A successful Science Fair effort to test water-based extracts of spices and honey to prevent the spread of a fungal disease called Fusarium head blight earned Deeksha Kundapur, 16, a $500 Manning Innovation Achievement Award at the 53rd annual Canada Wide Science Fair held at the University of Windsor.
Kundapur, a Grade 11 student at Walter Murray Collegiate in Saskatoon, developed novel antifungal compounds derived from tamarind and garlic extracts. Her project also won the Senior Excellence Bronze Medal, and her choice of entrance scholarships to two Canadian universities.
The Ernest C. Manning Innovation Awards Foundation introduced its Young Canadian Program in 1992 to recognize innovative Canada-Wide Science Fair projects. Each year a judging team selects eight winning projects, four of which earn the $4,500 Manning Young Canadian Innovator Awards, and four others earn $500 Manning Innovation Achievement Awards.
In this video, Deeksha discusses her project, future plans, and mentors.