Every year, we recognize the outstanding Let’s Talk Science Outreach volunteers who reach out with creativity, dedication, and innovation to their communities, inspiring youth through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). We are thrilled to announce our 30th anniversary Let’s Talk Science National Volunteer Award Winners!

Meet the 2024 winners of the David Colcleugh Leadership Award, the Let’s Talk Science National Volunteer Award, and the Indigenous Outreach Project Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach. 

 

David Colcleugh Leadership Award for Let’s Talk Science Outreach Site Coordinators

This award recognizes a Site Coordinator who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and influence, inspiring others to create positive change through STEM outreach. 

Winner: Alexandra Leone, Let’s Talk Science Outreach at Brock University

 

Alexandra’s passion for equity, inclusion, and accessibility shows clearly in her work with Let’s Talk Science, especially in creating a new STEM program for girls, STEMpower Women. Alexandra has also grown partnerships at Brock University, including collaborating with Let’s Talk Science’s Anishinabeg Outreach program, where she developed custom workshops for Indigenous students. Alexandra inspires other volunteers and students alike to connect with each other while pursuing knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math. 

“Alexandra’s efforts will certainly have a lasting impact here at Brock [University]. Through her hard work and leadership… [w]e are on a path currently that we could never have been on without the hard work, sound judgment, boundless energy, and leadership shown by Alexandra Leone.” Jeff Stuart, PhD, Professor and Chair, Biological Sciences, Brock University

 

2024 Let’s Talk Science National Volunteer Award

The Let’s Talk Science National Volunteer Award recognizes an exceptional volunteer who has shown outstanding innovation, communication, and a commitment to STEM education and outreach.

Winner: Colin O’Dwyer, Let’s Talk Science Outreach at the University of Ottawa and Carleton University

 

Colin’s great passion for accessibility in STEM shows in his work with rural and underserved youth. He is an excellent teacher who goes the extra mile to make sure the students he works with understand the concepts he teaches. He is a great mentor and role model with students and fellow volunteers alike.

“As a volunteer, Colin has stood out among his peers… through his commitment to doing activities with those who have less access to outreach in rural communities…In terms of communicating science concepts to youth – Colin is outstanding! He is a natural… He conveys science in a fun, hands-on, minds-on manner to great effect!” Sue McKay, Director, Let’s Talk Science at University of Ottawa and Carleton University

 

Indigenous Outreach Project Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach

This award recognizes a collaboration between an Outreach Site (or Sites) and an Indigenous community that demonstrates a strong, positive impact on Indigenous youth through involvement in STEM-focused learning opportunities. 

Winner: Mentoring Cree Youth in Moose Factory, Let’s Talk Science Outreach at University of Ottawa and Carleton University

 

Volunteers from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University sites have been partnering with two rural communities – the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and the Mohawk Nation of Akwesasne – to run an Indigenous Mentorship Program for more than a decade and have now expanded this to Moose Factory, Ontario. Volunteers have worked with a local school within the community to bring culturally relevant STEM activities and involve students in annual research projects, including travel to Ottawa, where students presented their research in a post-secondary environment. 

“I liked how the Let’s Talk Science volunteers created hands-on science activities that were relevant to what we were learning about in the Outdoor Education class. After explaining the spring trap method that the Cree people use to capture snowshoe hares, the Let’s Talk Science volunteers designed their own contraption with counterweights which we ended up testing out in the bush… Thanks to the Let’s Talk Science Program for giving me the opportunity to share the harvesting methods of the Cree to the Mohawk students from Akwesasne.” Robert, Cree student from Moose Factory

We received an impressive pool of applicants this year; thank you to everyone who applied, and congratulations to our 2024 winners! Learn more about our amazing volunteers and how you can join the Let’s Talk Science Outreach community.