Tina Alexandrou, DIJ & Com., CELTA
Tina is Office Manager at CHAR Technologies and is also responsible for the Human Resources department, where she coordinates events and supports executive management. Tina has over 10 years of experience in office management and administration, with a history of working in fast paced environments. She spent 15 years teaching English as a second language in Europe, and opened her own foreign language school. In her spare time, Tina loves to dance, write songs, go to the theatre and read novels. She has a diploma in Journalism and Communications from Seneca College and is a certified English teacher from Cambridge University.
Klim Barabash, P.Eng, PMP
Klim is the Director of Projects at CHAR Technologies. He is a seasoned and highly accomplished project manager, with over 20 years of experience designing and building power and process plants. Klim is a superb problem solver with a knack for moving projects forward, and he finds innovative, cost-effective solutions to material, design and construction challenges to ensure projects are completed on scope, on time, and on budget. Incredibly passionate, Klim wants to help make this planet a better and cleaner place for future generations. He has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Israel Institute of Technology.
Timothy Cai, M.E.Sc, EIT
Timothy (Tian Dong) is the R&D Operator in the company’s biochar demonstration plant. He had completed a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering in the University of British Columbia and a Master’s Degree of the same field in the University of Western Ontario. Since his undergrad, he had years of hands-on experience through various academic and industrially sponsored pilot plant projects. He had R&D operation exposure to biomass gasification, pyrolysis, entrainment, and fluidized coking. With a strong mechanical aptitude, Timothy is always excited to see chemical processes though his involvement with installation, operations, maintenance and troubleshooting tasks. He enjoys working as part of a team and strives for continuous improvement.
Liliana Contrera, DIA
Liliana is the Bookkeeper at Char Technologies. Born in Mexico City, Liliana studied International Business and Business Administration before moving to Canada in 2007. She has more that 20 years of accounting and administrative experience in both Mexico and Canada in a variety of sectors: Financial Services, Transportation, Steel Trading, Banking, Cosmetics, Non- Profit Organization, and now Cleantech Development and Services with CHAR. She loves helping others both inside and outside of work, and has a passion for Mexican and Italian food. Liliana has a Diploma in Accounting.
Galen Cranston
Galen is the Director of Stakeholder Relations at CHAR Technologies Ltd. He is an established stakeholder relations professional with experience working with both elected and non-elected officials at all levels of government. He is responsible for the building and maintenance of strategic relationships that align with CHAR’s key priorities and global vision. Galen is passionate about contributing to Canada’s green energy transition and Net Zero targets.
Andrew Friedenthal, BASoc
Andrew is Business Development Manager for CharTech Solutions. He has an arts degree from McGill university, and is proficient at Mandarin with his HSK-5 certification. He has international experience conducting business in China, the US, and Canada, while working across different sectors including technology, plastics, and organics to achieve leading-edge and sustainable projects for multinational organizations. Andrew is incredibly passionate about driving sustainable growth – helping clients/sites eliminate pollution by developing innovative solutions that deliver long-term value.
Kenneth P. Goodboy
Ken is VP of Pyrolysis R&D with CHAR Biocarbon. He has a BS degree in Chemical Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology – Rolla, MO with Honors. He began his career in Alcoa R&D in the Chemicals Division where he conducted gas and liquid hydrocarbon research on activated aluminas, activated carbons, and molecular sieves. He also designed an adsorbents and catalysts manufacturing plant for Alcoa. In addition, to his expertise in gas phase thermodynamics, Ken has high temperature rotary and other kiln knowledge. At Alcoa, Ken also held various marketing management positions, including an assignment in Switzerland. At Zenon Environmental Inc. Ken was VP Membranes R&D and Manufacturing where he helped lead the commercialization of these proprietary membranes and was instrumental in executing Zenon’s growth strategy; later he was VP Operations. Ken was also Chief Scientist, VP Manufacturing, and Board of Directors for Omex Environmental Engineering Ltd in China where he directed the company in water UF and EDI membranes R&D and manufacturing. He was Global Director Desalination for Hatch and before that VP Water Treatment Systems Indeck Power Equipment Company. Ken belongs to Sigma Xi and holds ten U.S. patents. Ken is currently based in Pittsburgh, PA.
Oussama Hamdanie, P.Eng., M.Eng., CEM
Oussama is the Director of Engineering Design and Applications at Char Technologies, with over 20 years of industrial market experience. He is a recognized expert in industry, and has a positive track record in developing and positioning treatment solutions, performance assessments, and developing teams, as well as strong financial management skills. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering as well as a Master’s Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario and a Certified Energy Manager.
Ethan Jiao, M.Eng., EIT
Tianyang Ethan Jiao is a Junior Project Consultant within Altech’s Permitting & Compliance practice. He has a chemical engineering degree and a Master of Engineering in industrial engineering degree from the University of Toronto. He has experience in environmental compliance, air dispersion modelling, and noise modelling in Ontario. He previously interned at the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks during his studies at the school. Tianyang cares about the environment and technology, and he drives an EV for his commute.
Eugene Kamzin, B.A.SC. ChE
Eugene is a Jr. Project Engineer In Training at Char Technologies, where he assists with the production of Renewable Natural Gas and Biochar, and helping setup and upgrade the demonstration plant in Thorold, ON. He previously worked in the bio-energy department at CanmetENERGY-Ottawa with a focus on research, testing, calibration, and system optimization. Eugene also worked on the final construction stages of an industrial beverage manufacturing plant; gaining experience commissioning and validating various process equipment as well as process engineering knowledge. He enjoys playing badminton, gaming, and exploring new cuisine. Eugene has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Ottawa.
Shokooh Karami, MESc, EIT
Shokooh is an Engineer in Training at CharTech Solutions in the R&D team focusing on biocarbon research and development. After getting her bachelor’s in Iran, she continued her master’s studies in the Institute for Chemicals and Fuels from Alternative Resources (ICFAR) at Western University. During her master’s, she developed hands-on experience by working with the pyrolysis reactor and analytical instruments. After graduation Shokooh worked as a research engineer at ICFAR for one year focusing on different wastewater and environmental projects.. She has a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
Leticia Lam, M.Eng., P.Eng.
Leticia is the Proposal Engineer at CharTech. She began her career in the oil and gas industry in the United States, where she did consulting and performed stress analyses for piping systems in the Gulf of Mexico. Leticia transitioned into the refrigeration industry in Canada, applying her knowledge of piping design and problem solving. She then joined CHAR, where she uses her engineering experience to contribute towards renewable energy. Leticia enjoys cooking, baking, and painting in her spare time. She’s a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario, with a Master’s and Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of New Orleans.
Natasha Lewis, B.Sc., PMP.
Natasha Lewis is a Senior Project Manager at Altech Environmental Consulting. She is a certified Project Management Professional with over 12 years’ experience in environmental air quality consulting and regulatory reporting. Her technical focus is on Air dispersion modelling, preparing applications for ECAs and EASRs for air and noise emissions from industrial facilities and preparing reports for submission under various government reporting programs including Environment Canada’s National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI) program, Federal and Provincial GHG reporting and the City of Toronto’s ChemTRAC program. Natasha’s environmental consulting portfolio includes a wide range of industrial manufacturing sectors and commercial properties, encompassing a large variety of client facilities throughout Canada. Natasha is recognized for the ability to work collaboratively, establishing ongoing client relationships, and proactively tackling challenging problems.
James McGinley, M.Eng., EIT
James is part of the Research and Development team at CharTech Solutions, specialising in the modelling of the pyrolysis process. James is passionate about developing sustainable solutions that minimise the impact of global warming. Having previous experience within the biofuel industry, James is committed to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Outside of work, James is a keen sportsman, playing both soccer and Gaelic football. He has a Master’s Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, with a year abroad at the University of Queensland in Australia.
Silvia Merlini
Silvia is the Controller at CHAR Technologies. She followed her passion for numbers after studying Law at La Sapienza University in Rome. In Canada, she graduated in Business Management and she is now specializing in Management Accounting at the University of Toronto. She has over 15 years of experience in business and accounting management. Her perseverance and attention to detail earned her a reputation for getting the job done, while keeping a human touch in the process. At CHAR, Silvia is thrilled that her passion for numbers can support the development of a sustainable future.
Roslyn Miller, B.Sc., EP
Roslyn is the Director of Consulting Engineering & Compliance at Altech Environmental Consulting, where she is responsible for the permitting & compliance and property due diligence groups. Roslyn started her 18 year career managing one of a handful of odour laboratories in Canada, working to establish laboratory standard operating procedures, templates, and maintenance programs. She is a key contact for environmental emissions approvals and reporting for many Ontario manufacturers. Roslyn spends her time outside of work playing sports, reading, and being outdoors with her family. She has a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences from Trent University, and a diploma in Environmental Technology from Canadore College.
John Nicholson, M.Sc., P.Eng.
John is a Project Consultant and has over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting, in environmental law, and in government. John has a M.Sc. (Eng.) from the University of Guelph and is a registered professional engineer in the Province of Ontario. After meeting Andrew White, CHAR Technologies’ founder in 2013, he became one of its first investors. He has been actively involved with helping grow the company and assisting clients since that time. What John most enjoys about working at CHAR is working with a team that is passionate about finding environmental solutions.
Megan Ostronic, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.
Megan is a Senior Project Engineer in the permitting and compliance group at Altech Environmental Consulting. She has over seven years of environmental consulting experience and has managed air permitting and compliance matters for a number of industrial and manufacturing sites including metal recycling facilities, crematoriums, wastewater treatment plants and aggregate operations including pits and quarries, mines, mobile operations and hot mix asphalt, ready mix concrete and cement plants. Megan holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Queen’s University and a Master of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering from Carleton University. She maintains a Professional Engineer Licence with Professional Engineers Ontario.
Swathi Ramnarayan, MBA
Swathi is the Marketing Manager at CHAR Technologies and is responsible for overseeing all marketing and public relations initiatives for the company. She comes armed with an MBA from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto as well as 4 years of experience driving large-scale communications projects for clients in Southeast Asia. Swathi is passionate about equity, diversity & inclusion and making a difference in the world through her work. When she’s not working, she’s most probably practicing new Yoga poses, or travelling the world and scratching new countries off her scratch map.
Naveed Rehman, P.Geo., QP-ESA
Naveed is a Senior Project Geoscientist in Altech’s Property Due Diligence, Investigation & Remediation area with close to ten years of professional experience in environmental site assessment, remediation and geological exploration projects. His experience includes the areas of Phase One and Two Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), indoor air quality sampling, testing and monitoring, site clean-up and remediation, designated substances survey (DSS) including asbestos abatement. Mr. Rehman has extensive experience in site reconnaissance, field investigations, supervising and monitoring air quality assessment projects, overseeing site clean-up and/or remediation programs and conducting Phase One and Two ESAs. Naveed earned his Bachelors of Science (B.Sc.) degree from the University of Toronto and is a licensed Professional Geoscientist in Ontario & Qualified Person (QP – Site Assessor) under the Ontario Ministry of Environment’s requirements of O.Reg. 153.
Raghda Sai, BASc Environ. Eng.
Raghda works at Altech Envrionmental Consulting, having started her career there as an intern in Environmental Engineering & Science. Raghda has previous experience as both an Environmental Scientist and a Environment & Health and Safety Coordinator. Her experience in consulting, compliance reporting, writing, and analysis makes her a valued member of the Altech team. Throughout university, Raghda was a strong student who was the recipient of several awards, including 1st place for the On-site Wastewater Technologies Research Award and 2nd place for the MTE Capstone Symposium Design Competition. She graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Engineering.
Mohan Srinivasan, M.Eng
Mohan Srinivasan is a Field Service Electrical and Instrumentation Specialist in our CharTech Solutions Technology Division. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics and Instrumentation from Annamalai University, India, and Masters of Engineering degree in Instrument Technology from Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), India, graduating with the First Rank Recipient Award. He previously led the operations and maintenance of Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA), at United Arab Emirates, working for more than 15 years in power, gas and water industrial units. With extensive training and knowledge in operation and maintenance of small and large power stations, he holds immense experience in conventional boilers, heat recovery steam generators, steam and gas turbines, water and wastewater facilities, desalination and reverse osmosis plants, across a broad range of power and water system units and process industries. Mohan is an enthusiastic and experienced professional who aims to advance his knowledge in the operations and maintenance of growing innovative engineering enterprises and technologies.
Chad Stewart, P.Eng., QP-ESA
Chad is Senior Project Engineer and Practice Leader of Altech’s Property Due Diligence, Investigation & Remediation practice. He has an Honours Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering from Queens University, and has a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) license from PEO. He has extensive technical and business experience in environmental consulting over a variety of areas of expertise, has fulfilled numerous roles in a variety of types of projects, and experienced working in many different jurisdictions within Canada and internationally (USA, Mexico, Cuba, Saudi Arabia). Chad is passionate about applying science and engineering principles to assessing and remediating our adverse impacts to the environment, and helping our clients achieve environmental compliance.
Stefano Tacchino - Ph.D, P.Eng., MCIC, CLSSBB
Stefano is the Senior Process Engineer at CharTech Solutions, and has extensive experience related to design, scale-up, troubleshooting and commissioning of chemical plants, and development of new chemical processes. He is an expert in conversion of biomass, waste and heavy oil into fuels, and chemicals. Stefano plays chess in his spare time, and is rated in the International Chess Federation. Stefano has a PhD in Chemical Engineering. He’s also a licensed Professional Engineer by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO), and a member of the Chemical Institute of Canada, the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Andrew Thompson
Andrew is the Lead Production Operator with CHAR Biocarbon. He has 12 years of production experience in the automotive industry and recycling field, in various leadership roles. In his spare time Andrew can be found either at the rink, where he is a Trainer/Equipment Manager for a local Junior B hockey team, or on an adventure with his girlfriend and their dog Larkin. I’m excited to be apart of this growing team and it feels good to know that we are all here to make a positive change to the world.
Dong Yan, M.ChE, M.MaterSci, P.Eng, PMP
Dong is a Project Manager in the CharTech Projects division, with over 15 years of experience in chemical engineering, waste control, and the biochemical industry. As a project manager, Dong works to build strong relationships with both clients and team members. He has a proven track record of successful EPCM project management, with a focus on detailing and delivering projects on time and within budget. Dong holds a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering, as well as a Master’s degree in Material Science. He is also a certified Project Management Professional and a registered Professional Engineer in Ontario.
Jason Yeo, P.Eng
Jason is Senior Project Engineer working for both CharTech Solutions and Altech; specialising in wastewater treatment solutions, compliance pollution prevention, and environmental sustainability. Jason has over 20 years of technical and business experience in process and equipment design, environmental science, consulting, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and has worked as an environmental officer. He holds several patents on aeration and water remediation devices. Jason has a Degree in Mechanical Engineering and is a registered Professional Engineer in the Province of Ontario.
