ACPA Celebrates 2026 Edmonton Regional Science Fair Award Winners
ACPA Celebrates 2026 Edmonton Regional Science Fair Award Winners
The Association of Chemical Professions of Alberta (ACPA) is proud to support the next generation of scientists through its continued sponsorship of the Edmonton Regional Science Fair (ERSF). The 2026 fair welcomed 171 projects—the highest participation in 15 years—and showcased the exceptional talent, curiosity, and dedication of young researchers across the region.
ACPA is pleased to recognize the outstanding students who received this year’s sponsored awards:
ACPA Alberta Chemist Award
Winner: Émile Tam
Project: How does the Method of Starting Sourdough Affect its Total Titratable Acid and Carbon Dioxide Production
Émile’s project explored how different starter liquids influence sourdough fermentation, analyzing both CO₂ production and acidity levels. His findings highlight how starter composition affects dough rise, flavour, and overall microbial balance.
Honourable Mention: Moksh Patel & Armaan Khan
Project: What Milk Makes The Strongest Plastic?
This innovative project investigated casein-based plastics derived from milk, comparing different milk types to determine strength. Their results demonstrated that higher-fat dairy products produce stronger biodegradable plastics.
ACPA Rick Dillen Award
Winner: Aanya Natarajan
Project: Breaking Up Is Hard To Do: How to Separate Oil-in-Water Emulsions
Aanya examined methods to accelerate the separation of oil-water emulsions, a key challenge in oilsands tailings management. Her work demonstrated how heat and demulsifiers can significantly improve separation efficiency.
Honourable Mention: Nathan Bai
Project: CO₂ Capture Technology and Its Practical Uses Today
Nathan’s project focused on carbon capture using sodium hydroxide, evaluating how system design and operating conditions impact CO₂ absorption efficiency—an increasingly important area in climate mitigation research.
These projects reflect not only strong scientific methodology but also a clear connection to real-world challenges—from sustainable materials to environmental remediation and climate solutions.
ACPA extends its congratulations to all award recipients and participants. We are honoured to support initiatives like ERSF that inspire young minds and foster a passion for chemistry and applied science.