Sarah Johnson

What outreach or public engagement do you do?

I run the Girls Exploring Physics program, which offers workshops for girls in grades 9 and 10 twice a year. I have performed in the Science Spooktacular Phantom Physics and Cryptic Chemistry show every year since 2009. I also participate in numerous other outreach activities put on by the department of Physics and the Faculty of Science including Science in Action, Discover Physics @SFU and the TRIUMF Saturday Morning Lectures.

What got you into it?

I’m not sure exactly. My first real outreach activity was as a volunteer at the Rochester Museum and Science Center when I was in graduate school. I really enjoyed explaining things to the public. Also, I’ve been involved in theatre since I was a small child so performing comes naturally to me. My Mom is an actress so I think I get it from her. 

What was your first summer job?

Mother’s helper

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

Cook, knit, watch TV and read. 

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

This is hard to choose. Either Barack Obama or Lin Manual Miranda. 

What three achievements in your life are you proudest of?

Starting Girls Exploring Physics, earning a Ph.D. in experimental particle physics and raising two kind, intelligent young men to near adulthood. (They’re 16 and 18.)