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Trees Company Blog

Growing a Healthy Tomorrow: It's Rocket Science

Posted: 2022.11.09

Forests Ontario announces keynote speaker for Annual Conference

By Amy Howitt

Natalie Panek, rocket scientist, will deliver the keynote speech in February at Forests Ontario’s ninth Annual Conference. Panek, an engineer who develops space robotics, will inspire the conference audience to “embrace the learning process: demand the most of themselves, commit to a goal, and develop intellectual fortitude.”

After two years of virtual conferences due to the pandemic, this year’s conference returns in person at the Nottawasaga Inn in Alliston on February 16-17, 2023. The conference has the theme Growing a Healthy Tomorrow – For Communities | For Earth | For Life.

Panek holds degrees in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and a private pilot’s license. As the first female driver of the University of Calgary’s inaugural solar-powered vehicle, she raced from Texas to Calgary. As a member of the technical staff in the Robotics and Automation division at MDA, an aerospace company in Brampton, Panek works on the next generation of Canadian space robotics and space exploration programs, including work on the Rosalind Franklin/ExoMars Rover. Through her many adventures, Panek has learned that learning and growth happens every day: from failure, from colleagues, or from new experiences.

Join us as Panek shares a powerful narrative infused with valuable takeaways to spark discussion on ensuring a healthy tomorrow for our planet.

The conference will offer participants the chance to renew their love of forests and grasslands and experience the integral role that nature plays in our everyday lives in a whole new way. General Admission, Member, and Student pricing all include virtual and in-person access to conference content as well as lunches and a served banquet dinner on February 16th. Guests can also choose a Friday-only ticket, which includes in-person access and lunch on February 17th, and virtual access for Thursday February 16th. Another option is a virtual ticket for access to all conference content.