Our People
Head, School of Ocean Technology
Paul Brett holds a M.Sc (Geography) from Memorial University of Newfoundland, as well as undergraduate degrees in Education (Post-Secondary), Physics and Geography. In addition to his academic pursuits, Paul has also maintained a practical focus. He is a specialist in geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing and has widespread experience working with synthetic aperture radar (SAR), multispectral imaging, multi-beam sonar, side scan sonar and geographic information systems application and development.
Paul is a mentor to the Memorial University’s Eastern Edge Robotics team, which competes in the International MATE ROV Competition each year. Paul has also volunteered as an instructional staff member on a Students on Ice expedition to the Antarctic, which completed his goal of visiting all seven continents.
He has participated in several ocean mapping-focused research partnerships, including with the University of Rhode Island on the research vessel, Endeavour, the University of Limerick and the Irish Marine Institute aboard the research vessel, Celtic Explorer and with the Institute for Exploration on the research vessel, Nautilus. Paul also has significant experience in Canada’s Arctic, as one of the architects of a Coastal Resource Inventory for Nunavut.
Assistant Head
Joe Singleton, P.Eng, started his career as a process engineer in the domestic and overseas manufacturing sector with General Electric and JDS Uniphase. He joined the Marine Institute in 2003 and has spent significant time working in all three schools within MI.
Joe started his career at MI as a design engineer for the Centre for Aquaculture and Seafood Development in the School of Fisheries. He has been awarded patents for machinery currently used in the fish processing industry. His time at the School of Maritime Studies mainly consisted of teaching mechanical engineering courses (Fluids, Thermodynamics, Mechanics, Strength of Materials, Design, etc.). Joe’s Master’s research work was based on an autonomous moored profiler system and he has provided engineering support to several ocean observation projects, giving him experience in ocean observation systems.
Before taking on the Assistant Head role at the School of Ocean Technology, he delivered courses such as project management, quality management and problem solving in the Bachelor of Technology program; and a computer-aided fabrication course in the Remotely Operated Vehicle program.
Instructor
Marco Barajas holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering from the École Polytechnique de Montréal. He also holds an MSc in Productivity and Quality Systems and a BSc in Industrial Engineering.
Marco has much professional non-academic experience in such diverse capacities as logistics, supply chain management and operations management.
His areas of expertise are technology, manufacturing, operations, production and project management, regression analysis, operations research, Six Sigma, logistics and supply chain management.
Demonstrator
Chris Batten is a laboratory demonstrator with the School of Ocean Technology. Chris has a diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology (Computers and IT) from the College of the North Atlantic and is currently completing a Bachelor of Technology from the Marine Institute.
Chris’ previous work experience includes various research and development projects through C-Core’s Centrifuge facility, Memorial University and the Center for Sustainable Aquatic Resources at the Marine Institute. The most notable projects are the Biodegradable Twine project conducted through the Center for Sustainable Aquatic Resources, Vortex Induced Vibration testing at Memorial University’s Engineering Department and Skewed Rotor Design at the Marine Institute.
Chris’ specialties include data acquisition, electronics design and fabrication, circuit board design and fabrication, computer aided design and fabrication, computer networking and programming, and microcontrollers.
Project Engineer
Craig Bulger is a project engineer with the Centre of Applied Ocean Technology at the Holyrood Marine Base. He’s interests are in the area of autonomous surface vehicles, underwater acoustics, embedded system design, remote sensing and digital signal processing. Craig has significant experience in the design, implementation and testing of multi-platform underwater acoustical systems and signal processing software. Over the years he has been involved in the testing, development and deployment of projects for the aquaculture, military, space and oil and gas sectors.
Craig holds a B.Sc (Hons) in Software Engineering and a B.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Physics. He is currently working on his Bachelor of Education (Post-Secondary).
Instructor
Susan Caines is a professional engineer whose experience includes automotive design and primary metal recovery. She has extensive design and project management experience and currently is involved in research focusing on material degradation in relation to asset integrity management.
Susan earned a PhD from Memorial University, a Masters in Science from Purdue University and a Bachelor of Engineering from Dalhousie University. She is currently pursuing her certificate in Post-Secondary Educational from Memorial University.
As well as teaching with SOT’s Masters of Technology Management and Bachelor of Technology programs, Susan is cross-appointed to the Process Engineering program within the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science.
She is the group leader for the Center for Risk, Integrity and Safety Engineering’s (C-RISE) Asset Integrity Management research group and a member of the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists Newfoundland & Labrador (PEGNL) Limited License Assessment Committee.
Instructor/Chair of MTM Program
Dr. Christian Coronado is the Academic Director of the Master of Technology Management at the Marine Institute. He holds a PhD in Industrial Engineering with focus on Technology and Innovation Management from the École Polytechnique de Montréal. Further to this, Dr. Coronado has completed a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property from the Faculty of Law of the University of Turin. Currently, Dr. Coronado is pursuing his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of London.,
Dr. Coronado is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) from the Institute of Industrial Engineers (IIE). His research interests include innovation management, technology transfer and product development, Six Sigma in the automotive industry and primary industries, Intellectual Property (IP) management in low-tech industries and IP management in the automotive industry.
Senior Technologist
Eric Davis, P.Tech., senior technologist with CTec, is a graduate of the Electrical Engineering Technology diploma program from the Institute of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
Prior to joining CTec, Eric worked with the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications for 14 years, initially as an engineering technologist and then as a network administrator. In 2006, Eric was designated technical lead for the SmartBay project. In this capacity he is responsible for maintenance of offshore systems, sensor installations, wireless communication services and data/network services. Eric also provides technical support for the Holyrood Marine Base. With over 20 years’ experience in the marine technology industry, Eric provides advice and guidance to colleagues and external clients.
Eric is a member of the Association of Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Newfoundland and Labrador Inc. (AETTNL) and currently sits as a Co-Chair on the Marine Institute - Holyrood Marine Base Occupational Health and Safety Committee.
Instructor
Paul Elliott has accumulated experience in various educational and technology sectors. He has worked numerous roles within the K-12 system, ranging from Vice-Principal, Science, Social Studies and Technology Education teacher, Computer Network and System Administrator, Social Studies Department Head, CDLI M-Team duties and as Professional Development Officer for the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers Association (NLTA) Branch Executive. He has also held various technical roles within these private and public sectors extending from Geographic Information System (GIS) Manager, Systems Analyst, Senior Analyst, Web Developer, Spatial Database Administrator, IT Consultant and Programmer/Analyst.
Paul currently holds a Bachelor of Science, a Bachelor of Education (Intermediate/Secondary), a Diploma of Technology Education, a Post-Graduate Certificate in GIS, a Master of Education (Information Technology) and a Post-Secondary Teaching Certificate. He is working towards his Bachelor of Education (Post-Secondary) and Master of Science/Accelerated PhD.
Presently the Chair of the Ocean Mapping program, he also teaches within the program and within the School of Fisheries. The courses Paul teaches cover several disciplines including Geographic Information Systems, Remote Sensing, Underwater Acoustics, Marine Geology and Geophysics, Nautical Chart Production, Computer Networking and Computer Programming. In addition to teaching, Paul also has taken on a leadership role in the certification of the Ocean Mapping program from a national accreditation (CTAB) and international recognition (IHO) perspective. Serving as a GIS Ambassador for the K-12 system, he is in the process of attaining educational and technical certifications to aid in effective educational delivery of technical content.
In his free time, Paul enjoys martial arts, astronomy, fishing and travelling.
Administrative Assistant
Crystal-Lynn Gorman works as the Administrative Assistant for CTEC, and is currently working towards the completion of her Bachelor of Business Administration degree at Memorial University. Crystal-Lynn joined the Marine Institute in 2008 and began her work with CTEC in 2010.
Prior to her work with the Marine Institute, Crystal-Lynn's career was mainly in the financial sector, but she loves the diversity that the Marine Institute has brought to her career. Being in a position that allows her to assist and be part of so many different areas and events at MI is a challenge that Crystal-Lynn enjoys.
Instructor
Donald J. Haynes, P. Eng. has had professional training spanning across many disciplines from technology management, intellectual property protection and entrepreneurship to computer networking, computer programming and electronics. He has accumulated experiences in other technology related areas including embedded systems, robotics, telecommunications, and switching.
Don graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), a Certificate in Post-Secondary Education and a Masters in Technology Management. Prior to this, he graduated from the College of Trades and Technology with a Diploma in Electronics Technology. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Education Degree (Post-Secondary).
Don is an instructor with the School of Ocean Technology teaching in the Bachelor of Technology program. Since joining the Marine Institute in 2001, he has taught in such areas as technology management, computer networking, computer programming, embedded systems, interfacing, radio communications, fiber optics, electronics, rotating machines and marine electrical systems. As a life-long learner, he has a wide variety of interests ranging from robotics and remote sensing to value chain logistics and disruptive technological innovations.
Instructor
Chris Keats has been working with diverse technologies and applications in the marine field, such as sustainable fisheries, habitat management, seabed mapping and marine spatial planning, throughout his career. Currently, his work mostly revolves around Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies.
Chris holds a Masters in Environmental Science, a Bachelor of Technology and a Diploma in Marine Environmental Technology from Memorial University. He also holds several certificates and has done training courses in the fields of GIS, multibeam sonar, side scan sonar, marine spatial planning and other post-secondary education.
Teaching courses in a number of Marine Institute programs including Marine Environmental, Water Quality, Ocean Mapping and Marine Spatial Planning has lead Chris to continuously pursue learning and training opportunities in these fields and to employ new technologies in the classroom.
Senior Project Engineer
Richard Kelly has a specific interest in collaborating with industry partners to identify opportunities where computerized engineering solutions can be employed to improve marine activities. Ocean observation, sea-bed mapping, instrumentation, data communications and marine electronics are all within Richard’s areas of expertise. In addition to being the technical lead on major projects including SmartAtlantic, SmartASS and ARIES, Richard also serves on two International Organization of Standards working groups, developing international standards for marine technologies and underwater acoustics.
A professional engineer, Richard holds a Bachelor of Science (Physics) from St. Francis Xavier University and a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) from the University of New Brunswick. Dedicated to continued learning, he is completing his Master of Engineering (Computer Engineering) at Memorial University.
Instructor
Shelly Leighton has spent a number of years working in the offshore oil and gas industry as well as on heavy civil projects in Newfoundland and Labrador. She has worked as an offshore surveyor, data processor and project manager for construction support projects worldwide.
Shelly graduated from Memorial University with her Masters in Oil and Gas Engineering and a Bachelor of Science and Engineering in Geodesy and Geomatics from the University of New Brunswick. As well as being an instructor with the School of Ocean Technology’s Ocean Mapping program, she is a Commissioned Canada Lands Surveyor and is involved in a number of initiatives with the Association of Canada Lands Surveyors (ACLS).
Shelly has a keen interest in unmanned aerial vehicles for surveying and mapping as an emerging technology and as a member of the ACLS Offshore Committee she enjoys being involved in the development of Canada’s lands.
Instructor
Jerry Matchem came to the Marine Institute in 1993 where he was part of the School of Maritime Studies until the School of Ocean Technology was initiated in 2008. His main area of interest in engineering is power generation, transmission and distribution and he has work experience with both Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland Hydro.
Jerry graduated with a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering in 1992 and received his Bachelors in Education (Post-Secondary) in 2003 from Memorial University.
Over the years, Jerry has taught courses in many fields, mostly related to the electrical and electronics fields. Currently, Jerry delivers courses in first year Electrotechnology, Rotating Machines (Motors and Generators), Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and the Transport Canada Electrotechnology for first, second and third class qualifying exams.
Instructor
Robert Matchim joined the Marine Institute in January of 1993 with an Electrical Engineering Degree and primary experience with Newfoundland Hydro’s Engineering Department. Since joining the Marine Institute, he has filled many roles including various Program Chair positions and has aided the Offshore Safety and Survival Centre personnel with the data acquisition for the Seascape Project.
Robert has a Bachelor’s of Engineering (electrical) and a Master’s of Technology Management, both from Memorial University. He has also completed courses in Effective Instruction, obtained a Post-Secondary Instructor’s Certificate and completed a short course in Industrial Instrumentation.
Since obtaining his Masters of Technology Management, Robert predominantly teaches a number of courses in the Bachelor of Technology program. He is also keenly interested in aiding students with various technical projects that are an integral aspect of the programs at the Marine Institute.
Research Technical Personnel
Kevin O'Brien is an Electronic Technologist with CTec and has certifications in Industrial Electronics and Instrumentation Control Technician. Since his graduation from the College of the North Atlantic in 1991, Kevin has travelled and worked internationally with high technology companies in marine and offshore industries, gaining considerable field experience and knowledge. He has worked with the research and development of remote sensing technologies involving meteorological, oceanographic and geophysical data collection systems. Kevin is fully certified to work on offshore vessels and installations and has gained considerable marine electronic knowledge for both onshore and offshore field work.
Kevin previously worked as a research electronics technologists on research projects with the OSSC of the Marine Institute.
Kevin likes to keep moving, continually learning and sharing ideas. He occasionally returns to the OSSC to assist in research field trials for data collection.
Instructor
Shawn Pendergast has over 20 years managing various enterprise level IT systems. Shawn started as a full-time instructor in April, 2018 but has worked as a part-time instructor since 2015. Recently, he worked at Memorial University as the Manager of Student IT Services. Shawn also has experience working with Schneider Electric, a multinational high-tech company, in Victoria, British Columbia. During that time, he had the opportunity to participate and lead many major IT commercial projects with organizations like Honda, Weyerhaeuser, City of Chicago and ABB. In addition, Shawn was also employed in the forestry sector in British Columbia and conducted environmental impact assessments in Ontario.
Shawn graduated from UNB with a B.Sc from the Faculty of Forestry & Environment Management and completed a graduate diploma in Information Technology, followed by an M.Ed at Memorial University. Shawn is currently working on his Doctorate at the University of Calgary with a focus on educational technology within higher education, specifically, how new technologies such as 3D printing and the Makerspace concept can help improve student engagement at the post-secondary level.
Shawn is a strong believer in lifelong learning. His goal as an instructor is to create an environment where students feel safe to express their ideas, take risks and be creative.
Administrative Assistant
Clara Penny is the Administrative Assistant for the School of Ocean Technology. She has worked with the Centre for Fisheries Ecosystems Research, the Centre for Applied Ocean Technology and the Office of the Registrar during her time at the Marine Institute. Clara has experience editing websites and publications and has an English, Physical Education and Education background. Currently, Clara is working on her Masters in Education through Memorial University.
Instructor
Valerie Piercey is an instructor with the School of Ocean Technology and is responsible for teaching in the areas of Motor Controls, Electrical Safety, Occupational Health and Safety, Programmable Controls, and Electrotech courses within the ROV, Ocean Instrumentation, Bachelor of Technology and Marine Engineering Technician/Technology programs.
She holds a B.Ed (Post-secondary), as well as a B.Eng and was awarded Academic Excellence in Electrical Engineering for her graduating class as well as 15 scholarships from Memorial University. Valerie started her career with Rutter Engineering and Automation, completing various control and automation design projects including ones for Voisey’s Bay Nickel, North Atlantic Refining Limited, Newfoundland Power, Abitibi Consolidated and CFLCO. Before starting with the Marine Institute, she worked with Cahill Instrumentation, developing DCS software and graphical interface for various systems on the Terra Nova FPSO, as part of the construction management team with the Nexen Long Lake Project and also on the Hibernia South Expansion project.
Valerie has several training courses in electrical grounding and bonding, arc flash awareness, supervisor safety, hazardous locations, Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), ROV Electrical Safety, construction safety, project management and PLC. In 2017, Valerie was honoured with the Marine Institute Teaching Award through nomination from her students and peers.
Marine Geomatics Specialist
As a spatial data analyst for more than 25 years, Kirk has worked primarily in the natural resources sector. Prior to starting with the Marine Institute, Kirk owned a spatial data consulting business where he was involved in a variety of projects in fisheries management, oil and gas and mineral exploration for both public and private industry clients. He also developed and delivered curriculum at both the college level and privately through a partnership with an international Global Information System (GIS) company. Some career highlights include an expert witness during the prosecution of fisheries violations, a planning advisor to ECRC’s oil spill response team, a board member to associations representing the geomatics industry and initial involvement in the first trans-Atlantic mapping survey under the Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance.
His career as a spatial analyst began during his education at Memorial University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science in Geography. While attending Memorial, he worked on early GIS projects with the university as well as the initial GIS with the City of St. John’s, and he has since been working in the geomatics sector.
Kirk’s ocean mapping project development role within the Centre for Applied Technology (CTec) supports seabed mapping projects for fisheries and geoscience research locally as well as with the Government of Nunavut.
Canada Research Chair in Ocean Mapping
Dr. Katleen Robert has a BSc from McGill University, a MSc in Biology from the University of Victoria and a PhD from the University of Southampton, UK. Her doctoral thesis focused on mapping habitat heterogeneity in complex deep-sea environments. Following graduation, she worked as a post-doctoral research assistant at the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, UK, where she developed approaches for mapping vertical structures in submarine canyons.
At MI, Katleen Robert is establishing a research lab which looks at advancing our understanding of seafloor spatial heterogeneity, distributions of benthic communities, how habitats may respond to different human-induced and natural stressors, and how scale (extent and resolution) affects our ability to detect and monitor change. Through her research, she employs a range of technologies (AUVs, ROVs, sonars, photogrammetry) to provide high-resolution maps from which quantitative insights regarding resource location, infrastructure condition, geological hazards, local oceanographic processes or effectiveness of conservation measures can be drawn.
Instructor
Corey Roche has a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, an Instructors Certificate and is currently working towards his Bachelor of Technology and Education degree from Memorial University. Corey has gained a large amount of preventative maintenance and troubleshooting experience on electromechanical devices in both civilian and military industries. He has worked with factory and aircraft machinery, underwater robotics and directional drilling tools as well as hydraulics, sheet metal fabrication, mechanics, electrical components and electronics during his considerable in-house training at Baker Hughes, Oceaneering, Cascade Aerospace and DeHavilland.
Corey teaches in the Remote Operated Vehicles program, bringing a “can co” approach to the students so that they are prepared to overcome all the challenges of their new careers.
Editor, JOT
Dawn Roche entered the publishing industry in 2001 – first as Publisher/General Manager (fiction and non-fiction books) for a Newfoundland firm followed by a three-year stint in the Middle East (Qatar) where she worked as Editor on a monthly events and entertainment magazine. Upon her return to Newfoundland, she served as Editor of the Memorial University alumni magazine. Outside of the publishing industry, Dawn has worked in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) film industry as well as economic and infrastructure development in rural NL. Her current role is Managing Editor of the Journal of Ocean Technology (JOT).
Dawn likes innovation – particularly “outside-of-the-box” thinking to solve problems. She enjoys linking people together, sharing information and making connections. She welcomes new ideas and working in collaboration with others to achieve success. Sustainability of our earth and its oceans is important to her. She holds a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from York University.
Instructor
Paul Ryan is a bilingual Professional Engineer (P.Eng) and a retired Communications and Electrical Engineering Officer with the Canadian Armed Forces. He has a Master’s of Engineering Management, a Bachelor of Education (Post-Secondary), a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), a Professional Development Diploma and a General Science Diploma (CEGEP).
Before joining MI, Paul worked with the Canadian Armed Forces and the IT industry. He was Operations Manager of 35 personnel, tracking satellites on 24/7 operational taskings from NORAD Space Command in Colorado Springs, CO. He led the operations and maintenance of a transmitter and receiver site and associated telecomm network and cable plant. He has planned, developed and led the installation of operational field trials of new communication systems, software programs and computer networks. He led the operational server support services for major clients on a 24/7 basis with 27 staff spread over three Atlantic provinces.
Paul currently instructs in the Master of Technology Management and the Bachelor of Technology programs and assists other programs as needed.
Paul is a subject matter expert for marine renewable energy at MI. He is interested in leadership, management, project management, information technologies, decarbonizing the economy and energy efficiency and has served on numerous committees at MI.
Instructor
Wes Smith has accumulated a wide experience in various technology areas during his career. He has worked with marine related remote sensing technologies involving meteorological, oceanographic, hydrographic, and geophysical data collection systems; and has been involved with the research and development of underwater acoustics and electro-mechanical/robotic systems. He has also gained considerable experience with analogue/digital electronics, data communications, process control instrumentation, industrial/marine electrical and ROV systems.
He has a Master of Technology Management, a Bachelor of Technology and a Bachelor of Education (Post-Secondary) from Memorial University. Wes had started his career after graduating from the College of Fisheries (now the Marine Institute) in 1981 with a Diploma of Electronics Technology and has also obtained certifications as an Instrumentation and Control Technician as well as Industrial Electrician.
Wes teaches in the Bachelor of Technology program and frequently lends his skills and expertise to other programs and departments within the Marine Institute. He is a life-long learner and is keenly interested in new and innovative ways to understand and develop our oceans resources.
Instructor
Saradha Venkatraman graduated with a Masters of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering in 2004 and a B.Ed. (Post-Secondary Education) degree in 2012. Saradha gained experience working with embedded controllers and has been teaching since 2004. She has experience instructing several courses, including electronics and digital systems, instrumentation, controls, microcontroller interfacing, embedded controllers, analog, digital data communication as well as basic electrical courses and computer-related courses.
Saradha has experience guiding students on electronics and on digital and microcontroller interfacing projects. She includes project-based learning environments in her courses and enjoys learning new innovative techniques to incorporate into her teaching.
With her computer engineering background and interest in instrumentation and embedded controllers, Saradha would like to further explore sensor installations, collecting data and maintaining databases in ocean observing systems.
Instructor
Darrell Wells has worked in numerous areas of technology in his career, including marine communication technologies in the areas of remote data collection, electromagnetic interference and satellite communications. Having worked with Inmarsat and Iridium, he also has extensive communication application development experience for satellite communication technologies.
After graduating from the Marine Institute in 1990 with a Diploma of Electronics Technology, Darrell acquired a Masters in Technology Management, a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) and a Bachelor of Education (Post-Secondary) from Memorial University.
Darrell teaches in the Bachelor of Technology program and has been its Program Chair for the past three years. He is heavily involved in numerous volunteer initiatives from community groups, local high schools and the 514 Air Cadets.
Demonstrator
Georgina White has worked in various environmental disciplines such as microbiology and chemistry laboratories, oil spill response, fisheries research, and mostly recently with Geographical Information Systems (GIS). She has had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects including emerging species, sustainable fishing and coastal resource assessments.
Georgina has completed the Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Education (Post-Secondary) and the Masters of Environmental Science through Memorial University. She is currently working towards the Masters of Education (Post-Secondary). Since 2001, she has also been a proud Reserve member of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Georgina teaches within the Bachelor of Technology program and a variety of courses with both the School of Ocean Technology and the School of Fisheries. She believes education is a lifetime endeavor and welcomes opportunities for personal growth.
Instructor
Ling Wu has considerable experience in electrical, electronic and computer technology areas. As a design engineer for 15 years in an electrical power rectifier company, she accumulated knowledge and experiences on electrical, electronics, industry control, microcomputers and programmable logic controllers (PLCs). She also conducted researches in computer hardware and software projects for industry control automations and interfacing.
Ling has a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, a Bachelor of Education (Post-Secondary) from Memorial University and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Northwestern Polytechnic University in China. She is a lifelong learner and currently continues her studies with a Master’s degree of Education (Post-Secondary) in order to gain advanced knowledge regarding students and post-secondary educational institutions.
Ling teaches electrical and control technology courses in many programs at the Marine Institution. She is actively engaged in a number of school activities including the Help Center, which provides support to students, and is keen to be a part of future ocean innovation and technology improvements.
