Charlottetown, PEI —December 3, 2025 — The Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL) is pleased to announce the formation of the CASTL National Training Advisory Committee (NTAC), an independent group of experts assembled to provide strategic advice on the direction of CASTL’s national training initiatives.
The NTAC brings together a diverse group of leaders representing the biomanufacturing, biotechnology, and skills development sectors from across Canada. Members offer a blend of expertise in the current and future skills requirements of the global biomanufacturing sector, workforce development trends, and innovative training and education models.
"As Canada continues to strengthen its position as a global leader in biomanufacturing, it is essential that our workforce development strategies keep pace with evolving technologies and industry needs,” affirmed CASTL CEO Penny Walsh-McGuire, CASTL. “CASTL’s National Training Advisory Committee will play a key role in ensuring CASTL’s training programs remain forward-looking, relevant, and aligned with industry needs, and we are grateful to the members who are generously sharing their expertise.”
The NTAC will advise CASTL on the strategic direction of CASTL’s training activities and provide insights into emerging skills needs within the biomanufacturing and biotechnology sectors. The Committee will also contribute perspectives on specialized CASTL training initiatives and the future of Canada’s biomanufacturing talent pipeline.
Comprising 13 members, the NTAC is designed to represent a cross-section of expertise, including leaders in advanced biomanufacturing, biologics, workforce development, education, and innovation. Members will serve two-year terms, with opportunities for renewal.
NTAC members include:
Normand Blais, Chief Science Officer, BIOVECTRA
Geoff Evans, President, Eurofins CDMO Alphora
David Goodwin, Associate Director of Operations, Merck Animal Health
Steven Keizer, Site Head, Northern RNA
Joelle Laudisio, Global Head of Quality, Biologics Testing, Charles River Laboratories
Irene Mascolo, Vice President, Human Resources and Corporate Communications, Pharmascience
Roger-Ketcha Ngassam, Manufacturing Site Head, Moderna
Leela Paris, PhD, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations, Aspect Biosystems
Kristina Parrant, Director of Operations and Assistant Site Head, Evonik
Gayle Piat, Director, Alberta Cell Therapy Manufacturing
Jennifer Quizi, PhD, Director, Biologics Manufacturing Centre (BMC) and Investigator, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI)
Brent Sadler, Senior Director of Quality, Emergent BioSolutions
Janet Teasdale, Senior Vice President of Talent Development, AbCellera
For more information about CASTL and its training programs, visit www.castlcanada.ca.
To learn more about the NTAC Members, visit www.castlcanada.ca/en/national-training-advisory-committee
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Media Contact
Heidi Reinblatt
Director of Marketing and Communications
Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences (CASTL)
heidi@castlcanada.ca
www.castlcanada.ca
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