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, […]
Engineering healthier futures through wearable technology
For Brooke Franchuk, engineering is about creating technologies that can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. A 2018 graduate of the Mechanical Engineering program at UBC Okanagan School of Engineering, Franchuk now works at Garmin, where she helps develop wearable technologies designed to support health and well-being. Her journey highlights how engineering skills can […]
From Research to Reality: How Ana Isabel Sarkis Is Rethinking How We Build Safer Structures
Ana Isabel Sarkis Fernandez is a postdoctoral research fellow in earthquake engineering at UBC Okanagan. Originally from Costa Rica, she has lived, studied, and worked across multiple countries, bringing a global perspective to her work on seismic resilience. Her research focuses on understanding why innovative building technologies are not widely adopted in Canada and how […]
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 […]