Meet our dedicated team of volunteers committed to making a difference in our organization and community!
Manuel Centeno Duque | BSc, 4th Year
President and Founder of the Microbiology Outreach Foundation
manuel@biologyoutreach.org
“After identifying a gap in microbiology education in rural communities across BC, the idea for an organization that focused on eliminating this gap seemed necessary. I aspire to lead and grow our organization to achieve excellence and prosperity for all.”
Board of Directors
Vice President
Emma Trotta
BSc, 4th Year
emma@biologyoutreach.org
What drew you to science?
Science is a broad and fascinating field that impacts everything and I have always been curious about the world around me, and how I can improve it.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?
I have grown to love microbiology and I enjoy teaching others what I have learned and show them how interesting and important science can be.
Best advice you have ever received?
“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.”
Vice President
Presley Kitamura
BSc, 3rd Year
presley@biologyoutreach.org
What drew you to science?
I have always been intrigued by understanding how things work in the world, and have a desire to contribute to new findings that could make a difference in people’s lives.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?
To hopefully inspire the younger generation and to help show them the opportunities that are out there.
Best advice you have ever received?
“Never be afraid to challenge yourself.”
Secretary
Kate Verdurmen
BSc, 2nd Year
kate@biologyoutreach.org
What drew you to science?
Science makes me realize how much I don’t know yet.
Why did you want to join MOF?
MOF allowed me to broaden my horizons and network with new people.
Best advice you have ever received?
“True leadership is to always show up as your most authentic self.”
Treasurer
Nathan Price
BSc, 2nd Year
nathan@biologyoutreach.org
What drew you to science?
I have a passion for intellectual challenge, contribution to society, and a need to understand the world.
What did you want to get involved with MOF?
Becoming involved in meaningful work that has a chance to make a difference in our community is important to me.
Best advice you have ever received?
The advice came from a Dan Gables quote,
“I shoot, I score. He shoots, I score.” It’s a reminder that I have to create opportunities in life, and that nothing is given.
Program Development
Hannah Goddard | BSc, 3rd Year
What drew you to science?
Getting to learn about the small systems that work together to make up the world we see.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?
It allows me to help others experience the wonder of the small systems all around us and how they affect us every day.
Best advice you have ever received?
“Whoever has understanding and knowledge, keeps calm. Even a fool is considered wise when they hold their tongue”.
Lena Heinen | BSc, 2nd Year
What drew you to science?
I enjoy taking part in discourse surrounding scientific innovation and hope that someday I get to lead these discussions.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?’
Getting the youth excited about science is very important as the future is becoming more technological. I am optimistic that younger generations can lead the future to success when resources are abundant.
Best advice you have ever received?
“Don’t procrastinate your assignments, priorities, family or friendship. This will make your life 10 times more difficult.”
Aaron Okano | BSc, 2nd Year
What drew you to science?
The science field has benefited my curious nature, allowing me t ask questions and find answers.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?
I am involved with MOF with the hope of inspiring younger students the same way I was inspired as a kid.
Best advice you have ever received?
“Teach once, learn twice.”
Camryn Filimek | BSc, 4th Year
What drew you to science?
I have always been interested in the complexity and diversity of life and the processes behind it.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?
I want to build more connections within the community and hopefully help inspire the future generations of scientists!
Best advice you have ever received?
“Better an ‘oops’ than a ‘what if’.”
Community Engagement
Florencia Santamaria Cisneros
BSc, 2nd Year
What drew you to science?
Wanting to know in depth how life and things work from such a tiny particle, such as an atom or cell.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?
I want to help the next generation of scientists to have more learning opportunities. I want them to understand that learning science is not just about reading books, but that you can also learn in more fun ways.
Best advice you have ever received?
“Do the things you have always wanted to do, because it is better to regret what you’ve already done than to regret what you haven’t and dwell on the ‘what if’…”
Ava Ward | BSc, 2nd Year
What drew you to science?
The lab portion of science, mainly biology, and how hands-on science is.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?
Throughout high school I never had presentations of any kind from science students and I want to change that for the younger generation and give them more opportunities.
Best advice you have ever received?
“You are in charge of your path”.
Dorthie Mehta | BSc, 2nd Year
What drew you to science?
Science has always been my favourite subject as far back as I can remember. I had a lot of questions and science seemed to have the best answers.
Why did you want to get involved with MOF?
I want to ensure the younger students have more opportunities to experience the fun of interactive learning in science.
Best advice you have ever received?
“Don’t tell people your plans, show them your results.”
Operations and Finances
Manuel Centeno Duque – Coordinator
