My insight, or words of advice regarding this program?
There are so many great things about the Environmental Technician program at Confederation College. The program includes two field schools where students learn the hands-on skills required to work in the industry. The hands-on learning also continues throughout the school year. Situated along one of the tributaries to Lake Superior, Confederation College is nestled in the beautiful habitat surrounding one of the greatest lakes in the world. Smaller class sizes allow for a more welcoming learning environment and our amazing faculty, with direct experience and connections in the environmental field, are always there to help. It is certainly a wonderful place to learn how to monitor and protect our valuable land and water resources.
My insight, or words of advice regarding career opportunities in this field of study?
The environmental field is incredibly diverse and graduates have found employment in a vast array of sectors across the country. Graduates have worked as water/wastewater operators or environmental specialists (technicians, coordinators, project leads, etc.) at mines, mills, consultant firms, government agencies, conservation authorities, municipalities, analytical laboratories, etc.
How/Why I Become a Teacher?
I have a great passion for teaching. I have taught at both post-secondary institutions (university and college) and feel that I have been able to make a big difference in environmental change on this planet through education.
What I Like Most About Teaching?
It is especially rewarding to see graduates work in amazing careers after they are done. Many will stay in contact and indicate how instrumental the program at Confederation College was to their success. I am very proud to be part of their journey and always have a bittersweet moment after each year's graduates leave.
My Educational Background & Qualifications
I hold a Bachelor's degree and Master's degree in Science from Lakehead University. I completed my graduate thesis on pollution inputs into Lake Superior. As a water specialist I have a particular interest in storm-water impacts to surface waters and the design/use of Low Impact Developments in mitigating these impacts and I continue to work on special projects in this area.
I am an active member of several committees: Sustainability Advisory Committee at Confederation College and Chair of its associated Waste Working Group, Negahneewin Education Circle at Confederation College, EarthCare Advisory Committee to City of Thunder Bay, and EarthCare Water Working Group.
Prior to my work in the post-secondary education system, I worked for many years with the Ontario Ministry of Environment in the Waste Management and Air Quality departments.
Courses Taught
I teach second year Field School, Water Quality, Hydrogeology, Supervisory Skills and Conflict Resolution, Technical Mathematics, Introductory Statistics for Natural Resources Applications, Hydrology/Hydraulics