Rachel's journey in earth science began with a profound curiosity about the inner workings of our planet. Her career has carved a unique niche, delving into the fascinating intersection of the seafloor and Earth's mysteries—an area we know less about than the surface of Mars.

Her research is a testament to her curiosity, particularly focusing on the dynamic relationship between life and the ocean/earth interface. Rachel's work primarily centers on terrestrial and submarine hydrogeology, where she diligently unravels the planet's mysteries beneath the ocean's depths. Her ground-breaking research in submarine hydrogeology, specifically the movement of fluids beneath the oceanic crust, has led her to explore the ocean's depths aboard Alvin, a deep-water submersible, reaching depths of 4.5 kilometers. This unique perspective has granted her profound insights into the intricate connections between geoscience and biology in the Deep Ocean. Most recently, she played a pivotal role in an international collaboration, working alongside biologists, policy researchers, artists, and others, focused on understanding fluid exchange and it’s support of life at depths of 3.5 kilometers.

Beyond her research, Rachel is an inspiring educator. She doesn't simply teach; she mentors and guides, passionately committed to shaping the future of her students. Her unwavering dedication to preparing undergraduates and graduates for global challenges is evident in her creation of innovative courses, her mentorship beyond the classroom, and her active involvement in curriculum development. Her mission is to ensure that students not only secure jobs after graduation but also embark on fulfilling careers that continue to evolve. She actively participates in various department, faculty, and university committees, recognizing that collaboration and shared responsibility are essential for a thriving academic community.

Rachel is a scientist who relentlessly pursues knowledge, endeavours to make the world safer, and is devoted to inspiring and supporting the next generation of scientists.

What does "flow" mean to you?

Flow is the process that connects us to each other and the planet...

Dr. Belinda Heyne is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Calgary. She is a Photochemist, bringing molecules to life with light! Dr. Heyne's research harnesses visible light to energize the oxygen we breathe, creating singlet oxygen. She leverages this potent molecule to successfully combat the escalating global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Her impact reaches well beyond her lab. As a passionate advocate for women in science, Dr. Heyne captivates audiences in numerous ways, from chemistry magic shows to the Women's Global Breakfast in Calgary (an event she helped organize). Her dedication to science and advocacy has earned her numerous awards, including the Immigrant of Distinction Award, which holds a special place in her heart as it celebrates her contributions to her field and community.

Dr. Belinda Heyne was born and raised in Belgium where she earned her Ph.D. in Science from the University of Liège in 2004. Her passion for photochemistry led her to Canada, where she worked alongside the renowned Prof. J.C. Scaiano, known as the Godfather of Photochemistry, at the University of Ottawa. In 2007, she embarked on her independent career at the University of Calgary and now proudly leads the Department of Chemistry as Head.

What does "flow" mean to you?

 Flow is the energy that connect all of us.

Dr. Ahmed is an assistant professor of law at the University of Calgary, where she teaches courses on criminal law and addressing money laundering.

Her interdisciplinary approach to studying the intersection of law, public policy, and economics has earned her recognition as a Killam Laureate. With a Ph.D. from Osgoode Hall Law School York University, an LLM from the University of Warwick, and a BA LLB from the University of Karachi, Dr. Ahmed’s work examines the regulatory, constitutional, and governance issues at the heart of global regulation.

Author of peer-reviewed articles in top academic journals & book chapters in prestigious publishers.

What does "flow" mean to you?

 "Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer. Only connect, and the beast and the monk, robbed of the isolation that is life to either, will die." E.M. Foster

Michael Wernick is an expert, teacher and influencer on how government and politics work in practice.

Author of Governing Canada: a Guide to the Tradecraft of Politics (UBC Press 2021), he is currently the Jarislowsky Chair in Public Sector Management at the University of Ottawa.

His 38 year career with the federal public service included 28 years as an executive and culminated in the top job, serving as the

23rd Clerk of the Privy Council from 2016 to 2019. He is an advisor to MNP Digital and a frequent contributor of articles, interviews and podcasts.

What does "flow" mean to you?

Periods of mindfulness and focus and shutting out chatter and background noise.

Meredith Preston McGhie is a peacemaker and pluralism ambassador working to build societies that recognize, respect, and value diversity.

Meredith Preston McGhie has devoted nearly 30 years to addressing conflict and instability in Africa and Asia in some of the most troubled situations. From working with the Naga in Northeast India and Indigenous communities on the Thai-Myanmar border, to supporting UN efforts in Kosovo, Northern Iraq, South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Nigeria and Kenya, her work has straddled frontline negotiation, policy and diplomacy.

She became the Global Centre for Pluralism’s Secretary General in October 2019. In this position, Ms. Preston McGhie provides strategic leadership for the Centre and represents the Centre externally as an ambassador of pluralism to develop strong relationships with diplomatic communities, governments and other institutions.

Prior to working at the Centre, Ms. Preston McGhie worked as Africa Regional Director with the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue overseeing the HD Centre’s complex mediation and dialogue efforts in the region. In the Kenyan National Dialogue and Reconciliation Process in 2007-08, she advised the Panel of Eminent African Personalities led by the late Kofi Annan. She has contributed annually to the Oslo Forum, a gathering of the world’s leading experts and policymakers in conflict resolution, and teaches mediation practice internationally.

Dr. Kori Czuy was born in Treaty 8 by the banks of the Peace River. She's passionate about bringing together multiple ways of knowing, being, and doing science, which she gets to do as an Indigenous Science Educational Experience Consultant and through conversations on her podcast "Ancestral Science." Kori is on an ongoing journey to reconnect with and learn from the knowings of the land and cosmos, as well as helping others connect with the complexities of these knowings alongside Global science.

What does "flow" mean to you?

Flow is the connections to energy and spirit that is all around us.

Join us for our 2024 main annual event... FLOW: Connecting the Dots!

The concept of "flow" has been near and dear to our hearts for some time... it's that place of deep thought, profound action, and intense curiosity that takes us to a place of peak performance — whatever our chosen discipline or creative endeavour.

The detailed program outline will be published in April... thanks for your patience!

FLOW... it's the focused place in thinking and doing where we find inspiration, get more creative, and enter the space of mastery and peak performance.

Whatever a person's chosen discipline, it's a space where great ideas are born and where great actions come from: in workplaces, in communities, and in society.

Join our speakers as they take the stage to share and connect their ideas in FLOW, and then take a deep dive into our immersive interactions to share your own ideas and actions with other participants.

If you are a tenant of Aspen Properties or a University of Calgary alumni, please see our special ticket pages at right for partner discounts.

"How do we think our way through the messes we’re in, when the way we think is part of the mess?" – Nora Bateson

This quote, from a recent post by The Ethics Centre, perfectly describes why we called our latest event "Yes, and..." and followed an improvisational approach in selecting our speakers and performers.