Dami Wi (L), Judy Tran (C), and Ayanna Bennet (R) welcome campers to the 2019 Science Summer Camps. Photo credit: John Ulan
Science Summer Camp instructors are passionate and enthusiastic about sharing their love of science with our camps of future scientists. Meet the instructors of this year's Math and Physics summer camps.
Dami Wi
Program: BSc
Interests: Hiking, rock climbing, snowboarding, skiing, and playing badminton
What do you love most about science?
I love science, especially math, because it satisfies me when I can use what I have learned in real life. For example: calculating if I should get one 18-inch pizza or two 12-inch pizzas.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
By promoting science to young people, they'll have a better and more accurate understanding of the world around them. They will also have an easier time with applying what they have learned to their lives.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I want to work with Science Summer Camp because I love working with young students. I love seeing how inspired they are when I teach them. Their energy inspires me as a person and motivates me to become a better university student.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Sophia Kovalevskaya is a Russian mathematician who was born in a time period where women were not allowed to attend school. However, she never gave up and eventually received a doctorate degree after publishing a paper on differential equations. She is also the first woman in that region who received full professorship.
Judy Tran
Program: BEd, elementary education
Interests: Ready, movies, spending time with family, volunteering
What do you love most about science?
I love how to be involved in science, one must be filled with endless curiosity. There's always something more to know, something to be questioned, and something to discover.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
Science isn't just about learning about topics or ideas, but about building certain skill sets that are applicable in many avenues in life. Teaching science is also about teaching young people how to think logically, to be inquisitive, and to have perseverance in the face of challenges. These are ideals which I promote every time I work with young people, and I support the development of these attributes by creating a welcoming learning environment for all.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I have always enjoyed working with young students because of their enthusiasm and energy. I would often be on campus during the summer and noticed the summer camps and thought this would be a great way for me to gain experience for my future career as a teacher, to work with other amazing people, and have some cool adventures along the way.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Nikola Tesla claimed to have created a death ray.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I have never eaten a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in my life.
Ayanna Bennet
Program: BEd, elementary education
Interests: Sports, exercise, arts, crafts
What do you love most about science?
I love that science can help explain the world around us.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
Science is empowering because is gives young people the opportunity to discover scientific truths for themselves. I want learning to be a positive experience for everyone. Science should be-and is-fun!
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I want to gain experience that I can take into my career as a teacher.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Tycho Brahe wore a fake nose because he lost his real one during a duel over who was a better scientist.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
Using butter knives, I painted a picture of my brother's pet chicken and gave it to him as a Christmas present.