Outstanding UBC Applied Science staff and faculty recognized with 2025 Dean’s Awards
The outstanding contributions of nine members of the UBC Faculty of Applied Science have been recognized with the 2025 Dean's Awards. The three faculty and six staff award recipients are innovators in their fields, exemplary leaders, and are committed to ensuring their colleagues and communities thrive.
2025 Dean's Awards
Dean’s Faculty Award for Service
Dr. James Connolly
Associate Professor, School of Community and Regional Planning
“Dr. Connolly’s record of service is indicative of a highly collegial and collaborative individual, who possesses excellent leadership capabilities.”
Since he joined the School of Community and Regional Planning in 2020, Dr. James Connolly has led the development of the Urban Studies major in collaboration with the Department of Geography in the Faculty of Arts. The first program of its kind in British Columbia, the Urban Studies major introduces undergraduate students to the skills necessary for urban-oriented professions. Since the first students enrolled in 2023, the program has exceeded admission targets, thanks in no small part to Dr. Connolly’s commitment to the program’s growth.
Dr. Connolly is a key leader in the development of the program’s interdisciplinary curriculum. While working across faculties can be complex, he creatively and thoughtfully seeks out ways to connect. His dedication and leadership as co-chair of the program has been inspirational to his colleagues.
Dean’s Faculty Award for Service
Dr. Joshua Brinkerhoff
Associate Professor, UBC Okanagan School of Engineering
“[Dr. Brinkerhoff’s] impact has been both strategic and human—and the culture of the School is stronger because of him.”
Dr. Brinkerhoff has played a key role in building relationships across disciplines during a transformative time at the UBC Okanagan School of Engineering. As Associate Director of Research, he effectively advances research capacity, facilitates collaboration and removes systemic barriers. His performance-driven approach has led to internal progress within the School, as well as strengthened relationships with other faculties.
Dr. Brinkerhoff consistently demonstrates people-centered leadership. His thoughtful guidance and attentive listening have made a significant impact on his faculty and staff colleagues. Dr. Brinkerhoff leads with humility, clarity, and purpose, and makes space for others to succeed, to the benefit of the entire School of Engineering.
Dean’s Faculty Award for Service - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity
Dr. Sumi Siddiqua
Professor, UBC Okanagan School of Engineering
"What sets Sumi apart is her inclusive excellence. She does not simply advocate for EDI; she lives it."
Dr. Siddiqua is a steadfast champion of EDI.I at the School of Engineering. As Associate Director of Graduate Studies, she has made a point to support students and scholars from groups historically underrepresented in engineering. Dr. Siddiqua works to empower girls to join careers in STEM, with a particular focus on her field of civil engineering. She ensures that safety and respect are always at the forefront, especially during sometimes-difficult but necessary discussions.
As a mentor for her colleagues and early-career researchers, Dr. Siddiqua provides empathetic support. When she recognizes inequities she is unafraid to address them, even when they present complex challenges. As she’s consistently demonstrated, Dr. Siddiqua strives to make the School of Engineering a more equitable, supportive and just place for all.
Dean’s Staff Award for Excellence - Dedication to Service Excellence
Doug Hudniuk
Head Engineering Technician, Department of Civil Engineering
“Doug has been a constant source of strength, reliability, and quiet leadership. He embodies the values of long service excellence—not just through his tenure, but through the consistency, care, and professionalism he brings to our teaching, research, and community life.”
Doug Hudniuk exemplifies hard work, mentorship and respect. As the leader of the team of technicians that support many undergraduate and graduate laboratories, Hudniuk fosters a culture of fairness and support. The course support he provides, paired with his belief that time in the lab is fundamental to the undergraduate engineering experience, benefits hundreds of students each year.
Hudniuk is always ready to provide thoughtful advice and assistance to students, staff and faculty alike. The challenges of specialized equipment can be complex, but Hudniuk’s expertise and dedication to excellence ensure that both research and teaching activities are consistently supported, even in the face of short-notice issues. Additionally, he helps build community by organizing the department’s annual summer barbecue. His leadership and work ethic have been exemplary for nearly three decades.
Dean’s Staff Award for Excellence - Early Career Excellence
Sisi Zhou
Manager, Human Resources, Department of Mechanical Engineering
“Sisi embodies everything the Early Career Excellence Award stands for: initiative, creativity, accountability, and a deep commitment to making our workplace better for everyone.”
While only joining the Department of Mechanical Engineering two years ago, Sisi Zhou has made an outsized impact. Her proactive approach to her work has led to improved HR processes, from staff training to teaching assistant hiring. She provides outstanding support for her department, and her positive attitude brings out the best in those around her.
Notably, Zhou makes mental health a priority in the workplace. She secured funding through the UBC Healthy Workplace Initiative Program for two educational mental health workshops for faculty and staff. She also established a mental health corner in the office that has become well-used and well-loved. Zhou’s leadership and support in the area have made a lasting impact with her colleagues.
Dean’s Staff Award for Excellence - Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Indigeneity
Ed Pitt-Brooke
Communications & Community Engagement Officer, Student Services, Department of Mechanical Engineering
“[Ed lives] their life leading by example, both at UBC and in their local communities, and their active engagement in our work has made Mech and Engineering a more welcoming, equitable, and inclusive place to be.”
A strong commitment to advancing the values of EDI.I is evident in all aspects of Ed Pitt-Brooke's work. In a position that requires interacting with a wide variety of communities, Pitt-Brooke is adept at ensuring they feel safe, supported and respected. They are a founding member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Indigeneity committee, representing the staff at large.
Pitt-Brooke has made a particular contribution to how impact is measured in the department. They consistently seek ways to make events and processes more accessible, and they are not afraid to challenge existing barriers. In addition to their work at UBC, they are a co-founder of and Print Designer for Cor Flammae, a queer art chorus. In all their activities, Pitt-Brooke is a champion of EDI.I in the community.
Dean’s Staff Award for Excellence - Impact
May Liu
Senior Finance Specialist, Department of Civil Engineering
“May is my “go-to” person when it comes to finance. May has been a tremendous resource in helping me navigate compliance with UBC policies and procedures. Her professionalism and willingness to help have made a significant difference in the way we operate as a research intense university.”
Since joining the Department of Civil Engineering in 2015, May Liu has brought precision, patience and care to her role. She solves problems before they grow and ensures nothing slips through the cracks, despite supporting more than 350 research accounts and 30 program worktags. Her expertise in UBC’s financial systems makes Liu an invaluable support to the faculty in her department.
Liu approaches every task with an unwavering dedication to service and always searches for ways to improve systems and services. She is an invaluable asset to the student design teams she works with, smoothing administrative obstacles and fostering an environment where students can manage a real budget. Liu’s impact is felt through her commitment to the success of those around her.
Dean’s Staff Award for Excellence - Inclusive Leadership
Sarah Clayton
Manager, Student Services, Department of Mechanical Engineering
“Sarah is exceptionally supportive and is dedicated to student, staff, and faculty well-being. She encourages her staff to follow her example so that we can all contribute to improving the student experience in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Science at UBC.”
A leader and mentor to those in her department, Sarah Clayton exemplifies the values of resilience, agility and creativity. She fosters a culture of collaboration and support among students, staff and faculty in the Department of Mechanical Engineering. While navigating the challenges posed by the transition to Workday Student, Clayton maintained an atmosphere of teamwork and recognition. She consistently inspires staff to meet challenges with the friendliness and empathy she demonstrates.
Clayton is notably considerate of the experiences of everyone she works with, whether they are fellow staff members or brand-new transfer students. In particular, she and her team have created an environment for students from historically underrepresented groups to find a sense of belonging in the Mechanical Engineering community. Her leadership is instrumental in the department’s ability to offer a high-level of support and a positive experience for both faculty and staff.
Dean’s Staff Award for Excellence - Student Engagement & Experience
Tiffany Kanda
Academic Advisor, Engineering Academic Services
“Tiffany’s strength is in her commitment to delivering high quality advising. I have personally observed her interactions with students, particularly those who are experiencing academic distress. With her immeasurable empathy and deep knowledge of the policies of UBC, she is able to work with students regularly to find a solution.”
Tiffany Kanda demonstrates exceptional dedication and expertise as an academic advisor. In particular, she has streamlined processes at Engineering Academic Services (EAS) through her strong understanding of systems and technology. In the last year, Kanda served as EAS’s lead in the transition to Workday Student, ensuring the team was prepared for launch. She advocated for students throughout the process, consistently considering their experience.
In her role as an advisor to undergraduate engineering students, Kanda provides kind and compassionate support even in the most complex cases. In her efforts to provide comprehensive solutions, she diligently seeks out information and leverages her extensive network across the university. Her willingness to assist both students and faculty exemplifies her unwavering commitment to excellence and service.
