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. […]
UBC Okanagan engineering professors recognized with national CSCE honours
Two UBC Okanagan School of Engineering professors have received prestigious national honours from the Canadian Society for Civil Engineering (CSCE), recognizing their contributions to research, innovation and the advancement of the profession. The awards were presented during the 2026 CSCE Annual Conference in Québec City. Dr. Shahria Alam awarded Horst Leipholz Medal Dr. Shahria Alam, Professor and Tier 1 […]
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. […]
Master of Design Begins: A Change-Making Studio in the Okanagan
After years of collaboration, planning and community engagement, UBC Okanagan’s Master of Design (MDes) program has welcomed its inaugural cohort of students. In the letter below, Professor Dr. Kenneth Chau and the MDes Team reflect on the journey to launch the program and the vision for MDes as a change-making place where students, faculty, 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 engineering grad transforms adversity into impact
Dr. Gordon Springate Sr. Award in Engineering empowers Ciana Dawydiuk-Clozza When a UBC Okanagan engineering student suffered a painful sports injury, she didn’t let it slow her down—instead, she found a way to turn a setback into support for others on the road to recovery. On graduation day, June 5, her efforts have earned her […]
A new hope: Syrian engineering grad reflects on finding community at UBCO
School of Engineering celebrates 445 graduates as class of 2026 prepares to shape the future For UBC Okanagan engineering graduate Tarek Alkabbani, convocation doesn’t represent an endpoint on the map. It marks a milestone along a path he continues to explore with hope and wonder. A path that began five years ago another continent, saw […]
Building connections, confidence and a career in Civil Engineering
Meet UBCO 2026 BASc Civil Engineering Graduate Jeremy Laverdiere Jeremy Laverdiere’s engineering journey began close to home. Born and raised in Kelowna, he chose to pursue civil engineering at UBC Okanagan, where he combined academic achievement with hands-on industry experience and three seasons as a member of the UBCO Heat golf team. Through determination, initiative […]