Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Featured Volunteer - Kaity

Kaity is a star volunteer who began volunteering with Let's Talk Science at the start of the 2010-2011 school year! She has participated in a huge number of different activities, including helping out with lots of activities at a local elementary school, participating in College Royal, and, most recently, performing hands-on activities with over 200 kids on a ferry in Owen Sound!



Q. What are you studying and what have you studied in the past?
A. I attended UoG for my undergrad with a major in Human Kinetics and a minor in Psychology. I am currently doing my coursework Masters in the Department of Human Health and Nutritional Science. Our lab studies different aspects of nutrigenomics. I have focused on relating specific genes to enzyme activity levels and associating these traits with inflammation and fatty acid synthesis. The long-term goal for parts of nutrigenomics would be to create personalized dietary plans for individuals, according to their genetic makeup.

Q. Why did you become a Let's Talk Science volunteer?
A. I love working with children and helping to create a love for science and a desire to to learn. Working with children is a very rewarding experience, I learn with them and I hope that they can learn something from me! In the future I would like to teach and each opportunity leaves me with new information about how I can improve and create a better presentation in the future.

Q. What has been your favourite part of volunteering (or what is the best activity that you've done so far)?
A. My favourite part about volunteering is being able to watch the kids use their imagination and creativity during hands on activities. Their ideas always amaze me and I am always very excited to see the end result :) I am looking forward to the opportunity to participate in more fun activities with Let’s Talk Science!