Omar Yaqub, Managing Partner

MBA Technology Commercialization | BSc Computing Science with Minor in Mathematical Science

Omar Yaqub, pairs his MBA skillset with community organizing, human centred design, and economic development. Omar’s strengths are in building organizations through a multidisciplinary approach that includes organizational planning, stakeholder analysis, ideation, revenue generation and developing strategies. Omar has worked in six countries and his work has been profiled by CNN Money 2.0 and Global TV.

Omar has experience working with First Nations, municipalities, faith/service/community organizations and business. Omar teaches Social Entrepreneurship to MBA students at the University of Alberta, drawing from his deep knowledge and experience in the sector. Previously, he worked to build the engagement, growth and education strategy of the Social Enterprise Fund and later launched SustainableWorks, an environmental efficiency social enterprise co-op. Omar has also worked with Edmonton Economic Development (EEDC) and is a co-founder of ALIF Partners. Omar is a recipient of the 2015 Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) RISE award for Community Leadership.

Isaac Watson, Senior Partner

Project Manager | Team Lead

Isaac is an experienced project manager and insightful analyst. Previously, Isaac led teams at lululemon athletica, where he was awarded and recognized as a key influencer and thought leader. During his time with lululemon, he trained and motivated store teams across the United States and Canada, hosted lululemon's global leadership conference, and led initiatives that generated more than $80 million in incremental sales growth.

Isaac has experience working with small/medium/large business growth initiatives, First Nations economic and social development, and municipal studies. He is the team's generalist with a broad network across industries and government. Isaac is a co-founder of ALIF Partners, Statecraft Communications, and Heartland Product and Consultation Services.

Matthew Simard, Senior Advisor

Alternative Energy Technologist | Journeyman Electrician

Matthew is an alternative energy technologist, journeyman electrician, and sessional instructor at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) Alternative Energy Technology program. His expertise in renewable energy and efficiency has been developed over the last five years, project managing large scale renewable projects as well as helping to develop SURFACE into one of Edmonton’s leading clean technology consulting companies. Prior to SURFACE, Matthew worked in solar PV design and installation, and has to date installed over 500 kilowatts.

Building management and systems integration, technology innovation, and building the clean technology sector in Alberta are of incredible importance to Matthew. Winner of the 2015 Hatch Start-Up Challenge for his innovative mobile clean technology power station, Matthew continues to innovate technology integration designs.

With a diverse network of industry connections and associates, Matthew is focused on growing SURFACE and breaking new ground within the green economy.

Emerson Dickie, Senior Advisor

Alternative Fuels Specialist

Emerson is the owner of Green Transport, a green-minded LTL trucking company in Edmonton, Alberta. He founded Green Transport with the vision to be Alberta's premiere LTL service while pioneering environmental stewardship unlike any other transport company.

Emerson has been involved with developing and working with leading biofuels organizations in Alberta. In 2015, Green Transport took part in an NSERC-funded biofuels project with Olds College to create and produce biofuel for its fleet. In his previous career, Emerson installed geothermal heating systems for commercial and residential projects. Emerson has a deep understanding and expertise in the renewable energy industry and constantly adopts green processes to his business, Green Transport.

Kea Adachi, R&D Consultant

Alternative Energy Technologist | BA Anthropology

Kea, an expert in bio-energy, grant and funding applications, and research and proposal development, is the Project Research and Development Associate at SURFACE. Prior to working for SURFACE, Kea worked as a laboratory assistant and support staff for a joint project between the University of Alberta, Forge Hydrocarbons, and the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), commissioning a pilot project for a renewable diesel facility.

Kea is passionate about bio-energy systems, building energy efficiency, passive house techniques, and integrating landscaping and permaculture systems to maximize yield and land area. The recipient of the MacPherson WITT Engineering Scholarship and the Doug Guy Sustainable Energy Scholarship for top academic achievement in the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Kea’s achievements also include researching, writing, and preparing an Environmental Scan for the Band Council of Smith’s Landing First Nation, and the completion of a Passive House Designer course, and business administration and accounting courses.

Saad Mohammad, Business Analyst

BComm Accounting | BSc Biological Sciences

Saad's skills are in financial analysis, budgeting, corporate governance, and scientific research. He studied genetics and biochemistry at the University of Alberta and then went on to complete a second degree in Accounting.

His goals are to promote economic and social development in marginalized communities with a focus on sustainability.

Saad is currently working towards obtaining his professional accounting designation. He has experience working with non-profit organizations, social enterprises, and ethical finance.

Dr. Jonathan Banks, Associate Advisor

PHD Geochemistry, Hydrogeology & Mineralogy | MSc Geology | BSc Geology

Jonathan is an inventor and research scientist at the U of A. He is at the forefront of geothermal exploration in Western Canada, as well as a pioneering figure in low – temperature, micro – geothermal generation.

Jonathan’s primary responsibility as Research Associate at the University of Alberta is to carry out the feasibility study for the supercritical CO2 fueled geothermal system (aka EGS-CO2) he developed as a postdoctoral fellow. This study involves determining the porosity and permeability of suite of Albertan Precambrian Basement rocks, testing the the transmissivity of supercritical CO2 through these rocks at reservoir temperatures and pressures, and using the experimental data to build 3-D, dynamic models of potential EGS-CO2 reservoirs' evolution at various operating parameters.

In addition to this study, Jonathan takes a leading role in commercializing standard geothermal power technology in Western Canada. Currently, Jonathan is working on a pre-commercialization study for a 5 MW(e) binary cycle geothermal plant near Ft. Nelson, BC, as well investigating sites with similar potential near Grand Prairie, High Level and Rainbow Lake, AB. Jonathan is also in the beginning stages of designing a geothermal energy fueled district heating network for the planned University of Alberta South Campus development.