ABOUT US
OUR TEAM
Jennifer Gosse //
DIRECTOR & ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST
P. Biol., RP Bio
Jennifer has over 12 years of experience as an environmental consultant in western Canada with a background in vegetation ecology and wetland science. Over the past decade, she has gained significant experience leading project teams to deliver quality environmental services to clients in the municipal development, power transmission and distribution, mining, and transportation sectors.
As co-founder of Black Fly, she leads business development and explores growth opportunities for the team. She is a visionary, a dreamer, and most-importantly brings action to vision through leveraging and developing the teams’ strengths. Finding new and novel pathways to expand the business beyond environmental consulting into education, technology & artificial intelligence, and product development.
An approachable and passionate professional, Jennifer brings big energy when it comes to business growth. With a success mindset and commitment to results, she has big goals for Black Fly and beyond. A proud wife and mom of two, her heart (and hands) are full.
Nadine Clifton //
DIRECTOR & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
PAg, P. Biol., RPBio
Born and raised in the foothills of Alberta, Nadine developed an appreciation for the outdoors from a young age. Being raised on a farm in the resource based community of Yellowhead County taught her the importance of land stewardship and sustainable natural resource development. She pursued an education close to home at the University of Alberta, earning degrees in both Environmental Science and Agricultural Science and broadening her understanding of the natural world around her and the role of people and industry within it. Since graduating from university, she has cultivated a career as an environmental consultant, specializing in vegetation ecology and wetlands.
Nadine is happiest when working in the forests of the boreal and foothills, and passionate about preserving the natural landscape for the enjoyment of current and future generations, while supporting the development of resource-based industries that keep our local communities thriving.
Deanne Brunsch //
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
C. Mgr
Deanne is passionate and self-motivated with a strong business acumen and proven track record in driving development and growth from more than 10 years of professional management experience. Deanne has exceptional leadership skills and assists with building and managing our high-performing team. She has a proficiency in project management, financial analysis and reporting, business development and process improvement with a focus on increasing operational efficiency.
In her free time, she loves to garden, go on adventures with her family, forage for mushrooms, hike with her dog Bob and practice yoga.
Chris Clement //
SENIOR ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
P. Biol., RPBio., AWP, Principal Ecologist
Chris has over 45 years of experience in terrestrial ecosystem inventory, description, and mapping. He has worked as a Terrestrial Ecosystem Mapping (TEM) specialist throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan, providing services to the private sector (mining, forestry, recreation, and power), government agencies (municipal, provincial, and federal), nongovernmental organizations, and First Nations.
Chris has a wealth of experience in rare plant surveys, wetland assessments, environmental compliance monitoring, and ecosite mapping. He is the author of the book “A Rugged Life - 50 Years of Fieldwork in the Canadian Wilderness”.
Tien Weber //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST & DATA ANALYST
AIT, MSc, PhD
Tien grew up in Florida where she completed her BSc in Environmental Science with a minor in International Studies Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida. She then moved to Alberta to complete her MSc & PhD in Soil Science at the University of Alberta, collaborating with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and publishing multiple first-author peer-reviewed papers. In her role as an Environmental Scientist, Tien applies her skills to support the Black Fly team with business development, GIS applications, statistical analyses, technical report writing, project development and implementation, and reclamation assessments.
In her free time, Tien enjoys photography, walks with her dogs, hiking, travelling, and hanging out with family and friends.
Adam Hope //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
P. Biol., RPBio.
Adam has a Bachelor’s Degree Specializing in Animal Biology from the University of Alberta, and has worked with a number of consulting companies, universities and government organizations in western Canada. His core areas of expertise are fisheries and aquatics with additional experience in wildlife biology and invertebrate zoology. Adam holds P. Biol and RPBio designations and provides expertise to Black Fly Environmental through his extensive field experience and familiarity with natural systems.
On his off time, Adam enjoys traditional self-sufficiency skills and outdoor recreation such as archery, canoeing, and camping.
Liam Griffin //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
BIT
Liam graduated with a Degree in Wildlife Biology from his home country in Ireland. Having a passion for Canadian wildlife and the outdoors, he moved to Canada to pursue a career in the Wildlife industry in 2018. In 2022 he began his career with Blackfly and since then has worked on a wide range of projects such as Wildlife/Bear den sweeps, Amphibian Salvages, Fish salvages and conducted Angler Surveys across Alberta and British Columbia.
Liam has a passion for Fishing, Hunting, Hiking and Camping as well as playing sports such as rugby and golf.
Alexis Anderson //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
BIT
Alexis is a graduate from Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where she obtained her diploma in Biological Sciences Technology – Conservation Biology. She then furthered her education at Concordia University of Edmonton where she graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences. During this time she completed an Internship at Beaverhill Observatory where she studied and published a paper on Tree Swallows. Alexis was born in the North West Territories and moved to Alberta when she was 5 years old and has lived here ever since.
Alexis loves to travel, enjoys camping, and hiking, and is very passionate about the outdoors where she’d like to further her skills and knowledge in the environmental field.
Samantha Nevin //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
BIT
Sam is a graduate of the University of Lethbridge, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences. Originally from the Edmonton area, Sam returned home after living and traveling across Canada. She has hands-on experience in the Yukon, where she conducted bird nest sweeps and identified invasive species. Since joining Black Fly, Sam has contributed to numerous projects, including wildlife sweeps, fish and amphibian salvages, QAES (Qualified Aquatic Environmental Specialist) assessments, and TSS (Total Suspended Solids) baseline studies, among others.
Outside of her professional work, Sam is passionate about helping stray cats, is an avid coffee lover, and is an advocate for recycling. She loves hiking, camping and playing hockey whenever possible.
Todd Mahowich //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Todd has a two year diploma in Natural Resource Technology from Portage College. He has experience in a wide range of fields and is skilled with plant and wildlife identification. Raised on farms and small-towns Todd has developed a love for nature and the outdoors
Hobbies including bird watching, backpacking, hiking, kayaking and camping.
Dylan Putthaaree //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
MSc., P. Biol., RPBio., QAES
With a lifelong passion for the outdoors, Dylan began his career as an instructor in a wide range of adventure sports—from climbing and archery to canoeing, kayaking, and surfing—which naturally evolved into a deep interest in aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. He holds a degree in Applied Freshwater and Marine Biology and a Master’s in Applied Marine Conservation from Ireland. Drawn by Canada’s diverse environments, he first moved here in 2017 and returned permanently in 2023 to continue to work as an environmental consultant and marine biologist. Since then, he has contributed to numerous fisheries and aquatic projects, including fish salvages and habitat assessments, as well as terrestrial initiatives such as hibernacula surveys and government-funded research on sharp-tailed grouse in Alberta’s oilsands region.
He has a passion for surfing, fishing, hiking, and camping in Canada's great wilderness, as well as history and culture, and, of course, food, which lends to his love for travelling and seeing new and wonderful places.
Emily Lamb //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
Emily brings more than 15 years of diverse, hands-on wildlife experience to the BFE team. Her background spans wildlife rescue, research, trapping, and predator mitigation, reflecting a career built on continuous learning and a commitment to advancing her skill set. Emily now specializes in leading her team of Wildlife K9s on projects involving bird and bear aversion, scent detection, and predator hazing. She holds diplomas in Wildlife Conservation and Animal Sciences, and is well versed in remote fieldwork as well as a wide range of equipment operations. Her expertise and adaptability make her an invaluable asset to our wildlife services team.
In her spare time, you’ll find Emily working on her farm in west central Alberta, enjoying road trips anywhere and everywhere (the more gravel the better!), or hunting, fishing, and foraging any chance she can get.
Emily O’Dea //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
M. Eng.
With a background in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Ecology, Emily brings a range of knowledge and experience to her role at Black Fly. Her experience in diverse work environments has strengthened her problem solving and communication skills, making her an adaptable team player. Many hours spent hiking, camping, and enjoying nature coupled with her education focused on environmental sustainability has given Emily a passion for environmental protection.
Outside of work, Emily spends her time biking and hiking around Vancouver Island and travelling far and wide in search of warm weather and good food.
Karannina Schonwetter //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
B.Sc., BIT
Karannina grew up in Winnipeg, MB, and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Manitoba. She brings several years of experience in the environmental field, including multiple field seasons with Parks Canada and nearly three years as a junior environmental consultant.
Her technical strengths include bird, amphibian, and mammal surveys, with extensive experience conducting species-specific assessments. Karannina contributes to projects by leading field crews, performing field data collection, managing datasets, preparing technical reports, and supporting regulatory submissions. A collaborative and solutions-focused team member, she excels at supporting field operations and translating technical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for clients.
During her free time, Karannina enjoys spending time in the mountains with her dog Leon and fiance, as well as birding, wildlife photography, and baking sweet treats at home.
Shayna Nicol //
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST
B.Sc., BIT
Shayna grew up in Drayton Valley, Alberta, and earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of Calgary. During her undergraduate studies, she gained hands-on field experience through several summers of invasive plant management and a season working in marine mammal science. Since graduating, she has worked as an environmental consultant, contributing to a wide range of projects including wildlife monitoring and sweeps, fish habitat assessments, fish salvage programs, water quality monitoring, and wetland and watercourse evaluations. She also spent a summer on a Caribou research team, where she supported passive trail-camera monitoring and vegetation assessments within critical caribou habitat. With a minor in Geography, Shayna enjoys applying her spatial knowledge to support GIS mapping, spatial analysis, and regulatory reporting.
Outside of work, Shayna loves spending time outdoors—rock climbing, skiing, and hiking whenever she can. She’s also an enthusiastic beer-league hockey player and never misses a chance to get on the ice.