Samantha has been involved in curricular experiential learning during her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph. As part of HK*4510: Teaching, Learning and Knowledge Transfer, Samantha helped to put together an open access textbook by collecting learning objects like videos, animations and text to facilitate learning in other classes. More recently. Samantha is working as a writer for Students Promoting Awareness of Research Knowledge (SPARK). 

"The most valuable thing I’ve learned while working at SPARK is how to communicate effectively, regardless of the audience I’m talking to."

In her current role, Samantha works with researchers across campus to translate their research into articles that anyone from any background can understand, as well as doing social media promotion. She shares that this experience has helped her become more confident when asking questions and improved her peer editing and communication skills. "The most valuable thing I’ve learned while working at SPARK is how to communicate effectively, regardless of the audience I’m talking to," she shares. 

"I remember thinking why aren’t we making research accessible and useful to everyone?”

Her work at SPARK has also contributed to her carer goals. Samantha had initially intended to pursue Naturopathy, however, during a guest lecture in her third year, she was introduced to the field of knowledge transfer and translation. She learned that there is a huge gap between current research knowledge and the knowledge of the general public – over a 20-year difference. "I remember thinking why aren’t we making research accessible and useful to everyone?” she says. Samantha became so interested in research communication that she decided to shift her career goals, and SPARK gave her a start in this field. 

Samantha found her experience to be invaluable both personally and professionally. She was able to meet people, network and have an impact on campus through this role. "I would absolutely recommend that others apply to SPARK! It’s so unique because you get to learn from people in different fields doing all kinds of research," she says. 

Learn more about the SPARK internship program.