What is your personal background?
I grew up in Regina’s north central neighbourhood, attending Kitchener School and Scott Collegiate. We learned that making-do was not only a necessity but could also be an art form. My first car was a 1960 Pontiac that, owing to salvage parts, was labelled Strato Chief on the right front fender, Laurentian on the left front fender, and Parisienne on the trunk.
Why did you choose engineering, and what is your area of specialty?
I was always good at objective subjects such as math and physics. I loved my exposure to drafting in Grade 8 and I enrolled in every drafting class available as an option throughout high school (Thank you, Mr. Bergen). Also, my older brother graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in electrical engineering when I was still in high school, so I received some good career counselling from him.
My work term experience helped me realize that I was best suited to mechanical engineering, especially in heat transfer applications in the oil and gas industry.
Where and when did you study engineering and how would you describe your experience?
I started at the University of Regina, not only because of the economics of living at home, but also because the co-op program would help me finance my education. I quickly learned that the true value of the co-op program was the exposure to hard-working people in the industry and their knowledge gained from experience. I later learned that a tertiary value of the co-op program was writing those dreaded technical work-term reports, which I credit to developing my skills in report-writing.
I transferred to the University of Saskatchewan for my third year. My support group was (and still is) the tight-knit group of students with whom I had been in the co-op program.
What are some of the most rewarding or challenging roles you have held as an engineer?
My first job was for SaskPower, supervising construction projects for the Poplar River Power Station. Although it was a rewarding experience to work on this mega project, I realized that a mechanical engineer working for the electrical utility in Saskatchewan would spend too much time choking on coal dust, so I looked to find a way into the gas side of SaskPower.
My opening came when a new department, created to serve natural gas to rural Saskatchewan, posted an opportunity for a Project Scheduler. I transitioned the position to Project Engineer and participated in the company’s standards development respecting its introduction to polyethylene gas piping, 60,000 kms of which were installed under this 10-year program.
My position as Marketing Engineer within SaskEnergy included the opportunity to mentor a dozen students who produced over two dozen industrial market intelligence reports. My primary focus, though, was to be SaskEnergy’s expert in natural gas vehicles (NGV). The best NGV marketing success stories in Saskatchewan have been ice resurfacers (such as Zamboni’s), many of which are still in service today.
My career culminated in the last 15 years as Senior Engineer, Gas Codes and Standards for SaskPower/TSASK. I embraced my membership on multiple CSA committees responsible for national gas codes and their adoption in Saskatchewan, keeping pace with rapidly developing fuels and technologies.
Any mentors or role models you’d like to tell us about?
I have three, all now deceased. Gerry Mengering, P. Eng., was a gas distribution engineer with SaskPower and SaskEnergy. Gerry taught me to seek customer-focused design solutions, even though we were working for a crown utility having a monopoly market position. Gord Williams, P.Eng., a Chief Gas Inspector with SaskPower, taught me to seek industry-focused, collaborative solutions to code compliance, rather than force regulatory requirements on an uncooperative industry. Finally, Phil Holloway, P. Eng., taught me that it was time for me to give back to APEGS as his replacement on the Experience Review Committee, which I chaired during implementation of the on-line reporting system.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
(My wife) Bev and I have embraced photography as an activity that we can enjoy at a leisurely pace under the moniker “One of a Hird!”
The CSA Group, in selecting you for an Award of Merit, has recognized your “exceptional dedication, leadership, and outstanding commitment to the development of standards for fuels and transportation.” Can you tell us what this award means to you, personally and professionally?
Knowing the time and effort that goes into the CSA award nomination process, this award signifies to me that my colleagues and peers have truly valued my unbiased efforts in the interest of public safety.
We are thrilled to introduce the new President of APEGS, Erin Moss Tressel, P.Eng., P.Geo., FEC, FGC!
Erin holds a B.Sc. in Geological Engineering and M.Eng., both from University of Saskatchewan. She has worked in the Saskatchewan consulting industry for 20 years specializing in the mining, geotechnical, and environmental fields.
Erin has served on the council for the past five years and has been a volunteer in a variety of areas for more than 11 years. Additional volunteer work includes serving as the chair of the CIM Saskatoon branch and providing numerous guest lectures at the elementary and post-secondary levels on mining and geology-related topics.
Please join us in welcoming Erin Moss Tressel as our new president!
What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)?
I grew up on a farm outside of Kenaston, SK with my three older siblings. I attended Kenaston School from kindergarten to grade 12, graduating in 2006. I like to joke I spent the majority of my time outside and only came in to sleep and eat, exploring the many acres around me.
Why did you choose geoscience and what is your area of specialty?
I have many memories as a young kid cracking open rocks on an old anvil we had in the shop. It was a running joke in the family that I would one day be a geologist. I ended up taking an elective geology class in high school and was hooked! In the beginning, I knew I wanted my career to take me to remote places and explore a lot of untouched areas within hard rock exploration.
Where and when did you study geoscience/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?
I attended the University of Saskatchewan from 2006 to 2010 with the set goal of getting my geology degree. I had spent the summer working for USask crop science and was intrigued by the idea of a career in agronomy, however, I stuck with geology. I had a great experience at USask and the programs were still relatively small. I learnt a lot, had a lot of fun, and made some great memories.
What jobs/roles have you held as a geoscientist?
I worked for APEX Geoscience Ltd. during my undergrad and postgraduate as an exploration geoscientist-in-training. Working with them allowed me to see some amazing places in Canada and overseas in Australia. I returned home and worked with Golden Band Resources as a mine geoscientist-in-training in Northern Saskatchewan, this role provided valuable experience in the mining industry. I then worked as a mine geologist in the potash sector with legacy Agrium until 2021, allowing me to settle down and start a family. I recently made the switch back into the hard rock industry working for Foran Mining in 2022. I am now in a new role as an exploration environment and permitting specialist and have been enjoying the new experience of being involved with environmental work and community engagement.
What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?
The people hands down! I’ve met and stayed in touch with amazing people along the way who have helped me grow professionally and personally. I have also had the opportunity to visit and see many neat places and to spend time in nature exploring (what I would be doing in my free time if I wasn’t at work). Rotation work also allowed me to do some neat stuff on my time off, further exploring and travelling.
Who has inspired or mentored you in your career? What insight or wisdom did they impart?
That’s a tough question as so many people come to mind. Rob L’Heureux was a great mentor early in my career who taught me not only a lot of great technical information but also some of the ins and outs of the industry that I carry with me to this day. The world of exploration does have its challenges, so it was important for me to have that positive influence and foundation right from the start. I also must give a shout-out to Terry Croteau, who had a similar impact on me when it came to the mining industry and set me up for success. There were countless other folks along the way, and each one had something different to share. I appreciate the fact I had great mentors in my career.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
I live on an acreage outside of Saskatoon with my husband and two daughters. I enjoy spending time with them going on all kinds of adventures (collecting copious amounts of insects for my oldest). I am also an avid motorcyclist and a motorcycle instructor with the Saskatchewan Safety Council, where we set people up for a safe experience in the graduated rider program.
What is your personal background (hometown, schools, family, etc.)?
I grew up in the Regina, SK area (White City), as the middle child in a large family of six kids. I’m recently married (to an engineer) and still live in the Regina area. I attended Greenall High School in Balgonie and graduated in 2011.
Why did you choose engineering and what is your area of specialty?
I was always interested in technology, especially software and electronics. Engineering seemed like a natural choice to me. I think I was particularly drawn to the design aspects and the chance to problem-solve as a career.
Where and when did you study engineering/get your degree and how would you describe your experience?
I attended the University of Regina (2011-2016) in the Electronic Systems Engineering (ESE) program. This program was a great fit for my interests with its combination of electrical/electronics and software systems design. I felt this program set me up for careers in a variety of industries. I also participated in the engineering co-op program which was very valuable for getting some initial work experience. One of my co-op positions led to my first post-graduate engineering role which I am grateful for.
What jobs/roles have you held as an engineer?
After graduating from university, I began my career as an Engineer-in-Training at SaskEnergy. I worked in the SCADA and automation field and gained experience designing, testing, and commissioning PLC control and software HMI systems. I enjoyed applying both the hardware and software aspects of my ESE education in this role, and having the opportunity for on-site work was rewarding.
In 2018, I left my position at SaskEnergy and co-founded a software medical device company (Limbus AI) alongside my brother Dr. Joshua Giambattista, a radiation oncologist, Carter Kolbeck, another University of Regina ESE grad, and Dr. Karl Otto, an experienced innovator and medical physicist in the radiation therapy field. We set out to develop software technology that uses machine learning to improve the efficiency of organ contouring in planning cancer radiation treatments. Since 2018 we have developed our technology and grown to deploy our software medical device in hundreds of hospitals and cancer clinics worldwide.
I obtained my P.Eng. in 2020, and today I oversee product development and regulatory compliance at Limbus AI. I manage a team of staff ranging from quality management and regulatory affairs to other engineers and computer scientists. My work involves software design and development, application of international standards relating to medical device development, risk management, cybersecurity, and verification and validation. Quite the departure from my initial experience in the utility industry, but a chance to apply my education and past experience in software and electronics and design in a new and exciting field.
What have you appreciated about your career opportunities and experiences?
While I’ve had a relatively short career so far, I am grateful I chose engineering as a career. It’s provided great opportunities to do something I really like, freedom in the industry of work and companies to work for, and rewarding daily experiences.
What activities or interests do you enjoy outside of work?
I stay active playing soccer and golfing in the summer, and I like to participate where I can in Regina’s growing local technology startup community (through Conexus Cultivator). I lend my time to mentor other startup founders (many of them engineers) and it’s great to be able to pass along some of the knowledge I have and be involved in this local community.
Introducing new Public Appointee, John Breakey!
John joined APEGS a month ago serving on the Discipline Committee. The role of public appointees is to represent the public in the self-regulation of the professions of engineering and geoscience by bringing an external viewpoint and transparency to the governance and regulation of the professions. They are appointed according to The Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act by a Lieutenant Governor Order in Council upon recommendation of the minister responsible for the act.
John has spent the last 30 years in the energy industry, primarily in land negotiation and acquisition for oil and gas. He was also a major shareholder in a corporate farm operation. His interests include fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors with family.
As a member of the Discipline Committee, John offers an independent voice to the discussions and decisions of the committee. “It is important to have a public appointee to bring a fresh set of eyes to the ever-important task of maintaining safety for the public,” said John.
John attended his first council meeting with APEGS at the beginning of December. About his experience, John said, “The participants show a high degree of professionalism with a strong desire to maintain the same going forward.” John hopes that through his business and work experience he’ll be able to make meaningful contributions to APEGS.