Dr. Barb Carra is the President and CEO of Cybera, Alberta’s Research and Education Network, and technology-neutral organization responsible for driving Alberta's economic growth through the use of digital technology. She is a respected leader and collaborative partner within Canada’s National Research and Education Network (NREN) landscape.
Barb is a champion for the digital needs of Canadians, and frequently meets with municipal, provincial and federal government leaders, raising awareness of the need to improve internet access, and grow digital literacy and computational thinking across Canada.
With a PhD in applied research, spatial statistics and data modeling, Barb has over a decade of experience in data analytics and policy, which allows her to act as a bridge between research and technical domains. That insight has proved vital to Cybera, which frequently acts as a steward and advocate for Alberta research and data-driven decisions. Barb spearheaded the development of Cybera's policy, strategic and operational initiatives, including the ShareIT procurement program and Cybera’s new cybersecurity portfolio.
She currently sits on multiple Boards and committees including: The Centre for Innovation Studies, Research Data Canada’s Policy Committee, Canada’s National Research and Education Network Governance Committee, Saskatchewan’s Research and Education Network (SRNET), as well as The Calgary Zoo. Barb earned her Master's of Science at the University of Calgary and her Doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University.
She has been a member of the PIMS Board of Directors since 2020.
