Announcing the 2018 Winners of the Let’s Talk Science National Volunteer Awards
Let’s Talk Science has more than 3,500 eager and enthusiastic volunteers from over 45 post-secondary institutions across Canada who are committed to enriching the lives of youth through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Each year, we recognize the volunteers who have gone above and beyond with four prestigious awards to applaud their outstanding contributions to volunteerism and Let’s Talk Science.
We’re proud to present the 2018 winners of The David Colcleugh Leadership Award, the Indigenous Outreach Award, the National Volunteer Award for CurioCity and the National Volunteer Award for Let’s Talk Science Outreach.
The David Colcleugh Leadership Award for Let’s Talk Science Outreach Coordinators
The David Colcleugh Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding Let’s Talk Science Outreach site coordinator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, meaning (s)he has influenced people to create positive change through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) outreach.
Winner: Michelle Lynn Trudel, University of Winnipeg
Michelle has expanded and transformed the Let’s Talk Science Outreach program at the University of Winnipeg to reflect a commitment to Indigenous and inner city communities in Manitoba.
“Under Michelle’s tutelage, the Let’s Talk Science UWinnipeg Chapter’s outreach to Indigenous communities has grown by 700% (…) Michelle has also been the main contact in developing a new outreach program at the NEEDS Centre, improving science outreach to immigrant and refugee high school students in inner city Winnipeg.”
Indigenous Outreach Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach
This award recognizes an outreach project initiated by an Outreach site (or sites) that demonstrates a strong, positive impact on Indigenous youth through involvement in STEM-focused learning opportunities.
Presented to the Let’s Talk Science Outreach team at the University of Calgary.
In response to the struggle that many students have completing their schooling; these volunteers organized a mini-university school day for students from Morley, AB. Students came to the Foothills Campus in Calgary to participate in hands-on science, gain insight into what university looks like and explore some available career options.
“Being a positive impact in a community is also about building connections with students and volunteers to be an available support system for students who want guidance, friendships and mentors to help meet their academic goals and future endeavours.” says team member and Outreach site coordinator, Shinia Van.
National Volunteer Award, CurioCity:
This award recognizes the exceptional commitment of CurioCity volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the program.
Winner: Moushumi Nath
Last year, Moushumi wrote five articles for CurioCity. Her specialty is finding the fun and fascinating STEM behind topics that teens might be thinking about anyway, like “Why do I get car sick?”“What’s the deal with those nostalgic posts on Instagram?” or even “Could hippogriffs actually exist?!”
Moushumi has been able to effectively write about a variety of diverse topics with the right tone and message to capture the readers’ attention.
“The dynamic and bidirectional attributes of STEM education have enabled self-directed learning amongst teenagers. This understanding and appreciation for the value STEM education provides was achieved through my work as a CurioCity volunteer.” said Moushumi.
National Volunteer Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach
The recipient is a volunteer committed to enhancing science education through effective communication, innovation in approach and in their activities, and is a positive role model for children and teens.
Winner: Jade Atkins, Carleton University
Jade has been volunteering with Let’s Talk Science for 7 years! She is aware of her impact as a role model to all the students she visits, especially Indigenous women. As such, Jade works to broaden and break stereotypes typically associated with STEM careers.
“Jade has a passion for science outreach that goes beyond making science accessible for children and youth – something she did not experience in her childhood; to focusing on making science accessible for female indigenous children and youth.”
Congratulations to all of the 2018 winners and thank you from all of us at Let’s Talk Science for your contributions to STEM Outreach and education.
Feeling inspired? Become a Let’s Talk Science Outreach volunteer! Visit our website to learn more.
To see a full list of the finalists, you can visit our website here.