ASTech’s 1996 Winners

Posted on by Horazio
Heavy oil researcher and University of Alberta Professor Dr. Otto P. Strausz won the Innovation In Oil Sands Research award for significantly advancing the understanding of Alberta’s oil sands. His innovative methods for isolating sulphides from petroleum were broadly applied in crude oils across the Western hemisphere. A Fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada and member of the European Academy of Arts and Science, publisher of hundreds of technical research papers and the book “The Chemistry of Alberta Oil Sands, Bitumens and Heavy Oils.”
Since 1982, WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology) has been instrumental in promoting science and engineering to young people. Honoured with the Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness for creating effective programs to empower women to pursue, impact, and succeed in the fields of science, engineering, and technology (STEM). WISEST’s success is evident in its expansion and the high percentage of former participants who have pursued university education in science or engineering, underscoring its pivotal role in increasing resilience and shaping the future of young Albertans. WISEST relies on support from donors and supporters in government, industry, and academia.
The Calgary Science Network (now the Alberta Science Network) is a charitable organization that has set a national standard for science outreach and was recognized with the Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness. For over 30 years, they have facilitated meaningful connections between scientists and students, benefiting over 100,000 students. Their signature program, Scientists & Engineers-in-the-Classroom, inspires students with face-to-face, hands-on science presentations. Also recognized in 2016 for Excellence In Science And Technology Public Awareness.
Scott McKeen was recognized with the Journalism Award for the General Public for his compelling series, ‘Brain Storms,’ which tackled the sensitive issues of emotional illness, including anxiety, depression, and addiction. McKeen’s articles, enriched with personal experiences and a narrative style that welcomed a general audience into complex discussions, effectively broke down barriers surrounding mental health topics. McKeen was later elected to the Edmonton city council and awarded a MacEwan University Distinguished Alumni Award. Scott McKeen remains a dedicated advocate for mental health, serving on the boards of three organizations – Radium Community Healing and Health, the Mental Health Foundation, and the Jellinek Society – and consulting on mental health and homelessness.
Alberta Research Council (now Alberta Innovates) was recognized with a Special Award – for providing foundational and outstanding impact to Alberta. It was established in 1921 as the Scientific and Industrial Research Council of Alberta (SIRCA) – with a mandate to support economic development through applications of science and engineering expertise, and in the process, improve life in rural and urban Alberta. Alberta was a leader in having the first provincial research organization, followed by Ontario (1928), BC (1944), Nova Scotia (1946), Saskatchewan (1947), New Brunswick (1962), Manitoba (1963), Quebec (1969), and Newfoundland (2009).

SIRCA‘s name was changed to Research Council of Alberta (RCA) in 1930, Alberta Research Council (ARC) in 1981, and then merged in 2010 (with the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, Alberta Energy Research Institute (formerly the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority), and other institutes for forestry, agriculture, biotechnology, ecosystem services and prion studies) to become Alberta Innovates (Bio Solutions, Energy and Environment Solutions, Health Solutions, and Technology Futures). In 2016, this became Alberta Innovates – one provincial corporation, with two applied research subsidiaries – C-FER Technologies and InnoTech Alberta – with a single focus to foster and accelerate research, innovation and economic growth in the province. Alberta Innovates annually hosts the Inventure$ conference – attracting a growing local and international audience of over 3000.
Dr. Norman Dovichi was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology Award for his pioneering contributions to chemical microanalytical instrumentation. He served as professor of chemistry at the University of Alberta, in the Northern Lights Laser Lab.
Visionary leader Dr. Martha C. Piper was honoured with the Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community. Dr. Piper served as Dean of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, and then Vice President, Research and External Affairs, University of Alberta. She led the promotion of research excellence to industry, government, and the public, emphasizing the economic and community impact. She successfully advocated for the Canada Research Chairs Program to recruit scientists and to encourage them to remain. Also a trusted government advisor, she has helped to bring about the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Dr Piper served as President of the University of British Columbia from 1997 to 2006 and was inducted into the Order of Canada in 2004.
Winner for Outstanding Contribution To The Alberta Science And Technology Community, Dr. Thomas P. Keenan is renowned for his contributions spanning technology, education, and broadcasting. While serving as Dean of the Faculty of Continuing Education at the University of Calgary, his pioneering work in utilizing computer technology for education, exemplified by the university’s Distance Learning Centre, contributed to his nomination as a member of the Government of Canada’s Blue Ribbon Panel on Smart Communities and to the board of the ICTC Council of Canada. Dr. Keenan is currently a professor at the School of Architecture Planning and Landscape.
Mathematician Dr. Robert V. Moody, winner of Outstanding Leadership In Alberta Science, stands as a pioneer through his co-discovery of the Kac-Moody algebras, fundamental in both mathematics and physical science. His work notably underpins superstring theory, a leading contender for the ‘theory of everything’. He is a joint recipient of the Wigner Medal, was made an Officer of the Order of Canada, and a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada. In 1989, he became full professor at the University of Alberta, and also served as Scientific Director of the Banff International Research Station.
Additional 1996 Winners Include:

  • Tesco Corporation, received the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science Award for pioneering the world’s first portable, full-featured top drive system used in both land and offshore oil and gas drilling rigs. Founded in 1986 in Calgary by University of Alberta engineer Robert Tessari – Tesco Drilling Technology was focused on research and development for new drilling tools and processes. By 1996 the company expanded to over 400 employees across nine countries, transforming drilling practices with its innovative product design and a unique rental service model. Global recognition included a ‘Meritorious Award for Innovative Engineering’ at the 1994 Offshore Technology Conference. In December 2017, the company was acquired by Nabors Industries.
  • Calgary-based Revolve Technologies Inc. won the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology Award. Established in 1993, Revolve distinguished itself as an innovative engineering consulting firm, focusing on large-scale machinery and cutting-edge technologies such as frictionless magnetic bearings and oilless seals. In 1998, SKF and Revolve established a new company, Revolve Magnetic Bearings Inc.
  • The Industrial Research Award – Northern Alberta winner, Madenta Communications Inc., developed various hardware and software products that significantly enhance the autonomy and quality of life for people with disabilities. Their flagship product, PROXI, enabled users to perform everyday tasks with simple voice commands or minimal physical interaction. Madenta grew to sell its assistive technology products globally, establishing itself as a leading developer in Apple Computer’s World Wide Disability Solutions Group. In 2012, the company was renamed Cleankeys Inc. focusing on the hygienic computing market. Over this time, founder and serial entrepreneur Randy Marsden held community leadership volunteer roles, including chairman of the industry association Technology Alberta. Madenta was awarded the 2008 Winner: Societal Impact Award under the new name, Madentec Limited.
  • The Industrial Research Award – Southern Alberta was awarded to Travis Chemicals Inc., which had tackled the severe issue of corrosion in Alberta’s oil and gas production with an ambitious research project in collaboration with the University of Calgary and the High Performance Computing Centre. This initiative successfully identified several promising chemical compounds for new corrosion inhibitors, anticipated to meet strong market demand across multiple sectors. Travis Chemicals supported its efforts with a well-equipped 8000-square-foot laboratory in Calgary, enhancing both customer service and the development of advanced products.