Cynthia N. McClain, PhD
• Leading multi-million dollar groundwater monitoring and research initiatives
• Advancing women in STEM and leadership
Scientist | Program Manager | Professor
About
I am a scientist passionate about the connection between the environment and human health with a focus on groundwater, the world’s largest freshwater resource. Groundwater supports humans, ecosystems, and underpins the economy. I aim to accelerate global progress towards achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals by improving watershed stewardship and access to open water quality data for reporting.
With over 10 years of experience in the public and private sectors in managing environmental monitoring and research programs, I have:
• secured >$6M in funding as principal investigator and >$1M as co-principal investigator,
• published 7 peer-reviewed journal articles with >195 citations,
• supervised >10 students for success, and
• led multi-stakeholder and rightsholder technical committees to improve scientific integrity, inclusivity, and coordination of environmental monitoring.
I am devoted to increasing diversity in science through mentorship, leadership, and education, with a focus on the retention of women in science. I co-founded Women in Science and Environment, founded the Groundwater Monitoring Working Group, and co-led the development of a Women in Leadership Mentorship Program.
Expertise
Hydrogeology | Water Quality | Environmental Geochemistry
Project Management
Overseeing regional-scale environmental monitoring programs. Facilitating multi-stakeholder and rights holder committees and workshops.
Enviornmental Research
Designing field, laboratory, and modeling studies to address surface water and groundwater quality issues.
Technical Consulting
Technical expertise and advice on groundwater and environmental data management.
Resources
Links to some of my favourite water and science initiatives
Water quality monitoring and data to support reporting on the "proportion of bodies of water with good ambient water quality"
Aiming to build a collaborative environment for immigrant and international women in science that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canada.
Contact
Cynthia N. McClain, PhD
