INNOVATION September-October 2018

DR. BRADLEY BUCKHAM, P.ENG. TEACHING AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

DAVID NELLES, P.GEO. TEACHING AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Exploring the Earth’s complex geological structure and sharing it with his students is a passion that guides David Nelles in his work as Senior Lab Instructor in the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences (SEOS) at the University of Victoria. Responsible for teaching and coordinating many of the undergraduate Earth science labs, field trips, and field schools, David’s instruction outside of the classroom environment is vitally important to geoscience students in developing a true understanding of Earth science and the practical knowledge and skills required for a successful career. Students often note that the reason they pursued Earth science was the example David set with his enthusiasm for the subject and his intuitive but rigorous approaches to observing and seeking to understand and interpret Earth structure and processes in the field. Committed to supporting student development and education outreach, David routinely attends Student Information Nights, and works with SEOS’s student society to inform undergraduates of scholarship and job opportunities. He also makes time to give back to his profession, volunteering with Engineers and Geoscientists BC’s Geoscience Academic Advisory Sub-Committee for many years, and performing regular geoscience reviews of GIT applications for the association. David is inspiring the next generation of geoscientists, ensuring that the future of the profession continues to thrive.

An Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Victoria, Dr. Brad Buckham is the creator of the Ocean Renewable Energy research program, which attracts students from all over the world. Using innovative teaching methods, interactive demonstrations, and an engaging communication style to inspire his audience, Brad has redesigned tutorials to place an emphasis on student-driven learning and is a champion for continuous curriculum improvements. A testament to his exceptional teaching ability, he has received the University’s faculty teaching award twice. A dedicated mentor, Brad supports dozens of graduate, undergraduate, and co-op students, many of whom have gone on to successful entrepreneurial pursuits within the industry. His work in the classroom goes hand in hand with his work on wave energy research. By applying expertise in finite element methods, computer simulation, and multi-body dynamics, Brad works with a research team to improve the designs and operating strategies for offshore energy technologies, with a current focus on identifying opportunities for a first-of-its-kind deployment in BC. Through integrated discussion of engineering practice and its impacts on society, Brad is sharing his knowledge with students to help solve our energy problems and create sustainable solutions for the future.

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