An electrical engineering student at the University of Saskatchewan, Brahm Neufeld is intimately involved in SCI-FI Science Camps. SCI-FI is Saskatchewan’s largest science and technology outreach organization, engaging over 15,000 youth annually with the message that science and technology are fun, relevant and important. Starting as an instructor in 2005, Neufeld progressed into his current role as Director where his responsibilities include hiring and coordinating a staff of 36-people, managing SCI-FI’s half-million-dollar budget, overseeing a classroom outreach program that visits 600 classrooms each year and running an extensive summer camp program in over 20 communities. His knowledge and familiarity with technology have helped improve the organizational efficiency of SCI-FI. He has been instrumental in helping SCI-FI grow into one of the largest elementary science and technology outreach groups in the province. In 2007, SCI-FI was recognized with the Award for Leadership and Innovation by ACTUA. After 10 years of SCI-FI, first as a camper, then volunteer, instructor and now director, Neufeld has helped promote science and technology across Saskatchewan!

A chemical engineering student at the University of Saskatchewan, Mike Ehman is working to eliminate barriers for people with limited mobility. According to Canada’s Social Union, there are approximately 173,000 people ifn Canada who rely on a manual wheelchair for their mobility and only approximately 47,000 people rely on motorized wheelchairs. For a high school science fair project, Ehman and a fellow student designed a bolt-on kit that can be retrofitted to most makes of a standard manual wheelchair. It enables that chair and user to climb a single step with minimal effort and in a very short time. A second version has been re-engineered for added comfort, practicality and general ease. Aimed at users between the ages of 10 and 70, Ehman has completed paperwork for both Canadian and American patents. Rick Hansen, President of the Rick Hansen Foundation, offered guidance while Ehman developed the project. The kit is favorable for temporary wheelchair occupants, such as post-surgery patients whose homes may not be wheelchair accessible. The entire project originates in Saskatchewan, but it could change many lives worldwide if given the chance.