As a child, inspired by an episode of "Sid the Science Kid," Kaylie Murangwa once tried to pry open her family's television, curious to see how it all worked.
"I have always been fascinated by the mysteries of science," she says.
Her scientific curiosity has never waned, and her experiments have evolved considerably over the years. In junior high, with her aspiring astronaut sister by her side, Murangwa "designed a lunar toilet that recycled waste for both consumption and plant hydration aboard the moon through NASA's Lunar Loo Challenge." In Grade 10, she developed an idea for a diagnostic tool, secured a provisional patent for it, and is now collaborating with peers to turn the concept into a working prototype with potential for commercialization.
"I am driven by a desire to create solutions that address real-world problems."
She continued to push herself throughout high school, winning a bronze medal in APEGA's Science Olympics for a project that involved constructing a transmission tower from popsicle sticks.
Murangwa's curiosity is matched by her tenacity. When she wanted to hone her leadership skills, she ran for and was elected as vice-president of her school's student council, where she set up governance systems that are still in place today. When she realized her aspirations would require coding expertise, she began teaching herself to program, starting with Python. "I'm aiming to use this programming language in the future to analyze and simulate large amounts of data from chemical processes."
She will start her studies in chemical engineering, with plans to work as a chemical engineer and entrepreneur.
"I intend to build an enterprise that, alongside my provisionally patented prototype, will develop innovations to advance testing technologies," says Murangawa. "The Schulich scholarship will empower me to bring these passions to life, creating solutions that redefine engineering and improve lives globally."
Eythan Young
Eythan Young has always loved to build things.
He started by constructing endless Lego sets but soon moved on to designing, printing and assembling his own remote control platform. It wasn't something he knew how to do at first, but Young problem-solved and pored over online tutorials until he had the skills he needed, learning the ins and outs of Arduino circuit boards, Onshape CAD software, 3D printing and more.
"I spent hours researching different circuits, motors, speed controllers and how they all needed to connect together," says Young. There were some mishaps — like an issue with his self-taught soldering technique — but he modified his design and experimented until eventually he was able to bring his vision to life.
"I felt exhilarated to be able to operate my creation and show others what I had accomplished."
He used his newfound expertise to reverse-engineer replacement parts for equipment at his father's grocery store and for his shop teacher's bandsaw. He crafted items for school fundraisers. And, eager to share his knowledge, Young started the first STEM-oriented club at his school in Delburne, Alta., focused on 3D printing.
As a mechanical engineering student, he's eager to continue learning and already has his eye on some of the U of A's engineering clubs and co-op programs.
"I envision myself applying my knowledge in technology, mechanics and innovation to design and construct robotic components and mechanisms."
Sophia Banfield
Sophia Banfield is used to seeing the world from a different perspective — one far, far above the ground.
"Chris Hadfield inspired me with his joyful and curious approach to space, and at the age of 12, I joined the air cadet program to follow in his footsteps."
Her acceptance into the air cadets' advanced aviation summer program further fuelled her passion. "I was captivated by the science of meteorology, the art of navigation, the engineering of the wing and different types of engines and the precision of air law."
She earned a coveted spot in the air cadets' glider and power pilot scholarship programs — of 24,000 cadets, only 92 glider and 255 power pilot scholarships were awarded in 2023-24 — eventually obtaining both licences as the youngest in both programs at the time.
Now, Banfield helps design aviation classes to inspire other cadets, and volunteers her time and expertise at flying sites across the Atlantic provinces, giving other cadets the opportunity to experience their first glider flights. She has received three national medals of recognition within the Air Cadet Program.
However, Banfield's skills extend beyond the cockpit: she taught herself to code, refined her public speaking, worked as a lifeguard and participated in numerous STEM-related programs.
She's entered the U of A to study physics and already has her sights set on the stars.
"I will achieve my lifelong goal of becoming an astronaut and being a part of innovative projects within the Canadian Space Agency."
Jeff Khuu
At 10 years old, Jeff Khuu learned his first programming language, Python, so he could craft a text-based adventure role-playing game to share with his friends.
He's been building his skill set in computing science ever since, pursuing countless passion projects. In the last year alone, he created a website with educational robotics content, prototyped two indie games and made a fully functional chess application. Khuu also played a part in setting up and leading his Calgary high school's FIRST robotics team, placing third in a provincial championship.
However, he's also mindful of some of the challenges that go hand-in-hand with the opportunities the internet and technology present. "I am passionate about advocating for and creating an ethical, inclusive and fun internet that continues to inspire creativity and progress — just as it did for me."
Khuu, a computing science student, is considering many career paths — indie game development, software programming for robotics, applied scientific research — but his purpose remains the same.
"I aspire to work in a computer programming-related industry that affords me the ability to be creative and problem-solve while continually learning, exploring and creating cutting-edge technology."
Fatima Khalid
An internship at a hospital in Pakistan sold Fatima Khalid on the real-world impact technology could have. During her time there, she helped transition their records from paper to digital, and immediately saw the improvement in the hospital's efficiency.
"As I learned more about coding, algorithms and problem-solving, I recognized computing as a powerful tool for innovation."
Khalid also had a two-month internship in the summer of 2022, heading to a village in Pakistan to teach children in a rural region where access to education was limited. While there, she built a basic water filtration system to improve the community's access to clean drinking water, helped local women turn their skills into an online business, administered polio vaccines and conducted a door-to-door vaccine education campaign where she spoke to locals in their native language, helping to build trust and dispel vaccine myths.
Back home in Canada, Khalid channelled her desire for positive change into her community, volunteering with organizations including GEF Seniors Housing and the Edmonton Pashtun Society. At her high school, she led major events such as Iftar Night and a Bike-A-Thon, raising thousands for charities.
Khalid is now a computing science student, and she's already working to show others the transformative power of technology. She serves as assistant director of TeamUP Science, helping to plan, co-ordinate and deliver a computer science workshop that introduces high school students to core computing science concepts.
"I aim to one day lead a company that leverages technology to enhance health care, from diagnostics to treatment, making it more accessible."
Amanda Cepeda
Growing up as a visible minority in a small town with less than 600 inhabitants "is not for the weak," says Cepeda. "My heart, which has always thumped to a rhythm found beyond the borders of my home, longed for connection."
She found a flicker of hope in the world of STEM. In high school, Cepeda became a member of the WISEST Youth Council (and remains one to this day), which inspired her to spread awareness of the importance of STEM in rural communities. "It also gave me an incentive to push collaborative experiences with those that deserve a voice in society."
Cepeda lives with a condition called anendophasia, a lack of an internal monologue. "I cannot vocalize thoughts in my mind. However, that only motivates me further to deconstruct oppression and strive for inclusivity," she says. "It also drives me to seek the stories of others."
She's currently working with collaborators on a podcast highlighting members of the STEM community living with chronic illnesses and/or disabilities. "Just as there are a wide array of diverse people in the world, there is a wide scope of how you can express yourself," says Cepeda. "It also aligns with my goal of proving that science exists in forms that differ from the traditional classroom."
Her own experiences are the fuel she's using to propel her toward her career goal of developing medical devices that "improve diagnostics using non-invasive systems targeting illnesses like dementia and Parkinson's disease."
Cepeda, who will specialize in mechanical engineering, already has plans to continue with a master's in biomedical engineering, eager to explore technologies like rehabilitative exoskeletons and electroencephalogram-controlled wheelchairs. And she already has hands-on experience as a participant of WISEST's 2024 Summer Research Program, where she created a deployable mobile robot for remote inspections, developing skills including Arduino code, UNO hardware and 3D printing.
Ultimately, Cepeda wants to ensure people of all abilities can stay connected and share their stories by crafting accessible technology that allows them to do so.
"What makes you different makes you strong."
