Leia Minaker
Director
lminaker@uwaterloo.ca
Dr. Leia Minaker is the Director of the Future Cities Institute and an Associate Professor in the School of Planning. She is dedicated to shaping healthier, more equitable urban environments. Her research explores the intersections of health equity, food systems, nutrition, and the role of urban design in supporting youth mental health. With a passion for collaboration, Leia works with diverse partners to tackle pressing urban challenges and is always eager to mentor emerging scholars through Master’s and PhD programs. Under Leia’s leadership, the Future Cities Institute is driving transformative change by advancing interdisciplinary research and fostering partnerships that reimagine the possibilities for sustainable and resilient cities.
Eryn Stewart
Managing Director
eryn.stewart@uwaterloo.ca
Eryn Stewart serves as the Managing Director of the Future Cities Institute (FCI). Before joining the FCI, Eryn was the co-founder and Managing Director of Indigenous Clean Energy (ICE), a community-driven enterprise advancing Indigenous inclusion in Canada’s clean energy future. At ICE, she played a transformative role in fostering partnerships and empowering Indigenous communities to lead sustainable energy projects across the country. Recognized as a Top 30 Under 30 Sustainability Leader and a recipient of the University of Waterloo Young Alumni Inspiration Award, Eryn brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving impactful change to her leadership at FCI.
Susan Brown
Research Coordinator
sgbrown@uwaterloo.ca
Susan Brown is the Research Coordinator at the Future Cities Institute, where she supports research and knowledge mobilization efforts, including grant preparation, project management, and multi-sectoral collaboration. With a career focused on connecting research to practice, Susan previously served as Director of Research Coordination at the Schlegel UW Research Institute for Aging and holds a BSc and MSc in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo specializing in neurobehavioural and psychomotor behaviour. Passionate about fostering inclusive and sustainable communities, Susan is excited to help shape the future of cities. She also adores her rescued rabbit, Violet.
Christina Tjandra
Academic Program Development Specialist
ctjandra@uwaterloo.ca
Dr. Christina Tjandra is the Academic Program Development Specialist at the Future Cities Institute, where she designs innovative curricula, creates experiential learning opportunities, and develops activities that connect students with real-world applications. An Ontario Certified Teacher with a PhD in Language and Literacies Education from OISE, University of Toronto, Christina has held teaching and research roles at the Toronto District School Board, University of Toronto, and Wilfrid Laurier University. Outside of work, she is a creative force as a writer, illustrator, and animator, with artwork featured in The New Yorker.
Danijela Vukancic
Financial and Administrative Officer
dvukancic@uwaterloo.ca
Danijela Vukancic is the Financial and Administrative Officer at the Future Cities Institute, where she oversees financial reporting, budgeting, expense processing, hiring, and administrative duties. With over 16 years of experience at the University of Waterloo, primarily in financial roles, including as Financial Coordinator in the Faculty of Engineering, Danijela brings extensive expertise and institutional knowledge to her work. Excited to contribute to FCI’s growth, she is eager to apply her skills while learning and evolving alongside the Institute as it expands its impact.
Skyler Hammond
Communications Officer
s4hammond@uwaterloo.ca
Skyler Hammond is the Communications Officer at the Future Cities Institute, where he shares the Institute’s transformative stories. With an educational background in law and a professional background in the marketing and communications agency world, Skyler has supported clients across Canada and the world, including municipalities, universities and fortune 500 companies. He also brings creative expertise from his time in TV as head writer and creative manager for a TVO children's show based on one of his books. Passionate about the power of storytelling, Skyler is excited to amplify the FCI’s impact and influence others to join in shaping better urban futures.