Hi, I’m Monica.

My work sits at the intersection of art, environment and science — this site draws these threads together.

I began my studies at art school but moved into the environmental sector, firstly working for sustainable land management and biodiversity enhancement-focused NGO, then gaining a PhD in community-led environmental restoration. From there, I founded people+ science, working with NGOs mostly as a social researcher. Although I never stopped being creative, in 2025 I deepened my focus on the arts, bringing an environment-focused exhibition and public engagement programme together on Waiheke Island. Some of the skills I’ve honed over the years – public speaking and workshop facilitation – run alongside the research and creative dimensions of my work.

Exploring and adventuring both complement and deepen my engagement with nature and culture, whether hiking, swimming in the ocean or cycling long distances carrying my small world on my bike.  

Selected Achievements

• Collaboratively developed a conservation-focused group art exhibition with over 30 Waiheke Island artists that included a makerspace, outdoor workshops, school holiday programme and an artist’s panel session
• Completed a PhD on community conservation and citizen science in Aotearoa as well as Master’s degree in Fine Arts
• Received four major scholarships and awards for research, travel and public speaking
• Cycled around Ireland, the length of Aotearoa, across the widest point of Te Ika a Maui and from Queen Charlotte to Doubtful Sound
• Contributed two terms as Board Member for Forest and Bird National Office
• Worked as Expedition Artist with Raleigh International participants in Sabah, Malysian Borneo, and in Mongolia
• Volunteered with the Department of Conservation on Hauturu, Little Barrier and Rangitāhua, Raoul Island
• Created environmental education and tourism resources in Mongolia for a German development agency (GIZ)
• Awarded an Artist in Residence at the Chicago Centre of Book and Paper Arts