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Poet blends art and science to paint total picture by Abigail Cukier Special to the Beaver 19 | Friday, July 10, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Dr. Madhur Anand is not sure why she wrote that first poem back in 1996. While finishing her PhD in theoretical ecology at Western University, she just sat down and did it. "It kind of came out of nowhere," she says. "But maybe because of all of the time I was spending alone, immersed in computer simulations, complex systems theory and vegetation dynamics, I just needed to think differently." Now, a professor and University Research Chair at the University of Guelph, Anand, who grew up in Oakville, recently published a book of poetry, A New Index for Predicting Catastrophes, which explores art, science and the environment. Growing up in Oakville Anand lived in Oakville from age 11-18. Her dad, Mohan, is a former Halton provincial Liberal candidate and member of the United Way Oakville (UWO) board of directors, and is active in the girls-in-science movement. Anand went to Brookdale Public School and T.A. Blakelock High School. A poem in her book refers to her first significant encounter with poetry in Grade 11. In Blakelock Hall of Fame "In 2008, my high school honoured me by inducting me into their Hall of Fame. It was such an honour to go back there after so many years and speak to the entire school in the auditorium," says Anand, who is married with three children. She kept writing after she earned her PhD and published her first poem in 2003 and several more over the next few years. A fan of poetry She says she reads poetry "like crazy." "I have dozens and dozens of poetry books on my shelf and issues of Poetry magazine (Chicago) that date back continuously to 2003. And I read much more than that see Ecologist on p.22 WHAT'S ON INSIDEHALTON.COM · · · · · · · · BE INTERACTIVE WITH YOUR COMMUNITY SITE Local movie listings Submit an event, Comment on a story, Submit a photo, video or article for Local event listings consideration Local news and opinion Used cars in our area Full local business directory Local classified listings Daily deals from WagJag Links to local announcements and apartment rentals Jon Kuiperij Sports Editor, insidehalton.com Dr. Madhur Anand | photo courtesy Karen Whylie - Coyote Photos Child Care Job Fair Wed., July 15 10 am-3 pm 410 Rebecca St., Oakville We are seeking fun, nurturing, On-Site Supervisors, ECE and nonECE teachers who are dedicated to supporting the healthy growth and development of children. To learn more about joining our team, please visit us at the job fair or send your resume to: childcare@oakville.ymca.ca. 905-845-3417 ymcaofoakville.org y da k s/ w hr ys/ 24 da 7 since 1991 Senior Care & Home Health Care Featuring our Uniworld Group Departures for 2016 Join Our Presentation Special Care For Seniors Monte Carlo Inn 374 South Service Road E., Oakville, ON Providing exceptional quality care both inside & outside the home. · Palliative Care · Dementia Care · Personal Care · Home Care · Light Exercise · Companion Services · Manicures · Pedicures · Hairdressing · Accompany to any appointments · Fluent in English, Spanish, Italian & Portuguese Tuesday July 14th 2:00 - 4:00 pm Refreshments will be served Call to R.S.V.P. Tate, Grade 11. Current HSC and provincial rugby star, future surgeon and humanitarian. Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Join us this summer! Visit www.hsc.on.ca to learn about our camp opportunities. Call us to discuss your health care needs Tel: 905-847-4463 Cell: 905-467-7716 905-338-2077 · 1-800-361-6688 www.bobscruises.com