2025 Rising Star Nominee: Cathy Grant – Engineering Leadership in Carbon Capture 

Cathy Grant, a 2025 CFA Rising Star Award nominee brings technical excellence, hands-on leadership, and a people-first mindset to one of the most critical challenges of our time: carbon capture and storage. 

A graduate of the University of Alberta and a proud St. Albert local, Cathy gained early experience through internships at Agrium, Syncrude, and Shell, where she first connected with the carbon capture and storage (CCS) space. When she joined Shell full time in 2017, she brought a chemical engineering degree and a clear vision for how she wanted to work.  

“I knew I wanted to be where I could walk out from my desk and talk directly with operations,” she says. That mindset has shaped her approach ever since — grounded in collaboration, curiosity, and field-level impact.  

She found her stride at the Quest Carbon Capture Project, located at the Shell-operated Scotford facility, where she led a key effort to increase CO₂ capture capacity without major equipment upgrades. “It was all about working within the limits, getting creative, and leading a team to make it happen,” she explains.  

The project delivered measurable results — improving cost-efficiency and generating additional value through greener energy programs — and it also helped position her for her next big challenge. 

Today, Cathy is a key contributor to Shell’s Polaris CCS project, which uses CANSOLV®, Shell’s own commercially deployed post-combustion capture technology. Her experience across a variety of fields including hydrogen, utilities, and operations equipped her to lead in this space.  

“What excites me is the energy of the people around carbon capture,” Cathy says. “Everyone wants to reduce emissions — and we’re doing it together.” 

For Cathy, CCS isn’t just a job, it’s a mission grounded in collaboration, innovation, and possibility.

“Post-combustion carbon capture isn’t brand new, it’s built on proven tech,” she adds. “And Alberta is uniquely positioned to lead because we already have the expertise.” 

Cathy is also known for her thoughtful approach to solving problems. “Break it down, understand the risks, and know your limits. That’s when you bring in the right people,” she explains. “You don’t have to have all the answers. But you do need to be willing to learn and lead.” 

But Cathy’s impact goes well beyond technical success. Within her team, she’s deeply committed to inclusivity and relationship-building. She creates a relaxed, supportive culture where people feel safe to learn, collaborate, and grow, because “when people feel cared about, they’re willing to pull together and reach that common goal,” she says. 

Cathy also invests in her community. She serves as Vice President Membership for Toastmasters, supports local shelters and toy drives, volunteers with the Fort Saskatchewan Multi-Cultural Society and participates in the Edmonton Corporate Challenge — always finding ways to connect, give back, and grow. 

Reflecting on her journey, Cathy says: “Everything is truly an opportunity. As much as you’re scared, people will support you through the process.” Her nomination, she adds, is “an incredible honour” — and a reminder that the future of energy depends on people, collaboration, and courage.