How did you first learn about the Childrenās Science Center?
I have one of my closest friendsā family to thank for a lot of my enthusiasm around STEM, and especially for introducing me to the Childrenās Science Center. Through doing science fair projects together, competing in the Virginia Science Olympiad, and visiting the Lab, my friend and I explored our curiosities around STEM while having so much fun together every step of the way. I became thoroughly inspired by the Childrenās Science Centerās mission.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Where are you from, school, family, pets, etc:
Currently, I am a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County and love dancing, baking, working out, and doing anything outdoors in my free time! I also enjoy tutoring kids in STEM and encouraging them to dream big and develop passions outside of their interests.
Why did you get involved with the Childrenās Science Center?
I am incredibly fortunate to have been brought up with so many opportunities to fuel my curiosity for science and love for math. I believe that my experiences with STEM at a young age are what allowed me to discover my passion and participate in after-school clubs, fairs, competitions, and classes that interested me and would be relevant to my future career. My ultimate goal, and why I got involved with the Childrenās Science Center and tutoring kids in STEM subjects, is to inspire young minds to pursue STEM as a hobby and potential career.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering with the Center?
Brainstorming new ways to create engaging activities for kids of various ages to discover the wonders of science has been a truly enlightening experience. It is a great feeling to know that I am making a difference in the community by helping spread enthusiasm for STEM. I have already made so many memories showcasing projects, planning events, and adapting to new challenges with fellow youth volunteers of the Center, and I am endlessly excited to continue supporting its mission.
What scientist do you admire and why?
Pierre Curie is one of my favorite scientists because he, alongside Marie, selflessly gave his life to their radiation experiments which laid the groundwork for so many more discoveries in chemistry. Also, when offered the Nobel Prize, he said he would only accept it if his wife Marie would receive it alongside him, which was a bold request to make because women were rarely recognized for their scientific contributions at the time.
How can we inspire young people to become interested in science?
The hands-on environment and creative, interactive experiments that the Childrenās Science Center provides create the perfect atmosphere to cultivate an interest in science. As a kid, I loved exploring the large variety of scientific fields at fairs and conventions where I could see real examples and sometimes participate in related activities as well. I believe the most important consideration in creating an inspiring space for children to discover science is to showcase many different aspects of science in a condensed way so that visitors get a taste of various fields.
What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime?
Do humans perceive colors in the same way? For example, is my green the same as everyone elseās green, or do others see some other color instead?
