Fleetster Friday: Meet Ivel Gontan

It’s Fleetster Friday! This week, we’d like to you meet North Clairemont resident Ivel Gontan. As Community Programs Senior Manager, Ivel is passionate about making positive changes in the world which she does by providing communities with science opportunities. Among her many duties here at the Fleet, she spearheads the BE WiSE program, which engages young women in STEM learning experiences. You can also find her at the High Tech Fair, a free event for families and students interested in scientific careers, coming up on January 17 and 18, 2019.

Complete this sentence: I love science because ...

... it has the potential to connect people from all walks of life and backgrounds to opportunities that can better their lives, the lives of their families and communities and make the world a better place.

What would be the most surprising scientific discovery imaginable?

It would be so wild and surprising if we would be able to create physical representation of consciousness, and you would be able to get a read out of your consciousness the same way you can see your DNA ancestry today.

What is your favorite thing at the Fleet?

My favorite thing at the Fleet is …*cheeseball alert* … my co-workers. I have some of the most zany, thoughtful, challenging, supportive, sweet and downright hilarious coworkers a gal could ask for. There is something special about science museums, and this one in particular has a great crew!

What fictional world or place would you like to visit?

I think it would be neato to visit Harry Potter’s world and take a class at Hogwarts! I’d be a Gryffindor, in case you were wondering.

What is your favorite time of the day and why?

I’m an early bird because I spent a decade in the coffee industry working morning shifts. My favorite time of day is when I get to sit down to that first cup of coffee and reflect on what an awesome day I’m about to have.