Our Team

We are thought leaders and innovators.

We are a group of innovators, pioneers and dreamers.

Mark has spent almost two decades in leadership roles in the civil, environmental, power, and industrial infrastructure fields. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science (Chemical Engineering) from Queen’s University and a Master’s Degree in Engineering and Public Policy from McMaster University, he has navigated numerous technical, business, and policy challenges in complex fields like anaerobic digestion and energy storage, amongst others. alterBiota brings together numerous of Mark’s passions and provides an outlet for his large-scale innovations in the green materials and energy space.

Vivek earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Gujarat Technological University and a Master of Engineering Design in Process and Production Systems from McMaster University. A passionate tech enthusiast, Vivek constantly explores new tools and methodologies to enhance engineering and research practices. As a self-taught data and software engineer, he expands his skills to drive innovation across disciplines. With a sharp focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Vivek is committed to leading innovation towards building a better and sustainable future.

Swomitra completed his M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Soft Matter Physics from Memorial University of Newfoundland. His doctoral research focused on macromolecular systems, in which polymers and nanoparticles exhibit complex behaviors due to physical interactions between constituents. Swomitra is an expert in multicomponent colloidal systems and is passionate about the challenges we face with our novel bio-graphene admixture products.

Mayra obtained her MASc. and Ph.D. in Civil Materials Engineering at the University of Ottawa but her journey into sustainable concrete mix-design began ten years ago as a research assistant at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her expertise includes low carbon concrete mix-design, aggregate packing, and concrete durability. With over 20 peer-reviewed research papers to her name, she is also a member of ACI 211-00 Proportioning Concrete Mixtures, 221-00 Aggregates, and 241-00 Nanotechnology of Concrete, and she brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her role.

Trevor holds a master’s degree in physics from Dalhousie University and brings over 15 years of R&D experience in the development of environmentally friendly process technologies to convert a variety of mined ore and waste tailings into value added products.  He is committed to discovering better methods for producing critically needed industrial materials, which have the biggest impact on the planet.   

Paul has been in a manufacturing environment for over three decades in various roles including QC Manager, Lab Manager, Quality Manager, Process Engineer, and various Plant Manager roles in multiple companies.  He brings a strong knowledge of implementing systems including multiple ISO registrations and lean production systems.  Paul’s skills are aligned to bringing structure and stability to alterBiota while ensuring that the free flow of ideas needed in such an entrepreneurial organization is maintained.

Noah is a lifelong learner who is comfortable with almost any challenge. He is equipped with a Diploma in Industrial Instrumentation from Nova Scotia Community College and has earned certifications from the American Concrete Institute University and as a JOHS Safety Representative. Noah is a critical part of the foundation of our concrete testing and safety team.

Matthew studied electrical technology at Nova Scotia Community College before entering the trades where he worked forming and placing concrete for residential construction projects in Cape Breton. His work ethic and field experience come as a huge asset to alterBiota’s concrete testing team.

With almost a decade of experience in the decarbonization of cement and concrete, Alex has led concrete research teams and implemented innovative technologies worldwide. His work spans research, product development, and areas of expertise including sustainable construction materials, concrete quality control, and carbon credits.

Alex was a member of the grand-winning NRG COSIA XPRIZE team, which developed breakthrough technologies in decarbonization. He also has experience conducting concrete quality control testing on mega projects within Canada, ensuring high standards in large-scale infrastructure. Alex holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from Dalhousie University.

Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Cape Breton University as well as a Certificate in Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s University. Chris brings with him over 15 years of experience in the concrete industry. Throughout this time in the industry, he has held various positions ranging from concrete batcher to assistant manager to production plant manager responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a concrete production plant and trucking fleet. Chris’ many years working in the field on many large-scale concrete construction projects and overall experience make him an important part of the AlterBiota team.

Our Team

We are a group of innovators, pioneers and dreamers.

Mark Masotti, BASc, MEPP

Vivek Patel, BEng, MEng

Swomitra Palit, PhD

Mayra Tagliaferri de Grazia MASc, PhD

Trevor Byrne, MSc

Paul Vergunst, BSc

Noah Muggah

Matthew Maclean

Alex Hanmore, P.Eng

Chris Devison, BA, HRM

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