REPULSE BAY/RANKIN INLET - Sinead Anderson of Maani Ulujuk Ilinniarvik (MUI) in Rankin Inlet, and Jimmy Jr. Kopak of Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay are the 2010 female and male science students of the year.

Jimmy Jr. Kopak of Tusarvik School in Repulse Bay was named male science student of the year for the Kivalliq region this past month by the Kivalliq Science Educators Community. - photo courtesy of Jennifer Perry

The announcements were made this past month by the Kivalliq Science Educators' Community.

Anderson, 18, will attend St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia to pursue a degree in psychology and sociology.

She went to the 2008 Canada-Wide Science Fair with her project, The Impact of Microwaves on Plant Growth.

Anderson said she enjoys how science branches off into many different areas.

She said the national fair was a great experience, where she met some cool people and learned new things.

"There are so many people from the south at the national fair, that you see a lot more variety in their projects than you do in the North," said Anderson.

"I've already been accepted to Xavier, and I decided on these courses because they're something I'm really interested in.

"It's really important to find something you enjoy when thinking about a career.

"I'm looking forward to it because I like getting into people's heads."

Anderson officially starts her studies on Sept. 4.

She said she has absolutely no apprehension about going so far away from Rankin to attend school.

"I'd like to see more students get involved with science fairs in the Kivalliq.

"It's a good learning experience and it exposes you to different areas you may develop an interest in.

"Your involvement in science fairs and camps also looks good on your transcript."

Kopak, an A student in science at Tusarvik, wants to become a male nurse.

He's attended the Kivalliq Regional Science Fair in 2006, 2009 and 2010, and took part in the 2009 Science Culture Camp in Baker Lake.

Kopak, 18, said he's applied to both the Nunavut Sivuniksavut (NS) Program and Nunavut Arctic College's nursing program.

He said he will attend NS, if accepted, before starting his studies for a nursing career.

"My uncle was a nurse and I'm going to be just like him," said Kopak.

"I always liked science because you learn about so many different things.

"I'd like to see more younger students get involved with the science fairs because they're a great experience.

"Doing well can also open a lot of doors for you."

Kopak said of all his science projects, the Solar Box Cooker he did with Henry Crawford is his favourite.

He said they tried to show the sun's energy can be used for just about anything.

"They have solar panels to power-up houses, so we thought why not use the sun to cook your food?

"It worked for us and we actually got water to boil.

"Now I'm looking forward to leaving Repulse and going to another school.

"Once I become a nurse, I'd like to start my career in Repulse and then go to another community after a few years."