MEOPAR Saw the Gaps in Canada's Ocean Research Network, So We Built the Bridge

Jamie Snook is the Executive Director of Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR), a national not-for-profit organization that connects Canada’s ocean research community to advance knowledge, collaboration, and solutions for a changing ocean. 

For more than two decades, Jamie has worked at the intersection of Indigenous governance, environmental research, and public policy. His work focuses on strengthening partnerships among Indigenous communities, researchers, governments, and industry to support collaborative approaches to ocean and natural resource stewardship across Canada.  

Prior to joining MEOPAR, Jamie served for over 15 years as Executive Director of the Torngat Wildlife, Plants and Fisheries Secretariat, where he helped implement provisions of the Labrador Inuit Land Claims Agreement and supported co-management frameworks for wildlife and fisheries in Nunatsiavut. Through this work, he helped expand research capacity and advance Indigenous-led participation in environmental governance and decision-making.  

Jamie brings a community-centered and relationship-based approach to leadership, grounded in collaboration, respect for Indigenous knowledge systems, and a commitment to advancing research that benefits coastal and northern communities. 

He holds a PhD in Public Health from the University of Guelph, where his research examined how fish and wildlife co-management influences Inuit health and well-being.  

Shobitha Grant (she/her) is an operations and strategy professional with over twenty years of experience across consulting (accounting and legal) in the UK and Canada. At MEOPAR, Shobitha serves as Executive Operations Manager, leading governance, Board management, coordination of policy development and other organizational strategic initiatives. She holds a BSc in Biomedical Science and her expertise spans project management, cross functional collaboration, and building effective operational systems that strengthen organizational performance – supporting MEOPAR’s mission to advance collaborative marine research and strengthen organizational effectiveness.
In her spare time, Shobitha enjoys spending time with her loved ones, travelling, exploring Nova Scotia’s trails, and more often than not being walked by her Border Collie – Aussie shepherd!

Kate Vickers (she/her) is the Acting Director of Finance and Administration at MEOPAR and brings more than 17 years of experience in finance, accounting, and organizational operations. She leads financial planning, reporting, budgeting, compliance, and governance activities that support MEOPAR’s mission and strategic priorities. Highly organized and driven by process and data, Kate enjoys translating complex financial information into meaningful insights that support informed decision-making. She is passionate about building strong systems and fostering organizational success through effective financial stewardship.

Idy is a CPA and MBA-qualified finance and operations professional with extensive experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, audit coordination, governance support, and process improvement. She holds an MBA from Saint Mary’s University and brings a broad background across not-for-profit, consulting, healthcare, and grant-funded organizations. In her role at MEOPAR, Idy supports finance and operations and systems transition planning, policy development, and funding-related projects. She is particularly interested in strengthening financial systems, improving operational efficiency, and helping mission-driven organizations build practical structures that support transparency, accountability, and long-term impact.

Jonathan Kellogg (he/him) is the Program Manager for Expeditions at MEOPAR. Having grown up boating throughout the Salish Sea and beyond, Jonathan has long been interested in what’s happening on and in the water. These beginnings led him towards three degrees in oceanography where he studied the heat and salt flow into the ocean from seafloor hydrothermal systems off Canada’s west coast. Having been on dozens of small and large expeditions with more than 100 days doing science at sea, he brings knowledge of logisitcal planning and practical application when working with funding recipients. Jonathan also has a passion for science communication and enjoys helping inspire the next generation of ocean scientists. When not facilitating research, he may be found assisting his kids as they navigate youth sports, camping in the wilds of British Columbia, or relaxing at the beach and taking in the sunset.

Maéva Gauthier is the Program Manager, Community-Led Research at MEOPAR. She recently completed her PhD in Geography at the University of Victoria, where her research explored participatory arts-based approaches to engage Inuvialuit youth on climate change and plastics in the Arctic. Drawing on nearly two decades of experience in ocean science, education, outreach, and community-based research, she is passionate about fostering meaningful partnerships and supporting equitable and impactful ocean research across Canada. In her spare time, she enjoys being outdoors, snorkeling, travelling, filmmaking, and adventuring with her family—including beachcombing on BC’s coast and swimming with whale sharks.

Kristi Carter is a program leader at MEOPAR focused on advancing funding delivery across Canada’s ocean and coastal research community. She brings over 20 years of experience in program management, academic leadership, and environmental stewardship, with a focus on collaborative, multi-partner initiatives. She holds a Master of Education in Indigenous Education and a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Biology, which inform her commitment to inclusive approaches and strong community partnerships. Her work centers on strengthening program delivery and supporting equitable funding practices that connect research with real-world impact.

From Ecuador to the Arctic, Laura-Maria Martinez has spent more than two decades studying the oceans. After a master’s project on lobsters’ genetics in the Galápagos Islands, she completed a PhD on sunburned whales in Mexico, followed by a postdoc in ethnobiology on walruses in the Canadian Arctic. She also earned a DESS in journalism in Montreal, where she now lives. She then divided her time between Arctic research in partnership with Inuit communities, science communication and journalism. Since November 2024, Laura has brought that same energy and curiosity to the MEOPAR team as Program Manager in Knowledge Mobilization. In her spare time, Laura trains in capoeira, a Brazilian martial art, and is always up for an outdoor adventure.

Odette Jacquet is a communications professional with over five years of experience supporting organizations across the technology, municipal government, and non-profit sectors. Her work spans digital strategy, marketing analytics, content creation, and photo and video production. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Victoria, where she also studied Environmental Science and Visual Arts. This interdisciplinary background shapes her approach to communications, combining data, design, and storytelling to make complex issues accessible and engaging.

Ryan Ford is a CPA and project accountant based in Kelowna, British Columbia, specializing in project financial management and strategic accounting. He also holds the CPA Strategic Management Certificate and is committed to delivering accurate, timely financial insights that support MEOPAR’s successful project delivery and sound business decisions.

Rosie is a marine scientist, underwater photographer, and artist with a decade of experience in sustainable strategy and environmental communication. She studied biology and environmental studies at the University of Victoria and brings a creative and interdisciplinary approach to science communication, merging creative storytelling and communication strategy to connect diverse audiences with the marine research shaping Canada’s future. Rosie is passionate about translating complex scientific concepts into accessible narratives, helping to foster collaborative partnerships between researchers, communities, and industries.

Originally from Québec City, Isabelle is a biologist with a passion for ocean science and bringing people together. After completing her B.Sc., M.Sc., and PhD. at Université Laval and working in both research and aquaculture, she joined MEOPAR in 2019 as a Research Program Manager and now serves as Director of Funding Programs and Services. Isabelle loves supporting researchers and partners across Canada and learning about the innovative work happening throughout the ocean sector. When she’s not at work, you can find her cooking, gardening, quilting, cycling, or enjoying the outdoors.

After eight years at the St. Lawrence Global Observatory (SLGO), Anne-Sophie joins the MEOPAR team as the new Director of the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS). Anne-Sophie has played a vital role in setting up CIOOS since its origin in 2018 and has been responsible for multiple national roles such as chair of the Communication Committee and member of the Executive Committee of CIOOS. Previous director of partnerships at SLGO, she’s looking forward to drive strategic partnerships and funding initiatives to support CIOOS’s long-term sustainability.

Originally from Hermosillo, Sonora, Katia Corral Quijada built her path to ocean work through hands-on experience. After earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, she discovered her interest in ocean conservation through volunteer projects along Mexico’s coast, which led her to pursue a Master of Marine Management at Dalhousie University.
Katia is now the Engagement Coordinator for the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS), hosted by MEOPAR, where she works to make ocean data more accessible and meaningful. Her work focuses on communications, resource development, and collaboration with partners across Canada.

Jaee joined MEOPAR as a Research Associate, where she supports research on the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. She is currently pursuing a PhD focused on equitable climate adaptation through participatory and arts-based research with communities navigating climate change and mobility. With more than a decade of international experience across Asia, Africa, and North America, Jaee has worked at the intersection of climate change, adaptation, policy, and community engagement with organizations including the Stockholm Environment Institute, World Wildlife Fund, and the United Nations Environment Programme.

Jessy Barrette is the DevOps Specialist at the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System Coordinating Office, hosted by MEOPAR. With over a decade of experience in oceanographic instrumentation and data management, he has worked with organizations including ASL Environmental Sciences, the Hakai Institute, and the St. Lawrence Global Observatory (SLGO). Jessy has developed and maintained automated data processing systems, ocean observing platforms, and open data tools to support Canadian marine science. At CIOOS, he focuses on building and maintaining robust, scalable, and reliable infrastructure to ensure long-term accessibility of Canada’s ocean data.

After 15 years with the Marine Institute, Richard Kelly joins the MEOPAR team as a Full Stack Developer with the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS). A founding member and Co-Principal Investigator of CIOOS Atlantic, Richard has been instrumental in expanding ocean observing infrastructure and improving real-time data access across Atlantic Canada and the Arctic. With deep experience in marine technology, autonomous systems, and data integration, he’s excited to take on a national role at the coordination office of CIOOS to help drive the system’s continued growth.

After joining CIOOS Pacific in November 2024, Colton now takes on a national role as Full Stack Developer with the CIOOS Coordination Office. With a background in software development, DevOps, and managing technical teams, he brings a strong mix of hands-on experience and leadership to the role. Colton has worked extensively with open data platforms like CKAN (the tool powering the CIOOS Catalogue) and contributed to the design and maintenance of data infrastructure at CIOOS Pacific. He’s excited to help advance CIOOS’s national systems and improve access to ocean data across Canada.