The Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC) Award winners have been announced. The award recognizes commendable professional, technical, and volunteer contributions made by the profession towards public safety and wellbeing.
This year’s eight recipients will be presented with their awards at the Awards Gala at the 2023 Annual Conference on October 27.
THE MCLACHLAN AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGINEERING
ANGUS ENGLISH, P.ENG.
As the vice president, Water & Wastewater at WSP Canada Inc., Angus English, P.Eng., has close to 40 years experience in infrastructure revitalization, replacement and upgrading for the public and private sector. Throughout his career, he has made countless contributions to the improvement of public safety and has an extensive background in coaching, mentoring and volunteering.
THE WESTERMAN AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN GEOSCIENCE
BRENT WARD, PHD, P.GEO., FGC, FEC (HON)
Dr. Brent Ward, P.Geo., FGC, FEC (Hon) has made geoscience accessible and understandable for many students over the past 25 years as a professor in SFU’s earth sciences department. He has also been active in educating the public about geoscience, a collaborator in research, and involved in the industry as a volunteer.
THE MERITORIOUS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
PHALGUNI MUKHOPADHYAYA, PHD, P.ENG.
Research by Dr. Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya, P.Eng., a professor in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Victoria, has sparked building envelope advancements in moisture management and thermal insulation around the world.
THE LAMBERT AWARD FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE
ABDOLHAMID (HAMID) GHANBARI, PHD, P.ENG., FEC
Over his 40-year career, Dr. Abdolhamid (Hamid) Ghanbari, P.Eng., FEC, has worked in project management and building design as well as research, teaching, and curriculum development in Canadian universities and colleges. He is principal and senior project manager at EduBuild Solutions. His extensive volunteer experience includes mentoring immigrant engineers and students and contributing to Engineers and Geoscientists BC and local communities.
THE EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AWARD
KELSIE PRIEST, P.ENG.
Five years ago, seeing a need to build a strong support system for women engineers, Kelsie Priest, P.Eng., co-founded the nonprofit organization Women in Consulting Engineering (WCE). A project engineer at Glotman Simpson Consulting Engineers in Vancouver since 2012, Kelsie has led several equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives for the company and is an advocate for junior engineers.
THE YOUNG PROFESSIONAL AWARD
PIA ABERCROMBY, P.ENG.
As a strong project manager, committed volunteer and engaging leader, Pia Abercromby, P.Eng., has demonstrated how to excel at all levels. Pia is currently the acting division manager of McElhanney’s new Sustainability Services Division and advises on sustainability and resilience on infrastructure projects.
THE INNOVATION IN SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
SCHOOL DISTRICT 78 SOLAR & ENERGY STORAGE MICROGRID: HEDGEHOG TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Hedgehog Technologies designed and managed the implementation of a first-of-its-kind solar and energy storage microgrid project specifically for Harrison Hot Springs elementary that included a PV solar, battery, and an innovative microgrid controller called Nimba. The system was created to address the constant power blackouts at the school caused by the winds.
GEOSCIENTISTS CANADA’S CANADIAN PROFESSIONAL GEOSCIENTIST AWARD
CATHERINE HICKSON, PHD, P.GEO., FGC
Dr. Catherine Hickson, P.Geo., FGC, has made significant contributions to geoscience through her career, volunteer service, and leadership. A pioneering volcanologist and a globally-recognized geoscience and geothermal expert with more than 30 years’ experience, she is the author of more than 100 scientific papers as well as articles for the public, including two books.
