Crossing continents to build a future in engineering
I’ve always been curious about how things around us work – from something as simple as taking an elevator to the complex systems behind it. That curiosity led to my interest in engineering. I find it fascinating that the calculations and concepts you learn in class can be applied to design prototypes and develop solutions […]
From PhD student to professor: reflections on the road to research and resilience
Dr. Niloofar Akbarian-Saravi shares her UBC Engineering experience At their core, sustainable supply chains are about resilience. For Dr. Niloofar Akbarian-Saravi, those same themes have shaped the past six years of her academic journey at UBC. What began as a PhD in Mechanical Engineering became an experience marked by interdisciplinary collaboration, industry partnerships and opportunities […]
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, […]
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 […]
Global Journey in Wireless Research Opens Doors to Professorship
Dr. Adebola Olutayo is a postdoctoral fellow at UBC Okanagan, specializing in channel modeling of emerging wireless systems. She is passionate about teaching, mentorship, and developing future engineers through innovative approaches to learning. Adebola also leads We Guide Learning Initiative, a non-profit focused on bridging educational gaps between African and Western systems. Her work combines […]
Rethinking Supply Chains for Resilience: The Role of Blockchain
I recently completed my PhD in the School of Engineering at the UBC Okanagan campus, where my research focused on supply chain digitalization. Prior to beginning my PhD, I earned my MSc. and BSc. degrees in Industrial Engineering and gained professional experience in my home country, Iran, as a quality assurance specialist and industrial engineer.
From capacitors to CEO: Read about Jonathan’s journey to launching his own company
My early engineering interest was inspired by my dad, who was incredibly multi-skilled—a Red Seal electrician, millwright and engineering technologist specializing in water utilities. His work always fascinated me. I vividly remember when I was about six years old and our family was moving from Squamish to Trail. After our moving sale, each of us […]
Taking to the skies – from design and construction project leader to pilot in training
Engineering became a tangible idea for me when I saw my parents building a 40-foot motorhome when I was a kid. Watching them design the motorhome, choose the materials and build it was very inspiring and got me thinking about construction and the different ways materials can be used. I competed at the Canada-Wide Science […]
Electrical engineering alum turned entrepreneur: Meet Natik
A few years after graduating, Natik co-founded a software development firm that has since launched three products, including Prompt Genie, a tool for generating strong prompts so users can get the most out of AI chatbots. The UBC Electrical Engineering graduate says the skills he gained in engineering have supported his entrepreneurial endeavours, highlighting the […]
A values-driven approach to engineering
For Sathika, engineering is a values-driven profession that enables her to make a difference. She exemplifies this in her work for the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, where she manages projects to ensure the safety of bridges and culverts. She also volunteers her time mentoring students through Engineers in Action, which has included travelling […]