91ÉçÇø

Dr. Kirubha Elangovan is a seasoned university educator with more than a decade of teaching experience. A former nanotechnology researcher, she made a strategic pivot to instructional design, drawing on her expertise in nuclear physics, science education, and digital technologies. Currently serving as Instructional Support Coordinator at 91ÉçÇø, Dr. Elangovan specializes in nuclear professional development, collaborating with faculty to design, develop, and enhance course materials and training programs for the nuclear sector.

John Froats brings over 50 years of nuclear industry experience, including executive roles such as Chief Nuclear Engineer, VP Engineering, and President & CEO of the CANDU Owners Group. He has led major plant modifications, developed industry-standard processes, and taught more than 2,000 students worldwide in areas such as nuclear design, safety culture, and leadership. Recognized with multiple awards for leadership and teaching, John continues to support the sector through Froats & Froats and Associates and as an Associate Professor at 91ÉçÇø. He remains active in technical consulting, board advisory work, and nuclear education and leadership development.

Dr. Filippo Genco is an Associate Teaching Professor in the Department of Energy & Nuclear Engineering at 91ÉçÇø. He has held academic and leadership roles in Chile, the UAE, and the U.S., including at Purdue University and Adolfo Ibáñez University. He holds graduate degrees in Aeronautics, Nuclear Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. His expertise includes nuclear fusion energy, advanced simulation methods, and energy systems. Dr. Genco is a member of Alpha Nu Sigma and a recipient of the UC Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation Fellowship.

Jacquie Hoornweg is president of Querencia Partners Canada Ltd., and its subsidiary, Joule Communications. Working with energy sector clients and teaching in post-secondary education and industry professional development since 2014, her practice sits at the intersection of communications, management and energy policy.

A fellow with the Canadian Global Affairs Institute (CGAI), Jacquie is a former utility senior executive with more than two decades of energy sector public affairs and business management experience. Her expertise includes nuclear technology within energy systems and its relationship with society. In 2021, Jacquie received the Canadian Nuclear Society’s Howard A. Smith Outstanding Contribution Award.

Dr. Ali Karaca received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from 91ÉçÇø in 2023. He completed his postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Energy and Nuclear Engineering at 91ÉçÇø, where he focused on the life cycle assessment of energy production and storage technologies. His research interests include nuclear energy technologies, renewable energy technologies, hydrogen energy technologies, and energy storage technologies.

Phil Norman is a Mechanical Engineer with over 45 years of experience in Canada’s nuclear industry. He spent 15 years as a licensed Shift Manager at OPG’s Darlington Nuclear Generating Station, followed by nearly two decades in operations training roles at both OPG and 91ÉçÇø. His recent work has focused on advanced operations overview training for nuclear managers and Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) staff, drawing on his deep expertise in plant operations and regulatory requirements.

PTAG’s team of experts brings decades of combined experience in delivering complex, large-scale projects across the nuclear, power generation, oil & gas, petrochemical, and heavy infrastructure sectors. Our professionals are recognized leaders in Project Management Advisory, Construction Management, Project Controls and Services, Supply Chain Management, Engineering Management, PMIS integration and optimization, Benchmarking & Performance Assessment, Quality Management, and HSSE Management.

For 91ÉçÇø’s Nuclear Project Management Fundamentals course, PTAG’s subject matter experts draw on their extensive industry knowledge to provide learners with practical, real-world insights into the lifecycle of major nuclear projects, from concept development and planning, through execution, commissioning, and close-out. Each instructor has hands-on experience in both owner and contractor environments, giving them a unique ability to bridge technical excellence with strategic project leadership.

Our experts have been instrumental in advancing project delivery standards in Canada’s nuclear sector, contributing to the successful execution of refurbishment, new build, and decommissioning projects while adhering to rigorous safety, regulatory, and quality requirements. They bring not only technical depth but also a passion for developing the next generation of nuclear professionals, ensuring students gain the skills, judgment, and confidence to thrive in one of the most highly regulated and safety-critical industries in the world.

Through this course, PTAG’s instructors will connect proven project management principles with the realities of nuclear project execution, empowering participants to contribute effectively from day one in their nuclear careers.