PEng, Memorial University, currently completing MA, International Development, SMU

Paul is an entrepreneur with over 22 years of experience building and scaling renewable energy companies. He was founder and president of One Wind Services, one of North America’s leading wind, solar, storage and EV infrastructure service providers. He also co-founded several renewable energy asset ownership companies and was integral in financing, constructing, and operating over $100 million in renewable energy projects.

Outside of work, Paul can be found playing guitar in his band, or spending time with his family at the cottage. He loves his work at Rayleigh, but is always on the lookout for opportunities to make it big with his band.

MSc Solar Energy Engineering, TU Delft & PhD Physics, Dalhousie University

Sam founded Rayleigh Solar Tech in 2016, building on work from his PhD research. He has been working with perovskite solar cell materials and fabrication techniques for more than six years. Sam also has over 10 years of experience in the solar industry and has worked on solar projects around the world. 

Outside of work, Sam can be found hiking, foraging, or riding his electric bike. He is rarely seen without his wool sweater (pictured above).

PEng, MSc Mechanical Engineering, Dalhousie University

Dane has been with Rayleigh since the beginning. He is a professional engineer with a diverse background in education, renewable energy project management and building energy management. Previously, Dane worked with the Applied Energy Lab at NSCC as a project lead doing product development research for industry partners.

Outside of work, Dane can be found playing music at the farmers’ market, teaching capoeira, and spending time with his son. He frequently treats his colleagues to tap dancing demonstrations.

PEng, MSc Aerospace Engineering, TU Delft

Marshall is an engineer with several years of experience in designing and building electric vehicles. He holds a MSc in aerospace engineering from TU Delft, and a BASc in mechanical engineering from Queen’s University. He has a passion for renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace.

Outside of work, he can be found skiing, rock climbing, playing volleyball, or riding his motorcycle. Marshall is always ready to defend his opinions on where to get the best pizza.

BSc. Chemical Physics, University of Guelph, MSc. Applied Physics, Dalhousie University

Eric holds a MSc in applied physics from Dalhousie University. Before attending Dal, he completed his BSc in chemical physics at the University of Guelph. Eric has a wide range of experience in material and solar device science with a focus on characterization of electronic and structural properties of perovskite and organic solar cells.

Outside of work, he can be found camping, fishing,or playing sports. When someone brings baked goods to share with the office, Eric ensures none of it goes to waste.

MSc Chemical Engineering and MSc Material Science, École nationale supérieure de chimie de Rennes, PhD Chemistry, University of Nantes.

Marine is an experienced chemist who is passionate about clean technology. She holds a PhD in chemistry from the University of Nantes in her home country of France. Before joining Rayleigh, Marine spent three and a half years doing research and development work at Salient Energy. She has also spent time working as a scientist in Qatar.

Outside of work, Marine can be found spending time with her young son, enjoying the outdoors, or baking something delicious. She also enjoys woodworking and likes to share that skill with others.

MSc Cochin University, PhD Dalhousie University

Ajan is an expert in optics, which he studied while completing his PhD. He then went on to do work on laser scribed perovskite solar modules as a postdoctoral researcher at Dalhousie university. Ajan also holds a MSc from Cochin University in India.

Outside of work he can be found practicing judo, working with computers, or spending time with his cat. Ajan can often be seen wearing mittens no matter the weather.  

BSc Physics, Peking University, Beijing, China & PhD Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto

Ziru has been doing research in the field of perovskites since he was an undergraduate student. Part of his undergraduate work included developing a technique to control real time carrier transport in perovskite diodes using surface dipoles. His PhD work focused on materials and device engineering for stable perovskite solar cells. Ziru has conducted extensive research in the realm of perovskites and has co-authored 16 peer reviewed papers.

Outside of work, Ziru enjoys cycling around as long as there is no snow on the road. When his colleagues are debating over the thermostat, he generally takes the side of whomever wants it warmer.

Jim Spatz is the Executive Chair of Southwest Properties Limited. He is a dedicated business leader and philanthropist and spent 13 years as a medical doctor. Jim serves on the Advisory Board for the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee and is a Life Director of Neptune Theatre. He was on the Board of Governors for Dalhousie University from 2001 to 2015, serving as Chair from 2008 to 2014, and continues as a member of the Dalhousie Advisory Council. In early 2021 Jim agreed to chair the fundraising campaign for the new home of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia on the Halifax waterfront, which is projected to open in 2025.

Karl Smith was a long-time executive with Utility Holding Company, Fortis Inc. Positions held included CEO of Newfoundland Power, and CEO of Fortis Alberta. He is now retired as CFO of Fortis Inc. Mr. Smith’s volunteer and board experience includes: past Chair of Canadian Electricity Association, past Chair of Atlantic provinces Economic Council, past Chair of Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta, past Chair of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, past Chair Board of Governors Mount Royal University.

He currently serves on the Boards of Junior Achievement of Newfoundland and Labrador, Young Adult Cancer Canada, Team Broken Earth and Genesis Centre. He is Chair of the Advisory Board to the Faculty of Business at Memorial University of Newfoundland and is co-Chair of the 2025 Canada Games Host Society.