Julian Generaux - Gr. 9 Sun Peaks Student Goes to the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Edmonton

Last month, we wrote a story about Grade 9 Sun Peaks student, Julian Generaux, who had achieved notable success in the Cariboo Mainline Regional Science Fair for his innovation of an inexpensive, portable EKG (electrocardiogram) utilizing Micro:Bit technology to monitor heart conditions remotely.

Julian shared, “[It has] code in it so it reads your heartbeat. And for example, if your heart stops, it will send a signal to emergency services, or in the case of my project, it just sends a radio signal to another receiver. So it’s kind of like an Amber Alert but for your heart.”

Principal Jen Boyle explained:

Julian is a new student at Sun Peaks School this year. He is incredibly invested in advancing his own learning and digging deeper when participating in all school activities. I am incredibly proud of Julian's determination to connect his classroom experience with Micro: Bit technology to further investigate possible solutions that might help with creating an inexpensive, portable EKG. I'd like to express my gratitude to his teacher, Keith Massey for encouraging and supporting this journey as well as our prep teacher Mr. Curtis Weibe for sharing his love of Micro:bits with our school. I'd also like to thank our PAC for purchasing additional Micro:bits so that all of our intermediate students can learn through this exciting technology. A huge thanks to Morgan Whitehouse our District Science Coordinator for promoting a love of science, chairing the Cariboo Mainline Regional Science Fair, and chaperoning the students attending from Kamloops.

A week-long, national event, the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) brings together 400 top students from across the country to compete for nearly $2 million in cash, scholarships and exclusive science opportunities. Those who qualify have distinguished themselves from amongst the approximate 25,000 young Canadians who compete in regional science fairs. 

Apart from the science, the fair had so many incredible and unique experiences. The event brings together youth from the most remote regions of the country and their urban counterparts. Julian was immersed with like-minded individuals from all over Canada: the Yukon and Northwest Territories, rural maritime communities and major urban centers. 

Julian underwent four rigorous rounds of judging in one full day, by national specialists, in addition to additional specialized judging the next day. He also presented his work to nearly 10,000 students and teachers visiting the CWSF for class field trips, over the course of three days. Julian spent a full day at the University of Alberta experiencing their world-class lab facilities. 

He also enjoyed the exhibits at both Science World in both Vancouver and Edmonton, in his down time, to further enrich his curiosity and understanding of the natural world.

District Science Coordinator Morgan Whitehouse had this to say:

I was so proud of Julian for the character he demonstrated at the Canada-Wide Science Fair. It was an intimidating competition, with many older or more experienced students, from many different cities and school environments. Julian was a confident and capable representative of the Cariboo Mainline region, and was enthusiastic and passionate about capitalizing fully at all social and science opportunities presented to him. The days were long, we met for breakfast daily at 7:00 and did not return to our hotel rooms until close to 10:00 pm each evening, but Juilan enjoyed every action-packed day, and made many life-long friends across the country in the process. It was very stiff competition; Julian was humble and encouraging of his friends; I believe he left feeling empowered and excited to try to qualify again for CWSF 2024 in Ottawa. I know Julian will be an ideal candidate!

The Cariboo Mainline Regional Science Fair is able to nominate the top finishers in our area, up to five grade 7-12 students, to the CWSF every year. Science fair at every level, is a wonderful learning opportunity, which creates an environment that inspires students to thrive.