Frank Robinson was until recently, a Professor of Poultry Production and Physiology at the University of Alberta. For 35 years, he taught and conducted research in animal and poultry science. Through creative endeavors in engaging undergraduate students in experiential learning, Frank has helped students find their careers in animal and poultry science, agricultural community development and research. By active integration with industry people, thousands of students have made valuable contacts and gained experience in agricultural practices. He was inducted into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame, was awarded a 3M National Teaching Fellowship, and was recently awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal for contributions in youth and public education about agriculture. He is a Fellow of the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture and the Poultry Science Association.

Susan Schafers is a second-generation poultry farmer from Stony Plain, Alberta and a graduate from University of Alberta with a BS. in Agriculture and Food Business Management. Susan has been very active in the agricultural industry and spent 11 years as a director, chair and vice chair for Egg Farmers of Alberta. She finished a mandate with the Government of Alberta’s Local Food Council and is the current chair for Parkland County’s Agricultural Service Board. She is excited to work with her son and pass the farming tradition onto another generation.

She believes that community support, volunteer work and industry involvement broadens her knowledge base and gives her an opportunity to give back to those communities. In her free time, she loves crafting, spending time with her granddaughter and kayaking.

Susan is very passionate about educating the public on agricultural issues and engages with the public, media and government. It is a privilege to be working with the Frank Robinson Youth Academy and build opportunities for students from kindergarten to post-secondary to “get dirty” and learn about nature, science and feeding the world!

As a former student of Frank Robinson's, it is an honour to contribute to FRYA as the Agricultural Education Coordinator. It was my first Animal Science class with Frank that changed the projection of my career from where I thought I wanted to be, to the rich and diverse career path I have had. Participating in a 16-month internship program exposed me to a whole different thought process and opportunities I had not previously known existed.

From being involved in one of Canada’s largest beef value chains, to working one on one with producers to find sustainable solutions, to working with livestock markets, to direct marketing grassfed lamb, I have been truly blessed to work in many aspects of the agriculture industry. Currently my family and I run a grazing operation just outside of Mulhurst, AB and you can find us at cattle shows across the province.

A native of Edmonton, Valerie Carney completed her BSc and MSc in poultry reproductive physiology at the University of Alberta and went on to complete a PhD in poultry genetics at the University of Arkansas. She started her career in the poultry industry with Aviagen North America where she worked as a field and research geneticist. Val returned to Alberta as a production and technology transfer specialist with the Alberta government. Her position included research, teaching and technology transfer. She has served the Poultry Science Association in various capacities and most recently as President in 2017-18. Val is currently the Poultry Innovation Partnership lead, working with partners from the poultry industry, the U of A and the Alberta government to accomplish the PIP strategic plan.

Stefan is the President and CEO of CAREERS: the Next Generation. In his role, he leads the Operations, Research & Development, and SafeGen (high school safety training courses) teams. Stefan joined CAREERS in 2020 as the Director Operations when the organization embarked on a significant growth journey. CAREERS has since grown to provide annually over 3,400 paid internships to high school students in a variety of high-demand occupations with over 1,800 employers across Alberta. Currently, the organization is on a path to providing 6,000 internship placements annually.

Before joining CAREERS, Stefan was a global director with the international engineering and consulting firm Worley and lived and worked in several countries. He started his career as an environmental consultant before moving into various operational and international leadership roles.

Stefan is currently a member of the College of School Superintendents supported Trades and Vocational Education (TAVE) Committee and was formerly part of Alberta Education’s Career Education Task Force. He holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Geography from Philipps-University Marburg, Germany, and a Master’s degree in Responsibility and Business Practice from the School of Management, University of Bath, UK.

Rod was born and raised in Alberta. He attended the University of Alberta and graduated with an agriculture degree. After graduation, he worked with the provincial government in the Agriculture Ministry. He’s had a number of different roles over his 36-year career. With his wife Janet, they both worked full time and saved their money to purchase their own farm and ranch. They have raised three daughters – all University of Alberta graduates – who are all active in the agriculture industry. Livestock and animals have been their main interest, with beef being the main venture in the farm business.

Rod always supports local businesses and the local community. He has had a number of volunteer roles in different groups, clubs and organizations locally and provincially and is still active today. Interests include engaging youth in agriculture, reading, sports of all types and the great outdoors.