committed to the charitable sector and community development.
