The School of Engineering well-represented at the 2018 Provost’s Teaching Awards Reception in all categories.

Rehan Sadiq congratulates Pouria Mehrabi, Mina Hoorfar and Yang Cao (Jonathan Holzman and Devin Walline were unable to attend)

Pouria Mehrabi and Devin Walline received the Provost’s Award for Teaching Assistants and Tutors.  The award recognizes exceptional undergraduate and graduate student teaching assistants and tutors for their contributions to academic life at UBC’s Okanagan campus.

Mina Hoorfar and Jonathan Holzman were both recognized with Teaching Honour Roll Awards.  The awards are based on student evaluations, recognizing the top 10 per cent of faculty members for their great work and inspiring their students.

Hoorfar was the 2017 recipient of the Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia President’s Teaching Award of Excellence while Holzman was the 2016 recipient of that award and was also recognized by Engineers Canada as their 2017 recipient of the Medal for Distinction in Engineering Education.

Yang Cao was awarded a Provost’s Teaching Excellence and Innovation Award acknowledging his teaching and innovation at UBC’s Okanagan campus.  Cao’s willingness and enthusiasm for bringing new tools and technologies into the classroom were highlighted at the reception.

According to School of Engineering Associate Dean Rehan Sadiq, “it takes a special kind of educator to bring complex concepts and ideas to life in the minds of students, and Dr. Cao is such an educator.”

Cao will be officially recognized again at convocation on June 8.

For more information about the awards visit the Provost’s website and a full listing of winners can be found here.

What goes up must come down and it has left an opportunity for a novel innovation from some UBC Okanagan Engineering students.

As part of their fourth-year capstone project, a group of students designed a unique launching, docking and storing system for kite energy technology.

With the growing focus on renewable energy around the World, scientists are looking at ways to increase outputs from hydro, solar and wind power options.

One such option is kite power which reduces the unpredictability of wind power due to the variability of wind near the ground.

Wind turbines rely on the consistent behaviour of the wind in one static location while kites can fly high into the air where winds are stronger and more consistent.

In some cases, these kites fly hundreds of feet above the ground extending and retracting based on wind currents.  The motion generates power resulting in kilowatts to megawatts depending on the kites size.

The project started without an industry collaborator, but after the group’s initial findings, they soon partnered with KITEnrg.

“This is relatively new energy harnessing technology so the key component of a bridle control system has already been designed” says Jamie Kawchuk, one member of the group.  “Our focus was on designing and testing a control system that enables the kite to launch and dock.”

The launching system is designed to correct disturbances and stabilize the kite to ensure an optimal launch while the docking system includes numerous monitoring systems for a smooth docking.

The group were advised by School of Engineering Assistant Professor Loïc Markley.

“Taking our initial designs into the prototype and testing stages has been inspiring” says Emmalie Chute, another member of the team.  “Now that our design is entering the patent process, we’re excited to see where it goes from here.”

The team heads to Turkey in May to present their design and findings at the International Cultural and Academic Meeting of Engineering Students (ICAMES) where more than 100 students from over 20 countries will present their work.

Researchers at the Okanagan campus of UBC are into the second year of an extensive study looking at residential energy efficiency.

The Wilden Living Lab was developed to create a model for overall energy consumption, energy prediction systems, cost-benefit analysis and optimization of materials and systems for long-term financial savings.

Partnering with several Okanagan home builders, Fortis BC, a local geo-thermal company and Okanagan college, the researchers are tracking the energy savings between two homes. One home was built with the latest energy efficient materials and systems while the other was built to today’s standards.  Both homes are wired to enable real-time monitoring of energy consumption.

The project is into year two of a three-year plan.  Data-analysis, appliance usage monitoring and HVAC usage monitoring are nearly fifty-percent complete.

Shahria Alam, the lead researcher on the project says their focus right now is the development of an energy simulation model.  “This model will provide us with energy usage predictions based on several factors including different components, materials, system efficiency, climate and usage”.

Over the next several months, researchers will begin inputting meteorological data and occupancy data into the model to provide a more accurate predication model.

In their most recent energy simulation, results indicate an over 95-percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, an energy savings of 61-percent and annual cost savings of 35-percent for the owners of the “home of tomorrow”.

The research goes beyond a comparison of the two homes, it also includes material testing on multi-pane windows and insulated walls.

Recently, the latest results from all facets of the project were shared with the project partners.

“These results may not be entirely surprising” says Alam “but providing homeowners and homebuilders with this type of analysis gives them the tools to make more informed decisions about what approach they wish to take in the future.”

The project also includes a component that looks at the long-term performance management and the life-cycle costs between the two homes.

“Ultimately, our goal is to determine the best methods for creating a sustainable home of the future through material innovations, net-zero building planning, healthy neighbourhoods and renewable energy planning.”

The project is made possible through the support of the National Science and Engineering Research Council, Blenk Development / Wilden, AuthenTech Homes, Geotility, FortisBC, NexGen Controls and Okanagan College and the participation of numerous local suppliers.

To learn more about the Wilden Living Lab project and subscribe to the Newsletter, please visit www.wildenlivinglab.com

As one of the authors of a widely-used textbook for English writing at Canadian universities, UBC Okanagan Communications Lecturer Cathi Shaw knows what it takes for university-level students to succeed beyond the classroom.

Jordan Stouck (co-author FCCS), Jeff Kouwenhoven (contributor FHSD alumnus), Lauren Siemers (contributor IKBSAS), Alexandra Willis (contributor IKBSAS) and Cathi Shaw (co-author Engineering)

According to Shaw, it starts with courses like APSC 176 (Engineering Communication) and ENGL 112 (Studies in Composition): “When students are able to express themselves through research-based writing in a clear and effective manner, instructors and employers take notice.”

From styles and genres of writing to strategies and processes, Shaw and her Canadian co-author, Senior Instructor Jordan Stouck from the Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies, have developed a textbook and curriculum that provides first-year university students with tools they can use within their discipline whether it be Engineering or Management or English.

“We see a wide range of experience levels when it comes to students taking these courses,” says Shaw.  “With that in mind, we created a curriculum that personalizes learning, engages students and most importantly, improves their writing.” Moreover, using a genre-based approach, Stouck adds, “encourages students to see themselves as part of the research community and to think carefully about what readers might expect from a proposal as opposed to, say, a rhetorical analysis or research paper.”

In the textbook’s latest edition, a number of School of Engineering and FCCS student works were included as examples.

Shaw points to those examples as evidence that writing instruction works. “Writing and communication abilities are often cited as the most important skill set new graduates can bring to the workplace. By making our students more adept at expressing themselves, ultimately they are able to communicate effectively in a variety of situations.”

Apart from the focus on writing, “Writing Today” also provides important tools to students when it comes to reading and critical thinking strategies.

The ways that students learn continue to evolve according to Stouck, and the content of the textbook has evolved as well.  She explains, “This new edition comes in both online and customized formats and includes readings designed to engage students with a variety of contemporary Canadian issues.”

“Writing Today” is published by Pearson Canada.

Cathi Shaw teaches technical, professional and academic writing at the School of Engineering on the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia.  She is a member of the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, IEEE ProComm, and the Canadian Association for the Study of Discourse and Writing.  Shaw is also the author of three novels and one biography.

Jordan Stouck teaches composition in the department of Critical Studies on the Okanagan campus of the University of British Columbia. In addition to Writing Today, she has published a number of articles on discourse and language, as well as an edition of Sinclair Ross’ letters.

UBC Okanagan researchers are using Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to conduct neutron beam testing to obtain highly accurate direct stress measurements and phase analysis of marine engine prototypes.

Mercury Marine, the world’s leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines, recently granted Tier 1 official supplier status to the University of British Columbia.  Dimitry Sediako, associate professor in the School of Engineering at UBC’s Okanagan campus, and his research team are collaborating with Mercury Marine’s process-development engineers to investigate stress analysis and optimize their manufacturing technologies.

Sediako, previously a senior scientist with the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), continues to access CNL facilities, which enables his team to conduct their experiments using CNL research infrastructure.

“Our student researchers are provided with a unique experience to use the advanced science facility to conduct real-world research that is having a direct impact on industry,” says Sediako.  “When we direct the neutron beam through these engine components, we uncover critical information on material phases and stress distribution in the component.”

In an industry that is heavily regulated, that sort of analysis is essential to meeting strict production standards and product-operation requirements.

“Companies like Mercury Marine are Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM),” says Sediako,” and to be a certified partner in their research process is an important role for us.”

The team’s initial project analyzes the application of Mercury Marine’s newest lower-unit prototype gear case for high-power marine engines. The new component is redesigned to be lighter than its predecessor and is made of a new high-strength aluminum alloy with improved recyclability.

Sediako and his team are undertaking neutron-diffraction studies to gauge the areas of possible design improvement and providing their results to Mercury Marine.

According to Sediako, the tests are paramount to creating better-built components.  “We measure the stress distribution inside the component, thereby helping the company to optimize the component and process design, and to reduce or eliminate any potential structural weaknesses.”

As a Tier 1 supplier, similar research with Mercury Marine will be ongoing at the School of Engineering.

New research from UBC’s Okanagan campus looks to improve the manufacturing processes of cross laminated timber at Structurlam’s plant located in Okanagan Falls.

Structurlam is one of only four manufacturers of cross laminated timber who are based in North America.

Cross laminated timber is a engineered wood product that provides a stable, and sustainable solution for building construction purposes that competes directly with steel and concrete in tall wood buildings

“We’re looking to leverage the world-class research and expertise that UBC brings to the table in our own backyard” says Andre Morf,Vice President, Manufacturing and Operations at Structurlam Mass Timber Corporation.

The research will focus on optimizing the manufacturing process at Structurlam’s plant specifically in the areas of advanced planning and scheduling systems for cross laminated timber.

According to Kasun Hewage, the lead researcher on the project, the researchers will undertake a thorough investigation of the existing manufacturing processes at the plant.  “Through data collection and advanced analysis, our team will develop an optimization model for the production-to-delivery process.”

Researchers will be embedded within the operation to enable a more detailed understanding of the end-to-end system.

“We are in an increasingly competitive market, so every efficiency counts” according to Morf.  “Our operation is proud to be located in British Columbia, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with UBC’s Okanagan campus to make our operation even better.”

“Structurlam builds a very sophisticated and intricate product that requires numerous precision-based stages that culminate in its final product” says Hewage.  “It will be our job to ensure that nothing is overlooked while developing a production process optimization model that will not only address the needs of Structurlam but also other manufacturing companies in the future.”

The research will be conducted by the Life Cycle Management Laboratory at UBC’s Okanagan campus and jointly funded by Mitacs and Structurlam.

Courtney Bethune brought along her love for physics and chemistry when she arrived on the UBC Okanagan campus.

Bethune’s father works for an Aboriginal engineering firm which specializes in civil engineering projects.

“When I was younger, I would tag along to my dad’s firm and it was such a cool experience,” explains Bethune. “I want to help First Nations communities like my dad.”

Bethune intends to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.  Her goal is to work in the renewable energy sector and improve the lives of First Nations communities.

“Knowing that the work I’ll be doing will make a difference in people’s lives is an incredible feeling.”

A member of the Couchiching First Nation in Ontario, Bethune started at the School of Engineering in September 2017.

“When I was selecting what program I wanted to pursue, I was looking for a challenge,” recalls Bethune.  “With a focus on doing hands-on activities and building things, engineering just seemed like the perfect fit.”

Bethune believes there is room for many more Aboriginal students in the field of engineering. “I think a lot of us have such creative minds and ways of seeing the world that we bring a great perspective to the field.”

Of nearly fifty capstone projects presented at the 2018 Capstone poster presentation, two are already in the patent process and two others are nearing that stage.

Fourth-year engineering students showcased their capstone projects at the annual capstone poster presentation held this year at the Coast Capri Hotel.

47 groups displayed their innovative ideas to address real-world issues in the adjudicated categories of inter-disciplinary, civil, electrical and mechanical.

In September, projects were submitted to ENGR 499 students from industry, government, club and private stakeholders.

Over 70 projects were proposed, with 47 being selected by a first-come, first-serve basis by the individual student groups. The main requirement of the projects was that they consist of a substantial design component.

The projects required the students to take a problem and find a solution using the skills they have developed during their undergraduate education.

The groups designed, prototyped and tested their ideas over the course of the year. Often working collaboratively with a member of the faculty and the stakeholder.

The capstone culminates with a formal presentation that is adjudicated by a group of judges made up of industry stakeholders, faculty and graduate students.

“For most of the groups, the real challenge was learning to collaborate with colleagues they didn’t really know” says capstone co-coordinator Dimitry Sediako.

Richard Klukas, the event’s other coordinator was instrumental in its successful execution.

Sediako says he and the judges were thrilled with the outcomes. “The quality of the designs this year is awesome.”

One winning team was selected in each of the categories with one of those teams chosen as the overall winner.

Researchers at the Okanagan Campus of the University of British Columbia are enhancing the effectiveness of a wastewater treatment process known as “struvite precipitation”.  Struvite is a naturally occurring mineral that is can be formed in the urinary tract of animals and humans when their organs produce too much ammonia.

In a recently published paper, researchers at the UBC Bioreactor Technology Group documented a method of struvite precipitation that can be used to remove recalcitrant particles that may otherwise end up in the receiving environment.

Typically, struvite precipitation is used to treat and recover reactive phosphate from wastewater. The recovery of phosphorus from wastewater signifies a closed loop in what is otherwise an unsustainable extraction of limited global phosphate resources.

The research aims to enhance the struvite precipitation process to recover phosphate and eliminate difficult to degrade nutrients to prevent excess algae blooms in the Okanagan Lake. Persistent nutrients can be a barrier to implementation of beneficial technologies such as anaerobic digestion. The struvite precipitation technology demonstrated at the UBC Bioreactor Technology Group has been developed as the decision makers at Kelowna consider Anaerobic Digestion.

Recalcitrant constituents can become a barrier to implementing beneficial technologies such as anaerobic digestion into a wastewater treatment plant that has delicate discharge permits. The struvite precipitation technology demonstrated at the UBC Bioreactor Technology Group has been developed as the decision makers at Kelowna consider Anaerobic Digestion.

Marco Denee, a graduate from the School of Engineering and the paper’s lead author says: “Due to population growth in the Okanagan, we are producing excessive amounts of biosolids and our regional composting facility is approaching capacity. Anaerobic Digestion can solve this problem, but we have to be prepared to solve the problems that come with Anaerobic Digestion.”

The UBC Bioreactor Technology Group continues to collaborate with various levels of government, industry and researchers to advance the field of waste reduction and resource recovery.

The paper was published in Water Research, the Journal of International Water Association.

This research was made possible by an NSERC ENGAGE grant and with collaboration from the Kelowna Wastewater Treatment Facility.

Stewards in Engineering Education (SEED) Program at the Okanagan campus of UBC is putting high school students into research labs and igniting their passion for engineering.

In the summer of his grade 12 year at Kelowna Secondary, Gary Todd’s mom read about a new program at UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering that might interest her son.

“At the time, I was undecided about whether I wanted to pursue engineering or nursing” explains Gary Todd.

Todd, who had never worked in a research lab, applied and was accepted into the SEED program.

It took him three days to get into a routine, but from there what followed was a total immersion into integrated optics where he was responsible for wiring semi-conductors and conducting testing of micro-lenses for small scale use.

“I learned so much” says Todd “and it really sparked a fascination about the fundamentals of engineering research.”

Todd was teamed up with researchers from undergraduate to graduate level to ensure safety, but also to provide context to what they were working on.

“From getting one-on-one time with a university professor to learning from students working in the lab, the experience with SEED really set me up well for my first-year at the University” adds Todd.  “I was pretty sure that I wanted to go to UBCO, and this program reinforced that assertion.”

Jonathan Holzman, an electrical engineering professor who participates in SEED, says the program provides a unique vantage point for students to explore engineering.  “Most people never get to set foot into a research lab, and providing these sorts of opportunities is integral to the next generation of researchers.”

The SEED program promotes engineering research and interaction for high school students.  Students work on cutting-edge research projects with world-class researchers in state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.  For more information visit http://engineering.ok.ubc.ca/engineeringsummerprograms.html

Todd is now completing his first year of studies, and plans to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering with the intent to study medicine after graduation.