Meet our Team

As a software developer with a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Victoria, Bipasa brings a specialized focus on energy system modeling to her projects at SESIT and EMH. Her technical expertise encompasses Python, SQL, Docker, and cloud technologies, which she leverages to enhance the functionality and efficiency of models. She has developed Python-based tools for visualizing energy networks, optimizing energy flows, and enhancing analytical capabilities. Her work includes significant contributions to the CODERS database and refinements to the SILVER model, where she implemented changes that significantly boosted its efficiency and performance. Her experience with containerization has enabled her to deploy scalable and efficient solutions on cloud platforms using Docker, and she manages workflows with Kubernetes to maintain the robust performance of the SILVER model.

Ahnaf graduated from the University of Victoria in 2022 with a Bachelor's in Software Engineering and specialization in Data Mining and AI/ML. While attending, he was a member of the Engineering Student Society serving as Director of IT for a year. He represented UVic in the programming division at the Western Engineering Competition in 2020, achieving first place. Through the Engineering department's co-op program Ahnaf has worked on various projects from low level hardware to cloud systems. Ahnaf is currently a member of the Sustainable Energy Systems Integration & Transition group (SESIT). Ahnaf is currently the lead developer of the CODERS database and API.

Alexandre Augustin holds a master's degree in Industrial Engineering from Polytechnique Montréal, specializing in optimization and data science. His thesis focused on creating an optimization model for planning maintenance activities of mobile equipment in underground mines. This work solidified his expertise in mathematical modeling and statistics. His skills extend to operations research, integer linear programming, constraint programming, graph theory, and network flow optimization. Proficient in CPLEX Optimization Studio, Alexandre is also skilled in SQL data manipulation tools and techniques. His programming abilities include Python and Matlab. Additionally, he is knowledgeable in optimizing production and maintenance processes. Alexandre also has a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Polytechnique Montréal, which provided him with a solid foundation in the field.

Muhammad Awais is a Research Analyst, leading the development of the Canadian Integrated Assessment Model (MESSAGEix-Canada). He is also affiliated with the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) as a Research Scholar in the Energy, Climate, and Environment program, where he has contributed for the past five years. Awais has played a key role in large-scale projects focused on developing integrated multi-sectoral scenario across various scales( global, regional, and national). His research interests include understanding optimal pathways for the energy, water, and land sectors, with a particular focus on climate action and its associated impacts. His work emphasizes the development of integrated assessment models that answers 'what-if' questions for the future. In addition to his research, Awais has actively participated in multiple stakeholder events, where he has trained stakeholders and policymakers, helping them understand complex models and transform them into actionable, impactful policies. Awais obtained his Doctorate in Civil Engineering from the University of Victoria, with a focus on climate adaptation scenarios in the energy, water, and land domains. He possesses a Master of Science degree in Hydro Science & Engineering from the Technical University Dresden, Germany, and a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the National University of Computer & Emerging Sciences, Pakistan.

Deven is Project Director of the Open Insights project, a collaboration between SESIT and partnering organizations focused on developing open-source energy-economy datasets, models and visualization tools for the Canadian modelling and climate policy community. Prior to SESIT, Deven worked in environmental economic consulting in the United Kingdom, where he led model development teams focusing on climate & nature transition and physical risk modelling for financial institutions. Deven received his Master's in Economics from the London School of Economics and Political Science and Bachelor's in Economics from Simon Fraser University. Through his academic work, Deven has publications on climate science as well as environmental economics topics. In his spare time, Deven can be found trail running, road cycling, kiteboarding or being made fun of by his friends for still calling his apartment his “flat”.

Pierre Cilpa is a seasoned systems and data expert, holding a Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Polytechnique Montréal and certifications in SAFe 5, Microsoft Azure, and SQL. As the Founder of SOLR Consultation Inc., he has demonstrated prowess in project management, cloud infrastructure, and IoT systems development. His deep understanding of network, security, and data management has been crucial in navigating complex information systems. At Hydro-Quebec, as an ETL Python Developer Consultant, Pierre led projects with precision, ensuring top-quality reporting and efficient ETL pipeline operations. His tenure at the National Bank of Canada was marked by his management of data center operations and skillful use of SQL with Snowflake, enhancing strategic process and project planning in the Chief Data Office. With a strong background in electronics design and product development, Pierre has contributed to innovations in wireless power transfer and ultrasonic signal technology. Notably, as a collaborator on patented floating photovoltaic power generator technology, he continues to be an influential figure at the convergence of innovation, data, and technology, upholding the highest standards in his field.

Evan graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor's in Software Engineering in 2022. While there he served as the Vice President of Academics for the Engineering Student Society and was the president of the UVic Surf Club. Through the engineering department's co-op program, he has acquired extensive experience with massive datasets, energy system models, and requirements engineering. Currently, he is interested in creating illustrative data visualizations of complex energy systems, full-stack development, and facilitating teamwork within software projects. Outside of work, Evan loves the outdoors and the preservation of our natural habitats here in BC. You can find him organizing a beach cleanup, hiking, biking, diving, fishing, or surfing at least one day of the week.

Electrical engineer with a specialization in digital and embedded systems. Passionate about engineering problems and problem solving, I have mainly worked in the energy research field, applying operations research and mathematical programming skills to model the energy sector in Canada. When spending time on my own, or with friends, I usually like to play the piano, read, or practice a sport.

Leveraging lessons from nature, Zachary strives to instill the intelligence of ecosystems into modern built environments. Since receiving his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University, Zachary has lived and worked in New York, Brazil, Germany, Portugal, Myanmar, and Tanzania on a variety of bio-inspired, sustainable development and renewable energy projects. He recently completed his PhD in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Tech as part of the BioBuild Interdisciplinary Graduate Education Program. His academic ambitions encompass the research and teaching of themes related to ecological networks, energy infrastructure, machine learning, blockchain, horticulture, and regenerative community development.

Jonas Kraasch, a skilled software engineer and deep learning. With a diverse background, he is passionate about AI and climate crisis research, volunteers with 2SLGBTQIA+ organizations, and excels in interdisciplinary projects. He is currently the lead developer of the IDEA platform.

Yalda Saedi, holding a Master of Applied Science in Sustainable Energy Engineering from Simon Fraser University, Canada, has collaborated on diverse energy system modelling projects. She has also conducted capacity development workshops aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, fostering partnerships between academia and governments. She developed Python-based tools that enhance open-source Climate, Land, Energy, and Water systems modelling by seamlessly incorporating high-resolution geospatial data while maintaining computational efficiency. Yalda was appointed as the energy system modelling trainer for the Energy Modeling Platform (EMP) for Latin America and the Caribbean (2022-2023), and EMP for Africa (2023). In addition to her sustainable energy expertise, with a Master of Science in Geo-information and Earth Observation from the University of Twente, Netherlands, She brings years of work and research experience in geospatial engineering and GIS, utilizing machine learning methods and cutting-edge technologies in remote sensing, photogrammetry, and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Madeleine Seatle is an energy systems modeller with an expertise is developing linkages between models. She currently is the model linkage lead in the Open Insights project, a collaboration between SESIT, EMH, and the Clean Prosperity Foundation. She competed her B.Eng. in Civil Engineering (2019) from McMaster University and her Ph.D. (2023) in the SESIT Group at the University of Victoria. Her thesis research focused on modelling decarbonization pathways at the city-scale, with a focus on large-scale renewable energy integration and electrification. She has experience working with energy system models, such as a production cost model (SILVER) and a capacity model (COPPER), as well as demand-side models, such as a transportation model (TASHA) and a building model (EnergyPlus). Through linking demand-side models to energy system models, demand response programs were able to be explored as a means of providing flexibility to the grid.