Kate Withers Hess, PhD

Kate Withers Hess, PhD has a diverse range of work experience. Kate is currently working as a Course Instructor at Toronto Metropolitan University, where they coach MEIE Graduate students on technical proof-of-concept and go-to-market demonstrations.

In 2021, Kate co-founded Functionland and served as a Co-Founder. Kate helped establish and manage a team of 25 people, led the Partnership's team within the Marketing division, and strategized on technical and marketing partnerships. Kate also raised 1.1M USD in an oversubscribed seed round.

Kate has also worked as an Entrepreneur In Residence at Lab2Market, a Strategic Advisor at AI-innovate, saiwa, and Grain Data Solutions Inc., and an Advisor to the Board of Directors at Ontario Biomass Producers Co-operative Inc.

Additionally, they served as a Co-Founder at Filecoin Techstars Accelerator and worked as a Special Projects Officer at the University of Toronto Scarborough, providing event planning assistance and leadership assistance to their innovation centre and start-up incubator.

In 2021, Kate participated in the Basecamp Web3 Accelerator (Filecoin) at Outlier Ventures.

Their work experience showcases their expertise in coaching, strategic advisory, partnership development, fundraising, and innovation support.

Kate Withers Hess, PhD has a diverse education history. Kate began their education in 2003 at the University of Guelph, where they obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science, specializing in Earth and Atmospheric Science and Crop Ecology. Kate then went on to pursue their Master of Science degree in Bioenergy Cropping Systems at Michigan State University from 2008 to 2010.

Continuing their academic journey, Kate obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Guelph, where they studied from 2010 to 2014.

In 2019, Kate expanded their expertise by pursuing a Post Graduate Certificate in Artificial Intelligence Analysis, Design, and Implementation at Durham College, completing the program in 2020.

Outside of their formal education, Kate also obtained a certification in Medical Cannabis Fundamentals for Business Professionals from Durham College in June 2018.

There is no information available regarding any formal education at Thornlea for Kate.