With a strong focus on partnership development and knowledge integration, Susan works to build sustainable ecosystems that support advanced research, technology transfer, and joint initiatives across Canada and allied networks. Her efforts strengthen collaboration across sectors, enabling the development of integrated, future-ready solutions in areas such as C4ISR, dual-use technologies, and systems integration.

His experience includes participation in NATO-aligned missions and multinational operations, contributing to mission planning, coordination, and execution in complex operational settings. As a jet pilot, he supported international deployments and developed deep expertise in tactical aviation and mission-critical decision-making.

Serkan brings a unique combination of operational excellence, defence diplomacy, and strategic insight. His ability to bridge technical, operational, and policy dimensions enables effective coordination across allied forces, government institutions, and defence stakeholders.

Chris holds a PhD in history from Queen’s University, specializing in civil–military relations in the developing world. His dissertation, The Other Cold War – Canadian Military Assistance to the Developing World 1945–1975, was published by the Canadian Defence Academy Press in 2010.

Today, Chris is a Fellow with the Queen’s University Centre for International and Defence Policy.  In addition, he is a sessional professor at the Canadian Forces College and Royal Roads University where he teaches geopolitical focused courses.

Chris also enjoyed a distinguished 36‑year career in the Canadian Armed Forces. As an artillery officer, he commanded 4th Air Defence Regiment and later held several senior appointments in National Defence Headquarters including with the team that helped craft the 2008 Canada First Defence Strategy, Acting Director Future Security Analysis and Military Liaison Officer to the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence. During his career he completed the year-long Air Defence Instructor in Gunnery course, the Army Staff College Course, the Canadian Land Forces Command and Staff Course, the Advanced Military Studies Course, and in 2009 he received an equivalency for the year‑long National Security Program.

From 2009 to 2010, Chris served at Canada’s Embassy in Kabul as the Deputy Military Attaché. Following Turkish language training and promotion to Acting Colonel, he was posted to Canada’s Embassy in Ankara as the Canadian Defence Attaché with cross‑accreditation to Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkmenistan from 2011 to 2014. He retired from the military in September 2014.

Since retiring, Chris has remained deeply engaged in Canadian foreign and defence policy issues. His book chapters, articles, and opinion pieces have appeared in numerous Canadian and international publications, and he has become a frequent speaker and commentator on geopolitical issues for audiences across Canada and for Canadian and international media outlets.