SPILKIN
Projects & Events
Social Impact
STEM
Assistant Project Manager for the Canadian Analog Research Expedition (CAN-ARX) with SEDS Canada
Throughout 2023 into 2024, I served as the assistant project manager for CAN-ARX (Canadian Analog Research Expedition), an initiative by SEDS Canada. This campaign brought together 16 young researchers from Ontario and Alberta to the Parc National des Grands-Jardins in Charlevoix for a unique simulation of space mission activities. Taking place from August 12 to 16, 2024, the mission tested innovative technologies in an environment resembling extra-terrestrial conditions. This location, formed by a meteorite impact, offers ideal conditions for planetary science experiments.
​
Two primary teams participated in this initiative were StellarScope and Mission SpaceWalker.​ StellarScope Team (McMaster University): Developed a portable, modular radio telescope capable of observing molecular hydrogen, critical for understanding star formation. Their innovative design prioritizes portability and usability. Mission SpaceWalker (University of Alberta): Focused on sustainable technology and biomedical applications, they tested a foldable wind turbine for energy generation and devices for monitoring physiological stress and environmental parameters. Their solutions aim to benefit both space missions and isolated Earth communities.
The mission also highlighted community engagement and career development opportunities. Participants presented their projects to the public during a "Demo Day" at Baie-Saint-Paul, fostering local interest in space exploration. The collaboration between SEDS Canada and Charlevoix's Living Lab underlined the expedition's broader goals of advancing science, technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
​
Read more about CAN-ARX 2024 in le Charlevoisien
Une mission spatiale dans Charlevoix
Sustainable Martian Technology Hackathon
Montréal, March 22, 2025 — The Sustainable Martian Technology Hackathon (SMTH2025) brought together a community of innovators at Polytechnique de Montréal for a day dedicated to advancing sustainable living solutions for Mars and other extreme environments. Organized by the Mars Society of Canada (MSC) in collaboration with PolyOrbite and ASTROLITH, the event engaged students and early-career professionals in developing “Earth x MARS” technologies with real-world applications.
​
SMTH2025 aimed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills while driving forward technology capable of supporting life in challenging conditions. Over an intensive day of design, prototyping, and pitching, participants worked collaboratively to present their ideas to a distinguished panel of judges.
​
This year’s competition concluded with two teams sharing first place: Project Lunar by Ayleen Aamir, Noora Hamodi, and Joseph Hum-Wong, and MOOMASON by Maelle Mathieu (Dr. Pooneh Maghoul). Both projects demonstrated technical excellence, innovation, and a strong vision for sustainable off-world living.
​
The success of SMTH2025 was made possible through the combined efforts of all organizers, speakers, and partners. Special recognition is extended to Glenn Scott, Hanieh Provencher, Yianni Hudon Castillo, Dr. Pooneh Maghoul, Clea Cormerais, and Mike Kennedy, whose collaboration and commitment ensured the event’s impact and reach.
​
See you back again in 2026!
​
Read more about SMTH 2025
Success of the Sustainable Martian Technology Hackathon - MSC
​
Stay informed about SMTH 2026
​
HardTech Fest @StartupFest 2025
On July 9, 2025, I had the privilege of moderating “Extreme Engineering: From Remote Regions to Outer Space”, a panel that brought together three outstanding speakers: Adam Gryfe, COO at CSMC; Marie-Josée Potvin, Portfolio Manager, Flight Opportunities and Training at the Canadian Space Agency; and Frédéric Lemaire, CEO of Paratus Medical.
​
We explored a shared reality—designing for the harshest conditions, whether in the Arctic, deserts, or in orbit, demands the same bold, resilient thinking. Our discussion covered how innovations developed for remote, resource-limited environments are shaping the future of space exploration, and how space technology is being adapted to address challenges here on Earth.
​
I found the conversation on growing Canada’s space industry particularly inspiring, especially the strategies for building infrastructure and products that can scale globally.
​
Thank you Garage & Co. HardTech Hub & Christian Beaubien for the invitation to have me as a moderator on this panel, and to Annie-Claude Devriese, for pioneering this discussion!
​
Explore the list of talks at HardTech Fest - The World Is Not Enough
​