Let's Innovate!

Pranav Menon is the adjunct professor at UBC in Applied Science and Engineering. He is also Program Director at The Knowledge Society (TKS), a 10-month global innovation program for ambitious high school students ages 13-17 which they advertise as the world’s top global accelerator for teens.

Pranav says in his bio that he trains nerds to solve big problems, so that sounds like the perfect guest for this episode of Let’s Innovate with Pranav Menon. 

You can find a recent workshops that he’s done for us here. YIS 2025 Workshop Series - Science Fairs Fo...

Dr. Will Primrose is the Program Manager for Future Science Leaders at Science World in Vancouver, British Columbia. The Future Science Leaders (FSL) program at Science World is a 26-week after-school program for secondary school students that provides hands-on experience and mentorship in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & design, and math) fields.

He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Thompson Rivers University, where he was also the Director of the EUReKA! Science Program. Under the supervision of Professor Zac Hudson, Will then spent the last five years studying luminescent molecules and nanoparticles at The University...

 Dr. Gerry Poulton is a retired Chemistry professor from the University of Victoria, whose decades of mentorship and leadership have helped shape science fairs in th the Greater Victoria Regional Science Fair. From guiding countless students to national and international competitions, to championing the transformative power of inquiry-based learning, Dr. Poulton’s contributions have left a lasting mark on the science fair community, so much so that he’s being awarded a legacy award this year. 

Gerry has made such difference in this province for education, science fair, and science in general. He’s such an inspiration, and show...

Here at the Science Fair Foundation we mostly are focussed and supporting a variety of initiatives around science fairs, which is not surprising. You have school fairs, local fairs, regional fairs, and the youth innovation showcase. All amazing opportunities for youth to delve into their curiosity and express themselves with their ideas, and projects.

Over the past couple of years i’ve gotten to know someone, that did get involved with all of those initiatives, but took it one step further. He wrote, and published not one, but two books about the universe.

Cosmic Wonder: Ou...

As Science Fair season starts to wrap up with the culmination of the 2025 Canada Wide Science, Michael Unger chats with an alumni that competed at four straight Canada Wide Science Fairs from 2013-2016. Meaghan MacKenzie is now a Environmental Engineer-In-Training with Tetra Tech Canada Inc., and she shares her insights into what skills she really took away from competing in science fairs, and how they have helped her in career today. 

For more information on the Canada Wide Science Fair youthscience.ca

For more information on the support the Science Fair Foundation and BC gives t...

Continuing our celebration of these inspirational young scientists, in this episode our host Michael Unger gets into it with our 2024 YIS winners Jora Singh Nahal & Inbal Tzafrir.

Join them as they discuss why they felt compelled to develop apps that help to navigate the struggles which disabled individuals face, what skills they have taken away from YIS, and what is that special something that keeps bringing them back to science fairs.

Watch Jora's innovation pitch video

Watch Inbal's innovation pitch video

Listen to the 2023 Youth Innovation Showcase Winners episode that also...

It’s the end of 2024, and for us here at the Foundation, it’s also the end of the Youth Innovation Showcase. So for the next few episodes, we are going to recap an amazing showcase. In this episode i brought in two of the judges from the Youth Innovation Showcase to hear their thoughts their conversations with all of the amazing youth this year, but also their perspective on mentorship and the benefits they get out it. First up we have Clare Yip a biomedical engineer, that is now working as a private tutor, and has served on the...

Marco is an accessibility consultant who has battled through a lot of adversity to get to where he is as now a leading thinker and inspirational speaker in this space. We talked about so many things including imposter syndrome, anxiety, and techniques that Marco has developed into teachable tools. He even did a full one hour Zoom workshop Energy, Empathy, and Diversity which you can watch here back in 2021, so we're re-releasing this episode from Season 1!

When Marco lost his job in 2017, it turned out to be the biggest blessing in disguise. He is an advocate for p...

In this episode of Let's Innovate, our host Michael Unger dives into the exciting world of artificial intelligence and its role in science fairs. Joining the conversation are Gerry Gourlay, Program & Volunteer Manager at Science Fair Foundation BC as well as a professor in the biological sciences, and Charley Cai, a medical student leveraging AI in his research. Together, they explore how AI can enhance science fair projects and inspire the next generation of innovators. Don't miss this fascinating discussion on the future of science fairs!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any...

 In this episode of Let's Innovate, we welcome Asher Trim-Gaskin and Mansita M. Njie from Imhotep's Academy, an organization dedicated to supporting students of African descent in the STEM fields. They share their experiences and strategies for making science fairs more accessible and inclusive. Discover how Imhotep's Academy is helping to inspire and empower the next generation of African Canadian scientists, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive.

Imhotep’s Legacy Academy (ILA) is an innovative university-community partnership that uniquely mobilizes university/college students, faculty and community leaders to help improve student success and bridge the...

On this episode of Let's Innovate, we're joined by science coordinators Emily Gubski Greater Regional Vancouver  Science Fair Chair and Aidan Leach Renfrew County Regional Science Fair Coordinator in Ontario to discuss how to make science fairs more accessible for students in remote regions. From limited access to labs and libraries to the challenges of participating from far-flung areas, Emily and Aidan share their insights on breaking down these barriers. Tune in to learn about the innovative solutions that are helping to level the playing field for all aspiring young scientists.

For more i...

Join us for a special live on-location episode with our host Michael Unger as he interviews some of the bright young minds at the Yukon-Stikine Regional Science Fair.

Check out the 2023 Canada-Wide Science Fair results: https://www.sciencefairs.ca/news/2023/cwsf-finalists/

Learn more about the Science Fair Foundation of BC on our website: https://www.sciencefairs.ca/

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

On this special episode of Let's Innovate, our host Michael Unger talks about the Science Fair Foundation BC's goal to transform science fairs to be more accessible and more inclusive for youth.

Michael shares some personal stories, dives into barriers, and offers solutions on how he and SFFBC plan on making everlasting change. You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

On this special episode of Let's Innovate, Michael sits down with the winners of the 2023 Youth Innovation Showcase, Keanu Chan and Jora Singh Nahal!

Keanu Chan's project: https://www.sciencefairs.ca/participate/yis/finalists/keanu-project/
Jora Singh Nahal: https://www.sciencefairs.ca/participate/yis/finalists/jora-project/

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Today we have have a special episode of Let's Innovate as we have two guests!

We're joined by Paul Tiege and Breanna Crompvoets, two judges for this year's Youth Innovation Showcase.

You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

On this episode of Let's Innovate, Ziad Sahid all the way out in Yukon joins the show!

Ziad works at Tech Yukon, a non-profit organization in Whitehorse focused on building a local tech sector out in the Yukon.

You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

On this episode, Michael sits down with the Science Fair Foundation's new Program & Volunteer Manager, Gerry Gourlay!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

We're back with another episode of Let's Innovate! Today we're joined by Andrei Marti, a Platinum Award winner at the 2023 Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton.

You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

On the fourth season's opener of the Let's Innovate podcast, we're joined by Leonard Foster!

Leonard is the Chief Judge of the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair as well as a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of British Columbia.

You won't want to miss this episode!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

On this special episode of Let's Innovate! we're please to be joined by both Leah Cross & Peter Scott!

Leah is the President and Co-Founder of Build a Biz Kids and Peter is an Elementary School Principal in Grand Forks, BC.

The conversation dives into topics such as preparing kids for real life scenarios and teaching them how to be resilient in tough situations.

You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs...

Today on Let's Innovate, we're joined by Chair of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UNBC, and Chair of the organizing committee for the Central Interior Science Exhibition, Dr. Todd Whitecombe.

Todd talks to Michael about the science fair experience, teaching students to follow their interests and the concept of science magic with Dr. Zonk.

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Today on Let's Innovate we're lucky to have on Andrea Chan & Matt Treble from the Vancouver Island Regional Science Fair!

The two talk to Michael about their journey from participating in science fairs to becoming volunteers for science fairs in just a few short years.

You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Today, we have the Chair & Vice-Chair of the Northern BC Regional Science Fair, 
Jennie Copeland & Kevin Frankham.

They discuss topics such as how they got started, problem solving and even parents and science fairs.

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Today, we're joined by science teacher, Katrina Kornylo from Gold River on Vancouver Island!

Katrina talks to us about how she got into science fairs, getting students interested in science and even how she became a teacher.

You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Ryan & Melissa from the Yukon-Stikine Regional Science Fair join us today on Let's Innovate!

The two talk to us about the "differences" in science fairs, the projects that make the most impact and Ryan even tells us about how he combined his love for music and teaching using Tom Lehrer's The Elements song.

You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @m...

Today we're excited to have Morgan and Robert, two volunteers from the Cariboo Mainline Regional Science Fair, join us on the podcast.

Michael talks to the both of them about why the love running science fairs, science passion and even a Guinness world record!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Ian and Caroline, two volunteers from the Fraser Valley Regional Science Fair join us today on Let's Innovate!

The two talk to Michael about their volunteer experience, how they got involved and even strike up a conversation on AI/ machine learning.

You won't want to miss it!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

On our first episode of Season Three where we'll have conversations with our wonderful volunteers of our regional science fairs.

Today we're joined by Kenzo Vlasman, the co-chair of the Greater Vancouver Regional Science Fair (GVRSF)!

Kenzo and Michael talk about volunteering, special education and even the Canucks Autism Network.

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Today, we're joined by Anne-Marie Simard, a Vancouver Island Science Fair committee member, a science teacher and former science fair participant!

Ann-Marie shares her interesting start with science fairs and her early passion of forensic science and how it led to amazing opportunities like being a forensic identification assistant with the RCMP.

Later, Michael asks Anne-Marie some rapid fire questions!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 

Today we have on current paramedic and UNBC student, Andrew Schulz!

Andrew grew up a "science fair kid" in a family of paramedics and got his start with the program in grade 2.

He talks to Michael about his project about diabetes, his work in firefighting and his inspiration with Dr. Brian Goldman from the White Coat Black Art podcast.

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @m...

Today we are joined by former science fair participant, Elizabeth Shulz!

Elizabeth is currently attending the University of Alberta for pharmacy but got her start into science through an itch and some snails!

Michael and Elizabeth end off the podcast with some rapid-fire fun. 

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

Follow us on Instagram, and LinkenIn 
@sciencefairs, and @michaeljohnunger.

Today, we are extremely lucky to have  on the Chief Technology Office of Blackbird Interactive, Yossarian (Yggy) King!

Yggys tells Michael about his company BBI and how he helped take it from 5 people in a garage in 2010 to over 300 today in a beautiful office in Vancouver .

Listen to how we was encouraged by his high school chemistry teacher in 1984, which led to his receiving an award from IBM!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca

F...

Today we're joined by recent science fair alumni Fawzan Hussain!

Fawzan is an engineering student at the University of Victoria who has had a busy few years. While COVID-19 disrupted his grade 12 graduation, Fawzan leapt into action and helped hundreds of people with his 3D printer.

Listen to how he helped those in need with PPE and how it led him to even do a TedTalk, At the end Michael and Fawzan get into some rapid fire fun!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you...

On this episode of Let's Innovate we're excited to be joined by Science Fair alumni and current student and the University of Toronto,  Hannah Bild-Enkin!

Hannah grew up in a Science Fair family with her whole family taking part including her two brothers. She got started in grade 4 and did 8 total projects during elementary and high school.

Later Hannah tells Michael about her project with infants, her work as a jazz dance instructor and her favourite album by Esperanza Spalding!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or c...

Today we're lucky to have on current first year PhD student in biomedical engineering at the University of Toronto, Janice Pang!

She started Science Fairs in 2012 as an eighth grader where she fell in love with studying the immune system and macrophages which eventually led to Type 2 diabetes research.

Michael and Janice also discuss competitive curling, where Janice gets her best ideas and an amazing book that's given her inspiration!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger at munger@sciencefairs.ca<...

Today we are joined by Brandon Greenall, a current student at UNBC getting his double major in finance and marketing.

Brandon is a former Science Fair alumni creating projects such as an upcycle pop can solar heater and a diabetes management project he decided to do after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes back in 2015.

He also discusses his new podcast, The Commerce, Coffee and Community podcast and his love for the movie/ book Moneyball!

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger...

Today, we are lucky to be joined by Rebecca Baron. a current student at UBC and fellow podcaster of the Women's Health Interrupted podcast.

Rebecca talks to us about her Science Fair Foundation experience, her TEDx talk in 2016 and how learning about the health benefits from plants ultimately led her to a gold medal and platinum award!

In rapid-fire, Rebecca talks about the book Women on the Ballot by Betsy McGregor and much more.

For more information go to sciencefairs.ca. If you have any questions or comments you can email Michael Unger...