My name is Tyler Herrington, and my pronouns are he/him. I identify as ace-spec and aro-spec, only coming to realize this in the last few years. I moved to the Waterloo Region in 2016 from Vancouver, BC to pursue a PhD related to Arctic climate science, where I have been researching the performance of permafrost soil temperatures in climate models. More specifically, I am interested in how differences in snow cover between models can influence errors in permafrost estimates. Prior to beginning a PhD, I worked as a Lab Instructor/Technician in Geography at a community college in the Vancouver region, and have occasionally taught as a sessional lecturer.
What led you to volunteer at SPECTRUM?
After moving to the Waterloo Region, I joined the KW Ace Space community, which began as a Meetup group in KW, and recently merged with Spectrum in 2021. I had been quite actively involved with the KW Ace Space, and when Spectrum mentioned that they were looking for a co-facilitator for the Ace and Aro Space, I figured that it would be a good chance to become involved in an official capacity!
Why is SPECTRUM important to you?
Spectrum offers a wonderful safe space for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in KW to make use of and has been so instrumental in helping me further explore my aspec identity, and meet others in the community!
How does volunteering help you develop a sense of belonging or community?
As a volunteer, I help co-facilitate the Ace/Aro Space, as well as the Saturday Drop Ins. I have also had the opportunity to help with the Tri-Pride events, and through these programs and events, it has given me the opportunity to get to know so many wonderful members of both the Aspec, and the 2SLGBTQIA+ communities. Through co-facilitation of the Ace/Aro Space meetings, I have been consistently learning more about the Ace and Aro communities and have certainly learned more about my own identity as well!
What’s on your playlist right now?
My playlist is a chaotic mix of Metalcore, Folk Metal, and covers of video game music (mostly
from Pokémon and Zelda).