Meet the Dedicated Staff at CMBTC
We’re proud to introduce our staff at the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre so you can know the kind of knowledgeable, skilled and dedicated professionals that work in our facility providing broad expertise in malting barley, malt processing and brewing. Whether it’s research and analysis of malting barley, pilot malting, brewing beer or analytical services, our experts help ensure Canada is a global leader in the malting barley and malt sectors. So don’t hesitate to get in touch with any of our dynamic team of experts to find out more about how we can work together.
Dr Yueshu Li, PhD
Director of Malting & Brewing Operations
Yueshu joined the CMBTC in 2000 and is the centre’s Director of Malting and Brewing Operations. He has over 25 years of experience in the malting industry in Canada, the United States and China as Research Scientist, R&D Project Manager, Director of Technical Services and General Manager. Yueshu holds a Ph.D. in plant physiology and ecology from the University of Saskatchewan. He oversees the daily operations of the CMBTC’s malt plant and brewery working to optimize the performance of new varieties and new crop Canadian malting barley, providing technical support to members and customers, participating in market development initiatives, overseeing Malt Academy programs and leading all research initiatives.
During his career Yueshu has been involved in applied research projects, new product development, setting up QC and R&D labs and malthouse operations as well as marketing. Yueshu is a member of the American Society of Brewing Chemists, a member of Master Brewers Association of the Americas and a member of American Society of Cereal Chemists. He currently serves on the Prairie Grain Recommendation Committee and the Technical Committee of the Western Grain Research Foundation. Yueshu can be reached at yli@cmbtc.com or 204 984 0561.
Aaron Onio
Malting & Brewing Technical Specialist
In his role as Malting & Brewing Technical Specialist, Aaron is responsible for daily operations of the CMBTC malt plant conducting barley and malt analysis, quality evaluation, micro and pilot malting, process optimization, assisting with research initiatives and overall plant maintenance. Aaron received his Bachelor of Science degree (BSc.) from the University of Manitoba in microbiology. Aaron worked as a co-op student at the CMBTC before starting full time in the Spring of 2014 as a Malting & Brewing Technician. In 2014, he received his General Certificate in Brewing from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling. Aaron can be reached at aonio@cmbtc.com or 204 984 8373.
Sherwin Santiano
Malting & Brewing Technician
As Malting Technician, Sherwin is responsible for operating the CMBTC’s pilot and micro-malting systems, executing barley quality evaluation, assisting with research initiatives and running the laboratory equipment. With a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in biochemistry from the University of Manitoba, Sherwin worked at the CMBTC as s co-op student in 2014 before starting full time in the fall of 2016. Sherwin can be reached at ssantiano@cmbtc.com or 204 984 8373.
Olha Zahoruiko
Malting & Laboratory Technician
As Malting & Laboratory Technician, Olha supports the overall malting operations at the CMBTC including barley quality evaluation, assisting with research initiatives and running the laboratory equipment. With over 20 years experience in the commercial malting industry, Olha brings a wealth of knowledge to the CMBTC. Olha can be reached at ozahouriko@cmbtc.com or 204 984 8373.
Jillian Li
Office Administrator
Jillian is responsible for overseeing the CMBTC book-keeping and office administration. Jillian can be reached at jli@cmbtc.com or 204 984 4399.
Peter Watts
Managing Director
Peter started with the CMBTC in the summer of 2014. As Managing Director, he oversees the daily operations of the CMBTC including program management, strategic planning, financial oversight and budgeting, member relations, research initiatives as well as communications and marketing. With 18 years of experience in the international agriculture sector, Peter brings skills in agribusiness, marketing, research and strategic planning. Peter graduated with a Masters of Arts degree in International Relations at Laval University. See contact information for Peter below.
For more information
Peter Watts – Managing Director
Telephone 204-983-1981
Fax 204-984-5843
E-mail pwatts@cmbtc.com
Jillian Li – Office Administrator
Telephone 204-984-4399
Fax 204-984-5843
E-mail jli@cmbtc.com
Staff Overview (PDF)
