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 […]
From Cape Town to Kelowna: Engineering with community in mind
Meet UBCO 2026 BASc Civil Engineering Graduate Mpho Rambau When Mpho Rambau arrived at UBC Okanagan from South Africa, she was drawn by the region’s natural beauty and the School of Engineering’s close-knit community. Four years later, she graduates with a passion for designing infrastructure that serves people and strengthens communities. A civil engineering student […]
UBCO Engineering’s Dr. Zheng Liu named CAE Fellow
A UBC Okanagan School of Engineering professor has been awarded one of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (CAE)’s highest honours. Dr. Zheng Liu, Professor of Civil Engineering, has been elected a CAE Fellow for 2026. The Canadian Academy of Engineering is the national institution through which individuals, who have made outstanding contributions to engineering in […]
Building for the Future: How Gurleen Gang is Shaping Communities Through Engineering
Gurleen Gang is a civil engineer passionate about building infrastructure that supports resilient, inclusive, and sustainable communities. A graduate of UBC Okanagan’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Civil Engineering, Gurleen has worked across consulting, construction, and public-sector environments, gaining hands-on experience in capital projects and asset management. He is currently stepping into a leadership role […]
UBCO Engineering Professor Dr. Kasun Hewage Named CSSE Fellow
The Canadian Society of Senior Engineers (CSSE) has bestowed one of its highest honours upon a UBC Okanagan School of Engineering faculty member. Dr. Hewage, Professor of Civil Engineering, has been named a CSSE a Fellow in recognition of more than two decades of distinguished service, leadership and impact in the engineering profession. He is also a Fellow of the Engineering Institute of Canada, and Canadian Society for Civil […]
Bridges, roadways threatened by changes in weather patterns
UBCO researchers offer a road map to prioritize what to fix first
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