Volunteer Spotlight
Randy Jones
How did you first learn about the Children's Science Center? I found out about it through my cousin, Kara Jonach, who works there.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Where are you from, occupation, homelife, etc. I am originally from Ohio. I have a bachelor’s degree in biology. As a kid I grew up with snakes, lizards, fish, and one grumpy tortoise. These were my mother’s pets and it was my mother’s passion for animals that got me into biology.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering at the Lab? I enjoy the animal encounter the most. Seeing the excitement in our guests eyes is something hard to find elsewhere. One twenty minute encounter could be the start of a lifetime of passion and curiosity for our visitors for the natural world. It is very important to get the next generation excited about science. I am happy to be part of a team that ensures that happens.
What scientist do you admire most and why
? Richard Losick. He might not be a well know scientist for the general science community, but he is a rock star in the microbiology field. Despite the fact that he has been studying bacteria longer than I have been alive. He is still able to summon a great deal of energy and passion when he talks about his craft. That is what I admire most about him. You can just tell from listening to him talk, that he cares greatly about his work.
How can we inspire young people to become interested in science? Rule number one - speak with passion. If it sounds like you don’t care what you are talking about, why should they?
What is one scientific question you would like to see answered in your lifetime? What is the exact order in how the three domains diverged and developed? We have a rough outline, but still a long way to go before we can concretely answer this important question about our ancestry.
Learn more about volunteering with the Children's Science Center by visiting our
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