Who Are We?
Whittier College students, staff, and local volunteers - We are Science Circus!
Our Mission
The Science Circus Whittier Project works with families and schools to spark student interest and engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) by providing access to high-quality learning opportunities in Whittier and surrounding communities.
The Team
Whittier College Undergraduates interested in participating in the Science Circus Whittier Project enroll in a service-learning course offered through the Department of Education. The course highlights the untapped potential of informal STEM education. Students development various resources to be used in local schools and communities.
Our Philosophy
We value learning science (and all STEM subjects – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) in everyday settings. Too often STEM subjects are portrayed as something we do not experience in our daily lives. When – in reality – scientists, engineers and mathematicians are inspired in their discoveries by the world around them; it is with that passion innovation happens. The resources that we provide are meant to be available to everyone, and not reliant on highly-specialized materials or tools. Our goal is to inspire families to “see and experience the science” in everyday moments, big and small, wherever they may be.
Leadership
As a child, I was fascinated by the world around me. I loved nature programs. This love of the natural world led me to pursue teaching biology at the high school level. I am an Associate Professor of Science Education in the Department of Education & Child Development at Whittier College. I have two children and love helping them to connect our daily activities to science (in addition to visiting museums, science centers, and parks). The Science Circus Whittier Project embodies that passion for teaching and learning science in meaningful ways. Hopefully it will provide an entry point for many children into an exploration and love of the world around them.
I started my career in the East Whittier City School District as a science teacher and now work as a science instructional coach to help promote high quality science instruction within our school district. My journey into science education began as an undergraduate at Whittier College where I took courses in biology, chemistry, and physics. Planning to be a medical doctor, I gravitated towards coursework involving the study of animals. This stemmed from my love of nature and our annual family camping trips to Yosemite as a child. While at Whittier College I began working as a tutor and instructional aide in a local elementary school and this is where my love of science transformed into a passion for science education. The Science Circus Whittier Project has tapped into this passion and I look forward to continuing to promote meaningful ways for students and families to engage in science in the Whittier area.
I knew I wanted to be a scientist by the time I was 8 years old when I started designing experiments and recording data in my first laboratory notebook. I am a physical chemist who dabbles in engineering, physics, nanotechnology, nuclear physics, mathematics, biology, and environmental science. Chemistry often serves as the common link between all of these fields, yet it took years of varied experiences and science wanderlust to grasp the true connections and I still continue to learn. My greatest joy is receiving “phone-a-scientist” questions and providing my particular viewpoint on a phenomenon. I believe observing the connections of all scientific fields earlier in life will help students see the central concepts and feel more at ease exploring, learning, and “talking science.” I am an Associate Professor of Biology and Environmental Science at Whittier College.
I’ve known I wanted to work with children for many years, but never really knew in what capacity. My indecisiveness led me to declare Child Development as my major at Whittier College and that was the major I graduated with in May of 2024. While taking courses within this major, I realized my passion for working with children and families in an after-school setting. I learned the importance of out of school environments like museums and libraries, and how impactful these places are to a child’s interests later in life. Science Circus was something I accidentally stumbled upon- something a friend mentioned in a conversation. I quickly discovered that the project embodied much of what I am passionate about. This project prioritizes fun learning. It shows students and families that learning is everywhere and doesn’t always have to be from boring lectures and dense books. I was able to work with Science Circus during my last semester at Whittier College and the following summer months. I am incredibly grateful to be able to continue working with Science Circus as the Program Coordinator and am excited to see the many things the project has in store.
Student Staff
My name is Lucinda Frates and this is my second year on the Science Circus team! I am excited to be working with Science Circus again because I really believe in what we do. It is very rewarding to see kids enjoying activities that we have designed and prepped. I am a junior majoring in anthropology with a minor in art history. After I graduate from Whittier I plan on going to graduate school and pursuing a career in the arts.
Hi! My name is Jasmine and I am currently a junior at Whittier College. I am double majoring in Business and Child Development. I have been working with kids for 5 years now and love it. I just joined the Science Circus team this past summer and it has been an amazing experience. I can’t wait to see what this year holds.
My name is Rebecca Fernandez, my major is Graphic Design & Education and I joined Science Circus because I enjoy helping students have fun while learning. I have done tutoring, and I began working full-time with elementary and intermediate school students during the summer. I have worked at a STEM summer day camp program at multiple schools. I enjoy working with children because watching children grow and have fun while they are experiencing learning.
Hi, my name is Judy Bakly. I’m a sophomore at Whittier, majoring in Studio Art. In my free time, I like animating, drawing, painting, reading, writing, sculpting and playing with Ivy, my pet green cheek conure! This is my first year working at the Science Circus, and I’m excited to work here because I like being creative and getting the opportunity to help kids make art while teaching them science at the same time. I’m thinking of possibly becoming an art teacher in the future, so this is a nice opportunity to see if I like working with kids!
Hi! I’m Esme McGuire. I am a senior at Whittier College, majoring in Child Development with a minor in Theatre and Performing Arts. I enjoy helping kids learn about the world around them and learn more about the unique potentials they each have, as well as how they can interact with their environment and one another in a positive way. I am excited to be continuing my journey with the Science Circus this year and continue to learn more about teaching and how I can make a difference in children’s lives.
My name is Jessica Rios! I am a sophomore at Whittier college and I am double majoring in Social work and Child Development. I joined Science Circus because it’s such a unique and exciting way to encourage kids to grow their understanding and love of STEM. My favorite thing about working with Science Circus is seeing all the kids have fun with our activities and learning new concepts. Science Circus has helped me gain real world experience working with children and families that I’m excited to implement in my career in the future!
Hello! My name is Gabriella Anderson and I’m a second year child development/elementary education major. I am an aspiring elementary school teacher, so working with children is and has been one of my biggest passions. I’ve been mainly in a classroom setting for the past two years, but I’m really looking forward to broadening my horizons. I’m so excited to be working with the Science Circus because I love being able to hang out with the littles and facilitate their learning. I can’t wait to help kids discover how fun and exciting science can be, and serve the Whittier community in the best way I can.
Hi! My name is Hillary Osuya-Eni, and I’m part of the Science Circus team. I’m currently majoring in Political Science at Whittier College. At Science Circus, I help with social media, workshop activities, and coming up with new science ideas that make our events creative and fun. I love finding fresh ways to get people excited about learning, and I can’t wait to see what we create together this year!
Hello! My name is Pamela Perez. Feel free to address me as Pam! I am a sophomore, majoring in Child Development. This is my first time joining the Science Circus, and I am excited to be a part of the process of assisting and creating these science activities. I enjoy seeing families engage in our activities, and students have fun learning science.
The Science Circus is truly a team and the wonderful programming could not be done without the help of our student staff.
Katherine Christopherson 2021-2022
Michelle Marks 2021-2023
Emily Linden-Ross 2022-2023
Harvish Peersia Spring 2023
Cynthia Cruz Summer 2023
Elaine Rios Summer 2023
Connor Hoemann Summer 2023
Berenice Mussomele Summer 2023
Amanda Diaz 2023-2024
Isabella Contreras-Giardiello 2023-2024
Eloise Flad 2023-2024
Sophie Fudim 2023-2024
Bridget Musker 2023-2024
Mackenzie Crecelius 2023-2025
Tori Meija 2024-2025
Mia Ventura 2024-2025
Julie O’Brien Spring 2025
How did we get started?
As Lauren & Christopher worked and volunteered in local schools, they started to have regular meetings in a local coffee shop (thanks Talias!) to discuss ways to promote STEM education in local schools and the Whittier community. At first they planned after-school family STEM events with the help of Whittier College students. But when the COVID-19 pandemic began to disrupt schools and limited the opportunity for children to do hands-on STEM in schools, Lauren & Christopher wanted to figure out a way to help students and their families engage in science while at home; this included activities that families could complete with materials already on hand. And thus, the Science Circus Whittier Project was born.
