ABOUT ME

I am a Senior Wildlife Biologist, Terrestrial Ecologist, and Registered Professional Biologist (P.Biol., Alberta) with a Ph.D. in Biology and over 15 years of experience in wildlife biology, terrestrial ecology, environmental assessment, regulatory compliance, restoration ecology, and natural resource management. My professional expertise combines advanced ecological research, applied wildlife and habitat assessment, geospatial analytics, environmental consulting, Indigenous knowledge and strategic project leadership across Western Canada and Africa.

I specialize in translating complex ecological information, environmental legislation, and scientific evidence into practical, defensible, and data-driven solutions that support environmental compliance, sustainable resource development, biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and effective natural resource management.

Applied Leadership in Canada

As Fisheries and Wildlife Manager for the Adams Lake Indian Band in British Columbia, I led complex terrestrial and aquatic conservation initiatives grounded in Indigenous stewardship priorities and community interests. Through grant development, strategic proposal writing, and collaborative funding partnerships, I led and contributed to securing more than $600,000 in environmental and conservation project funding. These efforts supported major regional initiatives, including the Sinmax Creek watershed restoration and the Columbia Valley remote wildlife camera-trap studies.

My responsibilities also included overseeing caribou road deactivation and habitat restoration initiatives, analyzing caribou telemetry and movement data using R and GIS, and leading salmon habitat assessments and limnological and water-quality investigations. I supported environmental regulatory compliance through technical referral reviews under applicable legislation, including the Fisheries Act, Wildlife Act, and Species at Risk Act (SARA). Additionally, I represented the Band in multidisciplinary working groups, collaborated with government and external partners, and mentored local field technicians to strengthen community-based environmental monitoring and stewardship capacity.

Global Research, Publications & Academic Contributions

With postdoctoral research experience at the University of Calgary and the University of Oslo, my expertise spans wildlife ecology and management, landscape ecology, population genetics, and geospatial modelling. I have led and contributed to multidisciplinary wildlife research, habitat assessment, and conservation initiatives focused on protecting species at risk, conserving biodiversity, and sustaining critical terrestrial ecosystems.

My professional and research career includes 44 peer-reviewed publications, contributions to IUCN Red List assessments, and leadership and collaborative involvement in securing and advancing 30+ internationally funded research and conservation grants and projects. Through partnerships with government agencies, Indigenous organizations, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), I translate scientific research and ecological evidence into practical conservation strategies, informed environmental decision-making, and meaningful policy outcomes.

Academic Teaching & Professional Service

I have extensive experience in university-level teaching and academic instruction, delivering courses in environmental science, ecology, wildlife biology, and related disciplines at international academic institutions, including the University of Calgary and Addis Ababa University. My academic contributions also include serving as an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Primatology (Springer Nature) from 2018 to 2025, supporting scholarly publishing, scientific peer review, and the advancement of research in primatology and conservation biology.

Academic Affiliations

Addisu Mekonnen Kassie, Ph.D.

University of Calgary, Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Adjunct Assistant Professor, Bahir Dar University, Department of Wildlife and Ecotourism Management, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Professional Opportunities & Independent Consulting

Available for:

• Full-time senior professional, management, and leadership positions.
• Independent environmental consulting and technical advisory assignments.
• Professional biological reviews, technical assessments, and sign-offs within my professional scope of practice.
• Short- and long-term consulting contracts and project-based engagements.
• Environmental assessment, wildlife biology, terrestrial ecology, and natural resource management assignments.

For senior opportunities, consulting engagements, and professional collaborations, please contact:

Email: addisumekonnen@gmail.com