Rainbow students compete among top young scientists at Canada-Wide Science Fair

Three young scientists from Rainbow Schools wowed the judges at the Sudbury Regional Science Fair held on April 7 and 8, 2018, earning the honour to compete at the Canada-Wide Science Fair in Ottawa from May 12 to 19, 2018.

Grade 10 student Brendon Matusch of Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School investigated techniques for the use of convolutional neural networks for autonomous driving. For this, Brendon developed a level 2 autonomous vehicle using components for vision, path planning, speed control, and stop sign detection. As part of his project, these variables were tested in a custom 3D simulation, as well as on a physical vehicle based on a modified electric go-cart. Brendon’s project “An Investigation of Techniques for Autonomous Driving Using Convolutional Neural Networks” garnered him First Place, Intermediate Division, Computer Sciences; the Laurentian University Computer Science or Mathematics Award; the Bharti School of Engineering Award; the Milman Industries Equipment Innovation Award; the Laurentian University Scholarship Award and the Ontario Power Generation Innovation Award.

Nethra Wickramasinghe, a Grade 9 student at Lockerby Composite School, developed a non-invasive, wireless system to measure and regulate a patient’s heart rate to help reduce stress levels and increase wellness. For her project, “An Application to Manage Wellness with CBT,” Nethra created a system that uses a sensor to track pulse signals. The signals are sent to the arduino platform, which converts the signal to beats per minute (BPM). The data is sent through Bluetooth to an application on an Android smartphone device. The device uses the data to determine whether the user is stressed, angry or anxious, and trains the user to overcome these mental health issues through cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioural therapy and subjective units of distress. The application uses various interactive exercises to actively improve the user’s mental health and increase their personal wellness. Nethra captured First Place, Intermediate Division, Life Sciences and the Biotechnology Award.

Kerry Yang, a Grade 8 student at Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, investigated the use of dandelion root to reduce antibiotic resistance. For her project “Fighting Heavy Metals and Bacteria: Dandelion is the Key,” Kerry examined the severity of antibiotic resistance in human health and determined that one of the causing mechanisms is heavy metal exposure. For her project, Kerry studied the beneficial role of dandelion extracts on heavy metal-induced antibiotic resistance. Kerry determined that bacterial antibiotic resistance could be induced by heavy metals and dandelion root could be used to help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Kerry took home First Place, Junior Division, Life Sciences, the Founding Members’ Award; the Laurentian University Biology Award and the Laurentian University Chemistry/Biochemistry Award.

“We are very proud of Brendon, Nethra and Kerry for their outstanding achievement,” says Norm Blaseg, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. “Our youngest scientists were among the best in the fair. We wish them continued success as they showcase their projects on the national stage.”

Rainbow District School Board congratulates all Sudbury Regional Science Fair winners.

2018 SUDBURY REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS FROM RAINBOW SCHOOLS

SUDBURY REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR REGULAR (DIVISIONAL) AWARDS

JUNIOR DIVISION – COMPUTER SCIENCES

Second
The Oculus Thrift
Joshua Zhang
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION – COMPUTER SCIENCES

First
An Investigation of Techniques for Autonomous Driving
Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Brendon Matusch
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

JUNIOR DIVISION – ENGINEERING

First
Perfect Plastic
Teagan Lawson and Ashlee Riopelle
Valley View Public School

Third
Wireless Charging
Syed Ahmed and Mohiy Ahmed
MacLeod Public School

JUNIOR DIVISION – LIFE SCIENCES

First
Fighting Heavy Metals and Bacteria: Dandelion is the Key
Kerry Yang
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

Third
Do Species of Birds Prefer Different Types of Seeds
Erin Calverley
Northeastern Elementary School

Fourth
Sugar
Scott Powell
Valley View Public School

Honourable Mention
Fit body=Fit brain
Zoe Valliere
Carl A. Nesbitt Public School

INTERMEDIATE DIVISION – LIFE SCIENCES

First
An Application to Manage Wellness With CBT
Nethra Wickramasinghe
Lockerby Composite School

Second
Aquaponic Cleanup
Mercedes Marlok
Lasalle Secondary School

JUNIOR DIVISION – PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Fourth
Hydro Electricity
Andre Tran
Churchill Public School

SENIOR DIVISION

First
Which Material is the Most Sustainable?
Rebecca Jacob
Lasalle Secondary School

SPECIAL AWARDS

BILL AND OLGA ROMAN AWARD
The “Best in fair” as judged by the exhibitors.

The Search of the Long Lake Spiny Beast
Jack Moskalyk
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

BIOTECHNOLOGY AWARD
The project which best demonstrates the application of knowledge of biological systems to solve a problem, create a product, or provide a service.

An Application to Manage Wellness with CBT
Nethra Wickramasinghe
Lockerby Composite School

CHEMICAL INSTITUTE OF CANADA AWARD
The best project that deals with a chemical topic or process.

Do White Candles Burn Faster Than Coloured Candles?
Julia Thompson
Liam Conlin
Copper Cliff Public School

CLEAN AIR SUDBURY AWARD
Outstanding project dealing with air quality or climate change.

Which Material is the Most Sustainable?
Rebecca Jacob
Lasalle Secondary School

FOUNDING MEMBERS’ AWARD
The best project that exemplifies effort and perseverance. This award honours the contributions of such founding members as Don Davidson, Ed Higgins, and others.

Fighting Heavy Metals and Bacteria: Dandelion is the Key
Kerry Yang
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

JACK CEMING CHEMISTRY AWARD
The project must demonstrate outstanding chemistry.

Do White Candles Burn Faster Than Coloured Candles?
Julia Thompson
Liam Conlin
Copper Cliff Public School

SNOLAB AWARD
The most outstanding project related to sub-atomic physics, astrophysics or astronomy.

Forces of Attraction
Harrison Wilson
Ledy Sulston
Valley View Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY BIOLOGY AWARD
The two best projects that contribute to the field of biology.

Fighting Heavy Metals and Bacteria: Dandelion is the Key
Kerry Yang
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

Plants vs. Wi-Fi
Kai Nener
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY CHEMISTRY/BIOCHEMISTRY AWARD
The best project that contributes to the field of chemistry or biochemistry.

Fighting Heavy Metals and Bacteria: Dandelion is the Key
Kerry Yang
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY COMPUTER SCIENCE OR MATHEMATICS AWARD
The best project that contributes to the field of mathematics and computer science.

An Investigation of Techniques for Autonomous Driving
Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Brendon Matusch
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

BHARTI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AWARD
The two best projects that contribute to the field of engineering.

An Investigation of Techniques for Autonomous Driving
Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Brendon Matusch
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

Perfect Plastic
Teagan Lawson
Ashlee Riopelle
Valley View Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY BEHAVIOURAL NEUROSCIENCE AWARD
The two best projects that contribute to the field of neuroscience.

How Fast Can You React?
Lara El-Darazi
Chelsea Leduc
Valley View Public School

Sleep Deprivation
Emma Bichard
Northeastern Elementary School

McEWEN SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AWARD
The TWO projects that best demonstrate creativity and originality.

The Oculus Thrift
Joshua Zhang
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF THE ENVIRONMENT AWARD
The two best projects that contribute to the fields of environmental science, environmental studies, and/or archeology.

Plants vs. Wi-Fi
Kai Nener
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

The Search of the Long Lake Spiny Beast
Jack Moskalyk
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

MILMAN INDUSTRIES EQUIPMENT INNOVATION AWARD
The project that best demonstrates the importance or need for environmental consciousness as it relates to mining or other fields.

An Investigation of Techniques for Autonomous Driving
Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Brendon Matusch
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

ONTARIO POWER GENERATION ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
The two projects that best address issues of environmental responsibility, and/or sustainable development.

The Curious Case of Clowns and Climate Change
Samuel Leach Jarrett
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

The Search of the Long Lake Spiny Beast
Jack Moskalyk
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

ONTARIO POWER GENERATION ENGINEERING AWARD
The project that best contributes to the fields of chemical, electrical, mechanical, nuclear, or civil engineering.

Which Material is the Most Sustainable?
Rebecca Jacob
Lasalle Secondary School

ONTARIO POWER GENERATION INNOVATION AWARD
The project that best demonstrates innovation by contributing to a new idea, method or device.

An Investigation of Techniques for Autonomous Driving
Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Brendon Matusch
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

MODERN MINING AND TECHNOLOGY SUDBURY AWARD
The best overall project that deals with some aspect of mining.

Morse Code Transmission
Aiden Lippert-Murdoch
Markstay Public School

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The best overall project in the fair.

An Investigation of Techniques for Autonomous Driving
Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Brendon Matusch
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

CANADA WIDE SCIENCE FAIR PARTICIPANT
Best projects in the fair.

Fighting Heavy Metals and Bacteria: Dandelion is the Key
Kerry Yang
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

An Application to Manage Wellness With CBT
Nethra Wickramasinghe
Lockerby Composite School

An Investigation of Techniques for Autonomous Driving
Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Brendon Matusch
Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171, ext. 7217.