ASTech’s 2007 Winners

Posted on by IT Admin
Intuit Canada Ltd. won the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology award for its market-leading accounting software and exceptional customer service. Founded in 1993 as Wintax by a couple of University of Alberta students -14 years later, and through a series of acquisitions, the company became Intuit Canada and their tax product now Quickbooks – with Canadian offices employing 400 people in Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto and Ottawa. After 30 years, Intuit has become a leading international fintech company, and its products include – TurboTax, CreditKarma, Mint, and Mailchimp.
Dr. Garnette Sutherland won the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology award for his pioneering work on neuroArm, the first image-guided, MR-compatible surgical robot capable of performing microsurgery and stereotaxy. Developed at the University of Calgary, Schulich School of Engineering (Biomedical) the neuroArm allows neurosurgeons to perform intricate brain surgeries with enhanced precision by operating a robotic arm from a console while the patient undergoes MRI, enhancing safety and outcomes. For his groundbreaking contributions to robotics, Dr. Sutherland received numerous honours, including the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal, being made a Member of the Order of Canada, the Manning Award of Distinction, the Space Technology Hall of Fame, and the NASA Highest Technology Achievement Medal.
Dr. David Bundle won the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science award for his distinguished career in immunochemistry. His work, spanning from the UK to the National Research Council in Ottawa, led to significant advancements in vaccine development and carbohydrate research. As a founder of the University of Alberta spin-off company ChemBioMed, Dr. Bundle’s contributions included the study of the Starfish molecule in combating bacterial toxins like E. coli. His influential publications and dedication to research earned him recognition, including being named a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Dr. Eldon Smith won the Outstanding Contribution to the Alberta Science and Technology Community award for his significant and ongoing contributions, even in “retirement.” A former Dean of Medicine at the University of Calgary, Dr. Smith served a second term as a trustee of the Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research, held active roles in various companies, and served as the Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. For his work, widely circulated publications on cardiology, and tireless efforts in connecting with community resources and fundraising to strengthen medical education, he was honoured with membership in the Order of Canada, a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Award, an Award of Merit from the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons, and the Canadian Medical Association’s 2005 Medal of Service.
The AACI Research Team (Alberta Energy Research Institute/Alberta Research Council Core Industry Research Program) at what is now InnoTech, led by Dr. Doug Lillico, won the Innovation in Oil Sands Research award for their contributions to heavy oil extraction technologies. This work was conducted in collaboration with University of Alberta supervisors Dr. Jacob Masliyah(1993 and 2008 ASTech Winner) and Dr. Douglas Dale, as well as industry partners. These efforts yielded significant achievements, benefiting Alberta’s economy and environment.
Dr. Maurice Moloney was recognized with the Innovation in Agricultural Science award. After contributing to the development of the first transgenic canola, he founded SemBioSys in 1994, where his team’s groundbreaking work in biotherapeutics, including cost-effective insulin derived from safflower seeds, promised to revolutionize healthcare. During his tenure as a Professor and NSERC Industrial Chair of Plant Biotechnology at the University of Calgary, published over 70 research papers, and filed 15 patent families, and more. He is now a co-founder and advisor at Core Biogenesis.
Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour won the ASTech Special Award for her impact on gender balance in science and technology through founding the WISEST program at the University of Alberta. Before passing in 2019, her efforts significantly influenced the academic and career paths of nearly a thousand young women, fostering their passion for science and engineering. For her advocacy of women in science, and her research on the safe disposal of hazardous laboratory chemicals – she was honoured with several accolades, including a Governor General’s Award in Commemoration of the Persons Case and the Montreal Medal from the Chemical Institute of Canada. Selected twice as one of the top 100 most powerful women in Canada by the Women’s Executive Network, she was also inducted to the Order of Canada in 2006.
Dr. James Pinfold, Professor of Physics at the University of Alberta was honoured with the award for Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness for his innovative ALTA (Alberta Large-area Time-coincidence Array) Project. By engaging high school students from Canada and as far as the US, Mexico, Romania, and Africa in a cosmic ray detection initiative, Dr. Pinfold not only sparked excitement for scientific research but also expanded awareness of high-energy universe exploration. Through the ALTA Project, students worldwide actively contributed to fundamental research, levelled the playing field in science education, and fostered a new generation passionate about science and technology.
Additional 2007 Winners Include:
  • Dr. Jeeshan Chowdhury was the recipient of the Leaders of Tomorrow award. From being the University of Alberta’s 23rd Rhodes Scholar to conducting groundbreaking research in molecular diagnostics and micro-fluidics, Jeeshan’s contributions extended from local communities in Canada to global initiatives such as supporting a hospital in Bangladesh and conducting research with the European Space Agency. His relentless dedication to both advancing scientific knowledge and improving healthcare accessibility later led him to co-found Journey Colab, a biopharmaceutical company that unlocked the science of psychedelics to build a new model of addiction care.
  • Extreme Engineering Inc., winner of the Outstanding Commercial Achievement award, embodies innovation and perseverance in the oil patch technology sector. Founded in 2001 by a group of experienced engineers, the company became a world leader in acoustic telemetry, providing real-time drilling readings with offices across Canada and the United States. The company worked closely with SAIT, as their founder was a graduate of the institution. Their blend of disruptive technology and practical expertise led to a successful acquisition by Schlumberger in 2008.
  • Conematic Heating Systems Inc., earned the award for Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation for their innovative climate control systems, including integrated heating, cooling, and domestic hot water systems. Their products, developed in partnership with SAIT, had set industry standards in sustainability and efficiency, reaching markets across North America and being integral to numerous high-profile projects.