Conor's interest in the environment started when he was very little. His father, who has a background in marine biology and entomology would take him for all sorts of hikes. A walk in Nature was never complete without his Dad turning up a rock to point out what all the little critters were underneath, or scooping a net in the water to show off the tadpoles, waterbugs, algae, and whatever else might get caught. The environmental education continued at home when neighbourhood kids would come by to watch Mark put a clean white bed sheet under a tree, only to shake the branches so as to identify the bugs that fell onto the sheet, to the glee of all the kids watching.

From childhood Conor has continued in this tradition of being in Nature and having fun learning about all the organisms that make their home here with us.

As an undergraduate student at UPEI Conor has continued his love of environment, learning, and people. He is currently pursuing a degree in Sociology and Anthropology, with an emphasis on environmental studies. Conor’s passion is working with people to learn more about our environment, and looking at how people interact with each other and the natural world.

Not content just learning about and sharing the environment from afar, Conor is very involved in the Island community. Here his interests are not restricted to Nature; Conor tutors students and new immigrants both on- and off-campus.

He is also passionate about the arts, having been involved with the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival, and as an organizer for the documentary group Cinema Politica Charlottetown. This summer Conor worked at a Social Justice camp for youth, and he is very engaged and interested in youth issues. He believes youth engagement in politics and community collaboration is essential. A recent experience with Canada World Youth allowed Conor to work on an organic farm, assist in the running of a youth centre, and lead a project looking at safe waste disposal.

In all that he does, whether related to community events, school, or just being in Nature, Conor believes the voices of all people are needed to move society forward and that engaging farmers, fishers, youth, and local people in discussions with politicians and scientists is essential for having a healthy community.