Cristina Cordoba

What outreach or public engagement do you do?

I carry out the "Lasers in Action" workshop for students in grades 5 - 9 at the Trottier studio. I also do various physics demonstrations at other SFU outreach events.

Why are you passionate about reaching out to young people or the public?

I think that when you are young you are like a sponge. If we do a really good job communicating science, we can get kids of all ages interested in nature and science. 

You are a scientist. Did you ever want to be something else?

I think I wanted to be a scientist since I was 5. At some point I thought about being an historian because I really like history too.

Which three achievements in your life are you proudest of?

The first one is learning English on my own. The second one has to do with teaching - I feel that I have been able to inspire students as an SFU Teaching Assistant. The third one is learning how to grow food, I am very passionate about the slow food movement.

What was your first summer job?

I worked in a handcraft store.

What’s your favourite colour?

Blue, in all shades.

How do you get to work every day?

I usually take the bus if it is raining, but I try to bike up the mountain as often as I can.

What are your favorite things to do when you aren’t working?

It depends on the season for sure. I love biking and gardening.

If you could meet one famous person for coffee who would it be?

I would like to meet the Uruguayan ex-president Jose Mujica.

What do you particularly like about working at SFU and in the Faculty of Science?

The passion people have for their job.

Which 5 words would you use to describe yourself?

Conscientious, easy- going, loyal, caring, honest.