Call it a career: Moskalyk touched all aspects of Science North

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Julie Moskalyk’s career at Science North started simply enough.

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“I know Julie was quite young when she started volunteering, 15 I think,” recalls Franco Mariotti, now a Science North legend. “It grew out of that launch and became her lifelong career.

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“She touched all aspects of the Science Center, from animal care to live demonstrations, international marketing and administration.”

By enriching the visitor experience, Science North has become a perennial favorite destination.

Moskalyk remembers those early years: “I began my journey at Science North in the fall of 1985, after moving to Sudbury with my family from Oromocto, NB.

“After 22 moves across Canada and internationally, it has been great as a military family to settle here and put down roots. I needed a place to feed my early passion and interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)… and find a new place to meet people. I had the great pleasure of finding a job I loved very early on…focused on science communication.

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“I was selected by Tony Ingram, one of the original Bluecoats, to be a student volunteer in the fin whale workshop to help clean our famous fin whale skeleton as we prepared it for assembly. Then Franco Mariotti, a lifelong science mentor, hired me in the role of student science demonstrator in June 1986, and this became my new place – where I worked weekends and summers – and the rest is history.

“I joined SN full-time in September 1990.”

Moskalyk remembers the leadership and influence of these science directors: David Pearson, Tom Semadeni and Jennifer Pink.

“They played an important role – together with our visitors – in inspiring me to become a biologist. I was hired for a full-time role as a staff scientist for our outreach programs, which were still in their infancy, bringing the Science North experience throughout Northern Ontario.

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“I spent six years in that role and then in numerous positions within science centers and even in international sales. There I led business development and engagement with cultural attractions that purchased our products and services around the world. I became scientific director in 2017.”

Guy Labine, former CEO of Science North – now at the Arizona Science Center in Phoenix – attended her retirement event. He acknowledged that “Julie is part of the DNA of Science North. You can see how she has positively influenced the direction, exhibitions and culture of the organization.”

Jennifer Beaudry, senior manager at Dynamic Earth, has worked directly with Moskalyk for ten years. Beaudry credits her with encouragement in developing strong leadership skills.

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“Julie gave us the space to grow and try new things. I learned so much from her during those years. Besides her work, she is a true friend.”

Guiding staff at all levels was Moskalyk’s joy. “I loved creating new Bluecoats… building the same experience I had when I was a young student and an entry-level staff member. I had the opportunity to work with so many volunteers, staff and visitors as we explored and experienced STEM together.”

Did Moskalyk ever imagine in her freshman year (or even year 10) that it would become a career and ultimately a journey spanning more than three decades?

“No, although I knew very early on that I had found my ‘home’ and my ‘people’ at Science North. Like the “norm,” I expected to have a career with different employers… but you know what? I did. I’ve held many positions in numerous departments at Science North, all very different and all requiring a big learning curve, so I think it was like having a career in different places.

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“I am very proud of my long career at SN. Maybe it has to do with my loyalty?”

Moskalyk shared an example of the best memories of her career. They contain:

– Meeting Jane Goodall and having the opportunity to collaborate with her on Roots & Shoots, a traveling exhibition and two IMAX films.

– Creating the FJ McLeod Butterfly Gallery.

– Help shape Canada’s next two science centres, in Thunder Bay and Kenora.

– Boost the Halloween experience at Dynamic Earth into the largest event of its kind in Northern Ontario

– Collaborating with the Ripley Entertainment team to create the traveling exhibits “Science of Ripley’s Believe it or Not” and “Science of Guinness World Records.”

– The Big Nickel’s 50th anniversary extravaganza and being there with Ted Szilva, its creator, to celebrate. The event also took place on her daughter’s 16th birthday.

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– Meeting with Dr. Gunther von Hagens and a visit to the BODYWORLDS human plastinarium in Germany and then the incredible anatomical exhibitions that Science North organized here

– Nightlife on the Rocks and Northern MedTalks

– Serve on the board of the Canadian Association of Science Centers. Moskalyk has been part of this informal STEM learning organization for the past seven years as Science Champions

Moskalyk’s advice to everyone? “Find out what you really like to do and find a job that allows you to do that.”

And now, after 35 years at Science North? You can imagine that Moskalyk has the same energy that will take her from retirement to new adventures. She believes traveling will likely be a first step forward.

The Local Journalism Initiative is made possible by funding from the federal government.

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X: @SudburyStar

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