Ethan Chan Wins Weston Youth Innovation Award

June 26, 2020

Academics

GNS

Ethan Chan ‘23 has been named the first-place winner for the 2020 Weston Youth Innovation Award for his innovative project which is a machine to monitor kidney disease data.

“It feels amazing, and I still can’t believe it,” said Ethan, who was out for a run when he got the phone call that he had won.

Ethan developed a device to measure protein in urine for kidney patients. The device uses photon-based colour measurement and machine learning to provide accurate digital readings and improve on traditional urinalysis test strips. Ethan started working on the device a year and a half ago, and spent hours refining and developing the device.

“When I was eight I was diagnosed with kidney disease,” he said. “It’s a problem that I have had to deal with for a long time, so I knew that people would need something like this.”

Now with the prototype complete, Ethan has been working on his invention’s accessibility by making it open source so it can get into the hands of the people who need and can use it.

“It’s a long process to actually get it out there,” he added.

Not only was Ethan named the first-place winner of the prestigious award, but he also received $15,000 in prize money, which he hopes to save for university and to fund his next project. For his IB MYP Grade 10 personal project, Ethan has been working to develop a device to detect cerebral spinal fluid (the fluid that’s in the brain and protects it) in a trauma setting, like the E.R.

Throughout his journey with these projects, Ethan notes GNS teacher Mrs. Erin Dallin has been instrumental in helping him pursue his goals, along with Dr. Hager.

Way to go Ethan and keep up the good work!