This month The Professional Edge chats with Penelope (Penny) Popp, P.Eng., a transportation engineer working for the Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure.
Tell us about your personal and professional background.
I grew up in small-town Saskatchewan and moved to a farm part way through elementary school. I went to high school in Vibank. From there, I went to the University of Regina where I studied engineering as well as business administration.
Why did you choose to go into engineering?
In school, I loved math, calculus and chemistry so it seemed like a natural fit. I enjoy tackling complex problems. I chose traffic engineering specifically because it is something that affects and benefits everyone – we all spend time on the highway so I saw it as a way to help people on a level that everyone could relate to.
What was your biggest challenge in college?
I didn’t face many challenges in my undergraduate studies but when I took my MBA I was working full time so that was a heavy work load.
What was your first job after college?
I started off with the Ministry of Highways working as a traffic engineer in the southern region office doing traffic operations. From there, I moved around within the ministry. I spent some time with SaskBuilds. That was a career highlight – helping to set up a new Crown corporation. We had a small staff involved in setting up many P3 projects so that was an exciting time.
What do you feel was your single greatest accomplishment as an [engineer/geoscientist]?
I’ve been involved with so many innovative projects that it’s hard to pick. One that stands out is the Highway #1 east functional study. All three communities east of Regina including the rural municipality were involved in the study. It was rewarding to play a part in bringing these stakeholders together to find solutions in a spirit of collaboration and cooperation.
What are your interests outside of work?
I enjoy running. I run with the Jaleta Pacers, a performance-oriented distance running club that also does charitable work. My family enjoys travelling. The Amazing Race is our favourite show!
Our favorite mode of travel is cruising, most often to Caribbean destinations. Most recently we went on our first Alaska cruise and now we are totally sold on it. Also in my spare time I enjoy developing and facilitating project management courses at U of R Centre for Continuing Education.
What is your favourite vacation spot?
Skagway, Alaska. The scenery there is amazing and the whole atmosphere is so peaceful, I just found the place to be really welcoming.
Have you ever met anyone famous?
Last year, I was having lunch at a restaurant and K.D. Lang was at the next table. I also run with Ted Jaleta. That is as close as I’ve been to famous people.
What is your favourite book or books you are reading now?
My favourite book is Pride and Prejudice which is a classic I can read over and over again and never tire of it. Likewise, I’ve read The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People many times. As for my current reading, I have a three-year-old at home so most of my book choices these days involve green eggs and ham and so forth.
Who has had the greatest influence on your life and career?
During my career, I have had countless mentors. A couple who stand out are Jon Wyatt, P.Eng. and Terri Arendt, P.Eng. who were my mentors in my first job who helped me figure out how to use engineering judgement to work with others and find solutions. They saw potential in me helped me grow and learn.
For my life in general, I would say my husband and children. My husband really helps me stay balanced. He is a huge supporter of my career – it helps that he’s also an engineer. We have LEGO in common. We have a whole room in our home devoted to LEGO.
TOP: Penelope (Penny) Popp, P.Eng. and family.