Water connects all living things. Ensuring resilient water systems for society and ecosystems is a global priority, challenged by both present and future impacts of a changing climate.

Join the Climate Solutions Research Collective for important conversations about the nexus of Climate+Water.  All those interested in research, including faculty, students and community members, are welcome to participate in this in-person symposium.  

Day One of this event (April 9, 9am – 12pm) will be hosted at UBCO in Kelowna, with the plenary presentation shared with the Vancouver campus.  It is hosted in collaboration with the Watershed Ecosystem Research Excellence Cluster.  Join us for an engaging morning of sessions.

• Plenary Panel (broadcast to CIRS BC Hydro Theatre): lax̌lax̌tkʷ Jeannette Armstrong and John Wagner from the Watershed Ecosystem Research Excellence Cluster
• Session One – Climate, Water, and Ecosystem Resilience
• Session Two – Watershed Governance and Management in a Changing Climate

Day Two of this event (April 10, 9am – 12pm) will be hosted at the UBC Point Grey campus in Vancouver, with the plenary presentation shared with the Okanagan campus.  It is hosted in collaboration with UBC Sustainability.

• Plenary Panel (broadcast to RHS 257): Climate, Water, Power with Natasha Affolder (Law), Werner Antweiler (Sauder), and John Richardson (Forest and Conservation Science)
• Exploring theatre-based approaches to work alongside community partners in water research, Presented by the Research-based Theatre Cluster and Sustainable Water Innovation and Research Laboratory (SWIRL)
• Research Round Table Discussions

Register your interest for Day One and Day Two.

Meet Chadia Uwamahoro who is currently completing her PhD in Civil Engineering at UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering, under the supervision of Dr. Lisa Tobber. Chadia is the recipient of the first-ever Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship by the Canadian Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) and the Canadian Concrete Pipe & Precast Association (CCPPA). Read more about her research, her reflections on receiving this prestigious award and her inspiring goals.

UBCO Engineering PhD student Chadia Uwamahoro

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a PhD student from Rwanda and a proud mom to a wonderful 4-year-old girl, who is by far my greatest accomplishment. My work is experimental based and focuses on the seismic design of precast concrete shear walls.

What drew you to UBC Okanagan and the School of Engineering?

UBC Okanagan provided a unique opportunity to work on cutting-edge research in structural engineering. The strong connection between academia and industry, mainly through the ASSET research group’s precast work and CPCI-funded projects, made it the perfect place to advance my studies and tackle real-world engineering challenges.

Describe your graduate student experience at the School of Engineering

Collaborating with industry partners has been incredibly rewarding. It is fulfilling to contribute knowledge that advances the industry while answering important questions through my experimental work. Mentoring undergraduate students has also been a highly rewarding part of my experience.

How has your time at UBC prepared you for your future?

UBC has provided me with technical expertise, leadership experience, and industry connections that will shape my career.

Tell us a little about your research

My research focuses on the precast concrete shear walls connections, evaluating their displacement capacity. This work is part of a larger effort to develop seismic design guidelines for precast shear wall buildings, which currently lack provisions in the Canadian building code.

You were recently named as the inaugural recipient of the Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship by CPCI and CCPPA. What does this award mean to you, and what will it allow you to do?

Receiving the Mel Marshall Engineering Scholarship is an incredible honor. It recognizes the importance of my research in advancing precast concrete design and provides financial support that allows me to focus on my studies and research contributions. The award also connects me with industry leaders, opening opportunities for collaboration and knowledge exchange that will further strengthen my work.

What are your goals?

One of my goals is to help develop and implement seismic design guidelines for concrete buildings in Rwanda, improving infrastructure resilience. In the short term, I aim to contribute to advancements in Canadian building codes through my research at UBCO. I also want to continue mentoring and supporting women in engineering, helping to create a more inclusive and diverse field. As a mom to a four-year-old girl, I want to inspire the next generation of engineers, especially young girls, to see that they, too, can pursue careers in STEM and make a difference.

What advice do you have for future / current engineering grad students?

My advice would be to stay curious by embracing challenges, and exploring new ideas.

Throughout the year, the School of Engineering celebrates the exceptional Women in Engineering who are advancing research, teaching, learning, and service at the School, and who are making outstanding contributions to their fields. Do you have any reflections on women in engineering?

Women in engineering have made significant strides, yet challenges remain in achieving full representation and equity. Engineering thrives on diverse perspectives, and increasing the presence of women brings new ideas and solutions. While there have been historical barriers, the growing number of women in leadership and research roles is encouraging.

To help foster a sense of community and support, I co-founded a Women in Engineering Graduate Students club (WiEGS) at UBCO, providing a space for mentorship, networking, and collaboration. It is important to continue advocating for inclusive work environments, mentorship, and equal opportunities to ensure that future generations of women engineers can excel without limitations.

Are there any women in engineering who inspire you?

One of my inspirations is Mary W. Jackson, NASA’s first Black female engineer. She broke barriers at a time when the industry was rooted in racial and gender discrimination. Her work in aerodynamics and advocacy for women and minorities in STEM paved the way for many. Beyond historical figures, I am also inspired by the women in structural and earthquake engineering today who drive innovation in the field, such as my mentor and academic supervisor, Dr. Lisa Tobber.

Do you have any advice for women looking to pursue a career in Engineering?

My advice is to believe in your abilities and never let challenges deter you. Don’t be afraid to take on leadership roles or voice your ideas. Your contributions will shape the future of engineering.

Is there anyone else you’d like to shoutout?

I would like to acknowledge my coach, Dr. Frank Büker, and our research group manager, Devin Boyce.

Dr. Mohammad Arjmand, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering at UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering has been honoured for his transformative research that is helping build a path to a more sustainable future. 

Dr. Arjmand is a 2025 recipient of the Morand Lambla Award which is bestowed upon an outstanding young researcher in the field of polymer processing. 

Dr. Mohammad Arjmand

The award is named after and presented in honour of the late Professor Morand Lambla, Past President of the Polymers Processing Society (PPS). Lambla was a pioneering figure and helped develop and nurture many young researchers who have made major contributions to the field.  

According to the Society, the award aims to recognize and stimulate originality, high achievement, and potential for continuing creativity among young researchers in the science and technology of polymer processing-related areas. 

“Receiving the Morand Lambla Award from the Polymer Processing Society underscores the international recognition and significant impact of the research being conducted at the School of Engineering at UBCO.” says Dr. Arjmand. 

“On behalf of behalf of the School of Engineering, congratulations to Dr. Mohammad Arjmand on this honour,” said Dr. Will Hughes, Director of the School of Engineering. “Your dedication to research aligns with – and elevates – our School’s focus on driving innovation and engineering real-world solutions to pressing global challenges.”

About Dr. Mohammad Arjmand 

Dr. Mohammad Arjmand is a renowned and award-winning researcher in the fields of nanotechnology and polymer engineering. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, where he leads the Plastic Recycling Research Cluster. Dr. Arjmand’s research focuses on synthesizing multifunctional nanomaterials, developing their assemblies, and creating polymer nanocomposites. He is a highly cited and well-funded researcher with strong collaborations across various industries in Canada. In 2024, he was named a Member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC). 

He was recently awarded the Charles A. McDowell Award for Excellence in Research by UBC. Established in 1985, the Charles A. McDowell Award for Excellence in Research, one of UBC’s most prestigious research prizes, is named in honour of Professor Emeritus Charles A. McDowell. The award is made to an outstanding early career member of the faculty of UBC who has demonstrated excellence in pure or applied scientific research. 

About the UBCO Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Finals

Graduate students will take centre stage—competing for their share of $6,000 in prize money. Their challenge? To captivate the audience and the panel of judges while explaining their master’s or doctoral research in just three minutes.

Join host Victoria Femia from Global Okanagan, come cheer on the faculty heat champions, and learn about the research happening at UBC Okanagan!

Leading off the event will be guest speaker, Dr. Jelena Komanchuk, winner of the Michael Smith Health Research BC and UBC Okanagan Postdoctoral Fellowships, with her talk, “Sleep health inequities for children in foster and kinship care.”

Attendees will then hear from eleven graduate students who are researching everything from solar cells to sustainable water to preventing falls. Don’t miss the chance to vote for your favourite presentation!

Following the presentations, join us for a reception where you can network with students, faculty, and community members.

Get your tickets

Meet the School of Engineering Competitors

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, School of Engineering graduate students showcased their research with clarity, passion, and impact at SoE’s 3MT Faculty Heat. Emerging victorious were:

• Katherine Latosinsky – Solution-Processed Perovskite-CIGS Tandem Solar Cells
• Shamim Noroozi – Toward Safer Aging: Using a Simple Foot-Tapping Test and Artificial Intelligence to Predict Fall Risk
• Ilay Sarilar – Better Decisions, Better Future: A Framework for Sustainable Water Services

All three will represent the SoE at UBCO 3MT Finals on April 9, for their chance to advance to the Western Regional 3MT Competition in May.

UBC’s Office of the VP Research and Innovation (VPRI) has announced recipients of the 2024 Faculty Research Awards. UBCO VPRI highlighted the Okanagan campus recipients.

On behalf of the School of Engineering, congratulations to all awards recipients across both campuses, and special congratulations go to the following SoE faculty members who received awards:

Dr. Shahria Alam, Professor, Civil Engineering, UBC Okanagan

Shahria Alam, Professor, Civil Engineering, received the UBC Killam Research Prize (Established Category)

Established in 1986, ten UBC Killam Research Prizes are awarded annually to top campus researchers with funds provided annually from the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Fund for Advanced Studies established through a bequest from the late Dorothy J. Killam. The award recognizes outstanding research and scholarly contributions.

In addition to serving as a full professor for UBCO’s School of Engineering, Dr. Shahria 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 UBC-O 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 (MMRI) at UBC, where he continues to drive innovative research in sustainable materials.

“I am truly honored to receive the 2024 Killam Faculty Research Prize from UBC. This recognition is a reflection of the dedication and collaboration of my research team at ALAMS and industry partners, whose hard work continues to drive innovation in resilient and sustainable infrastructure. I am deeply grateful to my nominators, external referees, and mentors, as well as my colleagues (UBC Faculty & Staff) and the Faculty Research Awards Committee for their support. This award reinforces my commitment to advancing climate-resilient solutions and sustainable construction for a better future,” said Dr. Alam.

Dr. Mohammad Arjmand, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, UBC Okanagan

Mohammad Arjmand, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering received the Charles A. McDowell Award for Excellence in Research

Established in 1985, the Charles A. McDowell Award for Excellence in Research, one of UBC’s most prestigious research prizes, is named in honour of Professor Emeritus Charles A. McDowell. The award is made to an outstanding early career member of the faculty of UBC who has demonstrated excellence in pure or applied scientific research.

Dr. Mohammad Arjmand is a renowned and award-winning researcher in the fields of nanotechnology and polymer engineering. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, where he leads the Plastic Recycling Research Cluster. Dr. Arjmand’s research focuses on synthesizing multifunctional nanomaterials, developing their assemblies, and creating polymer nanocomposites. He is a highly cited and well-funded researcher with strong collaborations across various industries in Canada. In 2024, he was named a Member of the College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists by the Royal Society of Canada (RSC).

“Receiving this award is profoundly meaningful to me. It reflects my relentless dedication during my time at UBC and the supportive environment that has fostered my success. Additionally, this recognition underscores the vital role UBC Okanagan plays in the university’s broader research landscape, particularly through collaborations with colleagues from the Vancouver campus. Moreover, this award has further inspired me to pursue impactful research that advances science and benefits society. I also hope it serves as a source of motivation for young researchers, reminding them that the sky is the limit,” said Dr. Arjmand.

“Huge congratulations to Dr. Shahria Alam and Dr. Mohammad Arjmand – and kudos to your teams. Your outstanding work is elevating our School and our campus, driving innovation and inspiring change,” said Dr. Will Hughes, Director, School of Engineering.

Spring Industry Night Details  

• Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025  
• Time: 5-7 PM (PST)  
• Location: EME 0020 and EME 1030 (Lower and Upper Foyers), UBC Okanagan Campus  
• Dress code: Business Casual  
• Register here. 
• Industry participants – Spring 2025

The popular event brings together students of all levels with industry members from a wide array of sectors, hailing from all around the region and beyond.   

Click to expand industry participant list.

For students, the event is not only an opportunity to learn more about the various industries and careers they can pursue with an engineering degree – it’s a chance to build invaluable connections for their future.  

“Industry Night is an invaluable opportunity for students to connect with industry professionals and explore potential career paths,” says Grant Topor, Professional Development Officer for the School of Engineering. “We strongly

 encourage students to prioritize this event, as it’s a chance to build their professional network, gain meaningful insights, and leave a lasting impression on future employers.”  

The event also brings benefit to the School’s industry partners as well.  

“For industry professionals, this event provides an excellent opportunity to connect with the next generation of engineers,” says Grant Topor. “It’s a chance to share insights about their organization’s goals and to help students understand what to expect as they transition into the workforce. We’re deeply grateful for the ongoing support and engagement of our industry partners, as this event fosters valuable relationships between students, employers and the School.” 

For more information, please contact: grant.topor@ubc.ca.   

Canadian Science Publishing and the Canadian Journal of Civil Engineering have bestowed the Editor’s Choice Award on a recent study examining sustainability in Civil Engineering curriculum by Paris Liu, Gordon Lovegrove, and Moncef L. Nehdi. 

The authors received the accolade for their article “Climate change in Canadian civil engineering curricula: gaps and best practices” published in November 2024. 

Their study examines the state of curricula, knowledge, and practices in Canada’s civil engineering programs with respect to climate change, identifies best practices, and formulates recommendations on ways to improve climate change knowledge and skills training for Canadian civil engineering programs.  

Dr. Gordon Lovegrove

“Engineers, as builders of our civil society, must adapt our best practices to help increase community climate resilience. This in turn translates to better equipping our engineering students with the latest knowledge and skills to mitigate and adapt how we engineer our infrastructure systems,” said Dr. Lovegrove, Associate Professor of Engineering at UBC Okanagan.

Dr. Lovegrove is one of the School’s experts in applied sustainable civil engineering, marking his way with a passion for sustainability and safety.  

To assemble the data, the authors distributed a survey based on the Climate Framework to 856 civil engineering instructors across all 25 accredited engineering schools listed by Engineers Canada and gathered data on 55 civil engineering climate change related courses, with representation from 20 out of the 25 accredited programs across the country.  

The findings? Less than 1% of civil engineering programs in Canada incorporate significant instruction on climate change topics. 

According to the authors, the results will provide important benchmarks to help instructors incorporate most relevant climate change topics and resources into their courses for equipping civil engineering students with the necessary skills to tackle emerging challenges related to the mitigation of climate change and adaptation to wildfires, droughts, sea level rise, increased precipitation, storms, heat domes, floods, earthquakes, and biodiversity loss. 

Read the full article online. 

About Dr. Gordon Lovegrove 

Dr. Lovegrove’s expertise stems from over 30 years of hands-on professional engineering experience and innovative, rigorous science-based research. He is a leader in facilitating learning, research, planning, and implementation of projects promoting sustainability at all levels, and he is an active member of his community to help enhance quality of life for all. Dr. Lovegrove is also a founding partner of SMARTer Growth Partnership and Principal Investigator, SMARTer Growth Research Laboratory.  

Read more on Dr. Lovegrove’s faculty bio page. 

Dr. Hadi Mohammadi (back row) with engineering students at UBC Okanagan.

UBC Okanagan recently announced recipients of the 2024/25 Outstanding Instructor Award. Five faculty members from the School of Engineering were honoured with this prestigious award recognizing their exemplary teaching and notable dedication to student success.

Read our QandA with award recipient Dr. Hadi Mohammadi, Associate Professor, Biomedical and Mechanical Engineering to learn more about his teaching at UBCO. Way to go, Dr. Mohammadi!

About Dr. Hadi Mohammadi

Hadi Mohammadi was born and raised in Tehran, Iran. He began his postsecondary education at Sharif University of Technology, widely regarded as Iran’s leading engineering institution.

Who or what inspired you to study engineering?

Curiosity has always been the spark of discovery for me. From a young age, I pondered the world’s mysteries, how the heart beats with precision, how machines mimic nature, and how invention can ease suffering. Engineering, to me, is the bridge between imagination and reality. Driven by a desire to understand and improve how things work, I embraced the belief that “imagination is more important than knowledge,” as imagination reveals what could be.

My journey into biomedical engineering stems from merging science with compassion, creating devices that not only function elegantly but also bring comfort to those in need. Every heartbeat and tremor I seek to calm through my innovations represents a note in the symphony of human ingenuity.

Such inspiration, I believe, may not move mountains, but it can certainly improve a heart valve, or two.

How has engineering changed the way you view the world?

Engineering has transformed how I view the world, shifting my perspective from passive observation to active problem-solving. I now approach everyday challenges by analyzing systems, identifying inefficiencies, and seeking innovative solutions. My research in biomedical engineering has significantly deepened this mindset.

Dr. Hadi Mohammadi with the iValve.

Developing the iValve, a novel bileaflet mechanical heart valve, taught me to consider the complex interplay between mechanical design, fluid dynamics, and patient needs. It wasn’t just about creating a functional device; it was about improving patient outcomes and quality of life. Similarly, my work on a wearable device to dampen tremors in Parkinson’s patients has highlighted the importance of user-centered design and the potential of engineering to directly impact people’s daily experiences.

These projects have shown me that engineering is more than technical problem-solving, it’s about empathy, creativity, and responsibility. I’ve learned to see beyond the immediate problem, considering broader implications like accessibility, sustainability, and long-term usability. Whether analyzing a medical device or observing everyday objects, I now view the world as a network of systems that can be optimized to improve lives.

Engineering has instilled in me a continuous drive to innovate and use my skills to create solutions that matter.

You were recently named a recipient of UBCO’s 2024/25 Outstanding Instructor Award. Congratulations! What does this award mean to you?

Receiving UBCO’s 2024/25 Outstanding Instructor Award is truly an honor and a humbling experience. Teaching has always been more than just a responsibility for me, it’s a passion and a privilege.

This award signifies recognition of my commitment to fostering an engaging, supportive, and innovative learning environment for my students. It also reflects the hard work and dedication of my students, colleagues, and mentors who continuously inspire me to improve.

Ultimately, this recognition reinforces my belief in the transformative power of education and motivates me to continue enhancing my teaching practices to better serve my students and the broader academic community.

What courses are you currently teaching?

I am currently teaching the following courses in the School of Engineering:

ENGR 387: Mechanical Vibrations

ENGR 482: Biomedical Engineering I

ENGR 492 & ENGR 582: Finite Element Method

ENGR 495: Tissue Engineering

These courses cover a range of topics, including vibration analysis, biomedical device design, computational modeling, and tissue engineering principles.

What is your teaching philosophy?

Ah, my dear friend, teaching is much like the universe, vast, intricate, and filled with wonder. My philosophy is simple yet profound: never stop questioning. Education should not be a mere transfer of facts; rather, it should ignite curiosity, encourage exploration, and inspire students to think beyond the boundaries of textbooks.

I believe that true understanding arises when one can see the beauty in complexity and distill it into simplicity.

You see, imagination is just as important as knowledge, for knowledge is limited to what we know, while imagination embraces the infinite possibilities of what we might discover. I strive to create an environment where students are not afraid to make mistakes, for, as I have found in my own work, mistakes are simply the stepping stones to deeper understanding.

In the end, I do not merely teach equations or theories, I encourage minds to dream, to ask why, and, more importantly, why not?

What do you hope students take away from your classes?

I hope my students leave my classes with more than just technical knowledge. I want them to develop critical thinking skills, a strong problem-solving mindset, and the confidence to tackle real-world engineering challenges. I aim to foster curiosity and a passion for continuous learning, encouraging them to question assumptions and seek innovative solutions. Beyond the technical aspects, I hope they appreciate the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and ethical responsibility in their professional journeys.

Most importantly, I want students to feel inspired and capable of making a meaningful impact through their work.

What drew you to UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering?

What drew me to UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering was its strong emphasis on interdisciplinary research, innovation, and community engagement. The collaborative environment and state-of-the-art facilities provided an ideal setting to pursue cutting-edge research in biomedical engineering, particularly in developing medical devices that address real-world health challenges.

I was also drawn to the opportunity to work closely with students in a smaller campus setting, fostering meaningful mentorship and creating a supportive learning environment. The Okanagan region’s vibrant community and quality of life further reinforced my decision, making it an inspiring place to teach, research, and contribute to impactful projects.

Anything else you’d like to share?

If there’s one thing I believe in wholeheartedly, it’s this: big ideas change the world.

Alqeshira Feyza is a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at UBC Okanagan.

Recently, two UBC Okanagan School of Engineering students – Alqeshira Feyza (third-year, Mechanical Engineering) and Keira Page (first-year) – sat down to interview one another about their unique SoE experiences.

Read what inspired each student to choose UBC Engineering, and their advice for high school students who are considering engineering.

Meet Alqeshira Feyza

Interview conducted by Keira Page

Edited/produced by Alice Xie

Tell me about yourself 

My name is Alqeshira Feyza. I was born and raised in Jakarta, Indonesia. From a young age, I developed a natural curiosity and a love for trying new things. Whether it was competing in storytelling contests, volunteering with the Red Cross, or taking on leadership roles in student council organizations and various clubs, I was always eager to explore different opportunities. 

However, it wasn’t until 10th grade that I ventured into something completely new—research. I was the first student in my school to express interest in joining a research team, and I ended up representing my school at a national research olympiad. I couldn’t really explain why I felt so compelled to do research, but I had a strong sense that this experience would shape my future in a positive way. 

How did you end up studying at UBC? 

Two years of research efforts in high school paid off when I became a medalist in the National Olympics organized by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education. This achievement opened up an unexpected opportunity: an invitation to apply for a newly launched undergraduate study abroad scholarship for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree. I spent 12 years studying Indonesia’s national curriculum in public schools, where English was not the primary language of instruction, so I felt a bit of hesitation about studying abroad. 

I initially felt uncertain and intimidated about applying to universities abroad. However, when I learned about UBC’s strong reputation as a leading research university, along with its welcoming, diverse community, I felt inspired to apply to this prestigious institution.

In the end, I successfully secured a fully-funded scholarship for my four years of study and received an acceptance letter from UBC Engineering, marking the beginning of a new journey. 

Why engineering? 

Growing up in a non-STEM family didn’t stop me from developing a deep passion for STEM fields. My mother fostered this curiosity by introducing me to science and problem-solving projects, nurturing my love for discovery. The pinnacle of this passion came during high school when I successfully developed my own invention, Blickr (Blue Light Blocking Mirror). This device was designed to help prevent Computer Vision Syndrome. Since then, I have been passionate about designing and inventing devices that can solve problems in healthcare. 

I firmly believe that innovation has the power to improve lives, and my ultimate goal is to contribute to the development of medical technology in my country. 

This aspiration is what led me to pursue mechanical engineering with a concentration in biomedical engineering. 

What extracurricular activities outside of class do you participate in at UBC to continue pursuing your passion for engineering? 

Currently, I am a part of the OK Motorsport Design Team as a chassis sub-team member, applying my mechanical engineering skills to real-world automotive design. Our team is developing UBCO’s first Formula SAE EV race car, where I contribute to designing, testing, and manufacturing the chassis to ensure both safety and performance.

Beyond engineering design, I joined URO (Undergraduate Research Opportunities) and pursued a project in bioinformatics in order to expand my research experience. This research focused on using machine learning for cell classification and analysis of immune cell infiltration in renal cell carcinoma. Collaborating with three peers, we dedicated five months to this research. Our efforts culminated in a presentation at the Undergraduate Research Conference (MURC) in March 2024, the largest undergraduate research conference in BC.

I also previously worked as a social media ambassador for Engineering Stories, where I created content to share insights, personal experiences, and practical advice with prospective UBC Engineering students. Additionally, I’ve been building my digital presence as a social media influencer, aiming to connect with and inspire others who dream of pursuing education abroad.

What advice would you give to other international students interested in studying abroad? 

For international students interested in studying abroad, my first piece of advice is to be proactive and open-minded in exploring different opportunities. 

My own journey started with a love for learning and a curiosity to try new things, even if they felt unfamiliar or outside my comfort zone. Whether it’s getting involved in high school research, joining extracurricular activities, or seeking out leadership roles, don’t be afraid to venture into unknown territory.

These experiences build your skills and demonstrate your commitment and passion, which are essential when applying to universities abroad. Next, take advantage of the scholarships and support systems available for international students. Highlight your unique experiences and the impact you’ve made in your community. 

Recently, two UBC Okanagan School of Engineering students – Alqeshira Feyza (third-year, Mechanical Engineering) and Keira Page (first-year) – sat down to interview one another about their unique SoE experiences.

Read what inspired each student to choose UBC Engineering, and their advice for high school students considering engineering as an education and career path.

Meet Keira Page

Interview conducted by Alqeshira Feyza

Edited/produced by Alice Xie

Tell me about yourself

My name is Keira Page. I’m from Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, where I grew up with my brother and two stepsiblings. I’m the youngest sibling, and we’ve always had a house full of animals—I currently have two dogs, including a recent rescue from Texas.

Growing up, I spent 11 years as a competitive gymnast, which taught me the importance of hard work and determination. After retiring from competitive gymnastics, I coached for three years and even led my own competition team. Prior to attending university, I graduated from high school with an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.

How did you end up choosing to pursue your degree at UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering?

UBC has a prestigious reputation—it is among the top three universities in Canada and one of the top two engineering programs in the country. I also noticed that other top schools require students to choose an engineering discipline right from the start. This could be difficult, as most students haven’t been exposed to the different types of engineering and might end up choosing a degree that doesn’t suit them.

What was nice about UBC is that you take a general first year to get an idea of the opportunities in engineering. Then, in the second year, you start taking courses based on the specialty you want to pursue. This gave me the flexibility and space to think through my discipline choice.

The UBC Okanagan campus is also very special. It’s smaller than the Vancouver campus, which is great for fostering a close-knit community. It’s easy to get one-on-one time with professors and develop strong professional relationships. Coming from PEI, I didn’t feel comfortable making the big jump to a city like Vancouver, so I appreciate that the campus is close to Kelowna’s city amenities while also being an escape from the busy city core. There are also beautiful sights close to UBCO—we’re only two hours away from the world-renowned Rocky Mountains, and there are amazing hiking trails all around. The ability to easily immerse yourself in nature isn’t commonplace at many universities, and it’s a highlight of UBCO.

Which extracurriculars did you pursue in high school to prepare you for university?

I wanted to challenge myself academically, so I pursued an IB diploma. With only 30-50 students in my province taking IB, this achievement demonstrated my ability to pursue an academically rigorous program.

I’ve also been active in volunteering and work. I spent a semester as a camp counsellor at a Christian camp, volunteered in children’s musical theatre, and coached competitive gymnastics for three years. I’ve also volunteered at community events like the Canada Games, a senior home choir, and more recently, at an animal shelter. This summer, I worked as a camp counsellor at the BellAliant Center.

I also participated in the ProGRES program, where six high school girls were chosen to conduct research in partnership with UPEI through an engineering project. My project, in collaboration with the AVC vet college, involved testing the hardness of Sable Island horse hooves to explore whether it contributed to their abnormalities.

What was one of your toughest academic moments, and how did it shape your resilience and passion for engineering?

During the IB Program, I had to push myself academically more than ever. The program’s challenges required me to find new study methods, especially since my ADHD makes it difficult to learn through traditional lectures and reading. Because of this, I would frequently get in trouble for not paying attention in class before I received my diagnosis in grade 10. I was able to overcome these challenges and do well academically in the end by finding the right balance with my medication and developing study techniques suited to my needs. Through this experience, I learned the importance of self-reflection and understanding how your own mind works in order to reach your full potential. I also learned that problem-solving stimulates my brain and keeps me engaged in my work. When I didn’t understand things, I have to solve problems and find a way to learn the concept.

This process was exciting for me and a huge reason why I picked engineering. Engineering is all about problem-solving—taking difficult tasks, breaking them up, and finding a solution—which I found kept me excited and engaged in my work.

What advice would you share with high school students interested in applying for UBC engineering?

The best advice I can give is to get involved as much as you can in high school.

Grades are, of course, very important, but volunteering, getting a job, and gaining unique experiences will make you a well-rounded student ready for the interdisciplinary nature of engineering.

Get involved in extracurriculars that excite you and help you push your boundaries. Your experiences outside of academia should show how they’ve helped you grow. They should also reflect your values—whether that’s leadership, helping animals, supporting other students, or something else.