Our Team
At Genome Alberta, our people are our strength. We are a team of dedicated individuals committed to advancing research and innovation in genomics for the betterment of all Albertans. Our collective efforts aim to create a healthier and more prosperous future for our province.
David Bailey
President & CEO
(403) 210-5290
(403) 210-5290
David is a passionate and devoted leader. With a background in genetics and animal breeding and over 60 peer-reviewed publications in the field, David has built Genome Alberta into a vibrant organization, ensuring strong collaboration as the basis for our success. David is highly recognized in the genomics community with awards for excellence in research and transferring research into commercialization. Outside of work, David loves spending time on his farm and raising and showing horses.
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Gijs van Rooijen
Chief Scientific Officer
(403) 210-5253
(403) 210-5253
Gijs obtained a Ph.D. degree from the University of Calgary in 1993 and in 2006 he became the inaugural Chief Scientific Officer for Genome Alberta. He is an inventor on several U.S. patents and currently serves on several science advisory boards. In September 2017, he was elected to the University of Calgary Senate and is engaged in several volunteer activities, including mentoring students that are considering a career in science. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking and traveling across Europe.
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Matt Bryman
Chief Operating Officer
(780) 905-5229
(780) 905-5229
Matt is a charismatic, knowledgeable thought leader who completed his MSc in plant physiology at the University of Alberta. Prior to leading teams and overseeing Genome Alberta’s funded initiatives, Matt honed his management and leadership skills at the U of A where he was pivotal to the success of a large-scale forestry/genomics project. He loves playing and watching soccer and spending time with his family, cats and dog.
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Erin Tessier
Director of Communications & Partnerships
(587) 643-9973
(587) 643-9973
Erin is a down-to-earth connector of people and ideas. With over 15 years of experience in the public service in several natural resource departments, she loves the challenge of working in the space where science meets policy and finding innovative ways to share scientific data and information so it can be used for positive change. Outside of work, Erin loves to pursue outdoor adventures, either on foot or on her bike, and loves to experiment with food in the kitchen with her kids.
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Mitthua Sarkar-Banks
Senior Manager, Human Resources & External Talent Portfolio
(403) 210-5275
(403) 210-5275
Mitthua is a cheerful, devoted professional with extensive experience in human resources management. Mitthua holds a Paralegal Diploma and worked in law for 15 years in some of Calgary and Vancouver’s largest firms. She recently obtained her HR Management Certificate at the University of Calgary as she works toward her CPHR designation. Together with HR, she also manages our external talent portfolio. If Mitthua is away from her office, you will find her at home with her family and rescue dogs.
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Olaide Ogunseye
Senior Accountant
(587) 284-1291
(587) 284-1291
Olaide is a vibrant, driven accounting professional. With strong experience in handling financial information and a passion for process efficiency, Olaide is committed to simplifying the experiences of everyday users, which she accomplishes by organizing quantitative data. Olaide is currently working towards her CPA designation. Outside of work, she never passes up on the opportunity for a good day of shopping or spending time with her loved ones.
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Georgia Balsevich
Sector Innovation Manager
Georgia is a curious, driven individual. With a BSc in Biochemistry from U of S, a MSc in Neuroscience from UBC, a Ph.D. in Biology from MPI of Psychiatry, and a post doc from U of C, Georgia is fascinated by understanding gene x environment interactions underlying disease susceptibility. Georgia shares her knowledge with those around her, helping others see the value of genomic solutions and why more funding is needed towards these efforts.
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Tom Finn
Sector Innovation Manager
(403) 680-0623
(403) 680-0623
Tom is a thoughtful and dedicated team player with a Ph.D. in Evolutionary Genetics and two post docs in the field of antimicrobial resistance. He is intrigued by getting to the root of problems and enjoys maximizing the competitiveness of a diverse range of genomics-based proposals, in order to develop meaningful solutions to today’s challenges. Tom likes snowboarding in the winter and hiking in the summer.
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Athena Cochinamogulos
Program Officer
Athena is a bright and cheery contributor to the management and reporting of funded projects across our organization. Her education in health and infectious diseases and career experiences in rural villages of Ghana and the Dominican Republic, federal health departments of Virginia, United States, and Canadian non-profits have equipped her to perform program development and management tasks with efficiency.
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Eric Merzetti
Manager, BioNet Alberta
(825) 594-3338
(825) 594-3338
Eric brings his sense of humour to connect and work with others in developing bioinformatics talent in Alberta. He has a Ph.D. in developmental biology and genetics and experience as a research associate in cancer research. Eric joined BioNet, in 2019, seeking to advance the foundational education, especially in entry level biology. Outside the office you can find Eric on a golf course or watching football and crunching on a bag of chips!
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Heather Wright
Executive Assistant to CEO
& Office Manager
Heather excels in administrative roles, driven by her desire to assist others and make a meaningful impact. With a degree from the University of Calgary, she accrued 15 years of experience as a geologist in the oil and gas industry before transitioning to non-profit business administration. Beyond work, she finds joy in outdoor pursuits, culinary exploration, and cherishing moments with her family.
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Hussain Al-Rikabi
Digital Communications Specialist
Hussain is a science advocate and a digital marketer with a unique blend of expertise in both fields. He holds an MSc in Immunology from the University of Alberta, all while building his career in Marketing and Communications. His passion for photography flourished alongside his professional pursuits, capturing stunning images of couples, nature, and live-action events. When he's not at work, Hussain is likely exploring new trails or embarking on travel adventures.
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Tian Zhao
Program Officer
Tian is a collaborative and creative problem solver with an MSc in Medical Genetics and Genomics from the University of Glasgow and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Calgary. He is passionate about genetics and genomics, eager to share the latest advancements with broad audiences. He is dedicated to translating genomic technology into practical solutions that benefit everyone. Outside of work, Tian indulges his love for cooking and making pottery
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Meet Our Board of Directors
With solid leadership and a proactive strategic direction, our Board of Directors is helping to ensure we achieve our goal to promote and advance genomics research in Alberta and beyond.
Make a big impact with us. You’ll work collaboratively in a diverse and supportive environment to improve lives and strengthen our province through genomics research and innovation.
