Staff
Graham Fairhurst PhD Research Facilitator
As the Research Facilitator, Graham works with SENS faculty and leadership to provide operational and strategic support with funding applications and awards nominations. He additionally provides support for promoting faculty and graduate student research.
Elaina Guilmette PhD Curriculum Development Coordinator, School of Environment and Sustainability
As Curriculum Development Coordinator, Elaina is responsible for leading the review and redevelopment of the curriculum for the online delivery of the Energy Security stream of the MSs Program. She works closely with the Acting Director and instructors of the Energy Security stream, Distance Education Unit, subject matter experts and external review committee. Elaina is a USask alumna with a B.Ed. (’04), M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies) (’12) and Ph.D. (Curriculum Studies) (’21). Elaina has extensive experience in curriculum development and successful grant writing in her former positions with Empowering Employees and Sun West DLC.
Joline Hepp Clerical Assistant - Administrative and Financial, School of Environment and Sustainability
Joline helps SENS faculty, students and staff navigate financial processes in addition to handling the day-to-day financial tasks. She acts as a liaison with Connection Point, monitors research funds, and provides general office support.
Karsten Liber PhD Executive Director
The Executive Director of the School of Environment and Sustainability is both the chief academic officer and executive officer of the School and is the primary ambassador for the presence and reputation of the School in the community. As a member of the senior leadership team of the University of Saskatchewan, the Executive Director plays a central role in setting strategy and overall direction and works collaboratively with other leaders to achieve university goals.
Tracey McHardy Strategic Business Advisor (Finance)
Tracey is the Strategic Business Advisor (SBA) – Finance. The SBA – Finance ensures appropriate management of financial strategies, policies, and procedures within the unit, including financial analysis, financial reporting, budgeting and controls. The SBA assists unit leaders and faculty with various financial activities while maintaining a strong connection to Central Financial Services and other SBAs on campus.
Gary Merasty Senior Advisor, Indigenous and External Relations, School of Environment and Sustainability
Gary Merasty is a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation within Treaty 6 territory. The Senior Advisor provides leadership and strategic advice to the Executive Director and senior administrative team within the SENS on programming, partnerships, and outreach to Indigenous students and communities, specifically related to new graduate programming in Energy Security.
Jennifer Milburn Executive Assistant
Jennifer is executive assistant to the Executive Director (Interim), School of Environment and Sustainability. She provides high-level executive support with an emphasis on ensuring the smooth functioning of the School and implementation of strategies, initiatives, and projects. Jennifer joined the USask in 2008, and has provided executive support to various units and senior leaders throughout the University including the College of Medicine, College of Education, and Office of the Vice-Provost, Indigenous Engagement. She is a graduate student in the Leadership in Post- Secondary Education Program in Educational Administration.
Carolyn Pytlyk PhD Manager, Academic Programs
Carolyn provides oversight for the design, implementation, coordination, and promotion of SENS’s academic programs. In this role, she works closely with SENS leadership, faculty, and staff to ensure that all aspects of the academic programs are running smoothly.
Ronelda Robillard Coordinator, Student Recruiting and Strategic Partnerships
As Coordinator, Student Recruiting and Strategic Partnerships, Ronelda helps to develop and implement student recruitment and retention, community engagement, and stakeholder partnership strategies for the MSs Energy Security stream.
Irene Schwalm Graduate Programs Advisor
Irene's work at SENS is student-focused and directed to students pursuing our thesis-based Master of Environment and Sustainability (MES) and Ph.D. programs. This includes everything from applications for admission to student progress, course registrations, preparation for graduation, and a myriad of details in between those milestones.
Christine Schwark Strategic Business Advisor, Human Resources
Ashley Taylor BEd Graduate Programs Support, School of Environment and Sustainability
As the first point of contact when you visit SENS on campus, Ashley's work is student-focused and directed to students pursuing our Professional Programs in Master of Sustainability: Energy Security (MSs-E), Master of Sustainability: Regenerative Sustainability (MSs-R) and Master of Water Security (MWS). This includes everything from applications for admission to student progress, course registrations, preparation for graduation, and a myriad of details in between those milestones.