Inaugural Frank Saunders Memorial Awards honour nuclear excellence, 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 (NII).

These awards, introduced this year in memory of 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 the NII, a long-time executive at Bruce Power, and a chairman of the CNA. He was known for his commitment to nuclear innovation, mentorship and education. He died in July, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and deep dedication to the advancement of nuclear science.

“Frank (Saunders) dedicated his career to advancing the nuclear industry and inspiring future leaders,” said NII president and chief executive officer Jessica Linthorne. “He believed deeply in the power of innovation and the importance of empowering the next generation.

“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 of corporate affairs and market development at Bruce Power. Each recipient received a $1,000 cash award for submitting 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
• Divleen Ruprai, University of Waterloo

“These awards honour Frank (Saunders)’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.



Five post-secondary students receive the inaugural Frank Saunders Memorial Awards for Nuclear Excellence at the 2025 CNA Conference in Ottawa; from left, are Pat Dalzell, vice-president of corporate affairs and market development at Bruce Power; recipients Tannis Lubiniecki, Abdalrahman Alasadi, Andrea Ionel, Divleen Ruprai, and Siddhant Khanna; and Jessica Linthorne, president and CEO of the Nuclear Innovation Institute