A made-in-BC heat pump with global impact
James Seabrook graduated from UBC Okanagan’s engineering program in 2011 and didn’t leave the region. He walked into a shop in Kelowna, got a job and started building his own business. Today, Vitalis Equipment Technology Inc. employs more than 70 people and counts half its engineering team as UBCO graduates. It’s poised for global growth, […]
Dr. Qian Chen named an inaugural UBCO Impact Research Chair
Dr. Qian Chen, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering with UBC Okanagan’s School of Engineering, has been named one the campus’ six inaugural Impact Research Chairs in recognition of her leadership in advancing digital construction technologies and sustainable housing solutions. The new program supports researchers whose work is driving meaningful impact within communities, industries and society. […]
UBCO engineering researcher named an international leader in earthquake-resilient construction
Dr. Lisa Tobber’s collaboration with New Zealand researchers aims to strengthen the safety and resilience of prefabricated buildings A UBC Okanagan engineering researcher is helping lead an international effort to make buildings safer in earthquake-prone regions. Dr. Lisa Tobber, Assistant Professor in the School of Engineering, has been awarded a Catalyst International Leader Fellowship from New Zealand’s Royal Society Te Apārangi. […]
Building a solid foundation for sustainable communities: meet Quinn Soon
2026 UBC Okanagan engineering graduate Quinn Soon reflects on leadership, sustainability and creating impact through engineering Meet UBCO 2026 BASc Civil Engineering Graduate Quinn Soon Growing up in the Okanagan, Quinn Soon was drawn to engineering by a desire to help address some of society’s most pressing challenges, including sustainability, housing affordability and community resilience. […]
Master of Design: Reflecting on our first month together
UBC Okanagan’s Master of Design (MDes) professional graduate program recently welcomed its inaugural cohort of students. Rooted in critical design thinking, creative practice and design principles, the program—collaboratively delivered by the School of Engineering (SoE) and Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies (FCCS)—empowers students to tackle real-world challenges alongside industry, community and public sector partners. […]
UBC Okanagan engineering alumnus launches award to support future changemakers
Seabrook Impact in Engineering Award will empower grads to advance ideas with lasting impact One of UBC Okanagan’s earliest engineering graduates is helping power a brighter future for the next generation of innovators who will follow in his footsteps. James Seabrook, founder and CEO of Vitalis and a long-time supporter of UBC Okanagan’s School of […]
UBC Okanagan researcher awarded NSERC Alliance Quantum funding
Dr. Feng’s projects explore security and reliability of quantum and cryptographic systems The School of Engineering at UBC Okanagan is proud to recognize Dr. Chen Feng, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, on receiving two NSERC Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants—an achievement that underscores both the strength and momentum of quantum research at UBC […]
UBCO Engineering innovation soars
Graduating students showcase impactful projects It was a moment where ideas, dreams and teamwork took flight. A moment to lift each other up. To present real solutions to problems in the Okanagan and beyond. It was a moment for friends, families and community to come together. And for a group of soon-to-graduate engineering students, it was both a swan song and a new beginning. More than 350 final-year engineering students landed at the KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence […]
Bridges, roadways threatened by changes in weather patterns
UBCO researchers offer a road map to prioritize what to fix first
The post Bridges, roadways threatened by changes in weather patterns appeared first on UBC’s Okanagan News.
Startup Sprint offers a weekend of innovation and impact
Registration is now open for Startup Sprint 2026, an intensive, high-energy weekend experience held from Mar. 13-14, 2026. This event is designed to help participants transform ideas into impact-driven ventures by tackling real-world challenges at the intersection of STEM, entrepreneurship, and society. Startup Sprint 2026 is free and open to anyone in the community who […]