ASTech’s 2015 Winners

Posted on by IT Admin
Kim Sturgess won the Outstanding Contribution to Alberta Science and Technology Community Award for her work as CEO of Alberta WaterSMART. Through the company’s projects, she makes it her business to know how to effectively manage water across a wide range of scenarios. Sturgess navigated the aftermath of the 2013 Alberta flood, producing a pivotal report that informed new policies and infrastructure improvements, underscoring the critical role of collaborative and informed water management in ensuring Alberta’s resilience and prosperity.
Dr. Todd Lowary received the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Science Award for his significant contributions to glycomics research and his efforts in establishing the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet). His work at The Faculty of Chemistry at the University of Alberta focused on understanding how mycobacteria, responsible for diseases like tuberculosis, use carbohydrates to survive, potentially leading to new treatments. Dr. Lowary’s leadership in building GlycoNet has fostered collaboration between researchers and industry, strengthening Canada’s position as a leader in glycomics.
Dr. Brij Maini, a professor in the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Calgary, received the Innovation in Oil Sands Research Award for his decades-long contributions to improving heavy oil production. Over his 40-year career, Dr. Maini has focused on enhancing the efficiency of steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) processes, particularly by researching steam additives that reduce the resources needed for oil recovery. His collaborative approach with the Alberta oil industry has advanced production techniques and minimized the environmental impact of oil sand operations by reducing CO2 emissions and freshwater consumption.
Dr. Robert Wolkow was honoured with the Outstanding Leadership in Alberta Technology Award for his pioneering work in nanotechnology. As a physics professor at the University of Alberta and Chief Technical Officer at Quantum Silicon Incorporated, Dr. Wolkow is leading efforts to develop next-generation devices that could replace traditional transistors. His groundbreaking research aims to create circuitry that consumes significantly less power, positioning Alberta as a global leader in nanotechnology
Mr. Glen Kathler received the Innovation in Agricultural Science Award for pioneering work streamlining the beef industry through advanced communications technology. As part of the RADLab team at SAIT, Kathler led the development of a UHF-RFID system that significantly enhances the efficiency of tracking cattle during transportation launching the company, Cattle Traxx. Most recently, Mr. Kathler participated in the 2024 ASTech Panel at AgSmart in Olds, advising and celebrating a new round of innovators in agriculture. 
Dr. Arturo Sanchez-Azofeifa received the Outstanding Achievement in Environmental Technology and Innovation Award for developing Enviro-Net. This web-based platform bridges the gap between environmental science and information technology. Inspired by sensor networks, Dr. Sanchez-Azofeifa and his team at the Department of Earth & Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Alberta created a global network of ground-based sensors that provide real-time environmental data. Enviro-Net is now used worldwide to address critical issues such as drought.
Micro Engineering Tech Inc. received the Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation Award for their precision engineering technology that protects infrastructure during large construction projects. Co-founded by Dr. Mohamed Elhabiby, METI’s Smart Infinity Dimensions (S∞D) IoT platform integrates 3D derivative products from HD maps with real-time data from various sensors to deliver comprehensive solutions across sectors such as Oil & Gas, Construction, and digital infrastructure. Micro Engineering Tech Inc. is an active innovation community builder, including 2024 support of the ASTech Awards.
Dr. Ryan Tucker received the Leaders of Tomorrow Award for his commitment to advancing science and technology through leadership and innovation. With a passion for understanding the mechanics of how things work, Dr. Tucker transitioned from academic research in nanotechnology and energy to leading a small applied research team at MetalBoss Technologies.  Today, Dr. Tucker is CEO of G2V Optics, a global leader in precision lighting, providing solar simulation technology that enables sustainable advancements in solar energy, advanced materials, and space exploration. G2V Optics was a 2022 ASTech Winner: Applications in Agri-food Production.
The Calgary Stroke Team received the Societal Impact Award for pioneering efforts in advancing stroke care through the Calgary Stroke Program. Led by Dr. Michael Hill and Dr. Andrew Demchuk, the team introduced the ESCAPE trial, targeting major acute ischemic strokes. By employing advanced imaging and rapid treatment protocols, they have significantly improved patient outcomes, saving lives and reducing the long-term impact of strokes, benefiting both patients and the healthcare system. The Calgary Stroke Program is a collaboration between the University of Calgary (DCNS and Hotchkiss Brain Institute) and Alberta Health Services.
The Lipid Chemistry Group, led by Dr. Jonathan Curtis at the University of Alberta, received the Outstanding Achievement in Applied Technology and Innovation Award for pioneering work in developing bio-based polyols for polyurethane manufacturing. Their innovation, the LIPROL series of polyols, offers a sustainable alternative to petrochemical-based materials, contributing to a greener future. By utilizing readily available local crops like canola, the group advances environmental sustainability and creates economic opportunities for farmers.
Fedora Pharmaceuticals Inc. won the Outstanding Commercial Achievement in Alberta Science and Technology Award for its success in developing life-saving drugs. Led by Christopher Micetich, Fedora’s team focused on creating next-generation beta-lactamase inhibitors to combat drug-resistant bacteria. The company’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships have positioned Fedora as a key player in the pharmaceutical industry, with its work continuing to save lives globally.
The LINDSAY Virtual Human team, led by Dr. Christian Jacob at the University of Calgary, received the Innovation in Information and Communications Technology Award for their groundbreaking use of immersive technology to enhance the teaching of human anatomy. The team has developed an interactive 3D model and database called LINDSAY Atlas, allowing students and instructors to explore the human body in unprecedented detail using tablets, computers, and virtual reality systems. Inspired by science fiction, their work combines augmented reality, motion tracking, and virtual reality to create an immersive learning experience, revolutionizing how anatomy is taught and understood.
The Breton Plots Management Team, led by Dr. Miles Dyck, received the Innovation in Agricultural Science Award for significantly contributing to improving agricultural practices on Alberta’s grey soils. It was established in 1929 by the University of Alberta to test different crop rotations to determine the best way to promote growth in the grey soil zones. The plots have helped the Breton area and other regions in Alberta – and, in turn, this information is shared with the agricultural community.
Inside Education, under the leadership of retired Executive Director Steve McIsaac, received the Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness Award for their innovative approach to engaging Alberta students in science and technology. The organization’s flagship program, the Youth Learning Summit, brought together high school students across Alberta to explore themes of energy and water. Today, Inside Education continues to bring environmental and natural resource education to life for students and teachers across Alberta.
Luxmux Technologies won the Outstanding Science and Technology Start-Up Award for developing a groundbreaking Silicon Nanophotonic FTNIR-based spectrometer-on-a-chip. Led by President Yonathan Dattner, Luxmux initially provided value to the oil and gas industry with their steam quality analyzer, which optimizes heavy oil production and reduces environmental impact.