Two recipients were presented with the Sask Polytech Applied Research Award for Excellence at this year’s convocation

September 2024

As a recognized leader in working with industry and the community in applied research and innovation, Sask Polytech owes its success to the individual and collective efforts of its faculty and researchers. Two Sask Polytech Applied Research Award for Excellence were presented to faculty for notable work in their respective fields. This year’s recipients were:

Chris Thomson, Agricultural Equipment Technician program head at Saskatoon campus, was recognized for his work on a multi-faceted project to help with both the equipment used in wild rice harvesting and in training needed to maintain the specialized equipment. Thomson, working in partnership with NWC Wild Rice Company, is designing and building a new, modular harvester boat with a more economical and easily repairable propulsion system. Thomson has engaged others from across Sask Polytech with diverse knowledge in welding, machining and manufacturing to contribute to the build. Thomson is also working with two other educational partners on providing training for the new equipment.

Linda Martin, Therapeutic Recreation program head at Saskatoon campus, was honoured for conducting a needs assessment for the delivery of recreation therapy services in schools for students with high and complex needs. This assessment focuses on students with a combination of mental health, social behavioral, trauma-based symptoms, physical, developmental and/or learning disabilities. Her project aims to enhance the provision of recreation therapy services to better support these students within Saskatchewan's school systems.