Research & Innovation Team

Tania Massa is an innovation program management expert experienced in designing, operating, strategically planning and closing out over 30 complex programs resulting in novel delivery models, innovation procurement, technology adoption, economic and talent development in public and private sectors.

Emma Smith is the Associate Dean of Research and Development. She received her PhD from Toronto Metropolitan University and York University’s Communication and Culture program where she employed a cultural criminology perspective in evaluating the news media’s representations of a notorious serial killer. Emma has lectured in the fields of research design and methodologies, gender studies, sociology, criminology, and professional development at the undergraduate level. Co-receiving the Research Excellence Award by the President of Humber Polytechnic in August 2023, Emma is currently a Co-Investigator on a multi-method evaluation of the Toronto Police Service’s Neighbourhood Community Officer Program. The development of diverse and accessible research opportunities, for faculty, staff and students, remains central to her current role at Humber Polytechnic.

Publications

• Thomson, D. & Smith, E. (2024). Community policing in Toronto: An examination of internal obstacles. Police Science: Australia & New Zealand Journal of Evidence Based Policing. (under review).
• Smith, E.M. & Thomson, D. (2023). The Toronto neighbourhood community officer program and academic collaboration. Police Science: Australia & New Zealand Journal of Evidence Based Policing 7(2). https://www.anzsebp.com/police-science/
• Muzzatti, S. M. , Colaguori, C., & Smith, E. M. (2023). Cultural criminology and popular media representations of crime. In C. Colaguori (Ed.), Crime, deviance, and social control in the 21st century: A justice and rights perspective (pp.113-152). Canadian Scholars.
• Muzzatti, S.M. & Smith, E.M. (July 2018). “The spirits tell me that you’re seeking help”: Fortune-telling in late capitalism. In D. Waskul & M. Eaton (Eds.), The Supernatural in Society, Culture, and History (pp. 116-135). Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press.
• Muzzatti, S.M. & Smith, E.M. (2018). Cultural Criminology. In W. S. DeKeseredy & M. Dragiewicz (Eds.), Routledge Handbook of Critical Criminology (Second edition, pp.107-119). New York, NY: Routledge.
• Smith, E. (2018) . Commodification of the body. In The SAGE Encyclopedia of Surveillance, Security, and Privacy. (pp. 207-208). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

Tanya is the Associate Director, Operations at Humber Research and Innovation. She is a detail-oriented professional with a diverse set of experiences in post‐secondary education, provincial government, international government, and financial sector operations. Her strengths lie in communicating and liaising with international and local governments, board members, media, business and community leaders, vendors, clients, staff and students.

Lisa’s research focus is on quality assurance and program innovation in the Ontario college system. She has more than 13 years of experience at Humber Polytechnic, developing new academic programs, working in local and global program review and renewal, and international development project management. Additionally, Lisa works as a consultant developing provincial-wide program standards for the Postsecondary Education Quality Assessment Branch (PEQAB) of the Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU). Lisa holds a M.Ed. in Adult Education and Community Development with a collaborative program in Comparative, International and Development Education from U of T/OISE and is currently pursuing a PhD in Higher Education.

Coming soon

Michel, equipped with over ten years of professional expertise, boasts a Master's degree in Social Work and Human Resources. His diverse background encompasses Project Management, Human Resources, Data Analytics, and Consulting. Currently working as a Senior Project Manager at Humber Polytechnic, he oversees Applied Research Projects and stands out as a driven Emerging Researcher. Michel's passions lie in uncovering insights from data and spearheading initiatives for upskilling.

Camila Perez Pena is a passionate Strategic Innovation Designer Manager convinced that human relations, collaboration, and co-creation can change the world. She understands that both public and private organizations are developed in a dynamic and multidimensional environment in which meeting the needs of their internal and external stakeholders becomes the main challenge to keep or increase the value they deliver to the economy, industry, and society. This is why she has focused her profession on leading challenging projects in which through ethnographic research, the use of Design Thinking tools, and prototyping, She has transformed ideas into sustainable and high-impact business opportunities, in order to help organizations stay current and valuable to the market. She has the ability to create and shape innovative services, products, marketing campaigns, brands, or systems based on insights that she gets when listening to the customer's voice and integrating them with the organizational goals. All this by working with multidisciplinary teams in which the client is an important member that fulfills an essential role by co-creating unique solutions.

Jaqueline is the Resource Manager at Humber Research and Innovation. She is an accomplished, forward-thinking business leader with a portfolio of success driving financial, administrative, human resources, and program management functions. She is talented in distilling and clearly conveying complex & technical information to broad diverse audiences.

Coming Soon

Anju Kakkar, MBA, IMBB™, is the Managing Editor of Humber Press, driving impactful storytelling for the research and innovation community. She has worked for over three decades in banking, government, publishing and academia, weaving and threading organizational values through narrative and storytelling. A certified innovation expert and leadership coach, Anju's work is grounded in empathy and team culture. Under her leadership, Humber Press's magazine won the Silver COPA Award, and its journal, JIPE, is gaining global recognition. A systems thinker and innovation evangelist, she contributes to inclusive innovation, values alignment, and community building. Anju is a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity and inclusion. She identifies as a servant leader and is recognized as an impactful woman in leadership. In her spare time, she volunteers with CIMMO, Canada, and Immigrant Networks, Canada. As a successful new Canadian, she attributes her achievements to intercultural awareness, communication and storytelling.

Publications

• Humber Press: https://www.humberpress.com
• Co-author on article: “Learner Agency: Exploring Perspectives from NZ, DK and CA” in the journal: SCOPE: https://www.ucviden.dk/en/publications/learner-agency-exploring-perspectives-from-new-zealand-denmark-an
• TheTalk Magazine: https://issuu.com/thetalkmagazine

Brendan Wehby-Malicki works with faculty and staff to help plan and carry out their Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) projects. Brendan enjoys supporting both new as well as experienced researchers in developing and implementing their project proposals. Brendan's expertise includes providing one-on-one consultations, facilitating workshops, and using research to enhance evidence-based teaching and learning practices.

Manivannan Kannan, a Toronto-based Project Manager at the Humber Research and Innovation, has over seven years of diverse experience in project management, data analytics, human resources, and business development. Mani is certified in PMP, CSM, Innovation Management, Google Data Analytics, and Innovation 360. He holds a postgraduate degree in International Business Management and a bachelor's degree in Commerce. With a proven record in managing multi-million-dollar research projects, Manivannan’s commitment to excellence, adaptability, and leadership skills make him a valuable facilitator in various domains.

Publications

• https://jipe.ca/index.php/jipe/article/view/111

Nandish is a skilled Data Systems Development Analyst with a focus on Microsoft Power Platform. Specializing in Power Apps, Power Automate, and Power BI, Nandish excels at creating custom applications that streamline business processes and enhance productivity. By integrating diverse data sources and automating workflows, Nandish transforms complex data into actionable insights, driving operational efficiency and informed decision-making. Nandish collaborates closely with colleagues from different teams to tailor solutions that address unique challenges, ensuring each project exceeds expectations. With a commitment to staying ahead of technological trends, Nandish continually refines their skills to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

Coming Soon

Felipe is an engineer with a bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of Los Andes, Colombia, obtained in 2018. Driven by a passion for Project Management and a desire to expand his horizons, he relocated to Canada in December 2019. He earned an honours post-graduate certificate in Project Management from Centennial College School of Business, Ontario, in 2020.

Since joining the ORI team as a Project Analyst, NSERC in 2022, Felipe has played a pivotal role in supporting grant applications across various programs, including CCSIF, ARD, and ARTP. His expertise extends to assisting faculty members in developing and implementing their research initiatives, contributing significantly to the advancement of innovative projects.

Shyama Patel is a Project Coordinator, currently working at Humber Research and Innovation. With over six years of experience in project management, data analytics, and electrical engineering she has built a strong foundation across diverse sectors, including education, telecommunications, and entertainment.

Shyama is certified in Scrum Master (CSM), Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), Tableau & Power BI, AutoCAD, and Values-Based Leadership. She holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Project Management and a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering.

At Humber, Shyama has overseen research portfolios worth over $3 billion, achieving a 97% success rate across 61 projects. Her expertise in managing budgets, timelines, and scopes has driven successful project outcomes. Known for her organizational skills, and ability to streamline processes, Shyama continues to add value to complex projects while fostering strong relationships with stakeholders.

Fatima is a dynamic research professional with over 10 years of diverse experience. She holds a Master of Laws, a Bachelor of Commerce, a graduate certificate in Research Analytics, and two applied research certificates accredited by the Staff and Educational Development Association (SEDA). Her expertise includes qualitative research, project management, and student training and development. Fatima has successfully contributed to multiple research projects at Humber with a combined portfolio value of more than $5 million.

Publications

• Read Publication

Ahmad Farshad Saleh is a seasoned journalist and a former political reporter with Afghanistan’s Ariana News, with over a decade of experience in Afghanistan. Currently a freelance journalist for Voice of America, Farshad has a distinguished career marked by his 2014 award for Best Journalist of the Year in Afghanistan. His expertise includes creating impactful documentaries that expose the drug mafia and trafficking operations in Afghanistan and globally.   In his current role with Voice of America, Farshad produces investigative reports in the Dari language, focusing on issues such as poppy cultivation and drug trafficking. He also highlights the stories of Afghans in Canada, showcasing their experiences and contributions to the community.   Alongside his journalistic endeavors, Farshad serves as a Research Specialist with Humber Polytechnic's Office of Research & Innovation (ORI). In this capacity, he specializes in capturing research stories and transforming them into compelling video content.

Akshay is a Project Coordinator in the Office of Research and Innovation at Humber Polytechnic. With a master's degree in Biotechnology and an ontario graduate certificate in Research Analysis, he is passionate about contributing to meaningful research and supporting initiatives in the health sector. In his role, he focuses on contract and budgeting aspects of research projects and supporting grant writing. Akshay is always eager to learn and grow, striving to support the success of research efforts. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to music, finding joy in small moments that helps him recharge.

Publications

• Architecting Health Through Healthy Built Environments (HBE), pg. 48-49

Gurpreet Kaur, Project Analyst, is responsible for creating reports and providing database management and administrative assistance to a variety of Applied Research projects. Gurpreet holds a Master of Science in Mathematics from India and Graduate Certificates in both Big Data Analytics and Project Management.

Elisabeth is a graphic designer with extensive experience in higher education and commercial sectors. She supports the Office of Research & Innovation with creative communication and design solutions to promote the department, its activities, and its critical role in fostering research at Humber Polytechnic.

With over a decade of professional experience, Muge holds a Ph.D. in Strategy and Management along with a Master's degree in Global Marketing and Brand Management. Integrating insights from both industry and academia, she specializes in strategy development, innovation management, entrepreneurship, and project management. Currently, she applies her expertise at Humber Polytechnic, bridging academia and industry and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration through innovative research initiatives.

Publications

• Birden,M., Bastug, M., Yazici, S. (2020). The impact of incubators on entrepreneurial process in Turkey: a guide for startups. Journal of Business, Economics and Finance (JBEF), V.9(2), p.132-142. DOI: 10.17261/Pressacademia.2020.1219 Abac, M. (2024). Decision Making in the Innovation Process: Data-Driven vs. Data-Informed . Journal of Innovation in Polytechnic Education, 6, 24–28. Read Publication

Orest is a graduate of McMaster University and Toronto Metropolitan University and a Fulbright Specialist. With over 30 years of experience in broadcast/film, post-production, and music in the field of audio engineering and systems design, his work has garnered him an Emmy award, two Emmy nominations, a Cinema Audio Society award and numerous international recognitions.

Undertaking research with the new ATSC 3.0 terrestrial transmission standard since 2018, Orest is the visionary and driving force behind the development of Canada’s first ATSC 3.0/5G convergence lab.

As Lab Engineering Manager, Willie is responsible for developing strategy for efficient operations, workflow efficiency and funding models for the lab’s AR activities and providing oversight on the installation, maintenance and operation of lab infrastructure.

Willie also oversees the applied research activities and experiments conducted in the B²C Lab in close collaboration with the faculty research team and supporting the training and mentoring of students working in the lab. As a professional engineer, Willie celebrates over 30 years of global experience in the broadcast industry with a specialization in broadcast and RF engineering. He brings many years of experience in TV/FM transmitter site design, installation, commissioning, and operations with practical experience in the application of various standards in broadcasting operations, streaming media, and antenna implementation.

Willie’s experience began in the Philippines back in 1984 as a transmitter technician rising to the position of Supervisor-TV Transmitter with GMA Network, Inc. He was responsible for 22 affiliate stations across the Philippines, leading the operations, maintenance and expansions of these stations. He also worked with Saudi Technical Engineering Systems Associated (STESA) in in high-impact projects across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates).

Willie moved to Canada in 2004 and joined Rogers Media where he was involved in various projects, including supporting the successful transition of all Rogers broadcast TV signals in Ontario from analog to digital (DTV).

Himanshu is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the B²C Lab infrastructure including installing and configuring lab equipment and ensuring the safe operation of the equipment by researchers and research assistants working in the lab.

This includes configuring and setting up lab use-case applications, studies, and tests, and developing new workflow methodologies for the lab and specific use-case applications.

Himanshu’s work experience spans 5 years in web application development, coupled with 1.5 years as a Lab Technician at B²C Lab. His expertise extends to web applications, IoT, electronics and communication.

Additionally, he is contributing to the development of a broadcast application that leverages the capabilities of ATSC 3.0, offering enhanced features and improved user experiences for consumers. Himanshu's contributions highlight his adeptness in translating research insights into practical solutions.

With a career spanning 35 years as a system administrator and computer programmer, Mike Cutts brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role. He is a recent graduate of Humber’s 3-year Electronics Engineering Technology program.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mike serves as IEEE Student Branch Chair for Humber Polytechnic. In this role, he organizes IEEE clubs/meetups and helps build a supportive community for engineering students at Humber.

As a Lab Research Solutions Specialist, Mike is involved in the development, operation, maintenance, and exploration of emerging applications utilizing the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) broadcast transmission standard. He works closely with faculty, student researchers, and industry partners on their research needs.

Manivannan Kannan, a Toronto-based Project Manager at the Humber Research and Innovation, has over seven years of diverse experience in project management, data analytics, human resources, and business development. Mani is certified in PMP, CSM, Innovation Management, Google Data Analytics, and Innovation 360.

He holds a postgraduate degree in International Business Management and a bachelor's degree in Commerce. With a proven record in managing multi-million-dollar research projects, Manivannan’s commitment to excellence, adaptability, and leadership skills make him a valuable facilitator in various domains.

Harleen Sachdeva is a Project Manager at Humber Polytechnic Research & Innovation. In this capacity, she assists with the administration of several grants, including the CFI and IE build grants which support the B²C Lab. She also supports project management activities throughout the life cycle of projects.

Harleen leads the event coordination for the B²C Lab as well as supports operation, business development and industry outreach for the lab.

She has led several automation- and engineering-related projects amongst others in the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (Barrett CTI), a technological hub that aims to promote experiential learning by bringing faculty, industry, and students together. She has also led STEAM initiatives at the Barrett CTI by connecting with several school boards and community partners within Ontario. Harleen holds a Bachelor of Technology in biotechnology and is also a graduate from Humber’s Project Management postgraduate program. She also holds an Innovation 360 Green Belt.

Jenny James Thomas is a Project Coordinator at Humber Polytechnic Research and Innovation's B²C Lab where she plays a crucial role in supporting the lab's project management, administration, event management activities and supports initiatives aimed at bridging academia and industry.

With a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and a graduate of Humber's Project Management program, Jenny's experience includes overseeing multiple engineering and IT projects, with a focus on process improvement to optimize project workflows and outcomes. By collaborating with diverse stakeholders, Jenny ensures effective project and operational execution contributing to the B²C Lab’s mission of fostering innovation and experiential learning.