Who would have ever thought that TRIUMF—Canada’s National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics—would be seen working together with visual art students, much less collaborating together on an art exhibition?
Every year the UBC Arts Co-op Program recognizes three Co-op students for their outstanding work in all aspects of student performance including academics, the workplace, and professional or community involvement. This year two awards were presented to master students in the Library and Information Studies Program and the Archival Studies Program. The third award was awarded to Meghan Magee as the 2010 Undergraduate Student of the Year.
For eight months, Meghan, a Sociology major, worked as a Communication Assistant for TRIUMF— Canada’s National Laboratory for Particle and Nuclear Physics. During this time, Meghan took on a number of responsibilities including special event programming and coordination, community outreach and education, as well as updating and maintaining the website. In addition to these activities, Meghan managed TRIUMF’s first Student Artist in Residence Program.
Collaborating with a professor from the Emily Carr Institute of Art & Design, Meghan co-developed an educational module that brought together artists and scientists. This program provided an opportunity for art students to engage with TRIUMF and produce work that showcased physics and science from a unique and creative perspective. Thanks to Meghan’s hard work, over 200 people attended the first exhibition and the Artist in Residence Program still continues to be a major success.
“Working at TRIUMF was an incredible experience as an Arts Student—stepping into a role as Communication Assistant at a national science lab required me to learn the art of science communication and a language that was entirely new to me. This was challenging but extremely rewarding,” said Meghan.
