Founder:  Michael Lucenkiw
Company Name:  Environment Machine Shop

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself.  
   I hold a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture and Fine Arts. I’m passionate about finding ways to use technology to help us better understand the world around us. Most recently, I’ve been focusing on that relationship and how it can be applied to enhance environmental empathy and awareness through interactive artworks.
2. Tell us about your company 
   My company, the Environment Machine Shop, was created to leverage DIY and Citizen Science-based strategies to improve environmental awareness. An important value of the company is to expand the definition of researcher to include scientists, artists, hobbyist, and curious citizens. The first product to be launched will focus on water quality monitoring. This device will be affordable and open-source so that it can be modified to meet more specific needs.
3. How do you feel the RBC EPICentre Founders program will be beneficial to growing your company? 
   Being in the program has allowed me to focus on developing my business and products. Without that financial support, it wouldn’t be possible. Having no formal business training, this program has taught me skills that have adjusted the trajectory of my business in a really positive direction.
4. Why do you feel it’s important to have a company like yours in our community? 
   The ability to make good decisions often depends on having access to information. The ability to collect good data about local environmental quality empowers citizens to make informed decisions. Through the Environment Machine Shop, I hope to remove barriers to having access to that data through water quality monitors.
5. Where do you hope to see yourself and your company by the end of this program? 
   I hope to have a functioning, field-tested prototype of a water quality monitor. I also want to have a clear organization plan for the company.Learn more about Environment Machine Shop:
   @environment.machine.shop
   http://ems.michaellucenkiw.com