Our Board of Directors
Susan Blum
As Vice-President (Research) at the University of Regina, Dr. Chris Yost is a strategic leader driving the university’s innovation and research enterprise. With a research background in biology and a strong track record in cross-sector collaboration, Dr. Yost has developed a reputation for building partnerships that bridge academia, industry, and government.
A central theme in Dr. Yost’s work is the orchestration of complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives that respond to emerging challenges while fostering sustainable development. His leadership continues to drive innovative, multidisciplinary approaches to energy and mineral resource development across Canada.
As a Professor in Biology, Dr. Yost is the co-Director of the Institute for Microbial Systems and Society, where he supervisors a diverse team of undergraduate, and graduate student researchers. In addition to maintaining an active research lab that uses genomic technologies to study agriculturally relevant interactions between microbes and plants, he has had a long-term commitment to serving the University in supporting its research enterprise.
Dr. Yost was the chair of the Council Committee on Academic Mission and the chair of the Council Committee on Research. He also has national experience in research policy work and was a member of NSERC’s Committee on Discovery Research while serving as a Group Chair for NSERC’s Discovery Grant program. He served the Canadian Society of Microbiologists in leadership positions for many years.
Chris Yost
As Vice-provost, Dr. Susan Blum is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and impactful partnerships that drive success for students, faculty, and institutional stakeholders alike.
Dr. Blum has been with Saskatchewan Polytechnic since 2017, initially joining as the Associate Vice-President of Applied Research and Innovation. In 2023, her portfolio expanded to also include oversight of the Centre for Continuing Education, further showcasing her dedication to advancing education and research.
With over 25 years of experience in higher education administration, Dr. Blum has made significant contributions to both academia and applied research across Canada. Her distinguished career includes leadership roles such as Director of Research Services and Ethics at the University of Saskatchewan, and she has served as a Polar Bear Biologist for the Government of Nunavut.
Dr. Blum earned her Ph.D. in biology and ecotoxicology from the University of Saskatchewan and is recognized for her leadership in research policy and strategic partnerships.
Beyond her institutional roles, Dr. Blum actively contributed to national and regional research initiatives. She is a member of the National Research Council of Canada and has been pivotal in establishing several research and innovation networks, strengthening Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s reputation as a leader in applied research and innovation.
T.A. (Terry) Fonstad
BE, MSc, PhD, PEng, PAg, FEC, FGC (Hon)
Dr. Terry Fonstad is Associate Vice-President Research (Ethics and Infrastructure) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask). He previously served as Associate Dean Research for the College of Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan.
Dr. Fonstad serves on the board of directors of the International Minerals Innovation Institute (IMII), Genome Prairie, Ag-West Bio and the Prairie Swine Centre as well as Chair of the Board for the Global Institute for Energy Minerals and Society (GIEMS).
Dr. Fonstad is a leader in environmental research for animal agriculture. His work is the basis for much of the regulations and policies related to siting and permitting of intensive livestock operations in the prairie regions as well as pathogen control in livestock transport. Dr. Fonstad’s academic home is the Department of Civil, Geological and Environmental Engineering.
Dr. Fonstad is a registered professional engineer and professional agrologist. He is a Fellow of Engineers Canada and honorary Fellow of Geosciences Canada. He has served two terms on the council of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan (APEGS) as well as one term on the executive and served as President in 2019-20. He was awarded the Public Service Award from the RM of Blucher No 343 for his service on municipal council from 2002-2017. At the 2024 APEGS awards ceremony, Dr. Fonstad was awarded the Brian Eckel Distinguished Service Award, an honour given only to those who truly exemplify the best standards of engineering and geoscience in Saskatchewan.