Staff Q&A: Amy Rosenvall

1. Where are you from? 

Utah 
 

2. What and where have you studied? 

Earth and space science secondary education, Brigham Young University 
Biology education Masters, Western Governors University 

3. Where have you previously worked? 

Nebo, Jordan, and Provo City School Districts 

4. What is your current job title? Please describe what you do in that position. 

CUSEF Director: I run the Central Utah Science and Engineering Fair for 5–12th grade students from Alpine, Canyons, Jordan, Nebo, Provo, and charter/private schools. While in this position, I work with professors to provide feedback to student projects and escort students to ISEF (International Science/Engineering Fair.) Students have opportunities to win scholarships and other awards based on their scientific, engineering, computer science, or mathematical project results.  

5. Growing up, what teacher inspired you the most? How? 

My 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Nelson, encouraged creativity through Scribble Story books, reading competitions, and science projects. She allowed each student to be inspired and to explore interests in a natural manner which spurred a deep interest in learning for myself and many others. She also let us pick a quartz crystal for our birthday which started my love of geology. 

6. What accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Implementing multiple programs that have been sustained even after I have left (school programs, science workshops, engineering lesson plans, computer science events, etc.).  

7. What was the first career you dreamed of having as a kid? 

I’ve always wanted to be a scientist. My parents noticed this and encouraged it by allowing me to stay up all night watching shooting stars, viewing the Hale-Bopp, attending geology/rock events, allowing me to collect bugs/tadpoles/snakes. My father (being a chemist) gave me a homemade chemistry set complete with full strength chemicals, glassware, and a Bunsen burner—with instructions to be careful and not tell my mother what I had. 

 8. Best Halloween costume you have had?

I sewed Howl and Sophie costumes from Howl’s Moving Castle for me and my husband.  

9. Do you collect anything? 

Sand. Rocks. Stone marbles (aggies). Books.  

10. Would you rather spend a night out on the town or stay home inside with a book?

Inside with a book, watching a movie, cooking a treat, or drawing or sewing a project.