Nanogirl prepares for explosive science show
Performing for an audience is more daunting than lying on a bed of nails for Dr Michelle Dickinson.
The scientist is bringing her explosive persona of Nanogirl to the stage once again for the Auckland Arts Festival presented by ThinkScience.
She’ll be performing two shows at Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau on Sunday, March 5, as well as for school groups.
This year’s show is brand new, written specifically for the festival, and is loosely revolved around the magic of science, she says.
It will feature lots of experiments, and includes a bed of nails which Dickinson will lie on - but she says she’s not scared at all.
‘‘The engineers have been building this thing for the last couple of weeks so theoretically it should be safe,’’ Dickinson says.
‘‘I believe in the science. We’ve done all the safety calculations and I have zero concerns, if I did I wouldn’t do it.’’
Dickinson has been performing as Nanogirl for three years now, beginning as part of the arts festival and also taking it on tour around New Zealand.
She brings her enthusiasm for science to the stage for chil- dren and adults, with an aim of making it as accessible as possible, especially for students at low decile schools.
Dickinson, a senior engineering lecturer at the University of Auckland, says as an introvert she finds the performing side of Nanogirl a struggle.
‘‘It’s pretty exciting to be able to do something that’s not only totally out of my comfort zone ... but also be able to create something to engage with people of all ages.’’
She hopes to inspire school children to also fall in love with science through her Nanogirl shows.
‘‘I like engaging with people, especially kids who haven’t seen science presented in this way. It’s a great way to engage with them and help them find out more about science.
‘‘So many kids come up to me and say they thought science was boring and now they can see it’s not only exciting but they want to do it at home.’’
Nanogirl’s Explosive Science World is on Sunday, March 5 at 11am and 2pm. For tickets go to aucklandfestival.co.nz/events/ nanogirl-s-explosive-scienceworld-at-vodafone-events-centre