External advisory council

Eric Choi

Director of Business Development, GHGSat Inc.

Biography: Eric Choi is director of business development at GHGSat. Over the course of his career, he has held positions of increasing technical and managerial responsibility in both the aviation and space sectors, the latter including work on QEYSSat (Quantum Encryption and Science Satellite), the Meteorology (MET) payload on the NASA Phoenix Mars Lander, the Canadarm2 on the International Space Station, the RADARSAT-1 Earth-observation satellite, and the MOPITT (Measurements of Pollution on the Troposphere) instrument. An alumnus of the International Space University, he holds a B.A.Sc in engineering science and an M.A.Sc in aerospace engineering, both from the University of Toronto, and an MBA from York University. In 2009, he was one of the Top 40 finalists (out of 5,351 applicants) in the Canadian Space Agency’s astronaut recruitment campaign. Besides his aerospace career, he is also an award-winning science fiction writer and editor.

Rebecca Brookham

Director of Research & Innovation, Brightshores Health System

Biography: Locally raised in rural Grey County Rebecca is passionate about providing equitable and accessible health care in rural regions, while promoting the health of these unique populations. Her PhD research & health care experience contribute to a wide lens surrounding biomechanics, kinesiology, population health, infection prevention & control, workforce wellness, and organizational development.

John Moores

Director & Associate Professor, Earth and Space Science Program

Biography: John is an Associate Professor in the Centre for Research in Earth and Space Science and the Director of the Earth and Space Science program at York University. He is a member of the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists, a recipient of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute’s McCurdy Award and served as the Science Advisor to the President of the Canadian Space Agency from 2022-2024. John holds a BASc in Engineering Science from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona in Planetary Science. An author on over 100 articles in planetary science, John has also been a member of five NASA and ESA-led space mission teams. His first book, “Daydreaming in the Solar System” co-authored with Prof. Jesse Rogerson was published by the MIT Press in 2024.

Mary Preville

Vice-President (retired), Canadian Space Agency

Biography: As Vice-President of Space Program Policy for seven years, Mary grew the Canadian Space Program by securing billions in new investment destined for industry and academia. She led the negotiations of the historic treaty with the US that will see Canadian astronauts fly to the lunar vicinity as part of NASA's Artemis program, along with the ten-year treaty that gives Canadian researchers, students and industry access to the programs of the European Space Agency. She is a leader in strategic thinking, governance, communications and international relations. Mary holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from McGill University and an MBA from the University of Ottawa.

Kristen Cote

Co-founder and CTO, Wyvern

Biography: Kristen is an experimental physicist specializing in space optics. She is a co-founder and the Chief Technology Officer at Wyvern, where she leads the company’s hardware and data application teams to develop advanced Earth observation technologies, including high-resolution hyperspectral imaging systems. Wyvern has graduated from leading global accelerators including Creative Destruction Lab, Seraphim Space Camp, and Y Combinator (W22). She holds a PhD in physics from the University of Toronto (’25), an MSc in Earth and Space Science Engineering from York University (’18), and a BSc in astrophysics from the University of Alberta (’16). Kristen started her space career as part of the AlbertaSat team, who launched Alberta’s first satellite, Ex-Alta 1. At York, she later led spectroscopy research for the Canadian Space Agency, including work on advanced laser- and Raman-based instruments for planetary exploration. With over a decade of experience in optics—from quantum optics, x-ray systems, laser spectroscopy, optical design and beyond—she now focuses on advancing space-based sensing to help better monitor and understand our planet.

Stephen Rossi

Director, MSS Sustaining Engineering Program

Biography: Stephen Rossi is Director of the MSS Sustaining Engineering Program at MDA Space. He is responsible for managing the execution of engineering and operational work associated with on-orbit operations and maintenance of the Canadian Mobile Servicing System on the International Space Station, including elements such as Canadarm2 and Dextre. This includes managing a portfolio of programs ranging from hardware development, systems engineering, mission planning & flight engineering support, training, and software development. Stephen also manages overall client and partner relationships with various customers and subcontractors. As part of the MDA Space leadership team, Stephen supports strategic growth by supporting commercial business opportunities and supporting various initiatives across the Robotics and Space Operations business area. Stephen’s career has spanned several industries, including nuclear systems, aerospace & defence, automotive manufacturing, and business consulting. His tenure at MDA Space started in 2001 as a senior systems engineer, working on a variety of programs, before progressing to Program Management. He is a registered Professional Engineer and holds a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Western University.