Volunteer Spotlight

He’s always ready to tell a story about the Science Center of Iowa, but one is his favorite: My favorite toy, of course, is the Cosmic Jukebox. We’re the only science museum in America where a visitor can come in and take a look at the subjects in the Cosmic Jukebox and build an audiovisual program. Other science centers can go that far, but none of them can transfer that selection to a full-dome theater. When I take a group in the Star Theater, I always tell this story — it’s an exclusive at the Science Center of Iowa. It’s marvelous to know we have something so spectacular.

He had almost no science education, even through his college years: Everything I know about science I learned at the Science Center of Iowa.

He has one word to describe SCI’s new traveling exhibition, Ultimate Dinosaurs: It’s a ‘wow.’

He’s dedicated to recruiting SCI volunteers but focuses his attention on one metro community: I’ve been on a campaign for several years now to encourage more of our senior community to come down and spend time at the Science Center of Iowa. I’ve seen grandparents here with their grandchildren who are having even more fun than the children.

He has experimented with practically every gadget and gizmo at SCI — and even had a hand in building some of them: In those first three weeks before we opened in 2005, I got to put the toys together. I had no idea what was going to be at the Science Center of Iowa. A number of those toys are long-gone, but we have a superb facility for a city the size of Des Moines.

Playing-card tower expert: That was Taylor Kooker’s first title at the Science Center of Iowa. She encouraged participants to ask questions as they designed whimsical playing-card forts on her first day as a volunteer at the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire in September 2014.

“My favorite part was when I helped kids build cool, tall forts out of cards,” Kooker said. “It was fun to see what they created.”

Today, Kooker has a new title: sales associate. After volunteering at the Des Moines Mini Maker Faire and other special events, Kooker joined the SCI Box Office staff, a position she has held since June.

She initially got involved with SCI’s Volunteer Program to earn hours for her silver cord at Carlisle High School, where she graduated in May. One behind-the-scenes role led to another, giving Kooker, 17, a new perspective on all things SCI.

“When I volunteered here, I interacted with the kids in the exhibits,” Kooker said. “Now, I run group orientations, so it’s fun to see big groups of kids come in and help start their visit the right way.”

Whether she’s building the ultimate playing-card fortress or welcoming a group, Kooker said SCI’s high-energy work environment and community-focused events keep her coming back.

“Everyone is so friendly. It’s a cool place to work,” she said. “I think SCI’s events contribute a lot to the Des Moines metro.”