Gabe Moreau, Talia Santarossa, and Erin St Jean (top to bottom) welcome campers to the 2018 Science Summer Camps. Photo credit: Michaela Ream
Science Summer Camp instructors are passionate and enthusiastic about sharing their love of science with our camps of future scientists. Meet the instructors of our Nature summer camps.
Erin St Jean
Program: BSc, specialization in paleontology
Interests: I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and drawing.
What do you love most about science?
I love that science helps us to understand the world around us in new ways.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
I think that it's important to promote science to young people because they're creative and can bring new and interesting solutions to scientific problems. I'm a good science mentor because I'm super passionate about science, and all of my favourite science mentors were really passionate about their field of study.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with Science Summer Camps because I really enjoy teaching others about science, and the summer camps provide kids with a way to learn science in a really fun way. The camps also can provide kids with access to cool resources, like microscopes, computer programs, and museums.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
My favourite scientist is Mary Anning, who was one of the first paleontologists. She discovered hundreds of different fossils, many of which were important to understanding prehistoric life and the history of the Earth.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I recently climbed halfway up a mountain three different times, which I think is pretty cool. I'm also interested in studying fossil lizards, which are understudied in comparison to other fossils.
Talia Santarossa
Program: BSc Honors in pharmacology
Interests: Refereeing and playing volleyball, reading, cooking, and watching my hometown Calgary Flames on the ice.
What do you love most about science?
I love how science is all about the "why?" of the universe! There are so many cool phenomena that surround us every day, and science helps us to figure out what makes these events so extraordinary.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
In a few years, young people are the ones who are going to be making the next big discoveries and advancements in science, so sparking an interest in the field from a young age is really important. I have worked on scientific research projects in several areas and am interested in many domains outside of my own field of study as well as the education aspect of science, which I feel make me a good science mentor.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with Science Summer Camps because it gives me the opportunity to share my love of science with the next generation of innovators and hopefully help them find something that they are passionate about.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Marie Curie, who discovered both of the radioactive elements polonium and radium, the radiation from which is known to cause cancer, founded what is now the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Institute of Oncology, which specializes in cancer research and treatment.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I share a unique trait with Daniel Radcliffe (the actor who played Harry Potter); we can both make the shape of a 'W' with our tongues!
Gabe Moreau
Program: BEd in secondary education
Interests: Exercise, reading, cooking
What do you love most about science?
The opportunities to learn fun or challenging things.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
I believe it's important to promote science to young people because kids should learn to experiment and challenge different viewpoints. I like to encourage kids' curiosity and discussions about the world, and I think that makes me a good science mentor.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I've had a similar job before and it was the most wholesome and fun summer work I've ever had!
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I make a mean chickpea curry.