Name: Sandhya Devkate
Program, Concentration: Master of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Grad Year: 2024 

Sandhya Devkate is a UBC Okanagan MEng graduate, Civil Engineering EIT, Project Management Professional (PMP®), and Tech Steward, who thrives at the intersection of engineering, problem-solving, and innovation.

She is passionate about transportation infrastructure, community-driven projects, and sustainable urban planning. From optimizing road networks to integrating smart city solutions, she enjoys projects that make a real-world impact.

Having worked on public infrastructure projects, stormwater management, and blockchain-driven solutions, she believes in the power of engineering to connect communities and drive meaningful change. When she’s not managing projects, you’ll find her exploring BC’s landscapes, perfecting her photography skills, or experimenting in the kitchen. 

Tell us a bit about yourself 

Civil engineering isn’t just my career, it’s part of my story. Growing up, I watched my father, a municipal civil engineer, breathe life into blueprints and transform ideas into reality. It’s this legacy of community-driven engineering that inspired my own journey into the field. Whether it’s designing resilient infrastructure, tackling urban mobility challenges, or figuring out how to carry all my groceries in one trip, I love finding solutions. I’ve been fortunate to work on impactful projects like the Saint George Rainway Project in Vancouver, where I got my hands dirty (literally) turning a city space into a vibrant, rain-friendly oasis. 

Saint George Rainway Project in Vancouver

Outside of work, I’m an adventure-seeker and lifelong learner—hiking, paddleboarding, and dabbling in drone photography. If you see a drone buzzing over a BC mountain, it’s probably me (still perfecting the “not crashing” part). 

Sandhya at UBC Okanagan

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

I was drawn to UBC Okanagan because it offered more than just an education, it provided an experience. The emphasis on hands-on learning and opportunities like co-ops meant I could apply my knowledge in real-world settings. Plus, studying in beautiful British Columbia, surrounded by mountains and lakes, wasn’t just inspiring it was the perfect backdrop for an engineer who loves both nature and design. It felt like the ideal place to grow, both academically and personally. 

What was the most rewarding aspect of your time at UBCO? 

The people and the experiences. Engineering is challenging, but the camaraderie, teamwork, and occasional engineering humor (yes, it exists) made it an unforgettable journey.

Whether it was collaborating on group projects, gaining hands-on experience through labs and co-op placements, or learning from passionate professors who connected theory with real-world applications, every moment felt like a step toward creating something impactful.  

How did the MEng program prepare you for your current/future work/research/study? 

The MEng program gave me a strong foundation in both technical and practical aspects of civil engineering. It prepared me to tackle real-world challenges by bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and hands-on application. The focus on project-based learning, coupled with opportunities to collaborate with industry experts, taught me the importance of teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability. 

Why did you decide to join the internship? 

For me, the internship was all about return on investment. It was a chance to apply everything I had learned, gain real-world experience, and see tangible results from my efforts. As an international student, the internship was a perfect opportunity to gain valuable experience in the Canadian work culture, which is essential for integrating into the professional landscape here. Having this experience is a significant advantage for anyone looking to establish themselves in the field. 

How did the internship help you advance your career / achieve your goals?  

Sandya in front of Vancouver City Hall during her internship

The internship with the City of Vancouver was a pivotal moment in my career. It not only allowed me to apply my technical skills but also helped me build a solid foundation in project coordination, stakeholder management, and municipal infrastructure planning. This experience opened doors to my role at Stantec, where I worked on diverse community-driven projects that further honed my ability to deliver impactful solutions. From there, I transitioned into my current role with the BC Public Service. The internship was instrumental in shaping my career trajectory, giving me the experience and confidence to take on progressively responsible roles while contributing to meaningful projects. 

What did the professional development opportunities mean to you? 

Professional development opportunities were a game-changer for me. Through workshops and mentorship, I learned how to navigate real-world challenges and connect my academic knowledge with practical solutions.  

Networking events gave me the chance to meet inspiring professionals and mentors who encouraged me to push boundaries and embrace growth. UBCO’s industry nights allowed me to connect with professionals who shared their experiences and insights, giving me a clearer picture of the diverse paths within civil engineering.  

The Tech Stewardship course resonated deeply. It taught me how to approach engineering with a sense of responsibility and a commitment to creating sustainable and impactful solutions. These experiences helped me transition seamlessly into roles like my work at City of Vancouver, Stantec, and now with the BC Public Service where I collaborate on community-driven projects. 

Shadya and colleagues at the City of Vancouver landfill site

What advice do you have for incoming students to the MEng program? 

Embrace the journey and make the most of every opportunity. Don’t just focus on academics—get involved in co-ops, internships, industry networking events and more. These experiences will give you invaluable insights and connections that textbooks alone can’t provide.

Take advantage of industry nights and professional development workshops, they’re great for understanding the field and finding mentors who can guide you. Don’t shy away from challenges; growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of building relationships with your peers.

Collaborate, share ideas, and learn from each other. Building relationships is one of the most rewarding aspects of the program.

Finally, keep an open mind, stay curious, and remember that every step, big or small, contributes to your personal and professional growth. 

What do you like most about your current role or career path? 

What I love most about my current role at BC Public Service is the tangible impact of my work. Every project I contribute to has the potential to improve how communities connect and thrive. I also enjoy the diversity of challenges my career path brings. Each day is different, and every project offers a new opportunity to learn, grow, and collaborate with incredible teams. Working in the public sector has allowed me to engage with projects that directly benefit communities, which is deeply fulfilling. 

What are your future aspirations? 

I want to work on projects that truly make a difference whether it’s improving transportation networks or creating spaces that bring people together. I hope to grow into a role where I can mentor young engineers and inspire them to think about solving real-world problems. At the same time, I’d love to explore innovative ideas and learn from global infrastructure projects.  

Anything else you’d like to include? 

To current or future MEng students: Enjoy the ride, it’s a wild one! Say yes to challenges, even when they feel intimidating, and don’t be afraid to ask questions (even the ones that seem “basic” we’ve all been there). Build connections with your peers and mentors; those relationships will be just as valuable as anything you learn in class. And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes—that’s where the real learning happens. Above all, trust the process and know that every small step you take brings you closer to making an impact in the world! 

Meet Shola Fashanu, a graduate of the Bachelor of Applied Science – Mechanical Engineering program (2022). Shola was recently named a 2025 recipient of UBC’s Alumni Builder Award for the Okanagan campus, in recognition of her positive contributions to the campus and her field. Read more about Shola’s alumni journey below.

UBCO Engineering alumna (2022) Shola Fashanu

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m a recent mechanical engineering graduate from UBC’s Okanagan campus, currently working as a development coordinator in the construction sector. I have previous experience in residential construction consulting as a mechanical designer. During my formal education, I developed a strong interest in student leadership and worked directly with my university in formal positions and as an executive in several student-led organizations. In my free time, I enjoy competitive figure skating, skiing, and exploring the beautiful Okanagan with my goldendoodle, Mia.

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

I was born and raised in Kelowna, so the opportunity to study at a world-class university in my own backyard was a no-brainer.

What were some of your fondest memories of your time at UBCO?

I have so many phenomenal memories from my time at UBCO, but my fondest memories are traveling with my best friends, Holly and Kaila, to the various engineering conferences and competitions we attended while in university. We met while participating in several clubs on campus. These women inspired and supported me throughout my time at UBCO and beyond. Kaila and I will be bridesmaids at Holly’s wedding this summer.

What about your favourite courses and instructors?

Any subject taught by Dr. Hoorfar, who is now the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at UVic, she is a superstar. Dr. Goh and Dr. O’Leary taught courses in my very first semester, and I will always remember their quirky jokes in lectures that made the whole class laugh. My favorite course by far, however, was Finite Element Methods with Dr. Tiznobaik. Although he had an 8am lecture on Fridays in fourth year, his enthusiasm and the effort he put into his course made it a personal favorite.

What did the professional development opportunities mean to you?

Professional development opportunities during my time at UBCO meant everything to me. They were the clubs, conferences, and volunteer opportunities that kept me motivated when coursework was hard. They shaped my soft skills, which ultimately led to my success in my co-ops and post-grad career. They are the reason we go to UBC, because the opportunities are endless.

What are you up to today? What is your current role? What kind of work are you doing?

I now work for a local developer in project management as a Development Coordinator. Along with my colleagues, I facilitate the development and construction of residential projects across Canada.

What are your future aspirations?

I aspire to continue building a fulfilling career in the Okanagan. I also hope to have a few children and inspire them to study anything they want, whether it’s electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, or even civil engineering.

How do you feel about receiving the Alumni Builder Award, and how do you think it reflects the impact you’ve made on the School of Engineering?

I feel honored to be chosen for this award. There are countless student leaders equally deserving who made UBCO the vibrant university that it was when I attended and still is today. I am especially honored as one of my nominators was Marie Reid, a former student who holds her master’s in mechanical engineering. Marie now works for the School of Engineering, facilitating initiatives to support inclusion, mental health, and notably inspiring the next generation of girls to pursue engineering. I have always looked up to Marie and continue to do so, as she has shown that you can be a phenomenal engineer and mother, both very difficult jobs.

From left: UBC SoE 3MT Heat Winners Shamim Noroozi, Katherine Latosinsky and Ilay Sarilar.

On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, students, faculty and staff from the School of Engineering had the privilege of witnessing an outstanding Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Heat, where SoE graduate students showcased their research with clarity, passion, and impact.

The three winners who will advance to the next round are:

• 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

A special congratulations goes to Shamim Noroozi, who also won the People’s Choice Award.

“On behalf of the School of a Engineering, congratulations to everyone who participated and thank you to all who supported this event. A special shoutout to Shannon Hohl and Brittany Parr for their hard work behind the scenes—your dedication made this event a resounding success!” said Dr. Sumi Siddiqua, Associate Director, Graduate Programs, for the School of Engineering.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to our judges for their time and expertise, Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff, Dr. Alon Eisenstein and Samantha Luckow,” said Siddiqua. “Stay tuned for more updates as our winners prepare for the next stage of the competition.”

View photo gallery

The Three Minute Thesis (3MT) is an academic competition that assists current graduate students with fostering effective presentation and communication skills. Participants have just three minutes to explain the breadth and significance of their research project to a non-specialist audience.

Founded by the University of Queensland in 2008, the popularity of the competition has steadily increased and 3MT competitions are now held in over 350 universities across 59 countries worldwide. UBC, one of the first universities in North America to host a 3MT competition, has been presenting 3MT since 2011.

All UBC Okanagan graduate students in a thesis-based program are eligible to compete in 3MT at UBC Okanagan. Students compete against others from their Faculty in qualifying heats. The winners from each faculty then advance to the UBC Okanagan final event. Details about the Faculty heats can be found below.

The SoE Heat winners will now advance to the UBCO Finals on April 9, 2025 at the Mary Irwin Theatre in Kelowna.

Learn more about 3MT.

Researchers at UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering and UBC’s Materials and Manufacturing Research Institute (MMRI) have embarked on a groundbreaking interdisciplinary project to advance sustainable practices in the construction industry. Their focus? Tackling the significant environmental challenges posed by construction and demolition (C&D) waste.

The project, “Application of the Circular Economy to Demolished or Deconstructed Multi-Family Units and ICI Buildings in Richmond BC,” is funded through a collaborative partnership. Supporting organizations include the City of Richmond, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and Mitacs, a national innovation organization that connects businesses and researchers with access to talent, financial support, and collaborations. Those partnerships reflect a shared commitment to innovative solutions for C&D waste management.

“Construction and demolition waste, such as wood, concrete, and plastics, constitutes nearly one-third of global solid waste,” explains Dr. Abbas S. Milani, Principal Investigator (PI) for the project. “Despite over 75% of these materials retaining residual value, the majority ends up in landfills.”

The project work packages, managed by Research Engineer Bryn Crawford at MMRI, address the pressing need for sustainable material management strategies, with the City of Richmond as the primary stakeholder in Canada, alongside industry partners VEMA Deconstruction Inc. and Axiom Builders Inc.

The multidisciplinary research team, led by Drs. Milani (Director of MMRI), Shahria Alam (Director of Green Construction Research Training Centre), Ahmad Rteil, Mohammad Arjmand, and Kasun Hewage, aim to develop a series of techno-economic assessment and life cycle assessment models, mechanical recycling and upcycling methods, and data-informed circular economy models.

Using these new methods and models, the group will explore how to maximize the recovery and reuse of C&D waste and then share their findings within the academic research community, industry, and municipalities.

The project’s outcomes are anticipated to significantly reduce landfill contributions, promote economic opportunities, and further establish Richmond as a national leader in circular economy initiatives.

Specifically, the team aims to demonstrate the feasibility of reclaiming C&D waste and converting it into value-added products, which can then re-enter the construction industry supply chain in the region along with other targeted applications.

“This initiative is deemed a vital step and one of first in its kind toward exploring how C&D waste can be transformed into valuable resources under a municipality-driven research project, showcasing how local collaborations can drive global sustainability efforts,” said Milani. “It also aligns with Canada’s net-zero emissions goals and highlights UBC’s dedication to cutting-edge research that addresses complex environmental challenges.”

Improving the Efficiency of the Energy System for the Campus’s Legacy Academic Buildings

How can we optimize energy efficiency in UBC Okanagan’s legacy buildings through innovative modeling? How can the campus cut greenhouse gas emissions and set a scalable example for sustainable building practices?

UBC Okanagan set an ambitious target for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, including a reduction of 65% in emissions from campus operations by 2030. Improving the efficiency of the existing buildings is one of the actions taken at UBCO to achieve this goal.

Dr. Klaske van Heusden, Assistant professor, School of Engineering and Dr. Warren Hare, Professor, Dept. of Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics and Statistics recently shared their insights in this interview.

Improve the Efficiency of the Energy System for the Campus’s Legacy Academic Buildings

Read more about the project.

Campus as a Living Lab

Learn more about the collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects underway through UBC’s Campus as a Living Lab initiative.

Meet Weijia Yao, UBC Okanagan Master of Engineering (M.Eng) Electrical alumnus (2023). He shares how his experience in the MEng program helped him expand his professional network, add to his technical skills and knowledge, while also advancing his leadership and teamwork skills.

His time in the MEng program helped him land an exciting new role in his field. Congratulations, Weijia!

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Weijia Yao. I graduated from UBCO’s Master of Engineering (Meng) program in May of 2023 as an international student.

I was offered and accepted a role with Dometic as a software engineer in firmware development after I finished my Co-op term with the company.

I really enjoy the work that I am doing and life in Vancouver. In my spare time, I enjoy playing basketball and hiking.

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

The electrical engineering at UBCO was a fit with my interests, and the coop program provided a great transition into my career.

What were some of your fondest memories of your time at UBCO?

The first thing that I can recall is the Arduino development that I worked on with one of my professors. I learnt a lot from the project, and gained a lot of handy practice on the real firmware development. This provided me a great base for future career preparation.

How did the MEng program prepare you for your current/future work/research/study?

The mechatronic course gave me a good knowledge base for my current work, including motor design and PID tuning.

The Co-op program provided a great work experience, which led directly into my current work as a software engineer.

Why did you decide to join the internship?

Firstly, it can be great transition into job searching after graduation. Secondly, it provided a good chance to meet people from the industry and strengthen my network.

How has the internship helped you achieve your career goals?

I gained firmware develop experience by being assigned a basic driver development which triggered my interests in this area. The internship experience encouraged me to apply to the job right after the Co-op term, and my supervisor interviewed me by supervising me during the task. By the end of the task, the job was successfully done, and I got a job offer.

What did the professional development opportunities mean to you?

It gave me the opportunity to be in the workplace, get involved in a good project, play a role as a good team player, and build good relationships with my teammates during the project.

These are some of the greatest professional development opportunities I could have received.

What advice do you have for incoming students to the MEng program?

Try coop and an on-campus project to find the industry that you are fond of. Enjoy yourself and find values in your career life.

What do you like most about your role as a software engineer working in firmware development?

It is great rewarding to see software that I built and tested successfully applied into a real-life product. Right now, I am building a boat stabilization system which can help the boat auto-level itself during a cruise, so it will add comfort to the driver and passenger experiences.

What are your future aspirations?

I am looking to build my experience on firmware development and then hopefully explore a chance to combine traditional firmware industry and cutting-edge AI technology.

UBC Okanagan Engineering Professor Dr. Jonathan Holzman.

Dr. Jonathan Holzman is laser-focused on advancing the science of ground-to-satellite communication. 

A professor of electrical engineering at UBC Okanagan, Dr. Holzman is leading an international research project that aims to make laser-based communication more secure. It does so by blending optical innovation with quantum computing.  

Today, Dr. Holzman’s project – ReQON: Reconfigurable Quantum Optical Networking – received a boost. It is one of ten collaborative research projects between researchers in Canada and the UK to receive funding from NSERC and the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI).  

The grants recognize innovative projects focused on advancing research in quantum sensing, detection and communications in both countries. To drive these efforts, Holzman’s research team received roughly $350,000 in funding and his collaborators in the UK, a research team led by Dr. Andrew Reeves at Durham University, received roughly £500,000.  

“Laser-based communication (through free space) has become increasingly important when you consider the need for connectivity in rural and remote communities, where underground fibre optic cables are not feasible,” says Dr. Holzman “Satellite laser communication can bridge the gap in those situations, but it needs to be secure.” 

That’s where he and his fellow researchers come into play, by upping the security of laser-based communication through quantum encryption to keep data safe. 

“With this type of encryption in place, it becomes possible for us to monitor and control access to the data,” he says. 

Dr. Holzman and his team are seeking to push the resilience of such networks, making them more pragmatic and more portable. 

“Much of the quantum efforts in this area, to date, have made use of large-scale infrastructure. We are working to make this technology accessible on a smaller scale, so it can be applied in more challenging settings.” 

“We’re excited and proud to be part of Canada’s push to advance quantum research, technology and innovation, and to be able to do so in collaboration with researchers across the globe.” 

“Congratulations to Dr. Jonathan Holzman and his team, along with their colleagues at Durham, on receiving this significant investment in their groundbreaking collaborative work. Projects like these exemplify UBC Engineering’s commitment to advancing quantum innovation in Canada and across the globe,” said UBCO School of Engineering Director Dr. Will Hughes. 

In addition to the chance to put UBC and Canada at the forefront of quantum innovation, for Dr. Holzman, another rewarding aspect of the research lies in mentoring the next generation of innovators in optical networking.  

Over the past few years, he and his graduate students have participated in tests of laser links from the Teide Observatory in the Canary Islands and an optical ground station near Munich, Germany, in partnership with the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The laser links were established out to geostationary orbit, over a distance of roughly 38,000 kilometres. 

While his quantum project is focused on shorter-range communication, the added security measures he is pioneering could have far-reaching benefits in the long-term.  

According to NSERC, each project in this round of funding was selected for its potential to support key elements and specific missions of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy and the UK National Quantum Strategy.  

The grant recipients will have the opportunity to work closely with their international counterparts, sharing knowledge and resources to achieve their collective research goals.  

Read more about the grants and the awarded projects. 

Dr. Chen Feng is an an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at UBC’s Okanagan Campus.

Dr. Chen Feng of UBC Okanagan (UBCO)’s School of Engineering is among the recipients of Alliance Quantum Grants announced today by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), for his innovative work in quantum computing. 

Dr. Feng received $165,186 over two years for his project which aims to enhance Canada’s strengths in quantum computing and quantum communication by collaborating with Xanadu (a Canadian quantum computing startup) to improve their photonics-based quantum computers through novel quantum error-correcting codes.  

“Quantum error correction is a cornerstone in building scalable quantum computers, bridging the gap between current experimental systems and practical, fault-tolerant quantum computing,” explains Dr. Feng. “Recent breakthroughs by IBM and Google have underscored the transformative potential of advancing quantum error correction.”  

Dr. Feng’s group aims to build on this momentum by developing novel error-correcting codes tailored to the unique hardware architecture of Xanadu’s quantum computers. 

“This project not only positions Xanadu to maintain its quantum advantage but also bolsters Canada’s quantum ecosystem in meaningful ways. By raising the profile of Canadian quantum companies like Xanadu and sharing cutting-edge research findings, the research will contribute to cementing Canada’s leadership in the global quantum computing race,” said Dr. Feng. 

Dr. Feng is one of three professors from UBC’s Faculty of Applied Science and eight UBC experts in total who received grants in this round. The other APSC professors included Dr. Lukas Chrostowski and Olivia Di Matteo. Dr. Feng is the only recipient from UBC Okanagan’s campus.  

“Congratulations to Dr. Chen Feng not only on this exciting support and recognition for his work, but also on his innovative and collaborative approach. This project is a perfect example of how UBC engineers are working with industry to solve – and get ahead of – incredibly complex real-world problems in computing,” said UBCO School of Engineering Director Dr. Will Hughes. 

Last fall, UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering welcomed its first cohort of students into its Computer Engineering program, as demand soars for well-trained computer engineers, computer and data scientists in Canada and beyond to tackle challenges and opportunities around big data, hardware, software, security and artificial intelligence (AI).  

Read more about the UBC researchers and projects awarded.

About Dr. Chen Feng 

Dr. Chen Feng is Associate Professor in the School of Engineering at UBC’s Okanagan Campus. He is also a Tier-2 Principal’s Research Chair in Blockchain and Co-Cluster Lead of Blockchain@UBC. His research focuses on information and coding theory, wireless communications and networking, cloud computing and big data, and recently, quantum communications and blockchain technology. He is working on adapting and developing new ideas and tools from information theory, coding theory, stochastic processes, and optimization to design better communication networks with a particular emphasis on quantum communications and blockchain technology.  

The Green Construction Research & Training Center (GCRTC) Seminar Series presents:

A smart vision for a sustainable future: SMaRT technologies and MICROfactories™ creating sustainable materials and products from waste resources, presented by:

Veena Sahajwalla, FAA, FTSE, HonFIEAust, CPEng

• Scientia Professor, Centre for Sustainable Materials Research & Technology, SMaRT@UNSW, UNSW SYDNEY
• Date: Mon. Feb 3, 2025
• Time: 2:00-3:30 PM (PST)
• Location: EME 4218, School of Engineering, UBC, Okanagan, Kelowna BC
• Join on Zoom

Abstract

The rapid surge in complex waste streams such as e-waste, end-of-life vehicles (EVs), plastics, and batteries poses significant environmental threats. In response, the SMaRT Centre has developed innovative cutting-edge technologies and MICROfactories™ to transform these notorious wastes into valuable sustainable materials, enhancing circular economy. By utilising the state-of-the-art microrecycling concepts, diverse waste streams are converted into value added products like Green Ceramics™ for the built environment and nano materials for energy storage applications, including Li-ion and Na-ion batteries. Key breakthrough includes using waste-derived feedstock to produce hydrogen for greener steelmaking, reducing dependency on carbon-intensive inputs such coke and coal. MICROfactories™ scale the innovative transformation of waste into valuable sustainable materials, demonstrating industrial viability. These cutting-edge technologies and state-of-the-art concepts not only tackle global waste management challenges but also promote responsible production, industry innovation, job creation, and environmental sustainability, supporting the development of a resource-efficient circular economy.

About Veena Sahajwalla

Professor Veena Sahajwalla is an internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer, and inventor revolutionising recycling science. She is renowned for pioneering the high temperature transformation of waste in the production of a new generation of ‘green materials’ at the UNSW Sustainable Materials Research and Technology (SMaRT) Centre, where she is Founding Director.

Professor Veena is the inventor of polymer injection technology, known as green steel, an eco-friendly process for using recycled tyres in steel production. In 2018, Veena launched the world’s first e-waste MICROfactorieTM and in 2019 she launched her plastics and Green Ceramics MICROfactoriesTM, a recycling technology breakthrough. Professor Veena is the director of the ARC Industrial Transformation Research Hub for ‘microrecycling’, a leading national research centre that works in collaboration with industry to ensure new recycling science is translated into real world environmental and economic benefits. Professor Veena has also been appointed hub leader of the national NESP Sustainable Communities and Waste Hub. In 2021, Professor Veena featured in the ABC’s Australian Story and she was named the 2022 NSW Australian of the Year in recognition of her work.

Professor Veena was named the 2022 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes winner for the Celestino Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science and was also awarded the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE) Clunies Ross Innovation Award. In 2023, Professor Veena was awarded the Engineering Australia Chemical College Chemical Engineer Achievement Award and the Good Design 2023 Women in Design Award.

About the Green Construction Research and Training Center

The Green Construction Research & Training Center (GCRTC) is multi-disciplinary research and training hub, which is the results of collaboration between the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Okanagan College (OC). The center enables a multitude of disciplines to work in a symbiotic manner to enrich and broaden all disciplines’ capabilities towards greener construction. Learn more at https://gcrtc.ubc.ca/.

Dr. Ray Taheri with toys he will be distributing to children in Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.

It’s not his first humanitarian mission, but it comes at a time when hope and joy are needed more than ever for children caught in international conflict and strife, says UBC Okanagan Engineering professor Dr. Ray Taheri.

In early January, just in time for the Orthodox Christmas season, Dr. Taheri will travel from Kelowna, BC, to Moldova, Romania and Ukraine, visiting cities such as Străşeni, Chișinău, Oradea, Alparea, Saldabagiu and others along the way, where he will donate gifts of toys to schools, orphanages, and churches.

It’s a repeat mission for Dr. Taheri, who delivered gifts throughout the region last year.

“This trip is a continuation of a mission that is very near and dear to my heart and my family,” said Dr. Taheri. “I have collected more than a hundred stuffed toys over the past two years as part of this mission. These will be given to children whose lives have been profoundly impacted by the war. The ongoing conflict has stripped over five million children of the joy and wonder of the holiday season.”

Brightening the lives of children in war-torn Ukraine holds deep personal significance to Dr. Taheri and his family.

“I have two daughters, aged 6 and 10, who are half-Ukrainian. This year, they included only one gift on their wish lists and donated the rest to children affected by war. I have promised them the ultimate Christmas gift: photos of children overseas holding the toys they shared.”

The long-time UBCO professor also hopes his acts of kindness will resonate and inspire another group of young people who look to him for guidance – his students.

“For my students—who I consider my extended family—this mission is a gentle reminder of the importance of being kind over clever, compassionate over passionate, and embracing humanity alongside technology,” said Dr. Taheri.

This week, while supporting those students through another busy exam period, Dr. Taheri is busy packaging up the toys at UBCO, complete with a gift created by a number of those same students.

UBCO engineering students 3D-printed toys for Dr. Taheri to deliver to Ukrainian children.

“I’m decorating the stuffed animals with pin-back buttons made by our students in UBCO Makerspace. They also 3D printed several intricate dragon toys in the colours of the Ukranian flag. This is a collaborative and symbolic gesture to crystalize our support and solidarity as a community and country for those who have lost their livelihood. The fact that our students took time out of their busy lives to help support this initiative by making the buttons is very heartwarming for me. I’m proud that these buttons will be out in the world as an example of how our UBC Okanagan engineers care.”

Dr. Taheri’s generosity doesn’t stop at gifts for the children.

Two Years ago, he also donated his time and expertise as a teacher and an engineer – helping to set up makerspaces and provide training to students and educators.

In fact, over the course of his three-week journey in 2023, Dr. Taheri built makerspace facilities in four different high- and middle schools and trained large groups of students on how to run and use them. He also led workshops for over 120 educators at the University of Oradea in Romania and pre-paid 1,000 lunches at a school in nearby Cefa.

If you are interested in supporting his mission, Dr. Taheri started a GoFundMe, Merry Christmas RUM, with the target of $5000 by Jan. 7^th 2025 (Orthodox Christmas).

Photos: Jordy Cunningham/Black Press Media.