Your monthly connection to youth STEM in Canada

👋 Hi Aspiring Innovators,

Imagine yourself in Stockholm, dressed in formal attire, about to walk into the Nobel Prize ceremony. Around you are laureates, the Swedish royal family, and some of the world’s most brilliant minds. It sounds like something from a movie right?

For Julien-Pierre, this wasn’t a movie, it was December 2024. And it started with a simple question he asked himself back in high school: “What is quantum computing, and could I simulate one of its algorithms for my science fair project?”

That curiosity in 2018 led to CWSF presentations, when led to studies in quantum computing, which led to representing Canada at the Stockholm International Youth Science Symposium during Nobel Week. Now that’s an adventure in STEM!

December is that reflective time of the year when we think about where we’ve been and where we’re going. Julien-Pierre’s story reminds us that the questions we ask today can open doors we never imagined existed. So let me tell you about a quantum physics project, a week in Stockholm, and why asking “what if” matters more than knowing all the answers.

From Quantum Curiosity to the Nobel Banquet

Julien-Pierre Houle’s 2018 CWSF project simulated a quantum computing algorithm, a challenge that sparked his curiosity about how quantum physics could solve real problems. Six years later, that early question led him to Stockholm’s Nobel Week. Now pursuing graduate studies in quantum computing, he points directly to CWSF as the foundation that gave him confidence for international stages.

👉 Read Julien-Pierre’s full story

“Hearing these world-leading scientists speak about their struggles, setbacks, and doubts made me realize that even at the highest level, the scientific journey is never linear”

What’s Happening This Month

December Opportunities

• CWSF ambassador applications are now open (Deadline Jan 10) – For youth aged 20-25yrs old as at May 23, 2026
• SHAD (Deadline Jan 6) – Summer STEM experiences for Grade 10 & 11 students
  Ingenious+ (Deadline Jan 23) – Award for innovative projects
  Let’s Talk Science Challenge – STEM competition for Grade 6-8 students

👉 See all opportunities

Worth Your Time

Why to How Podcast episode with Claire Sehn, CWSF 2025 Junior Discovery Platinum award winner – she discusses balancing her interests, staying organized while doing a STEM project and why youth should explore their passions

This Month’s Thought

As we head into the new year, I’m thinking about the questions worth asking. Not “will this win an award?” but “am I genuinely curious about this?”

Julien-Pierre’s journey from quantum curiosity to Nobel Week wasn’t planned. It unfolded because he stayed curious, kept asking questions, and had the courage to present his ideas even when the path forward wasn’t clear.

Whatever you’re curious about right now, whether it’s a potential project idea, a challenge you’re trying to solve, or just a question that won’t leave you alone, that curiosity matters. Follow it!

What question is pulling at you right now? Hit reply and tell me – I read every email.

— Stuart