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Gerry Nikolopoulos '16 Inspires Grade 12 Physics Students with Real-World Engineering Projects

On September 25, Gerry Nikolopoulos '16 spoke with the Grade 12 science students about a few of his projects working as a materials engineer.
 
The first was a project to create a sustainable food source for astronauts. Gerry's team was designing a habitat for cricket as they are lightweight, easy to feed and reproduce quickly, and are almost 100% protein. Some challenges with the project included temperature control, cleanliness of the habitat, sustained power to the habitat and size. An enormous puzzle in problem solving.
 
Currently, his team is working on how to purify water on the moon for a potential human colony. Eliminating one contaminant from water may seem simple enough but there are many contaminants each with unique chemical properties. A significant challenge that incorporates many levels of chemistry, physics and general problem solving. Applied science and technology with a very real and tangible goal.
 
The Grade 12 students found this extremely interesting! Thank you Gerry!
- Mr. Tom Downey, Pre-University Physics teacher
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