Judges

She is the Founder of VISTA Science & Technology Inc., where she advises Canada’s agrifood sector on accelerating innovation. She is also an independent researcher focused on agricultural knowledge translation and transfer. Amy holds a PhD in the sociology of science and is an Adjunct Professor at Brock University.

She is a PhD candidate in digital inclusion, public action, and mediation at INRS-Centre Urbanisation Culture Société in Quebec. A professional writer, her research focuses on State-citizen communication, administrative literacy, and support for online administrative services. She enjoys trail running, reading, and baking.

She’s Executive Director of the Pan-Canadian Artificial Intelligence Strategy at CIFAR, advancing Canada’s leadership in AI research, training, and innovation. She holds a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of British Columbia and has built her career in research strategy, policy, communications, and equity in science.

She is a communications and marketing professional specializing in health, science, and technology. She holds an Honours B.Sc. in Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour from McMaster University and a Certificate in Digital Marketing. She is passionate about making complex topics engaging and accessible to diverse audiences.

Nikki lives on the West Coast with her partner, giant dog, and tiny human. When she’s not reading, she’s gardening or baking. She spends her days working for a local First Nation in the realm of Science Communication and Knowledge Translation. She loves the SWCC Book Awards because it introduces her to new ideas and styles!

Rochelle Strauss is an environmental educator and bestselling children’s author dedicated to building environmental literacy through storytelling. Her award-winning books inspire young people to care for the planet. Her children’s book, The Global Ocean, is a UNESCO-endorsed Ocean Decade Activity.

Laura Salisbury is an Ontario-based science communicator and graphic designer working at the intersection of research, design, and public engagement. Drawing on her background in geomatics and graphic design, she creates museum exhibits, explainer videos, and outreach materials that make science accessible and engaging.

Jana Levison is a professional engineer and Professor of Civil, Environmental and Water Resources Engineering at the University of Guelph. She is the inaugural Doody Family Chair for Women in Engineering and studies groundwater resources, climate change, and agricultural impacts on water quality and quantity.