Innovation September-October 2013

Teaching Award of Excellence Dr. Akram Alfantazi, P.Eng. An outstanding mentor and educator, Dr. Alfantazi encourages his students to develop and rely on their basic understanding of science, and to apply this knowledge in their approach to solving new engineering problems. Professor of Materials Engineering and Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies at UBC, Dr. Alfantazi is described by his students as enthusiastic, approachable and an excellent communicator. His teaching practices are effective and adaptable to each student’s needs—allowing them to choose their own path to success. Dr. Alfantazi’s exceptional teaching abilities were recognized by UBC with the Killam Teaching Award in 2010 and by the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum as an elected Fellow. Keen to take an active role in curriculum development, Dr. Alfantazi has participated in major curriculum revision efforts to ensure a world-class education for both undergraduate and graduate students. For his outstanding efforts to inspire and educate future engineers, APEGBC is pleased to present Dr. Alfantazi with the Teaching Award of Excellence.

Community Service Award Al Zackodnik, P.Eng. and Jim Jarvis, P.Eng.

Since 2002, Fort St. John engineers, Jim Jarvis (pictured right) and Al Zackod- nik (pictured left), have enthusiastically worked together to organize annual Pop- sicle-stick Bridge Contests for students, because they believe that encouraging the next generation of professional engineers and geoscientists is critical to sustaining the professions for the future. A semi-re- tired mechanical engineer, Mr. Jarvis runs a consulting practice and Mr. Zackodnik is a retired agricultural and bio-resources engineer who spent most of his career with the BC Government. Both Mr. Jarvis

and Mr. Zackodnik have dedicated count- less hours to their community of Fort St. John by focusing on the students through their involvement with APEGBC’s Peace River Branch. Thanks to their efforts the branch’s career awareness activities reach over 900 students each year in communi- ties as far away as Tumbler Ridge and Fort Nelson. The association is pleased to rec- ognize Mr. Jarvis and Mr. Zackodnik with the Community Service Award for their long-lasting commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineers and geosci- entists in Northern BC.

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