Ingenium 2026 - Engineers Geoscientists Manitoba

KeynoteTransforming Your Team for Success: The Power of Psychological SafetyNogol Madani

In times of rapid change and transformation, leaders face both internal and external challenges, from self-doubt and fear to resistance from senior leadership or team members. Navigating these dynamics takes more than strategy; it requires a culture that supports transformation.

This talk explores how psychological safety enables leaders to create environments where people feel safe to speak up, take risks, and support one another, especially during high-stakes transitions. Nogol Madani shares research-backed insights that show how psychological safety fuels collaboration, open communication, creativity, and collective performance.

Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the concept, along with small, consistent actions that can shift behaviors and strengthen team dynamics. Whether you're leading through change, scaling impact, or preparing for the future of work, this session will equip you with the mindset, tools, and practices to create a culture of connection and belonging for long-term success.

Nogol Madani

Nogol Madani is a future-focused workplace expert, speaker, and facilitator specializing in people-powered leadership, psychological safety, and inclusive team performance. An engineer by training with a Master of Engineering from McGill University, she draws on lived experience as an immigrant woman in male-dominated environments to challenge traditional workplace models that limit human potential. She is the founder of a firm dedicated to building psychologically safe, high-performing teams, has worked with organizations including Google, SAP, and Rio Tinto, and serves as faculty at the McGill Executive Institute.

Nogol Madani delivers custom presentations on psychological safety, workplace culture, inclusive leadership, team performance, people-powered leadership, employee engagement, change and transformation, and the future of work. A workplace expert and founder who utilizes her background as an immigrant engineer to help leaders build high-performing, inclusive teams through psychological safety and people-powered leadership.

Multi-Functional Space-Air-Ground Networks for Canada's Emerging Engineering ChallengesPeng Hu, PhD, P.Eng.

As Canada faces growing demands for reliable connectivity, climate resilience, and digital services, communication networks must extend beyond conventional terrestrial infrastructure. Space-air-ground integrated networks (SAGINs) are emerging as a key paradigm for 6G and future communication systems. By combining terrestrial, aerial, and satellite infrastructure, SAGINs can deliver resilient, ubiquitous connectivity while enabling a broad range of data-driven applications.

This talk introduces the SAGIN concept and examines how multi-functional SAGINs could help address emerging engineering challenges in Canada. It considers SAGINs as foundational digital infrastructure for narrowing connectivity gaps in remote, rural, Indigenous, and other underserved communities, where conventional terrestrial networks may be difficult or costly to deploy. The talk also explores how integrated terrestrial, aerial, and low-Earth-orbit satellite systems can support time-sensitive and data-intensive applications, including wildfire detection and monitoring, digital health services, and connected and intelligent transportation.

Peng Hu, PhD, P.Eng.

Peng Hu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Manitoba, where he directs the Advanced Network and Embedded Systems Lab (AEL). He also holds an adjunct appointment in the Cheriton School of Computer Science at the University of Waterloo and is a member of the Waterloo Data and AI Institute. His research spans satellite networks, space sustainability, space-air-ground integrated systems, applied AI/ML, and mission-critical IoT.

He serves as West Area Chair of IEEE Canada, Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems and IEEE Open Journal of the Communications Society, and Secretary of the IEEE Communications Society Satellite and Space Communications Technical Working Group. His work focuses on emerging challenges at the intersection of multiple disciplines and has been supported by NSERC, CFI, NRC, Research Manitoba, and other public funding agencies, through collaborations with academic and industry partners.

From Design to Delivery: How BIM, VDC, and Automation Are Transforming EngineeringGursans Guven Isin, PhD, P.Eng.

This session will explore how Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) revolutionize engineering workflows from design to execution by bridging digital innovation with real-world application. BIM acts as a collaborative backbone, enabling teams to visualize, simulate, and optimize projects with precision, while VDC extends these capabilities into construction, reducing waste, mitigating risks, and accelerating delivery.

The session will also address how BIM and automation streamline asset management for utility companies, transforming vast datasets into actionable insights for maintenance, upgrades, and lifecycle optimization.

Additionally, the talk will cover how virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR) are reshaping civil engineering education. By immersing students in interactive scenarios like design reviews and project management simulations, these technologies prepare a new generation of engineers to tackle modern infrastructure challenges.

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of how digital tools in construction enhance efficiency and redefine the role of engineers in a data-driven future.

Gursans Guven Isin, PhD, P.Eng.

Dr. Gursans Guven Isin, P.Eng. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Manitoba (UM) in the area of Construction Engineering and Management. Prior to joining UM, she was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Civil and Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto.

Her research interests are in the areas of automation, sensing and IT applications for construction engineering and management, digital twins and Building Information Modeling (BIM). Her current work focuses on the utilization and integration of automation and data capture technologies with BIM for improving processes and operations in construction projects as well as the applications of Artificial Intelligence and immersive visualization technologies for supporting the design, construction and operational stages of the built environment.

She currently serves as the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE) Manitoba Section Chair as well as the Vice-Chair of the Construction Division.

Professional Practice Compliance in Small Engineering Firms Bruce Johnston, P.Eng., CP, MIStructE

Professional engineering practice is increasingly shaped by regulatory expectations, documentation requirements, and professional accountability. While these obligations are well understood in principle, many firms struggle to apply them consistently in day-to-day project delivery.

This session explores the practical realities of professional practice compliance, including risk assessment, scope definition, checking and review, internal collaboration, document control, and use of seal. The presentation focuses first on the professional obligations engineers carry across jurisdictions, then demonstrates how structured workflows and documentation systems can help support those obligations without replacing professional judgment. The session is intended for practicing professional engineers, firm leaders, and those involved in quality management or regulatory compliance who are interested in practical, experience-based approaches to strengthening professional practice in modern engineering environments.

Bruce Johnston, P.Eng., CP, MIStructE

Bruce Johnston is a structural engineer, principal partner at Access Engineering, and founder of DesignTIME Solutions, the company behind Stackd - a purpose-built operations platform designed specifically for Canadian engineering firms that integrates project delivery, quality management, regulatory compliance, and financial workflows into one connected system. Based in British Columbia, Bruce has served as Managing Partner of Access Engineering, with direct responsibility for professional oversight, quality management systems, and permit-to-practice compliance.

How EMT Accurate Modeling Identifies Failures and Saves Assets Mehrdad Rostami, Ph.D., P.Eng., SMIEEE

As power systems become more dynamic - dense with inverter-based resources, long HVDC corridors, and weaker short-circuit ratios - the gap between what conventional studies show and what the grid actually does is widening.

Many of the costliest failures in modern utilities did not violate any steady-state limit. They occurred in the milliseconds and microseconds that traditional tools do not see.

Accurate Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) modeling closes that gap.

Why RMS (or PSPD - Positive Sequence Phasor Domain) tools fall short
What EMT modeling captures
Failure modes EMT catches early
Asset-saving outcomes

To complete the presentation, past project case studies will be shown and discussed.

Mehrdad Rostami, Ph.D., P.Eng., SMIEEE

Mehrdad Rostami has over 30 years of experience in engineering, spanning the utilities and industrial sectors. He authored or co-authored more than 80 papers and presentations in engineering journals, conferences, and seminars. As a senior member of IEEE and holding a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, Mehrdad possesses in-depth knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals and renewable energy, as well as comprehensive experience and expertise in high-level power system transient modeling, analysis, and study.

Mehrdad served as the vice chair of the IEEE Smart Grid Bulletin for 4 years and currently serves as a vice chair of the IEEE Toronto section, Power & Energy chapter. He is licensed as a professional engineer in Ontario, Alberta, and Manitoba. Mehrdad serves as a director - Power System Studies at E Source Company, leading a team of expert EMT study engineers who provide services to numerous North American clients, including large-scale developers, ISOs, and utilities.

The Soft Skills of Recruitment Jaysa Toet, CPHR

The path to a solid hire comes down to how we communicate. This session explores the underlying soft skills that make recruitment effective for both hiring managers and candidates. Participants will learn practical concepts to communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and authenticity throughout the recruitment process.

Through both the hiring manager and candidate lens, the session will discuss how to engage in effective interviews, ask and respond to meaningful questions, build rapport through the recruitment process, and create conversations that support informed decision-making. By strengthening these communication skills, engineers and geoscientists can become more confident and impactful participants in recruitment—whether they are assessing talent, showcasing their own capabilities, or helping create a positive and authentic candidate experience.

 Jaysa Toet, CPHR

Jaysa Toet is a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR). She has spent over a decade working as a strategic partner with businesses and organizations across Manitoba. Her professional background began in career development and evolved into leading complex search processes, conducting executive searches, operational HR, and building a recruitment division from the ground up. She is a former Partner with Acuity HR Solutions and devoted many years to boards within Winnipeg's business and non-profit communities

Presently, as the Founder of Lively Consulting, Jaysa dedicates her expertise to designing and delivering recruitment and outplacement services that support the needs of employers and candidates.

Removing Cost. Everywhere!Dr. Caniggia Viana

Modern electric vehicles require a multitude of power conversion functions. The onboard charger needs to condition the AC voltage into DC to supply the battery. From the battery, the inverter delivers energy to the traction motor to get the car going. Smaller loads, from headlights to seat warmers, are fed via the auxiliary power module. Each converter needs to be designed, manufactured, bought, installed, and towed around every time the car is used.

My research focuses on reutilizing the same components, down to the power electronics, to perform more than one function. There are, however, key challenges that need to be addressed before integration can take place. How to design to enable integration? How to ensure standard compliance? Much more.

The challenges are worth tackling, though. Each integration can reduce vehicle cost by dozens to hundreds of dollars. When multiplied by the number of cars sold, this research has meaningful economic impact.

Dr. Caniggia Viana

Dr. Caniggia Viana is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Manitoba. He completed his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte in Brazil and earned his Ph.D. from the University of Toronto.

Dr. Viana’s research centers on driving down costs and reducing weight in automotive power conversion systems, including inverters, onboard chargers, and auxiliary power modules.

To reduce overall system expense, his methodology leverages identical hardware to perform multiple power conversion tasks, such as repurposing the vehicle's drive inverter as a charger while the car is parked.

KeynoteBeyond Unconscious Bias: How Perception Shapes Engagement, Inclusion, and SuccessDr. Rehman Abdulrehman

Why do well-intentioned people still develop biases that create conflict and unintentionally exclude others?

Drawing on cognitive psychology, organizational consulting, and insights from the TestBias.com initiative, Dr. Abdulrehman explores the mental processes that shape how we perceive other people—and, ultimately, how we engage with them. Participants will discover how cognitive shortcuts, schemas, lived experiences, and incomplete or inaccurate information influence our perceptions of identity, competence, trust, and belonging, shaping workplace relationships, culture, and organizational success.

Rather than viewing bias as a personal failing, Dr. Abdulrehman demonstrates how bias emerges from false narratives, missing information, and a lack of awareness of how our own thoughts and biases develop in a busy and demanding work environment. Through practical, evidence-informed strategies, participants will learn how to recognize hidden patterns of perception, build more meaningful engagement across differences, and create environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.

Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman

A clinical & consulting psychologist, Dr. Abdulrehman applies his skills of creating sustainable change to leadership and diversity equity & inclusion. He has a broad & international portfolio of clients including Google/YouTube (to whom he was the subject matter expert on bias), Mastercard Foundation, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and was a member of the Conference Board of Canada. He hosts a podcast on the difficult conversations of racism, called Different People.

Dr. Abdulrehman’s work has been recognized by the Society of Consulting Psychology for Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Consulting. A TEDx speaker on "Resolving Unconscious Bias" and the founder of TestBias.com and livingwithracism.com, he believes insight of our biases can be the beginning of a resolution to systemic racism.

Talking to the Future: Using AI and Strategic Foresight to Explore the Future of Cities and Infrastructure in ManitobaDiana Olynick, P.Eng., PMP

The future of Manitoba's cities and infrastructure is an engineering challenge already taking shape. This session shows how strategic foresight and AI can sharpen scenario-based thinking for infrastructure planning, mobility, and long-term investment decisions. Through an applied example, a conversational AI interface built around a professional engineer from the future, attendees will see how these tools make complex infrastructure futures more tangible and discussable, without replacing engineering judgment. Leave with practical ways to strengthen scenario thinking, sharpen communication of long-term trade-offs, and rethink the engineer's role in shaping resilient futures.

Diana Olynick, P.Eng., PMP

Diana Olynick, P.Eng., PMP, is a professional engineer, author, and speaker based in Manitoba. Her work sits at the intersection of engineering, artificial intelligence, and strategic foresight. She is the author of "Interfaceless" and "Designing Our Future," both published with Springer Nature, with a third book on human-AI collaboration forthcoming. Diana has spoken on emerging technologies and their implications for design, infrastructure, and professional practice at local and international venues, including AWE and Ingenium. Her work focuses on helping professionals use new tools not only to improve efficiency, but to think more deeply, communicate more clearly, and make better long-term decisions.

The Future of Energy in Manitoba: AI, Data Centers, and the Next Generation GridAbolfazl Babaei, PhD, P.Eng., PMP

Artificial intelligence is accelerating the growth of data centers, making them one of the fastest-growing sources of electricity demand worldwide. This trend is reshaping the energy sector, driving new investments in generation, transmission, and grid modernization while creating opportunities for regions with abundant, reliable, and clean energy resources.

This presentation explores the evolving relationship between AI, data centers, and the electric power industry, with a focus on Manitoba's unique position in this rapidly changing landscape. Topics include the growing energy footprint of hyperscale data centers, emerging trends in power system planning, renewable energy integration, battery energy storage, transmission expansion, and the technologies required to maintain a reliable and resilient grid.

The session will also discuss how Manitoba's hydroelectric resources, strong transmission network, and commitment to clean energy can support economic growth by attracting digital infrastructure investments while maintaining system reliability and sustainability. Attendees will gain a broad understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing the province and the strategic role Manitoba can play in powering Canada's digital economy and the next generation of energy infrastructure.

Abolfazl Babaei, PhD, P.Eng., PMP

Abolfazl (AB) Babaei, Ph.D., P.Eng., PMP, SMIEEE, is the Manager of Power System Studies at RMS Energy with over 12 years of experience in the energy sector. He specializes in power system studies, data center modeling and interconnection analysis, renewable energy integration, grid-forming inverter applications, HVDC systems, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies. AB has led complex utility-scale projects across North America and Australia, supporting utilities, independent system operators, developers, and hyperscale data centers. He is an IEEE Senior Member, international speaker, and instructor, delivering technical tutorials and workshops on advanced power system analysis and modern grid technologies.

Delivering Resilient Urban Infrastructure through Integrated Logistics and Digital Coordination: Lessons Applicable to ManitobaSaeed Kia P.Eng., M.Sc., M.Eng., MBA

Modern infrastructure projects require resilient design, advanced coordination, and innovative construction strategies to successfully address complex environmental and operational challenges. This presentation shares practical insights from the Ontario Line Elevated Guideway and Stations project in Toronto, delivered by ACCIONA and Trillium Guideway Partners, focusing on real-world implementation of integrated logistics, digital engineering workflows, and structural coordination in a dense urban environment.

The session presents a case-based discussion on the use of Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) to optimize construction sequencing, manage constrained sites, and improve safety and productivity. It also highlights the role of digital coordination, quality management systems, and interdisciplinary collaboration in ensuring efficient delivery of structural and infrastructure works under demanding schedule and environmental conditions. Particular attention is given to strategies for managing cold-weather construction, risk mitigation, and resilient infrastructure planning.

While the case study is based on a major transit infrastructure project in Toronto, the engineering methodologies and technologies presented are directly transferable to infrastructure development in Manitoba. Topics such as cold-climate construction practices, resilient structural systems, digital project coordination, and logistics optimization offer valuable insights for improving project performance, sustainability, and long-term infrastructure resilience across the province.

Saeed Kia P.Eng., M.Sc., M.Eng., MBA

Saeed Kia is a Professional Engineer with more than 15 years of experience in civil and structural engineering, construction management, and infrastructure delivery. He currently works as a Structural Engineer with ACCIONA as part of Trillium Guideway Partners (TGP) on Toronto’s Ontario Line Elevated Guideway and Stations project. His experience includes transportation, industrial, mining, oil and gas, municipal infrastructure, and building projects. Saeed holds an M.Sc., an M.Eng., and an MBA. His professional interests include structural engineering, construction risk management, sustainable infrastructure, project delivery, and applying research-based solutions to complex engineering challenges.

Digital Inspection in Action: Real Manufacturing Projects and Lessons LearnedPriyanka Tuteja (MSc.), Dr. Baltej Singh Rupal

Discover how manufacturers are using digital inspection technologies to improve quality, increase efficiency, and make more informed decisions. This webinar will explore technologies such as machine vision, 3D scanning, automated/semi-automated inspection, and data-driven inspection processes, highlighting the critical role data plays in successful digital transformation. Through real-world project examples, you will learn how manufacturers have leveraged digital technologies to enhance accuracy, streamline operations, and overcome production challenges. The session will also introduce supports available through the Digital Technology Transformation Initiative (DTTI) and Center of Automation and Manufacturing Technology Transfer (CAMTT) at RRC Polytech's Research Partnerships & Innovation (RPI) to help organizations identify, test, and implement digital solutions within their own operations.

[Priyanka Tuteja (MSc.)]

Priyanka Tuteja (MSc.)

Priyanka Tuteja brings over a decade of experience spanning engineering, technology, education, and international business. Trained as an Electronics Design Engineer in India, she holds both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Electronics Science, specializing in VLSI and embedded systems. She began her career with STMicroelectronics before moving to Winnipeg in 2014, where she further expanded her expertise with a Post Graduate Diploma in International Business from Red River College.

Since 2015, Priyanka has held a leadership role at Cogmation Robotics Inc., advancing innovative educational technology initiatives through global partnerships, product development, and accessible STEM learning programs. A passionate advocate for equitable access to coding, robotics, and AI education, she has collaborated with organizations including Boeing, DAI, First Peoples Development Inc., and CanU, while also contributing to technical education as an instructor at Red River College.

[Dr. Baltej Singh Rupal]

Dr. Baltej Singh Rupal

Dr. Baltej Singh Rupal is the Applied Research Chair in Advanced Manufacturing and Mechatronics at RRC Polytech in Winnipeg, where he leads a centre dedicated to helping manufacturers adopt emerging technology and applied artificial intelligence. His work centers on using artificial intelligence and predictive tools, computer vision and 3D scanning, and digital simulation to help industry make smarter, more efficient decisions on the shop floor.

He brings over a decade of international experience across automotive manufacturing, precision machining, assistive and exoskeleton robotics, and aerospace inspection engineering, having worked and studied in India, Sweden, and Canada. He holds a doctorate from the University of Alberta focused on improving accuracy and quality control in 3D printing processes, and is a licensed professional engineer. He has authored more than ten peer-reviewed journal articles and applies artificial intelligence and advanced sensing technologies to help solve real-world manufacturing challenges.

Prospecting for Critical Minerals in ManitobaMostafa Fayek, Ph.D., P.Geo.

Mostafa Fayek is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Manitoba and an internationally recognized expert in isotope geochemistry. His research focuses on mineral deposits, geofluids, environmental geochemistry, and forensic applications of isotope science, using advanced analytical techniques to study Earth's geological processes and trace contaminants in natural and human-impacted systems.

In addition to his research, Dr. Fayek teaches courses in mineral deposits, isotope geology, geochronology, and advanced geological instrumentation. He is also actively involved in developing new applications for geochemical and isotopic methods in geosciences, archaeometry, and forensic investigations.

Mostafa Fayek, Ph.D., P.Geo.

Mostafa Fayek is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Manitoba and an internationally recognized expert in isotope geochemistry. His research focuses on mineral deposits, geofluids, environmental geochemistry, and forensic applications of isotope science, using advanced analytical techniques to study Earth's geological processes and trace contaminants in natural and human-impacted systems.

In addition to his research, Dr. Fayek teaches courses in mineral deposits, isotope geology, geochronology, and advanced geological instrumentation. He is also actively involved in developing new applications for geochemical and isotopic methods in geosciences, archaeometry, and forensic investigations.

Fatigue effect on HPFRCC in slant shear testsAbdelrahman Mabrouk, EIT, M.Sc.

In precast concrete bridges, shear key joints play a pivotal role in load transfer between girders through maintaining structural continuity between adjacent girders. However, primarily due to shrinkage and incompatibility of the joint fill material with the parent concrete of the bridge girders, these joints remain vulnerable to longitudinal cracking over time, resulting in water infiltration and corrosion of the reinforcement. To address these challenges, research has focused on the development of joint filling material that has low shrinkage, high compatibility, and enhanced durability.

The study investigates the fatigue performance of a new high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composite material (HPFRCC) enhanced with nano-modification, developed at the University of Manitoba. The novel material utilizes hybrid basalt fiber pellets (BFP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers to enhance crack resistance and bonds well to normal concrete. An experimental program was developed that contains 32 slant shear prisms categorized into two groups based on HPFRCC mix-Hybrid Fibre Mix (HFM) or Single Fibre Mix (SFM) and slant angles of 30 and 35 degrees with vertical. In addition, Digital Image Correlation (DIC) analysis is conducted to highlight the stress analysis understanding along the slant shear interface.

Abdelrahman Mabrouk, EIT, M.Sc.

Abdelrahman Mabrouk is a structural designer, educator, and researcher with 13 years of experience spanning academia, structural consulting, and construction industry.

He has designed steel roof trusses, mezzanines, various precast concrete elements, and lateral force-resisting systems, including seismic and diaphragm designs for industrial and residential buildings in Manitoba.

His experience also includes structural health monitoring of Manitoba bridges, analyzing monitoring data, preparing condition reports, designing shear keys for precast box girders, and developing specifications for high-performance concrete. His Ph.D. research focuses on fatigue analysis of shear key systems using a unique material of high-performance cementitious composites.

He worked on the rehabilitation and strengthening of historic and government concrete and masonry structures in Egypt. He has also managed construction projects and taught civil and structural engineering courses at the University of Manitoba and the Arab Academy in Egypt.

KeynoteYour Team Doesn't Suck. You Do.Jane Helbrecht

What if the reason for low employee engagement and performance is closer to home than you think? It’s easy to blame others or outside factors when engagement and motivation are low, but leaders often miss an important opportunity for reflection.  Jane challenges leaders to reflect on how they set the tone for their team and shares strategies for building a more intentional leadership approach. 

She also calls on organizations to set leaders up for success and better support them in their roles. If your team isn’t performing, committed or engaged, it might be time to look in the mirror. Because it could be that your team doesn’t suck. You do.

Jane Helbrecht

Jane Helbrecht is on a mission to shift leaders from reactive to proactive so they can adapt to the future of work and evolving expectations. Jane’s workplace insights and strategies provide practical frameworks and solutions that allow leaders to not just survive at work but to truly thrive.

As the founder of Uplift Engagement, she creates people and leadership development programs that transform team dynamics so that teams can focus, get stuff done and have fun while they do it. As a sought-after consultant and dynamic keynote speaker, Jane shares insights on leadership, organizational culture, and the relationship between time & productivity. Jane is a Certified HR Professional and a Certified Leadership Coach who has honed her expertise over her time in tech, finance, manufacturing, and leadership consulting.

General Public	$225 + GST
Association Registrants	$150 + GST
Association Students	$25 + GST

Maria Vargas
E-mail:	MVargas@EngGeoMB.ca
Phone:	(204) 474-2736

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