Contributors John Chong is the first SFU alumnus to shoot a cover for aq. He graduated with a degree in kinesiology, and he is a former photographer for both the SFWeek and the Peak. Once he was bitten by the photobug, John went on to complete a BFA in still life photography at Ryerson University. He currently divides his time between web design, editorial photography, fine art photography, sushi binges, sleeping in, and foreign films. <www.johnchong.com>

Stuart Colcleugh, who wrote this issue’s enrolment and retention story, took 11 years between jobs to earn his BA from UBC and graduate journalism degree from Carleton. After 20 years as a writer and communications consultant, he joined SFU in 2006 as an assistant director in the public affairs and media relations department and co-editor of the university’s newspaper, SFU News. A North Vancouverite, he’s a chronic traveller, reader, news junkie, sailor, scuba diver, and dragon-boater.

Greg Ehlers of SFU’s Learning and Instructional Development Centre (LICD) shot the portrait of Neil Branda for our science research feature. Greg’s portfolio includes portraiture, architectural details of all the university’s new buildings, as well as special events associated with SFU. He has been with the university for more than a decade. He has a degree in still photography from Ryerson Polytechnical University, and when he’s not behind his camera, Greg can usually be found in his garden.

Sharon Proctor wrote this issue’s research feature on Neil Branda. She is an independent science and technology writer with a PhD in biology from Stanford University. For more than 20 years she was in charge of the Vancouver Aquarium’s education and interpretation activities. She left the Aquarium in 1991. Since then she has been writing stories, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, and other texts for magazines, universities, companies, and science and technology groups.

Mark Schofield, who illustrated our science research feature, works in Seattle as a freelance illustrator. His clients range from exhibit design firms, festival producers, magazines, corporations, trade show booths, and the apparel industry. Mark prefers a multi-media, layered approach to image making, which has attracted commissions ranging from a poster celebrating regional micro breweries to a campaign with the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C.

Carol Thorbes wrote our fish story. She is an information officer in Simon Fraser University’s Public Affairs and Media Relations department. She came to SFU in 1999 with 16 years of broadcasting experience in public and private radio and television, and one year of experience in marketing and communications. Since coming to SFU, she has won two Prix d’Excellence awards from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) in the Best English News Release category. In 2007, Carol, a breast cancer survivor, won an SFU President’s Award for Staff Achievement for articles she wrote and a public discussion she hosted to raise awareness of breast cancer research.