IR-PLC Annual General Meeting

Dan Fredrick

Director, Global Engagement

University of Alberta

Since 2008, Dan has held leadership positions in the International Office at the University of Alberta. In his current role as Director, Global Engagement, he helps to connect the University to partners around the world, and supports the University’s internationalization strategy by leading a team of experts in international relations, international projects, international agreements, and sponsored student administration. His previous positions at the University of Alberta include Director, International Projects, and Manager, Sponsored Student Program.

Natasha Fernandez

Manager, Global Engagement and Partnerships

University of Guelph

Natasha joined the University of Guelph in 2021 as the Manager, Global Engagement and Partnerships. Since 2022, she has been an active steering committee member of the International Relations (IR) PLC through CBIE. Currently, she is the Co-chair and is committed to building community and sharing knowledge amongst IR colleagues.

Dr. Sonja Knutson

Senior International Officer

Memorial University

Dr. Sonja Knutson has had a long career in international education, and recently retired from the Senior International Officer role at Memorial University. While Director of the Internationalization Office, she led a team that guided Memorial’s internationalization efforts, with direct experience in managing all aspects of campus internationalization. She is an active instructor, trainer, researcher, writer and presenter in the IHE field, with an extensive understanding of the post-secondary environment locally and globally on current issues, e.g. Indigenization, internationalization, entrepreneurship, healthy campus, and post-graduate career outcomes. She is chair of the Board of Directors of International Education Newfoundland and Labrador, a not-for-profit association she co-founded, which aims to build awareness and advocacy for international education in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.