Biographies

NeuroArm Video | Biographies | Timeline | Photos

Dr. Garnette Sutherland

Position: Professor of Neurosurgery and neuroArm Project Leader
Background: Dr. Garnette Sutherland is a professor of neurosurgery at U of C’s Faculty of Medicine and a Calgary Health Region neurosurgeon. Sutherland earned his BSc and MD at the University of Manitoba, followed by a neurosurgical residency under Dr. Charles Drake at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. Sutherland joined the University of Calgary as professor of neurosurgery in 1993 and served as division head for 10 years. He initiated the development of a comprehensive stroke research program and spearheaded the internationally recognized intraoperative MRI program and, now, the neuroArm project.

Isabelle Latour, PhD

Position: Research Assistant Professor, U of C
Background: Completed her BSc at Université du Quebec in Montreal, MSc at Université de Montreal and PhD in neuroscience under Brian MacVicar, PhD, and Gerald Zamponi, PhD, in the Department of Physiology and Biophysics in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Calgary. During her PhD, Isabelle investigated molecular and biochemical characteristics of calcium channels in human brain tumors, in collaboration with Dr. Garnette Sutherland. Dr. Sutherland invited her to join the neuroArm initiative in 2004 to develop bi-modal specific cell markers for image-guided cell-specific therapy.

Alex Greer, MASc

Position: Robotics Engineer, U of C
Background: Holds Bachelor and Masters of Applied Science degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Waterloo. Greer’s previous research is in impact biomechanics, numerical modeling and trauma prediction, which led to him joining the neuroArm team as robotics engineer in October, 2005. He works closely with engineers at MDA to ensure that neuroArm is designed and built to work safely and effectively in the intraoperative MRI environment.

Perry Newhook

Position: Senior Systems Engineer, MDA
Background: Perry Newhook holds a BASc in Computer Engineering from University of Waterloo, where he specialized in real-time software and robotic control systems. He joined the R&D department of MDA (then Spar Aerospace) in spring of 1995.  Newhook has worked on a variety of projects and activities in the company including 3D laser scanning systems, a teleoperated maintenance vehicle prototype for an international fusion reactor, teleoperated robotic control of an excavator for nuclear hazardous waste cleanup, automated transport vehicles for mining, testing systems for space, and robotic dinosaur models for Universal Studios in Florida.

Tim Fielding

Position:  Senior Mechanical Engineer, MDA
Background: Earned a BASc from the University of Western Ontario and a MASc from the University of Toronto, both in mechanical engineering.  Fielding has spent the last 10 years with MDA working on space and terrestrial-based robotic systems including Canadarm2, Dextre (SPDM), and projects related to satellite servicing, medical, and nuclear inspection programs.

Bruce Mack

Position: Vice-President of Development Programs and R&D, Space Missions Group, MDA
Background: Bruce Mack graduated from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. with a BSc in engineering physics and a PhD in electrical engineering. He spent 10 years in advanced systems development and design for MDA’s space and terrestrial business areas. As vice-president, Mack is responsible for advanced vision and robotics technologies for space, medical, mining and nuclear power markets in North America, Japan, and Europe.

Daryl K. (Doc) Seaman

Position: Philanthropist, and Representative for Seaman family who provided seed funding for neuroArm
Background: Chairman and president of DOX Investments Inc. in Calgary, Alberta. Born in Rouleau, Saskatchewan, Doc Seaman earned his BSc in mechanical engineering at the University of Saskatchewan before he served as an R.C.A.F. Flying Officer from 1941 to 1945. He was decorated before he returned to Calgary, where he founded Bow Valley Industries, a successful international oil and gas company, which he ran until 1992. He is a director of numerous public companies, an Officer of the Order of Canada, part-owner of the Calgary Flames Hockey Club, and holds an Honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary. The Seaman family is actively involved in supporting numerous charity and community projects in the Calgary area, including the establishment of the Seaman Family MR Research Centre at the Calgary Health Region/University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine.