MacEwan Chapter of The Wildlife Society
The MacEwan Wildlife Club is a student-led environmental conservation group based at MacEwan University in Edmonton, Alberta. Founded in 2024, our mission is to create a deeper understanding of and connection to local biodiversity through hands-on experiences, educational events, and community outreach. We organize activities such as bio-blitzes, professional workshops, and environment based volunteering opportunities, offering students opportunities to engage with real-world environmental issues and conservation practices. Whether you’re passionate about wildlife biology, habitat restoration, or sustainable living, the MacEwan Wildlife Club provides a collaborative space for students to learn, take action, and make a positive impact on the environment. This club helps to connect students with The Wildlife Society by supporting them to attend conferences and participate in events that create networking opportunities. We hope to continue to work with The Wildlife Society to promote an inclusive environment focused on conservation within MacEwan and the community.
President: India Lee
India Lee is the President for the MacEwan Chapter of The Wildlife Society. She is in her final year of a Bachelor of Science in the Ecology and Diversity Honours program. This year, she is working on her thesis, which focuses on individual variation in American pika calls. After visiting the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, she and fellow students concluded that MacEwan needed a club that promoted sustainability practices and encouraged students to become more engaged with the nature around them; thus, the club was born. Coming from Mayerthorpe, a small farm town, and being raised on a farm allowed her to regularly interact with her surroundings from a young age, nurturing and deepening her love for the magic and wonder of nature. Because of this, from youth up to now, she has always been concerned with the conservation and protection of the Earth. During school, she volunteers with the MacEwan hydroponic gardens and collaborates with fellow executives to create fun, accessible club events for students. Outside of school, she spends most of her time outdoors either fishing, camping, hiking, petting her cows and sheep, riding her dirt bike or doing chores.
Chapter Representative: Kylie Mitchell
Kylie is a fifth-year biological sciences student majoring in cellular/molecular biology and minoring in sociology. She has a strong passion for making science accessible and fun for everyone. Even though her studies are at the cellular level, Kylie loves to participate in ecological conservation efforts and initiatives that include the community in science. As the Chapter Representative for the club, she maintains effective communication between ACTWS and the MacEwan Wildlife Club. When not in lab or volunteering, Kylie enjoys spending free time at the rock climbing gym and spending time in the mountains.
Secretary: Vitya Kachuk
Vitya Kachuk has been the Secretary of MCTWS since its inception in 2023. Vitya is currently a fourth-year Biology (Conservation and Ecology stream) and Anthropology
student with plans to pursue a graduate degree afterward. Outside of studies, they
enjoy reading, writing, and illustrating. Some of their nature illustrations have been
featured as stickers and posters for MCTWS!
Vice President External: Natalie Shappka
Natalie is a fifth year student majoring in honours biology in the Ecology and Diversity stream, with a minor in Earth and Planetary sciences. Her thesis work includes studying the genetic diversity of Franklin’s Ground Squirrels in Alberta with Dr. Josh Miller. Natalie has completed multiple internships, including studying the rate of bird mortality on campus due to window strikes, as well as mosquito identification as part of viral research at the Royal Alberta Museum. As Vice-President external of the MacEwan chapter, Natalie is the primary contact for the club and communicates with all outside organizations. In her free time, Natalie loves taking nature walks and insect collecting, as well as reading.
Vice President Administration: Anthony Ek
Anthony is in his final year as an undergrad, majoring in Biological Sciences – Ecology
and with a minor in Environmental Sciences and Anthropology. Anthony has worked with various organizations such as the Canadian Wildlife Federation and WildNorth Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. He has also supported wildlife and the environment when employed by the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and any wildlife-related conflicts as a Park Ranger with Alberta Parks. After graduation, Anthony looks to continue his tenure with Alberta Parks but shift his focus in bridging emergency medicine, Search and Rescue, and conservation biology. His spare time goes to his two cats and can be found anywhere with trees and a lake.
Vice President - Daelynne
Daelynne is the Vice-President of the Wildlife club and a fifth year student at MacEwan under the Honours Bachelor of Ecology. She joined the club because she wanted to help make a difference and provide students with helpful resources and opportunities. If you see her around, don’t hesitate to walk up and strike a conversation, she loves everything bio! In her free time she enjoys playing games, going cafe hunting, and outdoor activities (especially bird watching!). She hopes to see you at upcoming events!
Treasurer: Joey Caldarella
Joey is the treasurer of the MacEwan Chapter of the Wildlife Society. He is entering his 5th year at MacEwan, majoring in Accounting and minoring in Management. Joey is passionate about environmental sustainability and promoting eco-conscious practices on campus and beyond. Through the sustainability courses provided at MacEwan, he has gained a greater understanding of environmental issues and uses this knowledge to help support the chapter’s goals and create positive change.
Vice President of Events: Brigid
Brigid is in charge of event planning for the MacEwan wildlife club. Brigid’s major is Biology (She loves animals!) and during the summer she is a camp counselor/hiking/canoe guide. Brigid loves going outside and her main goal in life is to try everything at least once. She hopes to make the outdoors more accessible to everyone and to share her love for wildlife!
