Mentors from the Faculty of Arts & Science inspire next generation of science leaders

Catharine Reader -

The University of Lethbridge continues to champion youth innovation and scientific exploration through meaningful mentorship. At the 2025 Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF), three outstanding high school students — Fatema Riaz, Mehnaz Khan, and Nycea Hazelwood — were recognized nationally for their trailblazing research projects, each mentored by dedicated ULethbridge faculty members.

“Mentorship and especially the ability of the student to ask the questions required to get their project off to a good start are important, as there may not be chances to repeat their work if it goes badly,” says biological sciences professor Dr. Kim Stanford. “Comparing the Canada-Wide Science Fair to a race, mentorship gives the student a clean start off the blocks and the potential to win the race/succeed.”

Students involved in the Canada-Wide Science Fair are under major time pressure, especially if collaborating with an outside laboratory. Their success is a testament to their drive and determination as well as the faculty’s commitment to hands-on learning, inquiry-based education and mentorship that empowers young scientists to explore real-world challenges.

  • Fatema Riaz, mentored by Dr. Dylan Girodat, earned a Gold Medal for her project Antibiotic Stimulated Ribosomal Subunit Joining, which explored mechanisms of antibiotic interaction with ribosomes.
  • Mehnaz Khan, working under Dr. Matthew Bogard, won a Bronze Medal for her AI-driven study, Predicting Future Water Quality Using Random Forest Model.
  • Nycea Hazelwood, with support from Dr. Kim Stanford, received the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association Award for her work Putting a Stop to Bacterial Talk — Cinnamon as a Quorum Sensing Inhibitor to Prevent Biofilm Growth.

“Fatema Riaz was the first HYRS student to join my lab, and from the very beginning, it was clear that she was exceptionally gifted,” says Girodat, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. “Her passion for understanding how the world works is matched by her dedication and initiative. Her success on the national stage is a well-earned recognition of her talent, perseverance and scientific drive.”

These achievements underscore the importance of mentorship in shaping Canada’s next generation of researchers and innovators. ULethbridge’s faculty go beyond the classroom, offering mentorship that fuels curiosity, critical thinking and scientific excellence in youth.

"Our water resources are incredibly sensitive, and it is encouraging to me to see young scientists passionate about research and protection of our lakes and rivers," says Bogard, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

Congratulations to these three exceptional young scientists and their faculty mentors for their national recognition at CWSF 2025! Your collaborative spirit and dedication to discovery exemplify the power of mentorship and the future of scientific inquiry.

Learn more about these remarkable projects and the Canada-Wide Science Fair at cwsf-espc.ca.