Have science will travel: Lockerby student in exhibition of young inventors

Nethra Wickramisinghe, a Grade 12 student at Lockerby Composite School who has won national awards for her innovative science fair projects, will be featured in a Museum of Ingenuity J. Armand Bombardier travelling exhibition set to open in spring 2022.

The exhibition, a showcase of young Canadian inventors between the ages 13 to 24, celebrates the spark of ingenuity and highlights the creativity driving numerous young Canadians – those who have left their mark on history and those paving the way for the future.

Nethra’s project, “A Novel Application to Increase Wellness Using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy” was first presented at the 2018 Sudbury Regional Science Fair to address the prevalence of mental illness in society.

A wireless device worn on the wrist detects physiological changes related to depression and anxiety. The device is connected to an application, also developed by Nethra, that relays changes and monitors patterns in skin tension, heart rate and temperature.

When irregularities are detected, patients receive an alert. Patients are trained to use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy to improve their mental health and personal wellness through interactive exercises.

“We are thrilled that Nethra Wickramisinghe will be showcased among the best and brightest young scientists in the country across the country,” said Director of Education Norm Blaseg. “Nethra tapped into her innate curiosity to develop practical applications with tremendous benefits. She is a leading light in the next generation of scientists who continues to make us proud.”

Nethra is a four-time Canada-Wide Science Fair participant and gold medalist. She also earned the 2020 Weston Youth Innovation Award and received a Golden Ticket to a STEM Entrepreneur Course in 2019. She is enrolled in Lockerby Composite School’s Science, Technology, Engineering Program (STEP) geared towards students contemplating a career in medicine, science, health care, business, computer science, design or engineering.

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Media Contact:

Craig Runciman, Lockerby Composite School
Rainbow District School Board, 705-522-1750