Brandon students head to national science fair

Three standout students from the Brandon School Division are headed to the national stage after earning top awards at the 56th annual Western Manitoba Science Fair (WMSF).

The winners received an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Western Manitoba at the Canada Wide Science Fair 2026 in Edmonton from May 23 to 30.

Vincent Massey High School Grade 9 student Abereham Moges was named Best of Fair for his project, Selective Synergy in Melanoma Drugs.

Runners-up honours went to Grade 10 student Angelina Zhang of École secondaire Neelin High School for Optimizing Herbal Acne Therapy, and Grade 11 student Nia Smith of Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School for The Spore Score: Can You Stop the Spoilage?

For Moges, the win marks his third regional title — and his third trip to nationals. Building on previous research, his project explored how drug compounds used to treat melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, interact not only with cancer cells but also with healthy skin cells.

“Last year, I tested compounds on melanoma at the nationals,” he told the Sun. “This year, I tested them on healthy melanocytes to see if they could safely target cancer cells.”

He also incorporated computational simulations to validate his lab findings.

The experience, he said, reflects steady growth. After previously being shortlisted as a candidate for Team Canada’s international science fair selection, Moges returned this year with renewed confidence and improvements based on feedback.

“It means my research is getting recognized,” he said. “It shows that the work I’ve put in is meaningful.”

Despite his success, Moges said his journey into science wasn’t always certain. Initially more interested in mathematics, he found science “boring” in earlier grades before gradually developing a passion for it. He now hopes to pursue biomedical engineering and eventually become a physician.

Zhang is also no stranger to the national stage.

This year will mark her third appearance at the Canada Wide Science Fair. Her project builds on previous work examining Chinese herbal medicine as a treatment for acne, this time isolating individual herbs to study their effects on oil and moisture levels in skin.

“I really enjoyed this topic because it connects to my culture, and it’s something I personally experienced,” she told the Sun.

Zhang previously won a silver medal at nationals. This year’s runner-up finish, she said, feels less about placement and more about continued growth.

“I don’t focus too much on whether I’m first or second,” she said. “My goal is to improve and enjoy the experience, meeting people, exploring new places and learning.”

She said that science fair stands out as a uniquely independent pursuit. “It’s something where all the work you put in, you benefit from it directly,” she said. “I have plans to continue research and possibly develop a skincare prototype in the future.”

Both students attributed their successes to perseverance and passion.

“You should strive and put your hardest work into anything you do,” Moges said. “It will get you somewhere eventually.”

The national competition in Edmonton will bring together top young scientists from across Canada, offering the Western Manitoba winners another opportunity to showcase their research on a larger stage.

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