“It made me feel special and empowered to represent Science Rendezvous,” says Hiba Hamed, a three-time Science Rendezvous volunteer, as she looks fondly back on memories of taking photobooth pictures in a lab coat surrounded by chemicals and scientific equipment.
Her first Science Rendezvous was in May of 2013 at the University of Windsor, inspired to volunteer to meet others also passionate about the sciences. One of her favourite memories is taking pictures with them at the photobooth station, as well as the DNA necklace building station.
“I would consider myself a jack of all trades,” she says of her undergraduate degree in Arts and Science. After taking a year off upon graduation, Hamed pursued a Masters in Social Work. “It was pretty challenging but it opened my life to the reality of the gaps we see in the programs and services offered in the community.” Now she is a researcher, a part-time professor for mental health and diversity and inclusion, a clinical social worker and a mental health counsellor at a womens’ shelter. But her journey doesn’t end there. Her future goals are to go to medical school or pursue a PhD in public health, “and start a family, as that is important and valuable within our culture.”
Having had many great memories of Science Rendezvous, Hamed says it is important in numerous ways, including providing youth the opportunity to discover new career paths and hands-on experiences. “It also allows the innovation of the science field with research and experimentation, whether it’s with the solar system, ecology, chemistry, biology, and so forth.” She adds that Science Rendezvous also enables others to be open to new things and to how science has progressed historically and currently.
Science Rendezvous is made possible by the efforts of 6000 volunteers and are delighted to have amazing volunteers such as Hiba. We wish Hiba the best in her future endeavors and career and are grateful for her time with us.
Meet more of our wonderful volunteers at next year’s Science Rendezvous event on May 8, 2021!
