Fiona Waters from mediator to academic coordinator for a non-profit in South Myanmar
Former mediator Fiona Waters talks about her passion for education and her future path keeping her STEAM mission alive.
Fiona Waters
Fiona Water’s desire to learn and share knowledge led her to the world of education. It was her nature to trace an issue back to the source that made studying science attractive to her. Having known Science Gallery even before starting her studies at Trinity College Dublin, Fiona had the ambition to join the Science Gallery team. She always believed that her own personal values aligned with the mission of the Network, and felt that she had something unique to offer. Fiona felt constantly challenged through her work as a Mediator. She remembers having particularly enjoyed facilitating the Transition Year Programs, a week-long work experience programme that gives students the opportunity to do a placement in Science Gallery. While there, they explore themes related to the exhibitions through interactive skills workshops,design, art and scientific practices. She found watching the students push their limits and explore learning incredibly rewarding.
“Science Gallery provided endless opportunities to
challenge yourself”
Presently, Fiona is writing new Bioinformatics modules for the Amgen Biotech Experience in University College Dublin, an outreach programme that empowers teachers in delivering biotech experiments in their classrooms. She also freelances as a Project Manager for Quavers to Quadratics, a Science Foundation Ireland-funded project run jointly between the National Concert Hall, Trinity College Dublin, and University College Dublin that allows primary level students to play with concepts found in physics and music. Eager for a new challenge, as of February 2020 she will be the Academic Coordinator for Zwekabin Myay, a non-profit in a small city in South Myanmar. This education non-profit aims to provide effective vocational training to young people and her role will involve mentoring this year’s group of students for the duration of their placement, as well as managing the team of volunteer teachers.
WHAT THEY SAID?
‘Science Gallery provided endless opportunities to challenge yourself. Whether it was learning new content for an exhibition, gaining experience in marketing, research, or event planning, there was always a whole new area of the gallery’s operations to get involved with. Now that I have moved on from Science Gallery, I have come to appreciate how rare and special it is to work in a place that provides such broad and ample learning opportunities.
Science Gallery wasn’t just a place to work, it became an identity. I’ve been away from Science Gallery nearly as long as I was working there, but still consider myself a proud ambassador, and carry its ethos with me in everything I do. It was such a privilege to grow and learn in that environment’ – Fiona Waters
WHAT WERE THE BENEFITS AND IMPACTS?
▶ Personal development
▶ Mediator development
▶ Career advancement
▶ Inspiring academic choice
Sources: Interview with Fiona Waters
Complied by: Jahitza Balaniuk, Science Gallery International 2020
Activity Date: 2020