Jessica Bennett, Bethany Wollin, Sarah Kim, and Daniel Finlaison 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 Chemistry and Biological Science summer camps.
Bethany Wollin
Program: BSc, major in biological sciences, minor in nutrition
Interests: Reading, DIY projects, animals (especially dogs and cats), and anything related to Disney
What do you love most about science?
What I love most about science is learning about the little details and intricacy of everything around us, like in the systems of the human body, bacteria under a microscope, or the molecules that make up the food we eat.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
Promoting science is important because it teaches us so much about our world and leads to discoveries that can help us improve it. I want campers to know that science isn't just something we study in a classroom, but something we can experience anywhere. I love showing young students how fun science really is! My goal is to teach campers how to see science as more than a school subject and to be curious about the things around them.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with Science Summer Camps because I love having fun with the campers and seeing them get excited about what they are learning. Last summer, I worked with Science Camps and it was a blast, Doing fun science experiments with enthusiastic kids is the best way to spend a summer.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Barry Marshall, an Australian physician, showed that stomach ulcers were caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori by drinking a broth containing a culture of H. pylori and then treating himself with antibiotics (please don't try that at home).
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I've been to Thailand and ridden an elephant.
Sara Kim
Program: BSc, specialization in microbiology
Interests: Movies, reading, animals
What do you love most about science?
It's a field where everything has something new to learn with slight changes of perspective.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
They are the next generation to lead the advancement of science, and everything about our world is shaped in some way by science. Giving young people more opportunities to discover their talents and/or interests in science allows for them to develop innovative ideas to positively change the world in the near future. Having parents who are professionals in fields related to science exposed me to science at a very young age. I believe that experience allows me to understand the growing minds of young people and introduce science in an approachable and fun way!
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I enjoy discovering many aspects of science and would like to share how much fun science can be to the young campers. I also would like to apply parts of my school knowledge in these camps to contribute in making them great experiences.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
The discovery of penicillin was an accident. Dr. Alexander Fleming came back from his summer vacation to find Penicillium had destroyed nearby bacteria samples!
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I make really good bubble tea.
Daniel Finlaison
Program: BSc, medical laboratory science
Interests: Music and playing drums, soccer, tennis, and video games
What do you love most about science?
From physics and chemistry to the human body, I love to learn about the world and discover how to use that knowledge to solve real-world problems. I also like the general feeling of exploring, discovering, and learning in very hands-on and productive ways! When engaging in science there is never a dull day, and you can always find a way to satisfy your curiosity.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
I think science offers so many great ways to be creative, curious, and engaged with learning in ways that always feel fun. Getting kids involved in science at a young age promotes learning and creative thinking in that fun environment, and that can be carried with them through their life! I started with science at a young age, and it helped me find my way to university learning about what I love. I share that curiosity and itch to learn, which I think makes me a good fit to be a science mentor.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I worked with elementary classrooms for the past year teaching science through fun demos, and the experience was great. Science Summer Camps is the perfect way to extend that experience further. I love the idea of enjoying science and nature in the summertime, and helping kids enjoy it while learning a lot. Overall, I am excited for it to be a fun and rewarding experience!
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
One of my favorite science stories is the story of Dr. Barry Marshall. He was researching stomach ulcers, and discovered a dangerous bacteria called Helicobacter pylori was causing the stomach damage, but no one else would believe him. So, to make other scientists believe him, he drank a bunch of the bacteria! He gave himself stomach ulcers and even performed surgery on himself to prove the bacteria were causing the disease. He took treatment afterwards, recovered back to health, and was later awarded the Nobel Prize! Because of his work, stomach ulcers are easily treated and stomach cancer is much less common.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
Despite my love for science, I used to be a movie star. Just kidding, but I was an actor in two short films and one feature film. Apparently enough to get me a page on IMDB.
Jessica Bennett
Program: BSc Honors in cell biology
Interests: I am a self-proclaimed "fashion fanatic." I have a makeup addiction, my closet is way too full, and I will never say no to a new accessory! My other interests include skiing, kayaking, dancing, and playing the piccolo.
What do you love most about science?
I love that science has so much to offer. The more you learn, the more you realize how much there still is to learn.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
Every day, the question "what if...?" is asked thousands of times around the world. Science can help to answer this question, and spark new ideas. There are so many different options for a career in science, and it's important to share just how diverse and interesting science can be to young people. I believe I will be a good science mentor because I have been fortunate enough to have experiences offered to me in many fields of science, from biology to physics to earth and environmental sciences, so I have a lot of connections to the science community and can advise young people on the steps they need to take to pursue their dream science career.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
First of all, I love camp. Second, I love science. Third, I love kids. And finally, I am super excited to be surrounded by people who love science as much as I do this summer.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
My favourite scientific discovery is Archimedes' discovery of water displacement. Essentially, he figured out that when you put an object in water, it will displace a volume of water equal to its volume, an idea which came to him simply by getting into his bathtub! This discovery speaks to me because it shows that not all science discoveries need to be made in a lab, in fact you can make them at home, and his discovery supports my personal hypothesis that the greatest ideas are formed in the bathtub. My favourite scientist is without a doubt Dr. B (my dad), because he really went out of his way to make me love science, from daily "Science Hours" as a kid to being crazy enough to get me a liquid nitrogen tank for my seventh birthday (my all-time favourite birthday present).
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I am a provincial-level Brain Warrior. That means that for the past four years, I've been able to compete in and design science challenges to fight for the title of "Biggest Brain" in Nova Scotia!