Congratulations to the 2019 Let’s Talk Science National Volunteer Award Winners!

Each year, we recognize the Let’s Talk Science Outreach volunteers who have exceeded expectations with four prestigious awards to applaud their outstanding contributions to volunteerism and Let’s Talk Science.

We’re proud to present the 2019 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: Sarah Purcell, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton

Sarah developed a volunteer coordinator team, providing 12 volunteers with the opportunity to engage in a leadership position and gain essential skills while doubling the outreach site volunteers and educator involvement to increase the diversity of outreach they offered.

“Through my work with Let’s Talk Science and Science East, my goal has been simply to keep the passion alive through making STEM interactive, inquiry-based, and inclusive of every student. At the University of New Brunswick Fredericton (UNBF) we strive to leave every classroom with even just one student who said at the beginning of the activity that they don’t like science, to tell us afterwards that they now love science.”

Indigenous Outreach Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach

This award recognizes a project initiated by an Outreach site (or sites) that demonstrates a strong, positive impact on Indigenous youth through involvement in STEM-focused learning opportunities.

2019 Award Winner: Coastal Labrador Trip – Science of all sizes; from DNA to blue whales, Let’s Talk Science

Presented to Let’s Talk Science Outreach at Memorial University, St. John’s Campus.

Volunteer team: Alison Sutherland, Jessica Winters, Cateline Landry, and Madison Janes

The trip consisted of visiting 270 students in Nain and Makkovik, in Labrador. Children were eager to participate and relate STEM topics to their lifestyle and traditional knowledge. The outreach project had an extremely valuable and positive impact on the students.

“Each of the volunteers brought something uniquely personal to the experience, and approached our time to “teach” with open minds and hearts. It was certainly a collaborative team effort that made this trip a success and a truly special one we will not forget.”

National Volunteer Award, CurioCity

This award recognizes the exceptional commitment of CurioCity volunteers who have made outstanding contributions to the program.

Winner: Harleen Saini

Harleen holds the record for “most articles reviewed by a CurioCity volunteer” and is always willing to help. She approaches each task not as a volunteer, but as a teammate. She writes in a fun, conversational tone that helps draw readers in to complex topics. It’s like learning STEM from a good friend.

“As an educator, the key is to find ways to make these topics enjoyable and relatable, such as through pop culture or everyday life references. This is something that has been reinforced throughout my time with CurioCity. Volunteering here has taught me to look at STEM topics from different perspectives and I am continuing to learn how I can make this fun for teens.”

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: Kristine Macalinao, University of Manitoba

Kristine has been volunteering with Let’s Talk Science for three years! She is passionate about high school outreach and is committed to contributing to causes that help students have an easier transition into post-secondary.

“I am extremely grateful to be a part of the Let’s Talk Science as it has given me endless opportunities in giving back to my community in particular areas that I am extremely passionate about such as the aforementioned goal of helping out high school students with their University transition as much as I can. My involvement in Let’s Talk Science fueled me to expand my reach and utilize all the valuable knowledge I’ve gained in my first year as a coordinator and apply these event planning skills to the other student groups.”

Thank you to all of the applicants and congratulations to the 2019 winners!