Christopher Wood (L), Kaelie Bittorf (M), and Kurtis Nawrot (R) welcome campers to the 2018 Science Summer Camps. Photo credit: Michaela Ream
Science Summer Camp instructors are passionate and enthusiastic about sharing their love of science with our camps of future scientists. Meet the instructors of our Minecraft summer camps.
Christopher Wood
Program: BSc specialization in computing science
Interests: Computers, video games, music, camping
What do you love most about science?
The exploratory nature of science; I love how nothing is wrong out of the gate, but nothing is inherently correct either. You have to prove and disprove things and always find out new information.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
It is important to promote science to young people as they are the future of research and advancements. Science is an engaging and fun field when it happens in a fun environment. I think I am a good science mentor because I never give up on a problem, I like to research and find the best solutions and I am always optimistic and ready for a challenge.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I wanted to work with Science Summer Camps to spend my summer conveying my passion for science to young people while also having a great time and spending part of my summer outdoors. I think the Science Summer Camps are a great opportunity, both for the young people who attend them and for the leaders who run them.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Quantum computers are no longer science fiction and they are almost available for commercial use.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I am really interested in the history of video games and the changes in technology over the years.
Kaelie Bittorf
Program: BSc Honors in immunology and infection
Interests: I like reading books, playing board and card games, running my dog, and playing spikeball! Of course I also love doing anything science related, especially biological sciences.
What do you love most about science?
First, it is fun, cool, and awesome to learn how things work. More specifically, I love how science can change people's lives. It has the ability to take us to the moon through physics, or develop AI through computer science, or save lives through medicine; no other discipline has that power.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
It is important to inspire a young person's science side because science helps develop critical thinking, which is extremely important in today's society. I will be a good science mentor because I'm an unapologetic science nerd, which will hopefully show young people that they should never be ashamed of following their dreams.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
I love teaching kids and I love science, and working in Science Summer Camps combines both of these things to make an awesome job.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
My favourite scientist is Marie Curie. She was the first ever woman to win a Nobel Prize and is one of two people who have ever won a Nobel Prize in different fields, one in physics and one in chemistry.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I can solve Rubik's Cubes, juggle, and fold paper cranes that are smaller than your fingernail.
Kurtis Nawrot
Program: BEd in secondary education
Interests: 3D printing, guitar, video games, rollerblading, gardening
What do you love most about science?
I love that science fuels incredible innovations and technologies that continue to make the world a better place. I also love that science holds the key to understanding how the universe works.
Why do you think it is important to promote science to young people, and what makes you a good science mentor?
Our universe is filled with questions that deserve answers. Science education sets up today's youth to approach the world with an inquisitive mind and builds the drive to answer those questions. Being a science mentor means encouraging students to ask the hard questions and giving them the tools they need to find the answers.
Why did you want to work with Science Summer Camps?
This is my second year with Science Summer Camps. I wanted to return because teaching Minecraft is incredible! I love seeing the moments of discovery, the pride that comes from creating something original, and the friendships that form over the week. I also love being part of a team that cares so much about creating the best possible experiences for the campers.
Can you tell us a fun fact about your favourite scientist or scientific discovery?
Video games increase your brain's ability to sustain attention for longer periods of time by changing the structure of the parts of the brain used to hold attention, making them more efficient and easier to activate.
Tell us a fun fact about you.
I'm immune to mosquito bites due to a science experiment I conducted in my youth.