At Clifton, we thrive on diverse perspectives and believe that collaboration among individuals with different backgrounds leads to extraordinary achievements. We’re committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive company that reflects the vibrant communities we serve.
Our Women in Clifton program embodies this commitment by empowering and uplifting women across all areas of our organization. By fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates the unique contributions of all team members, we strengthen our collective ability to tackle complex challenges and create a brighter future for all.
Today, on International Women in Engineering Day, we proudly shine a spotlight on the exceptional engineers, scientists, technicians, and technologists who are making a difference at Clifton and shaping the industry with their passion and expertise.
Delaney Hickie – Geotechnical Engineer-in-Training
- What do you do?
I am a Geotechnical Engineer-in-Training. - Why did you choose a career in STEM?
I always enjoyed my math and science classes, and engineering seemed like a natural path to follow based on that. - What do you love or what inspires you about your field?
The wide variety of projects and challenges you can work on, as well as working directly with the Earth. - What has been the highlight of your career?
Joining the team at Clifton! - What do you look forward to in your career?
Continuing to learn and making meaningful contributions to projects. - What do you hope for the future of STEM?
That more women are exposed to STEM opportunities and consider careers in engineering. - Can you share an example of a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
Stepping away from my structural life and joining the Geotech world. - What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
Not being taken seriously on a job site and having to stand up for yourself to be heard. I overcame this by proving myself through my work. - What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
Do it! Many before you have helped pave this path and you can help lead the next generation as well. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in STEM?
Seeing how important this work is and being involved in a variety of different projects. - Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your STEM journey, and why?
My brother – if he could become an engineer, then I knew it couldn’t be that hard! All jokes aside, he did always believe in me and knew I could succeed in any career I chose.
Elian Drummond – Geotechnical Engineer-in-Training
- What do you do?
I’m a Geotechnical Engineer-in-Training at the Clifton Calgary office. - Why did you choose a career in STEM?
I’ve always loved the science courses in high school, especially physics. Our school planned a field trip for the Women in Engineering Day at the University of Calgary, and after that I knew it was where I wanted to go. - What do you love or what inspires you about your field?
I love the investigative aspect of geotechnical drilling, and the research and lab testing involved in understanding the soil and rock mechanics and structures. - What has been the highlight of your career?
So far, I’d say it was Co-Founding the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan (GNCTR) team at Lakehead University. It was such a valuable learning experience, and we had a blast competing in Montreal with all the other engineering students from across Canada. - What do you look forward to in your career?
I’m looking forward to learning more about the geotechnical field and hope to participate on lots of diverse projects in Clifton. - What do you hope for the future of STEM?
I hope to see more knowledge and respect to women in the engineering industry. - Can you share an example of a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
The GNCTR project was an accomplishment that I’m very proud of. We had 4 months, as a new team, to full design, build and race our toboggan against well-established teams with 10+ months of preparation. We came 11th, out of 18 universities as the “Best New Team”, and the only team with no deductions in points. - What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
Women often face different treatment in the engineering field, especially on construction sites. A lot of time it requires hard conversations, but that’s the one step we can make to have a more inclusive workplace. - What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
It’s a blast! Once you find a field you’re passionate about, it becomes more fun to work in. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in STEM?
I personal love field work and soil sampling. Much of my motivation right now comes from going out for field work and participating in niche projects or more diverse project. - Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your STEM journey, and why?
Many of my friends from university were very supportive and inspirational when it came to working in the engineering field. I learned a lot from their knowledge and the stories of their experiences.
Jingyi Ye – Junior Water Resources Engineer-in-Training
- What do you do?
I am a Junior Water Resources Engineer-in-Training at Clifton. - Why did you choose a career in STEM?
have been curious about rivers and bridges since I was a kid. - What do you love or what inspires you about your field?
I love learning hydrology facts and understanding how climate change impacts our daily lives. - What has been the highlight of your career?
The highlight of my career is that I can keep learning new things through different projects. - What do you look forward to in your career?
Working on more projects and exploring further in water resources. - What do you hope for the future of STEM?
I hope more women will be encouraged to pursue a career in STEM.. - Can you share an example of a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
No project stands out in particular. - What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
Women are often treated differently in the construction field. The key to overcoming this is to be strong, confident, and stand up for yourself. - What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
Go for it! Pursue your passion, and you’ll find it’s worth it. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in STEM?
I just started my career as a Water Resources EIT and am eager to learn from the industry. - Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your STEM journey, and why?
My dad, who works as a civil engineer, has guided and encouraged me into this field by sharing his career stories.
Katherine MacDonald – Environmental Engineer-in-Training
- What do you do?
I support the Water Sciences team from the field. - Why did you choose a career in STEM?
Science and math are behind everything in our world, and I’ve always been curious to understand how it all works. - What do you love or what inspires you about your field?
So much! I like that every day brings new challenges. No two situations are ever the same, and I get to solve real problems that can positively impact many people. - What has been the highlight of your career?
As a recent graduate, just getting started in my career has been a highlight in itself. It’s been an exciting time learning and finally putting knowledge into practice out in the field. - What do you look forward to in your career?
Meeting people, learning more every day, and discovering the area of my work I’m most passionate about. - What do you hope for the future of STEM?
More cross disciplinary collaboration. There’s so much I don’t know but working together we can solve any problem. - Can you share an example of a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
Earlier this month, I graduated from the UofS with great distinction. Earning my degree in Environmental Engineering is something I’m incredibly proud of, and I’m excited about the new opportunities it will bring. - What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
Communication styles are perceived differently based on gender. When men use direct language and take charge, they’re often seen as confident and decisive. But when women use the same tone, it can be misinterpreted as aggressive or bossy. I don’t believe in softening my message just to avoid those labels, but it’s something that you need to be aware of when communicating. - What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
Go for it. Your perspective and differences as a woman are a strength. Women often bring a new approach to solving problems, communication, and collaboration that make teams more effective. Your differences and femininity aren’t something to overcome, they’re something to embrace. STEM needs diversity, so don’t be afraid to be yourself even when faced with resistance. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in STEM?
STEM is so broad there’s something in it for everyone. I’ve been able to find work that relates to the things I’m passionate about like nature, problem solving and the ability to contribute a larger picture. - Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your STEM journey, and why?
The best things about the Environmental Engineering program at U of S is we are a small tight knit group and about half of us are women. The sense of community and support from all my peers kept me motivated to push myself in and out of the classroom.
Liezl Orino – Entry Level Technologist
- What do you do?
As an Entry Level Technologist, I perform on-site materials testing for concrete and soil to support quality control and assurance on various construction projects. My responsibilities include field sampling, lab testing, maintaining equipment, and collaborating with contractors and project managers to ensure accurate reporting and safe site practices. - Why did you choose a career in STEM?
I was drawn to STEM because I enjoy solving real-world problems through hands-on work. Civil Engineering Technology – Water Resources, in particular, allows me to contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on infrastructure and community development. - What do you love or what inspires you about your field?
I’m inspired by the practical nature of the work — from lab testing to field inspections, each task plays a role in ensuring safety, quality, and sustainability in construction. I also appreciate the variety in my workdays and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals. - What has been the highlight of your career?
Joining Clifton and working alongside skilled professionals on meaningful projects has been a major milestone. It’s exciting to be trusted with responsibilities that contribute directly to construction quality and public safety. - What do you look forward to in your career?
I look forward to developing expertise in materials testing, expanding my field experience, and eventually mentoring others. I’m also excited about growing within Clifton and taking on more complex technical roles over time. - What do you hope for the future of STEM?
I hope to see continued advancements in sustainable construction methods and greater emphasis on health, safety, and environmental responsibility. I also hope more women enter and thrive in STEM fields, especially in applied roles like field technologists. - Can you share an example of a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
I’m proud of completing intensive lab and field training during my academic program, which directly prepared me for responsibilities at Clifton — including conducting concrete testing under time-sensitive conditions and ensuring accurate reporting. - What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
One challenge is navigating a male-dominated field environment. I’ve learned to build confidence by being well-prepared, asking questions, and staying focused on the quality of my work. Supportive mentors and inclusive workplaces like Clifton make a big difference. - What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
Believe in your capabilities and don’t be discouraged by stereotypes. STEM careers are diverse and rewarding — and your perspective is valuable. Seek out hands-on opportunities and don’t hesitate to get involved in fieldwork or technical roles. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in STEM?
Knowing that my work contributes to the integrity and safety of construction projects keeps me motivated. I also enjoy learning new testing methods and being part of a team that values high standards and continuous improvement. - Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your STEM journey, and why?
One of my instructors played a key role by encouraging me to pursue fieldwork and embrace challenges. Her emphasis on safety, precision, and professionalism has shaped how I approach every project today.
Priscilla Gallagher – Environmental Technician
- What do you do?
I am an Environmental Technician. - Why did you choose a career in STEM?
I was always curious about why things work the way they do, and science is how we get to those answers. Plus, I love the outdoors. - What do you love or what inspires you about your field?
I love the natural world, and environmental science allows me to deepen my understanding of it while working towards protecting it. - What has been the highlight of your career?
Being a part of projects that reduce environmental harm and support ecosystem recovery. - What do you look forward to in your career?
I’m excited to keep learning, grow into more senior technical and leadership roles, and eventually guide others entering the field. - What do you hope for the future of STEM?
I hope to see technological advancements that focus on protecting the planet. - Can you share an example of a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
I am proud to have gained my Agrologist in training and Environmental professional in training designations. - What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
I have been underestimated, but I stay confident, continue researching, and let my work speak for itself. - What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
The sky is the limit. If you put in the work and ask the right people for help, there is literally nothing that you can’t do! - How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in STEM?
Spending time outside in nature and with younger generations reminds me why this work really matters. - Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your STEM journey, and why?
My professors consistently challenged me to grow and reminded me that with hard work, I can go on to achieve whatever I put my mind to.
Sonya Coyston, BSc PBiol – Senior Biologist
- What do you do?
I’m a Wildlife Biologist with a focus on breeding birds. I spend a lot of time consulting and supporting projects that are trying to mitigate their impacts to wildlife and the surrounding habitat. That means designing and executing field programs and figuring out ways for clients to keep their environmental impacts to a minimum while still getting the work done. - Why did you choose a career in STEM?
I always enjoyed science and math in school. I loved animals but didn’t want to be a vet or doctor, so biology was an easy choice for me. I was lucky enough to fall into consulting and found a career that was a perfect mix of hands-on and technical work. - What do you love or what inspires you about your field?
Just like the field of biology which covers a broad range of topics, I’m a generalist through and through. I love the variety of projects and the different challenges that come with each one. I love working in all the obscure corners of the country that the average person doesn’t visit. - What has been the highlight of your career?
It’s hard to pick a discrete moment as a highlight. I guess I would say that since wear a lot of different hats in my job; it always feels like a win when you can draw on some of that experience in a way that helps make or break a project. I try soak up as much as possible from anyone willing to teach. - What do you look forward to in your career?
Continuing to learn as the field expands and hopefully passing on some of my knowledge to others with a passion for the conservation and the outdoors. - What do you hope for the future of STEM?
Technology keeps creating overlaps between technical subject areas (like the extensive use of GIS technology and analysis in ecology and field biology now). I’d love to keep seeing interdisciplinary collaboration to expand our understanding and to provide innovative methods that are useful outside the lab. - Can you share an example of a project or accomplishment that you are particularly proud of?
One of the best parts about my job is that I often actually get to see the outcomes resulting from the advice or guidance I provide. Some specific examples include seeing chicks fledge from a nest that we had to work around during a construction season; or seeing sites that we helped reclaim after a project, turn into thriving habitat when we do follow-up checks a few seasons later. - What challenges have you faced as a woman in STEM, and how have you overcome them?
Being in a male-dominated industry like STEM or construction certainly has its challenges and prickly moments. There are often some (sometimes unconscious) biases about my competence either regarding technical skills or my abilities to work in the wilderness. Often this will be from external folks that have little knowledge about the ins and outs of your field.
I try to let my level of effort and the quality of my work speak for itself; and don’t sweat the 2% I couldn’t convince. I’ve also found some good mentors and coworkers to lean on for support and confidence throughout the years. - What advice would you give to young women and girls interested in pursuing a career in STEM?
Just do it!! It can be challenging and might require a bit of thick skin and perseverance, but it’s super exciting and rewarding area to pursue. - How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work in STEM?
The constantly shifting projects and locations means there is always a new problem to solve and new way to apply previous knowledge. It’s really a career that rewards you for continuing to stay curious and learn new things as you never know when they’ll be applicable. - Who has been a significant mentor or role model for you in your STEM journey, and why?
I’ve had a bunch of mentors through the years and all have been helpful in different ways. I think two of the most influential were:
My first manager – she pushed me and gave me the confidence to take on more senior roles throughout the years even when I didn’t think I the right stuff to do anything more than get my field notes in order.
One of the “one-man-show” consulting biologists we contracted at my previous company – he helped me hone my technical skills in the field and showed me that you can don’t have to be office-bound in order to be considered successful in STEM. You can be out in the field as long as you like and make the career what you want – if you’re good at what you do, you’ll be in demand regardless.
