Roy Tanaka

Roy Tanaka, YPC Committee Member

Meet YPC Committee Member Roy Tanaka

What is your occupation?
In-house developer and colour management specialist for TI Group Inc., a printing and communications company in Toronto.

What was the last book you read?
Thing Explainer: Complicated Stuff in Simple Words by Randall Munroe. This book brilliantly uses illustrations and only the thousand most commonly used words in the English language to explain some of the most complicated things in our universe.

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Across the Universe by The Beatles. Also, covers by David Bowie, Rufus Wainwright, Scorpions and of course Commander Chris Hadfield. Those count, right?

Where is your favourite place in the world?
The Galapagos Islands. Described as nature’s greatest science experiment, it is truly the most extraordinary place on earth.

Why did you join YPC?
I love the ROM. I am always in awe of the stunning galleries and diversity of exhibits. I even volunteer there in my spare time. Joining YPC gave me the opportunity to connect to the ROM in ways that are not normally accessible to the public: opening parties, behind-the-scene tours and interacting with Museum curators and scientists. I also get to share my enthusiasm with hundreds of other YPC-ers who love the museum too.

What made you decide to volunteer your time at the ROM?
I was looking for volunteer opportunities that would help me practice my public speaking and storytelling skills. The Department of Museum Volunteers’ Gallery Interpreter program was a perfect fit because I get to take rare artifacts into the galleries and share them with visitors at the ROM. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with many people from around the world about these fascinating objects and how they connect us to the rest of the world.

Describe the ROM in one word.
Evocative

Tell us one of your favourite ROM memories.
I was volunteering back-of-house for the ROM Revealed Weekend and I was stationed in the geology lab with Earth Sciences Technician, Katherine Dunnell. It was an amazing experience being surrounded by beautiful gems and minerals while listening to Katherine explain their unique formation and properties.

What do you love most about the ROM?
The ROM is a world-class institution that not only allows the public to experience the wonders of our natural and cultural history but also makes significant contributions to science, nature and the human story.

If you could have anything from the ROM’s collections, what would you choose?
The plastinated blue whale heart would make an exceptional conversation piece.