UBC Engineering - Okanagan

UBC Engineering - Okanagan University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus
The School of Engineering offers 4 degree programs:

History
A considerable facet of the Faculty of Applied Science at The University of British Columbia, the School of Engineering (SOE) is based on 100 years of engineering teaching and research excellence on the Vancouver campus. Students
Since its start in 2005 at the Okanagan campus, the SOE has seen momentous growth in research and teaching infrastructure, as well as in its student body with about 700 undergraduates and 160 graduate students. In 2012, 107 BASc degrees were conferred here—almost 50 per cent more than in 2010. Facilities
The SOE moved into the new Engineering, Management & Education (EME) Building in 2011. With more than 14,500 square metres of space for research, labs, and classrooms, this $68-million complex houses the latest in laboratory equipment to enhance student and faculty work.

What if one workflow could take a building from laser scan to retrofit strategy?Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Enginee...
10/09/2026

What if one workflow could take a building from laser scan to retrofit strategy?

Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering students Jaeda Yurkiw, Colby Yurkiw, Arshia Boroomandrad, Kasra Kazerooni, Kurt Galanto and Daniel Lu explored that challenge through their Capstone project, Smart Retrofit Solutions: Using BIM and AI for Smart Building Upgrades.

Working with Dr. Qian Chen and UBC Okanagan’s Construction Integration and Digitalization (CID) Lab, the team developed a three-phase solution that converts LiDAR point-cloud data into a BIM model, uses AI to automate BC Building Code compliance checks, and evaluates building configurations to identify energy and carbon trade-offs.

Throughout the eight-month Capstone project, the team adapted its approach as new constraints emerged, including changing parts of its original plans when time, data and technical limitations made them no longer feasible. That experience led to the takeaway shared in this post: choosing a simpler, more achievable approach can be part of good engineering judgment.

The project earned First Place in Software and Data Systems at the UBC Okanagan Engineering Capstone Showcase.

Read the full story on the School of Engineering blog. Link in bio.

Following the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire, a team of Civil Engineering students used their Capstone project to examine...
10/08/2026

Following the 2023 McDougall Creek wildfire, a team of Civil Engineering students used their Capstone project to examine the increased risk of landslides at Camp OAC.

Amélie Argouin, Joshua Carefoot, Kaylynn Cook, Colton Kather, Josalynn Shields and Sydney Strocen all brought backgrounds working in geotechnical engineering fields to the project, with two team members also bringing more than three years of experience managing construction projects.

Working with Camp OAC, the team identified and analyzed two primary hazards, debris flow and rockfall, and designed practical mitigation measures.

“Our main goal for this project is to ensure one natural disaster wouldn’t lead to another, as well as assist with a safe reopening of Camp OAC.”

The project included debris-flow modelling using HEC-RAS and working remotely with a PhD student in Nepal to model risk reduction after the team’s proposed mitigation measures were introduced.

According to the team, Camp OAC is looking to implement their solutions, with one team member working with his employer to help make that happen.

Read the full story on the School of Engineering blog. Link in bio.

Capstone projects bring together technical expertise, creativity and collaboration to address real-world challenges. The...
10/07/2026

Capstone projects bring together technical expertise, creativity and collaboration to address real-world challenges. They reflect the School of Engineering’s commitment to hands-on learning, innovation and community partnership.⁣⁣
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In collaboration with Kelowna community partner Jeff Bourne, fourth-year mechanical engineering students Axcan Alba Gonzalez, Ian Schoeman, Marcus Chan, Aidan MacKenzie, Lewis McCombie and Michael Zidkovich developed a wheelchair-accessible snow plow attachment designed to help wheelchair users clear a path independently after snowfall.⁣⁣
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Bourne, an independent contractor and wheelchair user, contributed to the initial design concepts and shared user-specific insights that helped shape the team’s approach. Together, the team developed a one-operator snow-removal attachment that could be operated from a wheelchair while accounting for secure attachment, structural requirements and real-world usability.⁣⁣
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“I’ve had the idea for a wheelchair-accessible snow plow for as long as I can remember. It really stood out when I was living in the Glenrosa area of West Kelowna, where we got a lot of snow. Getting myself and my wife in and out during the winter was often a real challenge,” said Bourne.⁣⁣
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Read the full story on the School of Engineering blog. Link in bio.

Build your technical expertise and develop skills for what’s next in engineering.⁣UBC Okanagan’s Master of Engineering i...
10/06/2026

Build your technical expertise and develop skills for what’s next in engineering.
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UBC Okanagan’s Master of Engineering is a full-time, course-based graduate program that combines advanced technical knowledge with professional skills in areas such as teamwork, leadership and communication.⁣
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Students can also choose an optional internship stream, providing an opportunity to gain industry experience and build professional connections.⁣
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Learn more about the MEng program and bring your questions to one of our upcoming virtual information sessions on November 25 or 26.⁣
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Register through the link in our bio.

For their Capstone project, Civil Engineering students took on a complex design challenge: developing permanent, accessi...
10/05/2026

For their Capstone project, Civil Engineering students took on a complex design challenge: developing permanent, accessible and adaptable modular housing that could be rapidly deployed to assist communities rebuilding throughout Ukraine.

Kyle Darroch, Kirit Dhot, Roopkanwar Gill, Maddie Hornibrook, Landon McGillis and Reed Stephanchew worked with Okanagan 4 Ukraine, which provided guidance throughout the project and connected the team with industry professionals for technical advice.

Accessibility was a top priority, including a wheelchair-accessible layout and space for mobility aids and handrails.

The team went through nine design iterations before selecting their final design, a process that helped them refine their ideas and consider a wider variety of solutions.

“We think a very valuable skill to develop during Capstone is being willing, open, and excited to iterate on your design.”

Read the full story on the School of Engineering blog. Link in bio.

Learn more about UBC Okanagan’s Master of Engineering program.⁣Whether you’ve already submitted your application or are ...
10/02/2026

Learn more about UBC Okanagan’s Master of Engineering program.
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Whether you’ve already submitted your application or are just starting to explore graduate study options, join us for a virtual information session to learn more about the Master of Engineering (MEng) program.⁣
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Learn about program structure and curriculum, internship opportunities and industry connections, student supports, and application requirements, with an opportunity to ask questions and connect with program faculty and staff.⁣
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Two virtual sessions are available on November 25 and 26.⁣
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Register for a virtual information session through the link in our bio.

Capstone projects bring together technical expertise, creativity, and collaboration to solve real-world challenges. They...
10/02/2026

Capstone projects bring together technical expertise, creativity, and collaboration to solve real-world challenges. They are an example of the School of Engineering's commitment to hands-on learning, innovation, and community partnership.⁣
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In collaboration with Accessible Okanagan, fourth-year electrical and mechanical engineering students Ciana Dawydiuk-Clozza, Hussain Al-Digs, Sonia Mann, Brennen Topor, Deven Cresitelli, and Brett Stefan worked alongside community collaborator Thorsten Krohn PLEX, who brought lived experience to the project, and James Hektner of Accessible Okanagan to address a real-world accessibility challenge.⁣
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Their project, Acting on Limitations: Improving Front Drive Power Assist Devices in Collaboration with Accessible Okanagan, focused on improving the durability, stability, and safety of front-drive power assist devices used by individuals with mobility challenges.⁣
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"It was a pleasure working with such a dedicated and professional group of students. Their attentiveness, collaboration and commitment resulted in the development of a practical prototype that is ready to be tested in real-world settings." — James Hektner, Accessible Okanagan⁣

Read the full story on the School of Engineering blog. Link in bio.

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