Welcoming New Board Members to Air Support Project: Driving Innovation in Clean Air and Public Health

SARAH MASIH, MD, MBA
October 3, 2024
6:51 AM

Air Support Project announces the addition of three new board members. The project also thanks its supporters, Balvi and Kanro, and reaffirms its commitment to open-source collaboration by sharing all research under a Creative Commons license.

Air Support Project’s Mission to Address Air Quality

As Air Support Project continues to grow and evolve, we are thrilled to welcome three outstanding individuals to our board of directors. Each of these new members brings a wealth of expertise, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to improving indoor air quality and advancing sustainable solutions. Please join us in welcoming Stéphane Bilodeau, Michael Olesen, and Hilary Thorsen to Air Support Project’s family.

Welcoming Our Newest Board Members to Air Support Project

Meet Stéphane Bilodeau

Stéphane Bilodeau is an entrepreneur in Cleantech with a Ph.D. and a Master’s in Applied Sciences. He is an adjunct professor in the bioengineering department at McGill University and currently serves as the Chairman of the Public Affairs Advisory Committee of Engineers Canada. As the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Smart Phases Inc. (Novacab), Stéphane has been a driving force in developing innovative green technologies. Additionally, he serves as an editor at the World Health Network, the Chief Science Officer of the Integrated Bioscience and Built Environment Consortium, and is actively involved with the Canadian Aerosol Transmission Coalition.

Stéphane’s leadership extends beyond entrepreneurship; his work in public affairs, academic contributions, and his active role in industry collaborations showcase his commitment to sustainable technology and public health. His strategic thinking and deep expertise will be instrumental in guiding our initiatives to the next level.

We are excited to see how Stéphane’s background in energy efficiency, climate change advocacy, and open-source innovations will help shape the future of Air Support Project. His involvement reinforces our commitment to transparency, collaboration, and sharing our work openly for the greater good.

Meet Michael Olesen

Michael Olesen brings nearly two decades of experience in public health, safety, and infection prevention. He has recently stepped back into infection prevention leadership roles after some time in the risk consulting world. Michael has dedicated his career to safeguarding communities and advancing health standards.

Michael’s extensive work includes designing disaster exercises, leading healthcare infection prevention programs, implementing safety protocols, and consulting on emergency management for healthcare settings. His publication record, which includes notable works on infectious disease management and emergency healthcare strategies, reflects his deep understanding of crisis response. In recognition of his contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael was honored with the COVID-19 Pandemic Civilian Service Award from HHS.

In addition to his leadership in infection prevention, Michael is a recipient of Balvi Kanro funding for his work, further aligning his efforts with Air Support Project’s mission. His projects are showcased on his website, ICEMSG, where his research on infection control and public health innovations is available for public access. As a new board member, Michael’s insights into public health and safety will be invaluable. His expertise will drive our mission to create healthier indoor environments, particularly in the face of evolving health challenges.

Meet Hilary Thorsen

Hilary Thorsen has worked at Stanford University Libraries since 2013. She currently manages the interlibrary loan and document delivery services and supports open source and community of practice projects within the greater library community. From 2017 to 2023, she served as a commissioner on the Library and Education Commission for the City of San José, California, where she continues to advocate for increased funding for public library services and facilities.

Hilary is passionate about clean air for schools and libraries, and her role within Air Support Project will emphasize this vital intersection. Her contributions to Air Support Project will focus on improving how we manage and share knowledge, both within our team and with the broader community. Her expertise in research, data management, and community advocacy will help us optimize our outreach and elevate our commitment to transparent communication.

Acknowledging Our Supporters: Balvi and Kanro

We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Balvi and Kanro for their continued support of Air Support Project. Their generosity and commitment to our mission have enabled us to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in air quality research and technology. We are incredibly grateful for their belief in our work and their contributions to our shared vision.

Open Source and Creative Commons: Sharing for the Greater Good

At Air Support Project, we believe in the power of open-source collaboration. We publish all of our research, data, and findings under a Creative Commons license, ensuring that our work is freely available for anyone to use, share, and build upon. This approach not only accelerates innovation but also embodies our commitment to transparency and collective progress in improving indoor air quality worldwide.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future with New Leadership

We are thrilled to welcome Stéphane, Michael, and Hilary to Air Support Project. Their collective experience, innovative thinking, and dedication to our cause will help us achieve our goal of creating safer, cleaner indoor environments for all. We look forward to their contributions and are excited to see how their leadership will guide us toward new opportunities and successes.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to grow and evolve with the support of our incredible board members. Together, we are driving change and making a real impact on the world of air quality.

"Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

Henry Ford

Sarah Masih, MD, MBA

Sarah Masih is the Executive Director of Air Support Project and has extensive experience in project management, fundraising, and communications. Her deep commitment to public health and her collaborative approach with community organizations and health experts make her a vital force in the fight for cleaner air and healthier communities.

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