Blue Economy Innovation for Sustainable Growth: Explore models of innovation and collaboration

Speaker: Dr. Jeffrey Taylor
Associate Vice President, Applied Research and Innovation, Nova Scotia Community College

Dr. Jeffrey Taylor joined NSCC as its Associate Vice President of Applied Research, Innovation, and International in June 2016, where he is privileged to oversee thriving research, innovation, international, industry liaising, and strategic partnership activities at all NSCC’s Campuses.   He is on the Board of Directors of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada, is the Chair of the National Research Advisory Council, sits on the Board of Springboard Atlantic, and teaches in Colleges & Institutes Canada’s National Leadership Institute.   Prior to NSCC, Jeff worked in various positions in Academia at the University of Waterloo, the University of Colorado, the University of Denver, the National Ecological Observatory Network, and the National Center for Atmospheric Research.   He is a graduate of the National Science Foundation’s Leadership Collaboratory Executive Management Program and has a Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Toronto.

Speaker: Niru Somayajula
President and CEO, Sensor Technology Ltd.

President and CEO of Sensor Technology Ltd., Niru Somayajula is a passionate supporter of Blue Economy growth, while seeking to become a world leader in acoustic tools and systems. Her company ethos, “What you send out comes back”, demonstrates a desire to become better global citizens. Niru actively adopts this philosophy to both company and career.   Niru has taken on the family legacy and remolded it. As a second-generation owner she has been ambitiously expanding the business, recently adding a second location in Atlantic Canada. Outside of work she likes to ride the waves as a paddleboarder, musician and photographer. She avidly supports others as a mentor, charitable board member and a mother of two.

Speaker: Clayton Burry
Vice President Sales, Virtual Marine

Clayton Burry has been involved in marine related industries for over thirty years and currently serves as the VP Sales with Canadian tech company, Virtual Marine, where he is responsible for market strategy and driving global sales growth.  His executive career began in metal fabrication, transitioning to upstream energy, defence, space, marine communications and maritime simulation – an area where he has worked for the past 15 years. Prior to joining Virtual Marine, Clayton held senior management positions with Kongsberg Digital Simulation, where he served in various roles from VP Sales, General Manager for the Americas and as President of the Canadian division. Among key projects in his career, Clayton was the founding publisher of The Journal of Ocean Technology, and the creator of the Ocean Innovation Conference and Exhibition. When the Panama Canal was expanding with its third set of locks, Clayton led the team that won and delivered the simulation study for the expansion, including identification of risk areas and recommended pilot and tugging procedures for the operation, prior to its construction.   He is a graduate of Memorial University with a degree in English Language & Literature and Psychology, and has completed executive training programs from Harvard Law School, MIT and the Ivey School of Business.