Age: 17
In 2025, Sara Waqas won the Top Intermediate Award at the Calgary Youth Science Fair and represented Canada at the European Union Contest for Young Scientists with her project on neurobiological dysfunctions in schizophrenia. These two achievements are the latest additions to her long list of awards — but her interest in neuroscience isn’t just about accolades. It’s also about making a tangible impact on Calgary youth.
Waqas is the co-founder of Neuroconnections, an organization that has donated sensory support items (think fidget toys and wobbly chairs) to classrooms since August 2024.
“They’re things that the kids find calming, relaxing or stimulating and help them focus,” she explains.
She also volunteers as a teen crisis-line responder at Distress Centre Calgary, further promoting mental health in her community.
