Taryn O'Neil receives YMCA Red Triangle Leader to Watch Award
The Faculty of Science, Applied Science & Engineering at UNB Saint John is very proud to recognize Taryn O’Neil's recent accomplishment as the 2011 recipient of the YMCA Red Triangle Leader to Watch Award.
Taryn graduated from our Bachelor of Science program in May 2010 and is now completing her first year of graduate studies in the Master of Science program. Her research is in the study of traditionally used medicinal plants for biologically active natural products as part of the UNB Saint John Natural Products Research Group. This lab group consists of students who share interests in microbiology, chemistry, and biology with the intent of discovering novel anti-infectives.
On top of her intense studies in science, Taryn, with the support of the Faculty of Science, Applied Science, and Engineering (SASE) and the Vice President’s office, has been able to establish a Let’s Talk Science (LTS) chapter which is currently in it’s first year at UNB’s Saint John campus.
LTS is an award-winning, national, charitable organization that strives to improve science literacy through leadership, innovative educational programs, research and advocacy.
Some of the events Taryn has already organized include:
- hosted a Science Open House at to celebrate National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) with faculty and graduate students giving hands-on demonstrations about their research to an audience of 25 students.
- provided opportunities to university students to judge and mentor in science fairs around the city.
- traveled with volunteers to Tobique First Nations on the March break and delivered hands-on activities to aboriginal youth.
- hosted a science lecture night at the NB museum with three UNB faculty members delivering an exciting and informative talk to the general public.
- volunteered as head judge for the 2011 Fundy Regional Science Fair
- hosted an All Science Challenge at the UNBSJ campus. The All Science Challenge is a free, exciting, fun-filled day of competition and camaraderie that’s part of a nation-wide program to excite and inspire the next generation of scientists.
- Provided an opportunity to approximately 25 students from grades 6-8 to compete in an online science video competition
In addition to all this, Taryn is also a mentor as part of the UNB Saint John community outreach initiative with Hazen White/St. Francis. As part of this community partnership, Taryn has assisted Leah Richardson with the Backyard Book Club within Crescent Valley by providing books, nutritious snacks, crafts, and physical activities for the youth in the summer months.
Taryn is also a dedicated board member of the Quantum Opportunities National Program sponsored by the National Crime Prevention Centre. Taryn has greatly to this program by providing them with connections to the university community and services through the LTS Program.
It is no surprise that Ruth Shaw, Dean of the Faculty of Science, Applied Science & Engineering at UNB Saint John, nominated Taryn for the 2001 Red Triangle Leader to Watch recipient and no surprise that she won this honour!
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