Dr. Ana Isabel Sarkis Fernandez in the lab at UBC Okanagan.
Ana Isabel Sarkis Fernandez is a postdoctoral research fellow in earthquake engineering at UBC Okanagan. Originally from Costa Rica, she has lived, studied, and worked across multiple countries, bringing a global perspective to her work on seismic resilience. Her research focuses on understanding why innovative building technologies are not widely adopted in Canada and how to bridge the gap between research and industry practice. With experience in both consulting and academia, she is passionate about making engineering solutions more practical, sustainable, and impactful in real-world construction.
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I’m an earthquake engineer and research fellow at UBC Okanagan. Outside of work, I’m a mum to a 10-month-old, which has been the most intense and rewarding adventure so far. I enjoy martial arts and hiking, and I’m also a big anime fan and an avid reader. Those interests have stayed with me through different stages of life and helped me keep a sense of balance.
Can you share a bit about your academic journey leading up to your postdoctoral fellowship?
I was born and raised in Costa Rica, where I completed my undergraduate degree in civil engineering. After graduating, I worked for a couple of years as a structural engineer in consulting, which gave me valuable practical experience and exposed me to the real-world challenges of designing buildings in seismic regions.
I then pursued a Master’s in Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology at the ROSE School in Pavia, Italy. That experience deepened my technical foundation and confirmed that I wanted to focus my career on seismic resilience.
I later completed my PhD in Earthquake Engineering at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, where my research focused on understanding the seismic behavior of precast concrete floor systems. Each stage, from practice to international study to research, shaped how I approach engineering today.
What motivated you to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship, and why did you choose UBC Okanagan?
After completing my PhD, I returned to consulting in Vancouver, where I worked primarily on the seismic design of tall residential buildings. While I valued the experience, I often found myself reflecting on the gap between research and practice.
Coming from a research background, I knew there were newer design approaches and technologies available, but in practice, we often relied on more traditional methods. It wasn’t that the work was wrong, but it sometimes felt limited. That curiosity and sometimes frustration pushed me to ask why we weren’t doing things differently.
That disconnect motivated me to look more closely at the barriers to adoption, not just from a technical standpoint but from a broader industry and decision-making perspective. I realized I wanted to contribute to bridging that gap.
UBC Okanagan felt like the right place for this work. Connecting with my supervisor, Dr. Lisa Tobber, was a key factor. We shared very aligned interests, and the opportunity to work in questions that sit in the intersection of research and industry made the decision feel like a natural next step.
“That curiosity, and sometimes frustration, pushed me to ask why we weren’t doing things differently.”
UBCO Engineering Assistant Professor Dr. Lisa Tobber (right) with Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr. Ana Isabel Sarkis Fernandez
Please describe your current research project (in a way non-engineers can understand).
My current research focuses on understanding why technologies such as dampers, which help buildings absorb earthquake energy and reduce damage, remain relatively uncommon in Canada, even though it has been successfully applied in other countries.
There is already a lot of research showing that these technologies work and can significantly improve building resilience. However, Canada has been slower to adopt them, especially in the construction sector.
I’m studying the barriers that prevent these innovations from being adopted. These barriers are not only technical but also involve multiple stakeholders such as developers, contractors, insurers, and regulatory bodies. Each group plays a role in deciding whether a new technology is used.
At the same time, I’m analyzing how buildings perform when dampers are used and working on developing clear, practical design guidance for engineers.
This builds on my previous research, which focused on how concrete buildings behave during earthquakes. Now, instead of only understanding damage, I’m looking at how we can actually implement better solutions in real-world construction.
How have you found the research community at UBCO?
My research group has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. There’s a strong sense of enthusiasm for research, which is very motivating.
I’ve also noticed that the university offers many opportunities to connect, like workshops, seminars, and networking events. Even though I’m still settling in, it feels like a place where building community is encouraged, which is really important when starting somewhere new.
What has been the most rewarding part of your postdoctoral experience so far?
One of the most rewarding aspects has been working on a topic that directly connects research with real-world impact. My work is rooted in questions I developed while working in industry, so it feels meaningful to explore those challenges more deeply and contribute to improving how buildings are designed.
“One of the most rewarding aspects has been working on a topic that directly connects research with real-world impact”
What challenges have you encountered, and how have you grown from them?
Research can be challenging because progress is not always immediately visible. Unlike industry work, where outcomes can be more tangible, research often involves long timelines and abstract milestones.
During my PhD, I learned the importance of defining a clear scope and setting realistic goals. Breaking down large research questions into smaller, manageable tasks helps me stay motivated and feel like I’m making consistent progress.
You were recently named a recipient of the NSERC and L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Supplement. What did this recognition mean to you, both personally and professionally?
Receiving the NSERC and L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Supplement was very meaningful to me. It arrived at a moment of uncertainty and vulnerability, as I was pursuing two dreams at the same time: changing career direction and starting a family.
The award came as a reminder that taking the risk is worth it, that change can be empowering, and that women should never have to choose between their personal lives and their career aspirations.
Considering your future career goals, how has this fellowship helped prepare you?
This fellowship is helping me develop a more interdisciplinary approach to engineering. In addition to technical research, I’m engaging with industry professionals, conducting interviews, and understanding how decisions are made across different stakeholders.
That broader perspective is essential for creating solutions that are not only innovative but also practical and implementable.
What advice would you give to early career researchers considering a postdoctoral fellowship?
Be genuinely interested about the topic you’re working on. Research can be demanding, and staying motivated over long periods requires curiosity and engagement. Also remember that progress in research is not always linear or immediately visible. It’s important to trust the process and focus on consistent effort rather than expecting quick results.
It’s also important to define your scope clearly and set achievable goals. Having structure helps you track progress and maintain momentum.
“Progress in research is not always linear or immediately visible.”
As a woman in engineering, how has your perspective shaped your experience?
Being a woman in engineering has made me very aware that improving representation is not just about encouraging more women to enter the field, but also about creating environments where they can stay, grow, and lead.
Retention remains a real challenge. That perspective has become even more meaningful since becoming a parent and seeing firsthand the challenges many people face in balancing family and career. Many talented women leave not because of a lack of ability or ambition, but because of structural and cultural barriers.
That awareness has shaped how I see my role. I feel a responsibility not only to contribute technically but also to be visible in spaces where women have historically been underrepresented.
I do see meaningful shifts. There is greater recognition that diversity strengthens innovation and leads to better outcomes. Change takes time, but every person who contributes becomes part of that progress.
“Improving representation is not just about encouraging more women to enter the field, but also about creating environments where they can stay, grow, and lead.”
What advice would you share with the next generation of women in engineering?
Trust your curiosity and don’t be afraid to follow the questions that genuinely interest you, even if your path doesn’t look like everyone else’s.
There may be moments when you feel like you don’t fully belong. Those moments can be challenging, but they can also be powerful. Your perspective brings value that no one else can replicate.
Seek out supportive mentors and peers and remember that confidence grows with experience. What matters most is staying curious and continuing to learn.