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NII and Bruce Power honour excellence with Frank Saunders Memorial Awards

  • Writer: NII
    NII
  • 53 minutes ago
  • 1 min read

Recognizing outstanding students driving innovation in the nuclear sector


Students hold certificates on stage, smiling. Text reads "Recognizing tomorrow's nuclear innovators." NII logo.

 

Five exceptional students were honoured yesterday with the second-annual Frank Saunders Memorial Awards for Nuclear Excellence, presented at this year’s Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) Conference by the Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) and Bruce Power.

 

In memory of Frank Saunders, the awards 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 understood that innovation drives our industry forward, but it’s people who make that progress possible,” said Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO of NII. “We celebrate Frank’s legacy by recognizing students whose new perspectives are helping redefine what’s possible for the nuclear sector.”

The 2026 Frank Saunders Memorial Award Recipients are: 

  • Amna Dahar, University of Calgary

  • Ethan Drake, University of Prince Edward Island

  • Kya Drummond, University of Calgary

  • Tina Nazemzadeh, Western University

  • Ethan Perlin, University of Calgary

 

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


L-R: Pat Dalzell, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs and Market Development, Bruce Power; Tina Nazemzadeh, Western University; Kya Drummond, University of Calgary; Ethan Drake, University of Prince Edward Island; Amna Dahar, University of Calgary; Ethan Perlin, University of Calgary; Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute.
L-R: Pat Dalzell, Vice-President, Corporate Affairs and Market Development, Bruce Power; Tina Nazemzadeh, Western University; Kya Drummond, University of Calgary; Ethan Drake, University of Prince Edward Island; Amna Dahar, University of Calgary; Ethan Perlin, University of Calgary; Jessica Linthorne, President and CEO, Nuclear Innovation Institute.

Nuclear Innovation Institute headquarters

P.O. Box 2080, 620 Tomlinson Drive

Port Elgin, Ontario

N0H 2C0

NII Advance Technology Campus

117 Farrell Drive

Tiverton, Ontario

N0G 2T0

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