🏷  Title  
Pollack, C. A. (2025). Setting the North Star: Leadership in Research Impact 

📝  Abstract 
As Chief Executive Officer, Candice Ashley Pollack focuses on building a collaborative, transparent, and well-funded research ecosystem. Her role centres on aligning strategy, people, and partnerships to support research with transformative impact for New Brunswickers.

📚  Background 
Candice holds dual law degrees and has built a career at the intersection of policy, governance, and research strategy. Her experience includes senior leadership roles in health research organizations, strategic consulting for non-profits, and contributing to provincial and national policy initiatives. She is particularly proud of helping shape ResearchNB’s strategy and leading the organization into a new phase of ambitious growth.  

🔬  Methodology 
By leading with a focus on first principles, trust, and collaboration, Candice emphasizes understanding issues from multiple perspectives, aligning decisions with core values, and creating environments where teams feel supported to innovate.  

🎯  Current Study 
Her current focus is strengthening ResearchNB’s foundation through clear processes, strong performance metrics, and partnerships that grow research investment in New Brunswick across priority sectors. 

🔦  Appendix 
Legal thinker, strategic planner, and advocate for research impact. Partial to coffee and walking pads. Favourite New Brunswick spot: St. Andrews. Would have been an archaeologist and possibly (hopefully) discover Atlantis.  

🏷  Title  
Ryan, P. (2025). Measuring What Matters: Operational Foundations for Effective Research Funding.  

📝  Abstract 
Patti Ryan, Chief Operating Officer, works behind the scenes to ensure the organization’s funding, policy, and operational systems are efficient, accountable, and aligned with impact.  

📚  Background 
Patti began her career in non-profit organizations and brings that perspective along with her experience in health policy and digital health innovation, full circle to ResearchNB. Her experience includes leading strategy for a New Brunswick health technology company, founding a digital health start-up, shaping public health policy in Nova Scotia, and managing community-based health initiatives.    

🔬  Methodology 
Quantitative analysis, clear problem definition, and structured evaluation. Her motto: what gets measured gets managed, ensures an emphasis on establishing baselines and making data-informed decisions. Quantitative analysis, clear problem definition, and structured evaluation. Her motto: what gets measured gets managed, ensures an emphasis on establishing baselines and making data-informed decisions. 

🎯  Current Study 
Her current priorities include improving grant management processes, strengthening budgeting and accountability, and exploring new technologies to support ResearchNB’s operations.  

🔦  Appendix 
Monday-loving (yes, the weekday), coffee-dependent, morning person. Shotokai (karate black belt holder). Favourite New Brunswick spot: Irishtown Park.  

🏷  Title  
Dickie, C. (2025). From Resources to Results: Coordinating Collaboration for Impact.

📝  Abstract 
As Director, Strategic Priorities, Chris Dickie works to align people, sectors, and ideas in ways that support the organization’s priority areas. His role centres on helping the right partners come together at the right time.  

📚  Background 
Chris began his career as a forester, moved into environmental management and applied research, spent a decade leading an environmental NGO, and later worked in senior roles across provincial and federal government. He’s founded and led companies, supported large-scale industrial and research projects, and authored studies assessing economic opportunities in resource-based sectors. 

🔬  Methodology 
Preferring action over inertia, Chris’ approach is to identify a starting point, bring the right expertise into the room, and figure things out along the way, all while avoiding analysis paralysis. 

🎯  Current Study 
Chris focuses on identifying and funding collaborative projects across energy, forestry, agriculture, and oceans, with an emphasis on building connections that lead to real-world outcomes. 

🔦  Appendix 
Globetrotting agriculture, from farming in Haiti to fieldworker in Greenland. Favourite place: the cabins on Bathurst Lake at Mount Carleton Provincial Park. Career do-over: helicopter pilot. 

🏷  Title  
Bengualid, K. (2025). From Labs to Living Rooms: Communicating Research Impact. 

📝  Abstract 
As Director, Communications, Karine leads the storytelling behind the science. Her work focuses on making research—and its real-world outcomes—accessible, engaging, and relevant to everyday New Brunswickers. 

📚  Background 
Karine’s career bridges science and communications, with early neuroscience research experience and over 20 years leading marketing and storytelling across diverse industries before joining ResearchNB’s senior leadership team. 

🔬  Methodology 
Karine mixes interviews, observation, analytics, and instinct. She believes it’s important to take time to think, even if that means walking away or talking it out, and she’s always got her trusty notebook with her for when ideas strike. Karine believes fun isn’t fluff, it’s strategy. 

🎯  Current Study 
She leads the communications team across events, social media, and public relations, to tell compelling research stories that hopefully make people say, “And then what happened?” 

🔦  Appendix 
Powered by ideas, memes, and pop culture. Visited 6 continents. Roman Empire: the zombie starfish. 

🏷  Title  
Margeson, A. (2025). Building Sustainable Funding Programs for Research Impact.

📝  Abstract 
As Senior Manager, Programs, Alyssa Margeson supports funding programs and initiatives that contribute to a strong and sustainable research ecosystem. Her role helps translate research activity into meaningful regional impact. 

📚  Background 
With a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology and a Master of Science in Public Health, Alyssa’s worked as a Clinical Research Coordinator and Project Manager, bringing a practical understanding of both frontline research and program delivery. 

🔬  Methodology 
Alyssa’s approach is structured and collaborative. She emphasizes clear planning, defined steps, and continuous refinement, supported by strong processes and effective use of project management tools. 

🎯  Current Study 
Her current work focuses on supporting key funding programs and initiatives, including research communications, impact strategy, and the Indigenous Research Funding Framework, while exploring ways to better demonstrate regional research impact. 

🔦  Appendix 
Enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, indoor group cycling, and time with family. Known for a well-organized Monday board. Core belief: there can never be too many throw pillows on a bed. 

🏷  Title  
Manley, A. (2025). Program Design, Delivery, and Evaluation in a Provincial Research Funding Context. 

📝  Abstract 
As Senior Manager, Programs & Evaluations, Alec supports the effective movement of research funding through program design, delivery, and evaluation. His work centres on monitoring applications, aligning opportunities, and facilitating the advancement of meritorious projects.  

📚  Background 
Alec has worked in New Brunswick’s research funding ecosystem since 2019, building strong relationships with researchers, institutional counterparts, and partners across the province. Prior to joining ResearchNB, his government work provided experience in the public-sector funding processes and program oversight.  

🔬  Methodology 
Alec’s approach is methodical and iterative. He emphasizes careful review, attentive listening, and observation, followed by testing, refinement, and release.  

🎯  Current Study 
His current responsibilities include overseeing program delivery and evaluations, with a focus on priority sector funding initiatives and academic startup supports. This work contributes to maintaining momentum across ResearchNB’s funding activities.  

🔦  Appendix 
Enjoys gardening, greenhouse work, and physical outdoor tasks. Known for a cautious, glass-half-empty perspective.  

🏷  Title  
Schlichter, B. (2025). Building Better Systems: Automating the Work Behind Research Funding. 

📝  Abstract 
Brandon Schlichter is Manager, ICT & Data, where he oversees the technology that enables research funding programs to operate efficiently. He works behind the scenes to make sure ResearchNB’s technology keeps pace with its mission.  

📚  Background 
Brandon’s career started at NBIF, where his responsibilities grew alongside the organization’s technical needs. Today, his role has evolved from program-focused IT to broader organizational systems. He has an Honours degree in Finance, and a certificate in IT Business Analysis.  

🔬  Methodology 
His approach is rooted in quantitative thinking: examining existing processes, identifying opportunities for improvement, and testing solutions through QA-driven experimentation. 

🎯  Current Study 
His current priorities include maintaining ResearchNB’s portal and database, enhancing reporting capabilities, and supporting data-informed decision-making across funded research programs.  

🔦  Appendix 
Gym regular, golfer. Unbothered by being born on Friday the 13th. Keeper of NBIF and ResearchNB historical information and go-to problem solver.   

🏷  Title  
Cung, V. (2025). Impact Gardening: Creating the Right Conditions for Research to Succeed. 

📝  Abstract 
As a Program Manager, Vy Cung designs and manages funding programs that help strong research ideas grow into meaningful impact. Her work blends structure, strategy, and just enough flexibility to let innovation flourish.  

📚  Background 
Vy’s professional experiences in health research, developed health-focused curriculum, and supported applied research and laboratory solutions in the private sector, shaped her appreciation for how research moves from theory to practice.  

🔬  Methodology 
Her approach is equal parts analytical and practical: break big challenges into manageable pieces, test what works, and improve continuously. Vy is known for strong organization, clear thinking, and a deep respect for process.  

🎯  Current Study 
Vy’s current work includes managing talent, equipment, and ideas programs and supporting initiatives like the Public Health Research Fund, ensuring applications are reviewed rigorously and programs run smoothly. 

🔦  Appendix 
Multi-instrumentalist, tenacious athlete, enthusiastic baker. ResearchNB’s on-call fashionista and most enthusiastic Catch Phrase player. Free Costco samples make everything better. 

🏷 Title
Yerxa, W. (2025). Keeping the Books Balanced and the Team Supported.

📝 Abstract
As Executive Financial Assistant, Wendy Yerxa keeps ResearchNB running smoothly behind the scenes. From bookkeeping and operations to event support and team assistance, she ensures the organization stays organized, supported, and steady.

📚 Background
Wendy’s role spans bookkeeping, office coordination, HR support, board meeting preparation, and event logistics — making her one of the most versatile members of the team. And combined with her long-standing experience and institutional knowledge of ResearchNB, Wendy has a deep understanding of the organization’s evolution and culture.

🔬 Methodology
Wendy’s methodology is simple: teamwork first. She is detail-oriented and dependable. And she believes strong teams solve problems better together and asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

🎯 Current Study
Wendy’s focus is supporting the ResearchNB team in every way possible — from bookkeeping and financial tracking to assisting the Controller and ensuring smooth office operations. She coordinates the details that allow the rest of the team to focus on research impact.

🔦 Appendix
Morning treadmill multi-tasker, ResearchNB’s self-appointed Office Mom, and obsessed with keeping her Duolingo streak alive. Favourite New Brunswick spot: Killarney Lake.

🏷  Title  
Soucy, S. (2025). Convening for Impact: Using Events to Connect Research, Industry, and Government.

📝  Abstract 
Sebastien Soucy is Senior Manager, Marketing & Events, and oversees website management, special projects, and the planning and execution of major events. His work supports visibility, engagement, and collaboration across the research and innovation ecosystem. 

📚  Background 
Sebastien earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Université de Moncton. Working across projects and sectors, he contributes a creative mindset and a strong focus on meaningful engagement. 

🔬  Methodology 
Sebastien’s approach is collaborative and hands-on, prioritizing direct problem-solving and timely action. He relies on collaboration, structured planning, and openness to testing new ideas when developing campaigns or events. 

🎯  Current Study 
His current focus is organizing key events such as the Health Research Symposium and increasing public understanding of the value of research by creating impact videos.

🔦  Appendix 
Favourite spots: gym, golf club, boats, hockey rink. Known for juggling – both tasks and objects. Finds similarities between his personality and erupting volcanoes.

🏷 Title 
Reyes, E. (2025). Amplifying Impact: Building ResearchNB’s Digital Voice. 

📝 Abstract 
As Marketing Specialist, Emilio Reyes leads digital content creation and social media strategy for ResearchNB. His work focuses on strengthening brand visibility, increasing engagement, and aligning communications with organizational goals across sectors.  

📚 Background 
Originally joining through a business development internship, Emilio has grown with ResearchNB as his responsibilities have expanded. A graduate of Memorial University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (Information Systems concentration), he brings a blend of technical fluency and creative perspective.  

🔬 Methodology 
Emilio’s approach blends experimentation with structure: test ideas, capitalize on strengths, and refine the system. He values collaboration and feedback, and believes innovation doesn’t always require reinventing the wheel, but rather tweaking it.  

🎯 Current Study 
Emilio’s current focus includes sharing stories on social media and through the newsletter, reporting on digital analytics, and graphic design. He’s excited to own the ResearchNB brand by defining its visual identity and style.  

🔦 Appendix 
Marketer by day, and DJ by night (and weekend). Turning ideas into impact and dance floors into memories. Will go anywhere in New Brunswick as long as there’s a view. 

🏷  Title  
MacDermid, H. (2025). How Many Beakers Do You Really Need? A Survey of Resource Control Measures.  

📝  Abstract 
As Controller, Heather MacDermid works deep in the financial weeds. She supports day-to-day operations by managing cash flow, reducing administrative friction, and ensuring financial information is accurate, timely, and audit-ready. 

📚  Background 
Heather has worked in accounting for nearly twenty years, with experience spanning publishing and post-secondary education. Her roles have included financial controls, expense oversight, accounts payable review, and secure vendor setup.  

🔬  Methodology 
Heather’s methodology is disciplined and unapologetically routine. Every morning begins with financial checks and a to-do list – coffee comes later as a reward. She believes success lies in process, consistency, and doing things properly. 

🎯  Current Study 
Her work focuses on safeguarding ResearchNB’s resources, supporting leadership decision-making, and reducing administrative burden so others can concentrate on research impact. 

🔦  Appendix 
Bread baker, knitter, and former Toastmaster. Secretly fascinated by plastic-eating fungi (aren’t we all?). NYT Spelling Bee devotee. Happiest in a mossy forest. 

🏷  Title  
Boucher, H. (2025). Quality Improvement in Healthcare: Coordinating Evidence-Based Change. 

📝  Abstract 
As Choosing Wisely Coordinator for New Brunswick, Hannah Boucher leads initiatives aimed at reducing unnecessary tests and treatments while improving quality of care. She’s responsible for connecting provincial partners, national collaborators, and healthcare stakeholders to advance evidence-based practice. 

📚  Background 
Before joining ResearchNB, Hannah worked in the long-term care research where she was responsible for data collection and analysis, knowledge translation, program evaluation, and budget oversight. Hannah has a Bachelor of Science in Medicinal Chemistry and Mathematics.   

🔬  Methodology 
Hannah’s approach is highly organized thanks to structured weekly planning, clear deadlines, and regular check-ins to keep projects on track. 

🎯  Current Study 
Her current focus is managing the Choosing Wisely portfolio in New Brunswick, including projects related to deprescribing inappropriate antipsychotics in long-term care.  

🔦  Appendix 
Reading, baking, puzzles, and quiet walks with her dog. Dream: conversating and collaborating with two-time Nobel laureate, Marie Curie.