Register for the 2026 Spotlight on Local Innovation

Each year in March, Engineers Nova Scotia shines a spotlight on women in engineering to celebrate their innovation and contributions in our field. Join us for an inspiring evening at our Spotlight on Local Innovation event! Celebrate women in engineering during National Engineering Month on Thursday, March 12, as we highlight groundbreaking projects and research led by four incredible female engineers in Nova Scotia. We invite you to join with your colleagues, friends and fellow women in engineering for an inspiring evening celebrating innovation and the women shaping engineering in Nova Scotia. 

Partnership Opportunity & Corporate Table of 8 (7 Seats + 1 Engineering Student seat): 

To reserve your corporate table, or if your organization is interested in partnering with us to show your support for the Spotlight event and National Engineering Month, please view the NEM Partnership Package and reach out to us here. 
 

Sessions:

• Christine Bonnell-Eisnor, FEC, P.Eng. - CNSOER’s Role as the Lead & Lifecycle Offshore Energy Regulator
• Anne Lombardi, P.Eng. - Energy Modelling and Affordability: The role of energy modelling in reducing operating costs and improving occupant comfort in multi-unit buildings
• Nancy Soliman, P.Eng. & Alex MacDonald, EIT - Building the Future of Care: Innovation Behind the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion

Speaker Bios:

Session I:

CNSOER’s Role as the Lead & Lifecycle Offshore Energy Regulator 

Since 1990, the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER) has been the lead and lifecycle regulator for offshore petroleum-related activities.  In 2025, the CNSOER's mandate was expanded to include the regulation of offshore renewable energy. This presentation will provide an overview of the CNSOER's important regulatory role in the exploration and development of offshore Nova Scotia's petroleum resources and plans for the regulation of offshore renewable energy activities, including offshore wind.  CNSOER's regulatory responsibilities span the full lifecycle of offshore energy activities, ranging from land tenure, geoscience and resource management studies, resource assessments, exploration, development, and production through to decommissioning and abandonment.  In fulfilling this regulatory mandate, the CNSOER ensures that operators take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of workers and the environment. 

Speaker:

Christine Bonnell-Eisnor, MBA, FEC, P.Eng. ICD.D, CEO at Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER)

Christine Bonnell-Eisnor has served with the Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Energy Regulator (CNSOER) since 1999 and is currently its CEO. In this role, she provides organizational leadership, strategic direction, and planning to ensure the CNSOER effectively fulfills its mandate as the lead regulator for offshore energy activities in the Canada-Nova Scotia offshore area. Christine holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering from the Technical University of Nova Scotia and an MBA from Saint Mary’s University. She is a Registered Professional Engineer in Nova Scotia and holds the ICD.D (Certified Director) designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors. Throughout her career, Christine has been recognized for her leadership and professional contributions, including being named a 2017 Progress Women of Excellence – Management and Professions award recipient. She is a Fellow of Engineers Canada, an active member of Engineers Nova Scotia, and serves on the boards of Brigadoon Village and Saint Mary’s University.

Session II:

Energy Modelling and Affordability: The role of energy modelling in reducing operating costs and improving occupant comfort in multi-unit buildings

Housing affordability and climate change are two major challenges affecting communities locally and globally. While energy efficiency in buildings was once seen as optional, advances in building technologies and government incentives have made high-performance, energy-efficient buildings more financially feasible—especially in the multi-unit residential sector. Rising utility costs further highlight the importance of reducing energy use, particularly in older affordable housing. Energy assessments and modelling are key tools for understanding a building’s energy profile and identifying opportunities to lower operational costs and improve occupant comfort. This presentation will explore approaches and tools for optimizing energy use in existing apartment buildings, highlighting examples of successful projects that enhance both efficiency and comfort.

Speaker:

Anne Lombardi, P.Eng.

Anne Lombardi is a Professional Engineer dedicated to climate change mitigation in the built environment. Her work specializes in energy and carbon performance assessment and design optimization for new and existing buildings; Anne has provided energy consulting for a variety of projects in Nova Scotia, ranging from decarbonization retrofit assessments in affordable housing projects to analysis of time-of-use electricity rates. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering and a Master's in Physical Oceanography. 

Session III:

Building the Future of Care: Innovation Behind the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion  

Build Nova Scotia’s presentation will highlight innovation in action through the QEII Halifax Infirmary Expansion Project—one of the province’s most complex healthcare infrastructure initiatives. The session will celebrate the behind-the-scenes contributions of women engineers whose technical expertise and leadership are driving improved project outcomes. Attendees will gain insight into the clinical departments and services planned to open in Fall 2031, the advanced technologies being implemented, and how intentional engagement with healthcare stakeholders informs design, mitigates risk, and enhances patient impact. The presentation concludes with a spotlight on the MRI Project—now operational and already transforming patient care across Nova Scotia. 

Speakers:

Nancy Soliman, P.Eng., PMP, Director, Healthcare Infrastructure Projects at Build Nova Scotia

Throughout her career, Nancy worked across multiple sectors in Canada and internationally - including oil and gas, residential, industrial, and healthcare engineering consultancy – applying her technical expertise to deliver high-impact outcomes. More recently, she has focused on directing the delivery of major healthcare infrastructure projects for the Province of Nova Scotia. As Director of Healthcare Infrastructure Projects at Build Nova Scotia, Nancy leads diverse, collaborative, multidisciplinary teams in delivering complex healthcare facilities that improve patient care and community well-being. She guides projects from concept to completion with a solution-focused approach, fostering strong partnerships to achieve high-quality, efficient, and lasting impactful outcomes. Her strategic, people-centred leadership has advanced critical healthcare projects that address community needs. Nancy is also actively engaged in community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to social responsibility. 

Alex MacDonald, EIT, Project Manager, Operational Readiness – Healthcare Redevelopment at Nova Scotia Health | Build Nova Scotia

Alex MacDonald, B.Eng (EIT), is a project manager with experience leading complex healthcare and IT initiatives. With an industrial engineering background and a focus on innovation, she drives system improvements, empowers teams, and delivers meaningful outcomes. A strong advocate for women in engineering, mentorship, and inclusive leadership, Alex is dedicated to fostering environments where diverse perspectives inspire innovation and create lasting impact.