Our Team
the People of CNSC
meet our
Skilled Staff
We work closely as a tight-knit team, keeping our staffing costs low and directing as much funding as we can to our mission.
Executive Director
Dylan McCart
Dylan McCart is no stranger to Churchill, as he studied at the CNSC through the University of Manitoba, researching the effect of climate change on local vegetation. He visited many times following his formal education.
“I have loved Churchill since my first visit here. The atmosphere is vibrant and it’s such an inspiring place. I feel privileged to join the community.”
Dylan began at CNSC in January of 2022 after spending over a decade studying polar bears, including the coordination and facilitation of research efforts in Northern Ontario.
Special Projects Assistant & Bookkeeper
Kim Daley
I was born and raised in Massachusetts and first came to Churchill in 1997 as an educator with the Great Bear Foundation of Missoula, Montana. After graduating from the University of Montana with a B.Sc. in Wildlife Biology in 1999, I conducted an independent research project on polar bear behaviour and tourism at Gordon Point and was a field biologist for the Born Free Foundation’s Orphan Polar Bear Cub Project (1999-2009).
I began working for the CNSC first as a volunteer in 2002 and then as a contract fundraiser. I have been in my current position as a Special Projects Assistant and Bookkeeper since 2007.
In 2010 I became a dual citizen of the US and Canada. I live remotely in my cabin at Camp Nanuq (4 km west of the CNSC) and enjoy hunting, fishing, ice fishing, boating, snowmobiling, hiking, snow shoeing and live music.
Chief of maintenance
Brian gulick
I have lived in Churchill since I was four years old. I have worked many years in the tourism industry in the mechanical sector. I know the challenges of working outside in below freezing temperatures with many limitations due to the remoteness of our community.
Brian is an outdoors man. In his free time if he’s not fixing skidoos and four wheelers, he is out on the land riding them.
If you see Brian on site, take a minute to say hi and ask about one of his many adventures in the north.
Program coordinator
faith carnegie
I grew up in southern Manitoba, dedicating my weekends and summers exploring everything that southern Manitoba has to offer from Narcisse Snake Dens to Grand Beach. My ultimate goal is to visit every provincial park in Manitoba. Despite my goal my journeys never made it farther north than Gimli -until now. After graduating university with a B.A. in Environmental Studies and Business I took the opportunity to start exploring Manitoba’s northern expense, by taking a job in the spectacular town of Churchill!
I was attracted to Churchill because of the beluga whales, kayaking with the whales was high up on my bucket list! However, my favorite memory so far of my time here in Churchill is not kayaking but it’s picking cranberries. After spending an afternoon looking for cranberries with no luck right at sunset I stumbled upon a very plentiful patch. The excitement of finally finding cranberries after looking for so long was amplified by the closeness to the river, where the sound of belugas echoed.
Research coordinator
Lara Grevstad
I was born and raised in Seattle, WA. After graduating with a B.A. in Ecology, I spent several years working as a botany and wildlife technician in Alaska, Wyoming, and the Dominican Republic.
While in Alaska I had the opportunity to visit the Arctic to assist with a research project on tundra plants and I have loved the tundra and taiga ever since.
I moved to Canada to pursue an MSc at the University of British Columbia. My research focused on how tundra plant traits respond to experimental warming in the High Arctic. My interest in research and northern ecosystems brought me to Churchill where you can find me crocheting, playing softball, and looking for cool plants.
Research technician
curtis hull
I was born and raised in Burlington Ontario, but have lived and worked all over Canada. I grew up with a love for everything outdoors which led me to study wildlife and fisheries at Fleming College and the University of Northern British Columbia. After planting trees in BC and Alberta for 5 years I started working at wildlife conservation nonprofits. I was very excited to start working at the CNSC as I had always wanted to visit the Arctic and visit Churchill to see all the unique wildlife and scenery. In my spare time you can find me hiking, fishing, reading, whittling, and birding.
Sustainability Coordinator
Jayden chapman
I grew up in Manitoba and have spent my life visiting family up in Churchill and eventually moved here myself. I now live remotely at Camp Nanuk (4km from the CNSC) and I enjoy berry picking, and exploring Churchill’s hidden gems by either snowmobiling or four wheeling, and kayaking with the belugas! I also enjoy painting, reading, and gardening (traditionally and hydroponically), which led me to apply for the Sustainability Coordinator position here at the CNSC.
This job has been very rewarding being able to help my community with food security and being able to provide everyone with fresh greens they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. With plenty of ideas for this department I’m excited to continue working with the CNSC and the community in the future.
Sustainability Technician
Kate Branson
I spent my entire life in Texas until I made the move to Churchill to become a sustainability technician and learn how to grow leafy greens in the centre’s hydroponic unit. I graduated with a degree in sustainability studies from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ’em Horns!), which is what sparked my interest in local food systems, agroecology, and intersectional environmentalism.
After graduation, I switched paths to pursue a career in wildlife conservation and was involved in Mexican grey wolf, American red wolf, and black-footed cat recovery efforts. I also worked seasonally as a wildlife rehabber. My favorite animals to work with are maned wolves, porcupines, and nighthawks!
After leaving the wildlife field to return to my educational “roots” in sustainability, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to head to Churchill. Since my early teens I had always wanted to go north! I’m very grateful to be living in a town as unique and beautiful as this one, and hope to learn all I can about the community in the upcoming months.
Seasonal Research Technician
Jacob gerard
Hi I’m Jacob! I’m the Seasonal Research Technician for this summer. I first came to Churchill as a shorebird research assistant for Trent University. Since I first visited Churchill, I’ve loved the wildlife, landscape and the welcoming community, so I decided to come back and work for the CNSC. My background is in Conservation Biology and Arctic Studies, and I just graduated this from my undergrad this spring! I’ve recently had the opportunity to travel throughout the Arctic and learn about the environments, policy systems, governance, and infrastructure of the north. I’m looking forward to contributing to the CNSC’s research programs and educating visitors about all that Churchill has to offer! I love birding, so if you see any cool species let me know!
Housekeeper
Sharon Yassie
Hi I’m Sharon and I had worked at the Aurora Inn for 13 years before joining the CNSC in June 2011. I enjoys meeting the guests and volunteers from all over the world. I was born and raised in the community of Churchill and like to travel when possible. Working at the CNSC is a good fit as I am frequently surrounded by all our travelling guests!
meet our
Dedicated Board
- Chair Michael Goodyear – Member at Large (Churchill)
- Vice-Chair Pete Whittington – Brandon University
- Treasurer James Roth – CNSC User
- Secretary Bruce Erickson – University of Manitoba
- Executive-at-large James Kushny – Director at Large (General)
- Jay Maillet – University of Winnipeg
- Dave Allcorn – Director at Large (Churchill)
- Judy Wilson-Director at Large (General)
- Michele Leclaire– University College of the North
- Shawn Manning – Duke of Marlborough School
- John Hrominchuk – Churchill Chamber of Commerce
- Gregory Stroud– Parks Canada Agency
- Verna Flett – Town of Churchill
- Timothy Poole – Manitoba Conservation
- Louise Lawrie – Director at Large (Churchill)
- Meg McGimpsey – Manitoba Advanced Education and Literacy
- Open Seat – Manitoba Indigenous and Northern Relations
CBN: 100966175RR0001
Interested in joining the team? Check out our current job opportunities and be on the lookout for future postings on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
You can also get hands-on work experience at the Churchill Northern Studies Centre in a three-week Volunteer Expedition.