ASTech’s 2008 Winners – ASTech Awards

DIRTT Environmental Solutions won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation for revolutionizing office renovations with their proprietary software ICE®. DIRTT’s pre-engineered moveable walls eliminated construction waste and allowed for easy reconfiguration without major renovations, promoting sustainability and individualized workspace design. Today, DIRTT has become a global leader in industrialized interior construction, using custom manufacturing, advanced digital tools, and a dedicated team to create collaborative, social, educational, and healing spaces. Its technology division, Ice Edge®, creates advanced digital tools like the ICE® software and ICEreality, which enable businesses to configure, price, and manufacture industrialized construction systems with real-time virtual reality collaboration and feedback.

Dr. Howard E. Tennant won the Outstanding Contribution to the Alberta Science and Technology Community award for his dedicated work in policy and strategy that significantly influenced the growth and support of Alberta’s science and technology sectors. As president and vice-chancellor of the University of Lethbridge, he oversaw substantial capital expansions and enrollment increases, transforming the university into a thriving center for research and higher education. Dr. Tennant was honoured as a Member of the Order of Canada for his pivotal role in shaping public policy, bolstering funding, and enhancing commercialization opportunities for technology in Alberta.

Dr. Patrick Hettiaratchi, Professor of Environmental Engineering at the University of Calgary, won the Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Technology and Innovation award for developing landfill ‘biocell’ technology. This revolutionary waste management innovation reduces methane emissions, generates energy, and transforms most disposed materials into usable compost. Successfully piloted in Calgary, the biocell captures methane to produce electricity and eventually converts landfill content into compost, thereby reusing the site and reducing traditional landfill volume. For his contributions to global waste management and environmental conservation, Dr. Hettiaratchi received the APEGA Summit Awards: Environment and Sustainability Award and the Alberta Emerald Award for Research and Innovation.

Dr. Jacob Masliyah won the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology award for his significant contributions to improving bitumen recovery in the oil sands. As a professor in Chemical and Materials Engineering at the University of Alberta, he utilized his expertise in fluid-particle dynamics and surface dynamics to enhance both the efficiency and environmental sustainability of bitumen extraction. He received prestigious recognition for his work, including being made an Officer of the Order of Canada and receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee and Alberta Centennial Medals

Dr. Ronald Howard won the ASTech Innovation in Agricultural Science award for his over three decades of dedication to protecting crops from diseases and ensuring abundant and safe food supplies. Through tireless research and collaboration, Dr. Howard addressed producers’ top concerns, offering solutions to manage diseases affecting various crops. His extensive contributions, including over 1,000 publications and presentations and establishing a cutting-edge research greenhouse facility, underscore his commitment to advancing agricultural science to benefit Alberta’s crop industry and consumers worldwide. Dr. Howard worked for the Alberta Department of Agriculture for 39 years before his retirement and now does consulting work for Ag Research Solutions based out of Brooks.

Dr. Hong Zhang, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Alberta, won the Innovation in Oil Sands Research award for pioneering advanced image processing software called “the eye.” This technology optimized the sizing of ore particles for efficient processing in the oil sands industry, significantly minimizing operational halts and equipment damage. Developed through a collaboration with Syncrude, the software enhanced the understanding of bitumen production. For his continued work in robotics, computer vision, and image processing, Dr. Zhang was named a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and a Fellow of the IEEE.

The Rothney Astrophysical Observatory, led by Dr. Phil Langill, won the ASTech award for Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness for its exceptional efforts in inspiring public interest in astronomy. Dr. Langill’s dedication to engaging visitors, especially youth, through open houses, school programs, and partnerships with organizations like Girl Guides and Scouts, showcased a commitment to fostering a love for science. The observatory’s expansion of public outreach activities, while maintaining its status as a leading research facility, significantly impacted education and astrophysical research, positioning it as a key player in Canada’s contributions to the International Year of Astronomy.

Dr. Tristram Chivers won the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science award for his substantial contributions to main group chemistry. As a professor emeritus at the University of Calgary, he significantly influenced Alberta’s sour gas and petrochemical industries with his innovative research, including pioneering a process for converting hydrogen sulphide into hydrogen and sulphur. Often described as the “godfather” of main group chemistry, Dr. Chivers authored notable books on chalcogen-nitrogen chemistry and inorganic rings and polymers, reflecting his long-term impact on the field. Dr. Chivers continues his activities as a professor emeritus and served as faculty member from 2006 to 2018. He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and former president of the U of C Retirees Association.

The Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM) earned the ASTech Special Award for pioneering work revolutionizing head and neck reconstruction and rehabilitation, driven by patients’ needs. Founded by Drs. John Wolfaardt and Gordon Wilkes, as part of the University of Alberta, iRSM, utilized advanced digital technologies and personalized medicine to provide innovative solutions, offering hope and improved outcomes for patients who suffered significant facial trauma. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and visionary leadership, iRSM showcased Alberta’s depth of talent and infrastructure in advancing medical care and transforming patients’ lives.

Additional 2008 Winners Include:

Hemisphere GPS Inc., formerly CSI Wireless Inc, (and now AgJunction), won the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology award for its leadership in differential global positioning system (DGPS) technology. Their advanced tools for precision agriculture, including the innovative Outback® suite, significantly enhanced efficiency for farmers and were adopted by over 100,000 farmers across dozens of countries. With applications in mining and construction, the company had a substantial impact on Alberta’s economy and technological landscape.
Dr. James Hoover and Antony G. Olekshy from the University of Alberta, Computing Science Dept and Avra Software Lab won the Outstanding Achievement in Information and Communication Technology award for their decades-long dedication to developing systems that enhance professional efficiency, particularly for engineers. Their university spin-off company, Avra Software Lab, served as a software development provider and a testing ground for academic research, leading to impactful products like iPRSM®, a pioneering web-enabled application for the petrochemical industry. Their practical approach to technology consistently advanced operational procedures and improved access to critical data across various sectors.
Dr. Travis Murdoch won the Leaders of Tomorrow award for his extraordinary early achievements in medical research. Beginning with his involvement in the clinical islet transplantation team at just 16, he went on to become a doctor of medicine with special training in research and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Canada after studying Integrated Immunology at Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. Now, as President & CEO at HI-Bio, a clinical-stage biotech company delivering targeted therapies for patients with immune-mediated diseases, and a Partner at Monograph Capital, Dr. Murdoch continues to develop innovative diagnostic tools for inflammatory bowel disease.
Madentec Limited won the ASTech Societal Impact Award for its groundbreaking assistive technology that empowered individuals living with disabilities to regain independence and enhance their quality of life. Led by Randy Marsden, Madentec developed innovative solutions like TrackerPro and onscreen keyboards, which enabled users with limited or no hand movement to access computers through head motions or subtle movements, revolutionizing communication and productivity.