Welcome to the

Alberta School of Business

2012/13 MBA Awards

Ceremony and Dinner

Recipients’ Biographies

Jeanne Allard

• Jeanne is a student from France and is in her final year at the University of Alberta, where she is pursuing her MBA with a specialization in International Business. She will graduate with a double degree from the University of Alberta and the EDHEC Business School (France). She is looking to work in a Supply Chain business within the sport or food industry. Jeanne enjoys sports and travelling in order to discover new countries and cultures.

Yu (Gilbert) Bai

• Gilbert is in his second year of the full time MBA program at the Alberta School of Business, with a specialization in Natural Resources, Energy and Environment (NREE). He plans to pursue a supply chain management career in the energy sector after graduation in 2013. Throughout his time at University, Gilbert maintains an excellent academic standing and participates in activities including Net Impact marketing consulting and case competitions.

Caitlin Beaton

• Caitlin Beaton is in her first year at the University of Alberta, where she is pursuing an MBA. She has been working in the non-profit field for over ten years with those living in poverty. Prior to returning to school she was a Social Worker at a local non-profit organization. Caitlin plans to continue her work in the non-profit field and use the skills acquired through her MBA to affect social change on a broader scale. She has a strong interest in how social enterprise gives marginalized people opportunities to learn and enhance existing skills through employment.

Daryl Blouin

• Daryl is currently enrolled in his first year of the Alberta MBA program and intends to complete his second year of studies on exchange at the EDHEC Business School in Nice, France. While in France, Daryl hopes to fulfill the requirements of his Alberta MBA and also earn an MSc in Corporate Finance from EDHEC. Upon completion of his studies, Daryl intends to pursue a career in Corporate Finance and/or Private Equity. Daryl is married and has four young children that keep him active and involved.

Kimberly Burnham

• Kim is in her third year of a part-time MBA program and has an interest in learning and development as well as public policy issues. During the day Kim teaches high school mathematics, where she enjoys the experience of observing the growth and development of her students.

Calvin Cheng

• Calvin is in his final year at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing his joint MBA/MEng degree in Mechanical Engineering. He received his BSc in Mechanical Engineering Co-op from the University of Alberta in 2006 and is currently working full-time for a major energy transportation company. Calvin uses his newfound business skills as the Treasurer of his condo corporation and is also an active mentor with the Big Brother Big Sisters organization, in addition to his other volunteering pursuits. In his limited spare time, Calvin likes to travel the world with his awesome wife who is also pursuing her MBA degree at the Alberta School of Business.

Wei Chiu

• Wei is in his first year at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing his MBA degree. He decided to specialize in Natural Resources, Energy and Environment in order to acquire a broader perspective of the energy industry, and thus to continue and build on his experience as a reservoir engineer. Besides his MBA studies, Wei is actively involved in soccer. He currently plays for pleasure and is looking forward to resume playing competitively in the summer.

Michael Chong

• Michael is in his final year of the MBA Program specializing in Public Policy and Management. He is currently working with the City of Edmonton Business Licensing unit with the goal to improve the City's overall livability. To relieve stress from the busy work week, Michael participates in a local curling league with friends and family.

Maria Cordoba

• Maria is her second year of the MBA program, specializing in Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment. She has a Bachelor degree in Industrial Engineering and a Masters degree in Economics. After graduation she plans to continue building her career in energy finance in Canada and then go back to Latin America to apply all of the experience she has gained. During her time at the University of Alberta, she has participated as the Vice President, Finance of the Energy Club, a Statistics Teaching Assistant and will be part of the international study tours. Maria loves dancing, reading, and cooking.

David Cuglietta

• David is in his final year of the MBA program with a specialization in Finance. Prior to the MBA program, David worked as an Engineer and plans on using that experience combined with his MBA education in his future career. When not at school, he enjoys being active in sports, trying to be a better cook, and woodworking.

Bryan Davis

• Bryan is in his final semester at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing a joint MBA and Master of Forestry program. He plans to work in the consulting field after spending the summer travelling and volunteering internationally. Throughout his time at the School of Business, Bryan played intramural soccer at a level that was only one notch above embarrassing, was Co-Chair of the Net Impact University of Alberta chapter, held the Vice President Internal role in the MBA Association, co-organized the 2012 fall internal case competition and acted as the academic liaison for the MBA Games organizing committee. Bryan is extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with such amazing peers in such an outstanding program.

Aneil D'Lima

• Aneil is in his second and final year of the full-time Alberta MBA program (International Business specialization). He plans to continue his career in commercial/corporate banking and hopes to eventually work for a global bank, specifically in the areas of regulatory compliance and risk management. While pursuing his MBA, Aneil has been involved as Vice President Finance for the MBA Games 2013 team as well as Vice President Finance for the Net Impact University of Alberta chapter. In addition he has enjoyed participating in intramural volleyball as well as playing squash, dodgeball, and skiing with fellow classmates.

John Geary

• John is in his first year at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing his MBA degree. Prior to commencing his MBA, John received his masters degree in physiotherapy and has worked as a Physiotherapist in both the public and private sector. John is an active member of the University community sitting on several MBA committees, and as an active participant in intramural sports. He is also a Net Impact member currently working with the Cross Cancer Institute on its inaugural charity triathlon.

Ashley Harrison

• Ashley is in her first year at the University of Alberta where she is pursuing a dual Masters degree in Business and Geotechnical Engineering. During her first semester at the University, Ashley participated in various intramural sports, was part of the Sport and Volunteer Committee and the MBA Women's Network. Ashley also started an MBA team for Bust A Move, a local charity event to raise money for the Cross Cancer Institute.

Ryan Heit

• Ryan is in the final year of his part-time MBA degree with a specialization in Technology Commercialization. In his full-time position he is the co-founder of the start-up life sciences company, Pacylex, and will continue to focus on pushing this project forward. In his time on campus, Ryan is the Co-President of the Technology Commercialization Club and an active participant in multiple case competitions and the MBA games. Ryan is also a director of the non-governmental organization "World in Need" which helps initiate and support self-sustaining projects in Niger and India.

Tanner James

• Tanner James is a second year student in the CMA/MBA program at the University of Alberta. Upon graduation, he hopes to pursue a career in Engineering and Operations Management. Tanner's highlights from his time at the University include the friendships he has made with his classmates, the two week study tour in Europe and competing in the MBA games. In his spare time, Tanner enjoys playing hockey and volleyball.

Albert Leung

• Albert is in his first year of the MBA degree program, with a specialization in Technology Commercialization. He plans to combine his background in medical sciences with his MBA to pursue a career involving development of new technologies. Albert is an active member in various student groups such as the Tech Comm Club, International Student Committee and ABCampus.

Jiaxue (Joe) Lu

• Jiaxue (Joe) is in his final year at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing his MBA degree with a specialization in CMA. He plans to continue to work in business/financial analysis field and future plans include the pursuit of a career in Canada. Throughout his time at University, Joe is active in intramural sports and participates in volunteer activities. Joe is an active member of his community and will start work in March as an events volunteer for Red Cross Canada in Edmonton.

Carmen Maslowski

• Carmen is a returning University of Alberta student currently in her first year of the program to earn her Certified Management Accounting designation and MBA. After graduation, Carmen intends to return to the financial sector to apply her knowledge of accounting, finance, and energy. Carmen participates in numerous activities outside of class including case competitions, event planning committees, and contributing to the new Edmonton Chapter of Young Professionals in Energy.

Kate McIntosh

• Kate is a full-time MBA student at the University of Alberta in her final year of the program. Kate has eight years of experience as a Generalist in Human Resources Management. In her most recent role, Kate led the Human Resources Services for a mid-sized organization. Kate worked as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and with a team of five human resources professionals in providing strategic and effective human resources services. During her time at University, Kate has been active with the MBAA, participated in an international study tour, and has competed in case competitions. Kate is interested in health and wellness and is an avid runner.

Michael Melenberg

• Michael started the part-time program in 2010. On top of everything, he participated in Net Impact projects, case competitions, and social events. During his second year, Michael began working towards completing his International Business specialization through a double degree program. With the help of the MBA Awards, he and his wife headed to France where Michael is completing an MSc in Strategy and Organization Consultancy. In France, his free time is spent exploring Europe and improving his French. Michael recently joined the Golden Key society and he hopes to find work consulting in the United Kingdom after graduation.

Craig Milne

• Craig is completing his last few courses towards an MBA with a specialization in Finance. He is Co-Founder and President of Stream Technologies Inc, a company developing an advanced hyperspectral imaging system. Craig enjoys working at the intersection of science and business and can see a clear path to becoming a serial technology entrepreneur, or maybe a finance professional, or perhaps an accountant, oh well, there’s always consulting? Craig is the proud father of two children who remind him of what is really important in this game.

Jennifer Morrison

• Jennifer Morrison is in her final year of the University of Alberta MBA/MEng program with a specialization in Chemical Engineering. Jennifer's previous work experience includes engineering at École nationale supérieure des mines de Nancy, in France and ABB Ltd in Switzerland. She is currently working part-time at EPCOR Technologies in Edmonton. Future plans include the pursuit of a career in management consulting. Jennifer is the President of the University of Alberta Scuba Appreciation Club and Chair of the MBAA Career Committee. In her spare time, Jennifer enjoys instructing yoga at Moksha Yoga Edmonton and playing hockey.

Matthew Mowbrey

• Matthew is completing an MBA/JD combined-degree, specializing in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He is actively engaged in the community, and has been involved in three start-ups in the agricultural manufacturing, food and beverage, and consulting industries. His entrepreneurship has extended to an active role in the community including the Red Dress Project, and Net Impact. He also holds executive positions in the MBA Students Association, Delta Upsilon Fraternity, and his political constituency.

Muhammad Muhammad

• Muhammad is an international student and is completing his MBA program this year at the University of Alberta. He plans to use the imparted knowledge to further his career in management. The MBA program at the University of Alberta has provided him with valuable tools to be a leader in today’s world. It has strengthened his entrepreneurial orientation and more importantly it has developed a deeper understanding of “family-business” and “business-family.” Furthermore, Muhammad is exploring the possibility of starting his own venture and is currently travelling on business. He is excited for the future and looks forward to an eventful year.

Vesna Nguyen

• Vesna is pursuing a joint MBA/Pharmacy degree. She plans to engage in managerial positions in pharmacy upon completion of her Pharmacy degree. Future plans include, the pursuit of a career that is not only challenging, but also advances the profession of Pharmacy through the advocacy of expanded pharmacist roles and the fostering of partnerships and networks with other health professions and businesses that promote health and wellness. Throughout her time at the University, Vesna participates in several case competitions, and engages in live case projects.

Talwinder Nirwan

• Talwinder is in his final year at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing a dual degree in MBA and MEng in Chemical Engineering. He plans to work in the energy sector and be involved in the progressive development of the Canadian Oil Sands. Throughout his time at University, Talwinder actively volunteers on MBA committees and participates in international study tours, as well as provincial information trips in Alberta. He has also been involved on the International Students Committee and in the successful organization of the MBA Games.

Masashi Oyama

• Masashi is in his first year at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing his MBA degree with a specialization in Natural Resources Energy and Environment. He has worked for a Japanese electric power company for eight years, and plans to pursue his career in the energy industry. He is the only Japanese student currently in the MBA program and is contributing to classes by providing a different perspective.

Jeremy Palmer

• Jeremy is in his first year at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing his MBA degree in the general program. He plans to continue to work as a Manager and hopes to someday own and operate his own business. He is a part-time student and works full time as the Director of Procurement and Operations for Westmount Store Fixtures, a small but rapidly growing retail/wholesale business. Throughout his time at University, Jeremy has enjoyed attending workshops and seminars provided by the University and will continue to look for opportunities to learn and be involved.

Maury Porter

• Maury is in his final year of the part-time MBA Program where he is specializing in Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment. He is currently employed with Enbridge Pipelines in the role of Supervisor of Pipeline System Design. Maury plans to continue his work with Enbridge post graduation, and will be pursuing new positions which will allow him to apply what he has learned in the MBA program at the University of Alberta.

Charlene Ribeiro

• Charlene is in her first year of the part-time, fast-track MBA program, with a specialization in Public Policy and Management. She's a member of the MBA Part-time Committee, as well as the Social Committee. She currently works as a Human Resources Consultant with the Government of Alberta, and has experience working in numerous departments. Over the past few years, she's been dedicated to improving her golf game, as well as her admittedly slow pace in the annual road races that she has entered.

Brett Richardson

• Brett is in his final year of the MBA program where he is specializing in Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment. Brett will work in the private sector where he aims to develop Canada's natural resources, with an emphasis on environmental stewardship and energy efficiency. Brett has been actively involved with Net Impact, as the Sustainability Coordinator, and the MBAA as the Sports Unit Manager.

Mike Riou

• Mike is an engineer with a background in technology development in the USA and Canada. By entering the part-time program, he was able to continue working for a start-up in Edmonton as well as pursue his studies, completing the program in December 2012. He participated in the European and China Study tours, and in July 2012 attended the exchange program in Vienna, Austria to study International Management. Outside of work and school Mike is an active triathlete and ringette coach. Currently employed with TCP (Technology Commercialization Partner), Mike is able to apply his engineering and MBA skillsets to emerging technology companies.

Chantelle Sedgwick

• Chantelle is in her third year of the part-time MBA program at the University of Alberta. For the past two years, Chantelle has been a member of the MBA student group Net Impact, where she is involved in Marketing and Communications. Chantelle is currently employed at Aquila Diagnostics Inc, an Edmonton based biotechnology firm that is developing lab on a chip technology for the detection of pathogens and genetic markers.

Dominic Strickland

• Dominic is in his first year of the MBA program. He is pursuing a general "Dominic" specialization to complement his degree in Civil Engineering. He plans to continue his career in the construction industry with a focus on project management. Dominic is an active participant in student organizations, student committees and case competitions. Dominic plans to become further involved in these activities within the 2013/2014 school term.

Jean-Paul Tsotsos

• Jean-Paul is a first year MBA student at the Alberta School of Business, specializing in Natural Resources, Energy and Environment. Before joining the program, he worked over five years as a Professional Geologist in the Mining and Exploration industry. It is his goal to use his MBA and previous experience as a bridge into the Oil and Gas industry. Currently at University of Alberta, Jean-Paul has been actively involved in case competitions, the MBA Association, and the restoration of Business Graduate House.

Walter Viale

• Walter is in his first year at the University of Alberta where he is pursuing his MBA degree with a specialization in Natural Resources, Energy, and Environment. He has ten years of working experience in the energy sector and plans to continue to work in the financial field of the oil and gas industry. Future plans include becoming a Senior Finance Manager. Throughout his time at University, Walter is the First Year Vice President Finance Representative of the MBA Association and a member of the committee of Young Professionals in Energy, Edmonton chapter.

Andrew Wujcik

• Andrew is in his second year of the part-time MBA program, specializing in Public Policy and Management. For the past six years, Andrew has been working for the federal government, most recently in the Department of Aboriginal Affairs working with First Nations. Andrew hopes to continue developing his skills for management and senior management within the public service. Andrew has volunteered for numerous non-profit boards in different capacities, and is a husband and proud father of two young boys.

Congratulations

to all of our

scholarship recipients

and thank you to our

donors