Riley Antler, Samantha Bruns, Helen Gezahegn, Piseth Pich, and Alex Rumbles (left to right) welcome campers to the 2017 Science Summer Camps. Photo credit: Chan Rin
Riley Antler
Program: BEd, math major and computing science minor
Interests: Reading and dancing
What do you love most about science?
I love science because there are endless possibilities. In computing science especially as the only limitation is your imagination. You can create anything you want if you put your mind to it.
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
I believe science is where the future lies and it is important to educate young students so they can be aware of what is out there. I have taken computing science classes for five years now and originally came to the University of Alberta to become a computing scientist. I believe it is important for the students to not be afraid or intimidated by what might seem scary at first. Especially in a field where there are not many women yet I believe it is great to show all students, boys and girls, that computing science for everyone. After realizing my love for science as well as teaching I decided that becoming a computing science teacher is what I am meant to do.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I worked at Science Summer Camps last year and this job never felt like work. I enjoyed every minute of working with the students and seeing them understand and grasp concepts was such a rewarding experience.
Samantha Bruns
Program: BEd,elementary program
Interests: Reading, making art, and I am learning how to snowboard!
What do you love most about science?
Science can make people live longer, make learning more fun, and turn science fiction into reality.
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
Science is in all parts of life, medicine, technology, art, nature, research, theater, fashion, business, and more. Science affects everyone, so everyone-especially young people-should be interested and involved. Not to mention it is pretty cool to know how things in our world work. I am a good science mentor because I love learning more about science myself; I'm always up for a new fun fact, learning how to do something new, or discovering new ways to see our world.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
As a future full-time educator, I love teaching! Science Summer Camps are a great way to teach new things with new people.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I have a keen interest in Scandinavian mythology and general fairytale history. It's fascinating!
Helen Gezahegn
Program: BSc,computing science
What do you love most about science?
I love the open-mindedness and creativity required in science-how it lets the curious mind wander, explore, and try to understand. It's a field that is continuously growing, ambitious in the way that it is persistently searching for a better understanding of our world. The field creates a community of scientists alike that, through collaboration, aim to improve our society. A community of curious, open-minded people all working towards the same main goal-what's not to like?
Why do you think you think it is important to promote science to young people, and why are you a good science mentor?
Young people are so creative and curious that I find it imperative to promote science among them. They have interesting perspectives and through their eagerness to learn, we should encourage and guide their curiosity. Essentially, science is an integral part of our world and helps us understand it. By shaping and introducing young minds to science early, we're pushing them to reach their full potential and become better contributing members of society. I'd be a good mentor because I'm energetic, enthusiastic, and patient. I'm a good listener and I will be receptive to the needs of my students, taking advantage of learning opportunities to encourage growth within them and make the most of this experience for them.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
From personal experience, I can relate to being curious about science, especially computing science, but not knowing where to start. Science can be intimidating without proper introduction, so this is a great opportunity to help youth discover and promote their interests.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
My hair, when straight, goes down to my thighs. You can't really tell when it's curly. I'm also a hardcore Beyonce fan.
Piseth Pich
Program: After degree, secondary education
Interests: Science, sports, video games, watching TV/movies, and hanging out with my friends.
What do you love most about science?
What I love most about science is that you can relate it to many everyday situations. Also, science helps us to understand how the world works.
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 that's how new ideas and inventions are created. At the same time by promoting science, we are providing them with options to which they themselves can explore what their interests are. I think that I would be a good science mentor because I'm passionate about science and I can make it exciting and fun.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with the Science Summer Camps because it aligned with my career aspiration and that is to become a science teacher. Furthermore, this summer camp will give me the hands-on experience that I will need to order to develop my own teaching practice as well as practice my classroom management.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
Two fun facts about me is that I love food, and I'm afraid of being stranded in the middle of the ocean at night.
Alex Rumbles
Program: BSc, double major in computing science and earth and atmospheric sciences
Interests: Hiking, skiing, and traveling
What do you love most about science?
What I love most about science is that is helps me to understand the world around me and find new and exciting ways to approach and solve problems.
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 science and technology are a huge part of everything we do, and learning about science allows you to develop skills that are beneficial in many areas. I am passionate about all areas of science and I believe I can help provide a fun and positive learning environment.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with Science Summer Camps to share my love of learning with others in a fun setting. It combines my interest in working with young people with my interest in science.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I have been playing soccer for 18 years.