Let's Innovate!

As Science Fair season starts to wrap up with the culmination of the 2025 Canada Wide Science, Michael Unger chats with an alumni that competed at four straight Canada Wide Science Fairs from 2013-2016. Meaghan MacKenzie is now a Environmental Engineer-In-Training with Tetra Tech Canada Inc., and she shares her insights into what skills she really took away from competing in science fairs, and how they have helped her in career today. For more information on the Canada Wide Science Fair youthscience.caFor more information on the support the Science Fair Foundation and BC gives to the regional fairs in the province like the one Meaghan came out of go to sciencefairs.caIf you have any questions or comments you can email Michael munger@sciencefairs.caFollow us on Instagram and LinkenIn@sciencefairs, @michaeljohnungerFor more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.caFollow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn @sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Continuing our celebration of these inspirational young scientists, in this episode our host Michael Unger gets into it with our 2024 YIS winners Jora Singh Nahal & Inbal Tzafrir.Join them as they discuss why they felt compelled to develop apps that help to navigate the struggles which disabled individuals face, what skills they have taken away from YIS, and what is that special something that keeps bringing them back to science fairs.Watch Jora's innovation pitch videoWatch Inbal's innovation pitch videoListen to the 2023 Youth Innovation Showcase Winners episode that also featured Jora Singh NahalFor more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.caFollow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn @sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

It's the end of 2024, and for us here at the Foundation, it's also the end of the Youth Innovation Showcase. So for the next few episodes, we are going to recap an amazing showcase. In this episode i brought in two of the judges from the Youth Innovation Showcase to hear their thoughts their conversations with all of the amazing youth this year, but also their perspective on mentorship and the benefits they get out it. First up we have Clare Yip a biomedical engineer, that is now working as a private tutor, and has served on the committee for the Greater Vancouver Science Fair and Ivelina Daiss, an engineer by trade who holds the role of a Technology R&D Specialist in the Partnerships and Innovation Team at Rogers Communications.For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.caFollow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn @sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Marco is an accessibility consultant who has battled through a lot of adversity to get to where he is as now a leading thinker and inspirational speaker in this space. We talked about so many things including imposter syndrome, anxiety, and techniques that Marco has developed into teachable tools. He even did a full one hour Zoom workshop Energy, Empathy, and Diversity which you can watch here back in 2021, so we're re-releasing this episode from Season 1!When Marco lost his job in 2017, it turned out to be the biggest blessing in disguise. He is an advocate for people with disabilities in the workplace and founder of the CUBE Principle for networking. Hear how he got advice on branding from Gene Simmons and his tips for networking virtually during Covid! For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.caFollow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn @sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

In this episode of Let's Innovate, our host Michael Unger dives into the exciting world of artificial intelligence and its role in science fairs. Joining the conversation are Gerry Gourlay, Program & Volunteer Manager at Science Fair Foundation BC as well as a professor in the biological sciences, and Charley Cai, a medical student leveraging AI in his research. Together, they explore how AI can enhance science fair projects and inspire the next generation of innovators. Don't miss this fascinating discussion on the future of science fairs!For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.caFollow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn @sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

 In this episode of Let's Innovate, we welcome Asher Trim-Gaskin and Mansita M. Njie from Imhotep's Academy, an organization dedicated to supporting students of African descent in the STEM fields. They share their experiences and strategies for making science fairs more accessible and inclusive. Discover how Imhotep's Academy is helping to inspire and empower the next generation of African Canadian scientists, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.Imhotep's Legacy Academy (ILA) is an innovative university-community partnership that uniquely mobilizes university/college students, faculty and community leaders to help improve student success and bridge the achievement gap for Grades 6-12 students of African heritage in Nova Scotia.  For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.caFollow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn @sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

On this episode of Let's Innovate, we're joined by science coordinators Emily Gubski Greater Regional Vancouver  Science Fair Chair and Aidan Leach Renfrew County Regional Science Fair Coordinator in Ontario to discuss how to make science fairs more accessible for students in remote regions. From limited access to labs and libraries to the challenges of participating from far-flung areas, Emily and Aidan share their insights on breaking down these barriers. Tune in to learn about the innovative solutions that are helping to level the playing field for all aspiring young scientists.For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.caFollow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn @sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Join us for a special live on-location episode with our host Michael Unger as he interviews some of the bright young minds at the Yukon-Stikine Regional Science Fair.Check out the 2023 Canada-Wide Science Fair results: https://www.sciencefairs.ca/news/2023/cwsf-finalists/Learn more about the Science Fair Foundation of BC on our website: https://www.sciencefairs.ca/

On this special episode of Let's Innovate, our host Michael Unger talks about the Science Fair Foundation BC's goal to transform science fairs to be more accessible and more inclusive for youth.Michael shares some personal stories, dives into barriers, and offers solutions on how he and SFFBC plan on making everlasting change. You won't want to miss it!

On this special episode of Let's Innovate, Michael sits down with the winners of the 2023 Youth Innovation Showcase, Keanu Chan and Jora Singh Nahal!Keanu Chan's project: https://www.sciencefairs.ca/participate/yis/finalists/keanu-project/Jora Singh Nahal: https://www.sciencefairs.ca/participate/yis/finalists/jora-project/

Today we have have a special episode of Let's Innovate as we have two guests!We're joined by Paul Tiege and Breanna Crompvoets, two judges for this year's Youth Innovation Showcase.You won't want to miss it!

On this episode of Let's Innovate, Ziad Sahid all the way out in Yukon joins the show!Ziad works at Tech Yukon, a non-profit organization in Whitehorse focused on building a local tech sector out in the Yukon.You won't want to miss it!

On this episode, Michael sits down with the Science Fair Foundation's new Program & Volunteer Manager, Gerry Gourlay!

We're back with another episode of Let's Innovate! Today we're joined by Andrei Marti, a Platinum Award winner at the 2023 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton.You won't want to miss it!

On the fourth season's opener of the Let's Innovate podcast, we're joined by Leonard Foster!Leonard is the Chief Judge of the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair as well as a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia.You won't want to miss this episode!

On this special episode of Let's Innovate! we're please to be joined by both Leah Cross & Peter Scott!Leah is the President and Co-Founder of Build a Biz Kids and Peter is an Elementary School Principal in Grand Forks, BC.The conversation dives into topics such as preparing kids for real life scenarios and teaching them how to be resilient in tough situations.You won't want to miss it!

Today on Let's Innovate, we're joined by Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UNBC, and Chair of the organizing committee for the Central Interior Science Exhibition, Dr. Todd Whitecombe.Todd talks to Michael about the science fair experience, teaching students to follow their interests and the concept of science magic with Dr. Zonk.

Today on Let's Innovate we're lucky to have on Andrea Chan & Matt Treble from the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair!The two talk to Michael about their journey from participating in science fairs to becoming volunteers for science fairs in just a few short years.You won't want to miss it!

Today, we have the Chair & Vice-Chair of the Northern BC Regional Science Fair, Jennie Copeland & Kevin Frankham.They discuss topics such as how they got started, problem solving and even parents and science fairs.

Today, we're joined by science teacher, Katrina Kornylo from Gold River on Vancouver Island!Katrina talks to us about how she got into science fairs, getting students interested in science and even how she became a teacher.You won't want to miss it!

Ryan & Melissa from the Yukon-Stikine Regional Science Fair join us today on Let's Innovate!The two talk to us about the "differences" in science fairs, the projects that make the most impact and Ryan even tells us about how he combined his love for music and teaching using Tom Lehrer's The Elements song.You won't want to miss it!

Today we're excited to have Morgan and Robert, two volunteers from the Cariboo Mainline Regional Science Fair, join us on the podcast.Michael talks to the both of them about why the love running science fairs, science passion and even a Guinness world record!

Ian and Caroline, two volunteers from the Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair join us today on Let's Innovate!The two talk to Michael about their volunteer experience, how they got involved and even strike up a conversation on AI/ machine learning.You won't want to miss it!

On our first episode of Season Three where we'll have conversations with our wonderful volunteers of our regional science fairs.Today we're joined by Kenzo Vlasman, the co-chair of the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair (GVRSF)!Kenzo and Michael talk about volunteering, special education and even the Canucks Autism Network.

Today, we're joined by Anne-Marie Simard, a Vancouver Island Science Fair committee member, a science teacher and former science fair participant!Ann-Marie shares her interesting start with science fairs and her early passion of forensic science and how it led to amazing opportunities like being a forensic identification assistant with the RCMP.Later, Michael asks Anne-Marie some rapid fire questions!

Today we have on current paramedic and UNBC student, Andrew Schulz!Andrew grew up a "science fair kid" in a family of paramedics and got his start with the program in grade 2.He talks to Michael about his project about diabetes, his work in firefighting and his inspiration with Dr. Brian Goldman from the White Coat Black Art podcast.

Today we are joined by former science fair participant, Elizabeth Shulz!Elizabeth is currently attending the University of Alberta for pharmacy but got her start into science through an itch and some snails!Michael and Elizabeth end off the podcast with some rapid-fire fun. 

Today, we are extremely lucky to have  on the Chief Technology Office of Blackbird Interactive, Yossarian (Yggy) King!Yggys tells Michael about his company BBI and how he helped take it from 5 people in a garage in 2010 to over 300 today in a beautiful office in Vancouver .Listen to how we was encouraged by his high school chemistry teacher in 1984, which led to his receiving an award from IBM!

Today we're joined by recent science fair alumni Fawzan Hussain!Fawzan is an engineering student at the University of Victoria who has had a busy few years. While COVID-19 disrupted his grade 12 graduation, Fawzan leapt into action and helped hundreds of people with his 3D printer.Listen to how he helped those in need with PPE and how it led him to even do a TedTalk, At the end Michael and Fawzan get into some rapid fire fun!

On this episode of Let's Innovate we're excited to be joined by Science Fair alumni and current student and the University of Toronto,  Hannah Bild-Enkin!Hannah grew up in a Science Fair family with her whole family taking part including her two brothers. She got started in grade 4 and did 8 total projects during elementary and high school.Later Hannah tells Michael about her project with infants, her work as a jazz dance instructor and her favourite album by Esperanza Spalding!

Today we're lucky to have on current first year PhD student in biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto, Janice Pang!She started Science Fairs in 2012 as an eighth grader where she fell in love with studying the immune system and macrophages which eventually led to Type 2 diabetes research.Michael and Janice also discuss competitive curling, where Janice gets her best ideas and an amazing book that's given her inspiration!

Today we are joined by Brandon Greenall, a current student at UNBC getting his double major in finance and marketing.Brandon is a former Science Fair alumni creating projects such as an upcycle pop can solar heater and a diabetes management project he decided to do after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes back in 2015.He also discusses his new podcast, The Commerce, Coffee and Community podcast and his love for the movie/ book Moneyball!

Today, we are lucky to be joined by Rebecca Baron. a current student at UBC and fellow podcaster of the Women's Health Interrupted podcast.Rebecca talks to us about her Science Fair Foundation experience, her TEDx talk in 2016 and how learning about the health benefits from plants ultimately led her to a gold medal and platinum award!In rapid-fire, Rebecca talks about the book Women on the Ballot by Betsy McGregor and much more.

On this episode of Let's Innovate! we are joined by Gavin Howells, a grade 12 student from Whitehorse, Yukon.He talks to us about how he got his start in science fairs in grade 7 and how it led him to participating in numerous Canada-wide science fairs and also Abu Dhabi! Gavin tells us about the noble work his is doing regarding potential health risks of vapes, how we was able to meet Prime Minister Trudeau, through science fairs, chubbyemu and much more!At the end, Michael and Gavin cap things off in some rapid-fire fun!

Today, we're joined by Kevala Von Volkenburg, a medical student at UNBC and esteemed Science Fair Foundation alumni!Kevala talks about how she got her start in science fairs through her love of exercise and how it led her to 4 Canada-wide science fairs, and was able to compete in Taiwan and at Google's science fair.In rapid fire, Kevala introduces us to Spark! by John Ratey and how this book was an inspiration to her.

Research Assistant from The University of Calgary, Churmy Fan joins Michael to talk ervything from Science Fairs to her dog walking business!Churmy tells us how holding a leaf up to the light translated into her going into the Regional and Canada-wide science fair.She also talks about her love and passion for many different skills including art and dog training! You can find her on small businesses on Instagram under @bigwheatminiwheat and @flyingpotattoesk9

Let's meet Science Fair alumni and two-time Canada-Wide Science Fair participant, Jessica Zhang!Introduced to SFF in her biology class in 2008, Jessica's first project on recycling unrecyclable plastic started her on an unexpected journey through the life sciences and business, where her curiosity led her to her current role in building software products at Klue!In rapid fire, Michael and Jessica talk Harry Potter and the parallels between science and the famous book series.

Today we're joined by Laurel Stother, a former Science Fair Foundation participant who is currently working at Corescan.Laurel talks about her experiences competing at Science Fair and her project which consisted of self assembly by lateral capillary forces. Inspired by BBC's Planet Earth, she started her project using just water, bolts and a lasagna pan.In rapid fire, Laurel tells us why Fredric Edwin Church's 'The Heart of Andes' was a huge inspiration to her love of art and science. 

Shazeen Suleman, pediatrician from St. Michael's Hospital and former Science Fair Foundation alumni joins us today on Let's Innovate!She talks about her Science Fair Foundation project that took her to the Canada Wide competition and how impactful he time was in science fairs.Later Michael and Shazeen engage in some rapid-fire fun!

On this episode, Michael is joined by Cranbrook, BC's own, Keltie Murdoch!Keltie talks to us about her experience competing in 5 Canada wide science fairs as well as international competitions in Taiwan.She also tells us about his favourite invention, a geothermal heating system which still has some traction to this day.The two end off in some rapid-fire fun!

We have double the Michaels on this one! Our host, Michael Unger talks with Michael Ruiz-Peters, who last participated in Science Fairs in 2010.Michael talks about his early journey in Science Fairs and how his grandmother was his inspiration for his invention that eventually led to the career path he is on today.He also explains how over time, competition has become less important to him and is now more interested in collaboration.

Michael kicks off Season 2 talking with Jordan Chin, a former Science Fair Foundation participant!Jordan discuses his experiences taking part in two science fairs and how he came up with a different approach for each go.He then talks to us about working for Amazon for 6 years and why he decided he wanted to go back to school.To end off, Michael and Jordan engage in some rapid fire fun!

Today, we have the 2021 winner of  Youth Innovation Showcase in  the 16-19 age group Taya Lee!Taya talks about her environmentally friendly innovation that helps recycling oil from contaminated water. Using Azolla filiculoides to absorb oil from water, she was able to create a biodiesel blend.Michael and Taya also discuss her inspiration behind the innovation and also the step-by-step process she went through to complete her winning project.

Our host, Michael Unger speaks with Grade 8 student Sathvik Vinnakota from the Surrey Academy of Innovative Learning (SAIL). Inspired from a real life social distancing mishap, he was inspired to create the Kangaroo Distance Pouch. Sathvik also discusses his experience at SAIL where he is apart of the STEAMX program, his aspirations to become and biomedical engineer and also his love for public speaking! 

Youth Innovation Showcase finalist Nathan Yeung speaks with host Michael Unger about his project:  Hyperfocus – A New Kind of Timer. Learn what inspired his innovation, how working on it during Covid, a time when many of us are struggling to keep focused, influenced the development. Yeung also shares what's next for him when it comes to innovation! 

Hayden, a student from Prince Charles Secondary School in West Kootenay, said he was inspired to make his innovation, the Pathogen Barrier Device, when he learned that bystanders and rescuers were not doing CPR because they worried they would get COVID-19. “I hope my innovation can ensure no cardiac arrest victim dies from lack of bystander CPR,” he said. Listen to him talk with host Michael Unger about his inspiration and what's next for him. 

Youth Innovation Showcase  2021 finalist Dianna Hu talks to host Michael Unger about her self-watering plant pot innovation, what it was like taking part in the Youth Innovation Showcase and what she's up to now! 

Learn about Youth Innovation Showcase finalist Jessica Tang's innovation: an AI controller that helps regulate water and carbon levels for indoor farming. Hear what sparked her interest in AI in the first place and why AI can be so much more efficient and adaptable than hard coding. 

Youth Innovation Showcase finalist Keanu Chan. The 14-year old from Cranbrook, BC created an innovation called Novel universal Design Internal Spine Concept (NuDISC) intended to create an alternative that would substitute discs in the spine. "I don't want to just keep on using something that's difficult and not practical," says Chan on what spurs him to innovate. Hear about Chan's next steps in obtaining a patent and bringing his project into the real world. He says the Youth Innovation Showcase helps him meet different people and talk to different people that help him advance his project. 

Youth Innovation Showcase finalist Kristina Garagan  talks with host Michael Unger about her project The Frilled Explorer Drone - how she got interested in Mars in the first place and the benefits she found from participating in the showcase and science fairs. 

Host Michael Unger speaks with Youth Innovation Showcase finalist and Canada Wide Science Fair student Timothy Cai about his reusable & biodegradable mask innovation.  When faced with Covid, Cai thought that there was not anything he could do about the virus itself but he could engineer a better mask, which is what spurred his initial innovation. Learn how not doing well at an earlier competition helped him pivot and improve his design.