Volunteering for science pays off big
McGill engineering student receives award
What does spending 114 hours a year sharing your love for science bring? For Isabel Deslauriers, a volunteer coordinator for Let's Talk Science at McGill University, the effort has yielded a huge accolade. Deslauriers, a graduate student in the Faculty of Engineering, received the prestigious National Volunteer Award for outstanding dedication and innovation in support of science education in Canada.
Volunteering with youth ages 6 to 18, Deslauriers hoped that her affinity for science would prove contagious enough to affect the career goals of her charges. She received her award for her interest in rocketry and robotics, which she shared in innovative and exciting workshops. Let's Talk Science also recognized her dedication to the success of the program.
"I love kids and I love science," says Deslauriers. "For me, it's a natural fit, not to mention a fun and rewarding way to give back."
Deslauriers is among the hundreds of graduate student volunteers who participate in science education and outreach activities across Canada. She was presented with the honour on June 11, during the 7th National Partnership Program Conference, held in London, Ontario.
About the Let's Talk Science Partnership Program
The Let's Talk Science Partnership Program is an innovative science literacy initiative, unique in the world. It operates at 22 Canadian campuses coast to coast, through the volunteer efforts of graduate students and science researchers. Initiated at the University of Western Ontario in 1991, the Partnership Program engages over 900 members of the scientific community in science outreach in their communities, helping them develop teaching, communication and leadership skills, and sharing their love of science with young Canadians.
About McGill University
McGill University is Canada's leading research-intensive university and has earned an international reputation for scholarly achievement and scientific discovery. Founded in 1821, McGill has 21 faculties and professional schools which offer more than 300 programs from the undergraduate to the doctoral level. McGill attracts renowned professors and researchers from around the world and top students from more than 150 countries, creating one of the most dynamic and diverse education environments in North America. There are approximately 23,000 undergraduate students and 7,000 graduate students. It is one of two Canadian members of the American Association of Universities. McGill's two campuses are located in Montreal, Canada.
