CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D. has been performing turfgrass research and teaching at Michigan State University since 1992. Areas of research interest include cultural and mechanical practices and their relevance to decreasing inputs. University courses Nikolai has taught include Turfgrass and the Environment, Pesticide and Fertilizer Technology, World of Soils, Turfgrass Irrigation, Turfgrass Management and Turf and Landscape Analytical Practices. Thom has given presentation in 30 countries, 8 Canadian Provinces, and 36 States.
Thomas A. Nikolai, Ph.D
Kevin Frank is a professor and state extension turfgrass specialist at Michigan State University. He holds a M.S. and Ph.D. in Horticulture from the University of Nebraska and B.S. in Plant Science from the University of Wyoming. Dr. Frank’s research interests include winterkill prevention and reestablishment, turfgrass nutrition, fate, and fertilizer programming. He serves as the MSU Turfgrass Committee Chair and as the MSU Liaison to the Golf Association of Michigan.
Kevin W. Frank, Ph.D
Matt Legg is the Technical Lead for Syngenta Professional Solutions, based out of Toronto, ON, where he leads all technical outreach, advanced troubleshooting, and product development on behalf of Syngenta Canada. Before joining Syngenta, Matt worked in a golf course setting, serving in the capacity of Director of Agronomy within the private golf sector.
Matt obtained has obtained both a diploma in turfgrass management from the University of Guelph, along with his Bachelor of Science, in Turfgrass Science, from the Pennsylvania State University. Outside of Syngenta Matthew provides educational outreach as a seasonal lecturer of Turfgrass Entomology, at the University of Guelph, where he educates up and coming Turf Managers about the biology, ecology and management of turf and landscape insect pests.
Matt Legg
Paul MacCormack
Christine Fraser is an innovative golf course architect known for her ability to blend modern design principles with the natural landscape. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Christine has worked on a variety of projects worldwide, specializing in environmentally sensitive redesigns and sustainable course development. Her design philosophy prioritizes both the strategic challenge for golfers and the long-term health of the course's ecosystem. Passionate about crafting unique and memorable golfing experiences, she is always seeking to enhance the player's connection to the land.
Christine Fraser
John Mills is the dedicated and skilled superintendent of Northumberland Links, where he oversees the maintenance and care of one of the region's most beloved golf courses. With over 37 years of experience in turf management, John has a deep understanding of the agronomy, soil science, and environmental stewardship required to keep a golf course in top condition. John’s expertise and hands-on approach were instrumental in the design and build of the 13th hole, working closely with golf course architect Christine Fraser to ensure that the new version would not only improve playability but also integrate seamlessly with the natural landscape.
John Mills
Patricia Anne Miller is the Greens Solutions Technical Specialist for the golf segment with Envu Canada. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Toronto in Environmental Sciences, specializing in plant microbiology. She also has a degree in biology and a minor in chemistry including organic and cell biochemistry. Patricia has worked in the environmental microbiology field for 20 years and has experience in biodegradation, antibiotic resistance in the environment, and plant and soil microbial interactions. Her latest research focused on plant microbiome diversity throughout the stages of plant growth including the contribution of soil microbes and Bacillus species to the plant life cycle in a variety of plants including the Poaceae family. She has previous experience working in the golf sector with biorationals and turf microbiome dynamics, along with plant pathology to diagnose turf diseases. She has taught chemistry, microbiology, and environmental microbiology courses at both York University and the University of Toronto.
Patricia Anne Miller, BSc, Ph.D
As Global R&D and Technical Services Manager for The Aquatrols Company, Dr. Matt Fleetwood is responsible for managing the research and development of our portfolio of adjuvants, soil surfactants and other supplemental maintenance products, as well as providing technical support to our customers and sales team. Dr. Fleetwood handles our product innovation pipeline, research trials and new product development, working to bring our innovative solutions to our customers.
Dr. Fleetwood completed his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri in 2015, with emphasis areas in Crop Management and Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biology. Additionally, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Plant, Insect and Microbial at the University of Missouri in 2022 with his dissertation focus centralized around assessing soil surfactants and characterizing their performance on USGA greens and native soils.
Dr. Fleetwood’s strives to provide the necessary tools and information to create a great outdoor playing surface for all ages. His passion for innovation and results drives him to provide the best solutions for our customers.