THEME
EXPERTS
Dr. Sylvain Croteau
Emergency room physician at the Gatineau hospital
Healthcare
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A passionate emergency room physician who has worked diligently to help medical practice evolve throughout his three-decade career, Dr. Croteau is also a department head, an ultrasound instructor and a project manager for the computerization of medical practice at the Association des médecins d’urgence du Québec (AMUQ). He is the founder of SEKMED, a platform aiming to assist medical communities in the creation, sharing and updating of resources that incorporate proven scientific data and best practices, in addition to supporting their clinical processes, thereby incorporating quality and efficiency. While there are many different paths to achieving a vision, the one Dr. Croteau took is most unusual! In 2011, he traded the stethoscope for oars during a crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, starting from Morocco and going all the way to Barbados!
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Geneviève Bonin-Labelle
Associate Academic Dean at Cégep Heritage College
Education
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Associate Academic Dean at Cégep Heritage College, Geneviève has many years of experience in the field of education. She has obtained three bachelor’s degrees (in communication, journalism and education), an MBA and a PhD in communication. Among other things, she has worked as assistant professor in communication at the University of Ottawa, where she used a multidisciplinary approach involving various stakeholders and experiential education. Geneviève has notably been the coordinator of a program carried out in partnership with two local colleges, as well as an evaluator of several university programs, a consultant for curriculum development and policy evaluation, and a representative and judge for various committees and associations. She is also the author of numerous articles and book chapters on innovative approaches to education and media policy evaluation.
CYBERSECURITY EXPERTS
Alan Bernardi
Multidisciplinary Expert
Healthcare
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A multidisciplinary expert with vision and ambition armed with a background in computer science and management, Alan possesses strong analytical skills and a solid background in research and technology. He has worked on various projects related to digital transformation, smart cities, intelligent transportation systems, electronic information management, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, and fifth generation networks. Using his diversified experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, project management and technology transfer, he guides businesses in their innovation endeavours.
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Fehmi Jaafa
Doctor in Computer Science
Healthcare
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Dr. Fehmi Jaafar is currently a Researcher at the Computer Research Institute of Montreal and an Affiliate Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering at Concordia University. Previously, he was an Adjunct Professor at Concordia University of Edmonton, and a postdoctoral research fellow at Queen’s University and Polytechnique Montreal. Dr. Fehmi Jaafar received his PhD from the Department of Computer Science at Montreal University, Canada. He is interested in cybersecurity in the Internet of Things, in the analysis and the improvement of the security and quality of software systems, and in the application of machine learning techniques in cybersecurity. His researches have been published in top venues in computer sciences, including the Journal of Empirical Software Engineering (EMSE) and the Journal of Software: Evolution and Process (JSEP). He established externally funded research programs in collaboration with Defence Canada, Safety Canada, NSERC, MITACS, industrial partners, and foreign universities.
Luigi Logrippo
Professor in Computer Science
Healthcare​
Law graduate from La Sapienza University of Rome in 1961, Luigi Logrippo worked in the IT industry as programmer and analyst until 1967. He then worked as a researcher at the Institute for Computer Studies at the University of Manitoba where he obtained a master’s degree in computer science in 1969. Afterward, he obtained a doctorate in computer science from the University of Waterloo in 1974. From 1973 until 2002, he worked at the University of Ottawa in the Department of Computer Science and then in the School of Information Technology and Engineering (SITE). He was also Chair of the Computer Science Department from 1991 to 1997 and Administrative Director of SITE in 1997 and 1998. Since 2002, he is a professor in the Department of Computer Science at the Université du Québec en Outaouais.
Nabila Arezki
Project Manager at CyberQuébec
Healthcare
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A recent graduate from the DESS in Information Science and Technology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais, Nabila Arezki holds two master’s degrees — one in computer systems and the other in image and multimedia. Being enthusiastic, curious and passionate about science and technology, she joined the team at CyberQuébec.org, the CCTT of Cybersecurity at the Cégep de l’Outaouais, as a project manager.
François Perron
Teacher at Cégep de l’Outaouais
Education
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François Perron contributes to innovative projects in electronics, telecommunications, transportation and renewable energy in start-ups and expanding companies. Mr. Perron earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Polytechnique Montréal (1996) and a master’s degree in renewable energy from ÉTS (2016). He has been teaching electronics at the Cégep de l’Outaouais since 2001 and is now involved in structuring projects for the local ecosystem and its innovation chain (business incubators, Fablab, innovative clusters). He currently manages CyberQuébec.org, the CCTT (College Technology Transfer Center) of Cybersecurity at the Cégep de l’Outaouais. He sits on the board of directors of companies and organizations, including the Fabrique Mobile de l’Outaouais and Synchronex.
Gabriela Nicolescu
Teacher at Polytechnique Montréal
Education
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Gabriela Nicolescu earned a master’s degree of electronics from the Bucharest Polytechnic University, in Romania, and a doctorate of microelectronics from the Université Grenoble Alpes in France. She has been teaching at Polytechnique Montréal since 2003. She is the founder of a start-up that offers security solutions for intelligent software, and whose research interests extend to design methods and advanced security systems, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing. She has published 5 books, some 200 journal articles, and has spoken at numerous conferences across the globe.
Paul Berthier
President of LoML Consultants Inc.
Éducation
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Paul Berthier is a cybersecurity advisor for RHEA, specialized in the security of critical infrastructures. He holds a French engineering degree in the field of telecommunication from Telecom ParisTech and Eurecom, Sophia Antipolis. Paul also attended Polytechnique Montreal, where he developed a secure version of ADS-B, a protocol used by aircraft to broadcast their position. He received his Master of Applied Sciences in Computer Engineering, and spent two years as a research associate in the cybersecurity lab, where he led a research group focused on the security of aviation and Air Traffic Management (ATM).
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Renaud Lévesque
Training next generation employees at CyberQuébec
Education
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Recently retired from his position as Director General of the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security, Renaud Lévesque has worked 30 years at National Defense where he was responsible for the research, design, development, implementation and management of many unique and innovative computer and communications systems. He is now very pleased to be able to help train the next generation of CyberQuébec employees.
JUDGES
Danièle Henkel
Entrepreneur
Healthcare
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For more than 20 years, Danièle Henkel has been a leader in business and entrepreneurship in Canada. Founder and CEO of Les entreprises Danièle Henkel, she markets cutting-edge non-invasive technologies for the benefit of health and beauty centres. In addition to the creation of an impressive range of cosmetic products, the brand also develops franchises and offers medico-aesthetic express services. A year ago, she launched a digital television platform fully dedicated to empowering SMEs and offering visibility to all entrepreneurs here and abroad. She is also known for her communication skills; this is one of reasons why the show “Dans l’oeil du Dragon” — Quebec’s “Dragon’s Den” — kept her on for five seasons as a mentor. Recognized for her dedication to building a stronger and more world-oriented Quebec, Danièle Henkel is also a proud advocate of women’s entrepreneurship and financial emancipation. She does not hesitate to invest, finance, support and guide companies in which she believes.
Frederic Boulanger
Entrepreneur
Healthcare
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CEO of Macadamian and holder of a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the Université de Sherbrooke, Frederic is an avowed technomaniac who dreams of a world where software enables the full potential of ideas, enriches lives, and is a joy to use. He has led Macadamian in its tremendous growth to become a multi-million dollar consultancy with an award-winning work culture. As a director of the Information Technology Association of Canada, Fred is an active advocate for expanding Canada’s innovative capacities. He is also a community leader and a co-founder of the Ottawa High School Technology Program, which encourages a passion for science in high school students.
Pasto B. Wann
Deputy Director at CISSSO
Healthcare
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Pasto B. Wahn, Ph. D., is Assistant to the Director of Education, University Relations and Research of the Centre intégré de santé et de services sociaux de l’Outaouais. He holds a master’s degree in biomedical sciences from the Université de Montréal and a doctorate in biomedical sciences with option in psychiatric sciences from the same university. During his doctorate studies, he developed the first animal model of post-heart attack depression which, among other things, allows for a better understanding of this comorbidity (heart attack and major depression). Furthermore, he completed a postdoctoral degree in neuroscience at Carleton University in Ottawa. He has published several peer-reviewed articles and has designed, proposed and coordinated the creation of the research centre at the Outaouais CISSS.
Stéphane Bouchard
Entrepreneur
Healthcare
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Stéphane Bouchard is Canada Research Chair in Clinical Cyberpsychology at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. His work initially focused on the efficacy of cognitive-behavioural interventions in the treatment of anxiety disorders and their underlying mechanisms. Since the 2000s, he has been specializing in the use of virtual reality and telepsychotherapy. He is now positioned at the intersection of several disciplinary fields (3D arts, computer science, cognition, mental health, psychopathology, psychotherapy, human and psychosocial factors), which allows him to create, validate and test the efficacy of technological tools in order to better help people struggling with psychosocial adaptation issues. He has won several awards including a Canada Research Chair in 2003 (always renewed since), and the Adrien Pinard Award in 2014 to highlight his contribution to the field of psychology. He has published more than 200 scientific articles and book chapters, and has given hundreds of talks at scientific conferences and training workshops around the world.
Daniel J. Caron
Professeur at l’École nationale d’administration publique
Education
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Professor at the École nationale d’administration publique, Daniel J. Caron is interested in digital issues and the exploitation of information resources. His research work touches on open data, transparency, document management in organizations, information governance models, and public and administrative policies affecting document production in the digital era. His fields of expertise also include program evaluation and Aboriginal issues.
François de Bellefeuille
Entrepreneur
Education
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At the age of 18, François built a 30-people company from scratch. After a few years, he sold it and joined the Spiria team. As soon as he arrived, François jumped into projects – he isn’t afraid of change or to start fresh. His bold and intelligent approach to business and innovation has proven effective since his first leap into entrepreneurship: in 2018, he became general manager of Spiria Gatineau. François’s leadership philosophy is about putting people in positions of strength, and by doing so motivate and inspire them to be their best. He likes to challenge old ideas and believes nothing should be set in stone – for his clients, or for himself. He believes in correcting mistakes and moving forward with new solutions, meaning that nothing is impossible. Process transformation is François’ professional passion: he thrives on optimizing and improving client organizations’ processes and systems, turning the old into something lean, sleek, and efficient.
Jacqueline LaCasse
Director of Studies at Cégep de l’Outaouais
Education
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Director of Studies at the Cégep de l’Outaouais, Jacqueline LaCasse is responsible for the management and quality of 30 pre-university and technical study programs, in addition to all services, resources and activities relating to teaching, learning, student life and academic success. President of Hooked on School Days of the Table Éducation Outaouais, she coordinates regional consultation initiatives. She works with the General Director to defend higher education in the Outaouais Region and to contribute to regional development. The Cégep has notably seen the recent implementation of five new study programs, a CCTT in cybersecurity, healthcare and high-fidelity simulation clinics, and a centre for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Mario Lepage
Vice-Chancellor of Teaching, Research and Creation at UQO
Education
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With a doctorate in public health from the Université de Montréal, Mario Lepage is Vice-President to Teaching, Research and Creation at the Université du Québec en Outaouais. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in nursing sciences, in addition to being a member of the Ordre des infirmières et infirmiers du Québec since 1985. Mario has dedicated his life to healthcare. He first worked as a nurse at the Sainte-Justine Hospital and at the Gatineau Hospital Centre where he became coordonator in the nursing department. He then worked as a clinical nurse, head of general and health-specific programs and in charge of nursing care for the Gatineau CLSC and CHSLD. Mario then reoriented his career toward teaching by becoming a lecturer at UQO before being appointed professor and Director of the Department of Nursing, and finally Dean of Academic Management.