A new AI innovation from UBCO engineers can lead to better efficiency at shipping ports around the globe.

A UBC Okanagan research team has developed an innovative artificial intelligence system that can accurately predict where ships are heading and arriving, potentially helping Canadian ports better prepare for incoming vessels and respond more efficiently to global supply chain disruptions.

Dr. Zheng Lui, a Professor with UBCO’s School of Engineering, and doctoral student Chengkai Zhang have created TrajReducer, a framework that increases prediction accuracy and computational efficiency by analyzing ship trajectories through advanced spatial clustering and cross-dimensional metadata ranking.

The research, published recently in Ocean Engineering, addresses a critical need in maritime logistics where accurate predictions of a vessel’s arrival time are essential for improving port operations, says Dr. Lui.

“Maritime shipping represents more than 80 per cent of global trade and the ability to accurately predict where cargo vessels are headed and when they will arrive, has never been more important,” he says. “Recent years have shown us how quickly global supply chains can be disrupted—whether by pandemic-related delays, geopolitical tensions or incidents like a shipping container getting stuck in the Suez Canal for several days. Canadian ports need tools to help them adapt quickly and efficiently.”

Traditional methods for predicting where ships are going have been slow and often inaccurate, he says, with about 30 per cent of data omitting the ship’s estimated time of departure and arrival.

TrajReducer solves these problems by studying patterns from several thousand ship voyages and using details about each vessel, such as its type, size, speed and direction.

“It is similar to having a smart GPS that not only knows where you’ve been, but can also predict where you’re going based on your driving patterns and what kind of car you drive,” explains Dr. Lui. “Instead of checking every single ship journey in our database, TrajReducer quickly identifies the most similar past voyages, including vessel size and weather conditions, to make its prediction.”

The system works by looking at a ship’s current path and comparing it to carefully chosen similar voyages. This provides a calculation of where a ship is headed with high accuracy, even early in its journey.

The technology has particular relevance for Canada’s major ports, including Vancouver, Prince Rupert, Montreal and Halifax which serve as critical gateways for North American trade, says Dr. Lui.

“Canadian ports handle hundreds of millions of tonnes of cargo annually, and even small improvements in operational efficiency can translate to significant economic benefits,” he adds. “When a port knows days in advance when a large container ship is arriving, staff can optimize berth assignments, arrange the right equipment and coordinate with rail and trucking networks.”

All of these steps can speed up delivery of the products in the shipping containers.

Compared to existing prediction models, TrajReducer’s efficiency and reliability offer significant advancements in maritime operations, as it allows for the accurate prediction of vessel destinations without extensive computational requirements.

“The beauty of this system is that it becomes more accurate as it processes more data,” adds Zhang. “As global shipping patterns evolve—whether due to new trade agreements, infrastructure changes or climate considerations—TrajReducer adapts and improves its predictions.”

This research represents a significant advancement in maritime analytics, with potential applications extending beyond port operations to include maritime safety, environmental monitoring and supply chain optimization.

“This is about more than efficiency—it’s about resilience,” says Zhang. “When Canadian ports can anticipate and prepare for the arrival of ships accurately, they’re better positioned to maintain the flow of goods that Canadians depend on, even when global trade faces unexpected challenges.”

The post AI innovation at UBCO helps shipping ports see what’s coming—literally appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.

Melanie Dickie, Mihai Covaser and Samantha Krieg are UBCO’s top award winners.

It’s graduation at UBC Okanagan and students are being celebrated by faculty, staff and their families.

With the pomp and circumstance, the piper, the proud families, celebrations and packed audiences, come a number of awards presented to students and faculty during the two days. For the students, the awards are based on academic merit—simply being the best they can be.

Governor General Gold Medal for Academic Excellence

A chance encounter at a conference with Associate Professor Adam Ford brought Dr. Melanie Dickie to UBC Okanagan, continuing on a path that would eventually be a gold medal journey.

“It was a bit of serendipity, a bit of curiosity and a lot of shared values when I first met Dr. Ford in 2019. It was one of those classic hallway conversations—brief but energizing—where you realize someone else is thinking about the same big questions you are. We were both interested in how science can move the needle in real-world decision making.”

Dr. Dickie, who received her doctorate in biology after conducting years of research with UBCO’s Wildlife Restoration Ecology Lab, is UBCO’s 2025 winner of the Governor General Gold Medal for Academic Excellence. The gold medal is awarded annually to the student with the highest academic standing graduating from a master’s or doctoral program.

Originally working with the Alberta Biodiversity Monitoring Institute, Dr. Dickie had become familiar with Dr. Ford’s work through social media, where their professional interests overlapped in land use, conservation policy and the role of Indigenous leadership in ecological stewardship.

But after that chance conversation, she made the leap to UBCO to tackle “applied, gritty, make-a-difference kind of science.”

“It wasn’t just that the research fit, it was that the lab culture encouraged asking hard questions, working collaboratively and staying rooted in real-world effects,” she adds. “My time at UBCO has been transformational. Working with Dr. Ford and the lab has sharpened my thinking, expanded my skill set and pushed me to a new level as a researcher. It’s been one of those rare experiences where my gut feeling that something is ‘the right fit’ actually turns out to be true.”

Dr. Dickie, who was named a UBCO researcher of the year in 2023, is now back at the monitoring institute but has fond memories—including making Taylor Swift friendship bracelets with fellow researchers while camping—of hard work, driven research, lengthy Zoom calls and lasting friendships that add to the special honour of earning the gold medal. Her ongoing research will continue to cross paths with the Wildlife Restoration Ecology Lab and she will remain connected to the team.

“My time at UBCO helped me grow, and that’s changed how I approach my work—and how our team works together. I’m excited to be continuing to collaborate with Dr. Ford. We’re still focused on what first brought us together: using strong ecological theory to inform applied research that directly supports transparent, data-driven decisions—especially in landscapes where people and wildlife intersect every day.”

Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation

For many, Mihai Covaser is a prime example of the value of always putting the emphasis on what we can do, rather than what we cannot do.

Covaser, who graduated from UBCO yesterday with a Bachelor of Arts double major in Philosophy, Political Science and Economics, and French, is a top student and recognized leader in BC and Canada. Born in Bucharest, his family moved to Canada when he was young, eventually relocating to West Kelowna. Covaser graduated from Kelowna Secondary School in 2021 as class valedictorian with a dual dogwood diploma in French immersion.

When it came time for post-secondary studies, Covaser’s community involvement and career goals encouraged him to stay in the Okanagan.

“I chose UBCO in part to stay in my hometown and continue my community work, but I was also attracted to the philosophy, political science and economics program,” he explains. “It’s unique in its interdisciplinary approach and seemed perfectly situated to prepare me for my career goals in law.”

It’s also where Covaser continued to thrive. When he graduated yesterday, he was presented with the 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.

While at UBCO, Covaser created the Help Teach podcast, which he continues to produce and host, and worked as a language and writing tutor as well as a student ambassador. In addition, Covaser is an ambassador and director at the Rick Hansen Foundation—planning events that highlight accessibility and inclusion and guiding the organization—while also playing in a band and getting exceedingly high grades.

Not only is Covaser UBCO’s 2025 winner of a Lieutenant Governor’s medal, but he is also the recipient of the $10,000 Pushor Mitchell LLP Gold Leadership Prize. Available to graduating students in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Science and Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, this donor-funded award recognizes students who have excelled academically and shown leadership while completing their degrees.

The award will come in handy when he moves to McGill University to begin the bilingual Bachelor of Civil Law and Juris Doctor program, where he will earn two degrees upon completion; the first degree in common law, the other in civil law.

“I have gained a deep curiosity for constitutional law and legal theory throughout my undergraduate studies,” he says. “While I haven’t chosen a specific field of law yet, I’m most interested in constitutional law and government work, entertainment law, human rights law and the functioning of the Canadian judiciary.”

Along with the medal and Pushor Mitchell recognition, he has also been presented with the Walley Lightbody Award in Law, the Amal Alhuwayshil Award in Campus Engagement and Leadership as well as the Petraroia Langford LLP Award in Legal Studies. He also received the University of British Columbia Okanagan Medal in Arts, which is awarded to the head of the graduating class with a BA degree.

Dr. Gordon Springate Sr. Award in Engineering

There was a time in her life when Samantha Krieg, who struggled in high school, didn’t think the world of academia was in the cards.

Now, the newly minted civil engineering graduate is not only one of UBCO’s top award winners, but she’s about to embark on her doctoral studies in structural engineering at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

“After researching countless career paths, everything from interior design to urban planning to food science, I landed on engineering,” she says. “What made me fall in love with it is finding creative solutions to real-world problems to help people and the environment.”

Krieg transferred to UBCO from Montreal’s Concordia University four years ago. Coming from a university of more than 40,000 students, Krieg appreciated UBCO’s smaller class sizes, and this helped her find opportunities for engagement in extracurricular activities and undergraduate research.

Part of this undergraduate research included work in Dr. Lisa Tobber’s Advanced Structural Simulation and Experimental Testing Group—a team that focuses on the social, environmental and economic factors behind today’s engineering problems. Krieg has a strong interest in climate change, a passion for sustainability and wants to research how the environmental impacts of large buildings can be reduced.

Krieg is the 2025 recipient of the Dr. Gordon Springate Sr. Award in Engineering. Named for electrical engineer and educator Dr. Gordon Springate Sr., this donor-funded award is presented annually to a School of Engineering graduate who has demonstrated a material contribution to their community outside of their program.

“I struggled in high school and always felt like I was not the person to succeed in STEM,” she says. “Throughout university, I have found confidence in my passion—using engineering to battle climate change while uplifting the people who need it most. This award will help me boldly pursue that passion.”

Krieg will continue this passion while she works on her doctorate in New Zealand analyzing trade-offs between embodied carbon reductions and earthquake resilience for concrete buildings.

“My interest in climate change mitigation, social equity and their intersection with the built environment drives me to become a structural engineer focusing on sustainable, earthquake-resilient buildings,” she adds. But my experiences as a woman in engineering and a student with a disability inspire me to empower others.”

Heads of Graduating Class

University of BC Medal in Arts: Mihai Covaser
University of BC Medal in Education: tum Marchand
University of BC Medal in Engineering: Conor Manahan
University of BC Medal in Fine Arts: Cady Gau
University of BC Medal in Human Kinetics: Simoné Kruger
University of BC Medal in Management: Shelby Frederick
University of BC Medal in Media: Juan Ablan
University of BC Medal in Nsyilxcn Language: Skye Fay
University of BC Medal in NłeɁkepmx Language: Sunshine O’Donovan
University of BC Medal in Nursing: Mackenzie Themens
University of BC Medal in Science: Zahra Kagda

The post UBCO students shine with top honours at graduation appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.

It’s been 20 years of caps tossed and applause as UBCO celebrates the class of 2025.

This week more than 2,600 students will graduate from UBC Okanagan—the largest graduating class the Okanagan campus has celebrated since opening its doors in 2005.

“Graduation is always exciting, but here at UBC Okanagan, where we’re a close-knit community, it’s truly special,” says Dr. Lesley Cormack, Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. “Our exceptional programs, research opportunities for students, and commitment to student success help foster an inclusive and empowering environment. The heartfelt cheers at graduation come from the fact that everyone genuinely knows and cares for each other.”

It’s been two decades of milestones and growth for UBCO. When the campus opened its doors in 2005, there were 3,500 students. Today, there are nearly 12,000 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 137 programs. The campus itself has also grown significantly over the past 20 years, with the addition of new lecture theatres, student residences and cutting-edge research facilities.

UBC’s graduation traditions began in Vancouver in 1916. While many continue at UBC Okanagan, the campus has added its own flair, including a bagpiper-led procession and cap tossing—which ended up being revived in Vancouver after President Benoit-Antoine Bacon experienced it while presiding over UBCO’s 2024 ceremonies.

“A UBC grad ceremony is special regardless of which campus it takes place on,” says Dr. Cormack. “However, it is especially rewarding to celebrate with traditions that are unique to UBC Okanagan and our history as a campus.”

Graduation 2025 begins Thursday morning with students in the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science, the Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies donning gowns and mortarboards to mark a major milestone in their lives. Ceremonies continue Friday with students graduating in the Faculty of Health and Social Development, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Management, and the School of Engineering.

A significant milestone this year is the first cohort of five students who will receive their Bachelor of Nłeʔkepmx Language Fluency degrees. In direct alignment with UBC’s commitment to reconciliation, the BNLEK to creates new speakers in communities whose languages are critically threatened.

This year will also mark the third cohort of Bachelor of Nsyilxcn Language Fluency graduates. Dr. Cormack says the university is honoured to play a role in language preservation and there are plans for more language programs to be introduced in the future.

“Language and culture are deeply intertwined,” she says. “Preserving and revitalizing the precious Indigenous languages of British Columbia is essential to reconciliation and reversing the harms of past attempts to erase Indigenous cultures. I’m incredibly proud of our inaugural BNLEK graduates for their perseverance and deeply grateful to the dedicated faculty, staff and community partners who bring this program to life.”

A look back at UBC Okanagan’s milestones during the past 20 years can be found here: ok.ubc.ca/20-year-anniversary

The post UBCO’s largest graduating class marks 20 years of growth appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.

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.

The post UBCO researchers pioneer advanced mechanical heart valve appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.

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

The post UBCO engineering students showcase real-world innovation appeared first on UBC's Okanagan News.

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.

The post BC entrepreneur and angel investor mentors the next generation appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.

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.”

The post UBCO engineering professor earns recognition from top professional fellowships appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.

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

The post Future of inter-community transportation to be explored appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.

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.”

The post UBC Okanagan engineers host open house appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.

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.

The post Made in Canada breakthrough is a gamechanger in heart valve technology appeared first on UBC Okanagan News.