Reni Barlow is the Executive Director of Youth Science Canada, a national charitable organization that fuels the curiosity of Canadian youth through science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) projects. Reni completed a BSc in biology and neuroscience at the University of Toronto. After completing a BEd at Queen’s, he spent the next ten years developing innovative approaches to teaching grade 7/8 STEM, incorporating scientific inquiry and projects, interdisciplinary approaches and small group learning with outstanding results. In 1992 he was recognized as one of 15 national-level recipients of the Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology and Mathematics. That year he also completed an M.Ed. in science curriculum at Queen’s. In 1993 he received the Commemorative Medal for Canada’s 125th Anniversary for extensive volunteer work at the national level of Scouts Canada. Eager for a new challenge, Reni became a vice-principal in 1995 and served as a principal from 1997 to 2002. He attended his first Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF) in 1990. Reni’s students won numerous CWSF medals and he became more active as a science fair volunteer. He received the Youth Science Canada Distinguished Service Award in 2004. In September 2002, Reni became Youth Science Canada’s full-time executive director until retiring in 2013. He returned to the role in 2016 and is proud to be leading the organization’s renewed focus on youth STEM projects.