Mira Okshevsky

With online volunteering opportunities you can get involved with Let’s Talk Science from anywhere, even in Denmark!

Time volunteering with Let’s Talk Science: Since February 2016

Area of study: Interdisciplinary Nanoscience PhD candidate in the field of Microbiology, at the University of Aarhus in Denmark.

Inspirational Moment: I was thrilled by the positive response I received for my “Cows vs Cars” articles, particularly from other scientists. The scientific community seems to agree that it is important to communicate science to the public, but finding the time to actually do it is a big challenge.

Favourite Let’s Talk Science article: Cows or Cars: Which one has the biggest impact on Climate Change?

Why do you volunteer with Let’s Talk Science? I’m motivated by the goal of bridging the gap between the work scientists do in the lab, and people’s understanding of that work. It is important to be able to explain scientific concepts in a way that is understandable to everyone. Writing for CurioCity lets me practice my science communication skills, while hopefully showing young people that science is both important and accessible to them.

Fun fact - About me: Before I got hooked on microbiology, I studied graphic design at the Ontario College of Art and Design. Lots of roads can lead to science!

Fun Facts - About where I live: The United Nations’ work happiness report consistently ranks Denmark as the happiest country on Earth. If you ask a Dane, they will probably tell you this is due to their “low expectations.”

The round pastry we call a “Danish” is called a “Viennese bread” in Denmark. Go figure.
LEGO is a Danish invention! The word is a contraction of the Danish words “lege godt,” which means “play well.”