December 01, 2020
Meet Geneskool Volunteer Kelly Mathews!
What are you studying at university?
Bachelor of Science in Biology.
When did you first become interested in science?
I grew up on Vancouver Island and participated in a few nature programs as a kid where we learned about local flora and fauna. That really sparked an interest in the natural world and made me want to dive deeper into learning about different organisms and how they interact with each other and their environment.
What motivates you to volunteer?
I love volunteering because it exposes me to different perspectives and ideas outside of my own bubble. It is a fantastic way to make new connections in the community and learn from others.
What was the most fun/inspiring/exciting moment so far as a Geneskool Volunteer?
I was incredibly impressed by the amount of knowledge high school students already have about genetics! It was so fun to test this knowledge through games and activities, and I worked hard to find and share some cool facts that they didn’t already know.
What advice would you give to a young aspiring scientist?
As I learn new and exciting scientific concepts I often like to pause and ask myself “how would I explain this to someone else?” It not only helps to solidify the concepts but also to gain confidence as a science communicator. It is such a privilege to learn science, and with that privilege comes the responsibility to share and interpret for others. .
You can learn more about the Geneskool program by clicking here.