Team (All) | Aquatic Biosphere

Paula Polman

Board Advisor

Formerly the Board Chair and Founder of the Aquatic Biosphere Society of Canada, Paula is a champion and mentor to the Aquatic Biosphere. An Entrepreneur currently in business support services, Paula long history of involvement in non-profits and charities. B.Sc. in Microbiology & Biochemistry.

Fatima Khalid

Board Chair

A University of Alberta medical sciences student, Fatima has taken the mantle of Board Chair (2026).

Open

Director At Large

This position is now open.

Iman Succar

Secretary

A University of Alberta Biological Sciences student, Iman has taken the role of Secretary (2026).

Lee J. Burton

Board Advisor (Former Chair)

Board Chair (2025-2027) Lee is a long time advocate for the Aquatic Biosphere. An entrepreneur and avid naturalist, Lee has worked closely with the Aquatic Biosphere for over seven years. We thank Lee for his expertise in project development, and as chief water-bug collector.

Arie De Jong

Board Treasurer

Formerly the Director & Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Arie is an experienced conservationist, avid volunteer; skilled both in and out of the field.

Riley Martens

Director of Marketing and Communications

Riley is excited to combine his professional expertise with a personal passion—creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect with nature, learn about water, and feel inspired to protect it.

David Evans

Board Advisor - Former Director of Conservation

David is a Professional Biologist with over a decade of experience leading large-scale Biodiversity monitoring programs. He is also the host and producer of the the award-winning Water We Doing? Podcast.

Ross Shaw

Board Vice Chair

Dr. Ross Shaw is an Assistant Professor at MacEwan University in Biological Sciences. His research interests are captive coral health and fish diseases prevalent in aquaculture systems.