ABOUT US
Founded in Winnipeg, Manitoba by a team of experts in lab and field work, Prairie Scientific Inc. is focused on providing our clients with reliable data for use in policy, regulation, and other decision making. Our group has prioritized collecting both western scientific and local traditional knowledge to provide a complete picture of environmental status, and to help our clients prepare for challenges related to climate change, effluent regulations, and local contamination. We pride ourselves on our ability to tailor our services to the needs of our clients, and to communicate in an effective and respectful manner.
Olga Francisco, M.Sc.
Co-Founder
Olga leads the strategic direction of Prairie Scientific, overseeing project delivery and internal systems, while also supporting business development and driving operational excellence. With extensive experience in research and development, field operations, project management, and regulatory compliance, she has contributed to a wide range of initiatives in collaboration with industry, government, academic, and Indigenous partners. Olga thrives on working closely with clients and partners to develop tailored environmental solutions for diverse industries. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a Master of Science in Chemistry.
Matt McDougall, PhD
Co-Founder
Matt completed his PhD at the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, Canada, after which he worked as the Director of the eDNA facility at the Centre for Oil and Gas Research and Development. His work has focussed on protein function, the design of passive sample devices, and eDNA metabarcoding in the Arctic. Matt has worked closely with industry, government, and Inuit organizations in Canada’s north, has presented work at international conferences, and published in high impact academic journals. Matt is always ready to take on a challenging project, where he brings to the table his technical skills, many years of experience with field work in the north, and expertise in data analysis and reporting.
Katrina Audet, MSc
eDNA Lab Manager
Katrina is an eDNA Lab Manager for Prairie Scientific Inc. bringing experience and expertise in the field of eDNA and aquatic sciences. Katrina completed her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Biological Sciences at the University of Manitoba where she received the NSERC Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS M) for her work on fish stock monitoring in Lake Winnipeg. Over the course of her academic career, she has acquired important technical skills in both the field and laboratory settings, co-authored on a publication, and presented her research at multiple academic and professional conferences.
Brock Kramble
Environmental Field Technician
Brock is an environmental technician specializing in field-based aquatic consulting and environmental monitoring. He has extensive experience conducting water, sediment, and biological sampling in remote and challenging locations across Canada, ensuring regulatory compliance and high-quality data collection. Brock is skilled in spatial analysis, technical reporting, and data visualization. He holds a diploma in Natural Resources Management and is currently completing a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Practice. Brock previously served on the Governing Council of University College of the North, where he worked to advance Indigenous inclusion in post-secondary education across northern Manitoba.
Jenelle Ehn, MSc
Environmental Field Technician
Jenelle holds a Master of Science from the University of Winnipeg, where her research focused on urban forestry, drone surveys and GIS analysis. With a background in biology and physical geography, she has diverse field experience in aquatics, forestry, waterfowl, bats, and entomology. She is an Advanced Drone Pilot and ISA Certified Arborist, with experience in fish population monitoring, environmental assessments, and ecological data collection. Jenelle has presented her research at multiple conferences and is currently working on several publications. She is passionate about conservation and currently volunteers with a local wildlife rehabilitation centre and as a volunteer arborist for the Winnipeg Folk Festival.