Tom Westbrook says that the memory of making liquid nitrogen ice cream for students at Sts. Peter and Paul School in Ionia, while teaching them about the properties of solids at low temperatures, has really stuck with him. The moment came on just his second performance with Science Theatre, and Tom's level of participation in the following months has been a clear indication of the effect that this "awesome" experience has had on him. Tom has been named Science Theatre's inaugural Member of the Month in recognition of his volunteering from the end of the Spring 2009 semester through September.

In addition to the May 14th Ionia show, Tom performed with Science Theatre at Herbison Woods Elementary school in DeWitt on May 13th, the Rhino Romp at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing on June 13th, and the Impressions Summer Camp in West Bloomfield on August 18th. On September 9th, Tom joined Science Theatre's first Fall Social venture to Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. John's.

Tom volunteers for Science Theatre because he is a firm believer in the organization's dictim of science outreach through interactive demonstration. Describing the demos he has performed with the group, he says, "They're interesting to the kids and they're fun to perform. Most of the demos seem to have a good mix of information and spectacle." His main goal for 2009? To "learn more demonstrations."

Tom is a Chemistry senior from Grand Rapids.