Name

How old are you?

18


Where did you go to school?

Mount Douglas Secondary School on Vancouver Island, and I’ll be heading to the University of Toronto in the fall.


What was your experience with science fairs?

It was an amazing opportunity, but not enough people know about them. I found out about science fairs through school, and immediately thought they were something people only did in the movies. However, they were a cool part of my high school experience, which allowed me to go all in in a well-organized and connected setting.


You participated in the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair and made it to the Canada-Wide Science Fair, can you tell me about the project that brought you there?

My project “Is Bigger Better,” asked the question of whether bigger cities are more emissions-efficient than smaller cities. I analyzed carbon emissions and population data from cities in Canada and the United States to determine the relationship between the two variables. I also used statistical analysis to test values like density, income and temperature to determine which were most important. I was able to draw on my experience from the science club I ran at my school and my AP Statistics and Calculus knowledge.  

I found that large Canadian cities are less emissions-efficient than smaller ones, while large American cities are more efficient than smaller ones. In a world that revolves ever-tighter around metropolitan environments, it is crucial to understand how their size affects global warming. Ultimately, I think my project was successful because it was timely and relevant. It aimed to solve a current issue, climate change and global warming, with tangible data.


What was your inspiration behind the project?

With the evolution of technology and innovation, I drew inspiration from exploring how our world can become more sustainable and efficient on a bigger scale. However, not only did my motivation come from my passion for projects that approach sustainability and climate, but also the lack of public school participation at all levels of science fairs. I saw from my experiences in 2023 that the vast majority of exhibitors were privately educated. They had many resources dedicated to science fairs, while most people at my public school did not even know the fair existed. 

I spearheaded the Science Fair Club at my school last year to establish a precedent for science fair participation. We found many interested students, and three of them placed top five in the senior category! Getting the attention of public schools is probably the best way to promote science fairs, and I wanted a project that would turn heads.


What advice would you give to students participating in YIS for the first time this year?

The image of science fairs can be misleading. I used to think they were only geared toward a particular type of audience, but they are much more diverse than one would think. Don’t try to make your project more advanced than it needs to be. I made that mistake the first time around by trying to complicate my project to impress others once I got to Canada-Wide. It just shook my confidence, and if I had just stuck with my original plan, I would have performed better. My best advice is to give it a shot and be yourself.

                 
 

Name

How old are you?

15


Where do you go to school?

University Hill Secondary


What was your experience with science fairs? What has encouraged you to want to come back?

I have always had a strong passion for STEM since I was a child. I started participating in science fairs in grade 4, and these experiences allowed me to showcase my ideas to the world and enhance my communication skills through interactions with judges and mentors. They also provided valuable insights and learnings into entering the professional world, simulating real-life scenarios like client meetings. The recognition I received for my work has motivated me to continue innovating and crafting science projects.


You participated in the Greater  Vancouver Regional Science Fair and made it to the Canada-Wide Science Fair, can you tell me about the project that brought you there?

For my first project in grade 7, I developed a drowsiness detection app that tracks a driver's eyes and alerts them if they are falling asleep, titled "Drowsiness Detection and Virtual Friend Speech-Robot for Safe Driving.” The project was showcased at the Cariboo Mainline Regional Science Fair in Kamloops and won a bronze medal at the virtual Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) during the pandemic. 

Additionally, my next project was DeviceABLE, a novel hands-free computing app for people with disabilities. Hands-free computing is crucial for individuals with disabilities, offering a means to control computers without hands. Current market solutions often come with drawbacks, such as less functional, bulky hardware, reduced accuracy, and high costs. DeviceABLE provides a free and precise alternative, requiring no additional hardware, where users can control their computers effortlessly through head movements and voice commands. The project received multiple awards at the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair and CWSF. 

I have been participating in the Youth Innovation Showcase since grade 8, and this year is my third project.


What was your inspiration behind the project?

The inspiration behind my first project stemmed from a personal experience when I noticed how uncomfortable my mom felt on longer drives due to drowsiness, which sparked the idea of developing an alert system for drivers. Recognizing that drowsiness-related accidents are among the most fatal, second only to those caused by drunk driving, I set out to create a feasible solution to prevent such incidents, which got me to CWSF.

During the pandemic, with more time at home and online classes, I taught myself to code, which allowed me to start conceptualizing the project. I realized that hands-free computing could have practical applications, especially for those with disabilities. With 40% of motor-impaired individuals unable to use their hands, I saw the necessity for an accessible tool. DeviceABLE not only offers accurate control of a computer through head movements and voice but also allows users to interact comfortably without the limitations of traditional hardware. I have really enjoyed the process of fine-tuning the project, which has motivated me to continue.

What project are you working on this year?

I’m still working on DeviceABLE but it needs to have a significant upgrade if I want to make it back to CWSF. Through integrating AI, I’m hoping it will help streamline the process, minimize manual effort and allow for automatic functionalities that work alongside the user.

 

What advice would you give to students participating in YIS for the first time this year?

Choose a project you’re passionate about which will allow you to remain motivated and happy throughout the process. Science fair projects require dedication, and you’re more likely to give up if you lack enthusiasm. Perseverance is crucial; results may not always be perfect, and multiple trials may be necessary so make something you’re proud of and actually like doing. My experience with DeviceABLE over the past two years of continuous work has taught me the value of sticking with it despite failures. 

Science fairs are not only fun and well-organized but also foster a strong community where you can make lasting friendships and connections. My second time at CWSF Ottawa (since the first one was virtual) was extremely memorable, and I look forward to hopefully being able to go again. Once you are part of the community, you can achieve great things together. These are people who could be future colleagues, mentors, and friends – the science fair community is more than just about science.

Name

How old are you?

17


Where do you go to school?

Delta Secondary School


What was your experience with science fairs? 

I have had a passion for science since I was little, and participated in many STEM related programs, but my first offi cial experience with a science fair came in 2024 at the South Fraser Regional Science Fair. It was an incredible opportunity to conduct this research, present it to judges, receive meaningful feedback, and even end up winning three special awards in the biomedical and coding categories.

Being the only one in my school to participate in the regional science fair was a unique challenge that was not common in the community, but it inspired me to expand the STEM Innovators Club that I founded at my school, where I now encourage and train other students to get involved. The platform of science fairs spearheads connection, innovation and creativity, creating research and entrepreneurial opportunities for students early on.


What was your inspiration behind the project with which you won the Youth Innovation Showcase?

The inspiration behind the project I won YIS with came from my sister's experience with misophonia, a condition characterized by limited tolerance to certain sounds or the stimuli and cues associated with them (like eating noises). Diagnosed at 13, she faced challenges due to a lack of education, awareness, and suitable resources for children.

I was motivated by the limited solutions available and began researching ways to raise awareness and improve accessibility for those struggling with misophonia. By speaking with patients, consulting mentors like Dr. Goldberg from the Department of Psychology at UBC, and analyzing existing solutions, I set out to create a more user-friendly and affordable approach to treatment that addresses the gaps. I conducted self-research to start, read scientifi c articles, and spoke with patients to try to devise a possible solution. I had to consider challenges like the fact that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and specialized hearing devices for misophonia are costly and not covered by insurance. Together, I combined these factors into one viable solution, an app, EaseApp, that is easily accessible to combat misophonia, that I am looking to improve upon and get feedback from.


What other projects are you working on this year?

In addition to this research, I founded Rosie’s Network, a non-profi t STEM club for self-identifying female students that provides opportunities to seek out STEM mentorship, in response to seeing a lack of female participation in the sciences at school. Through the program, high school students can serve as mentors to elementary school students to encourage participation and empower girls in STEM. These days we are working to expand this organization district-wide and have already worked with 3 elementary schools and over 300 students.

What will you do with the money you won from YIS?

I will use the prize money to collaborate with medical institutions and healthcare researchers to expand our outreach. Additionally, I plan to push the nonprofi t I created in tandem with the app, the Misophonia Wellness Society, to create a safe, educational, and supportive community with free and frequent support groups. Lastly, the funds will help expand and improve the app, while enabling collaboration with other professionals in the field.
 

What advice would you give to students participating in YIS for the fi rst time this year?

Focus on a project or idea that truly connects with you – something meaningful that you want to improve in your own life or in the lives of others around you. Be ready to express yourself creatively and don’t hold back. Have fun, put yourself out there, and approach the experience with passion and determination. Be open to feedback, make connections, and embrace the opportunity to gain new experiences, because that’s what it’s all about. If you’re new to something like YIS, use the chance to promote it and inspire others to get involved too!

What are your future plans and where do you plan to take your projects?

As I intend to start university next year, I want to major in biomedical engineering with a potential minor in business. Additionally, I hope to continue working on Rosie’s Network to promote the involvement of young women in STEM to a wider organization, and continue to develop EaseApp and the Misophonia Wellness Society, as I work on new and exciting research projects in parallel.

Name

How old are you?

15


Where do you go to school?

Centre Scolaire Secondaire Communautaire Paul-Émile (CSSC) Mercier


What was your experience with science fairs? 

Last year, as part of a class project at Mercier, everyone had to create a science project. Since I loved skiing and spent about 15 hours a week training to ski as fast as possible, I decided to focus my project on optimizing ski performance. I tested four different waxes under various conditions to see which one worked best. The project ended up qualifying for the STEM Expo at Yukon University and even the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). It has been a fantastic experience combining my passion for skiing with science.


What was your inspiration behind the project you are going to Canada-Wide Science Fair with?

The inspiration for my project “Wax It to Win It: a Golden Algorithm for Team Canada” came from the challenge of optimizing ski wax selection in increasingly complex snow conditions, especially as climate change continues to impact it. Last year, I worked with just one variable and four waxes, but the testing process and data were limited, so I wanted to improve on that. This year, I expanded to 13 waxes, 8 variables, and a more robust testing method, generating 20 data points with 960 total glide tests. This has expanded to include 123 more non-fluoro data points from Swix’s complete set of World Cup wax testing from the past two years, since fluoro waxes were banned for environmental purposes.

Additionally, I worked with Team Canada’s lead wax technician to help refine the process. It was crucial to demonstrate impact through my results, as the wax selection process can cost thousands of dollars every weekend. I have now created a machine learning algorithm that predicts the best wax based on snow conditions, offering an environmentally friendly yet high-performance alternative to traditional fluoro waxes.


What other projects are you working on this year?

I have been working on improving the algorithm for CWSF by testing and gathering more data. So far, four versions have been made using Python, which I learned through three online courses at Stanford and UMich. My most recent algorithm has a 90% predictive value.


What advice would you give to students participating in science fairs for the first time this year?

Look around you and think about the things you enjoy doing, and think about how you can make them better or optimize them with science. It is important to identify problems and ask yourself how you can improve them.


What are your future plans and where do you plan to take your projects?

My future plans include refi ning the fourth algorithm and providing it to Team Canada for the 2026 Olympics, to help them reach the podium.

I also aim to collect more data from other wax companies and ski clubs to refine the process further. Additionally, I plan to incorporate new components, such as optimizing ski base structures, to improve overall performance and speed metrics.