Whitman Science Night Inspires Young Minds
A photo essay by Mas Ra’ed Aldardasawi ’28—look inside one of the community’s most beloved scientific events
For the love of science. Science Night connects Whitman students and faculty—such as Phoebe Nguyen ’25 (second from right) and Kylie Miles ’25 (right)—with local K-5 schools to help young students discover the joy of STEM.
Whitman College has long been dedicated to fostering a love of science in young minds through its Science Outreach programs, bridging the gap between academia and the local community. One of the most impactful initiatives is Whitman Science Night, an event where faculty and student volunteers bring hands-on science experiences to elementary schools in Walla Walla and beyond. This cherished program sparks curiosity, fosters a love for discovery, and makes science accessible to children and their families.
A closer look. Student interns and volunteers such as (from left) Van Nguyen ’26 and Maysi Marvin ’27 run Science Night stations where kids can get up close with real lab tools and fun experiments. The microscope station (right) offers kids an opportunity to examine fascinating slides.
So far this year, five of eight planned Science Nights have taken place, reaching elementary schools in the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Walla Walla, College Place and Waitsburg/Dayton. The response has been phenomenal, with nearly 1,000 K-5 students and their families participating. The events are made possible by the dedication of Whitman student volunteers, six faculty and staff members, eight community and school volunteers, and 10 community partners per event.
Hands-on learning. A student at Berney Elementary School spotted this beetle (which he named Terry) near one the Science Night stations and was excited to show the volunteers.
The Students Behind the Scenes
Three student interns—Aidan Durant ’27 (Chemistry), Maysi Marvin ’27 (Art-Environmental Studies) and Catherine Gallo ’27 (Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology)—help coordinate Science Night. Their responsibilities include organizing student volunteers, preparing science kits, managing event logistics and ensuring that everything runs smoothly.
Dream team. Faculty and student volunteers at Berney Elementary School’s Science Night included (from left) Aidan Durant ’27, Trevor Maziek ’27, Sebastián Vera Cuevas ’27, Catherine Gallo ’27, Associate Professor of Chemistry Tim Machonkin, Maysi Marvin ’27, Associate Professor of Chemistry Professor Nate Boland, Kylie Miles ’25, Phoebe Nguyen ’25, Associate Professor of Chemistry Jonathan Collins, Elizabeth Huang ’25 and Associate Professor of Computer Science William Bares.
“I love bringing our volunteers out,” says Durant. “The whole event reinforces that we are and should be an integrated part of Walla Walla.”
Unique leadership opportunities. Student interns such as Catherine Gallo ’27 (above) are a driving force behind the success of Science Nights.
“An incredible part of my role is working with the other student interns, members of the Science Outreach Team, and student, faculty, and community volunteers,” says Gallo. “The way that Professor Machonkin, Professor Boland, and Professor Collins connect and work with us as student interns shows me why I chose Whitman—it’s a unique thing that I think is only possible at a small liberal arts college.”
The Curiosity of Young Scientists
The magic of Science Night lies in the excitement it sparks in young minds.
Future arachnologist? George (left), a young student at Edison Elementary, was thrilled to visit Science Night, where he had the chance to see spiders through a microscope for the first time. “I love spiders,” he said, “but I’ve never seen them this close before!”
Volunteers of all ages. Adelaide (right), a fifth-grader and daughter of Associate Professor of Chemistry Nate Boland, volunteered alongside Whitman students, including Elizabeth Huang ’25 (left), at Berney Elementary School’s Science Night—sharing her enthusiasm for science with other young students.
Closssssse encounters. “Seeing kids’ reactions to Stevie the snake (above) is fascinating—ranging from ‘I love snakes!’ to ‘Get me outta here!’” says Associate Professor of Chemistry Tim Machonkin. Intern Aidan Durant ’27 agrees: “Handling Stevie the snake and answering kids’ questions is always a highlight. It’s rare to see kids so curious and engaged in science.”
Next stop: Slime ball station. The slime ball station—led here by (from left) Sebastián Vera Cuevas ’27 and Catherine Gallo ’27—lets kids explore chemistry by making their own colorful, bouncy slime. “A girl at the slime station kept adding glitter until the slime wouldn’t mix properly,” recalls Elizabeth Huang ’25. “She didn’t even notice—she was too excited about the glitter.”
Why Do Whitman Students Volunteer?
For many Whitman students, participating in Science Night is about more than sharing knowledge—it’s about giving back to the community and making science more inclusive.
Science is for everyone. Student volunteers (from left) Phoebe Nguyen ’25, Kylie Miles ’25, Sebastián Vera Cuevas ’27, Catherine Gallo ’27, Maysi Marvin ’27 and Elizabeth Huang ’25 helped bring Science Night to the Nixya’awii Community School on the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.
“Science Night is important to me because I care deeply about making science inclusive and accessible,” says Geology and English major Elizabeth Huang ’25. “It encourages kids to imagine themselves as scientists—kids who might never have considered paleontology or microscopy as part of their future.”
Durant agrees: “I come from a very small town and was lucky to have a biology teacher who cared about our community. I want to pay it forward to the people who make Whitman such a wonderful place to live and learn.”
“Seeing students’ enthusiasm for learning reminds me of the childlike wonder that inspired me to pursue a career in STEM,” says Gallo. It’s an honor to be part of the Science Outreach team.”
Finding their voice. First-year volunteers such as (from left) Freja Holmes ’28 and Jordan Flaherty ’28 gain confidence in the sciences when they share their knowledge with others.
The Impact of Science Night
Whitman faculty members emphasize the profound impact of Science Night on both young students and Whitman volunteers.
The regulars. Science Nights couldn't happen without the support of Whitman faculty and local school leaders, such as (from left) Associate Professor of Chemistry Tim Machonkin, Associate Professor of Chemistry Jonathan Collins, Nixya’awii Community School Principal Ryan Heinrich, Associate Professor of Chemistry Nate Boland, and former Science Outreach Coordinator Heidi Chapin.
“Research shows that college students feel a greater sense of belonging in STEM when they communicate science as experts,” says Associate Professor of Chemistry Nate Boland. “Family Science Nights awaken K-5 students’ curiosity about the world while allowing Whitman students to experience the wonder and joy of science.”
The M in STEM. A recent Science Night at Edison Elementary School also saw the participation of Whitman’s Math Department, with faculty members (from left) Assistant Professor of Mathematics Adriana Ortiz-Aquino, Professor of Mathematics Albert Schueller, Assistant Professor of Statistics Will Boyles and retired Associate Professor of Mathematics Laura Schueller joining the event.
A family favorite. Associate Professor of Chemistry Jonathan Collins highlights the event’s community significance: “The demand for Family Science Night has been strong. The Walla Walla School District asked us to revive it long before we restarted it last spring.”
The Future of Science Outreach
From 2008 to 2020, Whitman’s Science Outreach Coordinator—supported first by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship and later by the college—developed numerous programs connecting faculty and students with the local community. While the coordinator position was discontinued in 2020, dedicated faculty members have since revived key outreach initiatives, including Science Nights. Thanks to generous funding from Associate Professor of Chemistry Tim Machonkin’s National Science Foundation grant and support from the Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculty, Science Nights were successfully reinstated last spring.
Science Night exemplifies Whitman’s commitment to community engagement. Beyond scientific knowledge, the program fosters leadership skills, a sense of belonging and an appreciation for the power of education.
“After seeing firsthand the impact of Science Night, I’m hooked. The overwhelming community response has been truly inspiring. It’s exciting to be part of something so meaningful.
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Associate Professor of Chemistry Jonathan Collins
About the Author
Mas Ra’ed Aldardasawi is a first-year student from Jordan and a photographer for Whitman College’s Office of Communications. She is passionate about promoting science accessibility and bridging educational gaps for disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. One of the highlights of her first year was assisting at the microscope station during Science Night events.