Chelsey St. Louis (L), Erin St. Jean (C), and Emily Stolz (R) welcome campers to the 2017 Science Summer Camps. Photo credit: Chan Rin
Erin St. Jean
Program: BSc, specialization in paleontology
Interests: Dinosaurs, rocks, the outdoors, space, and reading.
What do you love most about science?
I love asking questions about things, then finding the answers to those questions.
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
I think it is important to promote science to young people because they may find a field or topic that interests them that they had never heard of or considered before. I am a good science mentor because I am good at explaining information to people in a way that they understand.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with Science Summer Camps because I enjoy teaching others about topics I am interested in.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I enjoy drawing in my spare time.
Chelsey St. Louis
Program: BEd, major in biological sciences, minor in general sciences
Interests: Running, biking, ultimate frisbee, and reading.
What do you love most about science?
Science is amazing because it's around us all the time! It's everywhere and we can find it in literally every aspect of life. It's easy to relate to and it never stops changes and evolving. There's always something new to learn about.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
Science is important to promote to young people because it not only enhances their understanding of the world around them but it allows them to learn more about themselves. Since the realms of science are so diverse, young people can unearth interests in themselves they never knew they had. I believe I'm a good science mentor because I have an undying passion for science myself. It's easy for me to emit genuine enthusiasm about the subjects I'm teaching because I simply love talking about them.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I had a great experience working with Science Summer Camps last summer and am super grateful to have the opportunity to work with young people again. I find them inspiring, hilarious, and truly enjoy spending my time with them. Not only do we get to work in the new university science buildings, surrounded by brilliant minds and research, but we get to enjoy the sunshine that the U of A campus offers throughout the summer months.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I recently spent the last three months in Macao, China completing my advanced field experience for my education degree. Although I didn't return completely fluent in Cantonese, I had the unforgettable experience of eating chicken feet. Let's just say it isn't a dish I'd recommend!
Emily Stolz
Program: BSc, double major in biological sciences and psychology
Interests: Animals, comic books, and swing dancing.
What do you love most about science?
I love how there's really no end to science; there's always something new to learn and discover!
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
Promoting science encourages young people to develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well throughout their lives, and is also a fascinating and rewarding field to be involved with. I am a good science mentor because I really enjoy what I have learned in my field and strive to encourage others to find their area of interest and pursue it.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
It combines my love of working with kids and my love of all things science. Plus it allows me to talk about dinosaurs with a whole group of young people who actually want to listen!
Tell us a fun fact about you!
Last summer I worked as a research assistant in the educational biology department of the University of Osnabrück in Germany.