Christine Daly’s love for the natural environment stems from growing up next door to her grandpa’s farm – sitting with him on the tractor, watching intently as he sowed the seeds diligently and then pointed out the sprouting seedlings. It fascinated her.
“My family instilled a respect for the land in me,” shares Christine, 32, who grew up near Tecumseh, Ont. She took the legacy to a whole new level by pursuing environmental sciences as an undergraduate at the University of Windsor, which also issued her master’s degree in 2007 in biological sciences.
Prior to completing her master’s, Christine joined Suncor Energy in 2004 for a summer of research in wetland reclamation, a position that changed into her current career after graduation. “I have been the wetlands reclamation research/development coordinator for Suncor for the last five years now,” she explains.
Christine was also part of the team that helped develop the first reclaimed tailings pond in 2010 – now transformed into a natural watershed. As she conducted media tours for Suncor’s major reclamation achievement, which garnered national attention, little did she know her alma mater was also keeping an eye on her activities.
Consequently, she received the 2011 Alumni Odyssey Award from the University of Windsor for early career excellence. “It was an honour,” recalls Christine. “I was one of seven alumni who were honoured – a few of whom were CBC journalists, and business owners – it felt cool.”
Christine, who lives in Fort McMurray with her boyfriend, writes poetry and is currently completing a children’s book inspired by a summer interning in New Zealand. She also volunteers for her church and hikes outdoors with her dog.
“Fort McMurray is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever lived in. The boreal forest and the trails are great.”
This story originally appeared as a feature in the spring/summer 2012 issue of Big Spirit Magazine
© 2026 Bri Vos
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