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:
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Amna Dahar, University of Calgary
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Ethan Drake, University of Prince Edward Island
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Kya Drummond, University of Calgary
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Tina Nazemzadeh, Western University
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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.
Saunders, who was founding President of the Nuclear Innovation Inistiture, died suddenly in 2020, but not before receiving the highest award in the nuclear industry, the John Jenkins Award for outstanding lifetime achievement.
About the Nuclear Innovation Institute: The Nuclear Innovation Institute (NII) is Canada’s premier research institute for the clean energy sector. A member-based not-for-profit organization, NII has a unique role driving sector transformation, skill development and an innovative nuclear voice. NII’s vision is a Canadian landscape that celebrates an innovative nuclear industry as an integral part of the clean energy future.
Learn more at nii.ca and join the conversation on LinkedIn (Nuclear Innovation Institute), Instagram (@niiatwork), and Facebook (@OntarioNII).
