Movers & Shakers math sectors — which means APEGA Members are bound to be among the nominees and recipients. SafeTracks GPS Canada Inc. was recognized for its technological innovation
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in dementia patient care, landing the company the Societal Impact Award. Over half a million Canadians currently live with dementia, which is classified as a public health priority by the World Health Organization. Dementia affects the cognitive function of patients, and a common side effect is wandering. To deal with wandering, SafeTracks GPS developed the TRiLOC, It uses GPS technology to monitor the location of people with dementia, allowing caregivers to track locations and, using a two-way system, communicate with wearers. After developing the TRiLOC in 2013, SafeTracks GPS partnered with the University of Alberta and Alberta Health Services to conduct a trial involving Alberta seniors living with dementia. The success of the trial resulted in Alberta Health Services deciding to place 400 devices across the province. Dr. Ian Gates, P.Eng. , head of the Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Calgary’s Schulich School of Engineering, was the recipient of the Innovation in Oil Sands Research Award. Dr. Gates’ current research focuses primarily on heavy oil recovery processes and improving them so they're more environmentally and economically sustainable. “Right now there is about 20 per cent more carbon produced per barrel of heavy oil than that of a conventional oil process,” Dr. Gates says in his ASTech Award profile. “We’re working on making this process much more energy and carbon efficient, so that it will match and eventually surpass the emissions performance of conventional oil.” The award also recognized Dr. Gates’ contributions as an educator, including his efforts to give students the tools they need to excel in the increasingly complex energy sector. “I always felt there was a big gap in training students with the proper skills so that they can grow and adapt to industry rapidly,” he says.
INNOVATION RECOGNIZED Top — Aaron Sivacoe, P.Eng., and Lorinda Porter, both of SafeTracks GPS Canada Inc., pose after accept- ing the ASTech Societal Impact Award; bottom — another recipient, Dr. Ian Gates, P.Eng., is making his mark in oil and gas research. -photos courtesy ASTech Foundation
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