Robert Romanowski, Education Coordinator - Floor Programs Develops floor programming for the Amazon Rising exhibit and conducts animal encounters for diverse audiences. Participated in an on-line expedition to the Amazon in 2003.

I use science in my job everyday. When I am out in the exhibits answering animal related questions or teaching a program about the different ways fish feed at the Activity Center, I am always drawing upon my aquatic science background. After working and volunteering at Shedd Aquarium for 7 years, there are still many things I do not know. I am learning each and everyday. Science is a huge field. You can never have all the answers, but I always try to learn one new thing everyday.

Besides aquatic science, I also use the science of education in my job. On the floor, we see about 2 million visitors every year. These visitors all have different backgrounds and learning styles. To connect with my audience I always have to think on my feet and rely on my experience in education. You can’t teach something if you do not know how to engage your audience.

2. How did you get interested in science?

I became interested in science at a very young age. As a kid, I was very interested in plants and how they grew. So one year I decided to start my own vegetable garden from seeds. My parents took me to the garden center to pick out some seeds. I was so excited. It was like being in a candy store with so many choices. I always wanted to grow giant sunflowers so I bought some sunflower seeds. As I was planting them in the soil, I thought no way were these going to grow or get as big as they were in the photo. After planting the seeds, I went out to the garden everyday, watered them, and pulled any weeds that got in the way. Finally about 6 days after being planted, the sunflowers poked their first leaves up through the soil. From this moment on, I was hooked on science!

3. What do you like to do with your free time?

When I am not working I love to train for marathons, cook, and garden. I also love to travel and learn about other cultures.

4. Have you ever been to the Amazon? If not, what would you be most excited to see or do?

I actually spent about 3 weeks in the Amazon in May of 2003. We traveled by boat over 2000 miles from Iquitos, Peru to Beleem, Brazil. We explored the culture, geography, and life of the Amazon River basin. The thing that excited me the most was the diversity of life everywhere. In every tree, under every leaf, in every puddle, there was some form of life, whether it was a tiny frog or a large python. Another thing that excited me was getting the opportunity to visit schools along the Amazon River. Instead of hopping in a school bus, students in the Amazon would instead pile their books in the back of a long dugout canoe and paddle their way to school. Imagine your school and house being surrounded by water!

5. What do you do to prevent global climate change?

One of the most important things I do to prevent global climate change is teaching my guests to stop for a moment, take a closer look, and explore nature around them. This usually gives them a greater appreciation for nature and our planet. As a result they learn to care more about what they do that might affect the health of our planet. You can’t force anyone to prevent global climate change, but you can inspire and empower.

Small things that I do in my own personal life include turning the faucet off while washing my hands or brushing my teeth, taking shorter showers, riding my bike to work, taking public transportation, and eating organic whenever I can. Over time small actions add up to big actions. Everyone can make a difference by changing just one small part of his or her life.

6. If you were coming along on the Trans-Amazon Expedition what is one thing that you couldn't live without?

Pizza! I love pizza, deep dish, thin crust, you name it. I would have to have pizza at least once during the expedition.