By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Burlington’s own Evan Budz is making waves in the world of youth innovation after winning the Best Project in Innovation at the 63rd Canada-Wide Science Fair, held this year at the University of New Brunswick. His award-winning entry, titled “Development of an Autonomous Bionic Sea Turtle Robot for Ecological Monitoring using AI,” was recognized among 219 national finalists showcasing cutting-edge research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The grade 9 student from Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School designed a fully autonomous robotic sea turtle capable of ecological monitoring in aquatic environments.
The inspiration for the project came from an unlikely but heartfelt source — his grandparents.
“Back in grade 7, my grandparents were having trouble taking their medication on time,” Budz explained. “So I developed a smart pill dispenser that would send alarms if they missed a dose. That’s when I really got into creating solutions through technology.”
That early project, combined with a growing interest in environmental science, planted the seed for Budz’s latest innovation. Drawing on the efficient and graceful movements of snapping turtles, he created a biologically-inspired robot designed to monitor aquatic ecosystems and detect threats like coral bleaching or invasive species.
“I chose the sea turtle because it has a low impact on its environment and is a really efficient swimmer,” he said. “It made sense to use that as a model for something that would blend in and not disrupt the ecosystem’s monitoring.”
Using a combination of solar and battery power, his robot can operate over long durations. Equipped with AI, the turtle can detect changes in its surroundings and report threats to a user who can take action. “My goal was to allow for real-time ecological monitoring. Without active intervention, many ecosystems degrade and deteriorate. I wanted to build something that helps prevent that,” Budz said.
Testing took place in his grandparents’ backyard pool, where he 3D-printed coral structures to simulate a reef environment. The biggest hurdle he faced was perfecting the turtle’s swimming motion and maintaining neutral buoyancy. “At first, it just kept sinking to the bottom of the pool,” Budz admitted. “I had to spend a lot of time adjusting the weight and form factor until it could stay level in the water and perform tasks effectively.”
His persistence paid off. The robot not only functions in test environments but also has the potential to be used by environmental organizations for real-world monitoring and conservation efforts. “I’d love to see it in the hands of professionals who can actually respond to the threats it detects, organizations that can help remedy the damage in marine ecosystems.”
Budz received a couple of thousand dollars in prize money across five awards at the Canada-Wide Science Fair and plans to invest it back into developing his project further. “I’m definitely going to keep working on the robot and expand its capabilities to detect more environmental changes,” he said.
Despite his remarkable achievement, Budz remains grounded and focused on what’s next. He hopes to pursue science or engineering in university and continue building projects that make a positive impact. Outside of STEM, he enjoys mountain biking, swimming, and playing the lead role in his school’s concert band. “I also competed in the Golden Horseshoe Music Festival in February,” he shared proudly.
Reflecting on his experience, Budz encourages other students to explore their passions. “Find something in your community you care about and build from there. There will be challenges and failures, but that’s okay. Push through and get help when you need it.”
His success is a testament to the power of curiosity, determination, and community support.
“When they called my name, I was honestly in shock,” Budz said of his win. “There were so many incredible projects. I’m just really grateful to Youth Science Canada and everyone who allowed us to showcase our ideas.”
