Getting to know you!

Who are the instructors?

The instructor group in the Bachelor of Applied Technology Geographic Information Systems at SAIT Polytechnic is capable of delivering industry-relevant, advanced content in a learner-centred environment. 

Here’s some information to let you get to know the instructors a bit better.

Full-Time Faculty

Wade Hawkins

Wade has over eleven years of progressive professional experience in the Geomatics industry.  This has enabled him to demonstrate his GIS capabilities across multi-disciplinary sectors that include education, water resources, conservation, oil and gas, health care, municipal, philanthropy and forestry.

He has been teaching in the Bachelor of Applied Technology in GIS program since its’ inception, starting as an associate instructor and more recently as full-time faculty.  In this time, Wade has been fortunate to witness its’ progression to a world class program.  In 2010 Wade was nominated for a SAIT Student Association for teaching excellence. Previous to this role, Wade worked as a GIS Specialist for Ducks Unlimited Canada.

Wade is a certified GISP and also holds a BSc. in Geography and a Certificate in GIS and Remote Sensing from the University of Winnipeg/Manitoba.  He is also working towards a certificate in Visual Design from the University of Calgary.

He is an active member of the Geomatics community.  In this regard he is a member of the Geographic Information Systems Certification Institute (GISCI) application review committee, a board member of the Alberta Geomatics Group (AGG) and founder/chair of the first Canadian chapter of the Society of Conservation GIS (SCGIS).

Colin Lynch Colin Lynch has a BSc. degree in Urban and Environmental Studies and Physical Geography from Brock University.  This is complimented by an Advanced Diploma of Geographic Information Systems from the College of New Caledonia. He has more than ten years experience working in many technical aspects related to GIS including GPS data capture, web-mapping development, systems administration, analysis and data management. In 2010 Colin was nominated for a SAIT Student Association Award for teaching excellence.

His past roles as both a GIS analyst and manager include experience in the resource/environmental management sector and municipal planning.  Project experience covers many parts of Canada as well as work in Russia and a number of years involved in GIS implementation and municipal planning in San Jose, Costa Rica.

He has been a key member of a number of organizations such as the British Columbia Ministry of Forests – Fire Protection Branch, McGregor Model Forest, Tesera Systems Inc., The City of Airdrie and the Municipality of San Jose, Costa Rica. As an instructor at SAIT Colin remains active in the GIS community through project and volunteer work both in Canada and Costa Rica.

Adrian M. Faraguna

Adrian received his B.Sc. (Great Distinction) in Environmental Science from the University of Lethbridge and is currently completing his M.Sc in Geography at the University of Lethbridge.  He also holds a Diploma (Honours) from Lethbridge College in Renewable Resource Management.  After working in project management and GIS with a local environmental consulting firm, he joined SAIT Polytechnic as an Instructor.  He is also the Practicum Coordinator for the GIS Applied Degree Program.

Adrian’s research interests include landscape ecology, linear disturbance, forest pest management and impacts of human activities on ecosystems.

Carlos Serpas

Carlos Serpas has been an instructor in the SAIT GIS program since 2003.   He teaches courses in Databases, GIS Software, and Map Design.  In 2006 Carlos was presented with a SAIT Student Association Award for teaching excellence and Carlos was nominated for a second award for teaching excellence in 2010. 

Carlos holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Calgary and a GIS diploma from SAIT.  He also holds certifications in web design and desktop publishing.

Before joining SAIT, Carlos worked as an independent GIS consultant. Prior to his GIS experience he worked as language consultant, both as a translator and Spanish instructor to private and corporate clients.