Our Team

Tanya McDonald (M. Sc. Civil Engineering, University of Calgary; B.Sc. Science, Athabasca University) serves as the Dean, Applied Research and Centre for Entertainment Arts. Throughout her 25 year career in post-secondary, Tanya has developed a unique blend of applied research expertise along with leadership, policy development, strategic planning, project management and budget management experience. She is experienced with leading large initiatives, including $20M+ in research initiatives and a $40 million capital campaign. She has authored or co-authored six scientific publications. Tanya is passionate about teamwork, innovation and education.

Dr. Shire has more than 14 years of previous work experience in the fields of Clinical and Translational Research in a variety of roles in Canada and US. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Kuwait University, a Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry, and a Doctorate in Experimental Oncology, both from the University of Alberta. Dr. Shire has worked with clinicians, academics and industry partners to develop cancer therapy, advance digital health, and promote lifestyle changes to improve patients’ lives.

Zahra joined Bow Valley College in June 2023 as a Manager, Applied Research in Health and Health Technology in the Department of Academic and Research. She is passionate about Health Innovation Research, improving healthcare and practices, and building new health research policies and initiatives. As a nature enthusiast, Zahra feels right at home in Calgary thanks to its nearness to the Rocky Mountains, green parks, lakes and rivers which makes it easier to enjoy a variety of summer and winter activities.  

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Reyhaneh Bastani (PhD in Learning Sciences, University of Calgary; MBA and M.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology) is the Manager of Applied Research in Educational Technologies at Bow Valley College. Throughout her academic journey, she focused on bridging the gap between theory and practice, translating conceptual ideas into innovative pedagogical practices in both formal and informal learning settings. Her research explores the processes of idea development and learning, the potential of learning technologies, and the design of educational environments, with a focus on game-based learning and board game design for interdisciplinary learning and systems thinking. At Bow Valley College, she is committed to expanding research capacity in educational technologies, integrating innovative pedagogical practices to enhance educational experiences, and fostering collaborative projects with the community and industry that contribute to broader environmental and societal goals.

Geoff Evamy Hill (M.Des. Strategic Foresight & Innovation, OCAD University; B.K.I. Knowledge Integration, University of Waterloo) is the Manager of Applied Research for Entertainment Arts. Geoff’s early career included varied experiences in building expertise in postsecondary education strategy, policy advisory, and product management. Specifically, he has specialized in blending strategic foresight, serious games, and political economy to approach wicked problems in the energy transition, defence and security, and natural resources spaces. Geoff loves to make connections to solve problems and is eager to develop diverse projects in entertainment arts research.

Kakali is the Research Facilitator at Bow Valley College with over 16 years’ experience in leading research/grant development and management in multiple sectors, including Health, Engineering and Social Sciences. She joined Bow Valley College in 2021, and her recent grant success includes the achievement of two institutional federal grants in $1.5M total.  

Her experience enables her to bridge post-secondary research with the funder criteria.  Kakali works with faculties to develop research projects, quality proposals. Throughout her career, she coached and advised hundreds of faculties in achieving their research goals. She has provided leadership to building research capacity, accomplishing institutional strategies, and establishing diverse researcher-community partnerships.  

Kakali provides leadership to institutional strategic projects such as the development of a student research training course, and institutional EDI strategy. Through her institutional work, she aspires to foster system connectivity and create student and community impact.

She holds a research-based Master of Science (Nanyang School of Technology, Singapore), and a Master in Botany (University of Calcutta). She has completed a Certification in Leadership and Management (Royal Roads); and is passionate about inspiring and empowering others to realize their full potential.  

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Vanessa Lodermeier (M.A. Anthropology, University of California, San Diego; B.A. General Major, Social Sciences, University of Lethbridge) is the Research Facilitator for Educational Technology applied research projects. For over 15 years, Vanessa has served as a researcher and research administrator. Working at a small academic institution, she is experienced in both pre- and post-award administration, including significant project management experience. Vanessa enthusiastically supports faculty & students and community & industry partners in succeeding in all their applied research endeavours.

Rafael Liao is currently the research facilitator of Academic & Research, Bow Valley College in the pillar of Social Innovation. He joined the BVC in May 2021 with more than ten years of experience in research administration and grant management at University and College. Before that he was the research administrator at the University of Regina.

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Amos Kafata is a Research Data Specialist with a sturdy background in health informatics and research. With a passion for leveraging data to drive impactful health solutions, Amos has successfully completed numerous projects that bridge the gap between data science, health research and spatial epidemiology.  His expertise spans across data analysis, machine learning, and statistical modeling for various grants focused on determinants of health, health technology and health inequalities. Amos holds an MPH from the University of Johannesburg where he honed his expertise. Throughout his career, Amos has collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop innovative data-driven strategies that enhance clinical decision-making through scientific research. He has worked in both post-secondary institutions and industries where he led projects that focused on developing data leveraging tools for research. Amos also holds a Bachelor of Technology in Geographic Information Systems from SAIT and is an advocate for continuous learning and professional development.

Jessamine Keith Pagada (B.Sc. Nursing, Benguet State University; PGCert Health & Human Services Management, Bow Valley College) is a Research Associate in Academic and Research. Her professional background includes experience in Emergency Medical Services and Public Health, where she developed a strong foundation in healthcare. Jes transitioned into research, beginning as a Research Assistant at Bow Valley College, where she and the Applied Research team studied the impact of Virtual Reality in dementia education and training. She is passionate about innovation and is dedicated to finding new ways to help people. Jes enjoys connecting with others and engaging in new projects, reflecting her enthusiasm for collaboration and learning.

Jiali Jiang (M.Ed. in Curriculum Teaching & Learning focusing on Second Language Education, University of Manitoba; B.A., Hebei University of Technology, China) is a Research Associate for Applied Research and the Research Ethics Board at Bow Valley College.  

Jiali has recently joined the BVC and brings a wealth of experience in educational settings. Early in her career, she held various curriculum teaching and administrative roles, including positions as a teacher, learning manager, and administrative assistant, allowing her to build a solid foundation of expertise in educational practices and organizational management.  

Passionate about bridging the gap between education and practical application, Jiali aims to contribute to research initiatives that utilize research-informed approaches to enhance educational practices. She seeks to foster meaningful partnerships that promote effective learning outcomes across diverse sectors.

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