Maike Schmieding

Maike Schmieding, a 33-year-old Research Chair at Keyano College, is making waves in Fort McMurray through her dedication to research, community service, and sustainability. Originally from Osnabrück, Germany, Maike has been a resident of Fort McMurray since 2017, where she has immersed herself in both the academic and local community. Her passion for human sustainability in remote and northern regions has inspired her career, while her involvement in various volunteer roles showcases her commitment to making a tangible impact.

As a Research Chair, Maike’s role at Keyano College is focused on supporting research that addresses the unique challenges of northern communities. With a grant from NSERC, she is helping to develop a program centred on Human Sustainability in the North, which seeks to answer pressing questions about the long-term livability, ecological impact, and healthcare expansion in the region. “In the next five years,” she explains, “I hope to help inform governments and private stakeholders to make decisions that will shape our region’s future through applied research findings.” Maike believes that research specific to northern communities is essential for their growth and development and hopes to create policies tailored to Fort McMurray’s unique needs.

The most rewarding part of her work? The people. “The people I work with inspire me every day,” she says. “There is always coffee, kindness, and some great laughs.” This human connection is something Maike values deeply, both in her professional life and in her community involvement.

Maike is not just a researcher but a dedicated community leader. She volunteers for PAWS for People with her certified therapy dog, Finn, bringing comfort to those in need. Her volunteerism extends beyond this role—she sits on two boards in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB) and recently became the Director of Grants and Relations at the Wood Buffalo Military Museum Centre. Maike also serves as Vice Chair of PADRA, an association that supports disability support workers in post-secondary education.

One pivotal moment in her journey came in 2020, after the devastating flood that struck Fort McMurray. The disaster fueled her desire to get involved in community activities. “Especially after the flood, I felt the need to ensure residents’ voices were heard,” Maike shares. She believes that to truly address the needs of Fort McMurray, policies and research must be developed with the specific needs of the region in mind, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

Maike’s commitment to the community goes hand in hand with her personal values. Having moved to Fort McMurray without a support system, she learned to rely on the kindness of those around her, forging meaningful friendships along the way. “I leaned heavily on the people in this region for support, love, kindness, and friendship. My life is better for it,” she reflects. This experience has made her even more committed to giving back to the community that gave so much to her.

In addition to her academic and volunteer pursuits, Maike has personal goals that reflect her passion for sustainability and community. She is working toward her PhD, with a focus on the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, and hopes to spend more time connecting with nature and exploring the outdoors with her dog, Finn, and her loving partner Brent. Her love for travel has inspired her ambitious goal of visiting 40 countries before turning 40—an endeavour she hopes to complete while balancing her work and personal life.

Maike’s contributions to Fort McMurray are far-reaching. She emphasizes the need for policymakers to understand the distinct needs of northern communities, especially as climate change increasingly impacts these regions.

Looking forward, Maike envisions her role in Fort McMurray’s future as one of leadership and innovation. “I see my role as contributing to the long-term development and sustainability of our region,” she says. Through her research, community service, and advocacy, Maike is dedicated to ensuring that Fort McMurray not only survives but thrives in the years to come.

Her personal philosophy? “Anything you ever needed was already within you the whole time.” This mantra drives her determination to inspire change and empower others, making her a well-deserved recipient of Your McMurray Magazine’s Top 50 Under 50.

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