Education
Forest technician, Algonquin College
MSc Biology, Dalhousie University, 1995
For her Master of Science, Minga studied the ecological impacts of forest harvesting. Her masters thesis focused on the effects of forest disturbances on watersheds. Field work involved sampling 16 streams in Fundy National Park and the surrounding landscape for temperature, nutrients, riparian vegetation, suspended sediments, dissolved oxygen and invertebrates. Thousands of stream invertebrates were identified and many data-sets statistically analyzed and processed.
While working on her thesis, Minga was a teaching assistant for a 1st year biology lab as well as 2nd year courses in Environmental Ecology and Man in Nature. She led weekly labs and tutorials, and graded projects and papers. She also did some writing for The Coast, Ecology Action Centre’s Between The Issues, The Southender and the Nova Scotia Public Interest Research Group.
A brief summary of her thesis can be read here. The entire thesis is available here: Section I; Section II; Section III; Section IV; Section V; Section VI; and Section VII .
BSc Environmental Science and Physical Geography, University of Toronto, 1991
At the University of Toronto (U of T), Minga completed a four year Bachelor of Science degree with a double major in Environmental Science and Physical Geography.
The degree involved considerable field work, including: ecology field trips to nearby rivers, lakes, and the sand dunes of Grand Bend, Ontario; weekly botany field trips to High Park; soils field trips to Haliburton and Richmond Hill; geomorphology field trips to the Caledon Hills; and field courses in Algonquin Park and the Eastern Townships of Quebec. The benefits of hands-on learning made a great impression.
Extra-curricular activities included elected representation on the Hart House Farm Committee, organization of a series of events, activities and lectures for Environment Week 1990, implementation of a program to distribute composting units to numerous households, and working towards a more bicycle-friendly campus.
Summer work included researching scallops with a marine biologist in Gaspé and Chevery, Quebec, and planning, participating in and overseeing the development of a trail network and interpretative materials for Camp Pinecrest in Torrance, Ontario.
Forest technician, Algonquin College, Ontario, 2009
Minga has a forest technician diploma from Algonquin College, Ontario. This was a hands-on, highly practical experience with training in the fundamentals of selection and shelterwood management; the theory and practice of treemarking; forest cruising; prescription development; all season identification of trees, shrubs and logs; identification and prioritization of wildlife habitat features; and mapping and airphoto interpretation.
Language training
French language training includes university courses in French, several seasonal jobs in Quebec, a 6 week immersion program in Jonquiere, delivering bilingual programs for Parks Canada, and travel in France and Quebec.
Spanish language training includes Spanish school in Guatemela, travel in Spain and central America, and volunteer work at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena) in Costa Rica.
Additional Training and Certifications:
Certified Treemarker, Ontario 2010
Outdoor Council of Canada Field Leader – Hiking 2015
Orienteering Officials Course (O100) 2014
Nova Scotia Community College’s Education Diploma Program 2014
Wilderness and Remote First Aid 2013
Chainsaw Operators Certification 2009
Firefighting Training 2009
Black Bear Awareness and Encounter Training 2009
First Aid 2008
Wilderness Navigation 2003
Paddle Canada’s Lake Skills Introduction Tandem and Solo 2004
SmartWood Forest Assessor Training 1997
Sea Kayak Safety and Rescue 1994
Butternut Consulting 