Mark Ryall taught economics and mathematics for a combined twenty-four years. It took some struggle and career changes before Mark discovered his genuine self as a teacher. His first love in coaching was always cross country running, a sport which he felt made students stronger mentally and physically, and which promoted teamwork and mutual support.

The speculative fiction Age-Decoded is Mark’s first novel. He wrote the first draft about ten years ago to educate himself and the world about the imminent tsunami of genetic engineering. CRISPR-like technology will fundamentally affect what it means to be human. The story peers 100-200 years into the future, allowing the reader to critically imagine and feel this new scientific frontier.

Mark also competes in triathlons and represented Canada in the 2019 World Age-Group Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. He enjoys acrylic art, painting historic structures, landscapes, and sports portraits. He currently serves as a volunteer cross country coach for Westdale Secondary School in Hamilton. His education includes BSc (University of Waterloo), MBA (York University), and PhD (University of Toronto, Education). So let's get to know him a little better.