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Student Program
Committee
Preliminary Program
Sponsors and Exhibitors

October 20-22 2025

Hyatt Regency Toronto

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DIET2025 Organizing Committee

Organizing Committee

Kevin Lee

Conference Co-Chair

Kevin Lee

Conference Co-Chair

Kevin Lee leads the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission's (CNSC) team analyzing disruptive, innovative and emerging technology (DIET) and its application in the nuclear industry. The DIET team evaluates DIET and readies the CNSC to regulate DIET. Kevin's duties also include readying the CNSC' s regulatory framework for Advanced Reactor Technology (ART) and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Kevin is also active on numerous other policy and regulatory files at the CNSC including fusion technologies. Kevin also leads the CNSC's Meet the Nuclear Regulator (MTNR) team which provides outreach from the perspective of the CNSC on numerous topics relevant to stakeholders.

Daniel Foster Roman

Conference Co-Chair

Daniel Foster Roman

Conference Co-Chair

Dan is a leader with over 10 years experience driving innovation and digital transformation within the power and utilities industries. As a Senior Analytics Engineer at Seeq, he leverages his hands-on plant engineering experience and advanced analytics and AI skillsets to solve complex problems, optimize processes, and maximize value for customers. His deep understanding of the industry was developed through progressive roles leading engineering, analytics, reporting, innovation and software development teams at Ontario Power Generation, one of the largest clean energy providers in North America. Career highlights include founding an industry leading remote Monitoring & Diagnostic Center and saving millions of dollars through automation, condition-based maintenance, and averted equipment failures. Additionally, Dan is committed to advancing innovation and connection across the industry. He has provided thought leadership, advising and authoring guidelines and standards through organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Electric Power Research Institute, contributing to global best practices. As chair of the international annual conference on Disruptive, Innovative and Emerging Technology hosted by the Canadian Nuclear Society, Dan promotes collaboration and connects leaders to drive forward-thinking solutions in the energy sector

Gabe Aversano

Plenary Committee Co-chair

Gabe Aversano

Plenary Committee Co-chair

Gabriel Aversano, MBA, is a leader within the machine learning and artificial intelligence team at Kinectrics. He brings over a decade of experience in the nuclear industry with diverse experience within software development, engineering, safety analysis, innovation, research and development, and project/product management. Gabriel acts as a liaison between business and technical teams with a focus on delivering business value. He has a proven track record of delivering innovative solutions utilizing agile methods. Prior to this role, he led the Design Engineering Innovation Program responsible for engaging staff and generating innovative ideas, developing business cases, and overseeing/managing innovation innovative initiatives including laser scanning, digital twins, software automation tools, and AI leveraging 15 years of experience in automation and software development

Jennifer Wong

Plenary Committee Co-chair

Jennifer Wong

Plenary Committee Co-chair

Jennifer has over 20 years of experience in the Critical Infrastructure sector and has held leadership roles in Engineering, IT, and Capital Projects. She is currently the National Power Generation Lead at Accenture, where she is helping her clients advance clean energy projects. Prior to joining Accenture, Jennifer was with Ontario Power Generation, where she was the Head of Digital Strategy for Small Modular Reactors and the Enterprise Lead for Cybersecurity, among other senior roles. She is also the co-author of Canada's first national standard for nuclear cybersecurity. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toronto and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Ontario. She is passionate about girls' education and mentoring the next generation of energy leaders. She currently serves on the Board of Governors at Havergal College where she is also the Chair of the EDI Committee.

Chris Cochrane

Technical Committee Co-chair

Chris Cochrane

Technical Committee Co-chair

Chris is the Technical Advisor within the Directorate of Security and Safeguards at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Ed Ho

Organizing Committee & Treasurer

Ed Ho

Organizing Committee & Treasurer

Ed Ho is a finance and strategy professional focused on advancing the energy transition. He brings experience across the investment spectrum from portfolio management and venture capital to corporate development and solving complex challenges while working with both startups and large organisations. Ed is driven by projects in energy, infrastructure, and technology, with a particular focus on nuclear and the grid. He holds a Master of Science in Energy Policy and Climate from Johns Hopkins University, where his capstone thesis explored the North American nuclear supply chain for SMRs. Ed is a Chartered Financial Analyst and also holds degrees in Chemistry and French Literature from Western University. He has served on boards of public companies, private firms, and non-profits, and is currently Treasurer on the organising committee for this conference.

Wesley Ross

Communications Chair

Wesley Ross

Communications Chair

Wesley Ross is a Regulatory Framework Officer at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. He splits his work between managing updates to the CNSC’s regulatory tools and its online consultation platform, Let’s Talk Nuclear Safety. He has a background in communications, having previously worked in the Strategic Communications Directorate at the CNSC and as a proposal writer for the University of Ottawa. His goal is to help make the CNSC an agile regulator, and to improve engagement between the CNSC and the people and communities it serves.

John McIntosh

Student & Academia Chair

Ed Bradley

International Engagement Chair

Ed Bradley

International Engagement Chair

Ed’s diverse experience includes management, oversight and technical support of both nuclear power and research reactor facilities. Ed has been at the IAEA since 2005 and is currently the Team Leader, NPP Operation & Engineering Support in the IAEA Division of Nuclear Power.

Prior to the IAEA, he worked as a design engineer and project manager for ANSTO, a national, nuclear laboratory in Australia.

Before ANSTO, he worked in the US commercial nuclear power industry as a reactor engineer at Oyster Creek, a Boiling Water Reactor and as a shift- and then a system-engineer at the Three Mile Island Unit-1 Pressurized Water Reactor. Ed also worked as a Senior Reactor Operator at the 3,000 MW DOE Savannah River Site L-reactor. Ed received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1989 and numerous technical certifications and qualifications throughout his career.

Salim El Bouzidi

Organizing Committee

Salim El Bouzidi

Organizing Committee

Salim El Bouzidi is the Head of the Dynamics, Measurements, and Analytics Section of the Fluids Engineering Branch at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories. He is leading and contributing to projects related to the use of artificial intelligence for nuclear plant condition monitoring and projects on nuclear plant component degradation due to vibration and wear. Salim is a professional engineer with 11 years of experience in nuclear-related academic and industrial R&D. Salim holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Brunswick, a Master’s of Applied Science from the University of Guelph, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from McMaster University.

Nazgol Shahbandi

Organizing Committee

Nazgol Shahbandi

Organizing Committee

Nazgol Shahbandi is the Integration Strategy lead advisor in Ontario Power Generation Renewable Generation Programs. Naz has over 10 years of experience in implementing AI and ML strategies in Online Continuous Monitoring, Plant Health, Condition Based and Value Based Maintenance programs, Equipment Diagnostic and Prognostic modeling and Optimization. Prior to her current role, she led the OPG Monitoring and Diagnostic Centre Renewable Generation Continuous Online Modeling and Monitoring for 5 years. Naz was honored with the 2022 Canadian Nuclear Society’s (CNS) Innovation Achievement Award for efforts and achievements in improving equipment reliability for OPG Nuclear assets.

Michele Lunney

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Chair

Michele Lunney

Sponsorship and Exhibitor Chair

Michele is a dynamic and accomplished business development leader with over 18 years of experience driving revenue growth through strategic sales, marketing, and business development initiatives. With a robust background in New Nuclear Energy, IT Advisory & Consulting, and Digital Transformation, she has consistently delivered outstanding results, evidenced by her multiple "Presidents Club" awards for sales excellence.

In her current role as a Non-resident Fellow at The Stimson Center in Washington, DC, Michele leads projects at the intersection of advanced nuclear energy and blockchain technology. She spearheads strategies for the commercial liftoff of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and explores the potential of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) to enhance transparency and security in nuclear safeguards and chemical trade. Her work involves collaboration with industry leaders, government stakeholders, and global regulatory bodies, reflecting her deep expertise in nuclear energy and innovative technologies.

Previously, as Vice President of Business Development at OARO, Michele played a pivotal role in securing major contracts, including a groundbreaking agreement with a Canadian Small Modular Reactor company. She has a proven track record in managing complex sales cycles, developing strategic partnerships, and breaking into new high-growth markets. Her leadership at OARO and earlier roles at HPE, Gartner, and NB Power Corporation showcase her ability to drive significant business growth and establish long-lasting client relationships.

Michele is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, which complements her analytical approach to problem-solving and process optimization. She is also an active contributor to the nuclear energy sector, serving as an executive member of the Canadian Nuclear Society’s Technology DIET Conference and an industry expert for Nuclear Engineering International Magazine. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence, Michele continues to make a substantial impact in the industries she serves.

Moe Fadaee

Organizing Committee

Moe Fadaee

Organizing Committee

Moe Fadaee is a seasoned educator, researcher, and leader in the fields of Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, with a multidisciplinary background encompassing a Ph.D. and M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, as well as an M.Sc. in Project Management and Operational Development. As Director of the Kinectrics AI team, he is leading the development of AI application for the nuclear industry at Kinectrics. He has developed several Machine Learning and AI programs for the academia and is currently teaching several topics on this area. Moe is the Co-founder of the Disruptive, Innovative, and Emerging Technology (DIET) division of the Canadian Nuclear Society.

Sondra Wiseman

Organizing Committee

Plenary Committee

Jennifer Wong

Plenary Committee Co-chair

Gabe Aversano

Plenary Committee Co-Chair

Nichole Davies

Plenary Committee

Nichole Davies

Plenary Committee

As a fourth-year Chemical Engineering student at the University of Western Ontario, Nicole is on course for a significant role combining engineering, business, and leadership. She is taking a step towards her goal by being a part of the Nuclear Engineering Innovation team at Nuclear Promise X. As she launches her career, she is eager to learn more about innovative technologies in the nuclear industry.

Daniel Foster Roman

Plenary Committee

Jenell Hogg

Plenary Committee Member

Kevin Lee

Plenary Committee

Kevin Lee

Plenary Committee

Jason Lui

Plenary Committee Member

Jason Lui

Plenary Committee Member

Jason Liu is an Associate Analyst at Kinectrics, specializing in artificial intelligence and machine learning applications for the nuclear industry. With a diverse educational background in AI, economics, and landscape architecture, he brings a unique perspective to his work. Jason excels in data analysis, software development, and project management, particularly focusing on innovative solutions for pressure tube analysis and inspection automation. His expertise spans computer vision, natural language processing, and user experience design. Jason's projects have significantly improved efficiency in nuclear facility inspections and data analysis, showcasing his ability to apply cutting-edge AI techniques to solve complex industrial challenges.

Eddy Nur

Plenary Committee Member

Robin Manley

Plenary Committee Member

Robin Manley

Plenary Committee Member

Robin Manley is the President of Paradymshyft Nuclear Advisory Ltd. Her goal is to provide pragmatic, realistic and practical advice on deployment and licensing of nuclear power technology in Canada as part of the low-emitting energy solution needed to fight climate change. Robin was previously Vice-President, New Nuclear Development at Ontario Power Generation (OPG). Robin has spent 30 years in the nuclear industry, including senior roles in Radiation Protection and nuclear power Licensing, and at OPG was most recently accountable for the implementation of Small Modular Reactors and the Darlington New Nuclear Project.

Moe Fadaee

Organizing Committee

Moe Fadaee

Organizing Committee

Nazgol Shahbandi

Plenary Committee Member

Nazgol Shahbandi

Plenary Committee Member

Nazgol Shahbandi is the OPG Integration Strategy lead advisor on Renewable Generation Preventive Maintenance Program. Naz has over 10 years of experience in implementing AI and ML strategies in Online Continues Monitoring, Plant Health, Condition Based and Value Based Maintenance programs, Equipment Diagnostic and Prognostic modeling and Optimization. Prior to her current role, she led the OPG Monitoring and Diagnostic Centre Renewable Generation Continuous Online Modeling and Monitoring for 5 years. Naz was honored with the 2022 Canadian Nuclear Society’s (CNS) Innovation Achievement Award for efforts and achievements in improving equipment reliability for OPG Nuclear assets. Naz is very passionate about equity with a focus on gender diversity, women in leadership and STEM. She has been co-chairing the OPG Women Employee Resource Group since Nov 2022 and is a recognized mentor in multiple women empowerment global and national programs. Her background is data science and mathematical modeling and has received her master’s degree in applied mathematics from University of Waterloo.

Robert Reipas

Plenary Committee Member

Emma Wong

Plenary Committee Member

Holly Longhurst

Plenary Committee Member

Sonia Iqbal

Plenary Committee

Sonia Iqbal

Plenary Committee

Sonia Iqbal is the Program Director for the Small Modular Reactor (SMR) Program at Conexus Nuclear Inc. Prior to joining Conexus, she held various positions at CSA Group, Candu Energy and Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. (AECL). Sonia has over 20 years of experience in the Canadian nuclear industry, with expertise in project management, safety design, and licensing. She has extensive experience with nuclear new build and refurbishment projects. She is a member of the IAEA Technical Working group on SMRs and the IAEA Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative Working Group on Common Approaches to Codes and Standards for SMRs.

Faiza Sefta

Plenary Committee Member

Audrey Crowe

Plenary Committee Member

Holly Longhurst

Plenary Committee Member

Cindy Vestergaard

Plenary Committee

Cindy Vestergaard

Plenary Committee

Cindy brings expertise in how international security regimes, such as the nonproliferation of nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons can benefit from distributed ledger technology (DLT)/ blockchain. Cindy is currently VP for Special Projects and External Relations at RKVST, Inc and a Nonresident Fellow with the Nuclear Safeguards and Blockchain in Practice Programs at the Stimson Center, previously serving as Director and Senior Fellow. Cindy holds a BA in International Relations from the University of British Columbia, a MA in International Relations from Central European University and a PhD in Political Science from University of Copenhagen.

Jenny Cox

Plenary Committee Member

Patrick Desbiens

Plenary Committee Member

Patrick Desbiens

Plenary Committee Member

Patrick Desbiens is Program Manager, Digital Engineering, at Bruce Power. Bruce Power is North America’s largest nuclear generating facility and generates up to 6,550MW from 8 CANDU units, while being Canada’s largest public-private partnership. Patrick has 13 years of experience working in Design Engineering, Station Engineering and Engineering Project Controls. Patrick is now leading a key pillar in Bruce Power’s digital transformation journey to deploy modern Engineering tools and establishing the framework for a digital twin. His formal education includes a Bachelor of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering from Ontario Tech University. He is a licensed professional engineer with the province of Ontario.

Sarah Case Lackner

Plenary Committee Member

Sarah Case Lackner

Plenary Committee Member

Dr. Case Lackner joined the VCDNP as a Senior Fellow in September 2023. She was previously a Senior Nuclear Security Officer in the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’s Division of Nuclear Security, where she served as the Scientific Secretary for the Nuclear Security Guidance Committee and the Director General’s Advisory Committee on Nuclear Security. She was also Co-Scientific Secretary of the 2022 Conference of Parties to the A/CPPNM. Prior to arriving at the IAEA, Dr. Case Lackner served in the US Department of State as a Physical Scientist in the Office of Nuclear Energy, Safety, and Security, advising primarily on international nuclear security matters, and in the Office of China and Mongolian Affairs. She previously served as Senior Programme Officer on the US National Academy of Sciences’ Board on Nuclear and Radiation Studies, organising panels, meetings, and publications related to nuclear security. Dr. Case Lackner received her PhD in Physics from the University of Chicago in 2007. Previously, she completed a BA in Physics with honours at Columbia University.

Aleem Juma

Plenary Committee

Technical Committee

Chris Cochrane

Technical Co-chair

Chris Cochrane

Technical Co-chair

Chris is the Technical Advisor within the Directorate of Security and Safeguards at the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.

Ali Khafagy

Technical Committee

Ross Harper

Technical Committee

Manfred Hammers

Technical Committee

Manfred Hammers

Technical Committee

Publishing web-based Interactive Electronic Manuals and Authoring safety-related technical documentation for 20 over years. Communicating and assessing mission-critical project documents. Single-Source Publishing the Aerospace way. • Change Management • Content Management • Continuous Improvement • Documentation Auditing and Assessments • Content Standardization Development • Digitization Transformation to Structured Content

Dan Rosas

Technical Committee

Ronald Rosario

Technical Committee

Stacey Zoutis

Technical Committee

Stacey Zoutis

Technical Committee

Stacey Zoutis is currently pursuing her MASc in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto. She is a member of the Cognitive Engineering Lab where she specializes in human factors research with a focus on control room design for small modular reactors. Stacey was introduced to the nuclear industry in 2022 through a summer internship with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) as a member of the regulatory policy analysis team. She has since completed two additional internships at CNSC in the area of human and organizational performance. Stacey previously attended McMaster University, where she attained an Honours BSc in Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour.

Ashlea Colton

Technical Committee

Ashlea Colton

Technical Committee

With a Master’s Degree in Modelling & Computational Science and a Bachelor of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering from Ontario Tech University, Ashlea has focused on reactor physics analysis and computational sciences in her 15+ years at CNL. She’s gained extensive experience leading complex computational research projects. Just recently, she oversaw the procurement, acquisition, and installation of CNL’s newest high-performance computing cluster named Athena. Ashlea is also a champion for integrating computational techniques in all aspects of research at CNL. This passion led her to co-organize the first Canadian Nuclear Society (CNS) conference on AI and Machine Learning in 2020.