Fatemeh Niknahad (centre), First Place winner for Microwave Ice Sensor, with judges and EGSS organizers, including Sepideh Pakpour, following the School of Engineering’s Three Minute Thesis competition at UBC Okanagan.

Graduate students from UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering (SoE) gathered on March 4, 2026, for the UBC Okanagan Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, presenting their research to an audience of faculty, staff and peers in just three minutes.

The international competition challenges thesis-based graduate students to clearly explain the significance of their research to a general audience using only a single static slide. The format encourages strong communication skills while giving students an opportunity to showcase their work beyond academic audiences.

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition opened with remarks from Dr. Will Hughes, Director of the School of Engineering and a past participant and judge in the competition. Hughes reflected on his own early experiences with public speaking, noting how opportunities like pitch competitions helped him build confidence and strengthen communication skills. He emphasized that the ability to clearly explain complex ideas in a short amount of time is a skill that serves students well throughout their academic and professional careers.

Nine graduate students presented research spanning a wide range of topics, including sustainable infrastructure, energy systems and transportation.

Participants included:

• Mohammad Alboghobeish — Safe Drinking Water?
• Rubaiya Rumman — Sustainable Concrete
• Ronald Kizza — Down the Drain into our Vehicles
• Lakkitha Liyanage — Real Energy Behind Every Swim
• Shahrukh Hossain Rian — Solar Energy in Kelowna
• Imrul Kayes Shafie — Weeklong Travel Demand
• Uthpalee Hewage — Autonomous, But Human-Centred
• Pronob Das — Lithium-ion Battery Recycling
• Fatemeh Niknahad — Microwave Ice Sensor

Presentations were evaluated by a panel of judges including Dr. Mohammad Zarifi, Dr. Graeme Webb, and Katherine Latosinsky, a previous 3MT award recipient. Judges assessed presentations based on clarity of content, engagement with the audience and the effectiveness of the single-slide visual.

Although the competition was close, two students were recognized for outstanding presentations.

First Place was awarded to Fatemeh Niknahad for her presentation, Microwave Ice Sensor.

The Runner-Up and People’s Choice Award was presented to Rubaiya Rumman for Turning Waste into Strength: Wood Fly Ash for Sustainable Concrete.

2026 3MT winners Fatemeh Niknahad (First Place) and Rubaiya Rumman (Runner-Up and People’s Choice Award).

Reflecting on the experience, Niknahad shared:

“Participating in the School of Engineering Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition at UBC Okanagan was a wonderful experience. It was a great opportunity to share my research on the microwave ice sensing system with friends and colleagues from the School of Engineering. I’m grateful for the opportunity and truly appreciate the recognition.”

Rumman said the competition provided a valuable opportunity to communicate her research beyond her field.

“My research focuses on turning waste wood ash into a cement substitute to help achieve more sustainable concrete for the construction industry. This research is highly valuable in the Canadian context, and I am proud to contribute to such impactful work. The Three Minute Thesis gave me a platform to present my work to people outside of my discipline. I practiced my speech with my seven-year-old son many times, and I was so glad he was there to watch me receive the awards. To him, I won the world, not just the School of Engineering heat.”

The winner will advance to represent the School of Engineering at the UBC Okanagan Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Finals on April 14 at the Mary Irwin Theatre.

More information about the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition is available through UBC Okanagan’s College of Graduate Studies.

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The competition was organized by the Engineering Graduate Student Society (EGSS), with leadership from Laya Feizabadi, Olivia Helena Margoto (master of ceremonies), Lixin Tu and Zejia Xu. The EGSS team also supported the event by coordinating presentation materials, managing timing and assisting judges with score compilation.

Sepideh Pakpour, Associate Director of Graduate Students for the School of Engineering, thanked the organizers, participants and attendees for helping make the competition a success. She also acknowledged the contributions of the School’s Graduate Award Committee, whose feedback helped strengthen the format of this year’s competition.

Events such as the Three Minute Thesis competition highlight the innovative research being conducted by graduate students while helping them develop the skills needed to communicate their work clearly and confidently.

Highlights from the 2026 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition:

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International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, celebrates the achievements of women while recognizing the ongoing work toward gender equality. Across Canada and around the world, the day encourages reflection, celebration and continued progress toward more inclusive communities.

At UBC Okanagan’s Faculty of Applied Science, School of Engineering, women contribute to the strength of the community in many ways—from research and teaching to student support and administration. This year, the school is recognizing the contributions of the Administration Team, whose work helps support the day-to-day operations that keep the school moving forward.

Working across a variety of roles, the Administration Team provides coordination and support for faculty, students and leadership. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it plays an important role in helping the school’s academic and administrative initiatives run smoothly.

Women of Impact in Canada. Government of Canada.

The Government of Canada’s Women of Impact in Canada gallery highlight the lasting impact women continue to make across science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

To mark International Women’s Day, members of the Administration Team were invited to share reflections on what the day means to them.

One-word responses from members of the School of Engineering Administration Team.

When asked to describe International Women’s Day in one word, responses included connection, solidarity, appreciation, empowerment, inspiration and celebration. Words used to describe the Administration Team included supportive, evolving, partnership, resilient and adaptive, reflecting the collaborative nature of the group.

For Jenny Cooper, Staff and Faculty Coordinator, International Women’s Day is closely tied to the next generation of women leaders.

“My daughter, Mila, continues to inspire me as she grows into a thoughtful, strong young woman pursuing political science and communications at the University of Ottawa,” she says. “Seeing her step confidently into her independence reinforces why creating supportive and equitable environments matters so much.”

Support and mentorship within the workplace were also highlighted as important parts of the team’s culture.

“I’m so grateful for Brenda Janzen,” shared Nikki Olson, noting that her colleague is “a great source of support, humour and kindness to everyone.”

Members of the team also reflected on the ways their work contributes to building inclusive environments within engineering.

“In my role, I support fair and structured recruitment processes that help increase representation and advancement opportunities for women in engineering and leadership spaces,” says Cooper.

For Gadia Braga, Finance Support Services Assistant, respect and kindness are central to supporting the community around her.

“I strongly believe in treating everyone we encounter with respect and showing kindness and friendliness to all those around us,” she says. “Being part of the Administration Team is an honour, and it’s rewarding to help support such a strong community within the School of Engineering.”

Through their collaboration and dedication, the Administration Team within the Faculty of Applied Science, School of Engineering plays an important role in supporting the students, faculty and initiatives that shape the school’s vibrant community.

As the School of Engineering marks International Women’s Day, the contributions of the Administration Team highlight the collaboration, care and commitment that help strengthen the school each day. The School also recognizes the important support of colleagues across teams who contribute to this work, including members of the Finance team such as Dominika Wesolowski (Senior Finance Manager), Jamie Rose and Liliana Renteria Martinez (Research Finance).

Members of the School of Engineering Administration Team include:

• Gadia Braga, Finance Support Services Assistant
• Jenny Cooper, Staff and Faculty Coordinator
• Rhonda Hay, Faculty and Staff Coordinator
• Jill Heinrichs, Administration and Project Manager
• Brenda Janzen, Support Services Assistant
• Mareike (Mimi) Miller, Manager, Administration
• Nikki Olson, Finance and Admin Support
• Judy Strykiwsky, TA Program Coordinator
• Emily Zhang, Undergraduate Lab Lead

An honourable mention is also extended to Jake Guo for his ongoing support of the Administration Team and the many ways he contributes to the work of the School of Engineering.

In an era defined by rapid technological change and evolving student expectations, traditional lecture-based instruction is no longer enough.

Empowering Educators: Innovative Teaching Methodologies in the AI Era is a high-impact workshop that will inspire university instructors, senior-year PhD students and postdoctoral fellows, strengthen teaching effectiveness, and enhance student outcomes. The workshop is open to faculty at both UBC campuses.

This engaging, hands-on session is designed for forward-thinking faculty members eager to elevate their pedagogy and deepen student engagement in our increasingly AI-driven world.

Event Details

Date: April 24, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. PDT

Location: Room C440, UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC

Registration: https://www.csce.ca/iCore/Events/Event_display.aspx?EventKey=WRKSHP01&WebsiteKey=2f0e7ff9-c79d-4974-88bb-6e327024997e

Through collaborative discussion, practical demonstrations, and peer exchange, participants will explore evidence-based strategies that are reshaping higher education, including:

• Project-Based Learning (PBL): Design authentic learning experiences where students tackle real-world challenges, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and disciplinary mastery.
• Gamification: Boost motivation and retention by thoughtfully integrating narrative, choice, feedback loops, and meaningful rewards—without compromising academic rigor.
• Generative AI as a Pedagogical Partner: Move beyond viewing AI as a tool. Learn how to use generative AI ethically to enhance brainstorming, personalize feedback, simulate scenarios, and co-create learning materials, while nurturing original thought and academic integrity.

Learn from Experienced Educators

The workshop will be led by UBC Okanagan School of Engineering professors Dr. Ray Taheri and Dr. Shahria Alam, experienced educators and educational developers recognized for advancing innovative, student-centered approaches in higher education.

Participants will leave with:

• Actionable ideas ready to implement
• Adaptable templates and frameworks
• Practical strategies for integrating AI responsibly
• A supportive network of peers committed to teaching innovation

Whether you are new to these approaches or refining an already innovative practice, this workshop offers meaningful insights for educators across disciplines.

Learn More

Watch a short video to learn more about the upcoming workshop, then  register online

UBC Okanagan’s Great Northern Concrete Toboggan team on the course with their winning sled.

A team of 23 engineering students from UBC Okanagan has earned national recognition at the 2026 Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race. Facing competition from approximately 20 universities across Canada, the student-led team earned second-place finishes in Technical Report, Braking, Steering and Frame Design, won the head-to-head King of the Hill event, and placed second overall.

The Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race is the longest-running national university engineering design competition in Canada, assembling more than 400 engineering students from approximately 20 universities each year. Hosted in London, Ontario, with Race Day taking place at Boler Mountain, the competition challenges teams to design, build and race toboggans featuring concrete sliding surfaces. Students are evaluated on design excellence, project management, safety criteria, team spirit and overall performance.

Often referred to as “T-Bog,” the UBC Okanagan team delivered a standout performance across both technical and race categories. Their King of the Hill victory marked the culmination of nearly a year of design development, structural testing and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Owen Kirk, a fifth-year Civil Engineering student and team captain, says the King of the Hill title was a moment the team had worked toward all year.

“Winning King of the Hill for UBCO for the first time in 12 years was an amazing experience,” explains Kirk. “Seeing the toboggan go down the hill for the first time after 10 or 11 long months of hard work and dedication just can’t be described. To then see it go down against other teams really makes you proud of what you and your teammates have accomplished.”

“Our frame, steering and brakes all won Best Design awards this year at the competition. Our concrete team also made big strides in testing new additives in our mixes and utilizing carbon fibre in our ski reinforcement for the first time. Overall, we put together a reliable, innovative and sustainable toboggan that performed on the hill against some of the most amazing toboggans I’ve seen.”

“This experience has taught me so much about time and people management. Bringing together a large group of engineering students and asking them to take time out of their busy schedules to design and build a toboggan is not the most straightforward task, but it has been equally the most stressful and rewarding experience I could have had.”

Kirk plans to graduate this spring. This was his fourth GNCTR competition and his first as team captain.

UBC Okanagan engineering students pose with the trophy after winning the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Competition.

Dr. Ahmad Rteil, Assistant Professor with the School of Engineering, served as faculty advisor to the team.

“The achievement is a result of the students’ work for countless hours, from early design iterations to final race day performance, with high dedication and creativity,” said Rteil. “They applied their engineering knowledge with rigor and demonstrated their exceptional resilience, team spirit and work ethic. I couldn’t be prouder of what they accomplished.”

UBC Okanagan’s Concrete Toboggan team included:

With another podium finish and a King of the Hill title, UBC Okanagan engineering students continue a strong tradition of excellence at the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race.

Full competition results and details can be found at https://www.gnctr2026.ca.

The Green Construction Research & Training Centre (GCRTC) is pleased to share details of the upcoming Wilden Living Lab workshop, Net Zero Homes – Performance, Challenges, and Solutions, taking place on February 26.

Building on the success of Net Zero Now, this session will present full findings from the Wilden Living Lab’s Next Generation Net Zero Home. Attendees will gain insight into what performed as expected, where challenges emerged, and which solutions are proving most effective for delivering practical, repeatable Net Zero performance in the Okanagan climate.

The workshop offers a research-backed examination of real building data and implementation lessons, supporting industry professionals, researchers, and students advancing high-performance construction practices.

Event Details

Date: This event has been postponed. A new date will be announced shortly.

Time:  8:30am – 3:00pm

Location: Okanagan Golf Club, 3200 Via Centrale, Kelowna

Cost:

• CHBA Members & Non-Members:
  $75 + GST (includes 4 CPD Points)
• Industry, Public & Academics :
  $75 + GST
• Students:
  $40 + GST

Attire: Business casual is recommended
Refreshments: Continental breakfast, morning coffee and tea service, and a lunch buffet will be provided.

Registration is required and space is limited. Registration closes February 23, 2026, or once capacity is reached. Spots are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register for the Wilden Living Lab Workshop