1. Special guest speakers
a. Mark Chien, Penn State
b. Deborah Inglis, CCOVI
2. Researchers
Kirk Hillier, Acadia University
Dr. Hillier's lab (http://www.acadiau.ca/~khillier/) is using cutting edge technology to accelerate the development of novel, inexpensive methods for managing insect pests. This includes the development of the new CABL (Chemical Analysis and Bio-Imaging Laboratory) at Acadia University.
Anthony Tong, Acadia University
Dr. Tong has established a Research Laboratory for Wine Analysis at Acadia University. This laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art analytical facilities including GC/MS and HPLC/MS/MS. Dr. Tong is interested in developing analytical methods in collaboration with wine industry. Dr. Tong's laboratory will also provide analytical services for critical wine parameters, such as ethanol, sulphur dioxide, organic acids, antioxidants, sugars, microorganisms, etc.
Ed Reekie, Acadia University
Dr. Reekie is interested in research opportunities related to assessing the impact of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations and climate change on crop production, as well as assessing means of mitigating any possible detrimental effects. Dr. Reekie's research interests are focussed on the interface between plant physiology and ecology.
Scott Follows, Acadia University
As a researcher, Dr. Follows investigates methods to improve learning through the use of technology.
Martin Tango, Acadia University
Dr. Tango is currently in the early stages of implementing a collaborative research project with Petite Rivière Vineyard, a winery owned and operated by Ogden Pond Ltd. that will explore enhancing soil buffering capacity and plant infection control strategies for vibrant viticulture growth.
Shelley MacDougall, Acadia University
Dave Kristie, Acadia University
By training Dr. Kristie is a plant physiologist with interests focused primarily on germination and dormancy, plant growth rhythms and the control plant growth and development by light and hormones. In recent years his work has focused on understanding the mechanisms by which seaweed extracts influence plant growth and development.
Balakrishnan Prithiviraj, Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC)
Dr. Prithiviraj has a wide range of experience in plant stress physiology, post-harvest biology and plant pathology. He has worked closely with agri-biotech industry partners to develop technologies to improve plant productivity that has resulted in three patents. He was involved in the isolation of bioactive compounds from beneficial bacteria that improves germination and growth of a wide variety of field and horticultural crops under low temperature stress. He is currently working on use of marine bioproducts to improve cold tolerance, disease resistance and quality of harvested produce.
Medhi Sharifi, Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC)
After earning his PhD degree in the area of soil fertility and nutrient management, he has worked in Atlantic Canada for the past 6 years on several research projects related to nutrient management. This has included research examining plant and soil tests for nutrient deficiency diagnosis, best nutrient management practices, nutrient management in organic systems, manure and compost management, use of biowaste composts, and management practices to reduce nitrogen losses to the environment.
Chris Pruski, Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC)
He spent 20 years in Edmonton working first as a research plant tissue culture specialist for the Province of Alberta and then as an extension specialist in entomology for the horticulture sector of the province; in 1999 he moved to Truro, NS to take the position of Research Chair in Potato Physiology and later the Associate Professor in Plant Propagation. In summer 2009, Kris took the position of Associate Professor in Fruit Horticulture at NSAC.
David Percival, Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC)
David presently serves as the NSAC contact for the NSAC-Brock University undergraduate viticulture and oenology degree program, teaches the Plant Physiology and Introduction to Viticulture undergraduate degree courses at the NSAC, and is also presently involved in the "TAPVO" (Transatlantic Curricula in Agricultural Principles applied to Oenology, Viticulture, Natural Products) initiative with Brock University, Università degli Studi di Udine, University of Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, and Technical University of Lisbon.
Richard Ablett, Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC)
Richard Ablett is CEO, Atlantic BioVenture Centre, a recent expansion initiative at AgriTECH Park, Nova Scotia Agricultural College in Truro, Nova Scotia. The Centre has a mission to create value chain developments with Atlantic bioresources as part of a movement towards developing the bio-economy for Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region. Emphasis is directed to the field of nutraceuticals, bioactives, functional ingredients and bio-products. Richard joined NSAC in 2005 from a former position as Director, Bioscience Development with Technology P.E.I. in Prince Edward Island.
3. Funding organizations
a. Catherine Vardy, National Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
b. Steve Owen, National Research Council - Industrial Research Assistance Program NRC-IRAP)
c. Loretta Robichaud, Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture
d. Heather Rand, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC)
4. Educational
a. John Lewis, AgraPoint
b. Isabel Madeira-Voss, Nova Scotia Community College