Speakers | Fusion Conference | University of Waterloo

Keynote Speaker: Gavin Duggan, PhD

This year’s keynote speaker, Gavin Duggan, will bring deep insights from both scientific research and innovation in the global tech sector, offering students a unique perspective on translating academic discovery into industry impact.

Gavin Duggan, PhD, is a Senior Software Engineer at Google with expertise in machine learning, large-scale computational systems, and network analytics. With a background spanning computational biochemistry and applied mathematics, he brings cross-disciplinary insights to complex data challenges in biology, technology, and beyond. Outside of his professional work, Gavin is well known in the Magic: The Gathering community as a co-founder of the Commander Rules Committee and creator of innovative game variants

Don't miss out on the Fusion 2025 Panelists!

Our panel brings together leaders from science, business, health, and technology to share their insights on bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. Together, they’ll explore the challenges and opportunities of translating ideas into scalable solutions, offering students and professionals alike a rare chance to learn directly from experts at the forefront of innovation.

Lili Liu, PhD

Dean of Faculty of Health; Professor, University of Waterloo

Lili Liu Bio

Lili Liu is a professor in the School of Public Health Sciences, and dean of the Faculty of Health at the University of Waterloo. She maintains an externally funded research program that focuses on acceptance and adoption of technologies by older adults, their care partners, and health care professionals.

As an occupational therapist, Liu engages with community organizations, as well as policy and decision makers. Alzheimer Societies, police services, search and rescue, dementia advocacy and caregiver associations, nationally and internationally, are
partners in her research program.

As an AGE-WELL network investigator, Liu’s current research program examines the applications of technologies and other innovations to mitigate risks of going missing among persons living with dementia. Her team focuses on approaches to inform and implement policies that create safe environments where older adults can reside as long as possible.

Diego J. Garzón, PhD, MBA

Chief Business Officer, Apertura Gene Therapy

Diego Garzon Bio

BSc Biology, '00

Dr. Diego Garzón is Chief Business Officer at Apertura Gene Therapy and has more than 16 years of biotechnology and pharmaceutical sector experience within the U.S. and internationally, with a background spanning commercial R&D and Business Development. Dr. Garzón brings extensive knowledge of multiple therapeutic areas and provides leadership in the areas of managing teams and portfolio execution, having previously brought seven medicines to the market. Prior to joining Apertura, Dr. Garzón held roles at Exicure, Allergan, BMS and Schering-Plough. He most recently served as Vice President, Corporate Development and Strategy at Exicure. Dr. Garzón received his BSc in Biology at the University of Waterloo, PhD in Neuroscience at McMaster University and MBA degrees from Queen’s University and Cornell University.

Dr. Shaan Chugh, MD

Chief Medical Director, Puralator Inc. | Internal Medicine, Trillium Health Partners, Cleveland Clinic

Shaan Chugh Bio

BSc Science '07

Dr. Shaan Chugh is an Internal Medicine physician at Trillium Health Partners dedicated to improving patient care at both individual and systemic levels. Dr. Chugh is also the Medical Director of Solutions at Trillium Health Partners, reimagining the way in which we provide care to our community leveraging technology and digital pathways.

Dr. Chugh serves as the Chief Medical Director at Purolator through the Global Corporate Advisory Services program at Cleveland Clinic Canada. In his role, Dr. Chugh applies his frontline hospital experience to develop strategies that enhance the physical, mental, and social well-being of employees.

Dr. Chugh holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Ottawa, a Master of Science from the University of Toronto as well as Bachelor of Science from the University of Waterloo. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto, actively engaged in academic research and education at the University of Toronto medical school.

Dr. Jesse Kancir, MD

Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Health, Nova Scotia

Jesse Kancir Bio

BSc Biotechnology and Economics, ‘08

Dr. Jesse Kancir is the deputy chief medical officer of health for the province of Nova Scotia, where he helps monitor the health of all residents and leads communicable disease control and immunization policy.

As a dually licensed specialist in public health and family medicine, he also actively holds leadership roles in several provincial and national medical organizations, including the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the College of Family Physicians of Canada and Doctors Nova Scotia.