Instructor Bios
School of Manufacturing and AutomationMeet... 
I have worked in the Mechanical Design Technology diploma program since its inception. I’m particularly enthusiastic about helping students apply what they’ve learned in solving practical problems within a team. While technology might change, creativity, teamwork and professionalism are always in demand. Life before SAIT: On leaving school, I undertook a four-year Tool and Die apprenticeship. After working for several years, I attended university for four years to gain a Bachelor of Engineering. Since moving to Canada in 1997, I have worked as an engineer and engineering manager in several local companies. I’m a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Alberta. Favourite moments in class: By far the best part of teaching is helping students to succeed. Some students have yet to unlock their full potential and my goal is to help them to be successful, both here at SAIT Polytechnic and in their future careers. My greatest joy is watching the students grow over their two years of study. Spare time: I am a fair-weather cyclist and thoroughly enjoy it. To stay fit in the winter I swim a couple of times a week and, if my schedule allows, I take yoga classes over the lunch hour. I’m an avid reader with eclectic tastes. Best thing about teaching at SAIT: Teaching at SAIT allows me to constantly learn and develop. Being a dedicated “lifelong learner”, I am constantly learning from – and with – my students. By sharing ideas and maintaining an open dialogue, many mutual discoveries are possible. These interactions are my joy and my motivation. A student weighs in: "This program has changed my life. Thank you!"
Meet... 
I have been at SAIT for just over 20 years and have worked in a number of different roles during that time. Currently I teach for the Machinist and Millwright apprenticeship programs as well as Machinist Technician, Mechanical Design Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology and Automated Systems Engineering Technology programs. Life before SAIT: Journeyman Machinist, Journeyman Millwright, Provincial Instructor diploma, SAIT alumnus, third generation machinist. Had the privilege of working with my father (a brilliant machinist) while working for Molson Brewery in Lethbridge for eight years prior to coming to SAIT. Three and a half years at Lethbridge Iron Works prior to Molson and at a variety of machine shops in Alberta during my apprenticeship. Most of my career has been in repair and maintenance in a manufacturing facility. This taught me a great deal about problem solving, prioritizing and being creative. Favourite moments in class: The class had a good laugh when I borrowed one student’s cell phone to call another who was not in class. I was told he was shooting pool in a nearby pool hall. After chatting with him for a few moments (posing as a fellow student) I asked him, “Aren’t you supposed to be in class right now?” He paused for a moment, then asked, “Who is this?” I said, ”It’s your instructor, Rob. How far away from SAIT are you?” “About 20 minutes,” he replied. “I’ll see you then.” He arrived to a laughing group of students, quite embarrassed, but shook my hand for the unusual reminder. He never missed another class. Spare time: When I need a break from reality I sneak over to the Alberta College of Art and Design –ACAD – for a visit to the jewellery metals and sculpture departments. I’m always fascinated by the level of creativity there. They have taught me to think outside of the box. I have collaborated on a number of projects with ACAD students and staff. I’m always looking for creative outlets related to metal work especially. I love going to the movies but would be hard-pressed to come up with a favourite. I also love music and have a pretty eclectic collection. Many of my students are surprised by what I listen to and the concerts I attend. A recently-read book that I related to was “Shop Class as Soul Craft: An Inquiry into the Value of Work” by Mathew Crawford. If I wasn’t a machinist I think I’d like to be a chef. Best thing about teaching at SAIT: For 20 years I’ve said that for me working at SAIT is like working in a giant playground. Where else could one find such diversity and expertise (staff and students) in so many fields? After working in several capacities I have recently returned to teaching which is the most rewarding experience by far. Teaching at SAIT has always been and continues to be fun! Students weigh in: "Excellent teacher. Respectful and seemed to truly be committed to our learning. So far this course has been the best. I have learned a lot from Rob and he has increased my skill level tremendously. A big thank you to him and I hope to learn more from him in my future years at SAIT!"
Meet...  e
I have been employed with SAIT since 2005 and I instruct students in the Welding Engineering Technology Program. The program is a two year diploma program and I am engaged and instruct courses in every semester of the program, so needless to say students get to know me from day one and continue to build a strong instructor/student communication throughout the two years. My main focus with our students is to provide fundamental knowledge of pressure equipment and the regulations and codes that go along with them. I also do a welding automation course which aligns with new trends in the pressure equipment welding industry. Life before SAIT: I started out doing farrier work at a young age because I had always been exposed to horses and this eventually led me into a welding career as a pressure welder in Alberta. I enjoyed welding but also had opportunity and support from my wife to continue my education and enroll in the Welding Engineering Technology at SAIT, so I committed 2 more years of study as a mature student and got my diploma. After I finished school I worked as an API inspector, Welding Examiner and CWB level II inspector all under a Certified Engineering Technology certification. Favourite moments in class: Working at SAIT as instructor is such a rewarding career and when it comes to success stories within the short time that I have been at SAIT I have already witnessed many. I remember a student that was from the Vancouver area and graduated in 2007. This student went back to British Columbia and within a few months had helped his company expand into the Calgary area along with helping them implement quality control systems in all of their locations, truly amazing within a short time frame! I will never forget the group of students that decided to hang my welding helmet off of some overhead piping in the shop and watched me look and look and look for my helmet that day, it was not funny for me at the time but now I look back and always laugh and remember! I would say the best part of teaching is the fact that the students do come back after a year or two and tell us of the good job we did and the success stories that they do have. Spare time: I love to live my life through my kids now because they keep me young! Our family does anything you can imagine and since we live in Alberta the recreational options are endless. Something else you have to keep in mind living in Alberta is you have to be diverse because of the weather, therefore, we truly enjoy our horses and skis/snowboards and exploring in the mountains in general. It is not uncommon to run into me down at millennium skate park and it is truly a skateboard paradise right here in Calgary. We have some of the best fishing anywhere in Alberta, so we take advantage of that anytime we can. Best thing about teaching at SAIT: I never thought I would stand up in front of a group of people and talk without my face going red, but here I am an instructor! An instructor that worked at SAIT for many years told me that I would enjoy doing this and it is not difficult to talk to a group of students, as long as you are comfortable with the subject matter (subject matter expert). This instructor knew what he was talking about and I would not change my instructing job for the world, I truly feel comfortable in front of the classes teaching my courses! It is truly a rewarding career interacting with so many different personalities and backgrounds. The students have also taught me so much in the areas that they are strong in as well, I have learned from them too! A student weighs in: "A professional instructor with a witty easy going personality."
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