On Nov. 7, the 36th Annual ASTech Awards were presented in Calgary at the Telus Spark Science Centre, where six UCalgary faculty members, teams and alumni were awarded for their contributions to research and innovation.
"It's always an honour to participate in the annual ASTech Awards and see the innovation happening at UCalgary," says Dr. Ian Gates, PhD, PEng, associate vice-president (innovation).
Winners on stage at the ASTech Awards. Photo Credit: ASTech Awards
"Congratulations to all the winners from across campus! We are so proud of all their accomplishments and the impact they have on the community."
This year, on behalf of UCalgary, Gates presented the Aerospace and Defense Award to QinetiQ Target Systems Canada for their project, Multi-Role Autonomous Boat Development for the Royal Canadian Navy.
Continue reading to learn about this year's UCalgary winners.
UCalgary research winners
Digital Innovation Award
- Dr. Apostolos Kantzas, PhD, PEng, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering and Energi Simulation Industrial Research Chair in Geoenergy
Kantzas was awarded the Digital Innovation Award for his work in Digital Innovation in Energy and Environmental Stewardship. He launched the utilization of medical technologies such as X-ray tomography and magnetic resonance in hydrocarbon production, as well as technologies for hydrocarbon production. Kantzas is currently working in the areas of enhancing hydrocarbon production with minimal environmental footprint and in the development of the geothermal potential of Canada.
Energy, Petrochemicals, and Resource Industries Award
- Dr. Shengnan (Nancy) Chen, PhD, PEng, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering
Chen won for her work employing artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) to advance smart and sustainable energy development to build models that can determine subsurface energy performance even when data is sparse or expensive. These simulations have been used to improve well and reservoir productivity, while reducing the environmental impact and advancing sustainable resource development. She is a leader in developing innovative, machine-learning-powered approaches for the sustainable exploitation of subsurface energy resources, and specializes in carbon dioxide and hydrogen storage techniques, data analytics to improve the assessment of gas storage capacities, and more.
Researcher of the Year Award
- Calgary Stroke Program Team, Cumming School of Medicine
The Calgary Stroke Program team was awarded Researcher of the Year for their contributions to health and medical research transforming stroke treatment and care of patients. The Calgary Stroke Program is a collaboration between the University of Calgary's Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), with Alberta Health Services (AHS). The program continues to lead and contribute to the field of stroke care. The team has successfully integrated clinical care with clinical research to improve the outcomes of patients who suffer from strokes. Their most recent practice-changing achievement this year was presenting the results of a clinical trial that resulted in a global shift to Tenecteplase, a medication used to break up blood clots.
Sustainability Solutions and Cleantech Award
- Dr. Nashaat Nassar, PhD'08, PEng, Dr. Abdallah Manasrah, PhD, PEng, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering
Alumnus Nassar and Abdallah Manasrah, cofounders of Carbon OxyTech Inc., were awarded for developing an innovative and non-combustion technology that converts low-grade agricultural and hydrocarbon byproducts. This conversion produces organic, low-nitrogen fertilizers, fuels and valuable minerals with the goal of solving environmental problems of hydrocarbon waste. They are currently commercializing innovative green technologies to convert and produce new green pathways. Their team extends to Bassano, Alberta.
UCalgary community winners
Agriculture and Agri-Food Award
- Teri McNaught, BComm'83, Karen Haugen-Kozyra, and Dave Schwass of Viresco Solutions Inc.
Viresco Solutions Inc. won for being a Global Agri-Carbon Innovator driving sustainable farming and market impact. The first of its kind in Alberta, the company was recognized for creating user-friendly tools to develop carbon-offset protocols and sustainability frameworks in the agri-tech sector. By working with government, industry, regulators, farmers and organizations, Viresco has provided a roadmap to improve soil health and food security on a large scale by supporting agriculture, energy and bio-material organizations with sustainable and profitable decarbonization by identifying opportunities, then designing and assisting with the implementation of projects. UCalgary alumna, Teri McNaught, BComm'83, is the financial manager and member of the board for the company.
Hydrogen and Alternative Energies Award
- The Project Team at Aurora Hydrogen Inc.
Producers of the world's first high-efficiency clean hydrogen, Aurora Hydrogen Inc. won for their project Microwave Methane Pyrolysis for Clean and Distributed Hydrogen. Their development of innovative clean hydrogen technology breaks down methane using microwave radiation to produce hydrogen used for industry and transportation, replacing other energy-intensive methods. Alum Evan Blakely, MBA'21, is the head of business development, bringing more than 10 years of experience from traditional energy production industries and the industrial gas production sector. In his role, Blakely is leading go-to-market strategy and commercial development.
