Problem Solver

Judi Krzyzanowski star Proven Solver

Judi Krzyzanowski

Areas Judi Krzyzanowski is Knowledgeable in:

Air Quality
Climate Change
Agriculture
Food Science
Forest Management
Waste Management
Alternative Energy
Public Health
Oil and Gas

Techniques Judi Krzyzanowski Uses:

I think the first step for solving any problem is to look at the big picture—the biggest picture you can fathom based on the specific problem.

This usually, no matter what the problem may be, requires initial brainstorming—and I have volumes and volumes of notebooks to prove it. The next step is usually to gather external information about the problem: papers, research, commentary and the like, preferably from those considered experts in the field in question. This is true even when the problem is unique, there will always be some information the exists surrounding, or related to, the problem.

From there I chisel away what isn't relevant; but like a Master sculptor, I see in the big picture (e.g. block of stone) what needs to remain for the final solution (sculpture)—this comes from the brain-storming and research.

I carefully remove the material that is either unnecessary or irrelevant, while being sure not to remove (or ignore) relevant parts—such as accidentally chipping off the ear or finger of a marble statue. In other words, there may be ideas/information seemingly insignificant and on the edge or even outside of the problem, but it may in reality be crucial to a problem's solution.

I logically organize all materials by distance to the heart of the issue, and sort through accordingly. Using the human sculpture as an example, I like to spatially organize ideas/information forming a sort of tree, or human body. At the heart is the issue/problem, and the limbs each represent branches of importance/influence that affect the problem and solution. The head is where change can occur — the solution. The head may be technology, policy or anything really (depending on the problem), but remember the head includes: ears, lips, a nose and many hairs; all of which may be used to specifically inform/influence the solution.
By visualizing problems in this way, I find that solutions are always comprehensive and consider all aspects of the problem—rather than the band-aid solutions we so often see today, even after the hand's been cut off.
I wish I could explain my technique more sensibly, but hope that helps. It does work.

Judi Krzyzanowski's Problem Solving Skills:

  1. Fresh Water Chemistry and Aquatic Conservation
  2. Energy Sector 'Sustainability'
  3. Waste Management and Profitability
  4. 'Green' Business Solutions
  5. Biological Conservation
  6. Life-Cycle Analyses
  7. Waste-to-Energy (Technology and Solutions)
  8. Regulatory Approval (International)
  9. Air, and/or Construction, Permitting
  10. Atmospheric Chemistry
  11. Environmental Impact Assessment
  12. Writing, Editing and Science Journalism
  13. Agricultural Research
  14. Air Quality Modelling
  15. Emissions Inventorying and Inventory Development
  16. Computer Proficiency
  17. Novel Food Product Development
  18. Plant Breeding and Seed/Strain Development
  19. Public Health
  20. Leadership
  21. Air Quality and Climate Change Science
  22. ArcView GIS
  23. Horticulture
  24. Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
  25. Sustainable Forest Management
  26. Genetic Diversity in Wild and Managed ecosystems
  27. Soil Health
  28. Pest Management
  29. Project Management
  30. Human and Population Health

Judi Krzyzanowski's Problem Solving Experience:

  1. I have successfully applied for permits and environmental approval for a variety of clients, including complex applications for specific rule/regulatory exemptions; thereby helping clients exceed regulatory/stakeholder expectations by solving complex technical and scientific problems.
  2. I have developed a frost resistant tomato (at least to the first few frosts), worked in a genetics lab studying the diversity of tropical trees/forests, used to run a food company, and regularly develop novel food products from wild and organically produced ingredients.
  3. I have helped develop solutions (through Idea Connection) for the imaging of plant diseases, the control of thrips in greenhouses, the environmentally benign control of rodents in a variety of situations, and more.
  4. I was an author of Canada's first Climate Change policy, have helped develop emergency management regulations, and have sat on government-run boards for human health, air quality, acid rain and oil and gas—as a scientific expert.