Behind the Science: An Interview with our Early Childhood Science Specialist

Q: What do you do at The Lawrence?

A: I collaborate with passionate professionals with different skill sets and expertise to design and elevate intergenerational, playful STEM learning at the museum, schools, and an array of local and national organizations. The programs are geared for children ages 2 to 8, educators, parents, and caregivers. 

Q: Describe your path to science/education.

A: My mother nurtured a sense of wonder in me early on. She hardly ever gave the answers to my questions. “I trust that you will figure it out,” she says. She knew creative thinking blossoms when freedom of expression and exploration are present.  

I am fascinated by how we learn as social beings. Science captivates me; it is such a social activity! I remember vividly holding my baby daughter under a tree for the first time. As she looked way up at the leaves swaying with the wind, my inner child wondered: what else are you noticing? In a unique way, that interaction inspired me to a career in early childhood science education. 

Q: What is something new (science-related) you’ve learned at The Lawrence?

A: “An egg plus a tree makes a bird’s home,” by a 4-year-old visitor.

Q: What was your first aha moment at The Lawrence?

A: I love popcorn, and most kids do, too! One summer day at The Lawrence, a child pondered a question during snack time: “What is the fluffy white part of a popped popcorn kernel made of?” Curiosity became the center of a lively discussion within the group. Thankfully, the kids were able to test different white substances in the Chemistry lab. What do you think they found out? That loud AHA! will stay with me and hopefully with them forever!

Q: Who is your favorite fictional character, and why?

A: Monica (Mônica in the original) is, by far, Mauricio de Sousa’s best-known character and a great symbol of national Brazilian comics around the world. She was the first female character he ever created. The year was 1963. Monica is a feisty, headstrong, quick-tempered, and bossy 7-year-old, but still a really good friend. Why is she my favorite character? She mirrors the emotions that kids are experiencing and trying to understand.

Q: What would you say if you could give your childhood self one piece of advice?

A: Embrace your natural gifts. Notice how each one of us has received different gifts to be shared with others. You are a giver; remember to also care for yourself.

Q: Do you have an unrealized project you want to talk about?

A: I have several, but here’s the first on my bucket list. I would love to collaborate with a team with different areas of expertise, such as STEM, product development, marketing, finance, and customer service, to develop a series of play-based knowledge-building curricula to support adults in elevating STEM playful learning for ages 2 to 8. For example, how a two-year-old interacts with air might differ from how the same child engages with it at different stages of development.

Q: What do you do in your free time that no one would expect?

A: I have just started practicing “the gada,” an ancient Middle Eastern weapon turned into a fitness tool. Just in case you are curious about it, one of the main benefits of using the gada is that it works for multiple muscle groups at once. This makes it a great option for those looking to build well-rounded fitness. Additionally, the gada’s heavy weight and unique shape also provide an intense cardiovascular workout that you can do at home.

Q: What age group do you love to teach or work with, and why?

A: Being an early childhood science teacher is enjoyable because it allows me to foster curiosity, creativity, and the impactful process of social learning through play while building strong relationships and constantly learning alongside young children.