MEET OUR TEAM
Dr. Brad Bass
Founder
President of the Board of Directors
Dr. Brad Bass received his Ph.D. in Geography from Penn State University, in 1989. Since graduation, Dr. Bass has worked in a number of areas: the simulation of complex systems, modelling community energy systems, environmental economics and green infrastructure. In 2012, he was awarded a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his contributions to green roof and green wall research. In 1998, Dr. Bass began to work with students on the development of COBWEB (Complexity and Organized Behaviour Within Environmental Bounds), an agent-based simulation model. Dr. Bass used COBWEB to open the field of complexity to students. COBWEB is now being used by students around the world to develop original research ideas. Most recently, Dr. Bass’ research has been very multidisciplinary and very interdisciplinary, integrating the social and environmental sciences with publications ranging from the thermal properties of green roofs to the psychology of sick buildings to the costs of algal blooms. Closer to home, and closer to the ground, Dr. Bass likes to get his hands dirty with the establishment of naturalized landscapes. Dr. Bass welcomes students from a number of areas to work with COBWEB or to work on the establishment of urban meadows.
OFFICERS
Michael Dinatolo
Board Member | Chief Executive Officer
Medical Science with an Honours Specialization in Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Year 4, Western University
Michael Dinatolo is the CEO of COBWEB Canada, and presently serves on its board of directors. As a student, Michael is completing his fourth year of a medical science degree at Western University, with an honours specialization in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. During his time as a COBWEB student and founder of the Western chapter, he designed a model of COVID-19 spread in a journey to work based model, specifically looking at the impact of household density on incidence of disease. Michael is presently working under researchers at CSTAR laboratories and the London Health Sciences Center, investigating fMRI BOLD Signal Variation in pediatrics. Michael hopes to pursue a career in medical research, and will be pursuing a masters of biomedical engineering, and then medical school.
As both a board member and the CEO, Michael contributes to setting the direction of COBWEB as an organization, and also implements organizations vision. This is done by leading the national team in developing new programs, systems and strategies to achieve our organizations goals. So far, COBWEB has formalized our research services into a student research program available for anyone interested in developing skills required for research. COBWEB is also in the process of developing new courses using the software, and has begun improving its internal teams and structure to better serve the public. Though COBWEB has only taken its first steps in this new chapter, Michael is optimistic about its future, hoping to formalize partnerships and chapters in cities across Ontario, and grow COBWEB's capacity for taking on new students and its impact in communities across Ontario and Canada as a whole.
Tara is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Western University studying Medical Sciences. She was a previous COBWEB student researcher, and has presented her work on psoriasis at conferences. Tara also has experience mentoring research projects and high school students at COBWEB. In addition, she enjoys and has experience helping small businesses with marketing and communications.
As Chief Marketing Officer, Tara works with a dedicated student team by overseeing social media and outreach activities. She coordinates the COBWEB course with her co-officers, and ensures that communication is shared effectively to researchers and prospective students. Tara is enthusiastic about growing COBWEB’s online presence, and introducing more high school and university students to the exciting opportunities available through COBWEB.
Tara Chen
Board Member | Chief Marketing Officer
Bachelor of Medical Sciences
Year 4, Western University
Justin Tang
Board Member | Chief Research Officer
Master of Science, Anatomy and Cell Biology
Western University
Justin Tang obtained a Bachelor of Medical Science (BMSc) with an Honours Specialization in Medical Cell Biology in his undergraduate studies. He is currently completing a Master of Science in the field of Anatomy and Cell Biology, with specializations in biotechnology and musculoskeletal health research. Justin is interested in understanding the relationship between Pannexins and osteoarthritis development. He is currently investigating the impact of various patient mutations on Pannexins and how it contributes to their onset of erosive osteoarthritis. In his spare time, Justin works in the Royal Canadian Navy, volunteers for various non-profit organizations, and mentors high school and undergraduate students in numerous international research programs.
As the Chief Research Officer Justin will oversee the development and creation of various COBWEB learning modules. Furthermore, he will act as the head course coordinator for the COBWEB research program and run the entire mentorship team.