THE CREEKWATCH TEAM

Meet Our Team

Michelle DeBruyne, BSc.

CreekWatch and Citizen Science Manager

Michelle joined RiverWatch in spring 2023 and serves as our visionary science lead, managing all water science programs and CreekWatch citizen science initiatives.

She holds an Honours BSc. in Environmental Science from Mount Royal University, where she specialized in surface water hydrology, water quality, pollution, and watershed management. Passionate about data analysis, Michelle uses her expertise to uncover the intricate connections between people, water, and the environment.

With over three years of water monitoring experience, Michelle started as an interpretive guide for RiverWatch before stepping into her current leadership role as Science Manager in March 2023. She now oversees RiverWatch and CreekWatch’s scientific operations, fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders across Alberta.

Key Responsibilities

  • Managing the science behind RiverWatch and CreekWatch water monitoring programs.

  • Overseeing water quantity and quality sampling under EPCOR’s WaterSHED Program Expansion to Urban Creeks Project.

  • Working closely with EPCOR and AEP to ensure high-quality project deliverables.

  • Coordinating resources, field activities, and project logistics.

  • Managing the installation and maintenance of three hydrometric stations in Edmonton.

Skills & Expertise

✔ Stakeholder relationship management
✔ Project and program coordination
✔ Contractor and resource management
✔ Reporting and data analysis
✔ Small-scale construction and permitting
✔ Field experience adhering to AEP & WSC protocols

Emma Schneider

CreekWatch and Citizen Science Coordinator

Emma joined RiverWatch as the CreekWatch and Citizen Science Coordinator in December 2023, bringing her deep passion for nature and environmental conservation to the team.

She holds a diploma in Natural Resource Technology from Portage College, with expertise in:

  • Water resource management

  • Wildlife and biodiversity studies

  • Soil and land reclamation

  • Environmental law and geology

With over three years of hands-on experience in water quality monitoring, Emma previously served as a lead guidefor RiverWatch before transitioning into her current role. Based in Edmonton, she now oversees the RiverWatch and CreekWatch water monitoring programs and plays a critical role in client initiatives with EPCOR.

Key Responsibilities

  • Supporting EPCOR’s WaterSHED Program Expansion to Urban Creeks Project.

  • Developing WaterSHED-related resources and gathering field data.

  • Collecting water quality and laboratory samples from Edmonton creeks impacted by urbanization.

  • Using advanced water monitoring technology, including the FlowTracker and Sonde EXO1, to measure water quality and quantity parameters.

  • Adhering to AEP and WSC protocols to maintain high-quality data collection.

Skills & Expertise

✔ Communication and stakeholder engagement
✔ Program coordination and execution
✔ Field experience and sample collection
✔ Data analysis and reporting
✔ Following AEP & WSC protocols for regulatory compliance