New ACPA Board Member - Maria Marcos-Mendoza
| My name is Maria Marcos-Mendoza and I am happy to be one of your new ACPA Board of Directors. I have been an ACPA member since 2009. I have a BSc in Chemistry, Minor in Economics, and an MSc in Civil and Environmental Engineering, all from the University of Alberta. I have taken university courses in weather, literature, geology, history, art and design, waste management, artificial neural networks, genetics, remediation, and especially water and wastewater treatment. |
| My passion for knowledge has never stopped for as long as I can remember. In my quest to learn, I have immersed into many fields including: language, music, history, art, dance, science, technology, music, engineering, business, fashion, communication, and psychology. There seems to never be enough time in one’s day to accumulate enough information. I have worked for a large utility company in the laboratory (water and wastewater) for 20 years: as a summer student, lab technologist, quality assurance specialist, lab customer service/relations manager, and specialist in project management. I have worked in all areas of the laboratory. In my previous employment, I worked for the Government of Alberta, as a Drinking Water Operations Specialist (DWOS). Unfortunately, life threw a huge curve ball my way, and I put my career on hold to raise my 3 children. Every day is a chance to learn everything and anything, especially life itself. I have a great commitment to my work and especially the people. No matter what job position I held, I always kept learning. This way I could always support the people I worked with, and succeed at what we were trying to accomplish every day. Since 2009, I have also volunteered as an assessor for the Canadian Association of Laboratory Accreditation (CALA). I enjoy being a CALA assessor, because it keeps my technical skills sharp. In 2022, I was elected to the CALA Board of Directors. In my free time, I love to run, take walks in nature, crochet, attempt to grow a garden, paint, dance, play piano and violin, travel around the world, watch movies, read books, and spend time with loved ones. A couple years ago, I bought a staple gun and explored the world of reupholstering. I can only reupholster items with right angles! I am very excited for the opportunity, and look forward to great conversations about everything chemistry. I also make an amazing chocolate chip banana bread. Cheers! |