The Alliance
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance is a registered environmental charity that restores and protects the ecological services of the water systems that flow into Shepody Bay through science-based research, action, and public outreach. These watersheds are comprised of a mosaic of ecologically significant ecosystems within the Fundy Biosphere Reserve in Southeastern New Brunswick, which is an area designated as a reserve by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The veins of the watershed run through roughly 2,071 km2 of land with more than 30 tributaries flowing to the mouth of the Petitcodiac River, which span multiple municipal jurisdictions and support the most densely populated area in the province. The Petitcodiac River watershed drains into the Greater Moncton Area before flowing to the Shepody Bay into the Bay of Fundy. These unceded lands cover part of the Siknikt district of Mi’kma’ki.
In 2023 we celebrated our 25 years of environmental stewardship!
Incorporated as the Petitcodiac Water Monitoring Group in 1998, the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance has not only maintained our water quality monitoring program since our inception, but has also grown to include a number of activities that improve the health of our watershed. Click the button below for a list of our current and forthcoming projects.
Our Team
The Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance’s team includes the Board of Directors and staff members, with important contributions from volunteers as well! We often hire several students to help with our projects, especially in the summer field season.
Head to the Get Involved section to know more about joining our team.
Atlantic Salmon
Salmo salar
Staff Members

Raissa Marks (she/her)
Interim Executive Director

Luana Cemin (she/her)
Project Manager
Luana is a dedicated ecologist with a passion for tackling new challenges. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Forest Engineering, an MSc in Biology (Plant Ecology), and an MBA in Sustainable Development. Luana is committed to preserving and restoring the ecosystem services of the Petitcodiac watershed.

Anene Jacinta (she/her)
Office Manager & Volunteer coordinator
Jacinta holds a degree in Administrative Professional Studies and brings strong organizational skills to the team at the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance. She plays a key role in maintaining the day-to-day operations of the organization, with a focus on accuracy, efficiency, and accountability.
In addition to general administrative support, Jacinta ensures that project claims are properly documented and submitted, and that the organization is fully reimbursed by funders. Her attention to detail and understanding of funding processes help maintain financial transparency and support the long-term sustainability of the Alliance’s work.

Olisaemeka Kelvin Ndubuisi (he/him)
Project Leader
Kelvin has a solid academic foundation in Environmental Science and Geography, enriched by certifications in Visual Material Culture and Occupational Health and Safety. His diverse knowledge base equips him with a unique perspective on environmental challenges and renewable energy solutions.
Driven by a passion for sustainability, Kelvin is committed to advancing his green entrepreneurship agenda. He aims to leverage his expertise to develop innovative solutions that foster environmental stewardship and contribute positively to society. Kelvin aims to make a substantial impact within the Petitcodiac watershed, contributing to its preservation and sustainable development.

Sarah (she/her)
Project Leader
Sarah holds a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Environmental Management and has a passion for the outdoors. As a former intern and project leader with the PWA, Sarah played a key role in creating the first rain garden in Centennial Park and contributed to numerous conservation and restoration projects. She now looks forward to working on a variety of projects, including managing invasive species, improving fish habitats, and educating communities about the importance of a healthy watershed.

Vanessa Leclair (she/her)
Project Leader
Vanessa recently graduated from the University of Moncton with a Bachelor’s degree, majoring in Biology and minoring in Psychology. That said, she is no stranger to the world of ecology! Throughout her studies, she chose courses that aligned with her passion for plants and ecological systems. Over the past two summers, she worked as a field and laboratory assistant with Professor Mélanie Jean at the University of Moncton, where she gained hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the vital role that plants play in our ecosystems. Her new chapter at PWA is reminiscent of her previous job in some ways, but she’s excited to dive into new themes like water quality, remediation techniques, geomorphology, and plenty of other exciting projects!

William Peabody (he/him)
Project Assistant
With a strong interest in the research of animals and the natural world, Will is dedicated to helping the PWA in their projects to protect local ecosystems and the species that live in them. Having recently completed a Bachelor of Science from Mount Allison, he now hopes to gain valuable experience in the field before returning to university in pursuit of his master’s degree. At the PWA Will works as one of the talented project assistants who are always happy to help with whatever the team needs.

MD Abrer Rahman (he/him)
Communications & Outreach Intern
MD Abrer Rahman is currently in his fifth and final year at Mount Allison University, pursuing a Major in Psychology (science) and Minoring in environmental Science. Abrer have deep understanding of communication, management and people from his degree and from all the management work he did on past. He is always looking forward to meet new people and make connection and understand their perspective. Abrer is thrilled with this new position which perfectly aligns with his major and minor and will give proper understanding of what he have learned in class
Board Members

Aaron Lewis
Board President
Driven by a deep care for the environment, Aaron is proud to support PWA’s vision of returning the Petitcodiac watershed to a vibrant and healthy ecosystem. He holds a Diploma in Environmental Sciences and a Master’s in Sustainable Product-Service System Innovation. Aaron now works as a Service Designer, helping governments deliver services that are both more efficient and more user-friendly. He lives in Moncton with his wife and son. He has rafted the Petitcodiac River twice.

Jake Prosser
Vice President
Jake Prosser is a dedicated volunteer, with a background in biology and mathematical modelling. Currently serving on the board of the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance, Jake brings expertise in data analysis and policy development. He’s proud and excited to give back to his community.

Chimaeze Okoroigwe
Treasurer
Chimaeze has a keen interest in volunteering and is committed to community development, values that have attracted him to serve as a member of the board of the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance. He is a seasoned finance professional with nearly two decades of expertise in Finance Operations, Audit, and Strategic Planning. As a member of the board of the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance, he brings a wealth of experience in board governance and finance to the organization. Inspired by the importance of preserving natural ecosystems and fostering community engagement, Chimaeze is committed to supporting initiatives that protect watersheds in Southeastern New Brunswick and enhance overall environmental awareness.

Bryan Gallant
Secretary
Bryan Gallant has a background in fisheries, forestry, and environmental engineering. His passion for conservation made him keen to find opportunities to volunteer within the field. As a former summer student with the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance in 2017, Bryan is delighted to give back to the organization.

Michael Cybulski
Director, Founding Member and Past Board President
Michael is a dedicated and valued volunteer, having worked with a variety of both local and national organizations. His combined love of the outdoors and his keen interest in waterways makes him a great fit in the PWA. He is proud to play a role in the restoration of the Petitcodiac River, and the return of Atlantic Salmon to our waterways.

Georges Brun
Director and Founding Member

Ochuwa George
Director
Ochuwa is a passionate advocate for workplace health, safety, environmental protection, and sustainability. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, a Master’s degree, and a Doctoral degree in Environmental Toxicology and Pollution Management. Additionally, she is a certified Lead Auditor for Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, a Management Consultant, and a Project Management Professional. As a Member of the Board, She is committed to safeguarding delicate ecosystems from human impact by focusing on strategies that balance progress with biodiversity preservation. She is eager to contribute to the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance’s mission, promoting pollution management, sustainable practices, and ecological harmony for the watershed’s long-term health.
Derek Ermen
Director and Past Board President
Distinguished service

Alyre Chiasson
Founding Member and Former Board Member
As a founding member of the PWA, Alyre brings to the board a wealth of organizational knowledge and history. He is also a recently retired professor of the University of Moncton with a B.Sc. in Biology, a M.Sc. in Zoology, and a Ph.D. focusing on the Ecology of fish. Alyre is an engaged board member, always ready to provide guidance or lend a hand in our fieldwork.