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Dr. Dhirendra Shukla

 ​Managing Director

Dr. Shukla has been the Chair of the J Herbert Smith Centre for Technology Management & Entrepreneurship since September 2009. He completed his BEng in Chemical Engineering and his MSc in Computing and Performance Engineering at the University of Bradford (UK).
Prior to joining the Centre, Dr. Shukla worked in various roles with the Telecom Sector for Nortel Networks (Canada) and Croda International (UK).

Dr. Shukla obtained his MBA from the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa (Canada) and completed his PhD in Entrepreneurial Finance with the University of London (King's College London). His academic research specializes in venture capital, syndication, entrepreneurship, corporate finance, and governance performance standards.

 Melissa Erin O'Rourke

Program Manager

Melissa is a community builder who is passionate about creativity and entrepreneurship. Her professional background is varied and includes journalism, government relations, non-profit leadership, higher education advocacy, and local economic development. She specializes in program design, strategic communications, and people management.
 
Melissa holds a BA in International Relations from Mount Allison University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Public Administration through Dalhousie University. She is an acrylics artist and serves as an executive member on the board of directors for the Charlotte Street Arts Centre.

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Luke Robertson

Program Assistant

Luke is an active and engaged member of the New
Brunswick community.  He has worked with a number of
not-for-profits that advance well-being through sport,
promote tourism, and advocate for change in
the post-secondary education system.

Luke’s interest in making a meaningful impact led him
to complete a BA in Political Science at St. Thomas
University. Since that time, he has organized and
participated in several municipal and provincial electoral
campaigns. An involved member of Fredericton's downtown
community; Luke can often be found collaborating
with local musicians and volunteering his time at a
multitude of events.