Guest Profile

Monika Engel

I was born and raised in Ajax, Ontario; where some very intense experiences early on led me to focus on intellectual matters and identify as a scholar. I completed a Master’s of Biology at UFT, and conducted my experimental research at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography. I lived in Halifax for six years (shout out to Maritimers – you guys are the best!), and then moved to the Ottawa Valley, where I currently live with my partner Dan and our backyard flock of chickens. I still work as a government ecotoxicologist, but I now recognize that my true focus, and greatest passion, has always been on connecting with others.

 

FUN FACTS:

First language spoken at home: Polish

Still trying to brush up on: French and Spanish

Favourite Colours: Magenta and Peacock Blue

Most Soothing Soundscape: Crashing Ocean Waves

Most Awe-Inspiring Place on Earth: Devil’s Bridge, Antigua

Furthest Destination Travelled: Papua New Guinea

Chosen River: Mississippi (The Canadian One!)

Preferred Plants: Coleus and Phylodendron (they keep coming back!)

Favourite Animals: ALL of thems.

Amazing Smell: Campfire

Desired Activity: Lake swimming and dancing to live music

Favourite Sounds: Woodpeckers in spring, Summer thunderstorms, and Softly landing snow in winter

Most Missed Activities: Ceremonial drum circles, and trips to the public library to browse the shelves just for fun.