Third-year mechanical engineering student, Madisyn Szypula, and first-year engineering student, Kayley Beckie, were both recognized by the Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation (CEMF) with 2021 awards.
Szypula, who is an active undergraduate researcher in Dr. Lukas Bichler’s lab, was awarded the 2021 Dillion Consulting Award. An accomplished student and active leader in her community, Szypula’s volunteer activities include participating in UBC Okanagan’s B.A.R.K (dog therapy program) and promoting STEM initiatives to elementary school aged students. The latter role builds upon a program she created, organized and ran during her last year of high school. Szypula created “The Little Scientist Elementary Science Club” that provided hands-on and project-based programs geared to young aspiring scientists. Through that experience, she has become an active member of UBC’s Geering Up Engineering Outreach program.
Kailey Beckie was recognized with the 2021 CEMF Ambassador British Columbia Award. She joined the School of Engineering this past September. A Schulich Leadership Scholar, she has demonstrated her continued enthusiasm for learning and leading. She is active in sports, 4-H, woodworking, welding, and automotive maintenance activities.
As part of the CEMF Awards, both award recipients will act as Ambassadors for the engineering profession and serve as role models for other young women. They will be featured in the annual CEMF brochure, and be eligible for mentorship and employment opportunities with award sponsors.