In 2009, Camille was selected as an Olympic Torch bearer for the Vancouver 2012 Olympics because she had made a pledge to better Canada by educating others on air quality (more specifically greenhouse gases).
What is your current job?
I am an Air Quality Specialist and Project Manager at Golder Associates in Ottawa. I work as an engineer on projects ranging from air quality environmental permitting and compliance to ambient air monitoring for remediation projects.
What made you want to pursue a career in engineering?
Like many others I always enjoyed math, science, and problem solving. At the time I choose to study engineering, I don’t think I understood what engineering was really all about. I wanted to study either science or engineering but I didn’t know which one. When I received a large scholarship to enter engineering, I decided to go for it. Looking back, I’m glad I did. Even though I entered for the financial reasons it was the best decision I made!
What’s your favourite part of your job?
I really enjoy the challenges from every project whether it is big or small. I like that I don’t have a typical work day! One day I might be working on a mining project, manufacturing project or ambient air monitoring project, the next it might be in the Oil & Gas or energy sectors! I enjoy the balance of the working individually and as a team member providing technical support and guidance for air quality projects. As I’m growing into a more senior role, I am enjoying the aspects of teaching and mentoring other staff that share my passion for Air Quality.
How do you celebrate National Engineering Month?
This year I’m celebrating by reading the new inspiring profiles of women in engineering that are posted on your website each day!
What advice do you have for young women who hope to pursue a career in your field?
If you enjoy what you are doing and are passionate about it, you will be successful. Develop your “professional support team” – a group of colleagues, friends and mentors with whom you can share your ideas and seek guidance. If you are unsure if you want to pursue a career in this field, talk to people. Find out what they like, dislike, and remember that we were all in the same situation at one point in time. You are in charge of your future!
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Ms. Taylor is a licensed air quality engineer in Ontario and Quebec with a decade of experience in air quality including atmospheric science, dispersion modelling, ambient air monitoring, emission inventories, and environmental compliance. Ms. Taylor is fluent in French and English and has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Chemical Engineering with an Environmental Option from the University of Ottawa. In addition to her full-time work as an Air Quality Specialist at Golder, Ms. Taylor is currently serving as Chair of the Air & Waste Management Association – Ottawa Chapter.
Ms. Taylor has completed a variety of air and greenhouse gas emission estimates and dispersion modelling projects in support of permits, compliance assessments, environmental assessments, internal audits, and emission inventories for a wide variety of industries including cement, transportation, chemical, rubber and paint manufacturing as well as work for landfill sites and quarry operations. Ms. Taylor has also completed dispersion of historical operations for manufacturing facilities in support of litigation cases and is currently the task manager for air quality monitoring during remediation work at a site in Ottawa. Ms. Taylor is well versed in air quality and environmental legislation across Canada and the United States.
In 2009, Camille was selected as an Olympic Torch bearer for the Vancouver 2012 Olympics because she had made a pledge to better Canada by educating others on air quality (more specifically greenhouse gases). Camille continues to fulfil her pledge thought her work at Golder. When she is not working, Camille enjoys spending time with her husband on her 2 acre property, reading, playing with her dogs, exercising and gardening.
She is a mentor for the Ottawa Community Immigrant Services Organization (OCISO) and volunteers with the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
