Youth science program manager Kristy Burke has received a 2012 ASTech Award for her work as a passionate promoter of youth science programming.

Burke received her award for Excellence in Science and Technology Public Awareness this past weekend in Edmonton -- one of 13 winners chosen from a field of 25 nominees.

The ASTECH Awards are the premiere acknowledgement of scientific and technological achievement in Alberta. The awards have grown to encompass more than a dozen distinct categories. Collectively, the honourees demonstrate the abundance of outstanding work occurring in Alberta's science and technology community.

Also nominated in the same category was U of L chemistry & biochemistry professor Dr. Hans-Joachim Wieden and his iGEM team.

Burke, the manager of the University of Lethbridge's Destination Exploration youth science programs, has been instrumental in expanding existing programming and establishing new initiatives for southern Alberta youth interested in science.

Since taking over as manager, Destination Exploration, in the form of interactive classroom workshops, exciting summer camps, after school Science Clubs, birthday parties and numerous other outreach programs, reaches more than 1,300 youth each year.

Through the programs offered by Destination Exploration, Burke exposes students to science in a fun and engaging way, providing valuable opportunities for aspiring scientists throughout southern Alberta to receive quality instruction and encouraging excellence not only in science but also in professional and career endeavours.