Our highly-trained passionate presenters are diverse role models to the young scientists they inspire. By sparking curiosity, confidence and imagination in the next generation, our presenters provide memorable opportunities for all children to see themselves as scientists.
Let’s meet one of our STEM expert presenters, Cindy Powell.
What is your STEM background?
My background is in Chemical Engineering. I had lots of varied co-op jobs – pharmaceutical, chocolate making, research and power generation. After graduating, I went into the automotive industry, designing and testing heat exchangers for cars.
Did you love STEM as a child?
Yes! I was always building and creating as a kid. I set up pulleys across rooms to transport dolls, and I made buildings and stables out of tissue boxes for my toy horses.
What sparked your interest in STEM?
My parents! My mom was always finding me Makerspace books, and my dad was always willing to help me build stuff.
What workshop topic(s) do you present?
Get The Dirt on Plants, Properties that Matter, Our Place in Space, Sounds like Science, and Science Meets Art.
What is your favourite exploration in a workshop?
I love building the planets in ‘Our Place in Space’. The kids are always amazed by how much bigger Jupiter is than Earth.
What’s your favourite part of being a STEM Expert Presenter?
I absolutely love it when kids have that ‘aha!’ moment during an experiment. They are just fully engaged at that moment. It’s a neat thing to witness.
