our team
Meet the people who make Discover the Universe possible!
Julie Bolduc-Duval
Executive Director
julie @ discovertheuniverse.ca
The brains behind this operation, Julie is the one with the scientific know-how and the big ideas! She creates most of the awesome resources available here on our website. She loves sharing her passion for astronomy with everyone, believing that a greater understanding of the Universe will deepen our appreciation of our planet and its inhabitants.
Julie studied Physics, Astronomy, and Education and has been working in science education for over 25 years. In 2020, Julie was recognized for her work with Discover the Universe when she was awarded the Qilak prize for Communication, Education and Public Outreach in Astronomy by the Canadian Astronomical Society .
When she's not working, Julie loves spending time with her husband and three children. She enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, cross-country skiing and looking at the sky.
Lindsay P. Mann
Communications and Operations Manager
Lindsay is the super-organized wizard behind the scenes, making sure everything is running like clockwork! With a background in communications, Lindsay's expertise is in making everything look great, and making sure you know how to find what you need.
She studied English Literature and Psychology, leading to a fulfilling career in communications, brand, and design. She's been working for science and heritage non-profits for more than 20 years.
In her spare time, Lindsay enjoys reading, knitting, playing table-top and video games, and going on adventure walks with her wonderful pups, Maple and Grover.
lindsay @ discovertheuniverse.ca
CJ Woodford
Education Coordinator
cj @ discovertheuniverse.ca
CJ works on delivering the rad science and astronomy content in accessible, friendly formats. This includes leading webinars, building presentation files to share with teachers, and designing activities for your classrooms.
He graduated with his PhD in physics from the University of Toronto in 2020. He has science education experience as a middle and high school teacher, planetarium operator, undergraduate physics course developer, and knowledge translation specialist. CJ also works full time as a project manager for the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.
When not working, CJ enjoys playing open-world video games, baking, cycling, and spoiling his dog, Chip.
ALICIA SAVELLI
Education Specialist
Alicia’s main focus at Discover the Universe is creating content for teachers! She mostly creates educational tools to bring into your classrooms, but her favourite part of the job is interacting with teachers and sharing her enthusiasm for science through online webinars and in person teacher training.
Alicia is currently completing her PhD in Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto, studying the gas that falls into black holes through mathematics and simulations. She has previous degrees in Education, Mathematics, and Physics, and has experience as a high school math and physics teacher in Ontario and in the UK. She’s super passionate about science education!
In her off-time, Alicia loves spending time with her quirky cat, Charlotte. She also enjoys reading, playing music, and baking.
Maya helps create bilingual educational content and promote STEM education and general astronomy knowledge. She also is a trainer, offering webinars and presentations for educators.
Originally from Quebec, Maya recently moved to Ontario to pursue a PhD in Physics at the University of Toronto. Armed with her computer and pencil, she simulates the dynamics of the matter surrounding extremely dense stars.
When she’s not studying astrophysics, Maya enjoys reading historical fiction novels and, when the weather permits, going skating.
Maya cadieux
Education & Communications Specialist
Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics
The Dunlap Institute for Astronomy & Astrophysics at the University of Toronto adopted Discover the Universe in 2016 and since then they have been our main supporters and collaborators. We love being part of their team and collaborating with them on our projects.