UBCO’s Dr. Hadi Mohammadi holds his latest innovation—a manufactured heart valve that has just been put through its paces—comparing its viability to other valves currenty available to patients.

Sort of like testing a car, a team of researchers at UBC Okanagan has been test driving a number of mechanical heart valves (MHV)—and the one designed in their own lab appears to outperform the others.

Associate Professor Dr. Hadi Mohammadi runs the Heart Valve Performance Laboratory at UBCO’s School of Engineering. He, along with Dr. Dylan Goode, has been testing an MHV created in their lab which may, after clinical trials, supersede mechanical valves currently available for people living with heart disease.

The research, published recently in the Journal of Biomechanics, determines that MHVs may outperform tissue valves under certain conditions.

“This is the first time we’ve been able to make this claim,” says Dr. Mohammadi. “While more testing is needed to fully understand what causes the differences in how each valve performs, we are excited about the potential of this significant achievement.”

Calcific valvular heart disease—when one or more of the heart valves do not open or close properly due to calcification—is projected to affect some 4.5 million people by 2030, making it the most prevalent valvular heart condition in aging populations.

And Dr. Mohammadi explains current options for aortic valve replacement include having a new heart valve—either mechanical or valves made with natural materials such as bovine or porcine tissues—implanted.

Both options come with limitations.

Tissue valves generally perform better than MHVs and provide better blood flow, but last an average of 10 to 15 years, which could require another replacement, explains Dr. Mohammadi. Mechanical valves can last a lifetime, but do not perform as well as tissue valves, requiring patients to take daily blood thinners.

Despite advancements in prosthetic heart valves, an ideal solution remains a challenge.

“Developing a prosthetic valve with optimal hemodynamics and durability would address critical challenges worldwide,” says Dr. Mohammadi. “This research evaluates two emerging MHVs, currently in preclinical and clinical trials, designed to overcome the limitations of earlier models.”

The researchers put their iValve together with another developing valve called Triflo MHV. These two were fully tested during the study with three other valves that are similar to the current industry standard.

In the lab, each valve was tested for flow velocity using a pulse duplicator system that mimics real heart conditions. Each test included 10 cycles, and each valve underwent multiple tests. Results indicate that the iValve and Triflo achieved comparable pressure ratios and significantly lower mean and peak reverse blood flow values than the traditional MHVs. This means blood can flow more smoothly, putting less stress on blood cells, which could reduce the need for blood thinners.

Unlike most MHVs, the iValve allows blood to flow through a single open central orifice, like tissue valves. Other MHVs, including the Triflo MHV, divide the flow into smaller streams, which may increase the risk of flow-related complications.

This gives the iValve a potential advantage in terms of safer, smoother blood flow, says Dr. Goode.

“Overall, both the iValve and Triflo MHV appear to offer better performance than existing MHVs,” he says. “These results show that the new generation of mechanical valves may offer a strong combination of long-lasting performance, better blood flow and lower risk of blood clots—similar to how a natural heart valve works.”

The iValve, designed at UBC, is now being prepared for animal and clinical trials, bringing it one step closer to becoming a reality.

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UBCO’s graduating engineering students will be judged on their final designs at the year-end event taking place at the KF Centre for Excellence on April 9.

What: Graduating UBCO engineering students showcase year-end projects
Who: Students, faculty, staff, judges, members of the public
When: Wednesday, April 9, from 1 to 5 pm
Where: KF Centre for Excellence, 5800 Lapointe Drive, Kelowna

As final-year UBC Okanagan engineering students prepare for graduation, they will cap off their university experience by showcasing projects designed to make the world a better place.

Nearing the summit of their undergraduate journey, UBC Okanagan School of Engineering students will present projects that have been months in the making at the annual Capstone Showcase and Competition.

Since September, student teams have been collaborating to tackle real-world problems across a wide array of sectors, such as automation and robotics, design, energy systems, infrastructure and structure, and sustainability.

Many students have partnered with local engineering industry leaders or UBC faculty to design innovative solutions to the issues they presented. Others have chosen to champion projects entirely of their own design, making this event a launch pad for their student-led entrepreneurial ideas.

All of these pioneering projects will be on display for guests to discover and enjoy at the KF Centre for Excellence.

“The capstone showcase is the culmination of months of hard work on projects that are designed from the very beginning to have a real-world effect,” adds Dr. Kenneth Chau, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering and Faculty Co-Lead for Capstone. “Students will be presenting their responses to problems and opportunities we face in the Okanagan, BC and beyond.”

A distinguished panel of judges, including School of Engineering faculty and industry leaders, will then evaluate these projects and the winners will be announced at the event’s grand finale.

Some of the projects to be judged this year include a room occupancy detection system using ultrasound, the development of a wearable hand tremor monitoring device for Parkinson’s disease, recycling gypsum into topsoil amendments, wood homes created with hemp materials and a new, sustainable water system for West Kelowna.

“We are incredibly proud of our student teams for the creativity and skill they have applied to their capstone projects this year,” says Dr. Alon Eisenstein, Assistant Professor of Teaching at the School of Engineering. Dr. Eisenstein is also the Marshall Bauder Chair in Experiential Learning and Leadership for UBCO.

This event takes place Wednesday, April 9 at the KF Centre for Excellence, is open to the public and starts at 1 pm. The day will wrap up with award presentations at about 4:40 pm.

“This event is family friendly,” adds Dr. Eisenstein. “Those with children are invited to join us to enjoy a day of airplanes, history, science and engineering excellence in this unique venue.”

For more information, visit: events.ok.ubc.ca/event/engineering-capstone-project-showcase-competition-3

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Gamers and fans of any BioWare games might be interested in what BioWare co-founder Ray Muzyka can share during his presentation at UBCO’s The Germinator event series this week.

Who: UBC Okanagan students, faculty, general public
What: A Conversation with Dr. Ray Muzyka, part of UBCO’s The Germinator event series
When: Wednesday, December 4, 1 pm
Where: Online via Zoom

It’s not often you can find someone who has been a practising medical doctor, a video game pioneer, and an angel investor who has helped scores of students and up-and-coming entrepreneurs bring their ideas to market.

That’s the background of Dr. Ray Muzyka, who will be guest speaker at a UBC Okanagan event on Wednesday. Dr. Muzyka, an acclaimed BC business leader, will share the entrepreneurship insights amassed over his 30-plus year career during an upcoming virtual conversation on entrepreneurship at UBC Okanagan.

After training and practicing as a medical doctor, Dr. Muzyka co-founded the video game development company BioWare in the early 1990s. He served in various senior leadership roles including as Senior Vice President and Group General Manager of the BioWare division of Electronic Arts when it was purchased for more than $800M.

Dr. Muzyka retired from the video game industry in 2012 and launched his next venture—ThresholdImpact—which focuses on making an impact through mentoring and angel investing in, social enterprises as well as health and medical innovations.

His philanthropy and contributions to Canada’s tech ecosystem have been widely recognized. Among many other awards, he has been inducted into the Order of Canada, the Alberta Business Hall of Fame, the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame and received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Game Developers Association.

Dr. Muzyka’s talk is part of UBCO’s The Germinator event series, a series of virtual fireside chat-style conversations on entrepreneurship hosted by Dr. Alon Eisenstein, Assistant Professor of Teaching, Technology Entrepreneurship and Professional Development at the School of Engineering.

“We are so excited for our students and the public to hear from Dr. Ray Muzyka, who has such an impressive depth and breadth of experience and can offer tremendous insights for anyone interested in starting their entrepreneurship journey and don’t know where to start,” says Dr. Eisenstein, who weaves entrepreneurship into numerous engineering courses.

Dr. Eisenstein says it’s vital for students to be able to learn from local business leaders to better understand the lessons they have learned—and the innovative approaches they are taking—in the Okanagan and BC context.

“We have so many incredible local, regional and provincial examples of entrepreneurial leadership and innovation,” he says. “And it’s important for us to connect our UBCO community with people who have overcome challenges by thinking differently and creating something amazing.”

This online event is free and open to the public. For more information and to register visit:
ewil.ok.ubc.ca.

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UBCO’s Dr. Shahria Alam has receive two significant awards of recognition for his work this year, including being named a Fellow with the American Society of Civil Engineers, one of the highest recognitions of professional distinction within the field.

It has been quite a year for UBC Okanagan’s Dr. Shahria Alam.

The soft-spoken professor of civil engineering is internationally known as a pioneer in advancing sustainable construction practices.

And Dr. Will Hughes, Director of UBCO’s School of Engineering, says he’s also regarded as one of the world’s best at helping society prepare for the worst disasters imaginable, as evidenced by the numerous breakthroughs in climate change and disaster-resilient infrastructure he’s made in a career as a civil engineer that’s lasted more than 25 years.

Dr. Alam’s exemplary contributions to the field have earned him not one, but two impressive accomplishments this year—accolades that, like the impact of his research, teaching and mentorship, span borders and disciplines, explains Dr. Hughes.

In November, Dr. Alam was awarded the designation of Fellow by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), one of the highest professional distinctions within the field.

The honour marks Dr. Alam’s second career-defining milestone of the year.

In June, he was named a Fellow of the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE)—a plaudit reserved for those who have demonstrated excellence and who have contributed actively towards the progress of the civil engineering profession.

Dr. Hughes says these back-to-back honours speak to Dr. Alam’s deep commitment to sharing his knowledge and to training highly qualified engineers who will also make a positive impact on countless organizations, institutions and municipalities around the world.

“Each of these Fellow designations is a lifetime achievement, and earning both in the same year is extraordinary,” he adds. “Through his continual pursuit of excellence, he consistently models to our students and his colleagues that our best work and most important discoveries are always ahead of us. On behalf of the School of Engineering, congratulations to Dr. Shahria Alam on this well-deserved recognition.”

For Dr. Alam, the Fellowships serve as milestones marking the progress of a lifelong journey and he notes a sense of gratitude to his mentors, colleagues, students and family members who have been instrumental in his professional career path.

“Becoming a fellow of both ASCE and CSCE in the same year is an extraordinary honour that feels both humbling and deeply affirming,” says Dr. Alam. “Being named a Fellow by ASCE, with its longstanding legacy and global reach, validates the significance of my work within a community I hold in the highest regard. Similarly, the CSCE Fellowship reinforces my connection to Canadian civil engineering, encouraging me to further contribute to the resilience and sustainability of infrastructure in Canada and beyond.”

“These honours are also profoundly motivating. They remind me of the responsibility I have to continue pushing boundaries, not just in research but also in supporting the next generation of engineers,” he says. “This dual recognition in a single year represents a unique moment, filling me with deep gratitude and renewed inspiration to keep contributing to our profession and society with renewed purpose.”

Dr. Alam and his research group’s work has garnered extensive interest across academia, industry, government and media, including recent work on the topics of building better infrastructure for climate resilience and the carbon costs of the construction industry. Among other projects, he is currently working with industry and government partners to research, test, and apply a sustainable, low-carbon waste material—wood ash—into concrete, as also highlighted recently by the Government of Canada.

“At UBC Okanagan, we take pride in fostering an environment that supports excellence in teaching, outstanding research, and positive impacts in communities, both local and global. Dr. Shahria Alam stands out as someone who is adept in each of these areas and who understands them appropriately as closely related,” says Dr. Lesley Cormack, UBC Okanagan’s Principal and Deputy-Vice Chancellor.

“Dr. Alam’s dedication to furthering sustainable construction and speeding the adoption of innovative, climate-resilient infrastructure has made—and continues to make—a tremendous impact on our campus and far beyond. These two fellowships are a testament to his celebrated contributions and creative solutions as a civil engineer and the extremely high regard with which he is held by his peers throughout North America.”

In addition to serving as a full professor for UBCO’s School of Engineering, Dr. Alam is the technical lead of UBCO’s Green Infrastructure Cluster and holds the Tier-1 Principal’s Research Chair in Resilient and Green Infrastructure. He is also the founding director of the Green Construction Research & Training Center (GCRTC), a joint initiative between UBCO and Okanagan College, dedicated to advancing sustainable construction and reducing the carbon footprint of the construction industry.

Recently, he was appointed as the acting Director of the Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute at UBC, where he continues to drive innovative research in sustainable materials.

“This work is vital to Canada and the world because it addresses critical challenges in building resilient, sustainable infrastructure—foundations essential for economic stability, environmental stewardship and societal wellbeing,” said Dr. Alam. “As climate change, urbanization and resource constraints increasingly impact communities globally, developing innovative approaches to resilient and green infrastructure has never been more urgent.

Collaboration has long been a cornerstone of Dr. Alam’s approach. He works extensively with researchers across disciplines, spanning many countries, including those from Canada, the United States, Japan, Italy, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, China, India and Bangladesh.

He’s also known for his dedication to his students and to training the next generation of civil engineers.

As the director of the Applied Lab for Advanced Materials and Structures at UBCO, Dr. Alam and team are currently training more than 30 postdoctoral fellows, graduate and undergraduate student researchers.

“Training highly qualified personnel is one of the most rewarding and essential aspects of my career,” says Dr. Alam. “Teaching, supervising and mentoring are far more than academic responsibilities—they are my contributions to the future of civil engineering, resilient infrastructure and the world.”

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The public is encouraged to attend a forum this week that will discuss future inter-community transportation options in the Okanagan including a proposed passenger light rail system.

What: Future of inter-community transportation, introduction to proposed light rail system
Who: UBC Okanagan, Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association, the Okanagan Transit Alliance and Dr. Holger Busche, former Energy and Transport Policy Advisor to Germany’s Green Party
When: Thursday, Nov. 21, doors open at 5 pm
Where: Trinity Church, Refinery Building, 1905 Springfield Rd.,

The topics of traffic flow, congestion, transit and tourism will be the intersection of an upcoming forum set to examine the results of a recent Okanagan Valley survey about the future of transportation in this region.

The event, organized by UBC Okanagan’s SMARTer Growth Research Lab, the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) and the Okanagan Transit Alliance (OTA) will highlight the findings of a transportation survey that concluded this past summer.

Survey participants—including residents, businesses and visitors—were asked about their transportation habits and preferences for new or future options, and then asked to evaluate five potential transportation solutions that included personal vehicles, local transit, electric commuter rail, ridesharing and vehicle rentals.

The survey was conducted with support from the Economic Trust of the Southern Interior, TOTA, OTA and UBCO. The survey highlights will be shared before keynote speaker Dr. Holger Busche—former Energy and Transport Policy Advisor to Germany’s Green Party—discusses the future of hydrogen-battery-fueled passenger trains.

“Survey results confirm that more than 60 per cent of respondents want options for improved inter-community transportation that are safer and more affordable than driving,” says Dr. Gordon Lovegrove, School of Engineering Associate Professor and Principal Investigator for the SMARTer Growth Research Lab. “And tram-train passenger light rail was the preferred option. This is a real, proven technology that has run for more than 40 years in Germany. So, why not in the Okanagan Valley where we can bolster tourism and reduce congestion?”

People in attendance will learn about research examining a valley-wide light rail system and can provide input on future steps, governance, funding and a pilot project location.

“We’re excited to welcome residents to this important forum and opportunity to discuss the future of transportation in the region,” adds Dr. Lovegrove. “We’d like people to come, be informed and have their say on how transportation that connects our communities can be delivered in a more equitable, greener, safer and affordable way than just driving ourselves.”

The forum, taking place at Trinity Church’s Refinery Building, 1905 Springfield Road, is free but pre-registration is encouraged. To learn more about the event and register, visit: events.ok.ubc.ca/event/inter-community-transportation-forum

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Prospective students are welcome at the School of Engineering’s open house where they can learn about program options, speak to faculty and participate in hands-on demonstrations and information sessions.

What: UBCO School of Engineering open house
Who: Potential new students
When: Saturday, November 2, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Engineering, Management and Education building, 1137 Alumni Avenue, UBC Okanagan campus

How can society build more resilient communities in the face of climate change? What will the next leaps in solar or battery technology look like? What are the career paths for computer engineers in the age of AI? What are the job prospects for engineers in Canada and globally?

UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering invites prospective students and their families to the campus Saturday, November 2 to find out the answers to these and many other questions.

The open house is a unique opportunity to explore the innovative world of engineering and discover the diverse programs offered at UBC, explains Marie Reid, Student Advisor for the School of Engineering.

Attendees can expect an engaging day filled with interactive displays, hands-on activities and informative sessions. They will also have the chance to meet students and faculty who can provide insights into the dynamic field of engineering.

“We are thrilled to welcome future engineers to our campus,” says Reid. “This open house provides a fantastic opportunity for students to engage with faculty and current students, see the world-class labs and learning spaces within the school, and envision their future in engineering.”

Highlights of the event include guided tours of state-of-the-art facilities, demonstrations of cutting-edge projects and research, information sessions on various disciplines and opportunities to ask questions and gain advice on admission and program choices.

UBCO’s School of Engineering offers five undergraduate programs—civil, computer, electrical, manufacturing and mechanical, with an aerospace concentration open to students in the latter two programs.

Computer engineering, which blends the disciplines of electrical engineering and computer science, launched this September and offers an exciting—and in-demand—new pathway for students as the advancement of AI, quantum computing, security and other fields increasingly require engineers who are highly skilled in both hardware and software, explains School of Engineering Director Dr. Will Hughes.

The 2023 BC Labour Market Outlook reported that 116,900 jobs will need to be filled in science, technology, engineering and mathematics occupations by 2033 in BC alone.

“The world needs engineers more than ever and we believe that engineering is for everyone,” adds Dr. Hughes. “We hope prospective students will come away from this event inspired and informed about everything from programs to research opportunities, and co-op to career paths.”

The UBC Engineering Open House is free and open to all. It takes place Saturday, November 2 from 10 am to 2 pm. Pre-registration is required at engineering.ok.ubc.ca/open-house.

“If you’re wondering if engineering is right for you and if you are right for engineering,” adds Dr. Hughes, “we want you to know—you belong here.”

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UBCO’s Dr. Hadi Mohammadi holds his latest innovation—a manufactured heart valve that combines the best of both tissue and mechanical technologies—that may eventually out-perform current valves.

When a patient needs a new heart valve, the current mechanical and tissue replacements each have strengths and weaknesses.

Now, a team of UBC Okanagan researchers believe they have found a way to harness the strengths of both technologies in a way that could be life-changing—and life-saving—for many. Dr. Hadi Mohammadi and his fellow researchers in the Heart Valve Performance Laboratory at UBC Okanagan are focused on developing the mechanical heart valves of the future.

Dr. Mohammadi, an Associate Professor with the School of Engineering, says their latest work, dubbed the iValve, is their most advanced yet and combines the best of both technologies—mechanical and tissue—when it comes to replacement heart valves.

“Tissue valves generally perform better than mechanical valves because of their shape, but last only 15 to 20 years on average, which would require another replacement. Mechanical valves can last a lifetime, but do not perform as well as tissue valves, requiring patients to take daily anticoagulants,” says Dr. Mohammadi.

“We have produced a new mechanical heart valve that combines the best of both worlds—offering the performance of tissue valves with the long-lasting durability of mechanical valves. We believe this valve could make life easier and safer for patients,” he adds.

The breakthrough valve was made possible through an international collaboration with ViVitro Labs and independent consultants Lawrence Scotten and Rolland Siegel. The research was funded by Angeleno Medical and published this month in the Journal of Biomechanics.

“This is the only valve of its kind to be designed and built in Canada,” notes Dr. Mohammadi. “We are incredibly proud of this valve as an example of the engineering innovation coming from UBC and Canada.”

Dr. Mohammadi also says while mechanical heart valve replacements have long been in use, the long-standing challenge has been to perfect the technology for the smallest hearts—tiny infants.

“What is particularly exciting about the iValve, is that it was specifically designed for high-heart-rate applications, such as in pediatric patients,” explains Dr. Mohammadi.

Now that their prototype performs well in mechanical lab tests, the researchers will bring it to animal and clinical trials. If all goes well, they hope the iValve could be ready for those trials within two years.

In the meantime, they will also be using the technology and techniques to develop new valves.

“This valve is designed to allow blood flow to the aorta, which is the body’s largest artery, and the blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood away from the heart throughout your body,” explains Mohammadi. “Next, we will take what we have learned and develop one for the mitral valve. That valve is responsible for making sure that blood flows from your left atrium to your left ventricle. It also ensures that blood doesn’t flow backward between those two chambers.”

Heart Valve Performance Lab Manager Dr. Dylan Goode is excited about what the future holds for the iValve—and for the benefits it could bring to patients.

Dr. Goode began working with Dr. Mohammadi in 2018 while completing his Master of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering. Recently, he successfully defended his doctoral dissertation, which documents his design work, fabrication and testing of the iValve.

“We have shown that the iValve can provide the structural benefits of a mechanical heart valve and last a patient’s lifespan while providing improved hemodynamic performance, meaning an improvement of the way in which blood flows through vessels.”

Dr. Goode notes the new iValve could also mean a major improvement in lifestyle for these patients who endure a routine of regular anticoagulant therapy—blood thinners—which can increase their risk of severe bleeding, blood clots or damage to tissues and organs if blood flow is impeded.

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UBCO’s Dr. Gao Yujie and Dr. Megan Smith discuss some of the learning strategies that will be used for UBCO’s newly-introduced Master of Design program.UBC Okanagan is introducing a one-year master’s program that combines hands-on learning, creativity, innovation and global thinking into one professional certificate.

The new graduate program at UBCO aims to inspire learners who are not afraid to employ forward-looking solutions to some of the most pressing problems facing the world today. The new professional Master of Design (MDes) will start at UBCO in May 2025.

“This is an entirely new program in the Okanagan, and we are excited because we see it as a way of empowering people to tackle big challenges,” says Dr. Megan Smith, Director of the Master of Design Program and an Associate Professor of Media Studies at UBCO. “Students will come to us with big problems they want to solve in their communities. We will gather faculty around them and equip them to tackle those challenges.”

In designing the program, UBCO’s Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, School of Engineering and Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences sought examples from around the world of how creativity and design factored into some of the most important work being done by innovative organizations and individuals.

“From the outset, we asked ourselves how can we produce outsized effects, given the challenges we are facing as a society?” says Dr. Kenneth Chau, an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at UBCO, and one of the faculty members who helped bring MDes to fruition. “It’s about bringing people together who have a desire to make a difference and think differently.”

The interdisciplinary program will bring together community-minded students and faculty from diverse backgrounds including fine arts, media studies, humanities and social sciences, and engineering.

“It’s about asking yourself—how can I understand my community better? How can I understand what the needs are, and how to address them? The program is taking a new approach to driving change,” Dr. Chau explains.

To help inspire and set students up for success, they will learn in a cutting-edge, custom-built new media lab. The space is designed and outfitted to ensure students can make the biggest possible impression through the program and its pillars—design, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.

“One of the reasons why entrepreneurship is built into the program is that we are looking at the way people can change the world through new ways of doing business, new economies and new ways of working together,” notes Dr. Smith.

Working together across disciplines, borders and ways of thinking is increasingly important for community and business leaders, notes Dr. Alon Eisenstein, Assistant Professor of Teaching with the School of Engineering.

“This program was designed from the ground up to be interdisciplinary. When we speak about creativity and design, we may use the same words and mean different things. We are going to challenge our misconceptions and our preconceptions,” says Dr. Eisenstein, MDes instructor. “We are looking for people who have that internal passion to make a change to the world around them. The future leaders of our communities, across the social, environmental and economic sectors, will require these skills and this collaborative problem-solving mindset.”

Info sessions about the MDes will be held on September 10 and 12. More information and registration can be found at: events.ok.ubc.ca/series/master-of-design-information-sessions-2

Applications for the MDes program will be accepted until Oct. 1, 2024.

Learn more at masterdesign.ok.ubc.ca.

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A conceptional illustration of the Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail shows the tram running alongside Okanagan Lake. Photo credit: Andrew Halfhide.

Anyone who has ever been stuck in gridlock while driving over Kelowna’s William R. Bennett Bridge or any Okanagan community can appreciate the thought that there has to be a better alternative than Highway 97 to navigate the busy corridor.

And a UBC Okanagan professor says there is.

Dr. Gordon Lovegrove, who teaches in UBCO’s School of Engineering, has studied the feasibility of an affordable passenger train patterned after a similar concept started in Karlsruhe, Germany 40 years ago.

“Hydrail tram-trains—powered by a hydrogen fuel cell/battery—is a passenger rail that acts like a tram in cities and like a train between communities. This is a new concept to North America,” explains Dr. Lovegrove. “They are self-powered, low-floor and a zero-emission technology, which differs from typical heavy-rail, high-floor, locomotive-pulled passenger cars. This gives hydrail the advantage of being able to climb hills and more affordable than highway widening.”

Dr. Lovegrove says the Okanagan’s booming tourism and population growth affect the more than 500,000 residents in communities connected mainly by Highway 97. The majority of travel is by cars, which increases the highway’s gridlock and risk of collisions. He cites recent surveys of residents, First Nations communities and businesses, coupled with joint municipal and provincial government studies that reveal the Okanagan Valley needs more than traditional auto-oriented solutions such as road widening and bypasses—options he calls ineffective and costly.

That opened the door for the researchers to study the technical and economic feasibility of an Okanagan Valley Electric Regional Passenger Rail (OVER PR) service. The study, published recently in the journal Sustainability, is the first of its kind in North America and one of the first published worldwide.

“To address growing inter-city transportation, safety, congestion and climate resilience challenges in the Okanagan Valley, we found that even in our Canadian climate and hilly terrain, hydrail tram-trains are technically feasible. And they would be more affordable than widening our highways and promoting more pollution and congestion. However, it is up to communities to decide if and where it would run.”

Dr. Lovegrove notes he deliberately analyzed the undulating Highway 97 route with its steep hills, as opposed to conventional near-flat freight routes, as the toughest test of its feasibility.

Assuming Highway 97 was chosen, OVER PR would connect cities and airports throughout the valley with a one-way trip from Osoyoos to Kamloops taking about four hours, comparable to driving a car. The tram-train could travel at higher speeds, about 90 k/h between cities, but at lower tram-specific speeds in cities, with modern transit priority signals designed to bypass delays at intersections.

“Using embedded rails, sharing existing and HOV lanes as well as highway rights-of-way, or medians, between cities, would drastically reduce the need for land acquisition without taking away capacity. The route would also be designed to integrate with regional bus services to construct an optimal arrival and departure schedule,” he says.

With OVER PR ridership expected to be more than 13,000 passengers per day, there is something in it for even those who could not make the jump from driving to using the tram-train, as it would mean less traffic congestion and travel delays.

“Hydrail combined with tram-train technology has never been tried in Canada, yet hydrogen trains present advantages compared with electrification by eliminating the requirement for expensive infrastructure such as catenaries (above ground wires) and substations. It also grants the flexibility to operate in remote rural areas or difficult terrain where electrification might pose challenges, which improves its overall effectiveness and adaptability. When hydrogen production is coupled with other forms of renewable energy generation, the environmental benefits are favourable.”

The study states the system, similar to ones that operate in California’s Napa Valley or the Karlsruhe region in Germany, can have economic, social and ecological benefits for tourists and residents.

Dr. Lovegrove’s research suggests that over 30 years, and using the same cost-benefit analysis template used by provincial policy analysts, OVER PR benefits total more than $45 billion, and outweigh its capital and operating costs by nine to one, with many more benefits than widening Highway 97.

“The Okanagan Valley is expected to continue with significant population growth, tourism and traffic congestion which leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions, as well as more vehicles and highway fatalities,” Dr. Lovegrove says. “If communities agree to proceed with OVER PR planning this valley-long zero-emission, passenger rail service could significantly enhance transport equity, safety and congestion while also providing a more affordable, resilient and environmentally friendly choice for valley residents, businesses and tourists.”

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UBCO honoured more than 2,400 graduates last week along with top academic achievers Jordan Bird, Liam Krebbers, Oluwaseun Akinloye, Jacob Sol and Joanna Fear.

Inspired by previous UBCO top students as he began his master’s degree a few years ago, Jordan Bird—this year’s winner of UBC Okanagan’s Governor General Gold medal—has now reached their heights.

While completing his master’s degree, Bird worked under the supervision of Dr. Glen Foster and was also exposed to the work of previous UBCO graduates Drs. Mike Tymko and Ryan Hoiland—both won the Governor General Gold medal in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

The Governor General Gold Medal is awarded annually to the student with the highest academic standing who is graduating from a UBCO master’s or doctoral program. This year, Bird, who received the university’s top award as he graduated from the School of Health and Exercise Sciences with a Master of Science degree, admits he had excellent role models and support throughout his studies.

“My undergrad mentor Dr. Trevor Day would always tell me that science is about people. You look at the School of Health and Exercise Sciences and realize it is a really special place because of both the quality of people you work with and the quality of research conducted. When you look at former students like Drs. Tymko and Hoiland—who are phenomenal people and academics—it’s no secret that you get to work and learn from really great people at UBCO,” says Bird. “If you work with genuine people who care about facilitating each other’s success while also working hard, good things happen.”

Bird didn’t plan on continuing his studies, but after meeting researchers such as Drs. Hoiland and Mypinder Sekhon—who were conducting research at UBCO—he decided to work on his doctorate and moved to UBC Vancouver to study under them.

“While it has been a transition to a new field of study, the most important thing to me is doing good work with good people,” he says. “The people at UBC and UBCO are ambitious, supportive, humble and enthusiastic. I’m just incredibly lucky to be able to work with such amazing groups throughout grad school.”

Bird, who plans to pursue either medicine or critical care research, was presented with his Governor General Gold medal when he graduated Friday morning.

Also graduating Friday, was Liam Krebbers, who is heading straight into his doctoral program. Along with receiving the School of Engineering Medal of Excellence, he was also presented with the Governor General’s Silver Medal for his high academic accomplishments.

The Governor General’s Silver Medal recognizes undergraduate students who have achieved the top academic record throughout their university careers, while the UBCO Engineering medal goes to the campus’ top graduating engineering student.

Krebbers also won an Ivy League entrance scholarship and will begin his doctoral studies in mechanical and aerospace engineering at Princeton.

“I’m incredibly grateful for all the awards, encouragement and opportunities I received at UBC and am so excited to continue my journey at Princeton this fall,” says Krebbers.

Over the past two years, through his undergraduate research work with Dr. Sina Kheirkhah, an Associate Professor with the School of Engineering, Krebbers seized every opportunity to learn about combustion, laser-based diagnostics, fuel flexible technologies and published several research and conference papers along the way.

He has his sights set on becoming a researcher and professor.

Like many who graduated from UBCO last week, Oluwaseun Akinloye didn’t have a high school graduation ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic and her first year of studies at UBCO was virtual. When she did eventually arrive on campus from Calgary, she immediately got involved participating in ski outings, and joining organizations like the African Caribbean Student Club (ACSC).

However, even though she was working as a residence advisor and peer mentor, Akinloye felt isolated. While the ACSC helped her feel heard and understood, and validated her need for connection, she also saw a void and felt there was something she could offer in return.

In her third year, Akinloye spearheaded various Black History Month events, including one event that attracted more than 250 participants. This was a foundational step in the establishment of the Black Student Association (BSA).

“As co-founder and inaugural president of the BSA, I confronted the isolation that many black students felt in the Okanagan. We recognized a gap that needed bridging—the ACSC was thriving, yes, but its presence did not negate the need for the BSA, which addresses a broader spectrum of Black identity than the ACSC, recognizing that not all people of African or Caribbean descent identify as Black and not all Black individuals are African or Caribbean.”

She also established the first BSA student art exhibit on campus to feature works solely by Black students. But she didn’t stop with art and academics, introducing monthly “Let’s Agree to Disagree” forums which offered a platform for all students to voice their thoughts on a wide range of topics, from everyday pop culture to critical global issues.

As she graduated from the School of Health and Exercises Friday, Akinloye was presented with UBCO’s Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation. The medal is offered annually to a graduating student who demonstrates academic merit and contribution to the life of the university and their community.

Akinloye notes she is proud of her accomplishments, the BSA has bloomed with growing membership and she feels she has made a significant difference to life at UBCO. Later this year she will take her Medical College Admission Test and begin applying to different schools.

While medals and accolades were handed out during the two days of ceremonies last week, many students were also presented the scholarships and recognition for their work in and out of the classroom.

Jacob Sol, who crossed the stage to pick up his Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering Friday afternoon not only picked up his parchment, but also received the 2024 Gordon Springate Sr. Award.

The Dr. Gordon Springate Sr. Award in Engineering is presented annually to an engineering graduate who has demonstrated a material contribution to their community outside of their program. The $15,000 award—the single largest donor-funded award for an undergraduate student at UBC Okanagan—is named for Dr. Gordon Springate Sr., a mechanical engineering and educator committed to giving back to his field and his community.

True to the intentions of the award, Sol’s time at UBC has been spent making an impact.

During his first semester at UBCO in fall 2020—a time when the world was grappling with COVID-19—Sol was laser-focused on another threat to the globe.

“It dawned on me early in my studies that stormwater contamination is a hugely significant environmental issue, both in our local communities and worldwide. With our water systems being so precious in the Okanagan, and all over the world, I saw there was a need and a way for me to make a positive impact,” explains Sol, who credits his father for inspiring him to take an interest in the ocean and aquatic environments from a young age.

Sol developed the idea for a smart integrated stormwater decontamination and flood monitoring device which allows for real-time data collection and informed decision making. He and his classmates would go on to work with a number of community partners, including the Okanagan Basin Water Board and the City of Kelowna. In June 2020, Jacob’s team presented its idea in the final AquaHacking pitch competition and was awarded second place in Western Canada.

Along the way, Sol balanced keeping the research project afloat while maintaining outstanding grades and being a member of the UBCO Heat men’s soccer team.

“It’s not always easy juggling everything, but my time at UBCO has been rewarding because I’ve had these opportunities to get involved outside the classroom,” says Sol. “I’m very proud I’d been able to make difference through and I hope through my graduate studies I’ll be able to continue to build on the idea.”

Sol will be using the award as he enters graduate studies at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Netherlands.

“The opportunity to study at TU Delft is life changing. I’m incredibly grateful to the Springate family for this support, which is helping to make my dream possible.”

On Thursday, another student—one who is used to being a top winner—was also recognized for her academic achievements. Joanna Fear earned her Bachelor of Science degree and was also named winner of the Pushor Mitchell LLP Gold Medal Leadership Prize—one of the highest awards available for a student in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Sciences.

For more than 15 years, the $10,000 prize has recognized a top graduating student who has excelled academically and shown leadership while earning their degree. Fear has done that and a bit more—she is also one of Canada’s top female triathletes and competed for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 before retiring from the sport.

“I want to thank the people who helped to get me to UBCO after the Tokyo Olympics. Coach Malindi Elmore was an incredible mentor as I navigated retirement from a sport that I had done full-time for over a decade,” says Fear.

Fear, who has been accepted to the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University, was surprised when she heard she had won the award. The support provided by this award will allow her to move begin her medical training this September.

“I am truly honoured at having been selected, and I will continue to be a leader both on and off the field of play,” she adds. “I feel deeply privileged to have won this award and I hope to make the UBCO community.”

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