National Volunteer Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach

National Volunteer Award, Let’s Talk Science Outreach

This award recognizes an exceptional volunteer who has shown outstanding innovation, communication and a commitment to STEM education and outreach.

Meet the 2023 Volunteer Award Winner: Dominique Bower from the University of Ottawa. Dominique has contributed to the development of many materials and resources for her Outreach site’s Black Youth in STEM program. Her focus on collaboration with the community and the use of social media to spark curiosity in youth and increase representation in geoscience has allowed her to inspire many students and volunteers.
2023 Runners-Up:

Chloe Diamond, Memorial University of Newfoundland

Chloe has been a role model and mentor to many volunteers and youth at her Outreach site through her strong initiative and participation in a myriad of classroom and community visits. Her dedication to learning and presenting concepts effectively to different age groups has helped her to develop strong teaching skills as a volunteer.

Isaiah Morrow, University of Ottawa

Isaiah has inspired youth through various activities at his Outreach site, including the Carleton Butterfly Show, the Indigenous Mentorship Program, in-person outreach back in his hometown, and multiple activities in French. He effectively seeks and uses feedback to continually improve his teaching and science communication skills.

Kylie Hildebrandt, University of British Columbia, Okanagan Campus

Kylie has empowered and recruited many volunteers at her Outreach site with her site-specific expertise and ability to lead by example. She has led workshops across many disciplines in STEM and has played a key role in helping her site successfully transition from virtual to in-person outreach again.

Miranda Branyiczky, Queen’s University

Miranda has demonstrated an ability to reach many youth as a Let’s Talk Science volunteer since 2019, including through national STEM Storytime sessions, local in-person classroom visits, and engaging social media videos. Her role on her Outreach site’s Executive Volunteer Team has been instrumental in helping plan multiple local symposiums.

Past Winners:
  • 2022 – Anikka Swaby, McGill University
  • 2021 – Kevin Zhang, Western University
  • 2020 – Madeson Todd, University of British Columbia
  • 2019 – Kristine Macalinao, University of Manitoba
  • 2018 – Jade Atkins, Carleton University
  • 2017 - Jennifer Neufeld, University of Ottawa
  • 2016 – Portia Kalun, McMaster University
  • 2015 – Curtis McCloskey, University of Ottawa
  • 2014 – Sue McKee, University of Ottawa
  • 2013 – Li Wang, University of Saskatchewan
  • 2012 – Gabriel Potvin, University of Ottawa
  • 2011 – Sara Rafferty, University of Ottawa

Nominate a volunteer for the 2024 Volunteer Award!

This award recognizes volunteers who have shown an outstanding commitment to Let’s Talk Science’s core values (Collaborative Spirit, Continuous Learning, Integrity, Future Looking and Empowering Others)

 Volunteers who have contributed to Let’s Talk Science either through direct delivery to youth (in-person or online) or an indirect contribution such as developing or adapting resources, contributions to projects, events and initiatives, are eligible to apply.

For more information, and to submit your nomination or application, see the online form!