Meet the Team: Science Engagement

August 21, 2024

Emily Jeung

Our Science Engagement team is dedicated to making science accessible, engaging, and fun for all ages. From interactive demonstrations to creative experiments, this team is at the heart of our mission to inspire lifelong curiosity.

Let’s meet the passionate individuals behind the scenes who bring our hands-on science experiences to life!

butterfly window in the tropical butterfly house

What Does the Science Engagement Team Do?

Science engagement is all about sparking curiosity and fostering a deeper understanding of the world through hands-on learning.

They lead live demonstrations, engage visitors with hands-on activities, and bring the exhibits to life through storytelling and dynamic scientific interactions.

What Makes the Science Engagement Team Unique?

Our Science Engagement team members come from diverse scientific backgrounds, from marine biology to space science.

Each team member brings their unique perspective and passion to their role, making science accessible, fun, and inclusive for visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

How do Science Engagement Facilitators Prepare for their Demonstrations?

Science Engagement facilitators spend time learning the science behind their demonstrations, often drawing from their own educational backgrounds and interests.

They also collaborate with their team to develop new programs, ensuring that every demonstration is educational, accurate, and engaging.

Meet the team!

Many dedicated individuals contribute to the Science Engagement team, ensuring our exhibits bring science to life for our guests. We couldn’t create such immersive and educational experiences without their expertise.

Let’s meet the team and learn more about their roles at PacSci!

Leo S. (He/They), Science Engagement Coordinator

For Leo, science has always been a family affair. Fond memories of using a microscope with his father sparked his curiosity, and now, as the Live Science Stage coordinator, he brings that same excitement to every show he leads.

Leo takes pride in representing the LGBTQ+ community in STEM and finds deep meaning in the diverse audiences he engages, especially when he can make connections with kids who see themselves reflected in him.

He’s also spearheading the development of a new stage show, Marvelous Motion, which explores Newton’s Laws of Motion in a fun and accessible way.

When he’s not captivating audiences with science, Leo loves to build LEGO sets, go tide pooling, and play Dungeons & Dragons and board games.

Melinda M. (They/Them), Science Engagement Coordinator

Melinda’s path to science engagement started with a love for Bill Nye and science programs like Science on Wheels that visited their school every year. Now, they’ve turned their love for science into a passion for educating others.

Melinda’s favorite moments are when they can take people “behind the scenes.” Whether it’s showing kids how planetarium software works or helping a nervous visitor overcome their hesitations at the Tide Pool, Melinda’s goal is to make science approachable and fun.

When not engaging visitors at PacSci, Melinda enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with their cats and family. Their love for nature and science doesn’t stop at the Science Center—it’s woven into their everyday life.

Eren D. (He/Him), Science Engagement Facilitator

Eren’s journey with PacSci began early on as a camper, and his passion for nature and science only grew from there. As a teen, he became an educator-in-training at PacSci’s camps, eventually working across multiple departments, from Living Exhibits to the Tinker Tank.

Eren finds great joy in guiding kids on when they can get hands-on with exhibits. Whether it’s the Spectrum Cart or the Tropical Butterfly House, he loves helping visitors feel comfortable in their interactions with science.

A personal favorite for Eren is the Tropical Butterfly House, where he helps ensure that guests protect the butterflies while exploring their vibrant world.

When he’s not at PacSci, Eren enjoys playing Dungeons & Dragons, where he taps into his creativity through storytelling. His enthusiasm for both science and storytelling show just how much he loves sharing his passion for learning with others.

Peter S. (He/Him), Science Engagement Facilitator

Peter’s love for science was nurtured by his father, a physicist, and fueled by science programs, such as Bill Nye The Science Guy and The Magic School Bus. With a background in space science, Peter loves the Planetarium and the Science on a Sphere exhibit, where he helps visitors see the connections between space and the world around us.

Peter has a knack for answering long-held questions from curious minds of all ages. He enjoys expanding the conversation, particularly when a kid comes up with a surprisingly deep understanding of a topic.

In his free time, Peter enjoys playing board games and photography. His enthusiasm for learning and teaching continues to inspire new generations, both at PacSci and beyond.

Curiosity Through Hands-On Science Engagement

The Science Engagement team at PacSci plays an important role in transforming science from confusing concepts into interactive, memorable experiences.

Whether it’s through hands-on activities or live demonstrations, this team embodies PacSci’s mission to ignite curiosity and empower lifelong learning in STEM.

We’re proud of the work they do and look forward to the continued impact they’ll make in our community!

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About the Author

Emily Jeung is a passionate marketing and communications professional based in Seattle, working at Pacific Science Center. Specializing in engaging content creation and strategic outreach, Emily is dedicated to enhancing the center’s mission of delivering impactful science education and fostering community connections. When she isn’t working, she enjoys exploring the outdoors, crafting, and cooking.

Email Emily for insights and collaboration opportunities.