2023 Award Recipients Announced

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.

The recipient of the Meritorious Achievement Award, Dr. Phalguni Mukhopadhyaya, P.Eng., sets research into action. A professor in the Civil Engineering Department at the University of Victoria, Phalguni's highly regarded research 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—in a short time—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 over 100 scientific papers as well as articles for the public, including two books.
 

To learn more about the award recipients, visit our 2023 Engineers and Geoscientists BC Award Winners page.