Dorlen Gomez (L), Michael Caboteja (C), and Thomas Pham (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 Intermediate Computing Science summer camps.
Dorlen Gomez
Program: BEd, secondary education
Interests: Math, computing science, reading science fiction and fantasy, movies, and video games
What do you love most about science?
I love science, because it's the best tool we have to learn about ourselves and the universe. Just like when reading a novel, each chapter uncovers a mystery of the story. Similarly, each scientific discovery allows us to have a better and deeper understanding of the world we live in.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
I believe that promoting science to young people is important, because the process of learning science alone teaches children problem-solving skills and critical thinking. When children exercise their logical reasoning through engaging science activities, it translates into other areas of their lives. Young people will be able to practice better decision-making skills in general. I am an effective science mentor because I can explain seemingly complex science concepts in terms that young people can easily understand.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
Working with Science Summer Camps is a perfect alignment with my passion and hobbies. While I love video games and computing science, I have a passion for teaching young people. I am so excited to witness student creativity and innovation through computing science and game design.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
My favourite scientist is Alessandro Volta, who discovered the first electric battery. He revolutionized science, because his discovery of the battery inspired and enabled further scientific developments.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I have over 300 books in my room that I have collected since I started reading.
Michael Caboteja
Program: BSc, computing science specialization
Interests: Volleyball, snowboarding, martial arts, movies, games, and travelling
What do you love most about science?
We have amassed a substantial amount of knowledge of the inner workings of our world. Science is used to help save lives and has even sent us into the great beyond. What I love most about science is its applications in exploring and uncovering the unknown. The more we learn, the more we realize how little we actually know.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
It is important to promote science and help young people recognize how fun learning about it can be, since everywhere we look there is more than meets the eye. I strive to be a good mentor to provide a fun learning environment to foster individual interests in the wonders of computing science.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
To help young people realize that coding isn't as daunting a subject to learn as they might think.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
The idea of quantum cryptography and the applications for the idea of quantum money.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I am a black belt in Tae-Kwon-Do.
Thomas Pham
Program: BSc, computing science
Interests: Television shows and video games
What do you love most about science?
I love how accessible and vast science is. There's something for everyone and there are no barriers preventing anyone from engaging with science.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
Since the future of science rests in the hands of subsequent generations, we should introduce them to the wonders of science as early as we can. Generating interest for science in kids helps them consider science as a possible career choice. My desire to make everything fun makes me a good science mentor. I believe that the best way to learn something is by making the learning experience a fun and enjoyable one.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
Science Summer Camps are a great opportunity for me to share my passion for science with people who are willing to learn.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Einstein never wore socks because his toe kept making holes in them.