Lelia Lawson holds an M.Sc. in Clothing & Textiles (thesis: Effects of Moisture on Heat Transfer Through Garment Systems Worn by Wildland Firefighters) and a BSc in Human Ecology (Clothing & Textiles). Her experience in the textile industry spans over 20 years, ranging from working in a testing facility, purchasing, quality control, and product development. She is also an active member of the Canadian General Standards Board (CGSB), the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) Canadian mirror committees.
Md. Saiful Hoque is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Alberta, Canada, specializing in the research of high-performance fibers. Mr. Hoque’s research interests prominently focus on protective clothing and comfort, personal protective equipment, polymeric material innovation, and the development of sustainable textile materials. With over eight years of comprehensive experience encompassing teaching, research, and industry practice, he has earned expertise in material characterization and analysis, textile sustainability and manufacturing, statistical data analysis, and proficient project management. He is passionate about contributing to the evolution of the fiber and polymer industry through his knowledge and skill set.
Wade Chute is a professional chemical engineer with over 30 years of experience in the pulp & paper and agricultural fibre industries. He has developed successful fibre processing technologies and aided many clients in developing new products from plant fibre. He is the foremost expert in hemp pulping in North America.
David C Bressler earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology and Biotechnology from the University of Alberta. He the Associate Dean STEM Research for the College of Natural and Applied Sciences and a Professor at the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Science working in the area of Bioresource Technology, as well as Renewable Fuels, Chemicals and Materials at the University of Alberta. He is the technology founder behind Forge Hydrocarbons, an advanced lipid-to-hydrocarbon biofuel technology company. In addition to being recognized as one of Canada's Clean 50 (2017), he served as Executive Director of the Biorefining Conversions Network (2009-2016) and Project lead/Member of the Scientific Advisory Board for Biofuelnet, the Canadian Network Center of Excellence, and Member of the scientific advisory board (2012-2015) for First Green Partners.
