Researchers

Amber joined the Applied Research team in 2024 and has concentrated her work in the greenhouse, grow plots, and high tunnel at the North Hill campus Sustainable Greenhouse. Amber graduated from the Sustainable Food Systems Advanced diploma program at Assiniboine and has a keen interest in understanding crop production methodologies. Through an AAFC student salary award, Amber was hired as a student research assistant and received her practicum through that position. She enjoys mentoring students and working in the various applied research projects underway at the college.

Bingqi Zhu graduated from the Land & Water Management program at Assiniboine College in June 2025 and joined the Applied Research team after his Summer 2024 practicum on the Net-Positive Network project at the Rourke Farm in Minto, Manitoba. His work focuses on field crop trials supporting regenerative agriculture research, including the evaluation of asymbiotic nitrogen-fixing microbial products, multi-species cash and cover cropping systems, delayed germination seed technology (DGST), and net-positive carbon grain farming practices.

Bingqi also holds a diploma in Environmental Protection from China and brings over a decade of experience in the IT field, along with several years of paralegal experience focused on environmental law and policy. In addition to his research role, he volunteers with the Lake Winnipeg Community-Based Monitoring Network, contributing to watershed health through water quality monitoring and community-based environmental stewardship.

Brittany works as a Research Assistant I position in the areas of soil health and crop disease applied research led by Dr. Baljeet Singh. Brittany moved from Winnipeg to Brandon to attend Assiniboine College, where she earned a diploma in Land and Water Management, graduating in 2024 as “One to Watch” from the College. In 2024, after graduation, she was awarded an AAFC Salary Award and joined Dr. Baljeet Singh’s soils team at the College. During the past year, Brittany has been actively involved in several applied research projects, including biochar research, pea fungicide trials, and soybean canopy closure studies. Prior to her work at the college, she gained valuable experience with Manitoba Government as a Water Quality Monitoring Assistant, where she was responsible for collecting beach water samples and supporting field research.

Daniela is a Research Assistant I and has been with Assiniboine College since the summer of 2024. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Brandon University, graduating in 2022, and has an interest in wildlife and habitat conservation. During her role as a Resource Management student with Parks Canada, Daniela developed hands-on experience with the management of invasive plants and animals, eDNA, habitat conservation, and black bear management. Currently, Daniela is supporting the Squeal on Pigs eDNA project led by Faculty Researcher James Hood. The 3 year project uses water sampling to isolate pig DNA in order to track wild pigs in Manitoba. She is also supporting Dr. Baljeet Singh and the soils team with data management and manuscript development.

Dustin is an Assiniboine graduate of the two-year Diploma in Land & Water Management. His introduction to the team follows a productive summer in 2023 when he served as an Assiniboine College Summer Student, collaborating with Dr. Baljeet Singh.

Dustin’s background is marked by a diverse range of experiences. Growing up on a mixed farm provided him with early exposure to agriculture, while the following fifteen years were dedicated to roles in drilling, pipeline, and facility construction within the oil industry. Additionally, he accrued three years of experience in the plumbing trade. His expertise extends to a robust understanding of plant taxonomy, wetland management, and soil management, making him a valuable addition to the research team at Russ Edwards School.

Contact Info:

[email protected]

Gautam brings a strong combination of hands-on research and industry expertise to the Applied Research team. He holds a Post-Graduate Advanced Diploma in Agriculture from Assiniboine College and a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Agriculture from Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology (MPUAT), India. Before joining the college, he gained valuable experience in the grain industry as a Facility Assistant I at Viterra, and as a Summer Research Technician at AG-Quest Inc., supporting field trials through soil sampling, equipment calibration, and weed identification.

Gautam is currently working on a specialized project in delayed germination seed technology for cover crops with adjunct researcher Dr. David Rourke, developing strategies that help growers save time, reduce costs, and optimize crop establishment. With his background across research, consulting, and the grain sector, he is passionate about crop production systems, soil and water management, and advancing sustainable practices through applied research.

Role:

In her role, Jane De Pauw supports the Applied Research Committee and researchers by exploring and sourcing funding, compiling eligibility information and application requirements, preparing applications, annual and interim scientific reports, and coordinating requests from external funders for financial reporting. She liaises with the Research Grants Officer regarding application and reporting submissions, organizes and takes minutes of Applied Research Committee meetings, prepares Memorandum of Understandings, and collaborates with external industry partners. Jane also coordinates and participates in meetings with researchers and industry partners and reviews funding agreements.

Background:

Jane holds a Masters in Biological Sciences from the University of Alberta and a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba. In 2019, she joined ACC, bringing with her more than 14 years of experience in research administration from the University of Alberta. During her time at the University of Alberta Research Services Office, she held various roles, engaging in research administration for all Tri-Council and external research funding partners in natural and health sciences. Additionally, she gained expertise in Canada Foundation for Innovation project management and application preparation and submission.

As the Research Facilitator for five different faculties at the University of Alberta, Jane provided support to researchers and faculty administrators. Her responsibilities included collaborating with external funders, industry partners, and ACC Faculty Researchers to submit applications, ensure compliance with reporting requirements, and facilitate effective communication.

Contact Info:

Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment
Assiniboine College
1430 Victoria Ave E,
Brandon, MB
R7A 2A9
Office #268

[email protected]
204-725-8700 Ext. 7111
Cell: 204-868-8141

Having completed numerous courses from Canadian post-secondary institutions specializing in agriculture education and research, Ken Martens holds a Certificate in Prairie Horticulture and a provincial pesticide license. His educational background includes studies at Assiniboine College, Olds College, University of Saskatchewan, University of Manitoba, and University of Guelph.

Since 2012, Ken has served as a Research Technician and grower for applied research projects at the Russ Edwards School greenhouse complex and grow plot. In this role, he oversees integrated plant management, data collection, and pest and weed management. Ken also plays a key role in providing orientation and supervision to temporary research staff and students. Beyond his technical duties, he serves as an Educational Assistant for the Horticultural Production and Sustainable Food Systems programs.

Contact Info:

[email protected]