Linda Liu, 18
Surrey, British Columbia

While visiting cancer-stricken relatives in rural China, Linda witnessed the complications caused by the combination of increased environmental mutagens and a lack of affordable cancer medications. She committed herself to find a natural, inexpensive, and readily available anti-cancer compound. Linda identified the plant Z. spinosa as a perfect candidate because it contained phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of cancer cells and betulinic acid which had the ability to selectively kill human melanoma cells. The plant is unique because it is drought-tolerant and able to survive in the poor soils of China and other developing nations. No one had ever researched Z. spinosa’s anti-cancer properties. Her experiments demonstrated that for the first time in history, the extract of Z.spinosa displays dose-dependent anti-cancer activities on MeWo, MCF-7, and LS 180 cancer cells.

As a result of Linda’s project, she has founded an organization called “Planting Hope.” This innovative organization is committed to sending Z. spinosa seeds to people in developing countries, and to educate the people about the plant and to ensure that they can flourish. Linda’s work earned her the gold prize at Greater Vancouver Science Fair and the 2008 United Nations Youth Achievement Award for Humanitarian Service.

Justin Lui, 19

Edmonton, Alberta

Similar in age but worlds apart in lifestyle, Justin encountered a homeless youth and the circumstances motivated him to work towards overcoming society's negative stigma of marginalized people.  As he started to volunteer in the inner city he was able to put a story to these often discounted human beings.  In order to amplify his efforts, he engaged other youth, helping them in turn to gain greater understanding of and compassion for the homeless individuals.  As the Chairperson of Edmonton Youth Council, he proposed a citywide art contest that challenged youth 5 through 19 to investigate the greater meaning of homelessness and what could be done to help.  “Heart 2 Art” received an astounding 900 submissions, which were on display at various Edmonton venues.  The artwork was then celebrated at the “Heart 2 Art” Gala which raised $110,000 for Boyle Street Community Services.  Justin firmly believes the money raised is not only a testament to the relentless efforts of his team but to the substantial generosity displayed by Edmontonians as well. 

Isdin Oke, 18
Guelph, Ontario

Isdin gives back to his community through involvements with the Red Cross, Heart and Stroke, Habitat for Humanity, and the Multicultural Society.

Driven by curiosity about our world and the desire to solve everyday problems with scientific solutions, his success as a scientific researcher is not surprisingly flavoured by humanitarianism. Knowing that food shortages caused by annual droughts can devastate underdeveloped countries, Isdin sought out to design a way of preserving produce for use in times of need. He and a partner manipulated a chemical called 1-Methylcyclopropene and, using snapdragons to model aging, they were able to delay produce degradation. Isdin worked vigorously towards his goal with the guidance of his mentor, Dr. Paliyath from the University of Guelph.

In the end, his passion and hard work paid off. Because of this project’s innovative and unique solution, and its strong humanitarian potential, Isdin and his partner received a Gold Medal at the Waterloo-Wellington Science and Engineering Fair and an award of merit at the Sanofi Aventis Biotalent Competition.

John Park, 17
North York, Ontario

Hiking in the Arctic Circle. Swimming in subzero Arctic sea water.  Seeing the devastating effects of climate change first-hand.  These experiences in the summer of 2007 motivated John to start a student activist group called “Environmentally Concerned Students” (ECS) and their Blue Beaufort Campaign.  Through community presentations, collecting thousands of signatures, and media campaigning, John is raising national awareness of the Beaufort Sea’s future.  As this frontier opens to offshore industrial ventures in oil & gas, ECS is advocating immediate measures to conserve threatened species like bowhead whales, belugas, and polar bears. The ECS team is calling for a delay on industrialization in the Beaufort until oil spills in these dangerous, icy waters can be effectively managed. Right now, no proven method exists and the Arctic ecology faces increased risk beyond climate change.

John’s creative side comes through in his exhibited Arctic paintings.  In one of his exhibitions, he has displayed his rendering of the Arctic’s fragile beauty alongside a Group of Seven painting at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection.