School of Engineering Staff Profile – Teija Wakeman
Name Teija Wakeman
Title Manager, Administration School of Engineering
When did you start with the School of Engineering? November 1, 2005
What is your role (tasks)? My main role is to manage the administrative operation of the School of Engineering. We enable academic and research initiatives within the department by providing faculty and students the support they need in order to focus on their core priorities. We look after the scheduling of classes, academic advising and act as an intermediary with facilities for repairs. Basically we look after everything that isn’t the responsibility of faculty, so that students, faculty and staff don’t need to worry about it.
Outstanding contribution to UBC Recognized in 2011 with a UBC Okanagan Staff Awards of Excellence for Leadership. Part of her nomination read “Throughout all the complexity, Teija has maintained a simple, clear vision of leadership: hire talented staff, present them with clearly articulated job descriptions, and then empower the staff to make decisions through careful thought and decision making,” says Carolyn Labun, her nominator. “Teija has make the School of Engineering a pleasant and meaningful place to work.”
Interesting fact Raises animals on their property including horses, chickens, a dog and a cat.
If you were to conduct your own engineering research, what would it be? Probably something in the field of chemical engineering. I would like to investigate ways to enhance our internal spaces and improve people’s lives through the creation of new pigments and scents (emotional and psychological well-being).
When not in the office, what are your hobbies? Gardening, knitting and dyeing yarns
Who would you recommend for an upcoming staff profile? Karen Seddon, Renee Leboe and Couleen Maryschuk