Meet the Team
Derek Vella- Director
Derek has worked globally with companies ranging from tiny start-ups to some of Canadas biggest brands; developing new products for retail, food service, QSR and CPG. With experience as a trained chef, food scientist and product developer he will work with you to help realize your company’s boldest innovative ideas and assemble the right team to make it happen.
Serina Lam- Product Developer
Serina is a research associate at the Guelph Food Innovation Center and has worked in the cannabis and beverage industry prior to the GFIC. She is experienced with product development, sensory evaluation, scale-up production, technical application, and innovation pipeline projects.
Nikolay Repin- Food Scientist
Nikolay is a food technologist at the GFIC. He has been involved in agri-food research and innovation his entire career and has obtained a vast amount of experience in this field. Nikolay’s main activities at the GFIC are the development of products and production processes for food manufacturers as well as problem-solving with existing products.
Robert Swan- Plant Technician
Robert is a trained food scientist and experienced food product developer. At GFIC, Robert manages the pilot plant operations and assists clients in the development and scale-up of manufacturing processes for their products. Rob is excited to take on new challenges and help GFIC clients realize their business goals.
Alessia- Project Manager
Before joining the GFIC, Alessia was an associate researcher and regulatory consultant in the functional food and natural health products sector. Alessia has also taught undergraduate courses on the topic. She leverages her business skills and food science background in her role as a Project Manager at the GFIC.
Reid Ball- Product Development Technician
Reid is a product development technician at the Guelph Food Innovation Centre, assisting with the development of new food products and advancement of already existing products. Reid is studying food science at the University of Guelph, and is currently in his final co-op work term at the GFIC.