Eight awards were bestowed on innovative people and companies June 24 during the Sault Ste. MarieInnovation Centre’s (SSMIC) annual SSMARt Innovation Awards.
“Once again, the SSMARt Awards showcased the impressive talent in the science and technology sectors in the Algoma region,” said Tom Vair, the innovation centre’s executive director, in a news release. “It is an inspiration to see the companies, researchers, youth and educators that are building a brighter future for Northern Ontario.”
N-Sci Technologies was recognized as Innovation Company of the Year. N-Sci is an energy industry-focused company providing a broad range of professional engineering and consulting services to utilities, power generators and large electricity users primarily in Ontario and Alberta, and was involved in the development of the Sault’s 60-megawatt solar farm.
Jeff Elgie, founder of Lucidia and current owner of Digital Intelligence Group Inc. (DIG), was named Innovation Leader of the Year. Elgie was cited for his leadership, volunteerism and mentorship to other aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Arthur A. Wishart Library and Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre at Algoma University was cited as Innovation Project of the Year for their use of technology in contributing to the advancement of Aboriginal archives and Residential Schools Legacies, which has had a significant and tangible impact on partnering associations, the university and survivors.
Innovation Researcher of the Year went to Dr. Paula Antunes, whose career has focused on applied research and development in environmental chemistry and toxicology. She is currently employed by AquaTox Testing & Consulting as the senior research scientist to carry out applied R&D projects that help industry ensure regulatory compliance with soil and water quality guidelines and to advance computation modelling for metal speciation chemistry.
Dr. Isabel Molina was named Innovation Educator of the Year for her creative and innovative teaching method, developing a novel laboratory exercise to teach plant physiology and techniques commonly used in plant biotechnology. The method has been published in Biochemistry and Molecular Education, and made available to instructors who wish to incorporate this unique teaching activity in their classrooms.
The Innovation in Web and Social Media Award was bestowed on Miramar Design Studios for its redevelopment of the Public Utilities Commission website.
Valerie Platsko, a recent graduate of Algoma University’s computer science program, was named Innovation Student/Graduate of the Year for introducing new ideas in her field that will improve the quality of life of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
Daniel Lance, a Grade 11 student at St. Mary’s College, won the Innovation Youth of the Year Award. Lance started his own production company, Lancealot Productions, maintains a 94.5 per cent average, and serves as a role model for others.
