About

Our Team

Colúm Connolly

Co-Founder and Co-CEO

Pioneering Innovation and Scientific Excellence

Colúm Connolly is a leading SR&ED advisor in Atlantic Canada, helping innovative companies access and secure millions in funding with confidence. With over a decade of experience and more than 500 successful claims supported, his work has contributed to over $50M in SR&ED funding across a wide range of industries. With a PhD in Medical Genetics from the University of British Columbia and a background in Genetics and Cell Biology from Dublin City University, Colúm brings deep scientific expertise to one of the most complex funding programs in Canada. He is known for translating highly technical R&D into clear, defensible claims that stand up to CRA scrutiny. After beginning his SR&ED career in British Columbia, Colúm relocated to New Brunswick in 2018, where he became deeply embedded in Atlantic Canada’s growing innovation ecosystem. As Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Bloom Funding, he now works with ambitious organizations to align funding strategy with long-term growth and impact. Colúm’s approach goes beyond filing claims. He partners with companies to build audit-ready processes, reduce risk, and turn SR&ED into a reliable driver of innovation. Outside of his work, Colúm enjoys exploring Atlantic Canada with his wife, two sons, and their dog, George.

Elizabeth Murphy

Co-Founder and Co-CEO

Fostering Vibrant Communities and Organizational Success

Elizabeth Murphy is a dedicated community builder with a passion for building collaborative, mutually beneficial partnerships. With a wealth of experience in various facets of "people work," including fundraising, communications, and recruitment across New Brunswick and British Columbia, Elizabeth brings a unique blend of skills and insights to her endeavours. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in political science and communications from St. Thomas University. During her time at STU, Elizabeth held a seat on the University’s Board of Governors, and served as President of the student government. These experiences honed her skills in strategic decision-making and consensus-building and bolstered her drive to make change in community. As a proud New Brunswicker, Elizabeth loves helping businesses and nonprofits in the region to reach their innovative goals by diversifying revenue streams, securing funding and facilitating philanthropic partnerships. Elizabeth's dedication and friendly demeanour make her a trusted ally for organizations seeking to thrive in today's dynamic landscape. Elizabeth’s commitment to building vibrant communities extends far beyond professional realms, reflecting her genuine passion for creating lasting impact and meaningful connections wherever she goes. Outside the office, you can find Elizabeth kicking a soccer ball with her kids and dog in the backyard.

Ryan Dean

Senior Technical Specialist

Cultivating Growth Through Scientific Expertise

Ryan Dean, recognized as a creative scientist, wields his wealth of expertise to cultivate innovation and drive progress. Having earned his undergraduate degree in Medicinal Chemistry and a Master's of Science in Organic Chemistry from the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, Ryan's academic journey laid the groundwork for his profound understanding of scientific principles. Throughout his graduate studies, his research delved into synthesizing novel fluorescent organic-boron complexes, focusing on exploring their physical and optical properties and medicinal applications. Post-graduation, Ryan ventured into analytical services for cannabis products and engaged in synthetic research toward the development of pharmaceutical precursors. Excited to channel his scientific insight into fostering growth and innovation within Atlantic Canada, Ryan joins Bloom with a commitment to empowering local businesses to thrive. His diverse background and multidisciplinary approach position him as a catalyst for transformative change in the region. Beyond his professional endeavours, Ryan's passion for exploration extends to rock climbing, bouldering, hiking, and golfing.

Maria Murphy

VP Development and Social Sustainability

Empowering Impact Through Strategic Leadership

Dr. Maria Murphy is a bold strategist and relationship builder who champions causes that pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable future. With a strong record of securing funding for cutting-edge & community-engaged research spanning diverse disciplines including law, medicine, social sciences, public policy, and the humanities, Maria drives inclusive growth. Having recently returned to the Maritimes after 12 years in the U.S., Maria is eager to lend her talents to effect meaningful change in various institutional, private, and public settings to support organizations as they grow, innovate, and serve their communities. Her impactful contributions as the Associate Director at the Center for Research in Feminist, Queer, and Transgender Studies at the University of Pennsylvania speak volumes, with Maria successfully increasing funding for the center by 10% annually while also enacting strategic plans for programming & funding infrastructure with community input. Maria's ability to integrate principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access into organizational frameworks sets her apart as a visionary leader committed to creating environments that foster collaboration and belonging. Whether through public speaking engagements, performance, podcasting, dynamic reporting, or other innovative media, Maria excels at distilling complex concepts for non-expert audiences, ensuring that her insights resonate widely and drive meaningful change.

Vikram Iyer

Technical Specialist

Driving Sustainable Development Through Multidisciplinary Approaches

Vikram Iyer is a passionate environmentalist who leverages diverse scientific expertise to foster sustainable growth and innovation. Merging his interests in people and the environment, Vikram completed his undergraduate studies in Biology and Psychology, and went on to obtain his Master’s degree in Environmental Assessment from Concordia University, Montreal. During his graduate studies, Vikram was selected as a research candidate for Concordia’s Innovation lab, where he put his innovative skills to use by developing technological solutions to make food resources more accessible for local communities. Vikram also completed a co-op work term with the Canadian Wildlife Service and obtained a wealth of knowledge on government processes, which he demonstrated in his Master’s thesis on federal conservation funding programs. Vikram now brings his unique skill-set to the SR&ED and NuMetric processes at Bloom, where he is committed to helping organizations in Atlantic Canada harness their potential for scientific innovation and sustainable development. Outside of work, Vikram can often be found volunteering with community organizations and helping to protect natural spaces. He also enjoys exploring nature, absorbing thought-provoking books and films, playing the guitar, and making friends over board games and Dungeons & Dragons.

Róisín Connolly

VP Strategy and Client Relations

Inspiring Growth, Empowering Clients

New to the Saint John area, Róisín Connolly is a creative thinker with a passion for making a difference. She holds a BA from Simon Fraser University and is driven by a natural curiosity and desire for continuous development, personally and professionally. During her studies, she received the Spirit award as a Student Leader for her dedication and passionate commitment to helping others. Addressing client needs and adapting to the situation are key attributes Róisín has acquired through her years in the Criminal Justice System. Trained at the Justice Institute of B.C., Róisín has extensive facilitation experience, focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy concepts, enacting change and empowering her audience. Róisín was the centerpiece in creating an integration program for client support, focusing on those that were falling through the cracks. She built strong community partnerships between non profit organizations and the government to provide holistic care for her clients. With a systems-based change lens, Róisín has a strong desire to bring about meaningful change and has a keen ability to identify and target areas for improvement. Róisín is committed to delivering solutions that are forward-thinking, sustainable for the future, and most of all, work for the client. Róisín loves exploring her creativity through various mediums. Whether reading a novel, experimenting with DIY home projects, or creating art, Róisín welcomes inspiration that fuels both personal growth and professional innovation.

Jenny Burpee

Marketing Specialist

Encouraging Communication Through Creative Channels

Jenny Burpee is an experimental marketer who is always searching for creative ways to connect with new audiences. Combining her love of analysis and creativity, Jenny recently graduated from the University of New Brunswick, Saint John campus with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing. Throughout her time at UNBSJ, she served on the executive teams for both the UNBSJ Women in Business Society and the UNB E-Sports Society. In the last year of her degree, Jenny was a finalist (top 20 in Canada) in a Marketing Case Competition held by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Partnership in Toronto. Jenny now brings her skills and enthusiasm to the Bloom team, where she is ready to help the team with all of their marketing needs. Outside of work, Jenny can be found at the curling club coaching the next group of superstars or playing a round with friends. When it’s not winter, Jenny likes to listen to live music, tackle a book off her ever growing list or take time to enjoy the sunshine.