Mike is the Founding Director of the PLACE Centre and an Assistant Professor in the Business, Economics, and Public Policy area group at Ivey Business School, Western University. Mike has conducted policy research on the nexus between regional economic development, innovation, housing, and climate policy in previous positions at the Mowat Centre, Lawrence Centre, Canada 2020, and for the federal government where he was Canada’s first ever Chief Innovation Fellow. Despite spending most of his time in Ottawa, Mike enjoys boring audiences with his encyclopedic knowledge of the history of Middlesex County, particularly Whalen Corners.

Teslin is a Senior Research Associate at PLACE where she is currently leading research on understanding how regions across Canada can acquire and retain the skilled labour needed to drive clean economic growth. Her research focuses on designing practical policy solutions that address clean growth challenges by understanding their unique characteristics, complexities, and contexts. Teslin has a BA LLB (Hons.) and a Master’s in Public Policy, and brings years of experience in government relations and as a legislative staffer to the team. For fun, Teslin likes upcycling old pieces of furniture.

Hem is a Senior Research Associate at PLACE where he works closely with the team to develop data-based insights and build fit-for-purpose solutions for the communities we work with. Hem brings several years of policy research experience across climate change and health to the team. A travel enthusiast, Hem is keen to visit all seven continents.

Jesse is a Senior Research Associate at PLACE where he focuses on climate-friendly housing policy. He brings a mix of applied and academic experience in urban politics and policy as a two-term city councilor in London, PhD Candidate in political science at Western University, and part-time instructor in both Western's local government program and Huron University College's governance, leadership, and ethics program. An avid cyclist, Jesse loves riding along the Thames Valley Parkway with his wife, Kate, and daughter, Flora.

Mykensie is a Research Associate at PLACE. Previous experiences include being a policy analyst for the Government of Saskatchewan's Ministry of Environment and the Director of Research and Policy Development for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce. Mykensie holds a Master of Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Queen's University. Mykensie has lived in four provinces and, outside of work, she enjoys reading, volunteering, hiking, and cycling in the summer.

Caroline is a Research Associate at PLACE where she is currently working on the skills and labour needs of the growing mass timber sector in British Columbia. Caroline brings a diverse skill set to the team with an interdisciplinary background in municipal and provincial government, global affairs, community engagement, government relations, and architecture. Caroline loves photography and her favourite time to venture outside to take photos is during the biggest snowstorms.

Chinweizu is a Research Associate at PLACE where he works on the labour and supply chain needs of the zero-emissions vehicle and battery manufacturing sector. With an academic background in International Relations and Public Policy, Chinweizu has worked for non-profits as a researcher covering areas including youth education & labour. Chinweizu enjoys cycling, cooking, and spending too much time playing and watching football.

Nicholas is a Research Associate at PLACE where he works on the skills and labour force needs of the future within the agricultural industry. Nicholas has a Masters of Public Policy from the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy and has previously worked for the TMU Diversity Institute; the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks; and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, with a personal focus in policy areas of sustainability, inequality, and innovation. Nicholas is an avid cook, vegetarian, and is involved in local community share agriculture and gardening.

Aneesa Ally is the Programs Officer at PLACE where she supports the delivery of projects and programs by improving our overall ability to influence groundbreaking environmental and economic change. Aneesa has a diverse educational and professional background in law, public administration, employment advising, and the non-profit field. Aneesa's professional experience in international and domestic development organizations has strengthened her passion for helping create a sustainable society. Aneesa hopes to continue to leave a positive footprint where-ever she goes!

Rebecca is a Research and Communications Associate at PLACE where she works closely with the research team to implement PLACE's unique communications strategy - focusing on turning our findings into actionable recommendations for the communities we work with. With a unique background in health, law, ethics, and environment, Rebecca brings a number of years of research and communications experience to the team. Rebecca has climbed the CN tower three times to fundraise for WWF-Canada and, despite all training efforts, her times progressively get worse.

Sarah is a Communications Coordinator at PLACE where she supports the communication objectives of PLACE through content creation and the knowledge translation and amplification of research to diverse audiences. With her education in Political Science and Communications, she brings extensive knowledge in creating written and visual content while making that information accessible. Sarah has visited 8 out of 10 provinces and 2 of the 3 territories but hopes to one day visit them all!