2023 Outstanding Volunteers

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Science Rendezvous would not be possible without our passionate and dedicated volunteers. Nearly 6,000 researchers, undergraduate and graduate students make these events come to life each year all across Canada.

Our volunteer coordinating teams commit nearly 8 months of planning to develop Science Rendezvous events in their community; often in addition to their full time employment, research, studies and teaching schedules. Our passionate and creative volunteers are really what make Science Rendezvous so special.

Scientists, researchers and students come together to bring their love for STEAM to life in interactive and exciting ways. 2023 was an extraordinary year, with the return to full in-person programming across the country! We cannot thank our volunteers enough for what they do. Below we have profiled the top coordinators and exceptional volunteers at each event site, as nominated by their peers.

Outstanding Volunteers

Anya Batycky

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Anya Batycky is a MSc Candidate in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta.

“My research focuses on the biodegradation and environmental fate of flocculants in oil sands tailings. I volunteer with the Land Reclamation International Graduate School and Future Energy Systems, educating the public on oil sands mining and reclamation. My love of science communication combined with a passion for encouraging diversity in STEAM led me to volunteer with the Alberta Women’s Science Network as their Communications Co-Lead.”

Why Science Rendezvous?

“I have always been committed to science communication and outreach. As a graduate student involved in research, I value creating a safe space to ask questions and be curious, and ensuring science and research are accessible to the public. Science Rendezvous is a perfect event for bridging research in academia with the public.”

Anya volunteered for the first time in 2023, creating a demo teaching the public about oil sands mining waste and the importance of water quality.

My favourite memory from Science Rendezvous was showing kids how flocculants work to remove particulates from water, and listening to how they value water quality. I always enjoying seeing their faces light up when they understand a concept, and their enthusiasm during an activity.

When asked to provide some final thoughts about this year’s event, Anya shared: “I had an amazing time at the 2023 event. I was able to teach and communicate with kids and adults of various ages, and received positive feedback from my activity”
Breanne Aylward

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Breanne Aylward holds a BSc in Biological Sciences and a MSc in Health Promotion and Socio-behavioural Sciences. She is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Alberta’s School of Public Health.

“My research and outreach focus on connections between climate change and human health. For my doctoral research, I am examining how climate change impacts the mental health and wellbeing of young people in Canada.”

Why Science Rendezvous?

“Science Rendezvous is an excellent opportunity to share my passion for climate change and health with my community! It’s hard to find another event where you connect with such a diverse range of people.”

Breanne first volunteered at Science Rendezvous in 2022, when her research group created a booth for the event. “We were introduced to Science Rendezvous by one of the amazing organizers (Valerie Miller), who provided outstanding support and guidance as we created hands-on activities to share our research with the public!” She shares that one of her favourite parts of Science Rendezvous is the sense of community and excitement for science. “I love interacting with the families attending the event, but it’s also incredible to learn from the other volunteers, and to see all the hard work that went into creating their demonstrations.”

What is your favourite activity or demo?

“One of our activities is a “choose your own adventure” that challenges kids to apply the learnings from each of our previous stations. One of the prompts asks them to share one thing they learned, and it was incredibly rewarding to hear kids talk about the different ways that climate change impacts health, as well as the strategies we can use to protect our health.”
Camille Velasco

Simon Fraser University

Camille Velasco was a Teaching Assistant for SFU Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology’s 300-level anatomy class. Currently, she is a Kinesiologist at Forge Health in Burnaby, BC.

“I have helped spearhead multiple outreach projects at SFU to cultivate interest in science by engaging youth in anatomy and physiology. These projects primarily use SFU’s Anatomage (virtual cadaver dissection) table to facilitate virtual and in person K-12 Human Anatomy workshops and to create free cadaver-based anatomy and physiology resources for teaching and learning purposes. With the help of several ecceptional, enthusiastic undergraduate students and very supportive SFU staff (shoutout to Dr. Leanne Ramer, James Liggins, Nicole Conquergood, Pritika Purba, Jamie Mundy, and Lara Gastaldello), we have successfully created outlets and resources for anatomy to be fun, interactive, accessible, and approachable.”

Why Science Rendezvous?

“When we learned about Science Rendezvous, we felt the event reflected our mission and would be a great opportunity to extend our reach and impact to larger audiences. We were invited to participate by SFU Science Outreach and we were thrilled to be involved in such a large scale event!”

What is your favourite memory and/or demonstration from Science Rendezvous?

“I loved seeing so much interest in the Anatomage table from all age groups. All of the demonstrations were fantastic!”

Camille and her group were invited to participate in Science Rendezvous by SFU Science Outreach. “We were thrilled to be involved in such a large scale event!”, she shares. This was her first year volunteering at Science Rendezvous, and she hopes to be back again in 2024. We can’t wait to see what you do!
Carly Charron

Western University

Carly Charron is a PhD Candidate in Biology, who holds a Bachelors of Science, Honors Specialization in Genetics.

“My research is focused on developing an edible Salmonella vaccine for chickens. I conduct STEAM outreach through Let’s Talk Science at Western University, and STEAM communication as a host on GradCast, a podcast highlighting graduate student research at Western University”

Why Science Rendezvous?

“I got involved with Science Rendezvous because I am passionate about STEAM outreach/promotion and love seeing the joy and excitement on children’s faces when they discover/learn something new.”

Carly first volunteered with Science Rendezvous in 2022, as the Social Media Manager for the Communications Committee at Western University.

What is your favourite memory and/or demonstration from Science Rendezvous?

“My favourite memory from Science Rendezvous is when I helped run the GradCast booth at the 2023 event at Western. We did mini ‘interviews’ with the kids where we asked them what they want to be when they grow up. It was so fun to hear all of their answers. My favourite demonstration is the science magic show. The kids, and the parents, always enjoy it!”

Any thoughts for next year?

“The 2023 event was a huge success thanks to all of the hardworking and passionate members of the organizing committee. I am certain that the 2024 event will be just as great, or even better!”
Dagem Haddis

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Dagem Haddis is a PhD Candidate at the University of Alberta. He is currently researching the co-production of ethanol and cellulose nanocrystals through an enzymatic mediated approach to enhance the overall economics of ethanol industry.

He got involved in Science Rendezvous through the Future Energy Systems group. He saw this as an opportunity for him to explain his research work to a broader audience.

Dagem’s favourite demonstration was showing kids and families how fermentation works. As far as his favourite memory goes, it was certainly hearing the audience’s comments. “It was great and getting encouraging feedback”, he shares.
Erin Barley

Simon Fraser University

Erin Barley has a background in Biology, and is currently a Senior Lecturer at Simon Fraser University.

“Science Rendezvous is always a really fun event. It’s a great way to connect with the public, showcase different aspects of science, and welcome them to the SFU campus.”

Erin has been running activities for Science Rendezvous for about 10 years. “I love seeing the expression on kids faces when they stretch out the snake skin and realize it’s taller than their parents! I [also] love activities where the public gets to touch our biological specimens: skulls, taxidermied animals, shells and such. I think tactile experiences are so important for learning, when so much of our lives involve screens.”
Fatemeh Bakhtiari Ziabari

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Fatemeh Bakhtiari Ziabari holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering, and is currently a postdoctoral researcher.

“As a postdoctoral researcher, I worked on production of biojet fuels from waste lipid material. In my PhD, I worked on bioproduction and bioconversion.”

Why Science Rendezvous?

“As a person with a long history in academia, Science Rendezvous has been an amazing opportunity for me to meet people from all ages and backgrounds and talk about our research at university. I have found that being able to convey complex scientific concepts to kids and their families through games or simple demonstrations has been a way to familiarize them with what we do at university and demonstrate how science can help us solve issues that our world is facing.”

Fatemeh first got involved with the program “Science Odyssey” in 2022, through Future Energy Systems, and found it a fascinating experience. “I did not hesitate to get involved for the second year when I head about Science Rendezvous.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“I have always loved how kids see the world. My favourite memory every time is when we introduce kids to the world of bacteria and ask them to draw on boards what they think bacteria look like. It is always fascinating to see how creative the drawings are and how informed most kids already are about bacteria and their world.”

What is your favourite activity?

“My favourite activity is showing the kids using hands on activities how can bacteria actually he useful for us and how they can basically produce some of the really important materials we use in our everyday lives.”

Fatemeh shared that the 2023 event went amazing! “I found that this year we were very busy with science enthusiasts and many people showed up to the event. I think Science Rendezvous has been successful in getting the attention of many young kids and I would be excited to see the 2024 program as I think we will see even bigger crowds.”
Fei Cheng

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Fei Cheng is currently a Master of Science Candidate at the University of Alberta studying the reuse of an industrial waste for the treatment of wastewater.

Why Science Rendezvous?

“Science Rendezvous provided an excellent platform and environment to showcase and advocate my research ideas with children and families. It was a great experience for me and my team. We had a lot of fun and got to improve our science communication skills by interacting with the audience and learning from each other’s presentation and demos.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“I enjoyed learning from children’s wonder when we walked through the demo together. They asked very inspiring and thought-provoking questions from angles that I myself never thought of. Overall, I really liked the interactions I had with the children, their families, and my peers at the event.”

What is your favourite demo from Science Rendezvous?

“My favorite demo is me and my friends’ (who helped out with my table) activity – demo for industrial waste management and water protection. We also enjoyed and learned new ideas from the other activities we visited.”
Francisco Basaure

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Francisco Basaure is studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. He researches energy storage systems for fast charge electric vehicles. Francisco started volunteering with Science Rendezvous a year and a half ago. As he puts it, “what good is knowledge if it’s not to be shared?”

When asked about his favourite memory from Science Rendezvous, Francisco shared that it was seeing a lot more people than he expected at his booth. We also asked him to share his favourite demo or activity from the event but, in his words, “all activities where good, I can’t choose!”

The 2023 event was a success, and we can’t wait to see what Francisco and his team have planned for 2024.
Haley Hunter

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Haley Hunter holds a BSc in Biochemistry and is currently PhD Candidate in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Alberta. “My research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of stimuli-responsive polymers and their application to sense targets for environmental and medical applications. I am also the Co-Chair of UAlberta Working for Inclusivity in Chemistry.”

Haley got involved with Science Rendezvous in 2023 through Future Energy Systems at the University of Alberta.

Why Science Rendezvous?

“Science Rendezvous promotes taking science to youth and public audiences which is so important. It has been a goal of mine to learn how to share my research with others, Science Rendezvous helps me do that.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“Seeing how excited all the kids are when they get to do science experiments themselves, I love seeing my own excitement reflected in their faces.

What is your favourite demo or activity from Science Rendezvous?

“I have recently developed a demo based on my own PhD research on water sensors, so that is my favourite one right now!”
Helen Yip

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Helen Yip holds a Master of Science in Biology and is the Outreach Coordinator at WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology).

“As someone from an underrepresented background who pursued a Masters in marine biology and then pivoted to focus on science communication and science education, my work deeply revolves around how we shift the narrative of who can belong in STEM. I engage with teachers across Alberta, especially in rural areas, to equip them with the knowledge and skills to build more inclusive STEM spaces in their classrooms for their students, I have developed specific STEM program opportunities to engage racialized immigrant girls in Alberta, I’ve coordinated collaborations that allowed for the creation of a STEM challenge for the Girl Guides of Alberta that has reached over 500 girls and I put a variety of resources that are meant to empower high school students and teachers to explore the possibilities in STEM.”

Helen got involved with Science Rendezvous during COVID when the University of Alberta first engaged with Science Rendezvous in 2021 online. “Having worked closely with Future Energy Systems before, I thought it was a no-brainer to collaborate on the Science Chase event”, she shared. Helen jumped at the opportunity to participate in the in-person events at the TELUS World of Science in 2022 and 2023. “It was just so fun to see how young people and older folks got to enjoy the world of STEM that day!”

Why Science Rendezvous?

“Science Rendezvous really represents the fun and excitement potential that STEM can bring. I know when I was young, watching chemical reactions that caused explosions, colour changes, fizzing and state changes were SO exciting. I think what makes me motivated to get involved is the idea that STEM should be accessible to everyone, that STEM should be something people get to engage with regardless of age, location or background. So I think the ethos of Science Rendezvous is something that resonates deeply with me and my passion for ensuring that STEM is a place that feels inclusive.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“In 2022, I ran an activity that focused on teaching students how electricity moves from the powerplant back to your home by using Ozobots, a fun little robot with a variety of sensors that can be instructed to do a number of different things simply with markers. I distinctly remember a little girl who came to the activity, apprehensive to try it at first with her mom. After I explained the rules, demonstrated how to do it, she nervously started to use the markers to code for the Ozobot to do a few tasks. There was an immediate sense of accomplishment when she made the Ozobot move from one section of the paper to the other. After 10 or so minutes, her mom wanted to move to the next activity, but she was adamant about staying and completing the other 4 worksheets we had! She didn’t want to leave and that was just such a special moment to witness. These moments make my time worth it.”

What is your favourite activity or demo from Science Rendezvous?

“I may be biased, but I had run a ‘light a pickle’ demonstration at the 2022 event. The demonstration was meant to showcase how the sodium chloride ions in the pickle get excited and it causes them to emit light. It was so fun to see young children and adults alike really be wowed by the demonstration.”

Any final thoughts for this year?

“I thought it went so well! 2022 was the first in-person event that I participated in, and so we had a chance to test some ideas that year, but 2023 allowed us to refine how the event was run and it felt so smooth! We were able to secure subsidized tickets for some of the racialized immigrant communities I work with so that was really great! I think having the ability to expand the subsidy program for these communities for 2024 would be amazing.”
Iram Afzal

Iram Afzal is a PhD student at the University of Alberta. She works with Oil Sands Tailings, waste generated during bitumen extraction process from oil sands ores.

“There are many environmental issues associated with Oil Sands Tailings such as toxicity because of hydrocarbons and greenhouse gases emissions. I am trying to find ways to decrease toxicity while also suppressing GHG emissions”, Iram shared.

Why Science Rendezvous?

“Science Rendezvous is amazing because it provides a platform to researchers so that they could communicate science in artistic way to families. This is my first year with Science Rendezvous. I am an Energy Explorer for Future Energy Systems (FES) in my University. They provided me opportunity to get involved with Science Rendezvous.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“Two Kids were trying to find ways to suppress Greenhouse gas emissions. One of them successfully suppressed the emissions, and then started finding happy Earth face in my artistic model. She was curious for everything. I can never forget her passion for science.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“All were amazing. However, being an environmentalist, I loved an activity where they were demonstrating the importance of trees for our Earth.”
Jake Mouallem

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Jake Mouallem is a Master of Science Student in Mechanical Engineering. His research focuses on modelling of water electrolyzers.

Jake got involved with Science Rendezvous through Future Energy Systems at the University of Alberta. “I loved the Telus World of Science as a kid and was happy to be a part of an event there teaching science to kids”, he shares.

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“There was a little girl who knew basically everything I was talking about and was quizzing her mom on it.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“I liked the one where you had to solve a maze in the fewest steps, representing the path that hot water takes through the ground.”

Any final thoughts for this year?

“It was a blast! For next year’s I will make my demonstration a little more robust, as kids are stronger than I thought.”
Jiayao Cui

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Jiayao Cui holds a Bachelor of Science as well as a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta. He is currently a Doctoral Student in Chemical Engineering at the University of Alberta, researching zinc-ion batteries and volunteer with Future Energy Systems (FES).

Why Science Rendezvous?

“[Science Rendezvous] is an opportunity to connect myself with the public and hopefully more kids will be attracted by our exhibition and want to learn more about STEAM.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“Smiley faces of children who got stamps for the science activities that they completed.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“Putting puzzle pieces together that list options for saving energy at home.”
Karishma Harpalani

Simon Fraser University

Karishma Harpalani is the STEMCELL Technologies Assistant Laboratory Manager, Quality Control.

She has been involved with Science Rendezvous since May 2015 because she enjoys sharing her love for science. She is also involved with other STEAM outreach initiatives, including Science Outreach Workshops and Science Fair Project Mentorship.

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“The year the Physics Department did an Alice in Physical Land Rendezvous Show.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream, an evergreen crowd pleaser!”

Thank you for being an outstanding volunteer, Karishma! Can’t wait to see what you have planned for 2024.
Kayla Fong

Simon Fraser University

Kayla Fong is an undergraduate student in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry at Simon Fraser University. She is also a volunteer and event coordinator for Let’s Talk Science – a national nonprofit STEM outreach program that provides free STEM workshops and resources to K-12 students and educators.

This was Kayla’s first year participating in Science Rendezvous. “I got involved through the Let’s Talk Science program, which has been attending Science Rendezvous events for many years”, she shared.

Why Science Rendezvous?

“Science Rendezvous accomplishes exactly what I hope to do with science outreach – make science accessible, fun, and exciting!”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“A young girl told me that she loves science and wants to be a scientist one day. She asked me about different careers and schools and wanted to hear about my path in STEM. She reminded me of my younger self and it was great to support another young women on her STEM journey!”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“Ozobots – small robots that teach kids the basics of coding and programming!”

Any final thoughts for this year?

“The event was lively, supportive, and inspiring! It was great to see so many people share their passion for STEAM and for that passion to translate into youth interest and engagement.”
Kiah Leicht

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Kiah Leicht is currently pursuing a Masters of Science in Land Reclamation and Remediation at the University of Alberta.

“My MSc research project involves using ecosystem computer modelling to study the effects of different nitrogen fertilizer management practices on crop yields, nitrogen use efficiency, and nitrogen losses.”

Kiah volunteers with U School at the University of Alberta, teaching elementary and junior high students about soil science and the importance of healthy soils for agricultural production, and with WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology), mentoring high school students interested in STEM careers. In addition to this, Kiah volunteers with the Land Reclamation International Graduate School (LRIGS) with the U of A at Edmonton Public Library’s Earth Day Event.

Why Science Rendezvous?

“I decided to volunteer with Science Rendezvous because I was excited to teach kids about land reclamation and the importance of healthy soils. There are so many different booths and activities at Science Rendezvous, and I think it is a great opportunity for anyone wanting to learn more about different scientific topics in a fun and hands-on learning environment.”

Kiah’s favourite memory from Science Rendezvous was seeing a family visit the station twice in one afternoon because they enjoyed the activities so much. One of Kiah’s favourite demonstrations is the “Where would you want to grow” activity. “There are five containers for this activity, each with a different material (soil, peat, rocks, sand, and craft gemstones). We ask the participants to imagine that their fingers are roots and to determine where they would want to grow if they were a plant. It is a fun and hands-on way to get kids thinking about the importance of soils for plant growth!”, Kiah shares.
Malcolm Pidsosny

Simon Fraser University

Malcolm Pidsosny is the Co-Director of Sponsorships at Q-SITE Vancouver. He does Physics outreach at Simon Fraser University. “I love Physics. And part of that love for physics is presenting the wonders of it to everyone else. Introducing people to science and the fascinating topics that it encompasses is truly the greatest part of learning about physics”, he shares.

For Malcolm, Science Rendezvous was an opportunity to engage in the type of science outreach that he loves. “SFU Physics had invited us as students to take part in Science Rendezvous this year. I immediately jumped on this opportunity as it seemed like a great way to meet new people and talk to them about science.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“Meeting the kids. Kids that are fascinated by science to be more specific. It’s so incredible to meet kids that know so much already about the science you’re teaching even at such a young age. It continues to humble me every time I meet them at the Observatory.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“The Observatory. Although the Astronaut suit is extremely cool (and is a very close second), I absolutely love astrophysics.”

This was Malcolm’s first year volunteering at Science Rendezvous, but he is already looking forward to returning in 2024. We are looking forward to another great year!
Malvika Chandnani

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Malvika Chandnani works at the City of Edmonton in Waste Services, City Operations as a Project Coordinator. She learned about Science Rendezvous through one of the student newsletters at the University of Alberta and decided to send in her volunteer application.

Why Science Rendezvous?

“I resonate with the goals of Science Rendezvous event of bringing communities together and creating opportunities for them to participate in STEAM research through simple, hands-on experiences. As a child I loved attending science exhibitions because they added depth to understanding from classwork. When I learnt that Science Rendezvous events also provide that platform to communities and children, I knew I had to be a part of it!”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“My favourite memory is watching children draw their visions for renewable energy of the future.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“My favourite demonstration was of the temperature difference on green and concrete surfaces. It provided urban heat islands. The significant temperature difference irrefutably showed urbanisation as a cause of urban heat islands. Therefore, it showed us the need and the value of urban greening in addressing urban heat.”

Any final thoughts for this year?

“I had a fantastic time this year and am looking forward to the 2024 event.”
Matthew Labbe

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Matthew Labbe is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Alberta.

Matthew first got involved with Science Rendezvous when Future Energy Systems at the University of Alberta was seeking volunteers in 2022. “We were working with the Telus World of Science – Edmonton to create family-friendly energy-focused activities and demonstrations”, he shares.

Growing up, I started to develop a passion for science and wanted to learn more. With Science Rendezvous, I get the opportunity to share my love for science with budding new science enthusiasts and provide them with an opportunity to learn about science, just like I did when I was younger.

Favourite Memory?

“My favourite memory from Science Rendezvous was seeing a brother and sister both work together on an activity. It was heartwarming to see them collaborate, discuss, and work together to solve the challenge. It reminded me of my own siblings and how much we used to collaborate and work together too.”

Favourite Demo?

“I like the “Where is your energy from?” activity, which asks people what sources of energy they think their electricity is generated from. We have numbers for % of coal, nuclear, hydro, etc. for Canada and Alberta and it’s always fun to see people make their guess and be surprised and excited to learn the truth: that we’re using more and more renewable energy. This activity is also great for the adults too, because they are just as curious, if not more curious, than the children.”
Pegah Kiaei

Simon Fraser University

Pegah Kiaei studies the neural mechanisms of VR at Simon Fraser University. She first volunteered with Science Rendezvous in 2023 because “every girl/child needs the opportunity to dream of becoming an astronaut!”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“One of the girls saw the LED card and said WOW! You are doing magic! I said, yes… it’s called science.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“I just had the opportunity to do the LED card practice, but it was great.”

Any final thoughts for this year?

“It was fun. I personally got motivated more than those kids when I saw the spark and enthusiasm in their eyes, I remembered mine and how to continue, so it was fantastic!”
Rebecca Lynn Goyan

Simon Fraser University

Rebecca Lynn Goyan holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Calgary. She is currently a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry at Simon Fraser University.

Why Science Rendezvous?

“We have our own outreach event in October. It’s nice to have an event where we can be reminded that we are part of a larger community.”

Rebecca has been involved with Science Rendezvous as SFU since the very first event (about 10 years ago!). “We were already doing the Science Spooktacular and Science in Action. After the International Year of Chemistry and International Year of Astronomy, having Science Rendezvous at SFU was a natural fit. We started small, but now the entire Faculty of Science is involved.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“It’s hard to pick just one. I love it when I can see kids making connections between the demo they just tried and the rest of their world. I love the looks on their faces when they have had their “lightbulb moment”.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“I think the liquid nitrogen ice cream is a highlight for everyone! Plus, once you have started having freshly made ice cream with only a few ingredients, all other ice creams pale in comparison.”

Any final thoughts for this year?

“2023 was well attended and I think we all had fun. We had lots of student volunteers this year, most of whom were women, which is a nice thing for younger future scientists to see. I already have a few new demos in mind for 2024, so I am looking forward to seeing how those ones inspire young minds.”
Ricky Chu

Simon Fraser University

Ricky Chu is a technician at Simon Fraser University who is involved with several STEAM outreach initiatives, including SFU Science Spooktacular, Science Rendezvous, and previously Science World in Vancouver.

“[Science Rendezvous] is an opportunity to show how exciting and compelling science can be. With all the challenges the world faces, this is a time when we need good scientists and science communicators more than ever”, Ricky shares.

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“One time, our demo team was making balloon animals to dip in liquid nitrogen, then warming them up to give to visitors. Of course, this proved to be very popular among the kids, so we were swamped. I was happy not only giving lots of kids joy, but also seeing how the team came together to quickly make the needed balloons. Our success was measured by the sight of balloon animals and balloon swords constantly passing by our table, even long after we had run out of balloons.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“The cloud chamber. It’s such a deep demo, with lots of physics involved. It’s a particle detector, so you can talk about physics on a tiny scale, smaller than an atom. It’s also a window into physics on the large scale because many of the particles seen in the cloud chamber are there because of activity from our sun or distant stars.”

Any final thoughts for this year?

“It went smoothly and as-planned, thanks to our excellent volunteer team. I hope the Rendezvous gets even bigger and better in 2024!”
Susanne Stockdill

Simon Fraser University

Susanne Stockdill is the Senior Director, Faculty Operations & Planning, Faculty of Science at Simon Fraser University. She support STEAM outreach, promotion, and communication as part of her work within the Faculty of Science.

Susanne started working with Science Rendezvous 11 years ago, when she began working in the Faculty of Science at SFU.

“Science Rendezvous is a wonderful opportunity to engage children in the wonders of science. I am always so pleased to see their excitement at learning something new in a fun and open event”, she shares.

Susanne’s favourite memory is seeing the liquid nitrogen ice cream – definitely a fan favourite! In addition, she shares that the demonstration provided to the children by our faculty and staff is always entertaining and educational.
Suzanna Nagy

Simon Fraser University

Suzanna Nagy is a retired paralegal who volunteers with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada on a monthly basis, assisting with educational outreach on astronomy and allied sciences. Suzanna has been involved with Science Rendezvous since 2014. “It is a very family and youth-oriented event”, Suzanna shared.

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“Jim Bernath, RASC volunteer, would bring NASA dehydrated ice cream for the children to try.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“Solar telescopes to show children details of our own star (sun) like solar flares and sunspots.”
Vidyanshu Mishra

Future Energy Systems at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

Vidyanshu Mishra holds a PhD in Chemistry and is a Lecturer and Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta. Vidyanshu research focuses on accelerating materials discovery for sustainable energy applications using machine learning and solid-state chemistry. “These materials are semiconductors and usually contain rare earth, transition metals, and chalcogens. Their applications include thermoelectrics, electrocatalysis, and photovoltaic cells.”

Vidyanshu learned about Science Rendezvous through Future Energy Systems at the University of Alberta and volunteered for the first time in 2022.

Why Science Rendezvous?

“Because Science Rendezvous provides me with an excellent platform to showcase scientific research to general people. When I engage in discussions about scientific advancements and innovations with the people, their genuine amazement and curiosity inspire me. Many are unaware of science’s incredible possibilities, particularly in sustainable energy resources. I feel that by sharing the scientific basis for various phenomena and innovations, the community is empowered with knowledge that can lead to more informed choices and contribute to a society that is aware of its impact on the environment and actively seeks sustainable solutions.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“When I showcased the ingenious concept of using mechanical work, such as pedaling, to generate electricity for charging people’s phones, the reaction was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The sheer wonder on their faces as they grasped the idea that their physical exertion could simultaneously power their devices left a lasting impression. The realization that their exercise could directly contribute to reducing electricity consumption added an extra layer of amazement. It was a moment of enlightenment, where the synergy of human effort and sustainability became a tangible reality, sparking enthusiasm for the possibilities of eco-friendly energy generation through everyday activities.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“I enjoy showcasing the fascinating thermoelectric effect to people, in which temperature differences, like heat, are converted into electricity and vice versa. To do this, I use a thermoelectric material and connect one part to cold water and the other to hot water. As the temperature difference builds up, a fan connected to the thermoelectric material begins to spin, converting that temperature gradient into electrical power. When people witness this in action, their amazement is palpable as they witness the remarkable transformation of temperature into a tangible and practical application of electricity generation.”
Yu Yen Pan

Simon Fraser University

Yu Yen Pan is a PhD student in the Department of Earth Sciences at Simon Fraser University. This is her first year being part of the Science Rendezvous event. “The focal theme of our booth revolves around the captivating subjects of volcanoes and landslides”, she shares.

With the help of her lab members from SFU’s Physical Volcanology Group, she put together a cool exhibit with hands-on activities and a verity of rocks/minerals. “Through these interactive activities, children had the opportunity to grasp insights into the world of volcanoes and landslides and gain an understanding of how geologists work to mitigate associated risks. To add a touch of excitement, we’ve also got some cool outfits for kids to dress up like real volcanologists!”

Why Science Rendezvous?

“As one of Canada’s most impactful science communication events, it serves as a unifying platform for scientists from diverse backgrounds, coming together to ignite children’s passion for the sciences. Taking part in this event offers not only an effective avenue to convey our intended ideas, but also grants me the opportunity to gain valuable insights from fellow exhibitors and their program designs.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“I have two cherished memories from the event: The first one took place during my demonstration of a hands-on activity called the “volcano eruption simulation.” I concealed a red balloon beneath some soil and then inflated the balloon, creating a mini eruption. This sparked discussions about earthquakes, lava flow, landslides, and craters. The reactions from the kids were incredibly varied and amusing. One girl attempted to shrink the balloon, while a boy couldn’t help but scream at it! The second memorable moment involved a family with eight kids who visited our booth. When I asked who wanted to dress up like a geologist, every single hand shot up enthusiastically. It was like I had turned into an assembly line worker, outfitting each kid one by one with hats, masks, and hammers. The whole experience was an absolute blast!”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“The hands-on activity we named the “volcano eruption simulation” was a definite highlight. In this activity, I hid a red balloon beneath some soil and then inflated the balloon to create a small-scale eruption. This engaging demonstration not only allowed us to delve into various volcanic hazards but also offered a chance to explore how volcanologists can predict impending eruptions. What made it even more enjoyable were the diverse and fascinating reactions from the kids as they witnessed the eruption.”
Zeena (Zina) Aburegeba

Simon Fraser University

Zeena (Zina) Aburegeba is a Secondary School Teacher working in the Surrey School District (SD36). She holds a Masters of Genetics and Neuroscience and a Bachelors of Environmental Science Education.

She is a member of the SFU Trottier observatory group that runs “Starry Night” events, astronomy workshops, observatory tours, and “Starry Night” live. These events and activities are run all year long and are tailored towards public outreach, educating people on the science of stars, and communicating what we know so far about the universe. She has been involved with Science Rendezvous every year since joining the SFU Trottier Observatory staff in 2015.

“Science Rendezvous is absolutely one of my favourite events of the year! It is a festival that celebrates our passion for science and discoveries. The way that volunteers of Science Rendezvous educate people is not only incredibly engaging, but also super fun! As a volunteer, not only I get to communicate science to the public, but also I get to learn about Science from volunteers in different departments. Science rendezvous event is worthwhile and meaningful.”

What is your favourite memory from Science Rendezvous?

“My favourite memory of Science Rendezvous is when some of my high school students came to participate and volunteer in the event. As a high school teacher, it is extremely rewarding to see my students fostering a sense of community and positively contributing to society.”

What is your favourite Science Rendezvous demo?

“There were many amazing demonstrations and activities throughout Science Rendezvous. If I had to select one, I would say demonstrating the properties of a super conductor, because watching it felt like a magic performance!”
Zhuyi Wang

University of Toronto – St. George Campus

Zhuyi Wang is a PhD Candidate at the University of Toronto, St. George Campus. Her research focuses on early embryogenesis.

Zhuyi became interested in promoting science education after attending several conferences. “Science Rendezvous offers me a wonderful opportunity to engage with the public and inspire future scientists. Meeting with young science enthusiasts also gave me an encouraging atmosphere of collaboration, we are creating a better world, together.”

Her favourite SR memory took place after the SRHackoff event, when one parent and their kid thanked her and her team for organizing the event. As far as her favourite demo goes, Zhuyi liked the SciArt Gallery – a display of creativity and imagination.

Zhuyi and her team helped put together an amazing event in 2023, and we can’t wait to see what comes next in 2024.