What Role Do Universities Play at the Nexus of Food and Climate?

Chef Rajeev is a master chef with over 30 years of experience designing exquisite menus for top-notch hotels and restaurants. Chef Rajeev is a Certified Chef de Cuisine by the Canadian Culinary Federation. He has worked with globally acclaimed restaurants, including JW California in Hong Kong, Globe Restaurant at Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel, and Levo Restaurant and Lounge in Mumbai.

In his previous role as the Corporate Executive Chef for Century Group, he was responsible for nine properties. As the Director of Culinary at SFU Dining, he has successfully opened a stunning Dining Commons of 36,000 sq ft that serves approximately 6,000 meals daily. He is also responsible for culinary aspects at Mackenzie Cafe, Discovery Cafe, Catering, and the Diamond Alumni Center.

Chef Rajeev is an expert in Indian, Western, and Asian cuisine and a connoisseur of international wines. He is dedicated to creating a perfect recipe that offers the finest dining experience in Vancouver.

Fiona Cameron works with Simon Fraser University's Food Department as a Digital Content and Community Engagement Manager. As a part of SFU's Foodie Program, she works to build a vibrant food culture on campus through education, events, and programming. Recent projects include collaborating with Chef Steph Baryluk on the development of an Indigenous food program called Rooted and championing local food education in the SFU Dining Commons.

Outside SFU, her experience across the food industry includes CPG, agriculture, grocery, and food service. Fiona is also a board member of FarmFolk CityFolk, an organization working to connect, empower, and inspire people to strengthen British Columbia’s sustainable food systems.

Fiona believes that the more people are connected to their food, the more they care about their environment and others in it. That belief drives her passion for connecting people to their food systems through engagement initiatives and storytelling.

As the Senior Director of Ancillary Services at Simon Fraser University, Sid was responsible for enriching the SFU community of 43,000 by overseeing business and support services like Food, Retail, Bookstore, Printing, Mobility, & Events, with over $75 million in annual managed services. 

Renowned for his expertise in sustainable food systems, Sid has actively engaged in food and retail-related discussions at multiple United Nations organizations, aiding clients in delivering effective strategies and tactical solutions for transitioning to sustainable food systems. 

Since recording this webinar, Sid Mehta has gone on to become the Founder & Principal of Greenworks Inc. and serves as an adjunct faculty member of Land and Food Systems at The University of British Columbia (ubc.ca).

Dan is the Director of Food at Simon Fraser University, spearheading the strategic direction of the SFU Food program. Recently, under his leadership, the vibrant, new 24/7 all-you-care-to-eat Dining Commons was brought to life, revolutionizing the campus dining experience at SFU. With a keen focus on locally sourced ingredients, customizable options, and diverse international cuisine, SFU is creating a culinary landscape that unites the community. Dan’s goal is to educate, inspire, and entertain SFU students through the power of food.