Bruce Power and NII present inaugural Frank Saunders Memorial Awards

Student awards honour nuclear excellence and innovative thinking

Five outstanding students were recognized at the Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) Conference last week with the inaugural Frank Saunders Memorial Awards for Nuclear Excellence, presented by Bruce Power and the Nuclear Innovation Institute. 

[L-R] Pat Dalzell, Vice-President Corporate Affairs & Market Development, Bruce Power; Tannis Lubiniecki, Northlands College; Abdalrahman Alasadi, McMaster University; Andrea Ionel, McMaster University; Divhleen Ruprai, University of Waterloo; Siddhant Khanna, McMaster University; Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute.

These awards, introduced this year in memory of Frank Saunders, celebrate emerging talent in the nuclear sector and encourage the next generation of innovators. Saunders, a respected industry leader, was the founding President of NII, a long-time executive at Bruce Power, and a Chair of the Canadian Nuclear Association.

He was known for his commitment to nuclear innovation, mentorship and education. He passed away in July 2020, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and deep dedication to the advancement of nuclear science.

“Frank dedicated his career to advancing the nuclear industry and inspiring future leaders,” said Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO of NII. “He believed deeply in the power of innovation and the importance of empowering the next generation.” 

Frank Saunders, founding President of the Nuclear Innovation Institute.

She continued: "That belief led him to help establish the Nuclear Innovation Institute, creating a space where new ideas could flourish, and where people in our rural communities could access greater opportunities in the industry he loved."

Linthorne presented the awards on Day 2 of the conference, along with Pat Dalzell, Vice President Corporate Affairs & Market Development at Bruce Power. Each recipient received a $1,000 cash award for their exceptional essays. 

The 2025 Frank Saunders Memorial Award Recipients are: 

• Abdalrahman Alasadi, McMaster University

• Andrea Ionel, McMaster University

• Siddhant Khanna, McMaster University

• Tannis Lubiniecki, Northlands College

• Divhleen Ruprai, University of Waterloo

“These awards honour Frank’s legacy by recognizing students who bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking to nuclear science and technology,” said Linthorne.

The presentation followed remarks from Aecon, sponsor of the CNA Student Program, which supports student engagement at the conference and provides opportunities for young professionals to connect with industry leaders. 

The Frank Saunders Memorial Awards for Nuclear Excellence will be awarded annually to recognize students who demonstrate outstanding potential in nuclear science and leadership.