Daniel Gillis (he/him)

Dr. Daniel Gillis is a Professor, Statistician, and transdisciplinary researcher in the School of Computer Science at the University of Guelph. He previously served as Director of the Physical Science and Engineering Education Research Centre in the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences. He is also Director of Advancement and Strategic Engagement in the College of Computational, Mathematical, and Physical Sciences.

Daniel is a member of the steering committee for Royal City Science, an initiative working to establish a bricks-and-mortar science centre in the City of Guelph. He previously served on the steering committee for The SEED, an organization advancing innovative approaches to food security and emergency food systems in Guelph.

He is an affiliate faculty member of the Guelph Institute for Environmental Research, the One Health Institute, the Bioinformatics Program, and the Centre for Public Health and Zoonoses. He has also served on advisory and professional committees for academic institutions, community organizations, and industry, including Northeastern University Vancouver, Sheridan College, eNuk, RightMesh, and Veranda.

Dr. Gillis leads several community-engaged and community-led research programs focused on: (1) public health and ecological risk assessment, (2) community-engaged software design, (3) bridging the digital divide, and (4) transdisciplinary pedagogy in higher education. He is also co-founder of Farm To Fork, GuelphHacks, and the Improve Life Challenge; co-creator of ICON and the Gryphons Care Initiative.

You can learn more about Dr. Gillis and the work taking place in his lab here. You can also follow him on Bluesky: @danielgillis.ca.

Nic Durish (he/him)

University of Guelph alumnus Nicolas (Nic) Durish holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science and is recognized as a leader and innovator committed to using technology for positive social impact. Bringing creativity and vision to his work, Nic explores how computational approaches can contribute to community wellbeing, social justice, and sustainability.

Nic has contributed to numerous interdisciplinary projects that apply computational methods to complex societal challenges, including energy conservation, waste reduction, health and environmental monitoring, and Truth and Reconciliation initiatives.

In recognition of his contributions, Nic received the School of Computer Science Young Alumnus Award in 2023, as well as the Guelph Chamber of Commerce Young Innovator Award.

You can learn more about Nic through his website here.

Alessandro Arezza (he/him)