Dr Muller has over 10 years' experience researching and cultivating algae. Currently Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo and Associate Director of the Canadian Phycology Culture Centre (CPCC), which is housed within her laboratory at the University of Waterloo (500 species). Has authored over 25 papers in leading phycology journals and has received many national and international research awards. Dr. Muller recently won The Luigi Provasoli Award in recognition of authoring the outstanding paper published in the Journal of Phycology (Phycological Society of America) during 2011.

Dr. McConkey has over 7 years research experience as Associate Professor at the University of Waterloo. His areas of expertise include proteomics, biochemistry, toxicology, and computational biology. Research emphasis has been on interdisciplinary approaches that combine biology, chemical engineering, and computational research.

Dr Walker has over 20 years of experience in Biosystems Engineering; food and bioprocess engineering and biochemical engineering. He is currently a Professor at Clemson University in Biosystems and Environmental Engineering. He has authored 17 papers and obtained a patent and provisional patent for some of his projects. He is affiliated with the Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE); Society for Industrial Microbiologists (SIM), and Sigma Xi Scientific Research Society. In 2006, he received the SCBio Reward for development of marine-based antibiotics.

Over 30 years of oil & gas operational and management experience with Exxon, CanOxy/Nexen and Petro Canada. In 2005, he was Executive V P of PetroKazakhstan and was preparing to become President and CEO when it was successfully sold for US$4.2 billion to China National Petroleum Corporation. Mr. Phipps is a director of several public and private international oil & gas companies. He has extensive experience with financial transactions and investment banking.

Over 25 years of experience in biomedical research and as a regulatory consultant. Currently serves on PlantForm Corporation's Board of Directors, a biopharma start-up that he founded. Is also a Director of MedCannAccess and an Entrepreneur in Residence at Innovation Guelph. Did his postdoctoral work in biochemical and genetic toxicology at the Ontario Cancer Institute. Joined the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the Ontario Veterinary College of the University of Guelph in 1982, and was a tenured faculty member until 1994. Was awarded the University of Guelph's Forster Fellowship, given annually to the University's top researcher in 1987. Is the author of more than 50 scientific publications, primarily in the cancer research field. Was co-founder of GlobalTox International Consultants, a toxicology and regulatory affairs firm and serves as its President and CEO for 17 years. Is board-certified by the American Board of Toxicology. Received the Chartered Directors (C.Dir.) designation from The Directors College.