Profiles

Hello! I am in my second year of Honours Biology with a minor in Psychology here at the University of Waterloo. Biology and its various disciplines have always been near and dear to my heart, making me eager to learn as much as I can about the field. With this in mind, I am very excited to be working for the Earth Science Museum on the Science Museum and Galleries collection!

I am a first year student studying Environmental Science. I love learning about ecology and geology and hope to study volcanology one day. I’m excited to share my passion with you by building the Earth Sciences Museum’s social media this term!

Hello! I’m currently in my third year of geology here at UWaterloo, and I am so excited to be working at the museum this fall! I’ve loved rocks, fossils and dinosaurs since I was little and it’s so rewarding to be able to share my love for Earth Sciences through museum tours and field trips. It would be so gneiss if you came to visit the museum!

4B, Earth & Environmental Sciences Geoscience student

I am a fourth year Geography and Environmental Management student at the University of Waterloo. I have always been fascinated by our beautiful and dynamic planet. Fossils and minerals are the earthly treasures that tell the story of our planet and I cant wait to share it with you!

I am a third year student studying Earth Science with a specialization in Geology. I’ve had a passion for both the Earth and museums my entire life, and the UW Earth Sciences Museum is a fantastic example of how combining science and art can create something magical.

I am so excited to be working with the Earth Sciences Museum again! I am a fourth year geology student here at UW, and I love running the kids' fieldtrips to our museum. It is very rewarding to be teaching a subject that I am so passionate about. Last time I worked for the museum, I focused more on research and database management. I am so happy that this time around, I get to focus on community outreach. I couldn't imagine a more fun job!

Cynthia Davis is an environmental scientist with Stantec Consulting based in Kitchener, Ontario. She enjoys her field work responsibilities including soil and water sampling, as well as drilling and core sampling. She was previously employed as an Instrument Analysist at the University of Waterloo for 5 years where she analysed assorted samples for research projects.

Dave is a retired hydrogeologist (B.Sc., MASc., P.Geo) working as a geoscientist. He graduated from Queen’s University (Earth Sciences) and from the University of Waterloo (Water Resources).

David Rudolph carries out research in groundwater management with a focus on innovative ways to monitor water resources in the face of changing land use and climate. He is also a lecturer with the Department of Earth Sciences at Waterloo teaching both undergraduate and graduate classes.

Do you like rocks? I like rocks, that’s why I work here. Geology is a discipline which allows me to best understand the Earth and its resources. Whether teaching kids about geology or working with the museum’s collection, my affinity for this field is always growing. Currently a second-year geology student, I hope to one day enter the mineral exploration industry.

Hi! I am currently a student at the University of Waterloo in Environmental Sciences, Geoscience specialization with a minor in Biology! I am very passionate about the Earth, rocks and going outside to see the environment and wildlife. I love learning new things and sharing my knowledge with others! I look forward to working at the museum and teaching others about Earth Science!

I am a third year student in the earth sciences program specializing in geology. I enjoy the great outdoors and collecting rocks and minerals, especially in the Bancroft area. I look forward to sharing my passion for geology and earth sciences through the educational programs offered by the Earth Sciences Museum.

Work-Study Student at the Earth Sciences Museum.

Hello! I am a second year Earth Science student at UW with a specialization in Geology. I find Earth History and rock processes fascinating and think everyone would enjoy knowing more about them. The Earth Science Museum has such exciting content, and I am so pleased to help make it accessible to others, both virtually and in person.

I am a fourth year Honours Anthropology/Archaeology and Arts & Business student with a minor in Fine Arts. My interest is in museums and developing interactive exhibits with an educational focus.

Hi! I am Jay, a 4^th year Knowledge Integration and Earth Sciences Student. I love geology and museums, so working at the Earth Sciences Museums is a no brainer. Currently, I work behind the scenes to help design a travelling exhibit for the museum that focuses on current Earth Science research.

Hi everyone! I am a recent alumni from the Physics department. I joined the Earth Sciences Museum team by helping create the new interactive game "Planning Paradise". On my spare time I learned how to code, which came in handy when the museum needed help creating this game! Stop by sometime and check out the addition to the museum.

Jean Richardson was the director of the Science and Business program at the University of Waterloo. She has taught an extensive amount of Earth Science and Business courses focusing on how the two subjects intertwine.

I am a student in the School of Environment, Resources and Sustainability program, and I will be starting my fourth year of study in Fall 2020. I have a passion for educating youth about the environment and earth systems, especially through hands-on and experience-based activities. 

4B, Biomedical Sciences.

I wanted to work with the ESM because I have volunteered with the museum in the past and thoroughly enjoyed it. I also love working with children! Children benefit from the programs we offer, so I want to contribute to the museum and improve it so that we can provide the best experience for all visitors. 

John Johnston is a professor at the University of Waterloo where he teaches hundreds of students in undergraduate Earth and Environmental Sciences lecture, lab and field courses each year.

John Motz was born in Toronto and his parents moved to Kitchener while he was still an infant. He has lived in Kitchener-Waterloo ever since. John attended Saint Jerome’s High School in Kitchener, then went to the University of Waterloo, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Earth Sciences.

I am a third year Environmental Science student with a specialization in Water Science and a minor in Geography and Environmental Management. What I love about studying the earth and our environment is that it includes many other fields of science and can be observed in our everyday lives. 

Ken Dardano is the founder of Gneiss Guy Minerals and Fossils based in Fergus, Ontario. His passion for rocks grew out of his childhood experiences visiting mines in Quebec. He grew the business out of his basement, to a shed, then a storage space, and finally into 3 warehouses.

I am a fourth year undergraduate student studying Honours Earth Science, specializing in Geology. The Earth Science Museum is such an incredible place that has taught me many different skills (even through a pandemic). I have a passion for learning about the Earth, rocks, and their histories.  

I am a second-year Science and Aviation student and this term’s social media communications assistant for the Earth Science Museum. I’ve more recently discovered my interest in geology, rocks, minerals, and GIS thanks to the diverse range of Earth Science courses offered at the University of Waterloo.

Laura Scaife is a highly conscientious outreach educator and project coordinator with extensive experience working in diverse environments with persons of all ages, gender and culture. She is a workshop presenter for the non profit Scientists in School organization which extends science learning into the classroom and community by offering curriculum-based science workshops.

2B, Physics and Astronomy with Biology Minor.

Why wouldn’t I want to work at the coolest place on campus? As an avid rock collector with a peculiar interest in fossils I wanted to be a part of the ESM team. During the semester I had a chance to assist with social media outreach!

I’m super excited to be doing my third term as the ESM Communications Assistant! I’m now in my fourth year of Biological and Medical Physics with a double minor in Biology and Astrophysics. Growing up in Alberta, my favourite summer activity was visiting the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller which has a world class collection of fossils and other cool specimens!

I am currently in my 2B term of Earth Sciences-Geology at the University of Waterloo. I enjoy seeing the world by hiking, camping, and rafting. I hope to use my interest in the geological aspects of our earth to help create a sustainable future, and to teach others about the wonders of earth science!

I am a second year student studying Environmental Science with a specialization in Geoscience. I have a strong passion for the Earth and how landscapes were formed and change around us. I hope to bring more of the Earth Science Museum online as Covid-19 persists.

Hi! My name is Maija, and I am in my third year of biology at the University of Waterloo. I am super happy to be working for the Earth Sciences Museum! There is so much to learn about in science, and I am excited to be able to help organize the museum’s collection so everyone can learn about all the amazing things it has to offer.

I’m a fourth-year science and business student and I will be optimizing volunteer onboarding processes for the ESM. Museums have always been my happy place and we are very lucky to have a gneiss one right here on campus, don’t take it for granite!

I am a second year student studying Earth Sciences with a specialization in Geology. I originally came to Waterloo pursuing a degree in Physics and Astronomy, until I took an Earth Sciences class and loved it.  Since then my passion for geology has only grown and I am excited to see where it takes me.

Mr. Gray graduated with his honours Earth Science (Geology) B.Sc. degree from the UofWaterloo in 1987 and has continued his formal and informal education, including teaching the past five years at Fleming College in the Well Constructed and other geology and hydrogeology courses. 

Peter Morris originally came to Canada in 1955 from Portsmouth, England. He worked as a professor for a number of years in the Earth Sciences Department at the University of Waterloo and then became a geology consultant travelling and exploring parts of the world until retirement.

Peter Russell is a retired curator of the Earth Sciences Museum at the University of Waterloo, he continues to work with the museum on a volunteer basis. The university designated him an honorary member of UW in 1999 for his work in public awareness of science, for which he also received the 2004 Geological Association of Canada EWR Neale award.

Hello, I am a Physics and Astronomy student at UWaterloo. Rocks are cool, but physics is cooler.

Hi! I’m a 3^rd year undergraduate student studying Environmental Science, specializing in Geoscience. The Earth Sciences Museum is an amazing place filled with creative and interesting exhibits. I have already learned so much and I am excited to continue learning and to share my knowledge with visitors of the museum.

Hey everyone! I am a fourth year student studying Environmental Science, specializing in Geoscience. My interest in the earth and environment stems from my curiosity about the unknown and the need to find answers!

Hey everyone! I graduated from UW's Environmental Science - Geoscience Co-op program in Spring 2019 and then promptly began my MSc in Fall 2019. During my undergrad, I was fortunate enough to have my 8-month co-op placement at the Earth Sciences Museum and my love and appreciation for the museum quickly grew larger than ever!

I am a second year Environmental Science student at the University of Waterloo pursuing a specialization in Geoscience. I have always loved learning about our planet and its stunningly complex geology, so I cannot wait to share that passion with our visitors.

I graduated from Environmental Science at the University of Waterloo with a specialization in Geoscience this year. I have always loved learning about our planet and its stunningly complex geology, so I cannot wait to share that passion with our visitors.

Hello Everyone! I am a fourth-year student studying both Earth Science and Anthropology at the University of Waterloo. I am very interested in both the sedimentology aspect of Earth Science and the Archaeological aspect of Anthropology, and I am happiest when these two studies overlap as geoarchaeology. I am spending my summer at the Earth Sciences Museum helping with tours and displays.

Hi! I am in my third year of Environmental Science with a specialization in Ecology and I am very excited to spend the semester bringing the Earth Sciences Museum to you online! I’ve been lucky to have wonderful experiences with and outside the University of Waterloo, that have demonstrated the vital importance of understanding and creating a sustainable relationship with our environment.  

I am a second year student in the Physics and Astronomy program. I love learning about other planets as well as going outside at night and gazing up at the stars. I look forward to sharing my love of nature by helping build the Earth Sciences Museum website this term.  

Tiffany has almost three decades of experience working and volunteering for both private and public sectors including academia and NGOs. Professionally Tiffany works on sustainably developing new water supplies and the protection of existing ones, non-point source contaminant hydrogeology related to nutrient management and road salt, facilitating the development of integrated water management strategies including proactive drought management plans and implementing source water protection for municipal water supplies.

Corina McDonald is the curator of the Earth Sciences Museum and Science Museum and Galleries in the Faculty of Science at the University of Waterloo. She has been curating since 2012.

I am a third year University of Waterloo student in Environment and Resource Studies in the faculty of Environment, with a minor in Geography and Environmental Management. I love learning and teaching others about our environment. For as long as I can remember, I have always enjoyed spending as much time as possible outside exploring nature.

I am one of those lucky people who have spent a lifetime exploring the world of geology, gathering specimens for the museum, rocks for my rock garden, preparing displays and presentations on the subject for the museum and Wat on Earth Newsletter. After being curator since the early 1970’s I now volunteer one day a week as needed.

I am a fourth year Honours Science student at the University of Waterloo, I have a minor in Biology and an option in Knowledge Integration. I have always had a passion for science communication and teaching. Communication is all about telling stories and I can’t wait to tell you the stories behind our amazing exhibits. I look forward to being able to share my excitement with you!

I am a third year Earth Science student specializing in Geology. My favourite thing about studying earth sciences is that you can see it literally everywhere. I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for earth sciences with others, and hopefully inspiring them to see the beauty of earth sciences.

My name is Alisia Mar and I am a third year environmental science student with a specialization in geoscience. I have been passionate about geology and earth science since I was young, collecting rocks and spending long days outside. I love to learn, and I love having the opportunity to inspire the next generation of learners.

I am a third year geological engineering undergraduate student on my second co-op work term with the University of Waterloo.  Our wonderful Earth Sciences Museum is one of my favourite locations on campus, and I hope as Assistant Museum Curator to make it one of yours as well!

I am a third year Environmental Science undergraduate student specializing in Ecology. This is my second work term at the University of Waterloo and I am so excited to be the Fall 2015 assistant curator. I have a passion for learning and teaching science and I hope I get the chance to share that passion with you!

I am currently in grade 12 attending Sir John A. MacDonald Secondary School and this is my first co-op position here at the Earth Sciences Museum. I have had a passion for science and the planet we live on for as long as I can remember.

I am a third year environmental science undergraduate student with a specialization in ecology. While I love learning about all things living, I also love to learn about the earth sciences.

I am a first year geological engineering student and this is my very first work term at the University of Waterloo. I am thrilled to be working at the Earth Science Museum as I enjoy learning, science especially, and teaching others. The wealth of knowledge contained within these walls is amazing, and I hope to learn as much as I can as well as enhance everyone else’s learning experience.

I am a second year Knowledge Integration student and working at the Earth Sciences Museum was my first ever Work-Study experience. I had the opportunity to tackle the challenge of re-designing the Chinese Jade Exhibit, and with the help of fellow assistants and the curator, we have completed the brand new exhibit on June 11^th 2015.

I am a high school co-op student from Grand River Collegiate in Kitchener.

I'm Manny but some of you may know me as the Keeper of SSD's, the source of our Science power and embodiment of all that we strive for!... sort of. I'm a 4A (-ish) Geology Student that has dabbled in Geoarchaeology, and Classics with quite a bit of passion for both. I hope to do my thesis in Paleontology this year to try and tie my interests together. My time here at the museum has shown me that I have a deep appreciation for teaching others about the past and I personally feel like this is something I wish to pursue in the future.

To those who wish to know a bit more about me...I am third year Geology undergraduate student on my third work term at the Earth Sciences Museum in EIT. I am also a mining enthusiast that enjoys talking about the wonders of underground mining and production geology.

I am a third year Planning undergraduate student. This is my second term as the work-study student here at the Earth Science Museum and I am thrilled to be back! I am very interested in earth science, natural hazards and urban adaptation. I have learned a lot working here at the museum and enjoy assisting with museum tours and activities.

I help with the day to day activities of the museum and enjoy interacting with the public through outreach.

Hello! I’m Scott and I just finished my second year as a biology student here at UW. I have always loved learning about geology, rocks, minerals and fossils, so I’m super excited to be learning, teaching, and giving tours at the museum this summer. I can’t wait to see you in the Dino Pit!

Hi! My name is Liam and I’m currently a second year student in Environmental Science specializing in Geoscience with a Biology minor. I love everything outdoors and nature, but more than that I love telling people about it! Working as the Assistant Museum Curator and getting to teach students about the Earth has been an amazing experience.

Hello! I’m Ruby, a third year Environmental Science student. My specialization is ecology, and I am hoping to take a minor in Earth Sciences. I am working at the Earth Sciences Museum as a collections assistant, which involves organizing and updating the online databases of our specimens. I definitely recommend stopping by our museum! 

Hi, my name is Amy, and I'm currently a second-year student studying Biology. I assisted with the Science Museum & Galleries collection, and it has been amazing exploring the scientific field I am so passionate about through the Earth Sciences Museum.

Hi, I’m Adam and I am going into my third year at Laurier studying Archaeology and History. I have always loved minerals and fossils as well as museums as a whole. I am very excited to work with the museum this summer and learn more about the collection!

Hello! My name is Jillian, and I am currently in my second year studying Earth Sciences at the University of Waterloo. I love learning about the world around us and I have enjoyed using the knowledge I have to create meaningful and educational displays here at the museum!