Michael Jensen

Michael started volunteering during his time at Western University in London, Ontario. After graduating, he continues to be an active professional volunteer with Let’s Talk Science.

Time volunteering with Let’s Talk Science: Since October 2009

Position: Medical Physics Resident, Lakeridge Health

Inspirational Moment: On one school visit, there were some volunteers rotating through several classrooms with different activities. I was doing the activity where you extract DNA from a banana. The class finished before the end of the rotation, so I opened up the floor to any science questions. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Well, the class had picked up on a few comments I had made during the activity about genetics, cloning in particular, and the questions were flying! I was quite amazed that mashing up some fruit would lead to an engaged and lively discussion about cloning with a class of junior elementary students.

Favourite Let’s Talk Science volunteering activity: Rube Goldberg Machine. It’s amazing to see the creativity and enthusiasm the students bring to the building of their contraptions.

Why do you volunteer with Let’s Talk Science? First and foremost, it’s fun and rewarding to share my passion for science. I enjoy facilitating the hands-on activities that present science in an exciting and engaging way. It allows me to reconnect with the awe and wonder that initially led me to pursue science. Secondly, it’s about service to the community; to bring science out of the lab, to make it accessible, and to provide the STEM opportunities for youth that they may not have otherwise.

Fun fact: I once volunteered for a Let’s Talk Science event aboard a (docked) ferry – the MS Chi-Cheemaun [in Owen Sound, ON].